A/N The next episode was Homecoming. The episode for this fic will be considerably different, as Trick has been dusted, which means no Slayerfest. And since there's no fluke, the weird cheating won't be happening. I also don't think the Homecoming Queen competition is necessary as Buffy and Cordelia are trying to get along better. Cordy's still running though. I think she needs to keep a little of her kind of normalcy going.

Monday started with more gray skies. 'It's not looking like Southern California should,' Xander thought, as he drove to school. 'On the other hand, if I set something on fire, the rain will put it out, so that's a plus.' He pulled into his spot beside Cordelia, just as she was getting out of her car. "Hey Doofus, you ready for a big week? Lots to do."

"Yah, Giles has me scheduled to be at the shop every night this week so he can test my pyromancer ability and figure out the clairvoyance thing. I was just thinking it's a good thing it looks like rain, in case I lose control."

"Yah, that's important too. But I was talking about the Homecoming Queen race. I'm running, plus pictures day tomorrow. And of course, the Homecoming Dance. You need to make sure Giles gives you time off so you can get fitted for your tux. You can bring it over to my place and Lupe can make any adjustments you need."

"Okay, that'll help since I'm borrowing the tux from my cousin Rigby. Just let me know which day works best for you and Lupe and I'll make sure Giles let's me out for that day. Do you need me to do anything to help with your campaign? Putting up flyers or something?"

"Yes, that would be a big help, we can do that during our free period today."

"Dang, that means no visit to the janitor's closet."

"I'll make it up to you," she teased as they arrived at her home room.

"Looking forward to it. Win or lose though, you'll always be my Queen." Xander kissed a smiling Cordelia before moving off down the hall to his own home room.

Later they were all gathered at the Bronze, when Cordelia asked if everyone would like to chip in and rent a limo together. After some debate it was decided that yes, everyone would contribute. Cordelia telling them she would reserve one and let them know the cost. Then she said, "I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to wear for picture day tomorrow, but I'm too tired to think about it right now, so I'm going take Xander home and just see you all tomorrow."

"Pictures are tomorrow? I forgot all about them. I'm going home too, see you all tomorrow." Buffy exclaimed.

"Well, I guess if everyone else is calling it a night we might as well too, huh Oz?"

He nodded as they headed out to his van.

The next day Cordelia told Xander that if he had his tux already, he could bring it over after school so Lupe could see him in it and get an idea of what needed adjusting.

"I've got it, you're sure Lupe doesn't mind? I'd hate to put her out."

"No, she wants to see you in it anyway so she can fuss over you. She's excited about it. It's not something she's ever been able to do for a kid of her own, you know."

"Okay, I'll let Giles know."

Giles agreed to let him out of the testing as he had so far demonstrated a good amount of control, with just a reminder to be careful.

Xander drove over to Cordelia's with his tux in a garment bag on the seat beside him. He knew this mattered alot to Cordelia, it was a bit of normalcy in a world gone sideways on her, so he was determined to make it go as smoothly as he could for her.

When he pulled into the drive and punched in the code for gate, he realized he didn't know what Cordy was wearing. 'Is this one of things like not being allowed to see the bride in her dress?' he thought, 'or will she be showing off too?'

He parked at his usual spot near back of the house and came in through the back door carrying his bag.

"There you are mi hijo," Lupe exclaimed, "go put your tux on, I want to see how handsome you look in it."

Cordelia was standing nearby, smirking a bit. "You can change in there, Xander," she said pointing to her father's office.

Xander went in and shut the door behind him. He changed quickly and then went out to model for his ladies. "What do you think, do I look good enough to escort my Queen before her adoring public?"

"You look mighty fine, mi hijo," Lupe said, "so handsome." She circled around him checking to see if anything needed attention. "These shoulders are bit too big for you though, I'll take them in a little bit and it's a little long for you, I'll hem it, not too much, half an inch should be enough. Go take it off, I'll get started right away. Oh, you two are going be so beautiful together."

Xander leaned down and kissed her check, "I once told Cordy, that if I didn't love her, I'd propose to you so I could have your cooking all to myself. I think I'd much prefer being your hijo, though. Thank you, Lupe."

He returned to the office to change back to his regular clothes, not noticing the slight misting of Lupe's eyes. "He can be such a sweet boy, can't he. He very much loves you, sweetheart."

"I know, I love him too."

"Tell me something I don't know." She chuckled.

When Xander came back out of the office, Cordelia laced her fingers through his and told Lupe they'd be in the TV room until it was time for Xander to go home, in case she needed to do a fitting. Lupe nodded and headed off to her room to work on Xander's tux.

"So am I going to get to see you in your dress too or do I have to wait."

"You'll have to wait. I'm having mine made and it won't be done until the day before the dance. It's dark green, so I'm having them make a pocket square for you that matches it. Lupe's right, you do look good in that tux."

A couple hours later Lupe came back and had Xander try it on again. This time she could find no faults as it looked perfect. Xander carefully packed it back in the garment bag, kissed Lupe on her cheek and Cordelia on her lips and headed out to his car. He was looking forward to the dance.

Fortunately for everyone, the day of the dance was perfect, weather wise. The limo picked everyone up on time and dropped them off with no issues. As far as Xander was concerned Cordelia outshone everyone there, even if she didn't win the crown that should been hers. He was just grateful he didn't embarrass her when they danced.