TITLE: This Could Happen 3\4
AUTHOR: Rick
E-MAIL: rsieber20012002@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER: All the Buffy characters belong to Josh Whedon and others.
SUMMARY: The title...B\X of course.
*** WARNING!!! SPOILER FOR THIS SEASON, FOLLOWS TIMELINE OF SHOW!!!!
A\N This is for my friend, Heather. I like her stuff better than mine...and I did write her a poem...lol
A\N It is getting very hard to follow the universe of the show and still write a good story. I will skip the brutality of two episodes ago and the B\S lead in of last week
After Patrice and Xander say good night the Scooby walks to the park. He probably just blew his chance to be happy right now. Patrice thinks he is one of the best people she has ever met. She can even make him laugh. Their relationship thus far is one of giving and taking. Her attention is focused on him. She is strong but not afraid to let on how much she would like to be with him. She is beautiful and great in bed. And Xander feels she may even be able to handle his other life, help as much as she can. But, what does Xander do?. He keeps moaning Buffy's name in his sleep. And all he can do now is rehash the big fight they had. The end of the world, the First, blah, blah, blah. No matter what he does he cannot divorce himself from the blonde haired, spoiled Slayer. She haunts him, plaques him, occupies him though they are neither married nor even a couple. And Buffy has been screwing up big time, doing everything but forgetting he lives. She takes his presence for granted when she wants and needs him and expects him to disappear for long stretches of time when she doesn't need him. He's actually sick of Buffy and his childhood friend, Willow. Okay, he and the Witch did rebound a bit when she came back from England but he is the one who saved her by saving the world. She and Buffy make joke of it whenever it is brought up as a topic of conversation. He doesn't need a medal just a place at the table. One befitting his contribution these past seven years (which is almost a third of his entire life right now) So, now he knows all this stuff. Now he knows the extent of the gap between he and the Slayer. And, short of her being reborn again to her old self, he is relegated to occasional participant in the anti-hellmouth activities. Why then does he stay? Why does he allow Buffy to dominate his consciousness? He wishes to hell he knew. He can get himself to the point of leaving but then memories flood back to him. Memories of Buffy being tortured by her lover turned tormentor. Of the look on Buffy's face when he comforted her at the Funeral parlor after Theresa's message from Angelus. She was scared, tired, alone and she turned to him for comfort. And, it happened, he did comfort her, she did feel better. Many more enter his mind and heart and when he thinks of these times he brings back the feelings he had for her when they were happening. But, that young woman doesn't exist anymore. Buffy gave up the struggle to remain that woman or to grow in those qualities. She gave it up first with Angel and now with Spike. She choose to forget her roots and hence she is no longer the Buffy he knew and loved. But still he cannot just walk away. No matter who thinks they know better Xander is still the one who has her back. And he knows the battle, understands the rules of engagement, knows Buffy's heart as he said to the SIT. And it is not just for Buffy and maybe not even especially Buffy. The First will take everyone, no one is exempt. They may not be aware of the struggle but they most definitely will be aware of the consequences should Xander and Buffy and the others lose. So this is much bigger than just he and Buffy anyway. Xander's attention is drawn to a couple passing idly in the park. Unless he is mistaken the male part of the couple is one of our night time friends. He slides the stake down from his sleeve and begins to follow. At one point they stop and after kissing he goes for her neck. Xander barrels into the both of them. The girl is shocked. Xander addresses her.
"Listen Miss just get out of here, this guy is not what you think he is."
The Vamp really wants his prey so he tries to play innocent. "What are you talking about? Are you a mugger?"
Xander begins to circle him. "Just leave I'm telling you. If I didn't notice this blood sucker you would be dead right now. Just take my word for it."
Xander punches the vamp. The girl screams and tried to help her supposed friend. Xander can't believe it.
"Damn it, just what I need. This guy is a vampire, do you understand that?"
Xander attacks him again, the girl comes to his aide again. The vamp is getting a charge out of it. The Scooby has to come up with something fast.
"I can prove it. Do you have anything with a mirror in it? Just hold it up to this guy."
When he hears this the Vamp makes a move on Xander. As they are struggling on the ground the girl holds her compact mirror up to her companion. When she does this the bloodsucker grabs her. He puts a knife to her throat.
"Touch me and I'll slice her throat."
Xander has to think fast. He decides to take a chance.
