Charmed: Another Halliwell

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

Summary: Buffy Summers is the daughter of Joyce and Hank Summers. Joyce was born Patience Joyce Halliwell she was Prue, Piper and Phoebe's aunt. When Joyce dies Buffy is left in the care of her cousins. Pairings: Prue, Piper, and Phoebe (and later Paige) canon pairings. Buffy/Dawn (Yes, Forbidden Sibling Love). A/U Set during and after Charmed Season 1 and Buffy season 1.

71. Chapter 71: The Prom

Chapter 71: The Prom

April 8, 1999 – Thursday

Angel's Mansion

The mansion was cloaked in a somber, quiet darkness, as if the world outside held its breath. Buffy and Angel, still fully dressed, reclined on Angel's bed. Buffy was wrapped in the warmth of Angel's comforter, cocooned in a sense of security.

Angel was already awake, his eyes fixed on Buffy as she slept. His gaze was a mixture of profound love and contemplation, like a man caught in the beauty of a fleeting dream. He cherished these moments when he could simply watch her, unburdened by the weight of their destinies.

After a prolonged moment, she began to stir, her eyelids fluttering open. The sight of him looking at her made her heart skip a beat, and a soft, affectionate smile graced her lips. "What? Do I have funny bed hair or something?"

"Or something," Angel replied, his voice a tender murmur, filled with affection that words alone couldn't convey.

"Guess we got carried away with the post-slayage nap thing," Buffy said, her words carrying a hint of drowsiness as she sat up, her movements a touch sluggish. She absently patted her tousled hair, sensing the disarray. "Ooh. Not good." She started to get up, but Angel's gentle yet firm hold kept her by his side.

"Where are you going?" Angel asked, his voice laced with a mixture of playfulness and possessiveness.

"To kill the cat on my head," Buffy replied, her tone teasing, her eyes locked with his, creating a warm, intimate connection that transcended words.

Angel shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No mirrors."

Buffy playfully pouted, her expression a charming mix of faux irritation and amusement, as she smoothed her tousled hair with her hand. "You know. This place is not girl-friendly. No mirrors. No natural light."

Angel's smile deepened, and he gently pulled her back into his loving embrace. She melted into his arms effortlessly, finding comfort in his presence. "I think you look perfect," he whispered softly, his words carrying a depth of sincerity that made Buffy's heart flutter.

"Perfect? Come on. I mean, that's really—Okay," Buffy replied, her voice filled with a mix of bashfulness and acceptance. They lay there together, cocooned in the tranquil moment they had created. "Still, we could think about getting a couple of mirrors in here. And maybe a drawer, for stuff of mine. I mean, that's what couples do, they have drawers."

"That's right," Angel agreed, his tone warm and reassuring.

Buffy continued, her enthusiasm ever so slightly strained, her vulnerability peeking through her words. "'Cause I figure sometimes I could spend the night. After the prom, it'd be great to come back here and just be together..."

"The prom?" Angel asked, a hint of concern clouding his features, his thoughts undoubtedly dwelling on the dangers that always seemed to follow them.

Buffy nodded, her eyes lighting up with a touch of excitement. "Yeah. You know, the big 'end-of-high-school-rite-of-passage' thingy? Imagine a cotillion with spiked punch and the electric slide."

Angel's unease grew more pronounced as the reality of the situation settled in. "Right."

"Don't worry, it's at night. And lots of girls have older boyfriends. You'll blend," Buffy reassured him, her voice carrying a comforting tone, her desire to make him feel at ease evident in her words.

"I guess maybe you should get home," Angel suggested, his voice tinged with a touch of sadness, knowing that their time together was limited.

"Ah, there's got to be a few hours before sunrise—" Buffy began, optimism in her voice as she went over to the curtains and threw them open without a second thought, flooding the room with a brilliant ray of sunshine that hit Angel dead on.

In a sudden panic, Angel bolted for the darkest corner of the room, his body recoiling from the sunlight.

Buffy, realizing her mistake, whipped the curtains closed again, casting the room back into darkness. She turned to Angel, a sheepish expression on her face. "I guess it's later than we thought."

Gateway High School

In the sunlit quad, Xander sat with Buffy, Willow, and Oz, a smile playing on his lips, although there was a lingering hint of bewilderment in his expression.

"Anya, huh? Interesting choice," Oz remarked, his calm demeanor ever-present.

"'Choice' is kind of a broad term for my situation. It's either Anya or the sock puppet of love for this boy," Xander replied with a grin, his hand forming a makeshift talking puppet as he animatedly mimicked a voice for it. "I love you, Xander, I will never leave you," he said, making the sock puppet "speak" the words with exaggerated flair.

Willow leaned in, her eyes reflecting both concern and a hint of playful warning. "Well, if Anya tries to get you killed, put me down for a big 'I told you so'."

Xander, still in the sock puppet character, responded with mock indignation, "Who is this Anya? Is she prettier than me?"

Willow's tone took on a protective edge as she declared, "She just better not cross me, that's all I'm saying."

Buffy, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, added with a hint of excitement, "At least now we've all got someone to go with. Some of us are going with demons, but that's a valid lifestyle choice. More importantly, I've got the kick dress."

"The pink one?" Willow inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Buffy nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh yeah. Angel's gonna lose it. But not his soul. I mean, lose 'it.' His 'it'."

Xander, still lost in the whimsical world of the sock puppet, continued his puppetry with a touch of bitterness. "Why don't you let your demon make dinner for you! I don't even know you anymore!" He abruptly stopped when he realized everyone was staring at him, offering a sheepish smile as he put his hand down.

Willow chuckled at her sister's decision, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Faith said heck no would I catch her in a dress. And then I reminded her that I already had at homecoming. We'll see."

Angel's Mansion

In the dimly lit mansion, Angel was busy gathering some of his belongings when he stumbled upon one of Buffy's notebooks. The cover was adorned with doodles in Buffy's handwriting—hearts, flowers, and the words "BUFFY & ANGEL - 4-EVER." He gazed at the notebook, a mixture of emotions washing over him. There was a profound innocence in those doodles, a testament to the pure love they shared. Yet, it also stirred a growing uneasiness within him, a reminder of the complexities and dangers of their relationship.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and he walked over to open it, revealing Prue on the other side. "Prue," he greeted her, a genuine warmth in his eyes.

"I'm sorry to… I would have called, but I don't have your number," Prue apologized as Angel stepped back to invite her inside.

"Please. You, Piper, and Phoebe are always welcome here. Can I get you something? I don't have any coffee or I'd…" Angel offered, his hospitality reflecting his genuine concern for their guest.

Prue shook her head, declining his offer. She decided to address the matter at hand. "I understand Buffy spent the night."

Angel nodded, his expression reflecting a mix of regret and understanding. "I'm sorry about that. We came back after patrolling and—"

"Buffy filled me in on the details already. That's not why I'm here," Prue clarified, her tone serious and her concern palpable.

"Okay," Angel responded cautiously, his senses on high alert.

"I'm here because I'm worried about you two. In general," Prue confessed, her gaze fixed on him with a mixture of empathy and apprehension.

Angel nodded solemnly. "I understand. And I promise you, what happened before? When I changed? It won't happen again," he assured her, the weight of their shared history and the consequences of his actions still haunting him.

Prue acknowledged his words with a nod. "It better not. But that's not all I'm concerned about. I mean, I don't have to tell you that you and Buffy come from different worlds."

"No. You don't," Angel agreed, fully aware of the profound divide that separated their lives and the inherent challenges it presented to their relationship.

"And Buffy's had to deal with a lot. She had to grow up fast when she became first a Slayer and later a witch. Sometimes even I forget that she's still just a girl," Prue admitted, her voice carrying a note of sympathy for the burdens Buffy had shouldered.

Angel nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting the weight of Buffy's experiences. "And I'm old enough to be her ancestor."

"She's just starting out in life," Prue continued, emphasizing the youth and inexperience that still defined Buffy's journey.

Angel nodded again, his eyes reflecting the gravity of Prue's words. "I know. Believe me. I think about it. More now that she's staying in San Francisco."

"Good. Because when it comes to you, Angel—Buffy's not a Slayer or a Charmed One. She's just like any other young woman in love. You're all she can see of tomorrow. But I think we both know there's gonna be some hard choices ahead. If she can't make them, you're going to have to," Prue cautioned, her words carrying the weight of wisdom and experience.

Angel remained silent, the truth in Prue's words sinking in. He understood the gravity of the situation and the responsibilities that lay ahead.

"I know you care about her. I just hope you care enough," Prue concluded, her concern palpable. Angel, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead, simply nodded, knowing that Prue was right.

