Title: Truth And Consequences(1/2)
Author: Starway Man and Nodakskip
Disclaimer: The Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters are copyright Joss Whedon, UPN, WB, Mutant Enemy, Kuzui, Sandollar and probably a whole lot of other people as well. Parts of the fanfic are taken from transcripts of the relevant BtVS episodes, and so those segments belong to the writers in question. We won't be making any illegal profit from this story; all we're hoping is for some feedback here.
Category: Action, Adventure, Alternate Universe, Angst
Main characters: Xander, Ensemble
Symbols: " " denotes speech, ( ) specifies thoughts, and indicates mental telepathy.
Continuity: This takes place during the BtVS season 3 episode 'Earshot', and later moves onto some events of 'The Prom' and after 'Graduation Day, pt. 2'.
Rating: Overall R because of one word, with mostly PG-13 parts.
Acknowledgments: Thanks to Buffyworld for the transcripts of the relevant episodes.
Summary: Xander gets infected by that telepathic demon in 'Earshot' instead of Buffy, and Sunnydale is never the same again afterwards.
Part One: Veritas
J: "You want
answers?"
K: "I think I'm entitled."
J: "You want answers!"
K: "I want the truth!"
J: "You can't handle the truth!"
(Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee and Colonel Nathan Jessep, A FEW GOOD MEN)
Sunnydale, California. Early May, 1999
The Chaos demon was blind drunk.
Despite this though, Chaos demons were big enough and mean enough that the other supernatural creatures in town didn't call him out on it, but just gave the slimy thing with antlers a wide berth and hoped that he moved on soon.
Through a convoluted process whose details are unimportant, the demon's presence on the Hellmouth resulted in a series of events that were never meant to happen - yet nonetheless did, chaos being the unpredictable thing it is.
And the net result was that the very next night, the vampire Slayer Buffy Anne Summers fought two mouthless telepathic demons - in the presence of one Alexander Lavelle Harris.
In the Sunnydale cemetery, Buffy fought like a woman possessed. "Xander! Shoot him now!"
Xander Harris, somewhat unjustly labelled as the Zeppo, fired his crossbow; but his target bad guy just grabbed the wooden bolt out of the air, and broke it in half. "Ah, crap..." the young man muttered to himself.
But this gave Buffy her opportunity, as she pulled out a knife. She went to stab the demon in question with it, but the twisted-face creature just grabbed her wrist as she struck - preventing her from delivering the killing blow.
However, neither of the supernatural creatures had factored Xander throwing himself into the fray. As both demon and Slayer went off-balance from his tackle, Buffy recovered first and slammed the knife home.
Due to their positions, Xander was the one who got splashed on the wrist with the demon blood, as destiny started to change direction. Buffy just got up, glanced at the carcass to make sure the evil thing was dead, and then hauled Xander to his feet.
"Where's the other one?" Harris asked, before Miss Summers could say anything.
The Chosen One looked around, but saw nothing. "Guess he musta skedadalled, while he had the chance..."
She then looked at her companion, and was about to say that he shouldn't have done what he did...when Buffy realized that it would just be a waste of breath. Her Xander-shaped friend could no more stop himself from stupidly risking his life like that, than her beloved called Angel could stop brooding - or her Watcher Rupert Giles could stop thinking.
So the Buff-meister just said, "Want me to walk you home?"
Now contrary to established public opinion, Xander wasn't an idiot. He'd seen that expression on the blonde girl's face before, and knew perfectly well what she wasn't saying; and that Buffy was trying to think of a polite way to tell him he wasn't needed on forays like this these days.
That he shouldn't put his ass in danger like that, and that he should stay out of the supernatural stuff - for his own good.
Sometimes, Xander suspected that if the Buffy of today had had her current mindset back during sophomore year, when she'd drowned in the Master's cave...she would have yelled at him afterwards, for going down there. Despite him having saved her life...
The truth was that ever since senior year had started, Harris had been getting pushed out of the Scooby gang's activities more and more. Xander knew that he had become the outsider amongst a group of outsiders; and if it wasn't the fact that he loved Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg more than life itself - he might have stopped hanging out with them months ago.
The guy just looked around and said, "Hey, isn't this the same cemetery where we talked around Valentine's Day, last year? You know, when I showed you that locket I got for Cordy?"
Buffy looked around, unsure. "I dunno..." she responded. Then her face lit up, "Oh, yeah, I remember now! And ya know what? Slaying is definitely more complicated than dating, these days..."
Xander shrugged. "I wouldn't know. After all, I've been of the desperate and dateless ever since Cordelia started hating me, and Faith tried to strangle me to death..."
Buffy shrugged back, her mind already dismissing the topic and deep into her own thoughts; and as they walked off together, Xander's hand glowed briefly from where the demon's blood had touched him.
Sunnydale High School. The next dayA meeting had just finished taking place between Giles, Xander, Buffy, Willow, and her boyfriend Oz. The latecomer to the meeting, the one and only Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, had announced that the demon Azarath would not in any way be involved with Mayor Richard Wilkins' upcoming Ascension; when all the students got up and left.
All of them, that is, except Xander.
"Giles has told us already about that. Now, ya mind leaving Monarchy Boy? I got something private to discuss with the real Watcher around here," Xander said cuttingly to Wes. As he intensely disliked the younger British man, on account of his ex Cordelia Chase flirted with Wes shamelessly.
Wesley shook his head. "If it's something to do with the Slayer's activities last night, then I should be the one who-"
Xander just glared silently, and unusually for him - the Council operative took the hint and left.
Giles noted, "Xander, not that I'm Wesley's greatest fan or anything, but-but that was rather tactless and rude..."
( Ah, right, the ol' double-standard. Only Buffy gets to do that to Wesley! ) Harris thought, and then he shrugged. "Whatever. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
"What's it about, then?"
Xander scratched his hand, and told him the details of last night's adventure. "It's itching like crazy from where I think Scabby Demon splashed me, G-man. Uh, but it's not like its blood would be poisonous or anything, right?"
Rupert's expression didn't reassure the teenager. "RIGHT?"
Giles said simply, "Come back after lunch, hopefully I'll have identified the demon's species by then..."
Later in the library, Giles was staring at a book; and he handed it over to his young acquaintance, who was more than a little anxious about all this. "Is that the demon you and Buffy encountered?"
Xander took the ancient tome and grimaced at the picture. "In the oh-so-disgusting flesh. So what's the what, Giles?"
The librarian took back the book, and started reading it more thoroughly. "Hmmm..."
That just caused Harris to panic. "What?"
Giles just said musingly, "It says that they can infect the host."
Xander started to panic even more. "Infect?" Giles kept on reading, though. "GILES! INFECT? What does that mean?"
"Oh, um, infect the host with an aspect of the demon. That's all it says."
Xander grabbed the book for himself, but within three seconds tossed it away. Rupert said simply, "Yes, rather terse I'm afraid - isn't it? But don't worry, I'll consult all my books; I'm sure I'll be able to come up with more information soon-"
"Soon? What does soon mean, Watcher man? Because, remember that fun-filled episode with the swim team this time last year? Ya know, I really don't want to become a demon here!"
Giles sighed. ( The boy has a good heart, I'll admit, but God help us all - he does tend to over-dramatize things, in such a hypochondriac sort of way! ) "Like I said back then, let's not break out the tartar sauce just yet. Xander, have you considered the possibility that all this is actually nothing? You were simply exposed to a new washing powder, or some such thing? Maybe we should just wait and see if the itching goes away..."
But Harris didn't accept that, and just stormed out of the library.
Sunnydale High School quad. Later in the dayAt a pep rally being held for the basketball team, Cordelia and her fellow cheerleaders were definitely inspiring the crowds. They cheered their hearts out, and the student body were enthralled by them and the team's star players.
Xander sat next to Oz in the stands, while Buffy and Willow were engaged in some girl talk not far away. But Harris paid them no attention; his gaze was focused solely on one particular brunette beauty, in a very tantalizing cheerleader's uniform.
