Title: Surprise Landing

Series: Winter Tidings

Author: Jmaria

Rating: PG

Summary: You really should look before you leap

Pairing: FFA #986 Buffy Summers / Sam Beckett (Quantum Leap)

Surprise Landing

The fist collided heavily with his jaw. Sam groaned as he slumped backwards. It always seemed like he was getting hit when he leaped. A tiny blonde woman stood over him, her hands held up in front of her, probably preparing to hit him again.

"Oh boy."

"Oh boy is right, you weird creepy naked man." The blonde retorted.

"Creepy?"

"Yeah, all bright flashy lights and poof - instant naked guy in an alley." The blonde rolled her eyes, "I've had quite enough of instant naked guy to last me a lifetime, thank you very much."

"Al!" Sam groaned, pulling his knees up

"Huh?"

"Sam-" Al appeared beside him just then.

"Al, thank God. What's going on?" Sam demanded

"Well, you leaped - but something was wrong -"

"Whose body am I in?"

"Your own. She sees you as you."

"Who is she?"

"If you're quite done talking to yourself, maybe I can answer that. I'm Buffy Summers, and you would be who?" Buffy said huffily.

"Sam Beckett."

Al started punching in the information, his cigar propped between his lips. Sam wished he'd hurry up and figure out what he was supposed to do.

"Ask her what year it is. The name's popping up a lot of classified information, but if we can pinpoint."

"Um, you wouldn't mind telling me what year and month it is?"

"It's December 1998. Christmas Eve, actually. What's this all about?"

"Amnesia." Sam lied quickly.

"Ok, let her go - something really important happens in a few hours. She needs to stop it. Tell her you're going to the hospital."

"I should let you get on with your night. I - I'll just get myself home."

"You sure -" Buffy blinked, suddenly remembering that she needed to find Angel before he did something horrible. "That's a good plan. Good luck with that."

She skirted around Sam and raced out into the night. Sam felt that familiar tug of the leap.

"I hate dealing with the Hellmouth." Al muttered. "Always junks up the works."