Gateway High School

In the dimly lit library, the warm, golden hues of the overhead lights cast a cozy ambiance over the group. Faith, Buffy, Xander, Oz, and Willow were huddled around the table, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the table lamps. Willow couldn't help but blush as she sat next to Faith, her heart fluttering as she nestled comfortably on Oz's lap.

Buffy, leaning in with an intrigued expression, couldn't contain her curiosity. "So, what? It was blue and sort of short?" Her voice held a playful lilt as she quizzed her friend.

Willow, her cheeks flushed with excitement, nodded enthusiastically. "Not too short. Medium. And it had this wild sort of fringy stuff on the arms," she added, her eyes sparkling with delight as she described the dress she had her eye on.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching made everyone turn their attention towards Giles, who had emerged from his office. He was in full research mode, his brow furrowed in concentration. "What's this? A demon?" Giles inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and scholarly intrigue.

Faith couldn't help but roll her eyes at the interruption, her emotions dancing between amusement and annoyance. "They're talking about prom dresses," she remarked with a smirk, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Buffy nodded in agreement, her lips curving into a playful smile as she teased Giles, "Can't you ever get your mind out of the Hellmouth?"

Giles, his expression a mix of determination and concern, addressed the group with an air of responsibility. "I'd be delighted to. However, the day of the Mayor's Ascension is rapidly approaching, and we don't know what to expect," he stated, his voice carrying the weight of the impending danger.

Xander, ever the voice of practicality, leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Giles. "What about the pages Will stole from the Mayor's book? Or the information Faith gave us. Don't tell me all that was useless," he implored, his tone edged with urgency.

Giles, with a reassuring glint in his eyes, shook his head. "On the contrary. We know Ascension refers to a human transforming into a demon. Becoming the living embodiment of an immortal. Graduation day, our Mayor Wilkins is scheduled to do just that," he explained, his words carrying a sense of grim certainty.

From the shadows of the library, Wesley and Cordelia emerged, their arms laden with books, their presence a reminder of the collective effort required to face this looming threat. Wesley's voice held a note of scholarly frustration as he chimed in, "The trouble is, we have no idea which demon he's going to become. Even Faith wasn't sure on that detail."

Faith, standing tall but with a hint of remorse in her expression, admitted, "Sorry, but he didn't lay out that much detail on me. I just know the general stuff." Her sheepish smile was a glimpse of vulnerability in the face of the unknown.

Giles, ever the voice of reason, reassured Faith with a nod. "It's alright, Faith. The information you gave us was still helpful," he acknowledged before turning his gaze to the entire group. "Anyways, there are thousands of species."

Wesley, ever the pragmatic one, broke the tension with his no-nonsense approach. "So it's safe to say we should not waste time on trifling matters such as a school dance," he declared, his tone reflecting the gravity of their situation.

Cordelia, never one to pass up an opportunity for humor, shot a flirtatious glance at Wesley. "That's too bad because I bet you'd look way 'double oh seven' in a tux," she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Wesley, however, remained steadfast in his commitment to duty. "Except, of course, on the actual night of the event when I will be aiding Mr. Giles, Ms. Halliwell, Ms. Halliwell, and Ms. Halliwell in their chaperoning duties," he replied with a hint of formality, redirecting their focus to the impending challenges they faced.

Giles, noticing Wesley and Cordelia's amorous exchange, couldn't help but interject with a touch of bemusement. "You...? Excuse me?" he queried, though he ultimately decided to let the matter slide. There were more pressing concerns at hand. "Fine. You're all suffering from a touch of Spring Madness, if you ask me."

Oz, with his characteristic calm and humor, added his own unique perspective to the conversation. "Mine is more space madness. But I'll feel better once I get used to the weightlessness."

Willow, her heart filled with affection for her eccentric friends, couldn't help but smile warmly at Oz's remark. "Promise me you'll never be linear," she said.

Oz, his lips curving into a soft, affectionate smile, leaned in toward Willow, their connection palpable as they nuzzled each other. "On my trout," he uttered, their quiet moment of tenderness speaking volumes.

Faith, never one to mince words, couldn't help but react to Willow's enthusiasm. "Dang, Hope," she remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she glanced at Willow. "I swear you're just as bad as I am," she quipped, a hint of camaraderie between them.

Buffy, ever the proactive leader, decided to steer the conversation back on track. "We'll find you a dress, Will. We should check out April Fools," she suggested, her determination shining through despite the distractions.

Giles, starting to lose his patience with their diversion from the pressing matters at hand, cleared his throat.

"Don't go there! I shop there!" Cordelia protested, her voice filled with a mix of pride and defensiveness.

Xander, always eager to contribute, added with a touch of pride, "I myself am dipping into my hard-earned road trip fund to procure a shiny new tux, so look for me to dazzle."

Faith, with her trademark confidence, made her stance clear. "And I won't be getting a dress. No way, no how," she declared.

Giles, clearly exasperated, jumped into the conversation again with a touch too much emphasis. "And I, of course, will be wearing pink taffeta as the chenille does nothing for my complexion. Can we PLEASE talk about the Ascension?" he implored, his frustration evident in his tone as he desperately tried to steer the conversation back to the impending danger.

A moment of silence hung in the air as everyone exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback by Giles' outburst.

But Buffy, ever the voice of reason, gently addressed him. "Giles, we got it. Miles to go before we sleep," she acknowledged, her voice softening with understanding. "But especially if we're going to vaporize or something on graduation day? We should be able to have a little prom-y fun. One night of glory; not too much to ask," she reasoned, her words a reminder that amidst the chaos of their lives, they deserved a moment of normalcy and joy.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Willow looked at Faith with a hopeful gleam in her eyes, her voice filled with a touch of sisterly affection. "Come on, Faith," she began, reaching out to gently place a hand on her sister's arm. "I know you're not into dresses and all that girly stuff, but this is my prom. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I really want us to go together."

Faith, her arms crossed and a stubborn expression on her face, glanced away for a moment. She was never one to embrace traditional femininity, and the idea of a dress didn't sit well with her. But she couldn't resist Willow's earnest plea.

Willow continued, her voice softening with sincerity. "It's not about the dress, really. It's about the memories we'll create together. I promise, we can find a dress that matches your style, something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. And besides, it's a chance for us to have some fun, to let loose and forget about the craziness of our lives, even if it's just for one night."

Faith met her sister's gaze, seeing the genuine excitement and longing in Willow's eyes. She sighed, feeling a mixture of reluctance and a desire to make her sister happy. "Alright, Hope," she finally conceded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'll get a dress and go to prom with you. But it better not be too frilly, okay?"

Willow's face lit up with joy, and she pulled Faith into a tight hug. "Thank you, Faith! You won't regret it, I promise. We're going to have the best time ever!"

Sewers

Buffy and Angel descended into the dark and damp sewers, and it was clear from Buffy's tone that she wasn't exactly thrilled about their location. Her frustration was palpable as she muttered, "Oh Goody. I always say patrol's not complete without a trip to the sticky sewers."

Angel, ever the determined vampire with a mission, wasn't swayed by Buffy's complaints. "I'm sure I saw him come down here," he said, his voice steady as he scanned their surroundings.

Buffy, on the other hand, couldn't help but try to inject a bit of humor into the situation. She playfully held her hands apart to indicate a size and quipped, "Can't we let this be the vamp that got away? We can tell everybody he was thiiiis big."

Angel chuckled at Buffy's attempt to lighten the mood but remained focused on their task. "What can I say? I need closure," he explained, his eyes fixed on the shadows ahead as he continued to lead the way.

Buffy couldn't resist a teasing grin as she followed Angel. "And clothes. You don't have a tux, do you?" she asked, her tone filled with playful curiosity.

Angel raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. "Since when did patrolling go black tie?" he wondered aloud, the idea of formalwear for vampire hunting amusingly absurd in their world of supernatural challenges.

Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully at Angel's reaction. "For the prom, silly," she clarified, emphasizing the lightheartedness of her previous remark.

Angel's response was stern, and he stiffened noticeably at the mention of the prom. "We have more important things to think about right now than a dance, Buffy," he admonished, his concern for their safety taking precedence over any thoughts of celebration.

Buffy immediately sensed his tension and offered an apologetic smile. "Oh. Sorry, Giles. I'll just be quiet," she conceded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

Angel, not wanting Buffy to feel guilty, tried to ease the tension between them. He began, "Come on. Don't be that way—" but was cut off as the vampire they were hunting suddenly dropped down from a hidden pipe and launched an attack.