( Too bad it's over between us, ) Xander thought to himself wistfully, while quickly running his fingers across his forehead. ( Because I remember now what I saw in Cordelia...physically, at least. )
Oz turned at that moment, and saw his companion with his hands on his scalp. "There a problem?"
Xander didn't want to say he was checking for horns or whatever, and so babbled, "Psoriasis, it runs in the family. I knew I should have gone to that hair care expo back during Halloween last year!"
Oz just nodded and accepted that. "Cordelia did invite you, as I recall."
( Okay, that hurt. ) Wanting to change the subject, Xander pointed at the cheerleaders and said, "They really are very good!"
Daniel Osborne shrugged. "Their spelling's improved."
Xander again started to babble, "You know Oz, I look at all this beauty, all these healthy young women - and I wonder why I ever wasted my time on Cordelia. I mean, look at her. She's no better-looking than the rest of them!"
Oz had no firm opinion on the subject, as he only had eyes for one particular redhead. Wolves mate for life, after all. "None of them are really my-"
But Xander interrupted, "Oh my God, he's looking at her!" The musician noted that Wesley the Watcher was a short distance away on the stairs, staring at Cordelia in awe. "He's got his filthy adult Pierce Brosnan-y eyes all over my Cordy!"
The werewolf stared at his companion, with his trademark equanimity. "You're a very complex man, aren't you?"
Xander watched Wesley leave, and then fastened his gaze back upon Miss Chase. Or to be more accurate, as Oz noticed, her magnificent chest; as that was where most people's eyes were initially drawn to. ( No! Bad Xander. Do not start thinking about Cordy breasts! )
Oz then told the black-haired young man, "Seriously though. If you want her back, it's been a few months - maybe if you grovel hard enough-"
Xander instantly shook his head, though. "No point, man. That ship has sailed. And hey, I'd be more worried if Cordy did take me back - because you know what? It would be a sure sign of the upcoming Apocalypse!"
Oz contemplated that. "Scary."
1630 Revello Drive. Later that nightAt the Summers residence that evening, Xander showed up to meet with Buffy for her patrol that night - eschewing the upcoming basketball game. He was hoping they could straighten a few things out from the previous evening; and the male teenager really felt like they had to talk.
Joyce opened the door, there being no one named Dawn Summers present yet. "Xander? Hello, dear. What are you doing here?"
"Well ma'am, the Xan-man came by for patrol - with the Big Bad Buff," Harris tried to drawl out in a stereotypical redneck way.
/ Dear God, that's the worst attempted Texan accent I've ever heard in my life/ the young man clearly heard.
Xander looked up, somewhat surprised that Joyce would say that to his face - even if he hadn't seen her lips move. But he never got the chance to say anything as Buffy's mother said, "I'm sorry, Xander, but Buffy left over half an hour ago. Are you sure you two were supposed to meet up tonight?"
"Pretty much..." Xander didn't say it, but he knew instinctively that Buffy had done this in order to avoid him. ( Just great. Well, guess it's an improvement over the whole 'I'm washing my hair tonight' thing... )
Joyce gestured for him to come in. / Now you've gotten me all worried about my little girl... / "Xander, there's no need for me to be especially worried about Buffy being alone out there tonight - right?"
Harris shrugged, missing out on the fact that Joyce hadn't verbalized the first part of the conversation. "Don't think so, Mrs. S. Besides, knowing him, Angel's already hooked up with the Buffster by now..."
Then Xander's eyes bulged out, as a raging, semi-chaotic stream of thought blasted at him from the middle-aged woman's mind. "What?" he choked out.
Joyce looked confused. "What, what?"
"What you just said!"
Mrs. Summers was even more confused now. "But I didn't say anything!" She then pulled herself together, "Xander, aren't you going to come in?"
But the boy just shook his head in amazement, as he backed off - unable to believe even half of what he'd 'heard'. "No, uh, I gotta go. I got this...thing. Yeah, um, I got a thing! And you got a thing. And, and did I mention I gotta go?"
Then Xander turned around, and started running. "Xander!" Joyce called out. "Where are you going?"
But there was no reply from the youth, who quickly disappeared into the night. ( What the hell's going on? I gotta talk to someone about this... )
Some time later, he arrived at the Bronze to find the others; when Xander suddenly cursed to himself. ( Damn it, I'm stupid - I forgot, everyone's at the basketball game tonight! I better go there, I gotta get some help to figure out what's happening to me- )
But just then, he bumped into the woman named Anya Jenkins. Someone who was an 1120-year-old ex-demon, and had recently become human again. "What do you want?" she demanded roughly, recognizing one of the idiot simpering teenagers who had prevented her from regaining her Wish powers.
"I, uh, nothing..." Xander semi-babbled.
/ You'd like me to believe that, wouldn't you? But I know all men are evil. You think only about interlocking your lower body parts with women, and at no time do you ever care about their feelings! When I get my powers back, I'm going to personally pull out your intestines through your nose! Not to mention... /
Xander backed off as the thought was completed, his eyes once again huge. "That's it. It's time for me to act like a man. And go hide in my bedroom closet!"
So he ran away as fast as he could, as Anya stared after him with a strange mixture of curiosity and disgust.
Sunnydale High School. The next dayXander walked down the hallway corridor, his eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. All around him, there were fellow students broadcasting their thoughts in his direction. And by now, the demonic power had grown such that he could hear them all.
Harris could hear the boys thinking about wanting sex. He could hear the girls thinking about wanting cool clothes, and perfect hair. He could hear a teacher wanting to strangle some of the kids in his class, for wasting his time! Xander could even hear Principal Snyder with the song 'Walk Like An Egyptian' stuck in his head...
But all of that meant nothing compared to the thoughts aimed at him personally, when some people caught him staring.
Now, Xander Harris knew that he was incredibly unpopular. Ever since the thing with Willow and Cordelia had taken place, what little public standing he'd had had gone right down the gurgler - faster than a DoubleMeat Palace burger went down his throat...
But still, the boy wasn't prepared for the level of abuse hurled his way, from those few who deigned to notice him.
/ Loser. /
/ Geek. /
/ Dork. /
/ Asshole. /
/ Cheater. /
And those were some of the more kind things that Xander heard people thinking about him. Well, apart from maybe...
/ Stupid idiot got caught? He has no idea how cheat on a girl... /
Completely freaked by that one, Harris burst into the library. "Giles? GILES?"
Rupert came out of the private office. "Xander? What is it?"
"Where were you last night? I tried calling you like a million times!"
Giles shrugged. "I was in Los Angeles, looking for material to help research the Ascension. Why?"
The male teen started to tell the librarian what had happened just now. Giles was rather sceptical, "Xander, slow down. Because I'm not yet convinced that this is genuine mind-reading! You're most likely just projecting your subconscious beliefs-"
Xander interrupted, "When you came in from your office, the first thing you thought was, 'Where did the boy get that shirt, the reject pile belonging to the Salvation Army?' Then he scowled, "And just for the record, hey! I'm so sorry my family can't afford to shop at the same Watcher store you do!"
Giles blushed, as he subconsciously moved backwards. "Ah, yes, well...let's, let's move on. So, the phenomenon is real...of course! This must be the aspect of the demon that you picked up!"
"Huh?" Xander asked in confusion.
/ The demons are telepathic. I should have known. That's why they didn't need mouths/ "Xander, the demons were telepathic-"
His companion interrupted, "I know, I already heard it. That's why they don't need mouths. And that you should have known?"
Giles felt completely flummoxed. "You heard me think it inside my head?"
"Yeah..." Suddenly, Xander headed for the door. "Hold on, I gotta tell Buffy and Willow about this!"
"Xander, wait-!" But it was too late, and the boy was gone.
