One Girl in All the World

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

"Buffy," Giles repeated, as if memorizing it. "You know the prophecy." "'One girl in all the world,'" Buffy repeated, a sharp hint of irony to her tone. "You think maybe fate crossed a wire in there somewhere?"

43. Chapter 43: Freshman

Chapter 43: Freshman

August 12, 1999 – Thursday

Restfield Cemetery

Buffy's restless energy seemed to simmer with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as she paced back and forth beside Faith, the tombstone standing as an impassive witness to their conversation. Her eyes, a kaleidoscope of emotions, darted between the books scattered around Faith and the leaflet clutched in her hand, a silent plea for a beacon of hope in the sea of course offerings.

Faith, ever the anchor in her world, sat cross-legged on the picnic blanket, her features etched with determination. Her pen danced along the leaflet's surface as she scanned the contents, a furrow forming between her brows. She was on a mission to find something that would light up Buffy's heart, and her commitment was unmistakable.

When Buffy finally halted her anxious pacing and turned her gaze towards Faith, her question hung in the air like a fragile promise. "Anything?"

Faith looked up from the leaflet, her eyes meeting Buffy's with a soft, reassuring smile. "There's 'Introduction to the Modern Novel,'" she began, the words dripping with the sweet potential of discovery, like a treasure waiting to be unearthed.

Buffy's gaze locked onto Faith, her hope burgeoning. The air around them seemed to crackle with an electrifying anticipation as she listened to her wife's voice, hanging on every word. Faith continued, her voice steady and inviting, "A survey study of twentieth-century novelists. Open to freshmen. You might like that."

Buffy's eyes were pools of emotion, reflecting a mosaic of thoughts and feelings. Her concern, like a fragile ember, flickered as she gently nibbled her bottom lip, her heart laid bare in the vulnerability of her expression. "Introduction to the modern novel? I'm guessing I'd probably have to read the modern novel."

Faith nodded, her gaze unwavering, her belief in Buffy's capabilities shining through. "Probably more than one."

Buffy's internal turmoil was evident, her mind a battleground of desire and apprehension. She admitted, "I like books," her voice a tender admission that mirrored the affection she held for the written word. Her frown remained, a small crease in her brow that betrayed her uncertainty. The image of a towering stack of books waiting to be devoured loomed in her mind's eye, an imposing challenge.

But then, like a beacon in the night, hope rekindled in Buffy's eyes. She turned to the side for a brief moment, as if contemplating the possibilities and the weight of her choices. With a decisive turn, she faced Faith again, her gaze locking onto her wife's. "Do they have an introduction to the modern blurb?" she asked, a note of hope in her voice, a glimmer of possibility that perhaps, amidst the sea of uncertainty, there was a lifeline after all.

Faith's determination was unwavering as she scanned the leaflet once more, her brow furrowing in concentration. "How about short story?" Her voice broke the silence, offering a lifeline to Buffy, a shimmer of hope in her eyes.

Relief washed over Buffy, like a gentle, soothing breeze on a hot summer's day. "That's good," she replied, the tension ebbing from her voice. Short stories sounded infinitely more manageable, like little windows into different worlds.

But then, Faith's expression shifted, and a shadow crossed her features as she continued to peruse the leaflet. "Except it's not going to work," she said, her voice carrying a tinge of disappointment. "It conflicts with Psych."

Buffy's shoulders slumped, a cloud of doubt descending over her. She muttered dubiously, her concern etched across her face, "Maybe I shouldn't take Psych."

Faith's gaze fixed on her wife, her eyes reflecting a blend of understanding and concern. "Yeah, and Red will have your hide, Buffy," she responded with a knowing smile, a testament to the tight-knit bonds of their group. "You know you promised her that you were going to take it with her. Besides, it can be used for your science credit."

Buffy sighed, her resolve wavering in the face of practicality. Her need for a science requirement was undeniable, and her promise to Willow was a matter of loyalty and friendship that she couldn't easily dismiss.

Faith's eyes danced with a newfound spark of discovery as she scanned the leaflet, a hint of excitement dancing in her gaze. "How about this?" she said, glancing up at Buffy to ensure she had her wife's full attention. "Images of pop culture," she read aloud, her voice filled with an infectious enthusiasm. "They watch movies, TV shows, even commercials."

Buffy's surprise was palpable, her eyes widening in amazement. "For credit?" she questioned, her disbelief hanging in the air like a pleasant echo. She moved closer, settling down beside Faith on the picnic blanket, their shoulders brushing against each other. The allure of a course that involved watching movies and TV shows for academic credit was too tantalizing to resist.

Faith, however, couldn't help but shoot her wife a playful, reproving look. "Well, you did sort of wait till the last minute with your course selection," she chided, her tone teasing but loving.

Buffy's lips curled into a gentle smile as she took a playful jab at Faith. "Sorry, Miss I-Chose-My-Major-In-Playgroup," she quipped, her voice filled with affection. She leaned in closer to examine the course description herself, still in disbelief that she had overlooked such a fun and seemingly easy-sounding course.

Unbeknownst to them, the earth behind them stirred, and a hand shot out of the freshly turned soil, breaking through the surface with an eerie, unexpected intrusion.

Faith's voice was laced with humor as she continued the banter, her gaze locked onto Buffy's. "And you know my life, babe," she replied with a knowing grin. "That's not even remotely true. Besides, we did have a lot going on over the summer. First our wedding, and then your gender reassignment surgery."

Buffy's eyes softened as she recollected those monumental moments. "And then I went to court to get my gender marker changed," she added, her voice filled with pride and joy at the cherished milestone in her journey. "Giles says you and I have to be secret identity gals again," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "If too many people know we're Slayers, we're targets blah blah blah..."

"Yeah, I know," Faith groaned, the weight of Giles' caution evident in her tone as she rolled her eyes. The vampire, with a grotesque grin etched across his face, clawed his way out of the grave behind them, a silent reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows. "He gave me the same speech."

As the undead menace approached, a twisted smile etched on his decomposing face, he caught sight of the arsenal of weapons neatly arranged in the bag next to the pair. A momentary pause flickered across his undead features, contemplating whether the odds favored him in this particular confrontation.

"I'm psyched for college, definitely," Buffy said, her voice reflecting a mix of excitement for the future and determination to balance the demands of academia with their Slayer responsibilities. "I'm just wondering how it's going to work with our extracurricular activities. We got to make sure it doesn't take the edge off our slaying. Got to stay sharp."

The vampire, having weighed the risks against the potential reward, decided it wasn't worth the effort to take on Buffy and Faith with their cache of weapons. With a reluctant acknowledgment of defeat, he slinked away into the encompassing darkness, disappearing from sight.

Buffy turned her attention back to the grave, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed it. "Is that guy ever gonna wake up?" she asked, oblivious to the fact that the vampire had already risen and silently slipped away into the night.

August 24, 1999 – Tuesday

U.C. Sunnydale – Footpaths

Buffy walked through the bustling U.C. Sunnydale campus, her fingers tightly clutching the orientation package to her chest as if it were a lifeline amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces and bustling activity. The weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the nervous fluttering in her stomach as she navigated the maze of pathways.

"Freshmen! We're doing this by folder color! If you're not holding a yellow folder, you're in the wrong group! You belong up by Wiesman hall," a voice called out, slicing through the chatter like a sharp blade. Buffy glanced down at her own folder, its vibrant green hue contrasting against the sea of yellow around her. A sense of disorientation washed over her as she scanned the crowd for guidance, but the chaotic swirl of students offered little clarity.

Resigned to her uncertainty, Buffy followed the vague direction indicated by the voice, her steps faltering slightly as she weaved through the throng of students. Amidst the commotion, her attention was abruptly seized by the fervent voice of a girl wielding a megaphone, rallying a group of impassioned protesters. "What do we want?" the girl's voice boomed, igniting a chorus of passionate responses from the crowd. Buffy paused momentarily, captivated by the energy crackling in the air, before reluctantly tearing herself away and continuing on her path.

As she pushed through the crowd, a leaflet was thrust into her hand by an enthusiastic young man, his eyes alight with fervor. "Rally tomorrow night. We have to let the administration know how we feel," he urged, his words resonating with an urgency that mirrored the tumultuous atmosphere engulfing the campus.

"Sure," replied Buffy, her voice carrying a hint of resignation as she accepted yet another leaflet thrust into her hand. She took a few more steps forward, the weight of the orientation package growing heavier with each passing moment, before she found herself accosted by a conservative young woman, her earnest gaze fixed upon Buffy.

"Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?" the woman inquired, her words dripping with fervent zeal, each syllable saturated with an unwavering conviction that brooked no evasion.

Buffy let out an exasperated groan, the weight of countless judgments and prejudices pressing down on her shoulders like an oppressive burden. "Yeah, well, I see how organized religion treats people like me and I'm like no thanks."

"People like you?" the woman's voice betrayed a hint of curiosity, mingled with a touch of incredulity.