With her reflexes finely tuned, Buffy wasted no time. In one swift and practiced motion, she seized the vampire and swiftly drove a stake through its heart. The vampire turned to dust, leaving nothing but ash in its wake. Buffy turned her attention back to Angel, her expression determined. "I'm not being that way. I say 'prom' and you turn all grouchy."

Angel couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and concern. "I'm sorry," he said as his tone softened. "I'm just worried that you're getting too... invested in this whole thing."

Buffy's words carried a poignant weight as she spoke of the milestones she should be embracing. "In what 'whole thing'? This is the stuff I'm supposed to get invested in. Going to a formal. Graduating. Growing up," she asserted, her determination to experience a normal life evident in her voice.

Angel's expression darkened, his inner turmoil surfacing as he grappled with his emotions. He distanced himself slightly, his features shadowed by his concerns. "I know."

Buffy, sensing his unease, followed after him, her growing alarm palpable. "Then what? What's with the dire?" she pressed, her eyes searching his face for answers.

Angel hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words. "It's... Nothing," he tried to dismiss her concerns, but he knew Buffy well enough to recognize that she wouldn't let it go so easily.

Buffy, never one to back down, insisted, "No. You have a something face," her intuition guiding her perception of his emotions.

Angel sighed, realizing he was cornered, and admitted, "I think we need to talk. But not here. Not now."

Buffy's determination shone through as she insisted, "No. If you have something to say - then just say it," her voice steady, unwavering.

Angel hesitated, his emotions a turbulent storm as he grappled with his thoughts. "I need some time. I'm not even sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of sadness.

Buffy's frown deepened, and her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and anticipation. "About what? You'd better cut the cryptic, Angel. You're scaring me," she confessed, the vulnerability in her voice revealing her deep concern for what he might say next.

Angel moved closer to her, his tone gentle as he tried to find the right words. "I've been thinking. About our future. And the more I do, the more I feel like us — you and me being together — is unfair to you," he confessed, his words heavy with the weight of his internal struggle.

Buffy could barely speak, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to process what he was saying. "Is this about what the Mayor said? He was just trying to shake us up," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and dread.

But Angel's response was resolute, his own heart heavy with the truth. "He was right," he affirmed, his words echoing through the dimly lit sewer tunnels. And in his mind, he added, 'So is Prue.'

Buffy's frustration and disbelief were evident as she countered Angel's concerns. "Oh, come on! He's the bad guy! We both know that..." she argued, trying to dismiss the Mayor's words as mere manipulation.

But Angel's resolve remained unwavering as he continued, his voice filled with genuine concern and a touch of sadness. "You deserve more. You deserve something outside of... demons and darkness. You should have someone who can take you into the light. Someone who can make love to you—"

Buffy interrupted him, her determination clear. "I don't care about that," she insisted, refusing to let his worries dictate her feelings.

Angel persisted, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency. "You will. And children—"

Buffy couldn't help but laugh at the idea, her tone light despite the gravity of their conversation. "Children? Can you say jumping the gun? I kill my goldfish," she quipped, trying to inject a bit of humor into the conversation.

But Angel's gaze remained serious as he tried to convey the weight of his concerns. "Today. But you have no idea how fast it goes, Buffy. Before you know it, you'll want it all - a normal life," he cautioned, his words a reflection of his own experiences and his deep love for her.

Buffy shook her head, her frustration and defiance evident. "I'll never have a normal life," she asserted, the weight of her destiny as both a Charmed One and a Slayer never far from her mind.

Angel, his voice heavy with concern and regret, pushed forward with his argument. "Right. You'll always be a Charmed One and a Slayer. But that's all the more reason why you should have a real relationship instead of this... this freak show," he stated, the words hitting Buffy like a slap in the face. He instantly regretted the harshness of his choice of words. "I didn't mean it that way—"

But Buffy, hurt and confused, couldn't bear to stay and listen to more of his words. She tried to withdraw, stammering, "I - I'm gonna go—" Her voice trembled with vulnerability as she attempted to distance herself from the painful conversation.

Angel couldn't let her leave without trying to make amends. He reached out and grabbed her arm, holding her fast. "I'm sorry, Buffy. You know how much I love you. It kills me to say this—"

Buffy, her emotions raw, couldn't hold back her anger and frustration. "Then don't! Who are you to tell me what's right for me!? You think I've never thought about this stuff?" she challenged him, her voice quivering with a mix of hurt and defiance.

Angel met her gaze, his own filled with a mixture of sorrow and concern. "Have you? Rationally?" he asked, imploring her to consider the gravity of their situation and the choices they faced.

Buffy's words were charged with a mix of frustration, hurt, and vulnerability as she confronted Angel. "No, I'm just a swoony little schoolgirl, right?" she challenged, her voice tinged with bitterness.

Angel sighed, the weight of his decision bearing down on him. "I'm trying to do what's right here - I'm trying to think with my head instead of my heart—"

But Buffy, unable to contain her emotions any longer, lashed out. She hit his chest and exclaimed, "What heart? You have a heart? It isn't even beating!" Her words were like a physical blow, and Angel winced at the truth of her words.

"Buffy, please don't," he implored, his voice filled with a mix of sorrow and regret.

But Buffy, tears welling up in her eyes, continued to pour out her feelings. "Don't what? Don't love you? I'm sorry, nobody told me I had a choice! I can't just change - I'll never change. I want my life to be with you," she confessed, her voice quivering with the raw intensity of her love and longing.

Angel realized that this was the moment Prue had been talking about, the moment where he would have to make the hardest decision of his life. He took a deep breath and spoke the words he had been dreading. "I don't," he admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of his choice.

Buffy's devastation was palpable as she struggled to come to terms with what Angel had just told her. "Don't - want to be with me?" she whispered, her voice heavy with heartbreak. When he remained silent, the cold truth began to settle in, and she uttered the painful realization, "I can't believe you're breaking up with me..."

Angel couldn't find the right words to ease her pain, and he tried to explain, "It doesn't mean I don't—"

But Buffy, her emotions too raw, made an abrupt gesture, signaling that she couldn't bear to hear any more. He watched her, uncertain of what to say or do, as the weight of their decision hung heavily in the air.

Tears welled up in Buffy's eyes as she asked the painful question that had been haunting her since the moment Angel revealed his intentions. "How am I supposed to stay away from you?" Her voice quivered with the anguish of knowing that the love between them would now be forbidden.

Angel's response was heavy with resignation. "I'm leaving. After the Ascension, after it's finished with the Mayor. If we survive, I'll go," he explained, his voice filled with a sense of finality.

Buffy's eyes searched his for answers, her heartache etched on her face as she asked, "Where?"

Angel's reply was honest but uncertain. "I don't know," he admitted, the uncertainty of their future hanging like a heavy cloud over them.

Buffy let out a heavy sigh, her voice filled with sorrow. "Angel?"

He met her gaze, his own eyes reflecting the anguish they both felt. "Buffy..."

"Is this really happening?" Buffy asked, her voice tinged with disbelief, as if hoping that the reality of their situation might suddenly shift.

But there they stood, in the dimly lit sewer, locked in a painful and silent exchange. The only sound that broke the stillness was the steady dripping of water, a stark reminder of the world they were leaving behind. Numb with the weight of their decision, they continued to look at each other, their hearts heavy with the pain of separation.

Restfield Cemetery

Buffy and Faith found themselves in the eerie silence of the deserted graveyard, their footsteps echoing faintly on the cold ground. Buffy's weariness was palpable as she came to a stop and leaned against a weathered headstone. It seemed like it took too much effort just to keep moving forward.

Faith, ever vigilant and observant, noticed the change in Buffy's demeanor and couldn't help but express her concern. "Is something wrong, Buffy?" she inquired, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Buffy sighed, her gaze heavy with a mix of emotions, as she met Faith's eyes. "You promise not to tell Will, till I tell her myself," she requested, her voice a whisper of vulnerability.

Faith hesitated, torn between her loyalty to Willow and her desire to be there for Buffy. After a brief moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Sure, Buffy," she agreed, understanding the importance of this secret.

With a heavy heart, Buffy revealed the painful truth. "Angel dumped me. After we're done with the Mayor. He's leaving town," she confessed, her voice quivering with the weight of her words.

Faith, her expression filled with empathy, listened to Buffy's words and let them sink in. "Why is it our lives always try to tear the ones we love away from us?" she mused aloud, her voice carrying the weight of her own painful experiences. "I lost Hope for 16 years. Your mom passed away. Your eldest cousin's boyfriend died protecting you and your cousins. Your middle cousin's husband, who is also your birth father, was kept from you and Piper till Piper and Leo were allowed to get married. And now Angel is leaving," she acknowledged, a sense of shared sorrow connecting their stories.