Out in the hallway, Xander found the female champion first of all. "Hey, Buff! I got something to tell you about the other night with those demons, that you're not gonna believe-"
The blonde Slayer stopped, and started to turn around. / Xander, I love you like a brother, but I swear - you're a complete moron! Can't you just take the hint that I don't want you to go on patrol, and get yourself dead? And I've got more important things to worry about right now - like figuring out if Angel actually prefers Faith over me/
Buffy finally faced her friend and started to say, "Look, Xander, now's not-"
But the guy backed away, his face completely white and shocked. ( Holy shit, did I actually just hear that? That's how she really feels about me? I never expected to be at that low a level in her thoughts! ) "I, ah, I gotta go..."
Like her mother before her, Buffy just stared in confusion as the 18-year-old boy quickly hit the road. ( What? Oh, man...now what's his problem? )
Harris vaguely heard the bell ring for first period, as he looked for Willow. ( Come on, Wills. Where are ya? I need my best bud here... )
A moment later he found her, talking with Oz at her locker. Xander started to say, "Hey, guys-"
Willow Rosenberg looked at her one-time crush. / Oh God, Xander, why'd ya hafta show up now? You always show up at the wrong time to just get in the way, and I wanted Oz to gimme some quality smoochies before class/ "Hi, Xander."
Harris just stared at her, unable to believe his friend had thought that. ( Willow feels like that as well? What, have I been blind all my life here? )
Oz added, "Hey, man." / Hmm, bloodshot eyes. Poor posture. Guy looks tense. All the classic signs. Xander's hooked on drugs/
Harris nearly fell over at hearing that one, and quickly excusing himself he almost galloped away - to the surprise and consternation of the young couple. Xander headed straight back to the library, thinking, ( Oh my God. OH MY GOD! I knew that everybody else thought that I was a complete retard, but this is what my best friends think of me too? )
When he got to Scooby Central, to his annoyance both Wesley and Giles were present. Xander threw himself at Giles' mercy, "Okay, I've heard enough! G-man, get this thing outta my head right now!"
Wyndam-Pryce looked confused. "Excuse me? What does that mean?"
Xander snarled, "None of your business, Wes! Hey, isn't it time for you to go get another cup of tea?"
Giles held up a placating hand. "Now, Xander, please wait. I-I-I think in this case, you should tell him what's happened."
"What's happened?" Wesley adjusted his tie in confusion.
Both men ignored him. "What for? What the hell can he do to help?" Harris demanded.
The librarian shrugged. "Wesley has access to material that I don't, not anymore. The Council's archives are most extensive...in my opinion, it's the most prudent thing to do."
Xander turned away from his pseudo-father figure, and glared at the other Englishman. Wesley could feel the hatred directed against him bottled up inside the boy, even if he couldn't fathom what he'd done to deserve it. "May I ask again, what's going on?"
Xander stalked towards him, and Pryce suppressed an urge to cringe away. "Look, Wesley. I don't like you, and as if that's a big secret! But I trust Giles, so here goes. If I tell you something confidential, will you give me your most sacred frickin' vow that the Tweed Brigade won't learn about it from you - without my permission?"
It was a defining moment in his relationship with the Americans, Wesley suddenly understood that. His Watcher Academy training automatically made him think to lie to this youth, to learn what was going on and report everything back to his superiors as he'd vowed to do...and yet, the man suddenly couldn't do it.
It was something in Xander's eyes, Wes decided at that moment. A quality similar to the one his boss Quentin Travers had, to whom he owed his loyalty for this assignment.
Thus Wesley nodded slowly. "I give you my word on this matter."
Giles looked unconvinced, but fortunately Xander had a foolproof means of checking the Council man's sincerity. "Okay, ever since last night? Something really funky has been going on..."
After he had heard the story, Wesley was incredulous. "You, you can read people's minds? Hear their every impulse and fantasy?"
Xander nodded. "A few minutes ago, Giles was thinking that Buffy's mom Joyce was obviously a right bit of crumpet in her youth. But hey - what's a pastry got to do with anything?"
Both British men started to polish their glasses, trying not to think of the answer to that. Xander's eyes went wide as he turned to the older Englishman, "You had sex with Joyce - on top of a police car! Twice? And there were handcuffs involved?"
"Er...it was the candy, we-we were possessed..." Giles looked like a deer trapped in headlights, as Wes stared at him in surprise.
Xander just smiled, though. "Giles, you canny British hound you!"
At that moment, Cordelia walked into the library. "Wesley, are you here?"
Coming so soon on the heels of the...disturbing sex talk regarding his so-called colleague and the mother of his charge, Wesley couldn't help thinking/ My God, she's so beautiful - no! Don't look at the girl like that, Cordelia's just a student here! I'm a bad, bad man for even thinking what I'd like to- /
Then he saw Xander glaring at him again, and quickly excusing himself - the Watcher almost sprinted for the sanctum of Giles' private office.
"What's his deal?" Cordy wondered. Then she just shrugged and made to leave. "I'll have to talk to Wes later, God I'm so late for class..."
She left as Xander quickly followed her, despite Giles calling him back. "Cordy, wait up!" Harris called out as he tried to catch up with her.
Luckily, the cheerleader stopped and turned around. "What do you want?" she snapped impatiently.
Floundering, Xander stammered, "Uh...it was a great game last night, congrats to you and the team for cheering like seasoned professionals?"
Cordelia didn't have time for this. "And how would you know? You weren't even there!" she replied, smothering a tiny feeling of hurt that her ex hadn't even bothered coming to see her moment of glory.
Xander prevaricated, "I was going to come, but, ah, something sorta came up-"
She thought at once/ Sure, I bet! Something beginning with a W, and ending with an 'illow'/
Harris replied at once in shock, "No! I wasn't with Willow! And, and, that, that thing with her was all a mistake...right from the start-"
/ No, the mistake was me giving up everything for you - and then you went behind my back with that mousy bookworm/ "Yeah, right!" Cordy snarled. Then she frowned, "And how did you know that was what I was thinking?"
( Uh-oh. ) Xander's mouth often worked independently of his brain, and he was about to blurt out the entire thing...when he realized that might not be entirely of the wise. ( I tell her the truth, and there's a chance she'll castrate me where I stand! ) So Harris said hesitantly, "It was written all over your beautiful face?"
Cordy looked suspiciously at him. / You think I'm beautiful/ Then she frowned. / Yeah, sure! Didn't stop you from cheating on me, Harris! My God, if only I could make you look as humiliated as I was, when everyone found out about you and her... /
Xander looked amazed. ( I knew I hurt her bad, but I never figured Queen C felt like this... ) Then he looked around; there were still some kids in the hallway. ( What the hell. What have I got to lose? Everyone thinks I'm pathetic anyway...and it sounds like Cordy really needs this! )
So Xander got down on his knees before his ex-girlfriend. "Take me back."
Cordelia Chase looked absolutely stunned, as she noticed a group of students suddenly staring at them and beginning to whisper. Then she leaned down and hissed, "What the hell are you doing!"
He replied, "What's it look like? I'm on my knees humiliating myself, just like you want deep down. So go ahead, Cor. Tell me how I'm worthless. A loser that you should have never gotten involved with. A geek whose guts you hate. Whatever, I've heard it all today! I'll still beg you to take me back-"
Harris then said in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "Cordy, please forgive me! I know I don't deserve you, but if you'll just give me another chance-"
Cordelia dragged him up, looking around and feeling utterly embarrassed at all the attention they were getting. "Will you knock it off? You really think I'm going to forgive and forget, even after this sort of sickening display?"
Xander shook his head, not caring who was watching anymore. "'Course not. I'm not that dumb!"
Now the female teen was confused. "Then why bother doing it?"
Xander shrugged. "Think of this as just a...a gift." He gestured to the people avidly watching them, "By this afternoon, tomorrow at the latest, everyone's gonna know how you rejected me - even when I publicly pleaded with you for forgiveness. And I know you well enough to understand how you'll be able to use that, to get your old prestige back; heck, I betcha you'll be back to shopping sprees with Harmony and the rest of the sheep in no time!"
Cordelia scowled and thought/ Sure, if I wasn't completely broke - given how Daddy's been caught cheating on his taxes for the past 12 years, and now he's gonna go to prison/ "Look, Harris..."