"I'm Transgender," Buffy's words spilled forth with a mix of defiance and weariness, each syllable a testament to the battles fought and scars borne. "I've been on hormones for a year now and just had my bottom surgery over the summer. And on top of that I am a lesbian and married to another woman."

As Buffy laid bare her truth, a palpable tension hung in the air, thick with judgment and disdain. The woman's expression contorted into a mask of disgust before she abruptly turned away, seeking refuge in the company of another student.

Buffy didn't get far before she was confronted by yet another leaflet-bearing stranger, this time in the form of an exceptionally nonchalant young man. He lounged against a nearby wall, exuding an air of casual confidence that seemed to defy the hustle and bustle of campus life.

"Party Thursday at Alpha Delt. Gotta be there – free jello shots for freshmen women. That's our guarantee," he proclaimed with an easygoing grin, his words tumbling out with the carefree charm of someone who knew how to have a good time. His voice, a symphony of laid-back enthusiasm, cut through the tension of the day like a ray of sunshine piercing through storm clouds.

"Really?" Buffy's surprise was palpable, her eyebrows arching in disbelief. "You do know I'm trans, right?"

"I have eyes," he confirmed with a nod, his gaze meeting hers with a refreshing honesty. "And I overheard what you told the religious zealot over there. And I say congratulations for living your truth."

A sense of warmth spread through Buffy's chest, a welcome contrast to the chill of judgment she had grown accustomed to. Gratitude painted her features as she offered him a genuine smile. "Thanks," she said, her voice laced with sincerity, her heart buoyed by the unexpected kindness of a stranger who saw beyond labels and embraced her for who she truly was.

Just then, a familiar voice pierced through the clamor, "B," drawing Buffy's attention to her wife, Faith, bounding up beside her with a grace that matched her fierce spirit. Faith's presence, like a beacon cutting through the chaos of the bustling campus, brought a sense of calm to Buffy's racing thoughts. Willow trailed not far behind, her vibrant aura adding an extra spark to the trio's dynamic.

"Hey, Faith! Boy am I glad to see you," Buffy exclaimed, her voice infused with relief and affection as they formed a united front against the tide of eager activists and party promoters. With a tender smile, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to Faith's lips, the connection a reassurance of their unwavering bond amidst the swirling currents of university life.

"Hey," Willow interjected, her enthusiasm bubbling over at the sight of her friends' reunion, her hands still brimming with leaflets and folders, a testament to her own fervent commitment to the causes she held dear.

"Hey, Will," Buffy greeted her friend warmly, her gaze softening as she took in Willow's contagious energy, a reminder of the boundless potential nestled within each new day.

"Isn't it cool?! There's so much stuff going on!" exclaimed Willow, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she gestured animatedly to the vibrant tapestry of activity unfurling around them, a kaleidoscope of possibilities waiting to be explored.

"Almost too much," remarked Buffy, a touch of weariness creeping into her voice as she surveyed the sea of faces, each one a reflection of the diverse tapestry of human experience that made up their shared reality.

"B?" Faith's concern was palpable as she studied her wife's expression, her gaze piercing through the facade of composure to the heart of the matter. "What's wrong?"

"Came across a woman back there handing out flyers for a Christian organization or something. I was like, no thanks. When I explained why she just looked at me like I was the lowest of the low," Buffy recounted, her voice tinged with frustration and disappointment at the encounter, a reminder of the barriers they still faced in their journey towards acceptance and understanding.

Faith's brow furrowed in empathy as she absorbed Buffy's words, her heart aching at the injustice of the encounter. With a gentle touch, she reached out to grasp Buffy's hand, offering silent solidarity in the face of prejudice.

"That sucks, B," Faith murmured, her voice a soothing balm to Buffy's wounded spirit. "But you know what? Screw her. You're strong, you're beautiful, and you're living your truth. That's all that matters."

Buffy's lips quirked into a small smile at Faith's unwavering support, a flicker of gratitude dancing in her eyes like a lone star amidst the darkness. "Thanks, Faith," she whispered, her voice carrying a weight of gratitude too heavy for words alone to express.

"Yeah, what she said," Willow chimed in, her voice infused with unwavering support as she stood shoulder to shoulder with her friends, a beacon of solidarity amidst the swirling currents of uncertainty. Her resolve, a radiant ember glowing within the depths of her soul, served as a testament to the unbreakable bonds of their chosen family, forged not by blood but by shared experiences and unwavering loyalty.

Sensing the need to shift the focus away from the weighty matters that had burdened their hearts, Willow deftly changed the subject, her words a gentle transition into lighter territory. "I got all my courses, except I had to switch Modern Poetry for Ethnomusicology, but that's cool," she announced, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she spoke of her newfound academic pursuits. "West African drumming, I think it's gonna change everything for me."

Buffy and Faith exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment passing between them at Willow's boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge. "That sounds amazing, Will," Buffy said, her voice tinged with genuine excitement for her friend's journey of self-discovery.

"So, did you guys decide on married housing or in the regular dorms?" Willow inquired, her gaze shifting between her two friends with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

"Married housing," Faith replied without hesitation, her tone tinged with determination. "There was no guarantee that Buffy and I would be in the same dorm room if we went that route."

Willow nodded in understanding, her heart swelling with pride at the strength and resilience of her friends.

"I see you got ticketed too," Buffy remarked, her tone laced with camaraderie as she observed the leaflets tightly grasped in Willow's hands, a tangible symbol of their shared journey as freshmen students navigating the maze of campus life.

"Oh yeah! It's great. I've heard about five different issues and I'm angry about each and every one of them," exclaimed Willow, her voice brimming with a fervent energy fueled by a sense of moral outrage and a desire for justice. With each word, her passion radiated like a beacon, drawing others into the sphere of her unwavering conviction. "What'd you get?" she inquired eagerly, her curiosity sparked by the contents of Buffy's leaflets, her eyes alight with anticipation as she awaited her friend's response.

Buffy's lips curved into a knowing smile as she glanced down at the final leaflet she had acquired, the irony not lost on her. "Jello shots," she replied, her amusement evident in the playful twinkle dancing in her eyes.

"I didn't get jello shots..." Willow's disappointment was palpable, a fleeting shadow crossing her features as she sifted through her own stack of leaflets in search of the elusive prize. "I'll trade you a Take Back the Night..."

Without missing a beat, Faith stepped forward, seamlessly intercepting the exchange as she relieved Buffy of her burden. "I got all of them earlier," she informed her wife with a knowing smirk, her actions a testament to the unspoken bond that bound them together.

"Thanks," Willow said appreciatively, her gratitude shimmering like a beacon of light amidst the sea of leaflets and flyer

"Are we anywhere near Wiesman? I still need to get my I.D. Card," Buffy queried, her eyes scanning the bustling campus in search of familiar landmarks, a hint of urgency creeping into her voice as the weight of unfinished tasks pressed upon her.

"Yeah, it's not too far. I just came from there," Faith confirmed, her hand gesturing in the direction she and Willow had just traversed. The memory of the winding lines and bustling activity at the identification office still fresh in her mind. "As I left, I noticed the lines were getting really long."

"Well, I hope that I learn from this, and that I grow," Buffy quipped, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips as she attempted to lighten the mood with a touch of humor, masking her underlying apprehension with a well-timed jest.

"Boyfriend!" Willow's exclamation shattered the momentary silence, her voice ringing out with unbridled excitement as she caught sight of Oz making his way towards them, his presence a welcome distraction from the mundane tasks of campus life.

"Hey, guys," Oz greeted them with his customary calm demeanor, his eyes flickering with quiet amusement as he took in the scene unfolding before him.

"Oz," Faith acknowledged him with a nod of recognition, her tone warm with familiarity.

"Faith," Oz returned the greeting with a small nod, the unspoken bond between them palpable even in the brief exchange of words.

"It's my on-campus boyfriend!" Willow exclaimed excitedly; her voice infused with a contagious joy as she leaned in to plant a kiss on Oz's lips.

"Yeah, having your boyfriend, or in my case wife, with you on campus is perfect," Buffy chimed in, her words carrying a mix of pride and contentment as she wrapped her arms around Faith.

"How are you doing?" Willow inquired, her concern evident as she turned her attention to Oz, her eyes scanning his features for any sign of distress.

"Good. This is pretty much a madhouse, a madhouse," Oz replied, his deadpan delivery punctuated by a subtle hint of amusement at the absurdity of their surroundings.

"Good one, Oz," Faith chuckled, a smile playing at the corners of her lips as she caught the movie reference.

"Oh, isn't it overwhelming?" Buffy interjected, her voice tinged with a note of vulnerability as she voiced her own insecurities, her eyes searching for reassurance amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. "I was saying that - aren't you just completely disoriented?"

"Case of butterflies, babe?" Faith's voice was soft and soothing, her hand reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair from Buffy's forehead.

"Yeah," Buffy admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she acknowledged the jumble of emotions churning within her, a whirlwind of anticipation and trepidation swirling beneath the surface. "Most everyone was accepting at Sunnydale High but here I don't know what to expect."

Faith's expression softened with understanding; her gaze locked with Buffy's in a silent promise of unwavering support.