Buffy's response was a reflection of her own uncertainty and the weight of her recent heartbreak. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice filled with a mixture of pain and confusion, as they both grappled with the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of their lives.

Halliwell Residence

In the tranquil evening, Buffy sat alone in the Manor's garden, perched on a lawn chair placed just outside the conservatory. Her knees were pulled close to her chest as she gazed out into the quiet night, lost in her thoughts and emotions. The moonlight bathed her in its soft glow, casting shadows across her face, a reflection of the inner turmoil she was grappling with in the wake of Angel's confession.

Rosenberg Residence

Faith knocked on the door, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness coursing through her veins. When Sheila opened the door, Faith's heart raced even faster.

"Hello Faith. I didn't expect to see you tonight," Sheila said, her voice tinged with surprise and warmth.

A genuine smile graced Faith's lips, revealing the deep affection she held for the woman who had been a guardian to her sister. "Hi, Mrs. R.," Faith greeted, her voice a blend of respect and gratitude. "Is Hope in?"

Sheila's eyes softened, understanding the significance of this moment for Faith. "Sure, she's up in her room," she replied. Her curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "Can I ask why do you call Willow, Hope?"

Faith's smile held a touch of nostalgia and bittersweetness. "It's her name. Well it is to me. It's what my mom named her."

Sheila's nod conveyed her empathy, recognizing the emotional layers beneath Faith's words. "Of course. You can go on up."

Faith ascended the stairs, her heart beating like a drum, each step carrying her closer to the long-lost sister she had tirelessly searched for. Reaching Willow's room, she hesitated for a moment before gently knocking and pushing the door open. Inside, Willow looked up, and their eyes met, instantly igniting a bond that transcended time and distance. Without a second thought, they embraced, their hug conveying years of yearning and missed moments.

"Hey, Hope," Faith whispered, her voice a mixture of awe and tenderness, as if she still couldn't believe this was real.

Tears glistened in Willow's eyes as she held onto Faith, her heart swelling with emotions she had never imagined she would experience. "Hey, Faith," she replied, her voice quivering with a mixture of joy and vulnerability. Stepping back slightly, she looked at Faith with affectionate eyes, her gaze speaking volumes.

As Willow began to speak, her words carried a weight of sentiment that resonated deeply. "I got you something."

Faith's curiosity was piqued, but more than that, she was touched by the thoughtfulness of her sister. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Oh? What?"

A warm and sincere smile spread across Willow's face, like a sunrise breaking through the clouds after a long storm. "Well, you know how we've been getting to know each other in the last week, and it's been such an incredible journey, right?"

Faith nodded, her own smile mirroring Willow's. "Yeah, it's been amazing. While I've been looking for you for a long time, I never thought I'd actually find you."

Willow took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and vulnerability. "Faith, I thought about how we missed so much time growing up together, and I wanted something to symbolize our bond as sisters, something that would always remind us of this moment."

Faith's gaze softened, captivated by Willow's words. Her brows furrowed slightly as she asked, intrigued, "What do you mean?"

With a gentle smile, Willow picked up a box that sat on her desk, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. As she opened it, the delicate necklaces were revealed, their intertwined heart pendants catching the light. "These necklaces... they're matching. They're meant to represent us, our connection, our bond that has stood the test of time."

Faith's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat. "Hope, these are beautiful!"

Tears shimmered in Willow's eyes as she held one of the necklaces, her voice soft yet full of conviction. "The hearts are intertwined, just like our lives. No matter how far apart we were, we've found our way back to each other."

The sincerity of Willow's gesture was not lost on Faith. Emotion swelled within her, rendering her momentarily speechless. "Hope, I... I don't know what to say," she managed to whisper, her voice filled with gratitude and awe. "This means so much to me."

Willow's smile was radiant, her tears glistening like stars. Her voice trembled as she spoke, infused with love and a profound sense of belonging. "I know we can't change the past, but we can create new memories, new moments together. These necklaces are a way for us to always carry a piece of each other, no matter where life takes us."

As Faith reached out to accept the necklace from Willow, their hands brushed, sending a shiver of connection down their spines. "You're right," Faith said, her voice steady with newfound determination. "I love it. And I love you, Hope."

Willow's tears flowed freely now, her voice catching as she responded, "I love you too, Faith." Their embrace was a culmination of years of yearning, a tight hold that communicated a depth of emotion words could never fully express.

After a moment, they slowly pulled away from each other, their fingers still intertwined. With tender care, Willow helped Faith put on the necklace, their eyes locked in a shared understanding that transcended the spoken word. As the pendants settled against their chests, both sisters looked down at the necklaces, their smiles radiant with a deep sense of connection and a future filled with promise.

And then, a voice from the doorway disrupted their intimate moment. "There is one more gift for you, Faith," the voice said.

Turning, both Willow and Faith saw Sheila and Ira standing in the doorway. Their presence carried a mixture of warmth and acceptance, a tangible demonstration of the newfound family that was coming together.

"Sheila and I learned from Willow what your life was like in Boston with your mother, Faith," Ira said, his voice gentle and kind as he smiled at Faith. "And we would like you to consider yourself our daughter."

Faith's gaze shifted from Sheila and Ira to Willow, her heart brimming with emotion. The weight of the question hung in the air, and with a soft, tearful smile, she asked, "What do you think?"

Willow and Faith's eyes met, a current of emotions passing between them. In that shared gaze, they communicated volumes without uttering a single word. Faith could see the love and acceptance in Willow's eyes, a reflection of the bond they had formed in such a short time. It was as if their souls were intertwined, and the decision was not only Faith's to make but theirs as sisters.

A small, almost imperceptible nod passed between them, and Willow's smile grew even more radiant. It was a silent affirmation, a gesture that said, "We're in this together." Faith's heart swelled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she turned back to Sheila and Ira.

With a voice that held a hint of vulnerability and a lot of hope, Faith said, "I would be honored to consider myself your daughter."

"And, Faith," Sheila said gently, her eyes filled with kindness. "Where have you been staying?"

Faith hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly. "Lately at a motel."

Sheila and Ira exchanged a knowing glance, their concern evident. In unison, they nodded, their expressions determined. "That won't do," Ira said, his tone resolute. "No daughter of ours will live in a motel," he continued, his voice laced with a deep sense of parental protectiveness. "We have a spare bedroom. It's yours."

Faith's eyes widened in surprise, her heart catching in her throat at the unexpected offer. The genuine care and concern in their voices touched her deeply, reaffirming her decision to be part of this new family. She felt a lump form as she struggled to find the words to express her gratitude.

"Thank you," Faith managed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I... I don't know what else to say. This means the world to me."

Sheila stepped forward, her eyes filled with motherly warmth, and placed a reassuring hand on Faith's shoulder. "You're part of our family now, Faith. We want you to feel at home."

Ira's smile was reassuring, his gaze steady and kind. "We'll give you all the time you need to settle in. And don't worry about anything else for now."

Tears welled up in Faith's eyes once again, this time from the overwhelming sense of love and acceptance that enveloped her. As she looked around the room, at Willow, at Sheila, and at Ira, she realized that her journey to find her sister had led her to a place where she had found not only Willow but also a new family who embraced her with open arms.

April 9, 1999 – Fridayday

Halliwell Manor

Buffy's room held a somber atmosphere as her beautiful prom dress hung on the back of the closet door, a symbol of the night that should have been a joyous celebration. Willow, sitting on Buffy's bed, couldn't help but voice her frustrations. "So... That's it?" she asked, her tone laced with disappointment.

Buffy nodded, her expression weary. "That's it. Assuming we survive this Ascension thing. He's leaving."

Willow's empathy for her friend was palpable, and she couldn't hold back her indignation. "Well. He's a fool. He's just a big, dumb jerk person if you ask me. And, I mean, he's a super-maxi-jerk to do it right before the prom," she declared, her loyalty to Buffy shining through her words.

Buffy let out another sigh, acknowledging Willow's support even as she tried to make sense of her own feelings. "That's not his fault. He's 243 years old. He doesn't get the prom," she explained, her tone tinged with resignation.

Unbeknownst to them, Prue had been eavesdropping on their conversation outside the door. While she was relieved that Angel had broken up with Buffy, she hated seeing her sister in such pain. Doubt gnawed at her as she wondered if she had made the right choice in talking to Angel about their relationship.