"Go ahead."
The girls eyes bug out. This response surprises the Vamp.
"What?"
Xander slowly moves toward the pair as he speaks.
"Go ahead slit her throat. And as soon as you do you're dust in the wind."
He moves very close as he finishes.
"Think you can do both, slit her throat and stop me, try it I'm game."
The Vamp thinks about this as Xander gets to within a short lunge of him. He does the smart thing. He pushes the young woman into Xander as hard as he can then bolts for safety. Xander had a look in his eye like he was very used to staking people of his persuasion.
Both Xander and the girl hit the ground. At this point she is almost hysterical. She grabs Xander.
"What are you doing, what are you trying to do!"
By the time Xander can get untangled from her the Vamp is gone in the shadows. He is furious.
"Damn it, why didn't you just believe me?"
"How...how am I suppose to know he was a vamp...vampire?"
Xander sighs. The people of this town are so damned unconscious. All he can do is try to offer her comfort. He hugs her.
"Honey, you're safe now. Let me walk you home."
After about fifteen minutes of walking the girl begins to calm down enough to realize Xander just saved her life.
"Look, I'm sorry I made it harder, thank you...thank you for saving my life." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy is taking a walk. Her mind is on Xander, replaying the argument they had and trying to understand what Willow told her. Trying to process that Xander is not happy with the way she is now. Deep inside she knows something is wrong, very wrong but she is trying to address that. She is ashamed of herself for hitting Xander but, also, still shocked that he slapped her. To put it simply she feels very weird. At the moment she doesn't care about anything else but making it right with Xander. It is foremost in her mind and heart. But, for some reason she is also angry at Xander. Why did he let things get this out of hand? Anyway she has to find him. As she walks down the street she sees two people hugging. One is obviously upset. When she gets closer she recognizes one of the people as Xander. He is comforting a woman. She is crying into his chest. She thinks out loud..
"Damn it, I should have known. I need to talk to him and he's making hero with his girl friend!"
She stands a few feet behind them. She can hear Xander's words as he speaks.
"It's okay, honey, I didn't mean to be so hard about it. Sometimes I don't understand why the people of this town don't understand how dangerous it is at night."
"I'll never go out at night alone again I promise. Thank you for saving my life, Xander."
"It's okay Laura...this is your house right?"
The girl doesn't answer. She practically runs into her house. When Xander turns around he sees Buffy. Her intention was to apologize and try to make it up to him but for some reason seeing that woman fawn all over him has her angry again.
"Playing hero with your girl friend, Xander?"
"Well, hello to you too, Buff."
"Did you take your girl friend out at night so you could be her hero and save her?"
Xander was trying to walk away from her but now she has him pissed again. He goes back to her.
"Why are you here, Buff?"
Buffy cannot get passed her jealousy.
"Wait a minute, I thought your girl friend was a blonde? That girl had brunette hair."
"Oh gees what a brilliant observation. No wonder you're the chose one."
"So that's another girl?"
Xander doesn't know why but he decides to defend himself .
"So what of it, Buff?"
"Are you out of control? Are you trying to be the stud of Sunnydale."
"I'm lucky I even know that girl's name, okay?"
"Well you're slipping champ, she was falling all over you. You had her."
Xander is into it now. "See, some of us don't take advantage of a woman when she's scared or vulnerable. But of course your men think that's prime time!"
That really shocks Buffy. She is stunned. As they walk Xander notices Buffy welling up. It is one thing for him to defend himself from her verbal attacks or to be in her face when she is being insensitive. But he cannot take it when she is vulnerable or sad, especially when it was he who brought on the tears. He stops, putting his hands gently on her shoulders.
"Buff, I was in the park still upset from our huge fight. I noticed a Vamp trying to secure his meal for the night. I was able to get Laura away from it. I didn't even kill it. He probably grabbed somebody else, okay. I'm no hero. I was able to save her so I did."
This wakes Buffy from her jealousy.
"Xander, ...I'm...I'm sorry. And I'm sorry for hitting you."
"Buff, I really don't know why you were so upset today or, even why you were upset just now but I am prepared to forget all that. We have a job to do and we need to do it. I'll play as big or as little a role as you want."