But Xander stepped back, shocked. "You're poor now?" he whispered in disbelief.
Cordy felt her insides freeze, as her ex-boyfriend turned around and walked away from the look she sent him. ( How the HELL did he know that? )
A thought came to her as to how, but the beauty queen refused to believe it. ( He can't know me that well. He just can't! Xander Harris doesn't know the real me, he never did...or he wouldn't have ever betrayed me with Willow like that, damn it! )
The Bronze. Later that nightXander was playing pool alone in the club that evening, and he wasn't in a good mood.
For one thing, he had started developing a headache from being hit by all the thoughts of all the people around him. For another, he was still smarting from the events at school today.
Because once all your illusions are gone, the truth HURTS.
Oh, intellectually Xander knew he had no reason to be upset at his friends; they hadn't actually said anything to insult him to his face. But they had thought it, and he couldn't just dismiss that anymore with his trademark grin and silly banter.
Xander had always thought that they got him. Your best friends are supposed to get you, after all. He would have walked across a river of lava for them, but it seemed they wouldn't even rent the movie 'Volcano' for him...
That was when the young man decided that he definitely had to make some changes in his life. Xander suddenly realized that what he wanted was some respect around here, and given that high school was nearly over - spending his life telling jokes and one-liners just wasn't going to achieve that...
Harris then noticed some of his classmates staring at him, and he knew the whispers of what he'd done today in the school corridor was now probably the juiciest gossip in weeks. But right at the moment, he just couldn't seem to care; and when Buffy, Willow and Oz had confronted him about it later on during the day, he'd just shrugged and said it had felt like the right thing to do at the time.
And Buffy and Willow's opinions about that were something which Xander definitely preferred not to think about, at the moment. As they'd thought he'd temporarily gone nuts, and both girls had seemed unable to understand what their friend had ever even seen in Cordelia. Not to mention, why he hadn't been able to find someone better...
All of a sudden though, Xander noticed Angel lurking within the club. ( Great, ) Harris thought to himself. ( The perfect way, to end the perfect day! Like I need to hear now what Dead Boy thinks! Soul or not, he's still a vampire. And I'm just dying to hear the thoughts of a bad guy in sheep's clothing- )
Then Xander froze. ( Whoa, I'm having a thought. Yeah, yeah, that's a thought. Now I'm having a plan. ) He looked up at the dim lights of the Bronze, ( And hopefully this time, I'm not gonna have a wiggins... )
Deciding what to do, the young man went over to talk to Angel. "Hey, Dead Boy. Nice weather we've been having lately, huh?"
Angel scowled, like he did whenever he heard that nickname. Barely noticing the human annoyance he just growled, "What do you want, Xander? I'm looking for Buffy-"
"Big surprise..." Xander trailed off though, surprised that he hadn't heard the derogatory thought from Angel's mind that he'd been expecting. "Well, whatever. Look, something's happened to me. And I've gotten myself an idea on how to deal with the Mayor..."
The ensouled vamp finally looked around at his companion. "What are you talking about?" Then he frowned, "And why the hell do you suddenly smell different?"
Xander looked a little shocked. "I do?" Then he winced, as the thoughts of the Bronze patrons became louder in his head. "Let's take this outside..."
The two men went out into the parking lot, and Harris proceeded to tell Angel everything. The vampire just stared and said, "You've gotten infected with a part of that demon? I've heard rumors about that sort of thing before...Xander, we need to tell Giles about this..."
The boy dismissed that, "Already taken care of, he and Weasley Wesley are workin' on a cure. Now look, what I wanted to discuss-"
But Angel interrupted, "Xander, I'm not sure you understand the seriousness of your situation. You could be in danger, you need to get rid of this demon attribute as soon as possible-"
Xander couldn't help it; he got mad at hearing yet another person think that he was incompetent to take care of himself. "Will you just shut up for a second, and listen to what I have to say?"
The vamp acquiesced, and Harris started to explain his plan. "Look, we got bupkus so far on what the Mayor's actually planning; your Oscar-worthy performance with Faith a while back didn't really get us anywhere, besides outing her as one of the black hats. But don't you see, what's happened to me - this is like the perfect opportunity to learn what we need to know, straight from the horse's mouth! Er, mind, but ya know what I mean..."
Angel was instantly astonished that this human child had come up with so simple, and yet so effective a plan. ( Then again, why should I be? After all - Harris came up with the idea for us to go save Buffy, that night she was inevitably destined to die. He came up with the idea of using a rocket launcher against the Judge. He came up with the idea of patrolling during Buffy's...sabbatical, last summer. So don't underestimate him. Angelus sure didn't... )
Finally the vampire decided to say, "It sounds dangerous..."
Xander instantly denied it, "Why? All I gotta do is get close enough, right? Guy will never even know I was there! All you gotta do is get the Mayor talkin' about what we need to learn, and I'll do the rest..."
Angel looked at the young man, as a thought suddenly came to him. "You haven't told Buffy or the others about your little idea yet, have you?"
Xander scowled, "Like you people tell ME everything?" He made a show out of rubbing his jaw, "Don't think I've forgotten about your little punch on the street that knocked me out last week! Bottom line is you owe me, Dead Boy. And here I am, wanting to collect."
Angel looked thoughtful, but said nothing. Xander got tired of waiting and asked, "So what's your answer? And by the by, how come I can't hear what you're thinking?"
The undead Champion replied absently, "You can't get into my mind, it's like the reflection in the mirror; the thoughts are there, but they create no echo within you..." Then he straightened up. "Answer me one question, and I'll help you."
A little surprised and somewhat giddy at his success, Xander replied without thinking, "Shoot!"
Angel asked, "What's the real reason you came to me with this, instead of Giles and the others?"
Harris instantly scowled. "Ask another question."
The vamp just stared at him, and with a sigh Xander relented, leaning against a car. "Fine. Look, we both know that if Buffy hears about this, she won't let me do it. And this needs to be done! You remember the whole fray-adjacent thing she and the others had going, the night the Hellmouth was opened by those freaky demon chicks a few months ago?"
A sigh. "Deep down - Buffy thinks I have no right to be involved in this sorta stuff, not anymore. I should have a 'normal' life," Xander said sarcastically. "And before you jump on in to defend her, let me just say that after spending today hearing what she and the others think...well, I've had to revise my opinions on a whole lotta stuff. And I've gotten more than a little worried about our favorite Slayer!"
"Why?" Angel instantly asked in concern.
Harris paused for a moment. "Well, after everything over the last three years...Buffy thinks that she has the entire weight of the world resting on her shoulders alone. That the rest of us might help, but we have no idea what it means to be her. To be the Slayer. It's like she's starting to develop a superiority complex, I tell you, and if something isn't done about that - well, I honestly don't know what's going to happen in a few years, at best..."
Angel narrowed his eyes. "Did you actually hear her think that?"
Xander looked away. "I didn't have to. Lately, Slay-gal's actions kinda speak louder than words."
Angel hesitated. ( If we do this and anything goes wrong - the entire gang will nail me up on a cross, just before dawn! But still, Xander's right - this needs to be done, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... ) "All right, then. Let's do it. But you do exactly what I say, when I say it - understand?"
Xander nodded silently. ( Onwards, into the breach... )
The Sunnydale High School library. Later, long after midnightAngel rushed into the so-called Bat Cave, holding a vial of glowing blue liquid. "Here it is..."
Giles instantly took it from him, and put it on a burner set up on the table. At that moment Buffy and her friends came charging in as well, demanding to know what was going on.
Especially Cordelia...
"This had better be important. That guy at the Bronze was not only majorly hot, he had a luxury BMW and a villa in Greece! Do you people have any idea what I'm sacrificing to be here?"
"The opportunity to become a trophy wife, to some rich asshole?" Willow sniped heatedly, unable to believe her attitude.
Cordelia sneered in return, "And I just hope you like giving birth to Oz's puppies one day, you little boyfriend-stealing skank!" The claws were out tonight, and both girls seemed very eager to get it on.
