Chapter 13: It's Raining Jobs
*****England*****
Lydia was having a fascinating conversation with Mr. Giles when Malia dragged her out of his study.
"We have things to see, Lydia. You can talk to him later," Malia said.
"Malia, do you know much knowledge of the supernatural is in that man's brain?" Lydia asked. "There's not a single person in our entire hometown that can come close—not even Deacon."
"So you can talk to him later," Malia said, impatiently. "Or better yet, get his email address. You can be his pen pal. He's used to hot young girls asking him questions all day!" Then she grabbed Lydia's hand and pulled her down the hall.
"What's the rush?" Lydia asked.
"We have to rescue Scott," Malia said.
"From what?" Lydia wondered as Malia opened a door.
"From all of them," Malia said, glaring at the room full of slayers. They were lining up, pushing and shoving for a chance to spar with the hot young alpha, who came to visit.
Lydia laughed. "So are you jealous, Malia?" she asked.
Malia frowned. "Jealous? I don't know. I've never felt jealous before," she said.
"Does it make you mad to see all those women touching Scott?" she asked.
"Yes, I want to scratch their eyes out," she said.
"Yep, you're definitely jealous," Lydia announced. "Why don't you offer to spar with some of them?"
"I'd rather get Scott and go," she said.
"Then go take your man," Lydia said with a grin.
Malia did just that. She elbowed her way through the prong of girls, decked two of them and then shoved the last one out of the way. "No more man handling my man!" she growled, turning on the group and flashing her were eyes at them.
"Hey, she's a were, too," one of the girls said.
"Why aren't you sparring?" another said.
Kennedy came in. "Okay, bitches, get back from the weres," she ordered.
"Malia didn't like the attention Scott was giving all these ladies," Lydia said.
"They don't get to spend time with guys who can keep up with them on a physical level," Kennedy said.
"I can tell," Lydia said. "Malia wants to do some more sightseeing. Do you have a slayer that could help play tourist?"
"Yes, Susie can. She's from here, so I'll go get her," Kennedy said.
After Malia put down one slayer and lost to another, Lydia pulled her aside. "Kennedy has someone to play tour guide, so let's go," she said.
They untangled themselves from the slayers, who loved fighting and testing their strength almost as much as they loved slaying monsters and headed out.
Scott was deeply amused by Malia's jealousy. "Babe, green is a sexy color on you," he said, pulling her in for a kiss.
Malia was puzzled by the comment, so she didn't really return his kiss. "I'm not wearing green," she said.
Lydia laughed. "He meant you were jealous, and your display of jealousy turns him on," Lydia said. Although she didn't mind being the third to their twosome, sometimes she really missed her Stiles.
"If I was in a mob of hot guys, you'd not like it either," Malia said sourly.
"No, I would not," Scott said, pulling her close for another kiss.
"Hey, guys, do you think before we go home to Beacon Hills, we can stop by and visit Stiles?" Lydia asked.
"Sure," Scott said. "I'm sure he's getting into all kinds of trouble without us."
"I just don't want to wait until Thanksgiving to see him," Lydia said.
"By the time we get home, it'll almost be Thanksgiving," Malia pointed out.
"So we'll bring him back home with us," Lydia said with a shrug.
"Guys, this is Susie," Kennedy said. "She said she would be happy to show you around."
Susie was not nearly as predatory as the other slayers they met. She looked to be around twenty with brown hair and a warm smile. There wasn't the in your face beauty many of the slayers had, but there was something reassuring about her. Malia, who rarely liked anyone the first time she met them, liked her immediately.
"Good. Let's go," Malia said. She turned and walked toward the exit with her boyfriend following her.
"It's nice to meet you, Susie," Lydia said. "I'm Lydia. The guy being dragged by his girlfriend is Scott."
Susie smiled. "Are all werecoyotes as abrupt as Malia?" Susie wondered.
