CrossedPaths

Chapter Seven In Which the Games Begin

A/N: SORRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY! I am such a Bitch Queen for not updating in such a long time. Hope that this chapter will help you cope with the fact that I'm such a jackass. Lol! Luv ya guys.

P.S. I updated These Words Are My Own today!

The whole gang stayed at the Bronze for HOURS. After "Sorry", the DJ played "SOS" by Rihanna, "Move Along" by the All American Rejects, "Spoon" "Sugar Water" by Cibo Matto (the latter of which brought back an embarrassing memory for Xander and Buffy due to Willow's big mouth, even though she meant to embarrass them this time), and an assortment of other popular songs. Oz had dropped by somewhere in between. Which, of course was completely awesome for Willow. Oz and she talked and danced the rest of the night, ½ the time with Buffy and Xander. Then, Oz mentioned that he was performing with his band, Dingoes Ate My Baby, at the Re-opening ceremony, which only accelerated Willow's joy.

The old friends danced the night away, but mostly away from the Feudal gang. Buffy had no doubt that InuYasha, Shippo and (maybe) Jaken meant no harm, but she had her doubts about Sesshomaru. He didn't know it, but Buffy was scared of him out of her mind after her little "talk". Not for herself, of course. But for the people in her life who relied on her to survive.

Even though Sunnydale no longer had a hell mouth underneath it, according to Angel, vampires were still going to come back. With all the old residents back in town, what red-blooded vampire could resist sneaking an unsuspecting teen or child back to their crypt? And when they came back, she had to be ready. That's why she had started her training with Giles again.

But, Buffy had already died twice. That proved that even though she was strong and clever, she was not invincible. And this so called "Lord Sesshomaru" looked like he would mind being the 3rd lucky soul to kill her. AND, this time, according to Hades, or as Willow and the other witches call him, Pluto, she could never be revived after that. Sucks, huh?

'I have to watch my back around him,' Buffy thought, dancing to "Walk Away" by Kelly Clarkson. 'He's smarter, stronger and sneakier than I am. The odds are so not in my favor.'

"This 'Bronze II' place is amazing, Buffy!" yelled Sango over the music. "This is the most fun I've had in years."

Buffy at Miroku, who was dancing with Sango, and winked. He returned it with a grin proceeded to grab her bottom, only this time all Sango did was blush (A/N: I know right. What is the world coming to when Sango doesn't smack Miroku! lol). Buffy rolled her eyes.

"You should've been here when it was open we were High School. It was packed every night."

"Oh, really. I highly doubt that people would consider dancing to such childish music. But seeing as how much of America already thinks that Californians are nonsensical, I suppose you've probably heard that before."

Miroku and Sango looked over at the intruder rolled their eyes and went back to dancing. Buffy, however, turned around slowly, more than irritated that her good time had been interrupted by the jackass for a Demon Lord for the second time in a row that night.

"You're right. Too bad that most of them had more backbone than your jibe," Buffy replied, inwardly thinking, 'Nice vocab.'

Sesshomaru glared at the human who dared to insult him. 'You will pay for that, Slayer.'

"Do you need to repeat our conversation from before?" Sesshomaru asked menacingly yet innocently as well, thoroughly pissing off Buffy. By this time, Willow, Xander and InuYasha caught what was going on.

"Don't push you luck, Lord Sesshomaru," Buffy threw back through clenched teeth. She also gave Sesshomaru a look that said, "Watch who you're messing' with, Jackass." for good measure. Plain, snappy and simple.

Before Sesshomaru could throw himself at Buffy, he sensed an invisible barrier around the smart-mouthing Slayer. Buffy looked at it apprehensively and then threw a confused look at Willow. Sesshomaru followed her gaze to the Wicca, who was holding her blue-highlighted hand at Buffy, her face set with determined expression.

"That's enough you guys," she said, her hair glowing bright white. She lowered her hand, therefore lowering the barrier. Willow's hair returned to its normal fiery-red color. She then turned to the rest of the group. "I think it's time we went home. It's pretty late."

"Sure. I'll drop you, Buffy, Shippo, Rin, Kagome and InuYasha off at Buffy's house. Xander can drop everyone else in his car.," Oz offered.

"Okay, it's settled. Let's go."

The group returned to their tables and gathered their things. Buffy gave Sesshomaru one last warning look, which he returned with a smug grin. Buffy followed Willow and the others to the door. The girls (except for Sango) and Shippo and InuYasha promptly got into Oz's van, finding it very comfortable.

The bitterness between Buffy and Sesshomaru was stalled for another night.

A/N: There's your chapter. Be happy!