"Oz!" a passing student called out, his voice cutting through the bustling atmosphere with a sense of familiarity and camaraderie.

"Hey, Paul!" Oz returned the greeting, his tone warm with recognition as he acknowledged the fellow student's presence.

"Finally matriculating with us, very cool. Tell me you guys are playing this week," Paul exclaimed eagerly, his excitement palpable as he leaned in, eager for the latest update on the campus music scene.

"Thursday night. Alpha Delt," Oz replied, his words tinged with anticipation as he shared the details of their upcoming performance, a spark of enthusiasm igniting within him at the prospect of taking the stage once more.

"Ooh! I have that one," Willow interjected, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she glanced down at one of the flyers clutched in her hand, her enthusiasm mirroring Paul's own.

"I'm bringing the wrecking crew. Jello shots! Do you know where they're distributing the work study applications?" Paul inquired, his attention shifting to practical matters as he sought information on campus resources.

"Back of Richmond Hall, next to the auditorium," Oz supplied readily, his familiarity with the campus layout evident in the ease with which he provided directions.

"Thanks. See you, bro," Paul said with a casual wave before continuing on his way, his footsteps echoing against the pavement as he disappeared into the throng of students.

"Yeah," Oz responded with a nod, his gaze lingering on Paul's retreating figure for a moment before turning back to Buffy and Faith, his expression a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "The band's played here a lot. But it's still all new. I don't know what the Hell's going on." He offered a brief nod of acknowledgment to another passing student. "Hey, Doug."

U.C. Sunnydale – Weisman Hall

As the midday sun cast a warm glow over the bustling campus, Faith linked her arm with Buffy's, a reassuring gesture of solidarity as they embarked on their mission. The campus buzzed with activity, students darting to and fro like busy ants on a mission, but Faith's steady presence grounded Buffy amidst the whirlwind of excitement and apprehension.

"Alright, B, time to get you sorted with that student ID," Faith declared with a determined smile, her voice carrying a note of encouragement as she guided Buffy through the maze of buildings and pathways towards Wiesman Hall.

Buffy's nerves fluttered like a flock of startled birds in her chest, but the warmth of Faith's hand wrapped around hers offered a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty. With each step, they drew closer to their destination, the anticipation building with each heartbeat.

As they entered the bustling center, Faith led Buffy to the designated area for ID card issuance, navigating the sea of students with ease. The line snaked around the room, a testament to the throngs of newcomers eager to cement their place within the university community.

Faith glanced at Buffy, offering a reassuring squeeze of her hand before settling in line beside her. "Almost there, B," she murmured, her voice a soothing melody amidst the clamor of voices around them.

With each passing minute, their wait in line drew them closer to the threshold of a new chapter in Buffy's academic journey. Faith kept up a steady stream of conversation, her words a lifeline in the sea of nervous energy that surrounded them.

Finally, they reached the front of the line, where a friendly staff member greeted them with a smile. As Buffy posed for her ID photo, Faith stood by her side, her presence a silent reminder that she was not alone in this unfamiliar terrain.

With her brand-new student ID in hand, Buffy couldn't help but smile as she looked to Faith, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thanks for being here with me," she said softly, her voice filled with emotion.

Faith returned her smile, her own eyes sparkling with pride. "Anytime, B. We're in this together."

U.C. Sunnydale – Library

A while later, Buffy and Faith trailed behind Willow as she led them into another building, the rhythmic echo of their footsteps filling the hallway as they wandered the campus in search of their next adventure. Willow's eyes sparkled with excitement as she caught sight of a staircase, her smile brightening as she spotted the sign overhead.

"Library… Ooh! Library. C'mon," Willow urged, her voice tinged with anticipation as she quickened her pace, beckoning Buffy and Faith to follow suit. With shared grins, the trio ascended the steps, their spirits buoyed by the promise of literary treasures waiting to be discovered.

"It's too bad Giles can't be librarian here. Be convenient," Buffy mused wistfully as they reached a landing and turned left to mount another staircase, her thoughts drifting to their former Watcher and mentor, whose absence was keenly felt in moments like these.

"Well, he says that he's enjoying being a gentleman of leisure," Willow explained, her voice tinged with fondness as she spoke of their beloved Giles, the memories of their shared adventures bringing a soft smile to her lips.

"Gentleman of leisure?" Faith repeated, her brow furrowing in amusement as she cast Willow a playful look. "Isn't that just British for unemployed?"

Willow chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Uh-huh, he's a slacker now," she confirmed with a mischievous glint in her eye, the affectionate teasing a testament to the enduring bond they shared with their former Watcher.

"Speaking of slack, have you heard anything from Xander?" Buffy interjected; her concern evident as she broached the subject of their absent friend.

Willow shook her head solemnly, strands of red hair swaying with the motion. "Not for a while, he's still on his cross-country-see-America thing," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of regret as they reached another landing, the rhythm of their ascent a steady cadence echoing through the stairwell. With determined resolve, they once again began to climb another flight of stairs, their footsteps a symphony of determination as they pressed onward.

"He said he wasn't coming back until he had driven to all fifty states," Willow continued, her tone laced with a mix of admiration and concern for their friend's ambitious quest.

Buffy cast a quizzical glance at Willow. "Did you explain about Hawaii?" she asked, a note of incredulity coloring her words as they neared their destination.

Willow's gaze dropped guiltily, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Well, he seemed so determined…" she trailed off, her voice trailing into a sheepish murmur as she admitted her complicity in Xander's grand adventure.

Buffy nodded in understanding, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I hope he gets back soon. It'd be fun to have the whole gang back together, you know, hang out in the… library," she remarked, her words filled with longing for the camaraderie of their shared adventures.

As they finally reached their destination, Buffy's eyes widened in awe, her breath catching in her throat at the sight before them. "Wow!" she exclaimed, her voice hushed with reverence as she took in the expanse of the room, its towering shelves laden with knowledge stretching towards the heavens.

"Couldn't have said it better," Faith breathed, her voice a soft murmur of appreciation as she too absorbed the grandeur of their surroundings.

"Isn't it amazing?" Willow's excitement bubbled over, her eyes dancing with delight as she beheld the vast expanse of the library, her fingertips practically itching with anticipation to dive into the treasure trove of knowledge nestled within the neatly arranged shelves.

"It's… cozy," Buffy muttered, her gaze wandering around the expansive room, her enthusiasm tempered by a sense of apprehension at the sheer scale of their new surroundings. The high ceilings and towering shelves seemed to loom overhead, casting a shadow over the cozy intimacy of their old high school library.

Faith could sense Buffy's unease, her own memories of the high school library serving as a poignant reminder of the comfort and familiarity they had left behind. Without hesitation, she reached out, wrapping her arm around Buffy in a silent gesture of support and understanding, her touch a tangible reassurance amidst the sea of uncertainty.

"You know," Willow interjected, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia, "I never wanted to hurt Giles' feelings, but occult books aside, our old library just didn't have the greatest selection. But this!"

"Yeah, this is great," Buffy agreed somewhat dubiously, her attempt at humor masking the underlying discomfort she felt in this unfamiliar environment. "You know, if we ever need a place for the Nuremberg rallies."

Willow's gaze softened as she turned to Buffy, her eyes shining with earnest enthusiasm. "This is a real library," she explained patiently, her grin widening as she heard a nearby student 'shh' them. "See," she whispered eagerly, "we even have to whisper. It's like a whole new world." Willow's excitement was contagious, earning another 'shh' from the same student along with a venomous glare.

Sensing Buffy's need for some fresh air and space to process, Faith gently led her back outside, her voice low and soothing as she addressed her wife. "B, talk to me. That library was overwhelming, wasn't it?" she asked, her concern palpable as she sought to provide a safe space for Buffy to express her thoughts and feelings.

Buffy took a deep breath, grateful for Faith's understanding and the opportunity to unload her swirling emotions. "Yeah, it was... a lot," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I mean, the high school library was like our safe haven, you know? It was cozy and familiar, and even when things got crazy with slaying, it was a place where we could regroup and feel... normal."

Faith nodded in understanding, her expression one of empathy as she listened intently to Buffy's words. "I get it, B. That library was like our sanctuary," she agreed, her voice a soothing presence amidst Buffy's turmoil. "But hey, we'll find our way around this one too. And who knows, maybe we'll even discover some hidden gems in those stacks."

Buffy managed a small smile, the weight on her shoulders easing slightly at Faith's comforting words. "Yeah, you're right," she conceded, her gaze drifting back to the imposing facade of the library. "It's just gonna take some getting used to, I guess."

Faith squeezed Buffy's hand reassuringly, her silent support a reminder that they were in this together, no matter what challenges lay ahead. "We'll take it one book at a time, B," she said with a gentle smile.

U.C. Sunnydale – Bookstore

Buffy carried a small armload of books, their weight a comforting presence against her chest as she navigated through the crowded aisles of the bookstore. Students bustled around her, each one eager to secure the necessary texts for their classes, their hurried footsteps echoing off the shelves as they searched for the keys to academic success. Buffy moved with deliberate slowness, her eyes scanning the spines of the books with meticulous care, determined to find the last elusive tome she needed to complete her collection.