Lydia fell in step with her and shook her head. "No. She actually was stuck in her coyote form from the time she was nine until she just a few years ago," Lydia said. "She has no patience for social niceties."
"Most slayers don't either," Susie said. "Americans, of course, are often the worse at ignoring social convention."
As they came out of the slayer house, one of the people watching them made a call.
"They're with a slayer," the guy said.
"Why would vampires slayers care about werewolves?" his leader wondered.
"I don't know. What do you want me to do?" he asked.
"Well, Patrick, I don't think it's a good idea to kill a slayer. Not when there's so many of them now," he replied.
"That's true," Patrick said. "But Ed, we might never get a chance like this. The Alpha is just walking around our city."
"Rumor is that this McCall guy is a true alpha," Ed said. "Do you know what that means?"
"No," Patrick admitted.
"It means that he is alpha not because he murdered another and absorbed their power, but he is alpha because of the strength of his character," Ed said. "Is this what we've come to now? Murdering werewolves who lead without bloodshed?"
"But Monroe has rallied hunters all over that used to follow Gerard Argent. She wants all weres killed without exception," Patrick said. "She's seen what they can do when left unchecked."
"Is genocide the solution, though? Do we have a right to wipe out an entire species?" he asked. "We keep down the tiger and wolf population because they're dangerous to humanity, but no one really wants to see them disappear off the planet. Do we have the right to play God?"
"I don't know," Patrick said. "That's above my pay grade."
"I'm going to let this go to a vote," Ed said. "Whatever the council decides, we will do."
"Do you want me to keep following them?" Patrick asked.
"Yes," Ed said. "We must know where they are at all times."
Patrick said goodbye and followed the slayer into the subway tunnel.
Susie paused, sensing something.
"What's wrong?" Lydia asked.
"I don't know," she said, looking around. There were too many people around them for her to get a read, however.
Shaking her head, she kept going, not seeing Patrick, who was on his cell phone walking several yards behind them. He pretended to speak on the phone as he kept them in his sights.
She also didn't see the other man who was following them, but she knew something was out there. However, it was daytime, so she didn't worry too much about it.
*****Beacon Hills*****
Xander went down to breakfast ready with his bag packed. His two girls were waiting for him.
"What are you doing here so early, Buffy?" he asked.
"Willow got up and made breakfast," Buffy said. "I wanted to eat with you before you left for you two weeks training."
"I still can't believe you're going to be a deputy," Willow said.
"I'm tired of moving, Will," Xander said with a shrug. "This place is going to be our home, and the Sheriff really needs help. I like Jordan, and it's great to be around people that are in the know. The actual sheriff knows about the supernatural and does everything he can to help. This is like the best place ever. Plus, it's so much warmer than Cleveland!"
Buffy laughed. "That's true," she said.
Oz came in with the baby. "I smell bacon," he said.
"I cooked breakfast," Willow said.
"Cool," Oz said.
They sat down and had breakfast. Willow fed Will some scrambled eggs while Xander showed Buffy his training schedule.
"I don't like all the guns, but Beacon Hills isn't Sunnydale," she said. "And I do trust Noah."
"Derek trusts him, right?" Willow asked.
Buffy nodded. "He does," Buffy said. "He said that he and Chris Argent have never let him down. Argent is the brother of Kate, the crazy woman who seduced him as a teenager and then trapped his family in the house while she set it on fire."
"It's surprising that he'd ever trust that woman's brother," Xander said.
"He didn't at first," Buffy said. "But he said that Argent has chosen their side again and again. First, he did so because his daughter Allison was in love with Scott. Then he did so to honor her after she died protecting her friends."
"She wasn't yet eighteen, right?" Willow asked.
Buffy nodded. "Yes. She was an incredible archer Derek said," she shared.
"That's too young to die," Willow said sadly.
"Isn't Argent dating Scott's mom?" Xander asked.
"That's what Scott told me," Buffy said.
"You guys are turning into a bunch of old hens," Oz said with a grin.