"Hey!" the redhead shouted back.
Oz raised an eyebrow, "I believe that's my 'hey', actually..."
Wesley suddenly shouted, "Will you all please cease this confounded prattle, and be quiet! Mr. Harris's sanity, not to mention life, is hanging in the balance at this very moment!"
Buffy looked shocked at his unexpected outburst, as did Willow and Cordelia. As for Oz, well, no one could tell how he felt about hearing that - as usual. But on the inside, he was just as concerned as the others were; for family is family.
"What the hell are you talking about?" the Slayer instantly demanded.
There was no time for explanations though, as Giles said, "It's ready-"
Angel instantly grabbed the potion, and started to feed it to Xander; who had been lying unnoticed on another table nearby, whimpering to himself. The girls were then slightly stunned to realize that they had totally missed out on his presence, while bitching at each other! The boy thrashed around, but the vampire kept pouring the stuff down his throat; then Xander collapsed unconscious.
Buffy and Willow looked on in mute horror as Cordelia demanded in sudden fear, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?" after she saw her ex maybe go into a coma.
Giles checked Xander out and said, "He's asleep, I think, which may or may not be a good sign. We'll, we'll just have to wait and see if it worked-"
Buffy started clamouring for explanations, Willow and Cordelia not far behind her. Giles got a frustrated look on his face, as did Wesley; and once again, both Watchers started polishing their glasses in tandem.
Oz commented on witnessing this, "Way you two do that in sync? Rather disconcerting."
Giles ignored the comment and started to explain everything, how Xander had been infected with a demon aspect and had become telepathic. Buffy was almost unable to believe it, "Giles, why the hell didn't you tell me about this before now!"
The British guy replied, "There wasn't time, I only just learned about it today - ah, make that yesterday morning. And Wesley and I were busy researching on how to cure Xander, which involved making that potion he just drank...containing the heart of that other demon, which I-I take it you helped Angel kill..."
Cordelia looked like she'd just had an epiphany. "So that's why the big dorkhead seemed to know exactly what I was thinking, when we talked in the hall!" Then she got a look of disgust, "I don't believe this, he violated my mind like that? What a freak and a loser!"
Queen C made no friends with that particular statement, but oddly enough it was Angel who was the one to defend his partner for the evening. He tried to describe it in a way she could understand, "Cordelia. If you're standing on the deck of a ship at night, and you suddenly get blinded from a lighthouse on the cliffs - who do you blame, yourself or the lighthouse keeper? Xander couldn't help hearing what you all think of him in the privacy of your minds, and he didn't ask for any of this..."
The vampire then shook his head, as he looked at the others. "Also - just my opinion, but now that Xander knows the pure unadulterated truth...you people are going to have a lot of groveling to do, if you want to stay friends with him."
"It's all quite fascinating if you think about it, really," Wesley put in with an academic tone. "In fact - it could be taken as evidence of, of why human beings have never evolved telepathy over the millennia. Our species would almost certainly have killed itself off a long time ago, if we'd known from the start exactly what we really think of one another-"
"Could we please focus here?" Buffy demanded, in no mood for a lecture. "Angel, what did you and Xander do tonight?"
The ensouled undead started to explain. "He came up with a plan, to get an up close and personal glimpse of the Mayor's thoughts-"
Buffy interrupted at once, "That was so stupid! Angel, what were you thinking - Xander could have gotten himself killed! Why didn't you tell me about this? I'd have never let him go through with that sort of insane idea-"
The words were spoken out of love and concern, yes, but to Angel...it was chilling to realize just how well Xander had been able to predict his beloved's response. ( Does this mean he's also right about the superiority complex thing? I'll need to discuss that with him... )
"What?" Buffy asked, seeing the look on his face.
Angel said slowly, "That's exactly why, Xander knew that you'd react this way. Buffy, he told me beforehand at the Bronze what you'd say just now...almost word for word. It's like he knew you better than you know yourself - and I guess it explains why he was annoyed about feeling that you almost treat him like a child..."
Buffy's face went white at the accusation, as she noticed everyone staring at her. "I, I don't! I just don't want him to get hurt-"
Wyndam-Pryce noted wryly, "A laudable sentiment, to be sure, and yet your desire to protect your friend would have cost us an invaluable opportunity to learn the enemy's plans. Wouldn't you say?"
Buffy did what Slayers always do, when feeling like they were under attack; she counterattacked and just snarled out, "Who the hell asked for your opinion, Mr. 'Screams Like A Girl'?"
Giles came up to the daughter of his heart, and put a hand on her shoulder. "Buffy, much as I am loath to admit it - Wesley does have a point."
Willow's eyes went huge. "What?" she almost whispered, unable to believe he'd said that.
For the redhead, the entire evening had been a pure nightmare that she hoped she'd wake up from soon. ( He knows what I think? Oh my God, does Xander hate me now? What am I gonna do, if he does? Wait, wait, just calm down... ) she babbled to herself.
Ignoring Willow's obvious panic attack Giles explained his position, "This is a war, by any other name. We need to utilize all our available assets if we are to triumph against the Mayor, and-and that includes Xander's new...ability. By trying to protect him...Buffy, you would have made a mistake. And Xander obviously knew it, too - the entire town, or possibly even the entire planet, could be at risk from Richard Wilkins..."
The beautiful blonde looked completely betrayed at hearing her mentor's words, but Oz just said, "Still needing the rest of the story, on what's happened to Xander."
Everyone glanced at the werewolf, but his face was imperturbable as always. Even though inside his mind Daniel was thinking, ( I am my thoughts. If they exist now in Xander as well, he contains everything that is me and becomes me. As with the others, he becomes us all. Does that mean we metaphorically cease to exist? )
But this was no time for metaphysics as Angel said immediately, "Well, after we left the Bronze I started tracking the Mayor's scent, and oddly enough - we found him visiting Faith at her new place. I knocked on the door; couldn't get in of course, she wasn't stupid enough to issue an invitation. But I got them both talking, and kept it going for as long as I could - so that Xander could get what we need to know, from his hiding spot on the balcony."
"And?" Giles asked at once.
"And then when I went to grab the guy to get us both outta there, I found Xander unconscious; he mustn't have been able to cope with all the voices in his head anymore..." He caught Buffy's eye. "Brought him back here, Wes and Giles told me what was needed, and you all pretty much know the rest."
Cordy looked over at Xander, and Wesley for one could see the sudden worry and concern that she tried to hide from everybody. "Is he gonna be okay?"
Giles shrugged. "Only time will tell."
Faith's apartment. The next day Faith the vampire Slayer was working out, when she heard a knock on the door. Annoyed, she stopped hitting the punching bag and went to answer it.The teenage girl then couldn't believe it, when she saw the donut boy of the Scooby gang standing there. "Are you nuts, coming here? How the hell did you even find me? And what do ya want?"
Xander just said in a monotone, "No. Angel. And to talk, as I've undergone a real life-changin' experience since yesterday. Can I come in?"
The brunette Slayer's interest was piqued, as Harris didn't sound like his normal joker self. So she purred in that deliciously throaty and sexy accent, "Sure. But whether or not you leave here outside of a body bag, pal - that's a whole 'nother matter..."
Xander said nothing as he entered the apartment, and she shut the door. Faith then said with a grin, "So, lemme guess. You're here to, uh, 'redeem' me, right? Or you just couldn't resist coming back for another taste of the old Slayer love?"
Harris just shook his head. "No, and no. Because I don't want to be reminded about what happened on your 16th birthday. Remember, that kinky fuck without the safe word?"
Faith lost the smile, at hearing his profanity. "How did you-? And do you kiss your momma with that mouth?"
But then Xander smiled. It was a bitter, mirthless smile; one that Faith had seen far too often in the mirror. He subsequently snorted, "I'm an orphan. I don't have parents."
