Part Sixteen: This Is My Heart, Buffy
Xander and Buffy totally avoid each other in school, again. He is feeling the separation first. Two days without Buffy is too long for him. But, on the other hand, marriage is out. The evil residents of Hellmouth would lick their chops. Get the two of them in one shot.
Xander would sooner split up then to give them that opportunity. He is not giving in to her.
Buffy is so missing Xander. But, she is not going to give in, either. She meant it when she said she wasn't going to be his mistress. As great as it is between them she will still not put up with that. His reasons for not getting married are stupid "protect the slayer" reasons. Her life is uncertain enough. Deep down she knows Xander loves her more than his own life but she needs some kind of sign or symbol or something concrete she can treasure. It might be a small thing but it's important to her.
The feud continues as they go to the after school meeting in the library. Giles has been putting up a paroling schedule since they have added new people. Buffy looks at it.
"Sorry, Giles, you need to revive the schedule."
The watcher furrows his brow. "I don't understand."
"I can't patrol with Xander."
"Why not?"
"Because he's a danger to me. In fact he's a danger to all women everywhere."
"Buffy, is this something the two of you should discuss in private?"
"Patrolling is serious business. Xander only knows how to play games."
Buffy leaves in a huff. Xander just shakes his head. Willow stares at him. He can feel the redhead's arrows. He addresses her. "One thing I can always count on. Whenever Buffy has a problem with me you are always there to stick the dagger in further. Okay, Willow, get it off your chest."
"She is tired of being your mistress."
"Jesus, is there anybody she hasn't discussed this with? Maybe we should sell tickets."
"Her life is insecure enough without having an insecure relationship."
"An insecure relationship? Every person in a five county area knows I love Buffy Anne Summers."
"You're not getting it. You're stupid Xander, again. If you insist on getting half killed once a week, which you do, then every minute is precious to her. You wanted her to love you, Xander. Well, she does. With all her heart and soul."
Xander listens to Willow very intently. What she said struck a bell. He has to do something. Something which will give Buffy the feeling that he belongs to her, even when he is not with her.
Xander goes to a costume shop. He finds an elaborate costume of a white knight. He then visits a friend of a friend. He bribes the person into letting him have use of a very steady and magnificent white horse. It's the biggest horse Xander has ever seen. The boy has some experience horseback riding. He hopes he can stay on the mammoth steed.
After much practice he is able to master mounting and riding. He puts the horse in the trailer and starts out for the Summer's residence.
Buffy is moping around the house, greatly missing the man of her dreams. Joyce is there. She tries to cheer up her daughter.
"Buffy, do you still love Xander?"
"That's not even the issue, mom."
"What is the issue? Whatever it is it's sure causing you distress. I heard him ask you to talk about it. Does he know the reason you're upset?"
"He knows. He's just…" She doesn't want to talk about it with her mother.
"He's…they call him the Boy Wonder. If he's so great then let him come up with something. He knows what I want. Let's see what the great Xander Lavelle Harris can do."
Joyce can see the subject is closed
A few minutes later they both hear something strange on the front porch. They look at each other.
"It sounds like an animal or something." Joyce looks out the window in the direction of the front porch. She can't believe her eyes.
"What is it, mom?"
"You're not going to believe this." Buffy looks. There appears to be a white horse on the porch. Sitting on top of the horse appears to be a white knight.
Xander uses the jousting pole to knock on the front door.
Buffy's heart starts beating faster. She doesn't know for sure but this certainly smells like Xander inspired craziness. The kind that melts her heart and curls her toes. Joyce is excited, too. They both slowly open the front door.
It is indeed a white Knight atop a magnificent white steed. As a special effect Xander has the horse go up on its back legs. He almost has a heart attack but fortunately his discomfort is masked by the body armor he is wearing.
Buffy and Joyce both have their mouths open. The knight bends the jousting pole in front of Buffy. There is a note on it. She takes it.
