A/N: You guys have been really cool with the reviewing and all. I so owe all of you major hugs. Now sit back and relax with this chapter. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 17
Gunn, Wesley, and Buffy stacked on top of each other as they each poked their heads into the main office, which seemed to be far more crowded than the previous day. Buffy slipped into the office first, Wesley and Gunn quickly following. The trio slipped by the crowd and made their way into the attendance office.
"Hi, Ms. Thompson," they greeted in unison, all of their voices sugary sweet.
"Hi, you three," Ms. Thompson smiled at them from where she sat at the desk. "Can I help you?"
"Actually," Wesley spoke up. "We came to tell you that Danny Lopez is shooting dice on the second floor hallway."
Ms. Thompson sighed deeply. "That boy again." She got up and left out of the office.
"Can things get any easier?" Gunn smirked.
"It could but then it would get scary," Buffy said.
The three of them gathered around the computer. Wesley sat down in front of it and cracked his knuckles, as if he actually knew what he was doing. After a couple of minutes he pulled up the files of Angel, Spike, and Dru. While Buffy kept watch again Gunn and Wesley printed out copies of their profiles.
When Ms. Thompson returned the three teenagers excused themselves and scooted out of the office, gathering around the lockers that stood right outside of it.
"Too close," Gunn said with a slight relieved sigh. "All right. Here's how it works. Wesley, you take Spike." He handed Wesley Spike's profile. "I'll take—"
"Does Liam have a photo?" Buffy asked with an eager smile, interrupting him. Wesley and Gunn turned to her, both with a confused look. "Um, just curious. I don't care or anything."
"You want his file?" Gunn asked bluntly.
"Yes," Buffy replied immediately.
"Fine," Gunn sighed, handing the file over. "I'll take Druanne. But, I swear, everything you find on Liam, I want."
"Got it," Buffy assured him.
"Command received," Wesley also nodded.
Buffy shook her head at him. What a lame.
"I'll see y'all at lunch," Gunn said as the trio went their separate ways.
Unknown to any of them Spike stood at the end of the line of lockers Gunn, Buffy, and Wesley had been standing next.
"Interesting," the bleached blonde smirked.
Fred buzzed around the library like a bee in a hive. She had a stack of books in her arms and was ready to add another to the list. The thin girl went over to the art section and reached for a book, only to find that it was stuck. She tugged on it tighter and ended up falling back.
"Ooh!" she called out, her books falling with her.
"Fred." She glanced up to see…
"Angel," Fred smiled with delight.
"I'm sorry," 'Angel' apologized. He walked out to her, holding the book she had been tugging at. "Here." He held his hand out to her.
Fred took the hand and he helped her stand. "Thanks. I think I went a little overboard." She gestured at the books she had dropped.
"Let me help," Angel offered. The two of them got to their knees and began gathering books. "You're interested in art?"
"Oh, I just needed it for an assignment in class," Fred explained when they were done getting her books. "What about you?"
"It's all right, I guess," said Angel. "I draw a little?"
"Really?" Fred smiled at him. "Do you, you know, have a portfolio?"
"No. When I draw I usually just put them aside or whatever."
"You're lucky to have something you're good at. I mean look at me. I'm just ugly frail, pale Winifred Burkle."
"Not true," Angel said as they checked out the books. The two of them headed out together. "I know I don't know you that well, Fred, but you shouldn't listen to people who say that kind of thing about you."
"Even if they're right?" Fred asked.
"Don't say that," said Angel. "Just—"
Gunn walked by then and abruptly stuck out his arm, sending Fred into a locker, banging her arm.
"Oh," Fred groaned, causing her books to, once again, drop.
"Hey," Angel called after Gunn.
Gunn stopped for a moment then turned around. "Problem?" he asked casually.
"I was about to ask you the same thing," Angel said, his voice obviously angry. "Don't you have anything to say to her?" he gestured towards Fred.
"Oh, right," Gunn said. "Stay outta my way, frail pale."
Fred tossed a light glare his way.
"I don't think that's what you meant to say," Angel said, approaching the black teen.
"Maybe it is what I meant to say, Liam," Gunn retorted.
"It's Angel," he corrected.
"Oh, yeah, 'cause that's so much more manly," Gunn shot back.
Several kids in the hall stopped what they were doing to watch the two go at it.
"More of a man than you, Prince Charles," said Angel.
"Yeah, that's cute," Gunn said with a smirk. "And I suggest you watch what you call me. The name is Gunn. Two N's."
"Gunn, huh?" Angel nodded understandingly. "Yeah, I think you need to be blasted with one."
"Angel." Fred approached him, touching his arm gently. "It's OK."
"Listen to the girl, Angela," said Gunn. "Because this is my domain. I rule this school." He glanced around at the people who were watching the scene. "Right?"
A few grunts of yeah could be heard through the crowd.
"Where I come from rulers treat people with respect," said Angel, sort of surprised at what he was saying.
"Really? What do you plan to do about it?" Gunn challenged.
"OK, OK." Buffy suddenly ran up, going to stand in between Angel and Gunn. "This has just been a scene from the new play "School Ruler." Keep the arts alive, people."
Slowly kids went back to what they were doing.
Angel eyed Buffy. "You got a protector, Gunn?"
"Watch your mouth," Gunn snapped.
"OK, guys. No need for this." Buffy turned to Angel with a large smile. "Hi. I'm Buffy. How are you?"
Angel continued to glare at Gunn for a moment before turning to Fred and saying, "Come on."
Fred turned and followed Angel down the hall. Buffy gave Gunn a gentle look as they headed down the opposite way. Angel moved his head towards the side to get one last look at Buffy as she and Gunn turned down the hall. Buffy; blonde hair, hazel eyes, what could be better?
A/N: Yes, it took me forever to update. Shame on me and all that. Please review!