A/N: Well, I just have to give a HUGE shout out to everyone who has reviewed so far. Thanks a bunch!!

I sat down today and really planned out the next 5 chapters. Believe me when I say it's gonna get better and by next chapter I should have some of the 'ships established.

Also, Murderer Too Young fans, don't worry, the next part is coming!



The end of day one came faster than anyone realized and soon it was time to eat. Earlier in the tour, Andrew showed them all the hotel restaurant. Named Caritas, the dimly lit place looked more like a small club than a restaurant. It even had a stage and a karaoke machine.

Caritas served all kinds of foods for its guests. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were always available. And the prices were very reasonable. Although, the twelve contestants didn't have to pay for any of their meals, it was still nice to know.

Giles poke his head from the entrance. No one was present, so he quietly walked in. Unlike everyone else, Giles felt completely out of place here. Amongst all the youth, he felt not only terribly old, but also felt like his father when he was all their age. Late-forties, graying hair, and no idea what they were saying half the time. Even for a high school librarian, who heard tons of teenage gossip daily, he was completely out of the loop.

Truth was, he was only here like the rest of them. The nice amount of money was the trick that pulled him into the deal. He may be old, but he wasn't stupid.

He sat down at a small booth in the back, the farthest he could get from that dreaded song machine, and looked down at his menu.

"What'll it be sir?" the young busboy asked him. Giles glanced over the menu and quickly decided.

"Lasagna. Add a side of breadsticks and clam chowder," he told the man.

"Would you like wine with that sir?"

Giles was about to reply 'yes' but he heard voices approaching the entrance. He watched as the entire rest of the group walked into Caritas, everyone talking away. Giles looked at the menu again, looking for what he wanted.

"Actually, I think a brandy is in order here," he said. The busboy nodded and whisked back to the kitchen. Willow, being the first one to see him, smiled.

"Giles, why are you here all by yourself?" she asked cheerfully. "Come and sit over here with the rest of us. That little booth can't fit twelve."

Giles put on a good face and walked over the three put-together tables that now made one big one.

"So, who else is as starved as me?" Gunn asked, already trying to decide between the fried chicken plate and the large mushroom and pepperoni pizza.

"I hear you man, I could eat a horse," Xander agreed.

"Oh, look! Karaoke machine!" Willow said, excitedly pointing to the stage.

"Oh no. No way I'm singing," Faith said, placing her menu down. "Something crazy could happen." That last part was said as she looked over at Wesley, who was seated across from her.

But Wesley was looking somewhere else.

He quietly watched as Fred was pointing something out on the menu to Tara. The two women giggled and Wesley automatically smiled as Fred did so. Faith was couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealously race through her, but she shook it off and concentrated on her order.

"So, anyone run into a ghost today?" Xander asked, laughing. Faith and Wesley looked up at each other and gave knowing glances.

"Would you please stop talking about ghosts already? I'm tired of this little story that was made up, but seems to be the topic of conversation every five minutes," Cordelia said, annoyed. Xander raised an eyebrow at her.

"My bad," he replied. Cordelia went back to her menu.

"So, Angel, have you decided what to order?" she asked. Angel looked over to Cordy.

"I think I'm going with a hamburger tonight," he replied. Cordelia seemed to think that over and nodded.

"Excellent choice."

"Anyone been in the bar yet?" Spike asked. "Wanna know the prices of the whiskey."

"I'm planning on being there tonight," Faith said. "I could mix the drinks if you want?"

"Sounds like a party," Gunn said. "Could use a drink too."

They were interrupted by the busboy coming back and getting drink and food orders. Once he left, everyone got quiet.

"So, who's gonna do it?" Willow asked. All twelve heads looked around at one another, waiting to see who would volunteer first.

"I say the rockstar does it. At least we all know he sings," Gunn said. Spike shook his head no.

"Not tonight mate. At least, not until I've had a few strong ones. I may be a singer, but I'm not singing sober in front of all you," Spike said.

"I'll go, but not without a partner. I don't do well solo," Xander said.

"Same here. No way am I getting up there alone," Buffy agreed. Willow got out of her seat and walked up to the stage.