"Greetings to the fair maiden and her equally fair mother. I, the White Knight of your heart, requests the honor of your presence at a gala affair being planned by the good King and Queen of Brigantine Castle. And, if it would please the fair maiden, could I humbly ask to accompany the princess on said adventure as her escort and protector? I patiently wait your reply."
Buffy and Joyce go back into the house. Buffy clutches the note to her chest and sighs. It is so corny, so damn corny but…she can't help it. He knows how to get to her. He really does. Joyce looks at her.
"Honey, I have never seen anybody like him before. I don't know what your argument is about but, if you don't go with him, I will!"
"Mom!"
"I'm only kidding but… honey? Anyway, hurry up and answer him before somebody calls the men in the white coats to take him away."
Buffy goes back outside. She looks at the Knight. She gets in the spirit.
"This princess trusts that sir knight will make it worth her time?"
"By all means, my lady, I assure you. It will be most worthwhile."
"Then the fair maiden accepts the invitation. She does hope that sir knight will be dressed in much more revealing attire than he is presently wearing?"
"Oh, yes, my lady, he can even come in his birthday suit if you so desire it?"
"That won't be necessary, sir knight. Just make sure it is suitable for the occasion?"
"The occasion calls for most formal attire. My lady will find that if she visits the king's royal costume shop on Wilshire Boulevard she will find such attire waiting for her. The lady will also find the same attire for the mother of the house if she is so inclined to attend. She has but to fit to size."
"The lady will gladly visit said establishment. Now, if you will be so kind as to pardon me, my good sir. The lady must prepare herself."
"I'll pick you up at seven."
Buffy goes back inside. Joyce stares at her.
"Well?"
"He's crazy. My soul mate is crazy."
"But…?"
"Unbelievable, he's too much!"
"But, you love it."
"There must be something wrong with me, mom. He is so corny. Everything he does like this is so stupid."
"He really knows how to get to you, doesn't he?"
"He knows every button to push and when to push them."
"The point is he does it all for you. Your father is like that. Maybe not quite so dramatic but, he does the same kind of stuff."
Joyce gets very pensive. It occurs to Buffy that her mother still loves her father. She never really saw it before. They never really talked about the break up.
"Mom. Can I tell you something?"
"Sure, honey."
"Do you promise you won't go?"
"What?"
"Xander must have rented some kind of costume for me for tonight, where ever it is we're going. He also has one for you if you want to go."
Joyce is really taken by surprise. She stares at Buffy.
"It must be some kind of formal costume dance at some converted castle. He invited you if you want to go, which of course you don't."
Joyce looks at her daughter as if she is thinking about it. Buffy is not amused.
"Mom!"
"I'm sorry, honey, I'll thank him when he picks you up. I can't wait to see what he shows up in."
After picking up her costume and allowing her mother to fawn all over it and her, Buffy is ready. She looks at herself in the mirror.
Her gown is magnificent. Her beauty would shine bright in any era. She laughs to herself, knowing that Xander is going to be blown away by the very sight of her.
I hope you're ready, Boy Wonder!
She descends her stairs awaiting the arrival of her White Knight.
Before long they hear the clopping of hooves coming down the street. They open the door to see the arrival of an era appropriate, horse drawn carriage. It stops in front of the house. Both Joyce and Buffy have their mouth's open. The driver dismounts, opening the carriage door for Xander.
The Boy Wonder sees their surprise. "You didn't think I'd show up in a cab, did you?"
Xander is cool and calm until he gets close enough to really see his heart throb.
He becomes frozen at the sight of her. He tries to say something but nothing will come out.
Buffy giggles at him.
"What's the matter, fair knight, you've never seen a lady dressed up before?"
He mumbles something but it comes out in gibberish. Buffy goes to him, slipping her arm through his. Joyce calls to them.
"Wait for the pictures."
Buffy has to lead Xander from pose to pose for the camera. He is too blown away by the sight of his honey in her maidenly garb. It is quite comical.