"Are suggesting we should stop gossiping?" Xander said, his eyes wide.
Oz chuckled. "Never," he said.
"We're not gossiping," Willow said quickly.
"Of course, we're not," Buffy said with a bright smile. "We are just sharing information about our new friends."
"That's right," Willow agreed.
Xander laughed. "Okay, I'm out of time," he said. "I love you all, but I need to go. Jordan is driving me to the training site."
"Oh, Jordan is, huh?" Willow asked with a grin. "What else does Jordan do?"
Xander blinked. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"You better go, Xander. Don't wait for her to answer," Oz said with a knowing grin.
"Yes, leave, so we can not gossip about you and your new pal Jordan," Buffy added, winking at him.
Xander rolled his eyes and bent to kiss the baby. "Oz, I leave these crazy women in your hands. I'll see you all at Thanksgiving," he said.
"See you," Oz said.
"Well, it's time for us to go to school and deal with the staff meeting," Buffy said, looking at the time. She stood up and hugged Xander, and Willow did the same.
A half hour later, Buffy and Willow was at the staff meeting, listening to Mrs. Martin tell the teachers about the new zero tolerance policy she was going to enforce.
"No longer can we allow mob mentality to rule this school," she said. "I dropped the ball with Mrs. Monroe. That's on me. But some of you have been allowing students to bully, harass and even hurt other students. That's going to stop, or you'll be asked to leave."
"What do you mean?" the history teacher asked.
"I mean I will be issuing write-ups to any teacher I see fostering discrimination," Natalie said.
"Seriously?" the volleyball coach asked.
"Look, we know this school has some special students with aspects that are not normal, but we don't want what happened to Mason to happen to anyone else," Natalie said. "Mason's not supernatural. He's just friends with some who are. Also, he's African American and openly gay. What happened to him is considered a hate crime by every definition of the term."
"Not to mention, Liam was jumped by several other students in the middle of class, and the teacher didn't even try to protect him," Buffy added, looking at the woman in question, Mrs. Finch, the biology teacher.
"He was instigating fights. He's a powder keg," she said defensively.
"There's never a justification for allowing a student to get beat by several others," Buffy said, giving her a look of disgust.
Other teachers started commenting, either defending or condemning Mrs. Finch. Natalie tried to stop it, but everyone was ignoring her.
"Silence!" Willow said, using her magic slightly.
Everyone shut up and sat back down. Some looked confused while a few flashed Willow a frightened look.
"Thank you, Willow," Natalie said. "Mrs. Finch, I want to see you in my office before first period begins. Ms. Summers, please join us. The rest of you, I've told you what I expect. If you don't like it, turn in your resignation. This school will be one of order. It is to be a safe place for students—all of them. My daughter was shot, did everyone forget that? Scott McCall's house was shot up by students that attend this school and by other adults in our community. Tamara Monroe—our school counselor—was leading a revolution of hate and violence. I allowed it to continue too long, so I'm not putting the blame on all of you. However, my eyes are wide open now, and things must change." She paused and looked at everyone who would meet her eyes.
"Now I don't care what your politics are or if you are personally horrified, fascinated, or scared of the werewolves and other supernatural beings we all know exist in this town. I've been told by experts who know these things that Beacon Hill will continue to attract dark creatures—things much more dangerous than werewolves."
"I've already seen both demons and vampires in this town," Buffy said bluntly. It was refreshing to be able to tell things the way they were instead of protecting the innocence. No one in this town was innocent anymore. Not after the Ghost Riders and the Hunters went through the place, stirring up so many things.
"Seriously?" Bobby asked. "Vampires are real?"
"I'm afraid so," Buffy said.
"Okay, this is too much for me!" Mrs. Finch exclaimed, rising. "I can't be in this school or this town a minute longer." Seven other teachers got up and followed her.
Natalie sighed, afraid that would happen. She lost two coaches, one science teacher, one math, one computer, one home-economics teacher, one history, and the music teacher.