Buffy was not ready for this. She was not ready for Xander to be this mature or adult. She was not ready for him to forget his anger for the cause. It makes her even more sad. Xander is amazing and she never even noticed. What he said about rescuing Laura was unbelievable, he is a hero. All she can do is whimper slightly as they walk. They are downtown now. Xander has Buffy sit down close to a fountain. He takes a clean handkerchief from his back pocket, soaking it in the cool water. Buffy's face was streaked with tears. He lovingly wipes them from her face. Buffy is transfixed. She has never had anyone do this for her. It's a very simple thing but Xander's manner is so damned loving and comforting. It feels so good. One thought crosses her mind; can this be what love feels like, real love, one person caring for another? No darkness, no wild orgies or dangerous liaisons. Just one person making another feel cared for and safe? Is this her missing link, the part of her she lost to the dark side, the ability to recognize and appreciate the love all around her? Was Xander always able to be like this to her? She called him useless. She forgot that she could be sad or vulnerable or depressed around him. He wouldn't use it to get her or take advantage of her. He would do his best to make her feel better.
Just like he is doing now. The only problem is the tears keep falling. Xander sees the deep sadness in her eyes. He sees the years of struggle and death and grief that have plagued Buffy for years now. She never asked for it, never. It came like a thief in the night to rob her of her youth, her innocence, any chance of her enjoying the fruits of her life as most people do. When Buffy is before him as she is now it can melt the anger and the frustration and the disappointment of watching her change right before his eyes. He does not want to see her cry or need to see her weak to feel useful. But he does need her to accept what he has to offer, to understand that she needs it very desperately. That is her strength, her fortress, her base to fight the night. It doesn't take an Angel or a messenger from the PTB to set Buffy straight. All she has to do is open her eyes.
Buffy cannot help herself. She brings her face closer to his. Xander is now frozen by the look in her eyes. He sees the old Buffy, the woman...he loved. He hesitates though as Buffy approaches his lips with hers.
"Buff...no."
"Please Xander, nothing has ever felt as natural to me before."
She gently brushes his lips. Xander gets short of breath but doesn't deepen the kiss. Buffy is shaking with the intensity of it but is shocked Xander is not responding. He can barely control himself, most of him wanting to just give in to this moment but...he can't
He gets up. Buffy stands in front of him
"Buff, I'm sorry, it's not...it's not that easy."
They walk home silently. Buffy should have known. This is Sunnydale, this is her life, nothing comes easy, nothing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*** WARNING!!! SPOILER FOR THIS SEASON, FOLLOWS TIMELINE OF SHOW!!!!
A\N This is for my friend, Heather. I like her stuff better than mine...and I did write her a poem...lol
A\N It is getting very hard to follow the universe of the show and still write a good story. I will skip the brutality of two episodes ago and the B\S lead in of last week
After Patrice and Xander say good night the Scooby walks to the park. He probably just blew his chance to be happy right now. Patrice thinks he is one of the best people she has ever met. She can even make him laugh. Their relationship thus far is one of giving and taking. Her attention is focused on him. She is strong but not afraid to let on how much she would like to be with him. She is beautiful and great in bed. And Xander feels she may even be able to handle his other life, help as much as she can. But, what does Xander do?. He keeps moaning Buffy's name in his sleep. And all he can do now is rehash the big fight they had. The end of the world, the First, blah, blah, blah. No matter what he does he cannot divorce himself from the blonde haired, spoiled Slayer. She haunts him, plaques him, occupies him though they are neither married nor even a couple. And Buffy has been screwing up big time, doing everything but forgetting he lives. She takes his presence for granted when she wants and needs him and expects him to disappear for long stretches of time when she doesn't need him. He's actually sick of Buffy and his childhood friend, Willow. Okay, he and the Witch did rebound a bit when she came back from England but he is the one who saved her by saving the world. She and Buffy make joke of it whenever it is brought up as a topic of conversation. He doesn't need a medal just a place at the table. One befitting his contribution these past seven years (which is almost a third of his entire life right now) So, now he knows all this stuff. Now he knows the extent of the gap between he and the Slayer. And, short of her being reborn again to her old self, he is relegated to occasional participant in the anti-hellmouth activities. Why then does he stay? Why does he allow Buffy to dominate his consciousness? He wishes to hell he knew. He can get himself to the point of leaving but then memories flood back to him. Memories of Buffy being tortured by her lover turned tormentor. Of the look on Buffy's face when he comforted her at the Funeral parlor after Theresa's message from Angelus. She was scared, tired, alone and she turned to him for comfort. And, it happened, he did comfort her, she did feel better. Many more enter his mind and heart and when he thinks of these times he brings back the feelings he had for her when they were happening. But, that young woman doesn't exist anymore. Buffy gave up the struggle to remain that woman or to grow in those qualities. She gave it up first with Angel and now with Spike. She choose to forget her roots and hence she is no longer the Buffy he knew and loved. But still he cannot just walk away. No matter who thinks they know better Xander is still the one who has her back. And he knows the battle, understands the rules of engagement, knows Buffy's heart as he said to the SIT. And it is not just for Buffy and maybe not even especially Buffy. The First will take everyone, no one is exempt. They may not be aware of the struggle but they most definitely will be aware of the consequences should Xander and Buffy and the others lose. So this is much bigger than just he and Buffy anyway. Xander's attention is drawn to a couple passing idly in the park. Unless he is mistaken the male part of the couple is one of our night time friends. He slides the stake down from his sleeve and begins to follow. At one point they stop and after kissing he goes for her neck. Xander barrels into the both of them. The girl is shocked. Xander addresses her.