After Joyce has her fill of our two lovebirds they bid her adieu and proceed to the carriage. Buffy didn't allow herself to get carried away with Xander's appearance in front of her mother. But, now that they are alone she takes a big, long drink of it. Her life may be dark and dangerous but she does have some perks. The main one is sitting beside her.
He is hers. He lives for her. He breathes for her. Although they have only been together for a short time, in some ways it seems like a whole lifetime. The slayer can barely remember her life before Xander. They have such an intense relationship it just seems to blow everything before it away. She does remember when she refused to see Xander in her heart even though he had moved in and taken over. She has to laugh. Here she is, the great vampire slayer, but she was too afraid to read her own heart.
Xander wouldn't let her go. Now, she thanks God he didn't. She would be lost without Xander. She doesn't care how vulnerable that makes her.
This night belongs to them and their dreams. What they could do for each other if only they didn't have to fight off the daemons all the time. Buffy could do all the things she knows Xander loves. It breaks her heart that she is unable to do the little things for him. The little things that would bring comfort to his awful life.
Tonight, they are together, at least. The slayer has butterflies in her stomach. She knows Xander is going to address their "issue". She knows it will be something dramatic and exciting.
When they arrive at their destination Buffy is duly impressed. It is an old converted castle highlighted by large, bright flood beams. The entire structure is framed in multi-colored string lights. The effect is quite brilliant. It is complete with moat and extended drawbridge.
The King and Queen of the castle greet them inside. Xander hands them the printed invitation. The King hands it to the host who announces them.
"The Princess, Buffy Anne Summers and her White Knight, Alexander Harris."
Buffy can't help but laugh as they are escorted to their table. When they sit down she gets very pensive.
"Xander…I don't even know what to say to you. You are way too much for me. I could never tell you how much you mean to me."
She starts to tear up. Xander gently holds her hands across the table.
"You're too much for me too, Buffy. I guess we just overwhelm each other. But, that's okay, right?"
Buffy doesn't answer. She just looks at him dreamily. They stay that way for a few minutes. In the background a young kid sings a song from the movie version of Romeo and Juliet.
What is a youth…impetuous fire.
What is a maid…ice and desire.
The
world wags on.
A rose will bloom, it then will die.
So goes the youth, so goes the fairest maiden.
Hopefully, this is not an omen of things to come for our heroes. It is certainly not an omen for this night. Unlike the tragic and star-crossed lovers of Shakespeare's play, our duo does not hide their love for one another. It is right out in the open for all to see. They wear it on the outside like a flashing banner. Anybody who looks at them can tell.
Daemons and devils beware and be forewarned. Buffy and Xander are in love. It is beyond the evil of Hellmouth, beyond the base schemes and rotten plans of ghosts and goblins alike.
The Slayer and the Boy Wonder share a smile of recognition. The odds were stacked against them but they are still here, and still in love.
After dancing most of the night away Xander decides to bring out the main course. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box.
"Buffy, I know we are young but I'm not a kid anymore. One of the few really nice things my step mother did for me before…"
He opens the box. It contains a gold ring in the shape of a heart.
"She gave me this ring. She told me to only give it once. Only give it to somebody I know I will love forever. And, only someone who I know will love me forever."
He reaches to Buffy's hands. "I want to give this to you, Buffy, but I don't want you to put it on right away. I love you Buffy. I'll never stop loving you. I commit myself to you and only you, forever. I want you to decide if you can do the same thing, honey."
Buffy is really blown away by this.
Xander continues. "I know it's a big deal…I…I don't mean to put pressure on you but…"
Buffy interrupts him. She begins to fondle his face.
"Xander, I'll do what you ask but, honey, you are it for me. My search is over. I could never in all my dreams find somebody I could love more than I love you, Xander. You are the best man I have ever met."
They look at each other for a few minutes without talking. Buffy begins to laugh.
"Xander, have you ever noticed that I don't even look at anybody else since we've been together."
Xander closes his eyes. Buffy knows what he is doing. She leans over to kiss him. He opens his eyes.