As she neared the end of the aisle, Faith returned to her side, a shopping basket dangling from her arm like a makeshift beacon of assistance. "Here," Faith offered, gesturing for Buffy to deposit their growing stack of books into the basket.

"Thanks," Buffy replied gratefully, carefully transferring the weight of her burden into the waiting receptacle. With the load lightened, she, Faith, and Willow resumed their leisurely stroll through the bookstore, the promise of knowledge beckoning them forward like a siren's call.

"Can't wait until mom gets the bill for these books, I hope it's a funny aneurysm," Buffy remarked with a wry grin, her words tinged with a hint of mischief as she contemplated the inevitable reaction to the hefty price tag that awaited them.

Faith raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to her wife with a mixture of amusement and incredulity. "Really?" she questioned, her tone laced with playful reproach. "Let's see, she paid for your hormones, your therapist, your surgery, the attorney and court fees to change your name and gender marker, and our wedding. And you're worried about what she will think when she sees the bill for the books?"

Buffy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, her earlier jest suddenly paling in comparison to the monumental support her mother had provided throughout her transition journey. She met Faith's gaze sheepishly, her heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering love and acceptance she had found in her wife.

"Yeah, okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic," Buffy admitted with a rueful smile, her priorities suddenly put into sharp perspective by Faith's gentle reminder. "I guess I should be grateful for all the ways she's supported me, huh?"

Faith's expression softened with understanding, her hand reaching out to squeeze Buffy's reassuringly. "Yeah, B, you should," she affirmed, her voice a soothing balm to Buffy's fleeting insecurities. "And hey, maybe we can sell back some of these books at the end of the semester to recoup some of the costs. That'll soften the blow a bit, right?"

Buffy chuckled, the tension easing from her shoulders as she leaned into Faith's side. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan," she agreed, her heart lightened by the knowledge that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always face them together.

Willow's eyes flitted down to their lists, her voice a soft murmur as she scanned the rows of books lining the shelf they were walking along. "Introduction to Psychology," she murmured, her gaze drifting upward to the top of the shelf where the required texts teetered precariously, their edges dangling over the edge.

Buffy followed Willow's gaze; her skepticism evident as she eyed the books perched just out of reach. "I'll get 'em. You know this store discriminates against short people," she grumbled, a hint of frustration coloring her words as she braced herself to tackle the task at hand.

Faith chuckled at Buffy's quip, her smile playful as she joined in the banter. "Oh, I think there's a protest next week," she quipped, her tone light and teasing as she teased her wife.

With determination set in her expression, Buffy moved closer to the shelf, using it as leverage to reach higher as she stretched up onto her tiptoes. Her fingers grazed the edge of the books, but before she could secure her grip, disaster struck. With a sudden slip, all four books tumbled from the shelf, hurtling toward the unsuspecting man crouched beside the end of the aisle.

"Woah, oh," Buffy cried out in alarm as the books collided with the man's head, eliciting a surprised, pained sound from him as he staggered back in shock. "Ohm ahh," she stuttered, her voice filled with shock and remorse as she watched the scene unfold before her. "Oh God, I'm so sorry," she apologized profusely, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she rushed to the man's side, her hands hovering anxiously in the air as if unsure of what to do next.

Faith, Willow, and Buffy watched in concern as the man slowly stood up, his reassuring words breaking through the tension that hung in the air. "I'm ok. It's ok," he reassured them with a reassuring smile, his calm demeanor serving to alleviate some of Buffy's guilt. "Well, that was bracing," he remarked with a hint of wry humor, his tone light despite the unexpected turn of events.

"I'm so…" Buffy began to apologize again, but caught herself mid-sentence, her words faltering as she struggled to articulate her remorse. "The books were just too high, and then everything was bad," she mumbled, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her awkward attempt to explain the mishap.

Buffy mentally shook herself, determined to regain her composure as she quickly bent down to help gather the fallen books, hoping to distract herself from the embarrassment threatening to overwhelm her.

"Let me give you a hand," the man offered, his voice tinged with a hint of discomfort as he reached out to assist in gathering the fallen books, his movements careful and deliberate to avoid exacerbating his sudden headache. With a slight wince, he grabbed a couple of the books and inspected them briefly before making a decision.

"Let's put a few of these down here," he suggested, placing the books on a lower shelf within easier reach. "So, uh, are you girls taking Intro Psych, or do you just want me dead?" he joked lightly, his attempt at humor a valiant effort to diffuse the tension lingering in the air.

"Uh huh," Buffy replied absentmindedly, her response trailing off awkwardly as she realized the unintended implications of her words. "I mean, the first one," she added hastily, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she averted her gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious under the man's scrutiny.

Faith couldn't help but internally cringe at Buffy's clumsy response, her concern for her wife mingling with amusement at the awkward exchange. 'What in the world was wrong with her?' Faith wondered, shooting a bemused glance at Buffy, who looked like a babbling idiot in that moment.

"Well," the man, Riley, said, shifting his attention away from the flustered blonde to the brunette and redhead beside her. "You'll have a lot of fun. Professor Walsh… she's quite a character."

"You've taken it?" Willow asked eagerly, her eyes lighting up with curiosity as she leaned in closer, eager for any insight into the upcoming course.

"I'm a TA, I'll be helping the Professor out," Riley explained, his gaze shifting from one to the other as he addressed the group. "I'm sorry, I've forgotten my manners in all the concussion… I'm Riley."

"Willow," the redhead introduced herself with a warm smile, gesturing to her friends. "And these are my friends Buffy and Faith," she added, indicating the couple with a nod of her head.

"It's nice to meet you all," Riley said politely, his demeanor gracious and welcoming as he acknowledged the group.

Faith offered a nod of acknowledgment, her gaze meeting Riley's with a hint of curiosity as she sized up the new acquaintance. "Nice to meet you, Riley," she said cordially, her tone warm and friendly as she instinctively wrapped an arm around Buffy, a subtle display of affection and possession.

"Hey, do you know if we're going to be studying 'Operant Conditioning' in the first semester? 'Cause I hear that's kinda Professor Walsh's specialty," Willow chimed in eagerly, her eyes alight with anticipation as she leaned forward, eager for any insights Riley might offer into the upcoming coursework.

Buffy mentally berated herself for her earlier awkwardness. Why was she acting like a stuttering fool? Sure, Riley was a little cute, but he had nothing on her beautiful wife. She shook her head inwardly, determined to focus on the conversation at hand and not let her momentary lapse in composure overshadow the interaction.

"B?" Faith's whispered question jolted Buffy out of her self-imposed reverie. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Buffy muttered quietly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at having been caught lost in her thoughts. She offered Faith a sheepish smile, grateful for her wife's attentiveness and understanding.

"Absolutely," Riley agreed, his voice drawing Buffy and Faith's attention back to him and Willow as they engaged in conversation about Professor Walsh's work. "Do you know her treatise on Dietrich's work?"

"I know of it," Willow sighed longingly, her eyes bright with enthusiasm for the subject matter.

"It's not in the syllabus, but it's a fascinating read… if you're into that sort of thing," Riley muttered, his tone becoming more subdued as he realized he might be coming off as too eager. "They have it here."

"Oh, where?" Willow asked eagerly, her curiosity piqued by the prospect of delving deeper into the realm of psychology.

"I'll show you. I don't meet that many freshmen that know that much about psychology," Riley remarked, his tone laced with admiration for Willow's enthusiasm and knowledge.

"Well, it's fascinating," Willow breathed, her excitement palpable as she eagerly followed Riley's lead.

"Yeah, you know, 'cause everyone's got a brain," Riley added with a polite half-smile, his attempt at levity met with a chuckle from Willow as they began to make their way towards the section of the bookstore where the coveted treatise awaited them.

August 25, 1999 – Wednesday

U.C. Sunnydale – Riegert's Classroom

Professor Riegert took a sip from his soda, the condensation moistening his lips as he wetted his mouth, preparing to deliver his introductory lecture with a sense of authority. "The point of this course is not to critique popular American culture. It is not to pick at it, or look down upon it. And it is not to watch videos for credit," he stated firmly, his words punctuated by a subtle humor that earned a small round of laughter from the students. Buffy, nestled amidst the middle rows toward the rear of the class, scanned her peers with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.

"The point is to examine..." he continued, only to be interrupted by Buffy's hushed inquiry to the student beside her. "Do you know if this class is full yet?" Her voice, barely audible, elicited a disapproving glance from her neighbor.

Sensing the disruption, Professor Riegert glanced up, his irritation evident. "And there are two people talking at once, and I know that one of them is me. And the other is… a blonde girl. You, blonde girl. Stand up. I'm excited to hear what you have to say that's worth interrupting my lecture for."

Feeling the weight of the room's attention, Buffy hesitated before rising to her feet, the gaze of her peers bearing down on her. "I was just asking if the class was still open, if I could still sign up," she explained, trying to maintain composure despite the palpable scrutiny.