The dark Slayer was confused, "But I've heard-"
Her one-time ex-lover instantly replied, "Let's just say I've had a deep and meaningful insight into the psyche of those two people, and as of last night? As far as I'm concerned, they didn't drink up the abortion money 19 years ago."
The Boston girl involuntarily felt a pang of sympathy at hearing that one, before she ruthlessly buried it. "Huh. So?"
Xander went on, "Got quite a story to tell ya, Faith. Might wanna sit down for it?" The Slayer just shook her head as he started to say, "See, it's kinda funny, but when Angel was here last night talking to you and the Mayor? So was I. And I heard everything."
Faith didn't get it. "So what?"
"Well, for starters, I got the complete skinny on what the hell Wilkins is really planning. He's going to become a pure demon soon, something called Olvikan that's the size of a whale or even bigger. And before you try to kill me for that? The gang knows everything I do already, so it's too late to shut me up that way. Oh, and as for how I learned this? I was able to read your little sugar daddy's mind."
Despite bristling on the inside at the insult to her boss Faith smirked, knowing that this was just another mind game and that Harris was a lousy liar. "Really? So if you're a mind-reader, wanna tell me what I'm thinking right now?"
Xander shrugged. "No can do, I don't have that power anymore-"
She sneered, "Likely story!"
Harris came a step closer. "It's the truth, that's how I learned what he's planning. Not to mention what Buffy and the rest of the gang really think of me..."
( Oh, now, what is this - trouble in Paradise? ) the brunette thought to herself in wicked amusement. ( Hmm, maybe I can use it to bring Boy Toy over to my side? For sure, B and the rest would never see that one coming... )
It was a waste of energy thinking that, though. Even if last night, despite Angel's warning about needing to grovel, Buffy hadn't been able to prevent herself from laying down the law to Xander after he'd woken up.
But then, the blonde Slayer had been stunned at the look Harris had sent her. The one she'd only ever seen on Xander's face once before; the night when he'd threatened to kill her, if Willow had ended up dead...
( Focus, ) Xander thought to himself. "Faith, I'm not kidding; I heard the Mayor last night in my head. And you wanna know the funny part? He loves you like a daughter. He'd do anything for you."
The girl raised her eyebrows. "Not exactly helping your case or getting me to see your point, stud. I already know all that-"
Xander riposted, "Yeah, but that's only half the story. See, good ol' Dick has also been planning the Ascension gig for over 100 years, and sad fact is - if it comes down to a choice between it and you? Well. I got me no doubts on which one he'd pick. What's your take on that?"
Faith sneered again, "Assuming I even believe you, why the hell would that be a consideration? He knows that I'm on his side!"
Harris shook his head. "I heard dear Richard plan a big surprise for Angel, because of the little visit here last night. Mystical poison known as "Killer of the Dead"; it's a particularly slow and horrible way to get a vamp to become dust. And ya know what the kicker is? There's only one cure. To completely drain the blood of a Slayer."
The Chosen One was starting get a little uneasy. "I've heard enough of your bullshit-"
Xander had a poker face that Oz would have been proud of, as he interrupted her. "The poison exists, and the Mayor has some. We both know that you can find that much out for yourself - right? As for what Wilkins does with it..."
Faith was looked uneasy as the former class clown continued, "Oh, I have your attention now? Good. Well, naturally of course, I've warned Dead Boy and the others about it - but there's still a chance that he'll get hit by that crap, before Graduation day. In fact, Mayor'll probably get you to do it! And if that happens..."
Suddenly, a cruel smirk appeared on Xander's face. "What do you think the chances are Buffy will selectively forget all about that pesky "no-killing-humans" rule, and just feed your ass to Angel? Because hey, if it ever came down to choosing between you and him? Well, these days that's pretty much a no-brainer..."
The Slayer involuntarily took a step back, as Xander came forward. "Faith. I know you don't take me seriously, but I'm not joking - the Mayor can't win anymore. We know exactly what he's planning for the Ascension, if not all the precise details, and he's gonna get his ass kicked to kingdom come. I don't see any point in you letting yourself die along with him...so that's why I want you to have this."
Harris reached into his interior jacket pocket, as Faith tensed up instantly. But all he brought out was a piece of paper, that he placed in her hand.
She demanded, "What is this?" Her eyes then went wide, "A bus ticket?"
Xander nodded. "Paid for it myself. Get out of Sunnydale, Faith. Right now, and don't come back. 'Cause if Buffy and the Watchers get ahold of you, they won't be making this offer."
Faith suddenly turned belligerent, "And just why would you do this for me, huh? You think I'll make you my boy toy again for the night, as thanks for this little heads-up? You really want to risk your life, going at it with a murderer?"
Xander's face was like stone. "I'm doing this for a variety of reasons, but that ain't one of 'em. Firstly, I'm doing this for you; because you were my first, and even though that means nothing to you - it still means something to me..."
The girl was silent as he continued, "I'm also doing it for Buffy, as despite recent developments - I don't want to see her squash her morals for Dead Boy, and kill for him. Because that would...well, let's just say that there would be nothing left of the girl I once fell in love with if that ever happened, and I prefer not to have things come to that."
Harris finished up, "And finally, I'm doing it for all the people you might help save later on, if you just hit the road here..." Xander frowned, "Besides, you're not a murderer; I mean as far as I know, you haven't deliberately killed anyone yet. Have you?"
Faith demanded, "Oh, and that asshole Allan Finch was what, a bit of foreplay?"
Xander shook his head. "I heard you thinkin' about him last night, actually. How you don't care about that anymore. But just my opinion, that was unpremeditated manslaughter and not murder-one. Besides - didn't Mayor MacDemon make all that go away for you already?"
The male teenager smiled that bitter smile again, and stepped back. "Goodbye, Faith. I gotta go, 'cause they're serving my favorite Jell-O for lunch today at school. So here's hoping I never see you again...firecracker."
And with that, Xander left the apartment without looking back once.
Faith watched him go, and then stared around the place in almost a panic; before appearing to come to some sort of decision. She started stuffing things into a couple of bags, before grabbing the bus ticket out of her pocket.
The Slayer then muttered, "Screw it. If he's a liar, I'll be back to kill his ass, and if he's not...well, sorry boss, but I gotta look after number one first and foremost here..."
She then banged her way out of the apartment, the truth of Xander's words beginning to haunt Faith's mind mercilessly.
Angel's mansion. Later that day After the little saga with the homicidal lunch lady and the suicidal boy called Jonathan Levinson was over and done with, Xander skipped the rest of school and came to visit his undead acquaintance. He said to the vampire, "I've been thinking. And thing is, I've never actually said thanks for all the times you've helped saved my life, have I?"Angel shrugged, "No."
Harris then said slowly, "Thank you, Dead Boy. And not just for what happened last night, but for all the occasions when Angelus wasn't on the loose trying to kill everybody."
The former Irishman could feel the sincerity of the barbed gratitude, but it troubled him. Just as much as he was troubled by the fact that Harris had emotionally distanced himself from all his friends, and more importantly...that he hadn't cracked a single joke in all the time since he'd come out of that telepathic delirium.
Normally, Angel would have approved of the transformation, taking it as an indicator that the human was finally growing up. But Buffy's distress and Willow's unshed tears over the fact that 'he's just not acting like Xander anymore!' prevented him from doing that.
So the vamp simply said to the Harris boy, "Think nothing of it."
Xander shook his head. "There's some stuff I gotta tell you - so, no can do. It's about Joyce. See, she doesn't like you."
Angel shrugged again. "I know."
"Nope, I don't think you do. Not really. On account of I know what she thinks of you, first-hand. Joyce wants you and Buffy to split up, and I know for a fact she'll be here any time now - to get you to break it off with her."
The 246-year-old creature looked at Xander. "Why are you telling me this? I'd have thought you'd be jumping up and down in glee at the news..."
Harris frowned. "Last week I would have, sure, but things are different now. Look Angel, the truth is we don't like each other; and most likely, we never will. Because soul or no soul, I just don't trust vampires. But what Joyce intends to do...well, majorly ironic, but it's not in Buffy's best interests."