Buffy appreciated Willow's attempt to comfort her, and she shook her head gently. "Will, it's okay. You don't have to make him the bad guy," she said, her voice filled with understanding and compassion.

Willow, still feeling somewhat helpless in the face of her friend's pain, sighed. "But - that's the best friend's job. Vilifying and grousing," she remarked, her usual humor failing to lift the heavy atmosphere.

Buffy offered a small smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "Usually, yeah," she agreed. "But he's right. In the long run – I think maybe he's right."

Willow processed Buffy's words and eventually nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I think he is. I mean - I tried to hope for the best, but... I'm sorry. It must be horrible," she expressed, her voice filled with genuine sympathy.

Buffy managed a weak smile in response to Willow's understanding, but her emotions were overwhelming, and she couldn't hold back the tears any longer. "Oh. I think 'horrible' is still coming. Right now it's... worse. Right now - I'm just trying to keep from dying," she confessed, her voice breaking as she allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of her best friend.

Willow moved closer to her, her heart aching for Buffy. She wrapped her arms around her friend, offering comfort and solace. "Oh, Buffy..." she murmured softly, holding her as they shared the weight of Buffy's pain.

Prue couldn't bear to see her sister in such agony any longer, and she walked into the room, taking a seat next to Buffy. Without a word, she offered her presence and support, knowing that sometimes, words were insufficient to ease the pain.

Buffy, overwhelmed by her emotions, buried her head in Prue's lap, her gasps punctuated by tears. "I can't breathe. I feel like I can't breathe," she sobbed, the weight of her heartache making each breath a struggle.

Prue gently stroked her sister's hair, her touch soothing and loving. She shared a sympathetic glance with Willow, their hearts heavy with the knowledge of how much Buffy was hurting. In that moment, all they could do was be there for her, offering the comfort and solace she so desperately needed.

Gateway High School

In the dimly lit library, a black and white security tape played on a television monitor, displaying a chilling scene. On the monitor, a terrifying monster attacked unsuspecting people in a dress shop, causing chaos and panic.

Xander and Cordelia stood in front of the screen, presenting the tape's footage to the gathered group, which included Giles, Buffy, Wesley, Oz, Willow, Faith, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. The atmosphere was tense as they all watched the disturbing events unfold.

Giles turned his attention to the pair, his expression serious. "And you say the beast just - stopped?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by the abrupt change in the creature's behavior.

Xander nodded, pointing to the relevant part of the tape. "Yeah. See there? It's like he suddenly realized he forgot to put money in the meter or something," he remarked, trying to make light of the unsettling situation.

Cordelia chimed in, adding her own observations. "The other part that totally weirded me out? That thing had good taste. I mean, he chucked Xander and went right for the formal wear," she noted, her voice tinged with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

Xander couldn't help but inject a bit of humor into the situation. "That's right. And he left behind his copy of Monster's Wear Daily," he quipped, though it was clear that the bizarre events on the tape were anything but a laughing matter.

Cordelia was adamant as she tried to make her point, her voice earnest. "I'm serious! Look at Xander's outfit. Now look at the kid the monster went after. Very smooth lines, till he was shredded," she insisted, using her observation to emphasize the creature's peculiar choice of victims.

Buffy, on the other hand, couldn't bear to watch the gruesome footage again, her unease evident. "I... I don't want to see it again," she admitted, her voice strained.

Giles understood the importance of analyzing the tape for clues and information, despite its horrifying content. "I know it's horrible, Buffy. But you and Faith will be hunting this creature - you should study it," he reasoned, his tone firm yet sympathetic.

Faith, standing by Giles's side, concurred with his assessment. "Buffy, G has a point," she added, trying to encourage her fellow Slayer.

But Buffy seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, her demeanor listless as she settled into a chair across the room. "I think I got it," she muttered, her voice lacking its usual determination.

Worried glances were exchanged among the group as they observed Buffy's apathy.

Willow, always quick to support her friends, spoke up to distract from the grim subject. "She's right. I mean, you've seen one big, hairy death bringer of death - you've seen 'em all," she quipped, trying to inject a bit of levity into the situation.

Wesley, never one to shy away from demonology, added his insight. "Not really. If I'm not mistaken, this is a Hell Hound," he stated with a note of concern in his voice.

Giles, always ready with information, confirmed Wesley's assessment. "Yes, particularly vicious foe. It's a type of demon foot soldier, bred during the Mahkash wars. Trained solely to kill, they feed on the brains of their foes—"

Cordelia, ever observant, suddenly interrupted Giles, her attention drawn to something on the tape. "Look! Right there. Zoom in on that," she urged, her excitement evident.

Xander, puzzled, responded, "Zoom in? This is a video tape."

Cordelia, undeterred, insisted, "So? They do it on TV all the time."

Xander couldn't help but point out the technical limitations. "Not with a regular VCR they don't—" he started, but his comment was interrupted when Wesley, growing increasingly uncomfortable with Xander and Cordelia's familiarity, decided to steer the conversation back on track. "Perhaps we could stay on topic for once. What were you doing with Xander?" he inquired, clearly wanting to get to the heart of the matter.

Cordelia, caught off guard, stammered as she tried to come up with an explanation. "What? Um. I was..."

Xander, ever the quick thinker, jumped in to offer a diversion. "Burning a hole in daddy's wallet as usual. I just bumped into her on my tuxedo hunt," he explained, trying to shift the focus away from their personal interactions.

Oz, ever observant, noticed something unusual on the tape and drew everyone's attention to it. "What's that?" he pointed out, his gaze fixed on the monitor. On the screen, something moved past a window, but it was gone in the blink of an eye. "Pause it."

Xander, realizing the potential significance of what they had just seen, scrambled to operate the VCR. "Guys, it's just a normal VCR, it doesn't - oh wait. It can do pause," he realized. As the image froze on the monitor, they could clearly see a man peering through the window, a transmitter in hand.

"Hello Hellhound raiser," Xander remarked, his tone filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As the group delved into their research, Oz had a yearbook open to Tucker Wells' yearbook photo, trying to find any clues about the person behind the Hell Hound. Willow was busy at the computer, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she scoured digital records. The room was filled with an air of concentrated determination.

Oz couldn't help but recall his own experiences with Tucker Wells. "Tucker Wells. I had chem with him," he mentioned, his voice reflective.

Wesley, always analytical, tried to piece together a profile. "Let me guess. He was quiet, kept to himself - but always seemed like a nice young man?" he surmised.

Oz nodded in agreement. "Didn't seem like the murderous type, anyway. Something must have happened."

Piper, ever the caring sister, noticed Buffy sitting slightly apart from the group, her attention clearly elsewhere. She addressed her gently, sensing her sister's mood. "How's it going over there, Buffy?"

Buffy, still lost in her thoughts about Angel and his impending departure, didn't even look up from her book. "Fine," she replied tersely, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and concerns.

Piper and her sisters shared concerned glances as they could tell that Buffy was far from "fine." Prue had confided in them about what Buffy had gone through with Angel the night before, and they were worried about her emotional state.

"Are you sure, Buffy?" Piper pressed gently, her voice filled with sisterly concern.

Buffy, however, tried to maintain a façade of composure. "I'm fine, Piper," she repeated, though it was clear that her words were at odds with her true feelings.

Willow's excitement at a breakthrough in their research momentarily shifted the group's focus. She piped up with enthusiasm, "Ooh! Ooh! I got into Tucker's e-mail account."

Xander chimed in, eager to learn more. "Cool."

Prue, who had been keeping a close eye on Buffy, walked over to Willow, her curiosity piqued. "What do you got?"

Willow wasted no time in sharing her discovery, her voice tinged with urgency. "Listen to this message Tucker sent to this kid, David Metz, at school last week. The Gateway High lemmings have no idea what awaits them. Their big night will be their last night."

Giles, always quick to analyze the situation, summarized their findings. "So. We have a threat against the students on 'their big night...' A hell hound - trained to attack people in formal wear," he stated, piecing together the ominous puzzle.

Cordelia, ever direct, couldn't help but express her exasperation. "Oh, are we all catching up now?" she quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Prue confirmed their suspicions, her expression serious. "This Tucker is planning an attack on the prom tonight," she revealed, the gravity of the situation sinking in for everyone present.

The room fell into a collective sense of disappointment and frustration as they realized the danger that loomed over what should have been a joyful occasion.

Oz, always the one to offer a unique perspective, chimed in with a touch of irony. "Once again - the Hellmouth puts the 'special' in special occasion," he remarked.

Xander couldn't help but voice his own frustration. "Why do I even buy tickets for these things - I ask you?" he mused, his words highlighting the seemingly endless challenges that came with living on the Hellmouth.