"It's not a dream, Xander. It's me, Buffy Summers, telling you I love you and only you. You have me, lover. You're stuck with me, in fact."
"It's a miracle. One of those major, major miracles. No way a pug like me lands a beauty like you."
"Xander, if you ever wake up my crazy, crazy boyfriend. I'm the one who should thank my lucky stars for you. All that I put you through."
He gets up. He pulls her into a passionate kiss.
"Honey, the fact that I can do that whenever I want to. The fact that you actually like it. The way you look at me. The way you tell everybody how everything Xander belongs to you. Whatever I went through is nothing compared to the rewards."
He has to continue. "Every morning when I get up I thank God that I even know you. And then you love me, too? It's almost too much for a poor boy like me."
"Xander, do you ever run out of nice things to say about me?"
They spend some quiet time just looking at one another.
The carriage leads them back to Buffy's house. She is surprised. If she read the night correctly they should be headed to Xander's house with bells on. She looks at Xander.
"Honey, sweetie, tell me we made a wrong turn."
"You have to go home and think about the ring. It's my heart, Buffy."
She starts to kiss him all over. "Xander, this is cruel and unusual punishment. How about if I think about it while we're getting undressed?"
Xander laughs. "No, Buffy, this was your idea that we needed to evaluate our relationship and it was a good idea."
Sighing, "Me and my big mouth."
The slayer gets out. She pouts all the way to her door.
"I'll come over tomorrow morning."
She goes in. Her mom is waiting up for her.
"What was it like, honey?"
"Pure Xander magic." She shows her mother the ring.
"Wow, it looks like real gold."
"It's his heart. He is only suppose to give it to someone he is sure he will love forever and, who will love him forever."
Joyce is shocked. "Are you that serious with him?"
"Mom, I can't even tell you how much I love Xander. He is everything I ever want or need. I don't even think of anybody else anymore."
Joyce can tell her daughter is very serious. She has never seen her more serious about anything.
"Honey, I'm so happy for you. He certainly has my vote. He's a very special young man."
"Mom, you don't even know how special. I wish I could tell you."
They enjoy a nice hug.
Buffy decides to do what Xander asked her to do. She goes to sleep clutching the ring to her heart.
Xander goes to sleep thinking of the night and how lucky he is to have such an unbelievable woman in his life. Of course he is also cursing himself for not allowing Buffy to come home with him. A cup of hot chocolate is a very poor substitute for the warmth and comfort of the blonde bombshell. He must ask her to put that act back together for him sometime!
Buffy wakes with a smile on her face. After she takes a shower she gets herself ready to face Xander. She looks at herself in the mirror.
Am I ready to commit myself to Xander, forever? Yes, but can I actually be with him without hurting him? Do I really know how to love him the way he loves me?
She is really afraid that she doesn't have what it takes to be Xander's soul mate.
But, he gave me the ring. He wouldn't have given it to me if he didn't think I could do it.
This is the clincher.
She gets a chill down her spine as she slips it on her finger.
A perfect fit!
She runs down the steps to wait for her forever love.
Epilogue: And Then There Was Darkness
Monica Gentry is a simple woman. This may sound ridiculous since she is right up there with Buffy and Xander et al as the best and brightest the Hellmouth has to offer. But, her simplicity lies in the fact that she always knew there was someplace that she belonged and something that she was suppose to be doing.
Training with Rebecca and Giles these last few weeks have been the most fulfilling of her life. Despite the danger and pain of being a member of the Scooby gang, Monica feels at home. She belongs on the Hellmouth using her talents to fight evil.
Monica also knew she was meant to love and be loved by someone special. Someone picked out for her by the forces that determine destiny. She hesitates to admit she has also found that person because he is in the arms and heart of someone else.
When a person dies his or her body is usually dispatched to the ground with the entreaty, "Requiescat In Pace". Their life has been lived and they now lay in peace as their spirit moves on to begin its next journey. No such luck in Sunnydale. Human life is not sacred let alone human death. Little more than "Happy Meals With Legs" as Spike once described them; people are mere playthings for the ungodly forces of this un-fare Borough. When dead the real deal commences. Body after sacred body is used to house pure evil. One's relatives can literally return to haunt.