Professor Riegert retreated a step, retrieving a clipboard from his desk and brandishing it for all to see. "If your name isn't on this sheet then you are wasting everyone's time," he declared, fixing his gaze on the petite figure amidst the rows of students. "Are you on this sheet?"

"They told me that I could…" Buffy attempted to interject, but Riegert cut her off with a stern rebuke. "Do you understand? You are sucking energy from everyone in this room. They came to learn. Get out!"

Gathering her belongings, Buffy felt a surge of indignation rising within her. "Look," she retorted, her voice laced with defiance as she locked eyes with the professor. "I take enough in my life from people who don't agree with the fact that I'm transgender. I sure as heck don't need to take your attitude from you." Stepping closer to Riegert, she confronted him head-on. "I was told by administration that I could audit this course until a spot opened up. But you know what, I don't think I want to take it now with a bigoted teacher like you." With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the classroom, leaving behind a stunned silence broken only by the scattered applause of her supportive peers.

U.C. Sunnydale – Psychology Classroom

Buffy scanned the bustling hallway, her eyes darting from one sign to another, trying to decipher the labyrinthine layout of the unfamiliar building. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when Riley's familiar figure emerged from the crowd, his steps purposeful as he made his way towards her.

"If uh, you're looking for Psych, it's through here," he offered, his voice warm and friendly as he pointed in the direction of the classroom.

A grateful smile curved Buffy's lips as she fell into step beside him, her earlier confusion dissipating. "Oh, thanks. How's your head?" she inquired with a tinge of regret, recalling their awkward encounter from the day before.

"Sorry?" Riley's brows furrowed in confusion as they entered the classroom, the hum of conversation growing louder as students filled the seats around them.

Buffy's surprise was evident as she glanced up at him, realizing he didn't remember their mishap. "Yesterday… in the bookstore… you don't remember," she trailed off, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks.

Riley's expression cleared as recognition dawned, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Oh, no, sure, I remember you. You're Willow's friend," he replied, recalling the peculiar girl who had inadvertently caused a cascade of books to rain down on his head.

Buffy's response hung heavy in the air, the weight of her words resonating with a poignant truth. "One of the only transgender students on campus and I'm simply Willow's friend," she stated, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and resignation.

Riley's expression softened with understanding as he absorbed Buffy's words. "I just put my foot into it, didn't I?" he remarked sympathetically, his gaze reflecting genuine remorse as Buffy nodded in response. "Sorry."

Buffy offered a forgiving smile, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "You're forgiven," she assured him, her tone gracious despite the lingering awkwardness.

"My head's fine, it just stung for a bit and I lost most of my basic motor functions," Riley quipped, attempting to lighten the mood as he recalled their bookstore mishap. "So, let's see if I can remember. Your…"

"Buffy," she interjected, providing the missing piece of information with a small smile.

"Buffy, right," Riley acknowledged, his curiosity piqued as he broached a more personal topic. "If you don't mind my ask. What's it like, you know, to be transgender?"

Buffy considered his question for a moment, gauging his sincerity before responding. "Are you asking because you're the T.A. in a psych class or just interested?" she inquired, a hint of curiosity lacing her words.

"A little of both, but more the second," Riley admitted, his gaze steady as he awaited her reply, genuine curiosity driving his inquiry.

Buffy took a moment to gather her thoughts, appreciating Riley's openness and genuine interest in understanding her experience. "Well, it's... complicated," she began, her voice carrying a mix of introspection and vulnerability. "There are moments of empowerment, of finally feeling aligned with who I truly am. But there are also struggles, challenges that come with navigating a world that doesn't always understand or accept me for who I am."

Riley nodded thoughtfully, his expression reflecting a blend of empathy and curiosity. "I can imagine," he offered softly, his tone conveying genuine compassion.

"Yeah," Buffy continued, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But there's also a sense of community, of finding support and understanding in unexpected places. And moments like this, where someone genuinely wants to know and listen, it makes a difference."

Riley's eyes met hers with sincerity, a silent acknowledgment of the importance of their conversation. "I'm glad I asked," he admitted, a genuine warmth infusing his words.

Buffy returned his smile, feeling a sense of gratitude for his openness and willingness to learn. "Me too," she replied, her voice tinged with appreciation. "It's nice to know that there are people like you out there, willing to see beyond labels and stereotypes."

Buffy's gaze swept across the tiers of seats, her eyes alighting on the familiar figures of Faith, Willow, and Oz. With purposeful strides, she made her way over to them, a sense of relief washing over her as she settled into the seat between her wife and Willow. "Hey," she greeted them, a small smile gracing her lips.

Willow returned the smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she leaned in closer to Buffy. "How was pop culture?" she inquired; her tone laced with anticipation.

Buffy let out a sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as she recounted her decision. "I decided not to take it. It seemed dull," she admitted, the disappointment evident in her voice as she unpacked her belongings.

"Babe," Faith interjected, her gaze penetrating as she locked eyes with her wife, sensing there was more to the story than Buffy was letting on.

Buffy met Faith's gaze with a weary expression, the weight of her recent encounter weighing heavily on her mind. "The professor was a jerk," she confessed, her frustration evident in her tone. "I made the mistake of asking the girl next to me if the class was still open. And he picked up on it. He was like if I'm not on the list, I need to get out."

"Wasn't that the one you were auditing until it opened?" Willow chimed in, her brow furrowing with concern as she recalled Buffy's plans.

"It was," Buffy confirmed with a nod. "And I told him that. But with his attitude, I was like, 'Look, I put up with enough stuff being transgender. I don't need to put up with your attitude as well.'" Her voice carried a mix of defiance and resignation as she recounted her confrontation with the professor. "Then I left and went to administration and had them remove the audit for that class."

As Professor Walsh strode into the room, her presence commanding attention, Buffy couldn't help but feel a knot form in her stomach. The air seemed to crackle with intensity as the professor settled behind her desk, the weight of her briefcase echoing the gravity of the moment. With a sense of purpose, she accepted the sheet of paper from Riley, her movements deliberate and precise.

"Ok," Professor Walsh began, her voice cutting through the silence with authority as she finally looked up to address the assembled students. Her gaze swept across the tiers of seats, taking in the diverse array of faces before her. "This is Psych 105, Introduction to Psychology, I'm Professor Walsh." Leaning back against her desk, arms crossed with an air of unwavering confidence, she set the tone for the semester ahead. "Those of you who fall under my good graces will come to know me as Maggie," she declared, her tone firm yet tinged with a hint of familiarity. "Those of you who don't will come to know me by the name my TAs use, and think I don't know about, 'The evil Bitch Monster of Death'."

Buffy's eyes widened in disbelief at the blunt honesty of Professor Walsh's words, a mixture of apprehension and intrigue swirling within her. It was clear that this was no ordinary professor, and this would be no ordinary class.

"Make no mistake," Walsh continued, her gaze piercing as she surveyed her students with cool detachment. "I run a hard class, I assign a lot of work, I talk fast and I expect you to keep up."

Buffy swallowed hard, her apprehension mounting with each word that left the professor's lips. It was becoming increasingly evident that she was in for one hell of a year, and this was only the first day. As the weight of Professor Walsh's expectations settled upon her, Buffy couldn't help but wonder just how she would fare in the challenging months ahead.

U.C. Sunnydale – Footpaths

Buffy continued along the footpath, the familiar rhythm of her steps echoing in the quiet night. She and Faith had established a routine for their patrols, alternating nights and occasionally sharing them to cover more ground efficiently. Tonight, however, belonged to Faith, affording Buffy a rare opportunity to navigate the campus solo.

As she meandered through the dimly lit pathways, her mind preoccupied with the events of the evening, Buffy found herself veering off course. Despite her best efforts to stick to the designated patrol route, she soon realized she had strayed from the familiar paths and was now hopelessly lost.

Lost in her thoughts, Buffy collided with a student walking in the opposite direction, the unexpected impact causing her to let out a surprised exclamation. "Ooh!"

"Wow, sorry," the boy apologized, his gaze lifting from the map in his hands to meet Buffy's eyes.

"No, I-I wasn't looking," Buffy reassured him, her own gaze meeting his as she took in his dark hair and lanky frame.

"Did you, uh, lose your way?" he inquired, his brows furrowing in concern as he glanced around the darkened campus.

"Me? Oh, no, no. I'm just going to Fischer Hall…" Buffy replied, her voice trailing off as she scanned her surroundings. "Which I know is on the Earth planet. Recently voted 'Most Pathetic.' Uh huh," she added with a teasing lilt, attempting to mask her embarrassment at being lost.

"Hmm, well, I'm lost and I have a map," the boy admitted, holding up the creased sheet of paper in his hands. "So…"

"Ooh, I come in second. I'm Buffy, by the way," Buffy introduced herself with a playful grin, eager to alleviate the tension of their unexpected encounter.

"Eddie," the boy replied, his tone soft yet friendly as he returned Buffy's smile.