Willow couldn't help but express her doubts in the face of the looming threat. "I wonder if I can take my dress back," she mused, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Faith, ever the supportive sister, shook her head firmly. "Heck no, Hope. You deserve tonight. Especially after you talked me into getting one so I could be there for your special night," she insisted, showing her appreciation for Willow's encouragement.

Buffy, who had been lost in her thoughts, suddenly raised her head from her book, her gaze intense as she turned to Willow. "Faith's right, don't you dare," she said with unwavering determination.

Willow tried to voice her concerns. "But Tucker's going to—"

Buffy stood up, interrupting Willow and taking charge of the situation. "No. You guys are gonna have a prom. The kind of prom everyone should have. Faith and I will give you all a nice, fun, normal evening… if we have to kill every single person on the face of the Earth to do it. Right, Faith?" she declared, her voice unwavering.

Faith nodded in agreement, her loyalty to her fellow Slayer shining through. "Right, Buffy."

Xander couldn't help but add a touch of humor to the situation. "Yay?" he quipped.

Buffy, now galvanized and ready to take action, directed her plan to Prue, Piper, Phoebe, Giles, Wesley, Oz, Xander, Cordelia, and Willow.

"Wes, go to his house. Probably not there, but it's worth a shot," she instructed, her voice determined and focused.

Wesley, eager to contribute to the mission, started to suggest a group approach. "All right. Perhaps strength in numbers is—"

"You can take Cordy and Prue," Buffy stated firmly, her decision made.

Wesley nodded, accepting her instructions. "If that's your plan, all right... and the others?" he inquired, curious about how the rest of the team would be deployed.

Buffy continued to delegate responsibilities. "Oz - you said you know this David kid Tucker e-mailed. You, Piper, and Will go track him down. Find out what he knows - if he's involved," she ordered, her voice conveying the importance of their mission.

Willow, Piper, and Oz immediately accepted their assignment. "We're on it," Willow affirmed.

Buffy turned her attention back to Wesley, Prue, and Cordelia, providing further instructions. "Maybe you guys should stop by the magic shop too," she suggested.

Wesley, not familiar with the local establishments, questioned, "Magic shop?"

Buffy clarified, "The one by the dress store."

Xander, eager to contribute, quickly volunteered before Wesley could react. "I can swing that one. What's the mission?" he asked, his enthusiasm evident.

Buffy explained the task at hand. "Ask if anybody's been in buying supplies to raise a Hell Hound. Take Phoebe with you," she directed.

Xander nodded and gathered his belongings, gesturing for Phoebe to join him. "Got ya. Or who's been stocking up on Hell Hound Sausages. I hear those pups will do anything for a tasty snack treat," he quipped, adding a touch of humor to the serious mission.

"Giles, you said they eat brains. Any brains?" Buffy asked, her mind racing with possibilities.

Giles, contemplating the question, responded, "I suppose..."

Faith, always quick to think on her feet, caught on to Buffy's line of thinking. "Well, Tucker's got to be feeding that thing, right?" she reasoned, suggesting that they follow the trail of the Hell Hound's sustenance to find their target.

Meat Processing Plant

Buffy and Faith patiently waited as Harv, a heavy-set guy, finished writing an address down on his clipboard. Once he was done, he ripped the piece of paper off and handed it to Buffy, offering them a strange piece of information in the process.

"Yeah. This kid orders cow brains a couple of times a week. Goes to this address," Harv explained, clearly finding the situation rather peculiar. "Weird kid."

Buffy accepted the piece of paper, her gratitude evident in her response. "Thanks. Thanks a lot," she said, her mind focused on the task at hand.

However, as she and Faith turned away from Harv, Buffy's stunned gaze locked onto Angel at the other end of the loading dock. He was in the middle of a transaction, passing some money to another worker in exchange for a bag with sealed containers in it.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, they both resisted the strong impulse to touch or speak. Instead, they simply stood there, the tension between them almost unbearable.

Breaking the silence, Faith decided to give them some space. "I'll be right over here," she said as she moved away, recognizing the complexity of the situation between Buffy and Angel.

Angel and Buffy stood there, a palpable tension between them as they exchanged words.

"What are you two doing here?" Angel asked, his voice guarded but curious.

Buffy, never one to mince words, replied, "Hello to you too."

Angel quickly realized the abruptness of his initial question and offered an apology. "Sorry. It's just - I'm surprised," he explained, his expression softening.

Buffy acknowledged the complexity of their encounter, addressing the practicality of the situation. "Me too. Even though I shouldn't be. I mean - where did I think you got your blood? McPlasma's?" she quipped, trying to bring a touch of humor to the moment.

Angel's concern for her was evident as he asked, "How are you?"

Buffy, in a defensive tone, invoked Faith's catchphrase. "As Faith would say, five by five. Whatever that means," she replied, but her attempt at evasion didn't escape Angel's notice. He knew her too well.

Angel simply looked at her, not buying her attempt to hide her true feelings. "Don't give me that look. I can lie to you if I want to now. We're 'ex' - remember?" Buffy said, her words revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath her bravado.

Angel nodded, his voice sincere as he admitted, "If it means anything, I miss you—"

But Buffy, aware of the emotional turmoil their conversation could stir, gently cut him off. "Could we - not? Truth is, when I think about us I have a tendency to go sort of catatonic. And I can't do that right now. I've got to stop a crazy person from pulling a 'Carrie' at the prom," she explained, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Angel, still concerned about her, inquired, "You're still planning to go?"

Buffy clarified her intentions. "Strictly in the chaperone capacity," she replied, her words revealing her determination to protect her classmates from harm. Angel's remorse was evident, but Buffy made an effort to cover her own sadness. "It's cool. I'm fine with showing up stag. I'm over the whole 'Buffy gets a perfect high-school moment' thing. But no way am I going to let some subhuman rob the entire senior class of theirs," she declared as she began to move toward Faith.

Angel, unable to let go of his desire to help, reached out to stop her. "Let me help you two."

Buffy, appreciating his concern but wanting to maintain her independence, responded firmly. "No. I'm okay," she said, determined to face this challenge on her own terms.

"You know I'll always help you whenever—" Angel began to say, his sincerity shining through.

But Buffy, resolved to handle things her way, shook her head. "I'm okay. Thanks," she replied, appreciating his offer but wanting to stand on her own.

With a final look, Buffy moved off, joining Faith, and together, they disappeared into the night. Angel watched her go, his heart heavy with the weight of their parting.

Gateway High School

In the library, Faith and Buffy returned to find Piper, Phoebe, Oz, Willow, Xander, and Giles, who all wore downcast expressions. The room was heavy with a palpable sense of disappointment, their shoulders slumped in unison.

"Zeroes all around, Buff," Oz reported, his voice tinged with a touch of resignation.

"Sorry," Xander added, regret lacing his words as he shuffled his feet.

Buffy, determined to protect her friends from the impending danger, tried to reassure them. Her voice quivered with a mix of resolve and affection. "Make not with the long faces. Faith and I got the address," she said, her eyes gleaming with conviction. "Now, the prom starts in a little while. You guys go on. Faith and I will catch up with you as soon as we put a lid on this jerk."

Xander immediately objected, his voice filled with concern and a hint of stubbornness. "What? No way."

"We can't just leave you and Faith, Buff," Willow chimed in, her brows furrowed with genuine worry for her friend's safety.

Giles, always the voice of reason, weighed in with a sense of calm wisdom. "Buffy, they're right. You may need more than just Faith," he advised, fully aware of the potential dangers they might face.

"I want to see tail lights. Hit the door. Faith and I've got everything under control," Buffy said with a determined fire in her eyes, her voice carrying an air of unwavering confidence.

"Buffy, it makes sense to –" Oz started to interject, but Buffy's resolute tone silenced him.

"Have… A… Nice… Time," Buffy said, her words punctuated with a touch of wry humor and a smile that hinted at both camaraderie and the seriousness of having a nice evening.

Willow, Xander, and Oz exchange knowing glances, recognizing that arguing with Buffy at this moment would be futile.

"Okay then," Willow said, her voice filled with a mixture of apprehension and support.

"See ya," Xander added, his departure punctuated by a hint of anxiety for his friends' safety.

They take off, leaving only Phoebe, Piper, Faith, and Giles. Giles gazed at Buffy questioningly, his concern evident in his furrowed brow.

"Phoebe, Piper, Giles, I want you all at the gym. Keep an eye on them till we get there," Buffy commanded with a hint of urgency. "When Prue gets back, I want her there also."