Sunnydale's cemeteries are awful places. Things go bump every night. Children's nightmares are fulfilled in terrifying manner. There is no such thing as paranoia in Sunnydale. Somebody is watching you, and your family and, everybody else you know. They are out to get you. No worry is outrageous or overprotective. If you are stupid enough to be out after dark count yourself lucky to be still breathing come morning. The darkness is unforgiving. The night is deadly.
This night was no different than the others. It had already taken its grip on the graveyard. All remnants of the sun were long gone. The cold chill of the evening had already invaded all corners. A wet, misty fog hung over the tombstones as two people made their way past the rows of graves. Neither seemed especially bothered by the pervasive evil of their surroundings.
Both the slayer and her true love, the Boy Wonder, were more concerned with a heart shaped object, which she displayed so prominently on her ring finger.
"You put it on, Buffy!"
"Of course I did, Xander, it was never in doubt, honey."
They exchange a very warm kiss. They linger in each other's arms after coming up for air.
Buffy looks at the boy accusingly. "How come you didn't come this morning?"
"I told you, honey, I actually had a history thing to do. I'm sorry."
He really puts a lot into the next embrace.
Buffy makes an observation. "I somehow don't think much patrolling is going to get done tonight."
After another deep kiss Xander replies. "Why would you say that?"
After still another high powered locking of lips. "I don't know. Call it a hunch."
"Well, we'll see if you're right after we do this a few more times."
Xander becomes fixed on the presence of his fare damsel. Whenever he closes his eyes he is dazzled by the vision of Buffy decked in her maidenly garb. This image of the slayer has now established itself in his permanent collection of super memories. The ones he pulls out whenever he needs a quick dose of inspiration and motivation.
Have Mercy!!
They proceed to really heat up the night, so to speak. In the midst of one embrace they both stop, sensing the presence of the undead. They break, looking at one another. Buffy gives Xander a choice.
"You or me?"
That's a no-brainer. Xander rushes at the oncoming vampire. His punch nearly flips the monster in mid-stride. He stakes it effortlessly.
Another one comes on the heals of that one. The result is the same.
When two more find their way to our heroes Buffy decides she should join her heartthrob.
What started out as a light night quickly turns into a struggle for survival. Either the vampires are suddenly getting smarter or else Buffy and Xander are slipping. They usually come at them one at a time seemingly unaware of the presence of one another. Not tonight. Before they know it they are surrounded by at least six.
"Xander, when did this night take a turn for the ugly?"
"I don't know, Buff, the last thing I remember I was dancing in the moonlight with this unbelievable maiden."
"You just can't seem to get that imagine of me out of your mind, can you?"
Xander is rudely punched to the ground. His amorous vision is suddenly blurred.
"A few more of those might do the trick."
Buffy is angry. They hit her honey.
"You bastard! If you mess up his handsome features…"
She finishes her sentence by pummeling the offending vamp. She is rewarded by having her legs kicked out from under her. Xander finishes the vamp on him and turns his attention to the one who upended his sweet heart.
"That's my fiancé, the woman I love, you son of a bitch!" He smashes and stakes it in quick motion.
Buffy takes a moment from the fight to stare at The Boy Wonder.
"What did you just say?"
Xander feigns forgetfulness. "I can't remember."
Buffy can't pursue it as she is now being attacked by two more monsters of the midnight.
All the playful bantering stops. Xander is viciously smashed with a tree branch. His grunt sends a chill down Buffy's spine. The slayer can't go to him as she is barely holding off three very angry vampires herself.
The Boy Wonder manages to roll out of harms way after falling from the blow. He jumps up just in time to see Buffy sandwiched between two muscular attackers. Her head is jerked violently to one side from the collision. The wind is knocked out of her.
