A/N: Okay, this one is definitely short, but I wanted this to be simple, hence the length. Plus, well, we all know how good Xander is at screwing things up… and that's all I'll say. Enjoy!
'…': characters talking to themselves
(…): extra facts about something in the story
(Takes place during "Petrified Xander")
Theme 38: Beautiful
Mt. Fuego, October 20, 2006, 2:30 pm – Briarwood, CA, USA
You know that you will never repeat this to anyone for fear of castration and impalement on sharp, pointy sticks similar to what that "Vlad the Impaler" dude did in some European nation centuries ago. You know she'd do it if given the chance and, as you watch her you swear to yourself that you will never, ever, say this thought out loud to anyone, not even if Koragg threatens to kill you. Her wrath is something much, much worse than Koragg's.
She's beautiful. Yes, she's currently covered in some kind of green slime and is cursing up a storm that would put a sailor to shame, but she is so bloody beautiful that it takes your breath away. You know that the feat is next to impossible to do.
Of course, her beauty has nothing to do with the fact that she is currently wearing your color (… okay, so you lied. Green is so her color and the fact that it is your color too is merely coincidence). Her beauty radiates from her love of music and dancing to her streaks of fierce independence and stubbornness that are a mile or so long. She's intelligent, fun, an adventurer, a risk-taker… and she's looking at you.
"Xander, what are you staring at?" Her head is tilted to the side and spirits above if that isn't attractive as hell you don't know what is.
"Nothing, V. Merely wondering why you didn't let the slime stay on you. You looked good in it."
A snarl is your response followed by a kick to the shin that has you hopping around in pain. Vida's nose goes into the air as she flounces away and you wonder, yet again, how you manage to put your foot into your mouth every time you try to say something nice to Vida. But, damn it all, if she isn't beautiful steaming mad and ready to kick your ass at the next chauvinistic or idiotic comment that you say! If that isn't beauty, then you don't know what is.