"I don't need to tell you you're being rather rash. Getting an address hardly adds up to 'case closed,'" Giles said, his voice laden with concern and a hint of frustration as he tried to reason with Buffy.

Buffy, undeterred, walked over to the book cage and started to arm herself, the clinking of weapons adding a tense edge to the room. Her determination was unwavering.

Faith, sensing the tension in the room, sighed deeply. Her voice carried a mix of understanding and empathy. "Look. It's done. You want to run after them and tell them that they can't go? I know I don't want to tell Hope that all her planning and dreaming was for nothing."

Buffy nods slowly, her expression conflicted. "That they can't be with their honeys on tonight of all nights?"

Giles, realizing the depth of Buffy's sacrifice, took this in and finally got it. He saw the pain behind her eyes. "Angel's not taking you, is he?"

Buffy, her emotions held in check, nodded quietly. Tears threatened to spill, but she held them back. "He's leaving me. Leaving town," she admitted.

Piper and Phoebe, moved by Buffy's vulnerability, move to her side and envelop their sister in a comforting embrace.

"I'm sorry, Buffy," Giles said, his voice filled with sympathy. "I don't really know what to say. It's my understanding that this is the sort of thing that requires ice cream of some kind."

Piper nodded in agreement, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, she'll have more ice cream than she can stand later."

Buffy, her determination masking her pain, spoke with a hint of resolve. "I feel like taking out psycho boy."

Giles looked at her with a mixture of concern and understanding. "You're sure?"

Faith laughed with a touch of bravado. "Great thing about being a Slayer. Kicking ass is comfort food." She turned to Buffy, a knowing glint in her eye. "I do need to make a quick stop. And I believe so do you."

Buffy nodded, her gaze meeting Faith's, and without further hesitation, she took Faith's hand. In a swirl of fiery flames, they disappeared.

Rosenberg Residence

In a swirl of fiery flames, Buffy and Faith materialized outside the Rosenberg residence. Faith led Buffy up the porch steps. She fished a key Sheila and Ira had given her from her pocket and unlocked the front door. She led Buffy upstairs to her bedroom.

Faith's prom dress, a stunning black number that would undoubtedly turn heads, hung on the back of a chair. It was adorned with intricate lace and sequins, a testament to the girl's unique style.

Buffy couldn't help but admire it. "Wow, Faith, this dress is killer. You're gonna look amazing in it."

Faith grinned, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "Yeah, you can thank hope for talking me into it."

"Why?" Buffy asked confused on why Willow had to talk Faith into wearing a dress.

"I'm not much of a dress person," Faith admitted as she carefully picked up the dress. "The only other time recently I've worn one was when I went to your homecoming. Dresses just aren't me."

Faith's admission tugged at Buffy's heartstrings. She knew that Faith was more comfortable in leather and combat boots than in a fancy dress, but seeing her friend embrace the idea of prom night was a glimpse into a different side of her.

"I get it," Buffy replied with empathy. "Dresses aren't for everyone. But hey, sometimes it's fun to step out of our comfort zones, right? And I've got to say, you clean up pretty well. I remember that homecoming dress; you looked amazing."

Faith chuckled, a hint of bashfulness in her expression. "Yeah, I guess once in a while won't hurt."

Tucker's Lair

Buffy and Faith, who held Buffy's weapons bag, appeared in a swirl of fiery flames, their arrival startling Tucker just as he was about to open the hellhound's cage. Buffy reacted swiftly, grabbing him forcefully while Faith slammed the cage door shut and locked it with a determined click.

"Sorry," Buffy said with a smirk, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "New plan. The prom is a go, and you're pathetic."

Tucker, feeling cornered, managed to grab an electrical cord and yanked a heavy lamp off a tall shelf, swinging it down onto Buffy. She let out a surprised gasp as it struck her, but she remained more startled than hurt. Tucker used the momentary distraction to break free from her grasp and scrambled away. In desperation, he grabbed a screwdriver and held it out in a menacing fashion. "Maybe not," he said, his voice trembling with fear and determination.

Buffy and Faith advanced on him, undaunted by his feeble attempt to defend himself. Their eyes caught the video monitor in front of the Hell Hound's cage, along with the discarded video boxes for "Carrie" and "Pretty in Pink."

"So that's it? You brain-washed the hound to go psycho over all things prom?" Buffy asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and irritation.

Tucker grinned, a twisted sense of satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Neat, huh?" he taunted, seemingly unfazed by the dire situation.

Buffy couldn't believe the lengths Tucker was willing to go to disrupt the prom. Her voice was laced with disbelief and frustration as she asked, "I don't get it. What kind of sicko would want to destroy the happiest night of a senior's life?"

Tucker, still defiant, replied cryptically, "I have my reasons," as Faith and Buffy closed in on him.

Faith couldn't help but roll her eyes at Tucker's response. "Whatever. Every maladjust has a reason. Lucky for me you're an incompetent maladjust," she quipped.

Tucker's desperation got the best of him as he lunged at Faith with the screwdriver, but it was a futile effort. A brief and one-sided struggle ensued, with Faith easily disarming and overpowering him. She pinned him to the ground while Buffy, quick on her feet, retrieved some rope from her weapons bag that Faith had dropped.

With Tucker securely tied up, Buffy and Faith dragged him over to what appeared to be a utility closet. Buffy's tone was filled with determination as she spoke. "Now, we're just going to lock you up in here - and then I'm going to party like it's—"

Buffy swung open the closet door, ready to lock Tucker away, but what she and Faith found inside left them both stunned. There were three more hellhound cages, each with a video monitor. It was evident that all of the additional cages had been occupied until very recently.

Tucker grinned maliciously, relishing in his sick plan. "Got to have a redundancy system. Any 'incompetent' knows that," he boasted. "My three fiercest babies are on their way to the dance right now. You think formal wear makes them crazy? Wait till they see the mirror ball."

Buffy and Faith exchanged alarmed glances, realizing the scope of the impending disaster. The prom was in serious jeopardy, and they had to act quickly to stop the hellhounds before they wreaked havoc on the dance.

Gateway High School

Buffy and Faith materialized in a swirl of fiery flames outside the gym where the dance was being held, just in time to see the hellhounds heading menacingly toward the building.

Quick on her feet, Faith reached into Buffy's weapons bag and pulled out a crossbow. With unwavering focus, she took aim at one of the hounds and let loose an arrow. WHOOSH! The arrow hit its mark, striking one of the hounds mere seconds before it could enter the gym. The creature let out a deafening bellow and collapsed lifeless to the ground.

The remaining two hellhounds, properly alarmed by their fallen comrade, turned their attention to Faith, who was preparing to launch another arrow their way. Meanwhile, Buffy conjured a fireball in her hand, ready for action.

The hounds snarled, teeth bared, as they charged toward Buffy and Faith. The Slayers tried to get the drop on another hound, but they were closing in too fast. Realizing the danger, Buffy and Faith turned and ran away from the gym, attempting to draw the hounds away from the dance.

"That's right, follow Buffy and Faith… good dogs…" Buffy quipped with a smirk, attempting to lighten the tense situation.

Faith chuckled as they sprinted, out of breath, away from the pursuing hellhounds. "Not one of your best," she said, catching her breath, to which Buffy nodded in agreement.

As they led the hounds away from the prom and their objective, a popular dance tune began playing in the gym, and the joyful cries of the prom-goers could be heard. The hellhounds suddenly stopped dead in their tracks, causing Buffy and Faith to halt as well.

"Oh, come on! That song sucks!" Buffy exclaimed, her frustration clear.

Faith shook her head in disbelief. "Who picks these songs anyways?"

The hellhounds, now uninterested in Buffy and Faith, turned and headed back toward the gym, their fiery eyes fixed on the impending chaos of the prom. Buffy and Faith sprinted after them, determination fueling their every step.

Faith attempted to take aim with the crossbow, but the hounds were too fast and had already disappeared into the building. Without hesitation, Buffy and Faith followed them through the gym doors, just in the nick of time.

As they entered the lobby area of the gym, Buffy and Faith quickly spotted some decorative drapes hanging over the doors. Faith leaped for them, yanking the drapes down and throwing them over the hellhounds, effectively trapping them.

One of the hounds managed to wriggle free from under the drapes, but the other was thoroughly entangled. With no time to waste, Buffy conjured a fiery ball of energy in her hand and flung it at the trapped hound, vanquishing it in a blaze of flames.

Faith, on the other hand, wasted no time as she got the upper hand on the free-hound, swiftly snapping its neck. It collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

Standing up, Faith grinned at Buffy. "Go get your dress," she instructed. "I'll take care of these guys. Besides, I want to make an entrance. Surprise Hope."