Xander tries to come to her aide but has problems of his own. He stakes one but gets clawed to the top of the head in the process. The blood starts to trickle down into his eyes. He tries to blink it away but is not fast enough to avoid a foot slamming into his face. He hits the ground with a thud.
Buffy barely recovers to finish off one of the vamps on her. The other one cuts her to the stomach with a knife. As she kicks it off she can feel herself bleeding. Ignoring it, the slayer launches herself into the last vamp of this group.
Xander gets a fist to the jaw but comes back to stake the offender. Backing himself up against a tree to prevent them from attacking his rear, Xander defends himself from the last two on him. His exhaustion is evident. He also has to keep the trickling blood from blinding his view.
The slayer takes care of her last vamp but takes another slash of a knife in the process. She staggers toward the last offender on Xander. Between them they dispatch it to the wind.
When Buffy is finally able to look at Xander she sees the huge gash on his head.
"Xander, let me stop the bleeding before any more come."
The slayer takes off the bandana she is wearing. She gets some water from Xander's pack. She soaks the cloth then applies it to his wound.
"Damn, Xander, it's pretty deep."
"Just try to stop the bleeding, Buff, I'll be okay."
She does, just in time. They are accosted by another wave. This time Buffy is really taking the heat. She was trying to play down her own wounds because Xander's was so bad but they are now taking their toll. She is weak and it shows. Xander sees her condition. He finishes off the vamp on him then goes to her side.
"Buffy, what's the matter?" He sees the stain of blood on her mid-section. He touches it.
"Shit, Buffy, what happened?"
Almost in tears, "One of them had a knife."
They stare at each other. Both of them know their time could be up on any given night. This is beginning to look like one of those nights.
The only consolation for the slayer is that Xander is by her side. She prayed that when and if her time was up she could have Xander with her when it happened.
For Xander, there is no consolation. If Buffy dies it's all over, everything. In addition to being a tragedy for the good forces of the world Buffy's death would be the end of everything that Xander stands for.
He meets the next wave of vamps with one thought in mind, save Buffy.
Xander gets that look in his eyes. His punches have that extra zip. His kicks have that extra snap.
Unfortunately there are just too many of them. As quick as Buffy and her white knight dispatch a pair of night walkers a fresh pair replaces them.
They battle their way out of the cemetery.
The bastards have changed their strategy. They now seem to be concentrating on Xander.
Our heroes try to make it to the closest point of safety, which, right now, is Willow's house.
Buffy takes a vicious kick to the back while trying to get a crowd off her boyfriend.
Xander is furiously trying to keep himself from collapsing with exhaustion. His main concern, of course, is for Buffy. He has to keep himself together until she gets to Willows'.
Buffy will not leave Xander's side. He can now see the blood really coming from her stomach.
They make a beeline to Willow's porch. There are about ten vamps on them now. Buffy is able to spring herself to Willow's door. She pounds on it, then goes back to the fray. The attackers have her completely cut off from Xander.
Once the Boy Wonder sees Buffy knocking on Willow's door he figures she is safe. He lets his defenses down only because he can sense it is useless to continue. They seem to be in the mind to capture him rather than kill him. He decides to save his meager reserve of energy for a possible escape attempt. He stops battling and is soon subdued and drug into the night.
Once they see the problem Willow and Oz come flying out of the house. They have crosses and holy water. They force the vamps away from the slayer. She starts to run in the direction that Xander was drug but collapses from exhaustion and blood loss. Willow and Oz call Giles, then load Buffy into the van. They head to the hospital.
Neither says a word on the way to Sunnydale General. They both know something very terrible has happened. Something more terrible than normal Hellmouth terror. The look on Buffy's face when she collapsed was one of abject horror. The slayer is very sensitive. When it comes to Xander she can see and feel everything that is going on.
The dark of this night is different.
Giles brings Rebecca, Cordelia, Devon and Amy with him. Monica and Cindy join them.
Willow tells the story, or, at least, what she knows of it. Monica felt it.