"Listen Miss just get out of here, this guy is not what you think he is."
The Vamp really wants his prey so he tries to play innocent. "What are you talking about? Are you a mugger?"
Xander begins to circle him. "Just leave I'm telling you. If I didn't notice this blood sucker you would be dead right now. Just take my word for it."
Xander punches the vamp. The girl screams and tried to help her supposed friend. Xander can't believe it.
"Damn it, just what I need. This guy is a vampire, do you understand that?"
Xander attacks him again, the girl comes to his aide again. The vamp is getting a charge out of it. The Scooby has to come up with something fast.
"I can prove it. Do you have anything with a mirror in it? Just hold it up to this guy."
When he hears this the Vamp makes a move on Xander. As they are struggling on the ground the girl holds her compact mirror up to her companion. When she does this the bloodsucker grabs her. He puts a knife to her throat.
"Touch me and I'll slice her throat."
Xander has to think fast. He decides to take a chance.
"Go ahead."
The girls eyes bug out. This response surprises the Vamp.
"What?"
Xander slowly moves toward the pair as he speaks.
"Go ahead slit her throat. And as soon as you do you're dust in the wind."
He moves very close as he finishes.
"Think you can do both, slit her throat and stop me, try it I'm game."
The Vamp thinks about this as Xander gets to within a short lunge of him. He does the smart thing. He pushes the young woman into Xander as hard as he can then bolts for safety. Xander had a look in his eye like he was very used to staking people of his persuasion.
Both Xander and the girl hit the ground. At this point she is almost hysterical. She grabs Xander.
"What are you doing, what are you trying to do!"
By the time Xander can get untangled from her the Vamp is gone in the shadows. He is furious.
"Damn it, why didn't you just believe me?"
"How...how am I suppose to know he was a vamp...vampire?"
Xander sighs. The people of this town are so damned unconscious. All he can do is try to offer her comfort. He hugs her.
"Honey, you're safe now. Let me walk you home."
After about fifteen minutes of walking the girl begins to calm down enough to realize Xander just saved her life.
"Look, I'm sorry I made it harder, thank you...thank you for saving my life." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy is taking a walk. Her mind is on Xander, replaying the argument they had and trying to understand what Willow told her. Trying to process that Xander is not happy with the way she is now. Deep inside she knows something is wrong, very wrong but she is trying to address that. She is ashamed of herself for hitting Xander but, also, still shocked that he slapped her. To put it simply she feels very weird. At the moment she doesn't care about anything else but making it right with Xander. It is foremost in her mind and heart. But, for some reason she is also angry at Xander. Why did he let things get this out of hand? Anyway she has to find him. As she walks down the street she sees two people hugging. One is obviously upset. When she gets closer she recognizes one of the people as Xander. He is comforting a woman. She is crying into his chest. She thinks out loud..
"Damn it, I should have known. I need to talk to him and he's making hero with his girl friend!"
She stands a few feet behind them. She can hear Xander's words as he speaks.
"It's okay, honey, I didn't mean to be so hard about it. Sometimes I don't understand why the people of this town don't understand how dangerous it is at night."
"I'll never go out at night alone again I promise. Thank you for saving my life, Xander."
"It's okay Laura...this is your house right?"