As Buffy stepped closer to Eddie, her curiosity piqued, she leaned in to examine the map he held out. "Ok, so… That's Fischer Hall, right?" she inquired, tracing her finger along the marked location on the paper.

"Ok," Eddie confirmed with a nod. "And that's Dunwirth Building, that's my dorm…" His voice trailed off, a note of frustration creeping into his tone. "It's just… it's us I can't find," he admitted, his gaze flickering uncertainly across the campus once again.

Buffy furrowed her brow in concentration, her eyes scanning the map and then the surroundings before returning to the paper. "Are we the blue part?" she ventured, her finger hovering over a shaded area on the map.

"No…" Eddie muttered dejectedly, his hope dimming momentarily before a spark of realization lit up his features. "Yes!"

"Ok, right, so I-I came from there," Buffy murmured, indicating the direction she had come from with a subtle gesture. "Then we just wanna go that way," she continued, pointing in the direction she had been heading. "To the bike path."

"You sound very certain, I'm in," Eddie remarked, a sense of relief evident in his voice as they began to make their way toward the bike path. Glancing over at Buffy, he noticed the books she held to her chest. "You're taking Psych 105 with Professor Walsh," he observed, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, I mean, I'm gonna try," Buffy corrected with a dubious frown, her uncertainty about the upcoming challenges evident in her expression. "She's not afraid of the long words, huh?"

"Yeah, she's pretty intense. A lot of the courses are really tough," Eddie agreed, mirroring Buffy's dubious expression as they commiserated over the daunting prospect of Professor Walsh's class.

"I'm a little upset. I had it on good authority that this was a party school," Buffy murmured lightly, a hint of disappointment coloring her tone as she lamented the apparent absence of carefree revelry.

"I think it's supposed to get easier," Eddie offered optimistically, though his uncertainty tempered his words with a note of skepticism. "Can I ask you something? You're trans, right?"

"Yeah," Buffy confirmed, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her eyes as she wondered where Eddie's question was leading.

"I… I'm gay and I'm just wondering. How did you tell your parents?" Eddie inquired, his voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

"Oh," Buffy responded, caught off guard by the personal nature of the question. "Well, actually, I never did. Last year I was admitted to the hospital for the flu. I had yet to come out to my mom and I had only started taking hormones. But I had developed enough in that time that the doctors, when they examined me, noticed and just automatically started referring to me by female pronouns. Mom got curious why that was and asked the doctor, who revealed to her that I was trans."

Eddie listened intently, his expression a mix of empathy and curiosity as Buffy shared her story. "Wow," he breathed out softly, his gaze reflecting a depth of understanding. "That must have been... intense."

Buffy nodded, a somber smile touching her lips as she recalled the moment. "Yeah, it was definitely unexpected," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia for the tumultuous period of self-discovery.

Eddie hesitated for a moment before speaking again, his tone tentative. "I've been thinking about coming out to my parents for a while now," he confessed, his words carrying the weight of uncertainty. "But I'm not sure how they'll react."

Buffy reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Eddie's shoulder. "It's a big step," she acknowledged, her voice gentle yet resolute. "And it's okay to feel nervous about it. Just know that you're not alone, and there's no rush to figure it all out."

Eddie offered a small smile of gratitude, his eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and determination. "Thanks, Buffy. I appreciate that," he said sincerely, the weight of his confession lightening as he found solace in their shared conversation.

"'Of Human Bondage.' Have you read it?" Eddie asked, curiosity coloring his tone as he glanced over at Buffy.

"Oh," Buffy responded, caught off guard by the question. "I'm not really into porn… I mean I'm just… I'm trying to cut way back." Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized her mistake, her words stumbling over each other in her attempt to rectify the misunderstanding.

Eddie couldn't help but chuckle at Buffy's flustered response, his laughter warm and genuine. "No, there's no actual bondage," he reassured her with a grin. "It's just a novel. I've read it like, ten times. I always keep it by my bed. It's kind of like a security blanket."

"My sisters were always my security blanket," Buffy shared, a wistful smile playing on her lips as she reminisced about her family. "I don't get to see them as much now since I'm here and they're in Sunnydale proper. But I used to tell them everything. They were the first to know I was trans actually."

"So, you don't have a security blanket anymore?" Eddie wondered, his brow furrowing with curiosity as he considered Buffy's revelation.

"My wife is my security blanket now," Buffy confessed, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and affection as she spoke of Faith. Eddie's surprise was evident in his expression, his eyes widening in realization as Buffy continued. "Yeah, I'm gay, too. Oh, bike path," she interjected, pointing to the narrow path they had been heading towards. "So, it's nice to know that I'm not the only entirely confused person on this campus," she added with a playful grin, turning to face Eddie.

"I suspect there's a lot of us," Eddie said softly with a small shrug.

"Well, I'll look for you in Psych," Buffy promised, her tone infused with determination as she offered a gesture of solidarity.

"Yeah, maybe we can help each other figure out what the hell they're talking about," Eddie suggested with a chuckle.

Buffy laughed in agreement, nodding in acknowledgment of their shared predicament. "Okay," she agreed, a sense of camaraderie blossoming between them as they exchanged knowing smiles.

"Maybe even make it through the year," Eddie added, his laughter echoing Buffy's own as he turned to continue up the path toward his dorm room.

"Goodnight," Buffy called after him, her voice carrying a note of warmth and well-wishes as she watched him depart.

Eddie turned slightly to look back at her, his gaze meeting hers with a kind, hope-filled smile. With a small wave, he offered a silent farewell. "Night," he said softly as Buffy turned and began to walk toward the married student housing.

August 26, 1999 – Thursday

U.C. Sunnydale – Psychology Classroom

At the end of Psych, Buffy's eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Eddie amidst the dwindling crowd of classmates. Despite her discreet efforts to locate him during class, he seemed to have slipped away unnoticed. As her classmates filed past her, she couldn't shake the nagging sense of disappointment at not having had the chance to connect with him further.

Faith, Willow, and Oz stopped beside her, their curious gazes prompting Buffy to reluctantly acknowledge her fruitless search. "You looking for someone?" Oz inquired, his eyes scanning the almost empty classroom.

"Yeah," Buffy replied distractedly, her attention still focused on the task at hand.

"That boy you told me about?" Faith interjected; her memory jogged by Buffy's earlier mention of Eddie.

"Yeah," Buffy confirmed with a sigh, her disappointment evident in her voice as she continued to scan the room in vain.

Faith exchanged a knowing glance with Oz and Willow, her lips quirking into a sympathetic smile. "She got lost last night on the way to our dorm. Met this boy who was taking Psych with us. She was going to introduce us to him and see if he wanted to have a study session."

"I think that would have been a good idea," Willow chimed in, her own disappointment mirrored in Buffy's missed opportunity.

As they exited the classroom and stepped into the hallway, Buffy suddenly came to a halt, a determined expression crossing her features. "You know what, I'm gonna go see if I can find him," she declared, her resolve firm as she recalled Eddie's mention of living in the Dunwirth building. With a sense of purpose, she set off down the hallway.

U.C. Sunnydale – Dunwirth Dorm

Buffy stood in the doorway of Eddie's single dorm room, her heart sinking as the building's RA delivered the unsettling news. "Yeah, Eddie just took off, packed his stuff, left a note," he explained, gesturing towards the piece of paper resting on the bed. "Happens sometimes," he added nonchalantly, his tone betraying a hint of resignation. "People just can't handle it. There's always a few kids who lose it early in the first semester and just bail."

Buffy crossed the room, her steps heavy with concern, and picked up the note, her brow furrowing as she read Eddie's brief and cryptic message. "'This is too much to handle. I can't take it anymore. No time to say goodbye! Eddie,'" she recited softly, a small frown etching itself onto her features.

"Weak ones, I guess," the RA remarked with another indifferent shrug before turning to leave Buffy alone in the empty dorm room.

Placing the note back on the bedside table, Buffy's gaze drifted to the partially opened top drawer of the bedside table. With a sense of unease gnawing at her, she approached and pulled the drawer open further, her hazel eyes landing on a copy of M. Somerset Maugham's 'Of Human Bondage.' She hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked up the book, the worry that had been beginning to settle now roaring back to life in her belly. Eddie wouldn't leave this behind.

With a troubled sigh, Buffy dropped the book back into the drawer and closed it with a heavy heart. Rising from the bed, she marched out of the dorm room.

As Buffy left the dorm and made her way toward Faith's car, her fingers flew over the keys of her phone as she quickly composed a message to her wife. 'Heading into Sunnydale, going to see Giles. That guy I told you about, Eddie, he suddenly went missing. There was a note saying he had dropped out.'

Her phone buzzed with a response almost immediately. 'Did he seem at all like he was going to do that when you met him last night?' Faith's text queried; her concern evident even through the digital medium.

'No,' Buffy replied with a sense of frustration. 'The R.A. said kids do this every semester, just leave a note and drop out. I'm going to see if Giles can look into it.'