"I knew something had happened. I could feel it. It was like a being inside a dark cloud."
Giles tries to interject some hope. "At least they didn't kill him."
Monica goes on. "No, you're right but, it's very dark, Giles. I can feel it. Shouldn't we be looking for him?"
The girl is almost frantic. Everyone is looking at her. They had no idea she cared for Xander this much. Giles answers her.
"As soon as we are able to talk to Buffy we will formulate a plan to search for him."
Rebecca goes to her. She puts her arm around her trying to calm her spirits. "Honey, we have to see what her take on it is."
With her soul mate captured or dead, no one is real anxious to face Buffy.
Oz is really freaked by Monica. Xander and he are very close, now. He knows she has very keen perception. He goes to her.
"Monica, I know when Buffy is able to get out she will want to get right to it." He looks at Giles.
"Giles, I'm going to load up on some weapons, okay. I'll take Monica with me."
"Okay, Oz, good idea."
The wolf kisses Willow goodbye then he and Monica head to the Library. Monica stares at him while they are driving. Oz notices.
"Are you alright, Monica?"
"Oz, you're his good friend. Do you think he is okay?"
"I don't think he's okay but I don't think he's dead."
Monica closes her eyes. Oz has to ask her.
"Monica, have you developed feelings for Xander?"
"Oz, please don't ask me that. I just want him to be okay."
"I don't know why they took him, Monica, but he's very good."
"He is, isn't he? I mean…he's like one of the best, right?"
After they park the van and get out Oz goes over to her.
"Honey, we're all good. If we don't find him Buffy will. We'll hit all the sources. You're up to helping, right?"
"Yes I am, Oz, thank you." They hug very warmly.
Buffy hangs between consciousness and deep sleep. She can see herself outside on a very pleasant sunlit day. She is lying on a blanket spread on the grass. Her head is very comfortably nestled in Xander's lap. The boy is idly stoking her hair. Both are basking in the beauty of the day and the presence of each other.
Buffy feels something-liquid fall on her. It tickles as it drips into her ear. After the second time she looks up at her sweetie.
"Xander, what are you…?"
She is frozen in horror as she sees Xander's head slouched over, fresh blood dropping from his face and hair.
She jerks herself awake. It only takes her a few seconds to remember what happened. The real nightmare is much worse than the sleepy time version. She feels herself begin to fall apart but shakes it off. She removes the IV from her arm. She gets dressed and walks to the waiting room.
She looks directly at Giles with but one thought on her mind.
"We have to find Xander."
Oz and Monica come in. The wolf looks at the slayer.
"We have our toys in the van."
The slayer is all business. She addresses the group.
"I'll go with Monica and Oz. The rest of you go with Giles and Rebecca."
Giles adds. "We'll check the sewers, Buffy."
Xander is a little boy. He is playing in the park, thrusting himself high into the air on a swing. He slips off by accident. He momentarily floats through the air but then comes crashing down, rolling and scraping along the concrete sidewalk outside the swing area.
He begins to cry. There is no one around to comfort him. He runs home in tears to tell his mommy what happened. As he comes in his house he sees his mother in the kitchen. He runs to her wrapping himself around her legs.
"Honey, what happened to you?"
Xander is too upset to reply. His mother picks him up. She carries him into the living room. She sits him on the couch so she can inspect his wounds.
The little boy closes his eyes and lays his head back confident that his mother will make it all better.
He begins to experience strange phenomena. It feels as if someone is sucking on his leg. He opens his eyes to see his mother staring at him with blood all over her mouth and teeth. He screams out in horror.
"Mommy, what are you doing?"
For some reason he can't move. He closes his eyes, trying to make it go away. He begins to sob.
The adult Xander wakes from his nightmare. He should have stayed asleep. He is greeted by the sight and feel of his vampire stepmother liking on a small wound on his knee. When he tries to jerk from her touch he finds he is tied securely to a wooden cross. His pants and shirt are ripped and torn almost to shreds.
His mother looks up at him.