Buffy quickly made her way outside to her weapon bag, retrieving one of the two garment bags hidden within it. With her dress in tow, she headed back inside, making her way to the locker room to get changed.

Meanwhile, Faith dragged the lifeless Hellhound outside, tucking it discreetly into some bushes to keep it out of sight. She then went back for the other hellhound they had taken out earlier and placed it next to its companion. Afterward, she retrieved the second garment bag from Buffy's weapon bag, a sense of anticipation building as she contemplated the unexpected experience of wearing a dress for the prom.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy, looking absolutely breathtaking in her prom dress, made her grand entrance into the gym, drawing the eyes of the other prom-goers who couldn't help but admire the latecomer's beauty. She took a moment to survey the scene, basking in the ambiance of the prom.

Spotting Giles, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, Buffy caught their eyes and nodded subtly to let them know that the hellhounds had been taken care of. In response, Giles, Piper, Phoebe, and Prue all nodded in acknowledgment and relief.

Meanwhile, Willow and Oz were in the midst of dancing when Willow spotted Buffy. She excitedly pointed Buffy out to Oz, and they gracefully made their way off the dance floor to greet their friend.

"Buffy! You look awesome," Willow exclaimed, embracing Buffy warmly.

Oz joined in the greeting, his calm demeanor contrasting with Willow's excitement. "Everything cool?" he asked.

Buffy nodded with a satisfied smile. "Coolest. Devil dogs are history. How's the prom?"

"Strangely affecting. I teared up when they played 'We Are Family,'" Oz remarked, his typically reserved demeanor revealing a hint of sentimentality.

"Everything's perfect, Buffy," Willow chimed in, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she shared in the joy of the prom.

Buffy absorbed the positivity in their responses, her own smile growing in response to their genuine happiness.

But the night held another delightful surprise. As the gym doors swung open once more, Faith entered, looking absolutely radiant in her dress. Willow's jaw dropped at the sight of her sister, the shock and awe evident on her face.

Faith made her way over to Willow, a playful smile on her lips. "Thought I'd surprise you, Hope, with my choice of dress."

Willow couldn't help but admire her sister's transformation. "You definitely did that, Faith," she replied, her eyes filled with sisterly pride. "You look beautiful."

Faith's smile widened as she returned the compliment. "So do you, Hope."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Amidst the class award presentations, Buffy stood by herself at the punch bowl table, a bit removed from the crowd, and perhaps a touch forlorn. Despite the warmth of the prom surrounding her, she couldn't shake the feeling of solitude that occasionally crept in.

As the award announcements continued, a spotlight suddenly found a student with a balloon animal perched atop their head. The anticipation in the room grew as the crowd waited to hear the recipient of the "Class Clown" award for 1999.

"And the award for Sunnydale High's 'Class Clown' for 1999 goes to..." the presenter announced, building suspense.

The spotlight revealed Jack Mayhew, who reacted with wild enthusiasm to his triumph. He sprinted up to the stage, mugging and performing "wild and crazy guy" antics that elicited laughter and applause from the audience.

Xander, nearby, couldn't help but roll his eyes in exasperation. "Please. Anybody can be a prop class clown," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with a touch of bitterness. "You know, none of the people who vote are funny."

As the class award presentations continued, the student at the mic, Dent, turned and scanned the room. There was a bit of shuffling and anticipation in the audience as he beckoned Jonathan to come forward.

Jonathan, somewhat nervously, stepped up to the mic. "We have one more award to give out... Is Payson Halliwell here tonight? Did she, uh..."

Minor confusion rippled through the crowd as the spotlight scanned the room, searching for Buffy, who had been turned away while getting some punch. Eventually, the spotlight found her, and she turned to look at Jonathan, her expression one of bewilderment.

Jonathan cleared his throat and continued, "This is actually a new category, first time ever, I guess there were a lot of write-in ballots... and, uh, the prom committee has asked me to read this."

He produced a piece of paper and read the words a little stiffly, "We're not good friends. Most of us never found the time to get to know you. But that doesn't mean we haven't noticed you. We don't talk about it much, but it's no secret Gateway High isn't really like other schools. A lot of weird stuff happens here."

The audience responded with murmurs and chuckles, calling out examples, "Zombies! Hyena people! Snyder!"

Jonathan waited for the commotion to die down before continuing, "But whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you, or helped by you, at one time or another. We're proud to say that the class of '99 has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in San Francisco history," he announced, and the entire room erupted in applause.

"And we know at least part of that is because of you. So the senior class offers its thanks, and… gives you, uh, this," Jonathan continued, his voice filled with sincerity. Some students on stage fumbled about as they passed Buffy's award to the front. It was a small umbrella, beautifully decorated and spray-painted gold. Jonathan took it and opened it, revealing the message inscribed inside. "It's from all of us, and it's got written here, 'Payson Halliwell. Class Protector.'"

Buffy was nearly overcome with emotion as she approached the stage, her eyes glistening with tears. The entire crowd, students, chaperones, and friends, began to clap in unison, acknowledging her selfless dedication and bravery in the face of supernatural challenges.

Prue, Piper, and Phoebe, who had watched with pride, joined in the applause with wide smiles, their sisterly bond stronger than ever in that moment.

Giles, Willow, Oz, and Xander clapped and whistled enthusiastically, showing their support for Buffy who had made their lives better in so many ways.

Even Faith, who rarely let her guard down, joined in the applause, recognizing and respecting the importance of this moment for her fellow Slayer.

As Buffy accepted the umbrella and faced the cheering crowd, she was overwhelmed by the love and appreciation from her friends and classmates. It was a beautiful and touching tribute, a reminder that she was not alone in her battles, and that her efforts had made a profound impact on the lives of those around her.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

esley, clearly anxious and unsure, approached Giles with a somewhat timid request. "Mr. Giles, I'd like your opinion. While the last thing I wish to do is model bad behavior in front of impressionable youth - I wonder if asking Ms. Chase for a dance would –"

Giles, who seemed to have had enough of the whole situation, cut Wesley off with a mix of irritation and impatience. "For God's sake, man. She's eighteen, and you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone. Have at it, would you, and stop fluttering about."

Chastened yet somewhat pleased by the straightforward response, Wesley nodded. "Right then. Thanks for that." He walked away, heading eagerly toward Cordelia, who seemed open to the idea.

As the evening continued, a slow song played, and the prom-goers paired off to dance. Oz smoothly danced with both Willow and Faith, Xander twirled Anya around the dance floor, and Cordelia found herself dancing with Wesley.

Meanwhile, Prue and Giles spotted Buffy from opposite ends of the gym. She stood alone, clutching her award, watching her friends dance and enjoy the prom.

"You did good work tonight, Buffy," Giles said as he and Prue approached her.

Prue nodded in agreement. "You did, Buffy."

Buffy smiled as she spoke, motioning toward her newly acquired umbrella. "Yeah, and I got a toy surprise."

Giles nodded in agreement, his voice filled with a touch of amazement. "Yes. I really had no idea that children — en masse — could be gracious."

Prue joined in, echoing Giles' sentiment. "I have to agree."

Buffy chimed in, offering her perspective. "Every now and then, people surprise you."

Behind Buffy, Giles and Prue spotted Angel, who had been standing nearby. Giles couldn't help but smile at the sight of Angel.

Prue, reflecting on her recent conversation with Angel about his relationship with Buffy, realized she had made a mistake. She decided to talk to Angel later, hoping to mend the rift she had unintentionally caused.

"Every now and then," Giles repeated, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.

Buffy followed their gaze as she turned to face Angel, who was wearing a tuxedo and walking toward her.

Giles gracefully stepped away from the scene as Prue took the umbrella from her sister. With a silent understanding, Prue also retreated a few steps, allowing Buffy the space to be alone with Angel.

Buffy's eyes remained locked on Angel as he approached her. She spoke with a mixture of surprise and relief, "I never thought you'd come."

Angel met her gaze, his expression reflecting the weight of their complicated situation. "It's a big night," he explained. "I didn't want to miss it. It's just tonight. It doesn't mean that—"

Buffy nodded, her voice filled with understanding and acceptance. "I know. I mean... I understand."

There was a deeper meaning to their exchange, a mutual recognition of the complexity of their relationship, the pain they had both endured, and the unspoken words that hung between them.

"Will you dance with me?" Angel asked, his voice soft with longing.

Buffy didn't need to think twice. She folded into his arms, resting her head on his chest, and closed her eyes as they swayed to the music.