The girl doesn't answer. She practically runs into her house. When Xander turns around he sees Buffy. Her intention was to apologize and try to make it up to him but for some reason seeing that woman fawn all over him has her angry again.
"Playing hero with your girl friend, Xander?"
"Well, hello to you too, Buff."
"Did you take your girl friend out at night so you could be her hero and save her?"
Xander was trying to walk away from her but now she has him pissed again. He goes back to her.
"Why are you here, Buff?"
Buffy cannot get passed her jealousy.
"Wait a minute, I thought your girl friend was a blonde? That girl had brunette hair."
"Oh gees what a brilliant observation. No wonder you're the chose one."
"So that's another girl?"
Xander doesn't know why but he decides to defend himself .
"So what of it, Buff?"
"Are you out of control? Are you trying to be the stud of Sunnydale."
"I'm lucky I even know that girl's name, okay?"
"Well you're slipping champ, she was falling all over you. You had her."
Xander is into it now. "See, some of us don't take advantage of a woman when she's scared or vulnerable. But of course your men think that's prime time!"
That really shocks Buffy. She is stunned. As they walk Xander notices Buffy welling up. It is one thing for him to defend himself from her verbal attacks or to be in her face when she is being insensitive. But he cannot take it when she is vulnerable or sad, especially when it was he who brought on the tears. He stops, putting his hands gently on her shoulders.
"Buff, I was in the park still upset from our huge fight. I noticed a Vamp trying to secure his meal for the night. I was able to get Laura away from it. I didn't even kill it. He probably grabbed somebody else, okay. I'm no hero. I was able to save her so I did."
This wakes Buffy from her jealousy.
"Xander, ...I'm...I'm sorry. And I'm sorry for hitting you."
"Buff, I really don't know why you were so upset today or, even why you were upset just now but I am prepared to forget all that. We have a job to do and we need to do it. I'll play as big or as little a role as you want."
Buffy was not ready for this. She was not ready for Xander to be this mature or adult. She was not ready for him to forget his anger for the cause. It makes her even more sad. Xander is amazing and she never even noticed. What he said about rescuing Laura was unbelievable, he is a hero. All she can do is whimper slightly as they walk. They are downtown now. Xander has Buffy sit down close to a fountain. He takes a clean handkerchief from his back pocket, soaking it in the cool water. Buffy's face was streaked with tears. He lovingly wipes them from her face. Buffy is transfixed. She has never had anyone do this for her. It's a very simple thing but Xander's manner is so damned loving and comforting. It feels so good. One thought crosses her mind; can this be what love feels like, real love, one person caring for another? No darkness, no wild orgies or dangerous liaisons. Just one person making another feel cared for and safe? Is this her missing link, the part of her she lost to the dark side, the ability to recognize and appreciate the love all around her? Was Xander always able to be like this to her? She called him useless. She forgot that she could be sad or vulnerable or depressed around him. He wouldn't use it to get her or take advantage of her. He would do his best to make her feel better.
Just like he is doing now. The only problem is the tears keep falling. Xander sees the deep sadness in her eyes. He sees the years of struggle and death and grief that have plagued Buffy for years now. She never asked for it, never. It came like a thief in the night to rob her of her youth, her innocence, any chance of her enjoying the fruits of her life as most people do. When Buffy is before him as she is now it can melt the anger and the frustration and the disappointment of watching her change right before his eyes. He does not want to see her cry or need to see her weak to feel useful. But he does need her to accept what he has to offer, to understand that she needs it very desperately. That is her strength, her fortress, her base to fight the night. It doesn't take an Angel or a messenger from the PTB to set Buffy straight. All she has to do is open her eyes.
Buffy cannot help herself. She brings her face closer to his. Xander is now frozen by the look in her eyes. He sees the old Buffy, the woman...he loved. He hesitates though as Buffy approaches his lips with hers.
"Buff...no."
"Please Xander, nothing has ever felt as natural to me before."
She gently brushes his lips. Xander gets short of breath but doesn't deepen the kiss. Buffy is shaking with the intensity of it but is shocked Xander is not responding. He can barely control himself, most of him wanting to just give in to this moment but...he can't
He gets up. Buffy stands in front of him
"Buff, I'm sorry, it's not...it's not that easy."
They walk home silently. Buffy should have known. This is Sunnydale, this is her life, nothing comes easy, nothing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~