"What's the matter, Alexander, have a bad dream?"
Xander wallows in terror as he struggles to try to remember what happened.
Mr. Harris hears his wife talking to the boy. He comes to him.
"Well, Xander, you're finally awake. I wanted to wait my turn until you could see it and feel it all happen."
He joins his undead wife in sucking and liking the various wounds Xander sustained in the fight.
The Boy Wonder has to grit his teeth to offset the anger and pain of seeing and feeling his parent's perversity.
His father continues his taunting.
"You don't mind if we do this, do you son? You weren't worth a shit when you were growing up but you sure have sweet blood. It must be all that slayer booty you've been getting."
Xander tries to ignore them as they continue their assault on his decency. He can barely contain himself. No matter what he does he cannot block out the pain of his mother and father sucking the blood from his veins.
A sudden crash jerks his attention. The main door to the room flings open. He gets a glimpse of a blonde-headed woman flying past him, barreling into his parents.
It is Buffy with Giles following close behind. He can see her golden hair tossing up and down as she assaults the two sadistic vampires. Giles busies himself with the other four vamps in the room.
Xander watches as the slayer drives his former stepparents back through a small door. As she tries to pursue them further they lock the door from their side. She curses then turns her attention to her beleaguered soul mate. She approaches him with tears in her eyes.
"Xander, what have they done to you?"
He cannot describe the relief he feels as Buffy embraces him. He was very close to losing it. Her presence immediately begins the healing process.
"Buffy, honey, please cut me down from here."
Xander begins to feel a burning sensation in his chest. When Buffy breaks from him she has a knife in her hands. He sees blood soaking through what is left of his white shirt. He looks at her in horror.
"Buffy…what…?"
The slayer licks his blood off the knife. Xander begins to sob.
"You little sissy! What the fuck did I ever see in you?"
"Buffy, please!"
"You're pathetic Xander."
A knock comes to the back door. Mr. and Mrs. Harris come back into the room. They join Buffy in front of Xander. The three of them enjoy a good laugh.
H e desperately tries to shake the vision from his mind. Buffy approaches him.
"I know what you're thinking, Xander-poo. I always know what you're thinking. But, it's really me, sweetie. I tried your side of the fence. I thought I'd try this side for awhile."
She continues the barrage. "My daring white knight all beaten up and cut up and…"
She starts to suck on his chest. She reaches into her pocket, pulling out a vial of liquid. She takes a step back while tossing it into his open wound. It smokes as it burns and singes his skin. He screams in pain before passing out.
"Buffy, no…!!!"
Every time he wakes Buffy is there to punch him or kick him or burn him.
This is it. They found the way. The vision of his blonde slayer goddess hurting him over and over again is too much for him to take. Each time he passes out from the pain he hopes he doesn't wake again. If Buffy is evil it's all over for him. There is nothing! Tears roll down from his eyes.
"Xander, I thought you were stronger than this. All you do is whine and cry and bleed and burn. I thought you were the great Boy Wonder?"
As he hangs there in final dejection and agony he is assaulted by still another presence.
Through the door walks Angel in all his brooding splendor.
When the vampire comes to Buffy she coos his name.
"Angel?"
She throws herself into his arms.
"Angel, Angel you came back to me. I knew you would."
Xander is forced to watch as she fawns and fondles and falls all over him.
"I thought you were dead, Angel."
"Your love brought me back, Buffy. I knew you still loved me."
"I'm sorry, Angel, I don't know why I went with him."
She breaks the embrace with fire in her eyes. She turns back to Xander.
"You pathetic little boy. You tried to take me from my Angel."
She hits him with another vial of acid. He grimaces in pain.
Xander watches in surreal stupor as Buffy and Angel proceed to make out in front of him. His last vision as he passes out is Angel sneering at him as the vampire and his soul mate bring each other to ecstasy.
He prays from the bottom of his soul that this be his last breath.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: There is a third part coming very shortly. It is entitled: "IT'S NEVER EASY"
The End
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Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.