As she slid into the driver's seat of Faith's car, Buffy couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her. Eddie's sudden disappearance didn't sit right with her, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Giles' Apartment

Buffy opened the door to Giles's apartment, the sound of music from his stereo drowning out the sound of her knock. She closed the door behind her and stepped further into the room, scanning the area for any sign of her father figure. "Giles?" she called out, her voice barely audible over the music's blaring melody.

Behind the counter, an attractive black woman was busy arranging cheese on a plate. "Rupert, is this Blue cheese, or is it just cheese that's gone blue?" she inquired, her attention momentarily diverted from her task as she moved around the counter and into the front room. Her steps faltered as she caught sight of the blonde standing there, her expression registering surprise. "You're not Giles," she observed, stating the obvious with a hint of amusement.

Buffy did her best to maintain eye contact with the woman, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to shake off the distraction of the woman's attire, which seemed to consist solely of a shirt that appeared too big to be hers. "Uhm…" Buffy stammered nervously, her mind racing to come up with a suitable explanation. "You know, that door was open, so I just… uh, Giles does still live here, right?" she asked, her voice tinged with a note of uncertainty as she awaited the woman's response, secretly hoping that the answer would be no.

"He does," the woman confirmed, her smile warm and welcoming as Giles coughed and turned off the music, drawing their attention.

"He appears," the woman quipped with a playful grin as Giles emerged from the hallway and into the room, clad in a blue bathrobe. "Rupert, you have a guest," she announced, her gaze shifting to Buffy with a curious gleam in her eyes.

"Buffy! Hello," Giles greeted, his surprise evident at the unexpected company as he approached Buffy with a welcoming smile.

Buffy shifted her gaze from the woman she had never met before to Giles, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Is this a bad time?" she inquired; her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"No!" Giles assured her quickly, casting a reassuring glance at his unexpected guest. "Oh, uh, forgive me. This uh… this is uh, Olivia. She's uh, an old friend, she's staying here for a few days," he explained, his words stumbling slightly as he introduced the woman.

"Couldn't pass through sunny Cal without looking up ol' Ripper," Olivia chimed in affectionately, her tone warm and nostalgic.

"Uh huh," Buffy responded dubiously, her gaze flickering between Olivia and Giles as she tried to make sense of the situation.

"Buffy's a uh, the former student I told you about," Giles interjected, his attempt to clarify the situation met with a skeptical look from Buffy.

"Oh," Olivia exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization as she turned toward Buffy. "He told me about your journey, you know, about finding your true self. And I have to say, even though this is the first time we've met, I must applaud you for becoming who you always were."

"Thank you," Buffy replied, her voice softening with gratitude as she returned Olivia's smile, a sense of warmth spreading through her at the unexpected words of encouragement.

Giles turned his attention back to Buffy, a faint furrow forming on his brow as he sought to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness of the moment. "How's uh, how is university?" he inquired, his tone gentle yet laden with concern.

"Pretty much the same as high school, in the sense that I need help," Buffy responded with a wry smile, her admission laced with a touch of self-deprecation.

"Ahh… help… yes," Giles murmured, his fingers absently adjusting his glasses as he considered Buffy's words, his mind already churning with thoughts of how best to assist her.

"But this just looks like a bad time," Buffy observed, her gaze flickering once more to Olivia, who was making her way toward the stairs.

"No, you guys talk," Olivia assured them with a reassuring smile, her tone light yet tinged with a hint of underlying tension. "I'll just go slip into something a little less comfortable." With a pointed glance exchanged with Giles, she exited the room, leaving behind a troubled Slayer and her concerned mentor.

As the sound of Olivia's footsteps faded away, Giles turned his attention back to Buffy, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. "So, uh, trouble with uh, studies?"

"This is a bad time," Buffy repeated, her gaze shifting uneasily towards the stairs where Olivia had disappeared.

"You keep saying that," Giles noted, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation as he regarded Buffy.

"Well, it looks pretty bad!" Buffy exclaimed; her frustration evident in her voice as she gestured towards the staircase. "I think someone had just a little too much free time on their hands."

"I'm not supposed to have a private life?" Giles questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion at Buffy's accusation.

"No!" Buffy insisted firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Because you're very, very old, and it's gross."

Giles's expression softened slightly at Buffy's blunt honesty, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "This coming from a woman who over the summer just got married at the age of eighteen," he pointed out with a hint of amusement.

"Sorry," Buffy muttered sheepishly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized the irony of her statement.

"Now, why don't you tell me what brings you here?" Giles intoned, his voice calm and steady, a reminder to Buffy of the purpose behind her visit.

"There's a student missing," Buffy replied, cutting straight to the chase, her tone urgent and determined.

"Yes?" Giles prompted, his interest piqued as he leaned forward slightly, awaiting further details.

"Eddie. He's supposed to have left school, but… I just don't think he did. I met him outside last night, and then I went back to where we met, and it looked like there had been a struggle," Buffy explained, her words tumbling out in a rush as she recounted her recent discoveries.

"And?" Giles inquired; his arms crossed over his chest as he regarded Buffy with a patient yet expectant expression.

Buffy blinked in surprise at Giles's seemingly casual response. "And we need to stop this!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with a sense of urgency. "And Eddie's RA said that kids disappear a lot. There could be a gang of vampires working the campus. We need research, an—an—and charts and stuff," she continued, her hands gesturing animatedly as she listed off the necessary components of their investigation.

Giles uncrossed his arms, his discomfort evident in the slight shift of his stance as he looked down at Buffy. "I-I still don't see where I fit in. You haven't described anything that you or Faith can't do yourselves," he admitted hesitantly, his words tinged with uncertainty.

Buffy looked up at him incredulously, her frustration bubbling to the surface. Where was the man who had once done everything in his power to help and guide her? "Okay, remember before you became Hugh Hefner, when you used to be a Watcher?" she retorted, her tone laced with frustration and disappointment.

"Officially, neither you nor Faith have a Watcher," Giles reminded her gently, removing his glasses so that he didn't have to meet her gaze. "Buffy, you know I'll always be here when you need me. Y-your safety is more important to me than anything, but you're going to have to take care of yourself. You're out of school, and I can't always be there to guide you," he explained, his voice tinged with regret.

"Well, do you know a good occult library?" Buffy snapped, her anger and frustration boiling over as she turned away from Giles towards the door. "Giles, outside of this apartment, it becomes increasingly difficult to do any research. All the occult books I would need to research what vampire or demon is what are here," she added, her voice cracking with emotion as she struggled to contain her frustration.

"Buffy, I…" Giles began, his voice trailing off as Buffy stormed out the door, leaving him alone with his thoughts and regrets.

U.C. Sunnydale - Footpaths

Buffy returned to campus just as the sun began to set, the shadows lengthening across the darkened pathways as she made her way back toward hers and Faith's dormitory. The campus was bustling with activity, students milling about as they moved between buildings, their chatter filling the evening air with a sense of vitality.

As she walked, her keen eyes caught sight of a familiar figure up ahead, his back turned towards her. A sense of recognition stirred within her as she quickened her pace, closing the distance between them. Just then, as if sensing her presence, the figure glanced over his shoulder, and Buffy caught a glimpse of his face. "Eddie?" she mumbled questioningly, her heart pounding in her chest at the unexpected encounter.

Without hesitation, Buffy ran after him, her footsteps echoing on the deserted path as she followed him to a secluded spot beside a bulletin board. "Eddie! Eddie, hey, wait up!" she called out, her voice tinged with urgency as she finally caught up with him. "God, I was worried that something had happened to you…" her voice trailed off as Eddie turned around, his features contorted into a sinister grin.

"…And of course, it has, because you're a vampire. I'm sorry," Buffy apologized, her voice heavy with regret as she raised her stake, preparing to defend herself against the creature before her.

"I'm not," Eddie replied with a hungry smile, his eyes gleaming with malice as he prepared to attack.

In one swift motion, he lunged at her, but Buffy sidestepped his advance with practiced ease, allowing his own momentum to carry him past her. As he charged at her again, she swiftly withdrew her stake, poised and ready to strike. With precise timing, she let him run right into the sharpened point of her weapon, driving it into his chest with a swift and decisive blow.

Behind her, a female vampire watched from a concrete dais, her gaze fixed intently on Buffy as she addressed her with a mixture of admiration and challenge. "Slayer!" she called out, her voice echoing across the quiet expanse.

Buffy turned to face the vampire, her expression cool and composed as she assessed her adversary. "And you are?" she inquired; her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

"I'm… I'm Sunday," the blonde vampire replied confidently, her bravado undimmed by Buffy's presence. "I'll be killing you here in a minute, or so."

Buffy cocked her head slightly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "You know, that threat gets more frightening every time I hear it," she quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she prepared to face her opponent head-on.

The blond, lanky minion glanced nervously between his boss and the blonde Slayer, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice. "Uuh… are we gonna fight? Or is there just gonna be a monster sarcasm rally?" he asked, his words tinged with a mixture of apprehension and confusion.

The orange-haired female vampire studied Buffy with a predatory gleam in her eyes. "I'm in for a piece," she declared, her tone dripping with anticipation.