"Wonder what songs it's got?" she asked aloud. Scanning through the book next to the machine, she smiled at least a few times. "This has the biggest selection I've ever seen. There have got to be thousands and thousands of songs here. Old and new."

"Lemme see that," Cordelia said, walking over to the redhead and glancing at a page. "Ooh! I love this song,"

"Well, I say we all go tonight. Names drawn out of a hat to see who goes next. C'mon, I'll be fun," Fred said, excitedly bouncing in her seat. Wesley smiled at her.

"Sounds like a great idea," he told her. Fred blushed under his watch and smiled.

Caritas's doors opened and Lorne strolled on through, big grin plastered on his face at the sight of everyone in his little restaurant.

"Well, well. See you all found Caritas with no problem," he said happily. "And the karaoke machine. I was hoping someone here would put on a little show tonight. How 'bout you muffin?" he asked Fred.

The little Texan girl blushed again and shrugged her shoulders.

"Aw, don't be shy kitten. I've seen plenty of people shy about singing, but once they're up there, you can't get them to shut up!" Lorne told her. That got Fred to become a little braver and she nodded.

"So, who's crooning their hearts out first?" Lorne asked. Cordelia raised her hand. "Wonderful. Need any help with a song?"

"Nope. I know exactly what I'm gonna do," she replied. Going to the machine, she pressed a few buttons and waited for the music to cue up.

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

She ended the song after first chorus and took a bow. Everyone clapped, but it was mostly out of politeness. Cordelia's voice was grating and leapt all over the place. Lorne looked like he was gonna cry with happiness.

"Wonderful rendition, sugar. Whitney would be jealous," he told her. Cordelia smiled and sat back down next to Angel, who suppressed a grin.

"Anyone next?" Willow asked.

"How about you Lorne?" Buffy asked. "I think I heard somewhere that you can carry a tune."

"Ok, I'll give you guys a real treat," Lorne told them, and walked onto his stage.



"Wow, that was the greatest rendition of "Lady Marmalade" I've ever seen," Willow said to the group as they all walked back toward the Hyperion lobby.

"Yeah, and Angel's little "Mandy" solo was also something I've never seen before," Xander quipped, smirking.

"And one I never wanna see again," Spike added. Angel glared at the two.

"Well I thought it was nice," Cordelia said, patting Angel's shoulder. "Besides, what about you Spike?"

"Hey, there was nothing wrong with mine. Don't even tell me that I was bad. No one can be as bad as Peaches here," Spike shot back.

"I'm standing right here," Angel said but no one paid attention.

"You called that singing? You were practically yelling through most of it," Cordelia pointed out.

"I did not. The Ramones are a great band, so don't even tell me I have bad choice in music." Cordelia rolled her eyes at him.

"Hey, leave Spike alone Cor," Buffy said, clinging on to Spike.

"Still thought it was a lame song," Cordelia mumbled. Spike was now upset.

"Oh, don't even get me started on you Whitney. "The Greatest Love of All"? Don't think so luv, no even close," he threw at her. Cordelia scoffed and stomped away, Angel chasing after her.

"Look what you did Spike. Would it kill you to be a little nicer?" Buffy asked him. Spike nodded.

"Hey, how about everyone just gets some sleep and start another day tomorrow?" Faith suggested.

"Good idea," Wesley agreed. "Night all." He walked over to the stairs but Faith ran up to him.

"Hey Wes, are we still gonna hit the books tonight?" she asked him quietly. Wesley shook his head.

"Not tonight, I'm afraid. A bit tired after all that," he replied. Faith shrugged.

"Yeah, whatever. Guess it can wait until tomorrow," she said, and started to walk toward one of the elevators.

"Fred, why don't you let me walk you to your room?" she heard Wesley ask Fred.

"Sure. That's very nice of you," Fred replied, and walked side by side with Wesley up the stairs. Faith let out the breath she was holding and sighed.

A/N: Ok, how's that? I know, not very long. I wanted to get a little part out at least. I've been focusing on Murderer Too Young lately. But, I needed to get this part out. Next chapter is where things get a little more interesting. Fourth of July party, softball game, and a near death. Until next time...