Buffy let out a long breath and locked the double doors of the Doublemeat Palace lobby. She leaned back against the glass and surveyed the dining area. One birthday party and two church busses within an hour of closing. She'd seen demons that did less damage. She carefully stepped around a puddle of what she fervently hoped was lemonade, picked up a tray and a rag, and began swiping smashed french fries and slimy pieces of bun off the nearest table. She muttered under her breath.
"The glamorous life of a Slay.... oh. Ew."
There was a mixture of ketchup, chocolate malt, and bits of pickle dripping down the back of one of the plastic benches. Maybe the demon analogy wasn't so far off after all. She picked up an empty paper cup and gingerly used the lid to scrape the mess in. She dumped it into the nearest trash barrel, and went into the back to get a bucket and a bigger rag. And gloves. She was looking a little green when she stepped behind the counter.
"Nothing like those bus loads, huh?" Her coworker Sophie was cashing out the till.
"It's a jungle out there."
"Well, there's something in the back that might cheer you up."
"Let me guess.... the lid on the grease trap is stuck again."
"No, silly. I mean it. Go look." Sophie followed Buffy into the back. "it's over there. On the counter next to the lockers." Buffy walked over to it. There was a single pale pink rose with a note attached to it. Her name was on the outside. Buffy looked at Sophie and raised an eyebrow.
"Where did this come from?"
"The florist brought it. Open the note!" Sophie bounced on her toes. Buffy slowly undid the ribbon holding the note closed. "Who's it from? Is it from that blonde guy? At the party? Um.... Clem's.... friend?"
"Noooo. It's not. It's from an old friend of mine. He's back in town, I ran into him last night."
"Ooooh? What's it say?"
Buffy looked down at the note.
"Buffy:I saw this, and had to get it for you. Hope you
don't mind, it reminded me of you. I'm looking
forward to seeing you tonight, but I'm going to
be about half an hour late. I have some things
I need to take care of. Forgive me?
Riley"
"I'm supposed to meet him tonight. It says he's gonna be a little late, which is good, because, well..." She jerked her shoulder towards the mayhem in the lobby. "That's gonna take a while."
"Not for you. Go."
"Oh no, Sophie...."
"Yes. You go. I'll finish up closing."
"Really?"
"Go."
"THANK you!" Buffy quickly took off her apron, and grabbed her coat and bag from her locker. "You are the BEST, Sophie!"
"I am gonna want to hear all about this guy tomorrow, you know." She sighed. "Roses are sooooo romantic. I mean, I like Country Time fine, and those kittens are really cute, but roses..... oooh!"
Buffy nodded solemnly and traced her fingers in an "X" over her chest. "Aboslutely. I will file my report tomorrow. Thank you SO much."
"Have fun."
---------------------
"I'm tellin' you guys, he's the real deal!" Garrett addressed the group of dubious minions. Spike leaned against a support column behind him, smoking a cigarette and looking bored.
"I don't know, Garrett...."
"Look, aren't you sick of being cooped up in this hole while Finn goes out and does as he pleases? Aren't you tired of getting pushed around? "
"Maybe... but we'd just be letting this guy push us around. What's the difference?"
"I'll tell you wot." Spike pushed away from the column and stepped forward. "The difference is, I know what I'm doin'. I know how to run a crew. And I believe in lettin' my boys get out and have a bit of the fun now and again." They murmurred uncertainly. Spike tossed his cigarette down and stomped on it in exasperation. "I can NOT believe you sods are turnin' down a chance to run with William the Bloody!"
"William the who? Never heard of you."
"I have." The crowbar came down hard on the back of Spike's head, dropping him to the floor in a boneless heap. Garrett began backing away slowly.
"Boss...."
"Garrett, Garrett, Garrett. Now what did I tell you?" Garrett raised his hands in front of his chest, still backing away, eyes rolling from side to side. "I told you to stay here until I got back. Very simple. So simple even a moron like you should be able to handle it. But no. What do you do?" Riley whacked Garrett in the stomach with the crowbar, doubling him over. "You... go... and... bring... back... this.... WORTHLESS neutered eurotash excuse for a vampire! He's got a fucking beahvioral control implant from the Initiative, Garrett! Do you know what that means?" He vamped out and roared. "NO FANGS!!!"
Riley slammed the crowbar into Garrett's mouth, sending blood and broken pieces of teeth flying. He raised it again and brought it down hard across Garrett's kidneys, then kicked him in the ribs as he fell. Bones snapped. Garrett curled up into a fetal position and brought his hands up to shield his head. The blow never came. Garrett looked up, heistantly, and Riley caught him under the chin with the end of the crowbar, raising him up to dangle like a fish on a hook.
"The behavioral implant means he can't harm a human. Can't hunt. Can't feed. Can't do anything but beg for scraps. And THAT is what YOU thought you'd replace me with?!!?!" Riley stared up at him, eyes glowing like liquid gold. Then he smiled. "But, hey. Anyone can make a mistake." He started to lower his arm. Garrett's bloodied lips twitched, hesitantly, hopefully.....
Riley pulled back hard on the crowbar, twisting it so the bent end went through Garrett's neck. His head exploded into dust before it could hit the floor. Riley turned and looked at the rest of his minions for a long minute, slowly twirling the iron bar in his hand. They shifted uncomfortably. Riley's face smoothed out, shifting back to normal. He pointed with the crowbar.
"Take that one over to the table."
---------------------
Buffy hummed softly to herself. She felt, could it be possible, happy? Or the closest to real happiness that she'd felt since coming "back" She almost skipped down the sidewalk leading to the Magic Box. The sign was turned off, but there were still lights on inside. She tried the door.... it was unlocked.
"Hi Tara. I'm here."
Silence.
"Tara? Are you in the back? Tara?"
Silence.
Buffy reached into her jacket and pulled out a stake, walking slowly through the store.
"Tara?"
There were a few books, a small enamel bowl of herbs, and three unlit candles sitting on the large round reading table, as if Tara had been preparing for the clarity spell, but of the spellcaster herself, there was no sign. Buffy quietly slid her bag off her arm and moved through the racks of merchandise in a crouch. Nothing moved. Nothing was out of place. The shop was empty. Buffy stood, and walked to the main counter, where the phone was. When she reached it, she caught a glimpse behind, of blonde hair streaked with red.
"Oh my God! Tara!!!"