"Those of you that are staying, I appreciate your commitment," she said to the twenty-five who remained. "We're going to call in some subs and figure out what to do with the classes of those that left, but we'll get through it. Thanks for all that you do. It's time for class."
The teachers filed out. Willow, Buffy, Bobby, and Pam stayed. "That went about as well as I expected," Buffy said.
"Really? You expected eight teachers to walk out?" Bobby asked.
"I expected ten or more actually," Buffy said. "This is good. We're getting rid of those that can't handle the new atmosphere we're trying to create."
"Willow, I guess that computer spot has opened up," Natalie said. "I might need you to give up one of your planning periods to teach a math course. Can you handle that?"
"You should let Oz do the math, and I'll take a science period of Mrs. Finch's," Willow said. "Oz is better at math than I am."
"Oz doesn't work in the mornings, though, so we'll get subs and start posting for teachers," Natalie said.
"How about we turn two periods of the music class into a self-defense course?" Buffy said.
"Until we get a full-time teacher, that will be fine," Natalie said. "She only taught three classes here. Then she spent time at the middle school and elementary."
"It's sad that the music programs keep getting cut," Willow said.
"Not the time, Will," Buffy said.
"I know—I was just saying," Willow muttered.
"Buffy, come to my office, and we'll work out some details," Natalie said.
"We need to reschedule my appointments," Buffy said, turning to Willow.
"I will put a sign on your door," Willow said.
Liam was in Coach Finstock's economics' class when Mrs. Martin made the announcement.
"Students, I'm sure some of you might have noticed teachers gone today. We've lost several teachers today. Ms. Rosenberg will be taking over the computer classes full-time. Ms. Summer's counseling appointments for today are all canceled as she's stepping in to sub. She will be sending out new times by the end of the day. Also, she put a sign-up sheet in the cafeteria and her office for two self-defense classes she will be teaching. Anyone feeling scared or wanting to know how to defend themselves should sign up. Things will be a bit unsettled for a few days, but I expect you all to treat the adults in the room with respect. That's all I have for now."
Liam looked at Theo, who was next to him. Corey was in Mason's normal seat on his other side, and he leaned over. "What do you think happened?" he asked.
"I think the staff meeting forced a confrontation between the Monroe supporters and Mrs. Martin," Liam said.
"This is crazy," Corey said.
"So are you going to sign up for the self-defense class?" Theo asked.
"We don't need to," Liam pointed out. He looked at Corey. "You should, though."
Corey nodded. "I will," he said. "Mason will, too. He'll be excited."
"When is he coming back?" Theo asked.
"He said tomorrow," Liam said. He looked at Corey, who nodded.
"Yes, he had to go back to the doctor this morning," Corey said. "He might even show up this afternoon."
"I'm thinking he'll like the new changes," Liam said. Already the kids were adjusting to the acknowledgement of what he was.
"The slayer is really making a difference," Theo said with a smile.
Liam nodded. She really was.
*****After School*****
Buffy went home with her head way too busy. So many kids to help and so little time. Unlike her other gigs, this one allowed her to make a real difference in the lives of so many kids—not just newly called slayers. There was one more spot she thought she could help Natalie with, but she had to speak to Derek first.
"Hello," Derek said, giving her a warm smile. He put down the book he was reading. Buffy never caught him watching TV, but he was always reading. Who knew a guy so hot and physical was such a bookworm?
"Hey, babe," she said, joining him. She kissed him hello and looked at the book he was reading. The Three Musketeers was a book she knew. "I actually know this one!"
Derek grinned. "You've read it?" he asked, surprised. His girl was no dummy, but she wasn't one to sit still long enough to read more than a magazine or demon text. The number of obscure texts on demonology she had read was impressive, especially considering that she knew very little of the classics.
"Well, no, but I watched the movie with Kiefer Sutherland," she said with a sheepish grin.