Angel cocked his head, surprised at Xander's honesty. If nothing else, his little adventure seemed to have radically sharpened his ability to cut through to the heart of any matter that he deemed important. "How so?"
"You're an asset in the fight, as long as you've got your soul intact. Kinda like a pet Doberman, one that you know might turn on its owner - after a little too much affection! And Joyce isn't...well, she's thinking like a mother. It's not her fault, really, woman can't help it. But she wants you out of Buffy's life - because you symbolise everything that she doesn't want her daughter associated with."
"I see..."
Xander then grinned that mirthless smile, which his friends had all begun to hate recently. "Not to mention the fact that you had your wicked vampire way with her baby girl's virginity, and trust me - that's something that Joyce will never forget. I'd say the only way you could ever get her to truly accept you would be to turn human, and marry the Buffster. But what are the odds of that ever happening, huh?"
Angel just stared at him, when at that moment they heard the front door creak as Joyce entered the Crawford Street mansion. Xander checked his Tweety watch, "Almost right on time..."
After the middle-aged woman found them, Harris stayed out of the conversation until Joyce said, "I'm here because quite frankly, I'm worried. Angel, I don't need to tell you that you and Buffy both come from two different worlds, do I?"
The vamp shook his head. "No."
Joyce sighed, "Buffy's grown up so fast, and had to deal with so much. And when it comes to you, Angel, she's just like any other young woman in love; you're all she can see of tomorrow. But we both know-"
Xander interrupted, "You want him to break up with her. Leave town and never see her again, preferably."
Mrs. Summers had almost forgotten Xander was there, and looked a little startled at his bluntness. "Well, I..." she trailed off.
Angel asked, "May we speak frankly?"
She nodded, "Of course."
But the undead guy solemnly shook his head. "Please consider that question more carefully, Joyce. Because a lot of what I suspect Xander has to say...I honestly don't think you want to hear it."
Joyce stared at them both and eventually said, "I'm listening."
Angel paced a little. "Did you know that recently, Xander had the ability to read minds?"
The Summers woman was confused, "What?"
Harris shrugged, "It's true, ask Buffy if you don't believe him. I can't do it anymore, but I told Angel that you were planning on coming here today. And more to the point, why."
Now Joyce looked startled. ( He's read my mind? Oh...OH... ) "I see."
"I'm not so sure about that," Angel replied.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
The vampire stopped pacing. "I've been giving the argument some thought, and it's true that Buffy does deserve some semblance of a normal life. But the problem is, she's the Slayer."
Joyce looked annoyed at hearing this. "I know that-"
The male teen instantly interrupted, "No you don't, Mrs. S. Not deep down where it matters, anyway." Xander nodded to Angel, who went into his demon face.
Joyce yelped and jumped back, as the vamp quickly morphed back into his human mask. "That's what your daughter fights every night, Joyce," the immortal creature told her.
She gulped, "I knew that too."
Xander shook his head. "But you still can't accept the truth that as a Slayer, odds are certain Buffy won't live long enough to see grandchildren. Probably not long enough to have kids either, even if the only guy she wants to have them with wasn't a walking corpse. I won't sugarcoat this for you; Slayers die young, and they die violent deaths. Don't delude yourself, you convincing Dead Boy to leave Buffy won't change that - it'll only make it happen that much sooner."
Joyce almost felt her blood boil, as she glared at Xander; but the infuriating man-child looked completely unimpressed with her expression. "That's not the point-"
Angel interrupted, "Then what is? Joyce, I'm not sure if you know, but Buffy's already died once. Luckily, Xander and I were there to bring her back. So you need to understand, your daughter needs all the allies she can get in this never-ending war she fights - no matter what the Council has to say about it..."
He sighed, or at least appeared to. "You're both right in thinking that I can't give her a normal life, or children, or any of the things that she deserves. And despite what you two may think, I love Buffy enough to give her up, to let her find someone else who can take her out into the daylight. That's why I intend to break up with her, and stay away from now on...except for the nightly patrols..."
Angel paused. "On account of Xander's right, my presence does help keep her alive. And that's all that matters, in the end. So Joyce, I won't be leaving town...whatever else happens."
Mrs. Summers just looked thoughtful, and then she headed for the exit. Before she left though, the woman turned back and said, "Thank you both for looking after my little girl."
Angel replied, "You're welcome."
But Xander said nothing, completely lost in thought - as he started to contemplate his own future.
Sunnydale, California. June, 1999The chaos effect caused by the demon blood splashing onto Xander, not Buffy, caused some major wrinkles - but let other things remain as they'd been destined to be.
Angel broke up with his girlfriend, and the blonde Slayer grieved in horrible pain. And there was nothing she and Willow could do about it - except indulge in lots and lots of ice cream...
The hellhounds of Tucker Wells still came and attacked the dress shop Cordelia had been working at, ever since she'd lost everything. However, her pre-attack talk with Xander had been less...strained...than it otherwise would have been. For the former couple had come to a truce of sorts, after the mind-reading thing.
They were more-or-less civil to each other, in fact - more rather than less. For Xander had still faithfully hidden Cordelia's money troubles from Wesley and the others, even though he'd had motive and opportunity enough to completely destroy her social standing.
Later, Miss Chase was glad Xander could no longer hear her thoughts; as unlike in a world where Buffy had gotten infected that way, Cordy was now rather conflicted on the topic of her ex-boyfriend.
Because they had had a talk, a few days after Joyce had spoken to Angel. And with his new penchant for the blunt truth, Harris had told her everything; how the clothes fluke with Willow had started - to the bitter end in the factory, before Cordy had almost been gutted by that rebar.
It had burned Cordelia badly, far more than she would ever admit, to learn that those two had made out in the stacks within the library. Almost in the very same spot that Willow had caught her and Xander, ten months before! But oddly, the Chase girl was somewhat comforted by the fact that Xander and Willow had also been trying to end it, that they'd had some sort of spell in mind before Spike had kidnapped them both that horrible night.
Cordelia had also been rather touched, when her ex had bought her that prom dress. She'd begun to think that maybe the big dweeb knew her a bit better than she had originally thought. And while most would just assume Cordy would only have wanted to attend to try and win the Prom Queen award, she'd just wanted to be there.
As to her, senior Prom was not just another school dance; it was a rite of passage, and meant passing beyond the cusp of childhood to enter the real world.
Still, most of the student body were stunned when Cordelia and Xander shared one slow dance together that night, and the gossip mill started to work overtime again - sending the brunette girl's upward mobility crashing back down to earth.
The truce between those two did have one major thorn in it, though; Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. Although Xander was grateful to the man for helping save his life, the teenager still thought Wes was just the Council's lackey - who held impure intentions towards his former honey. Cordelia didn't view him quite so harshly...
But as thanks for the dress, she didn't attempt to flirt with the young Watcher in front of Harris like that anymore.
The relationship between the core Scooby gang members had continued to slide though, unfortunately. Willow especially apologized for everything. Even things from back when she and Xander were just little kids! The guy tried to get her to stop, but at times it was if Willow's tongue truly just would not stop babbling...
Buffy too tried in her own way to apologize, but she also kept trying to rationalize her actions and thoughts. As she was the Slayer, so she must have had a good reason for doing and thinking as she did. At least, that was what she told herself at nights, when she thought about the way that Xander had looked at her - whenever the subject of that evening came up...
The thing that had made up Xander's mind though was when the more upset Willow got at his distance, the more upset towards him Buffy became. The blonde champion wanted the matter to be put to rest and forgotten, not so all three of them could be best friends again - but because Willow was not taking it well.
( It's what best friends do for each other, ) Xander had thought at the time. ( Buffy takes Willow's side, and Willow takes Buffy's. Sad as, but I'm obviously not a major consideration now. Ah, well... )
Xander had then taken a lesson from some things he remembered about his soldier possession. 'No matter what you think personally of the people you're deployed with, only the mission result matters'. As such, he became focused only on stopping the Mayor. And soon enough, the only times the girls saw Xander Harris was in class, or at the library.