Laughing, he pulled her in for a hug, and then he pulled her down to sit next to him on the couch. "So how was your day" he asked.
She filled him in on all the drama. "I've got so much to do," she said. "Do you think you can handle patrolling without me tonight?"
Derek had realized right away that if he wanted to be with Buffy, he was going to have to take a much more active role in Beacon Hills. She took the safety of everyone in town very seriously, so he had to, too. His mother would've adored Buffy, and it made him a bit sad that she'd never get to know Buffy.
"I'd be glad to," he said.
"If I let you fix dinner for me, do you think you'd agree to another favor?" Buffy asked, kissing his neck.
He loved to cook, and she loved to eat. They decided that if he cooked, she'd clean the dishes. "I don't have to be bribed to do you a favor," he told her.
"Well, you might not think so, but this is a big ask," she said.
"What?" he asked.
"One of the teachers who walked out was the track and field coach. Cross country in the fall and track and field in the spring," Buffy said.
"And I care why?" he asked.
"You don't have a job or a kid to take care of," she pointed out.
"And?" he prompted, not sure what she was trying to hint at.
"And I was thinking you could take over," she said.
"Take over what?" he asked.
"Take over coaching," she clarified, smiling at how slow he was being.
"You need to me to sub for a few days?" he asked. "Okay."
"Actually, I was thinking more than subbing," she said. "The kids need to really know they can trust werewolves. They all know what you are, and this will be a way to get them to know you."
"You want me to be a coach? Full-time?" he asked, standing up. "That's crazy!"
"What's crazy about it?" Buffy asked. "Oz has a kid and is stepping up. Xander is working as a deputy. My two slayers are, too. I don't see how this is an impossible thing."
Derek wasn't sure he could give her this one. She seemed to not want to nudge him out of his comfort zone but to shove him out of it. "Why don't you let me think about it?" he asked.
"Could you fill in for a few days and see if you like it at least?" Buffy asked hopefully.
Derek could feel himself weakening. "Will I have to get up early?" he asked.
"Nope. The coach who quit didn't have a class until third period!" she said with a happy grin. "There's practice after school—basically it's ten to five," she said. "You get a lunch period, so really only thirty hours a week unless there's a meet."
Derek groaned. "Fine, I'll give it a try. But if girls cry and boys get lippy, I'm out of there," he said.
She hugged him. Then she pulled back and said, "Well, girls will cry, and boys will get lippy. They're like that with everyone."
"You know you're going to owe me big for this one," Derek said with a loud sigh.
"I think I can handle that," Buffy said, leaning up and playfully biting his earlobe.
"And if Stiles gets a hold of a picture of me wearing shorts, I might have to kill someone," Derek growled.
Buffy giggled and then kissed him. Her stomach growling, though, broke up the mood.
"Okay, let's feed you, and then I'll let you start paying me back," he said, giving her a heated look.
Buffy smiled, falling deeper in love with him. She knew that he was more of a loner than she was, and she knew that he'd been working to meet her in areas that weren't easy for him. It was incredible how happy she was, and she didn't want to push him too hard. Suddenly, fear gripped her. What if she was asking too much of him? What if she caused him to want out?
"Derek, wait a minute," she said, moving to intercept in on his way to the kitchen.
"What's wrong?" he asked, pausing.
"If I'm pushing too much, you'll let me know, right?" she asked. "I don't want you to think I'm too much work and run off."
Derek realized that she was really anxious and reached for her hand. "Honey, I'm not going anywhere," he assured her. "I'm crazy about you."
"Angel and Riley were crazy about me, too, but they still left me," she said in a small voice.
Derek pulled her closer and put his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. "They couldn't possibly love you the way I do," he told her.
"You love me?" she asked, surprised at his confession.
"Of course," he said smiling down at her. "You are the most incredible woman I've ever met. How could I not love you?"
Buffy returned his smile. "I love you, too," she said. Then she was kissing him, dinner was forgotten.
*****Chapter End*****