Another wrinkle that had popped up was that Angel was never shot with that poison arrow, since the Mayor was briefly occupied attempting to find the missing Faith. Thus, the time never came when the Watchers refused to give the Scoobies the cure for that mystical poison; and so, Buffy was never enraged enough to quit the Council.
Funnily enough, the suits from England had actually even come through with extra support when they'd needed it. The transformed Mayor got taken care of, with only small numbers of student casualties.
People who would have died, didn't.
And so it had all led up to this moment, a few days after graduation. Xander was loading up his car, as he prepared to leave the Hellmouth; basically the high school graduate was getting the hell out of Dodge, unable to take the strain of his friends wanting the 'old' Xander back any longer.
All of a sudden though, a man dressed like 1970's pimp with a distinctive hat on his head walked up to the boy. "You Xander Harris?"
The human's spider-sense started tingling. "Who wants to know?"
"Name's Whistler-" the balance demon started to say, in that tell-tale Queens accent.
Then Whistler was honestly surprised at the speed with which Xander slammed him against the 1957 Chevy Bel Air. "Hey, hey, hey! I'm not here to fight, kid!"
Xander just snarled, "You're that demon who Buffy met a year ago, right? The same one that originally sicced Angel onto her?"
Whistler prevaricated, "I wouldn't put it quite like that-"
"I would. Funny thing how I prefer the honest truth from people nowadays, even demon people like you!"
The demon smirked, "And that's led to consequences, kid, you know that - right? The major players upstairs, they're really upset with you right now. So I'm thinkin', God help you in the afterlife..."
Xander just looked at him, before letting the balance demon go. "What do you want?"
Whistler ignored that. "Harris, listen to me real careful-like. Everything that's happened the last month or so, it's caused chaos. And all because of that darn Chaos demon! Well, never mind him now. But what you've done - kid, trust me. You guys were never supposed to close the Hellmouth at this point in time, with the assistance of that coven from England-"
"You're a demon, so pardon me if I don't believe a thing you say," Xander interrupted sarcastically. "But what the hell, just for the sake of argument. Why not? I heard from Wilkins' mind how he'd created it back in the 19th century, and how it could be sealed off at the exact moment of the Ascension - by doing the rituals in reverse. So where's the downside?"
Whistler told him, "The Cleveland Hellmouth is now active, for one."
Xander shrugged. "I know that. But Buffy, Giles, Wesley and Angel are gonna be headed there soon. Wouldn't surprise me if Joyce joined them as well..."
The 'Boogie Nights' wannabe went on, "For another? Closing the Hellmouth, people are no longer repressing around here. That's why best guesstimate is, by the end of the year? Sunnydale will be a ghost town!"
Harris smiled, "And that's a problem, why? Anyway, I'm not gonna be here to see it. I'm headed to LA."
"So I heard..." the demon mused. "Decided not to go on the old road trip, huh? Saved up all your money for living in the projects?"
Xander just glared at him. Whistler then asked, "Tell me, you given any thought on what's gonna happen to your friends, now that UC Sunnydale is in the process of relocating - from the lack of money and people?"
Xander raised his eyebrows. "My friends? Buffy, you know. Cordy's gonna leave town to go try her hand at acting, and I wish her all the luck in the world on that. Willow and Oz? They should do fine in Cleveland, or Oxford, or wherever the hell they're gonna go to college. What's your point?"
Whistler shook his head. "Well, jeez, look at you. You really don't care that much, do ya?"
Harris scowled. "That's none of your business."
"Wrong, kid. I'm makin' it my business. Tell me why you're abandoning them."
Xander sighed, having the feeling that this jerk would never stop hassling him until he got an answer. "Look...Whistler. There was a time I never would have left their side, no matter what. But once I knew what the gang really thought of me...well, it was kinda inevitable that we go our separate ways."
"And why's that, exactly?"
Suddenly, the floodgates opened. "Bottom line? Thanks to that damn demon - I learned without a doubt that Buffy, Willow and the others didn't respect me for who and what I was, however much they loved me. The closest thing to respect I had from any of the white hats? It came from Angel, believe it or not, and I simply couldn't get past that! I mean - they apologized and all, and I still love the ol' Scooby gang, but it's like knowing about the vamps and demons out there - you just can't forget the truth-"
Whistler interrupted, "Oh, you want the truth? Okay, here it is. You screwed up. Big time! Thanks to your little speech to the Slayer's mom, and Rat Breath-"
The human frowned. "You mean Angel?"
"Yeah, the guy you love to call Dead Boy. Catchy, but unoriginal ya know! Anyway, point is he wasn't supposed to stay with Little Miss Goldilocks; there was a whole big destiny thing, waiting for him in Los Angeles. But now that's gone completely up the creek with a paddle, thanks to you!"
"Tough," Xander replied with brutal honesty. "It may suck for you, but that's not my problem. And if there's an apocalypse or whatever scheduled, you need the supernatural heroes - not the normal people like me. So why the heck are we having this conversation?"
Whistler smirked, "Glad you asked..."
All of a sudden, the demon touched Xander - and the guy screamed in agony, as his body glowed with a bright white light that seemed to emanate from within.
After the man in the hat removed his hand, Xander recovered and grabbed Whistler again, "What the hell did you just do to me!" he yelled.
Whistler simply said, "Actions have consequences, kid, so consider yourself drafted as one of the supernatural heroes. So that you can help clean up the mess you made! And to technically answer your question, you just got the old hyena strength back, not to mention a few extra goodies; enhanced sight, smell, vamp-level healing. That sorta thing..."
"I won't be anyone's puppet, least of all yours..." Harris growled, ready to punch his lights out. "Change me back, before I kill you!"
Whistler ignored the death threat, he'd heard them all before anyway. "When you get to the City of Angels, your new seer will find you, tell ya what you gotta do. So, good luck 'n all-"
"You're not listening to me, you polyester-wearing demon asshole! I said change me back, as in right the hell now! Or you're dog meat!" Harris definitely had murder in his eyes.
But Whistler had an ace up his sleeve. "If I did change you back? Your old girlfriend is dead by the end of September!"
That stopped Xander cold. "What?" he demanded, as the youth tightened his grip on the demon.
The balance demon replied simply, "Yeesh, I gotta go into details? Fine. You're the one that's been selected to take over the Stink Guy's big destiny, and that means saving the life of one Cordelia Chase! Because she's got quite the destiny as well. You two'll see what I mean, when the time comes..."
"What?" Then Xander's expression changed, as he pushed the demon from him. "I don't believe you. This is all just a big con, and hey - I'm not buying into it!"
Whistler smirked, "You're very suspicious. Good, it'll keep ya alive longer. But look, kid, I'm a balance demon; I'm not on anyone's side, I'm just doing my job. You, you're the white knight hero type; go do your job in Los Angeles. Or I swear you'll be blaming yourself for letting the cheerleader die, for the rest of your life."
Xander stared at the demon. Then he heard the loud air horn of a truck honk out almost right behind him, and without thinking he looked away. But when Harris looked back - Whistler was gone.
"Crap! He's another guy I definitely need to put a bell on..."
With nothing else to do Xander finished loading up the car, emptying Faith's old hotel room that he'd been staying at - ever since that thing with his former parents. Afterwards he got into the vehicle, and started it up...
But then Harris sat there for a while, the engine idling. ( This is freakin' unbelievable. So, now what do I do? Stay? Go? What? )
Suddenly, he started laughing. Xander said to himself in the mirror, "Well. The Zeppo ain't exactly that no more, and he supposedly got himself a big ol' destiny too, huh? Who'd a-thunk it? Not me. Not you. Man, there go my dreams of just becoming a fireman or whatever! Oh, what the hell - I'm screwed any way you look at it, so there's no point in putting it off any longer..."
Still laughing to himself, Xander Harris put the car in gear and started to drive out of town, heading towards Los Angeles.
Towards his awaiting destiny, that held many different truths - and just as many consequences.