"Everybody gets to play," Buffy promised, her gaze sweeping over the assembled minions as she assessed the situation, her mind already calculating the best course of action.

Sunday, the leader of the vampire gang, cast a dismissive glance at her underlings. "Guys, this is totally mine," she declared with confidence, her eyes flashing with determination.

The blond minion nodded in reluctant agreement, though he couldn't quite mask his apprehension at the prospect of facing off against the Slayer. "Okay," he conceded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But you gotta share the eatin'. 'Cause I'm thinkin' Slayer's blood's gotta be… woah! Like Thai Stick."

Buffy shot him a withering look, her expression one of mild exasperation. "I thought people were supposed to get smarter in college," she quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm as she turned her attention back to Sunday.

"Yeah, I think you had a lot of misconceptions about college. Like that anyone would be caught dead wearing that," Sunday sneered, her lip curling in disgust as she gave Buffy's attire a disdainful once-over.

Buffy looked down at her clothes with a puzzled frown, unsure of what exactly was wrong with them. Before she could voice her confusion, Sunday's fist connected with her jaw, sending her crashing to the ground with an audible 'oof.' As Buffy struggled to regain her footing, Sunday descended from her perch, launching a barrage of kicks and punches at the Slayer.

Despite being caught off guard by Sunday's initial attack, Buffy quickly recovered her composure, blocking and dodging the vampire's strikes with practiced agility. With a burst of determination, Buffy retaliated with a series of punches of her own, each blow fueled by her resolve to defend herself and defeat her opponent.

But Sunday was no easy adversary. With swift and precise movements, she evaded Buffy's attacks and countered with punishing strikes of her own, each blow landing with calculated precision. As the fierce battle raged on, Buffy found herself thrown to the ground once more, her breath coming in ragged gasps as Sunday pressed her advantage.

As Sunday pinned her to the ground, her grip tightening around Buffy's throat, the Slayer's mind raced with thoughts of survival and strategy. Summoning every ounce of strength and determination within her, Buffy fought back against her assailant, refusing to yield even in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but—" Sunday's fist collided with Buffy's face, cutting off her words with a sharp blow. "You fight like a girl," she snarled, her voice dripping with contempt as she delivered the final blow that sent Buffy tumbling from the dais.

Grimacing in pain but undeterred, Buffy climbed back to her feet, her resolve unbroken despite the odds stacked against her. "I'll take that as a compliment," Buffy declared proudly, her words laced with confidence. Sunday hesitated wondering why Buffy had taken her comment as a compliment. Buffy met Sunday's gaze head-on. "I'm transgender."

Sunday's expression softened, her eyes widening slightly in surprise at Buffy's revelation. "Oh," she murmured, her tone tinged with a hint of understanding. "Yeah, I guess that would be a compliment. Even though we're on opposite sides of the fence here, I have to say, good for you for being you."

Buffy winced as she felt Sunday's knee come down harshly onto her captured arm, the sickening sound of a crack filling the air. Despite the pain coursing through her body, she refused to give up, her determination unwavering even in the face of adversity.

But before Sunday could inflict further harm, a loud, threatening growl echoed through the air, signaling the arrival of another Slayer. With a sense of relief flooding through her, Buffy turned her gaze towards the source of the sound, only to see Faith's fierce form landing on the already dented hood of the pickup truck.

Sensing the presence of another Slayer, Sunday released her grip on Buffy and turned to face Faith, her expression morphing into one of defiance even as she felt a pang of unease at the sight of the enraged Slayer before her. Before she could react, Faith delivered a powerful punch, sending Sunday flying off the hood of the truck and crashing onto the ground below.

As Faith landed gracefully on the ground in front of the fallen vampiress, her voice dripped with menace as she addressed Sunday. "You know, attacking my wife? Not the best of moves," she growled, her eyes flashing with anger.

Sunday glanced back at Buffy with a mixture of surprise and frustration, her plans thwarted by Faith's unexpected arrival. With a muttered curse, she scrambled to her feet and fled, her anger fueling her retreat as she disappeared into the darkness. Watching their leader flee, the three minions exchanged nervous glances before hastily following suit, unwilling to stay behind without her.

Turning her attention back to Buffy, Faith approached the hood of the truck where her wife sat, a concerned expression on her face. Buffy met Faith's gaze with a small smile, though the pain in her arm was evident in her eyes.

Faith reached out a hand, offering to help Buffy up. "You want some help getting down?" she asked, her voice gentle yet tinged with worry.

As Buffy slid off the hood, Faith's gaze immediately fell upon her wife's injured arm, which Buffy was clutching tightly to her chest. Concern etched across her features, Faith reached out towards Buffy's arm and gently took hold of it. Buffy winced as Faith began to carefully examine her arm, feeling along it for any signs of injury. Sensing Buffy's discomfort, Faith proceeded with caution, slowly stretching out the arm to assess the extent of the damage, her heart sinking at the muffled murmur of pain that escaped Buffy's lips.

As Faith continued to tend to Buffy's arm, her brow furrowed in worry. "What happened back there, B? You should have been able to handle her easily," she remarked, her voice tinged with concern.

Buffy shot her wife a glare through her wince, her frustration evident in her expression. "Thanks for the pep talk, Faith. I feel so much better now," she retorted sarcastically, her words laced with irritation.

Sighing softly, Faith regarded Buffy with a mixture of love and concern. "I'm just worried, baby," she admitted, her voice softening as she met Buffy's gaze. "That second-rate, college-scavenging vampiress came dangerously close to killing you, and that's not something I can just brush off."

Buffy's expression softened as she met Faith's concerned gaze, realizing the depth of her wife's worry. Despite her own frustration and discomfort, she couldn't ignore the genuine concern in Faith's eyes.

"I know," Buffy admitted quietly, her tone reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination. "It took me by surprise. She was quicker than I anticipated, and I underestimated her."

Faith nodded in understanding, her grip on Buffy's arm gentle yet firm as she continued to assess the injury. "It happens, B. But we can't afford to let our guard down, especially not with these new threats popping up," she said, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Buffy nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to better prepare for future encounters. "Yeah, you're right," she conceded, her gaze drifting to the ground for a moment before returning to meet Faith's eyes. "I'll be more careful next time."

Faith offered her a reassuring smile, her touch on Buffy's arm gentle as she squeezed it lightly. "That's all I ask, B. We've got each other's backs, no matter what," she said, her voice filled with conviction.

August 27, 1999 – Friday

U.C. Sunnydale – Buffy and Faith's Dorm

The next morning, a gentle symphony of light poured through the curtains, painting the dorm room in hues of amber and gold. Buffy, stirred by the soft caress of dawn, found herself entangled in a labyrinth of thoughts from the previous night. With each ray of sunlight that danced upon her skin, memories of her encounter with Sunday flooded her mind, leaving her grappling with a kaleidoscope of emotions.

Turning towards Faith, who lay peacefully beside her, Buffy hesitated, her heart a fluttering bird uncertain of its next flight. With a silent prayer for courage, she reached out, her touch as delicate as the first bloom of spring.

As Buffy gently nudged Faith awake, her voice, a fragile melody in the quiet morning, carried the weight of her longing. "Hey, Faith," she whispered, the words a tentative bridge between uncertainty and resolve. "I was thinking... I really miss my sisters. Do you mind if I head back to Sunnydale for a bit to see them?"

Faith stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open like delicate petals unveiling secrets of understanding. With a soft smile that echoed the warmth of the morning sun, she reached out to cradle Buffy's cheek in her palm, a silent reassurance in her touch. "Of course, B," she murmured, her voice a gentle lullaby of affirmation. "Go spend some time with your sisters. I'll hold down the fort here."

Gratitude blossomed within Buffy's chest, a garden of appreciation for her ever-understanding partner. With a sigh of relief, she surrendered to the embrace of Faith's understanding, letting the love between them be a beacon in the midst of uncertainty. "Thanks, Faith," she breathed, her words a whispered melody of solace.

After Buffy had departed, Faith reached for her phone, fingers dancing across the screen in a silent symphony of concern. Dialing the familiar number of the Summers home, she waited with bated breath as each ring echoed in the quiet room.

"Hey, Mrs. S," Faith greeted Joyce, her voice a soothing balm in the wake of worry.

"Hello, Faith," Joyce replied, her tone tinged with concern. "You and Buffy aren't getting homesick, already are you?"

"No," Faith reassured, her voice a steady anchor in the storm. "Uhm. Can you do a favor and keep Dawn home from school? Buffy is on her way over, and we both know when she doesn't talk to me, she will talk to Dawn. I think Buffy might be a little rattled; she came close to dying last night to a vampire."

"Oh, dear," Joyce exclaimed, her worry palpable even through the phone line. "No problem, I'll have Elizabeth take in a note explaining Dawn is sick and let Dawn stay home so Buffy has a comforting ear to talk to."

Buffy stepped into the familiar warmth of her family home, the scent of home-cooked meals and comfort enveloping her like a warm embrace. Despite the ache in her left arm, a lingering reminder of the previous night's battle, she pressed forward, determination etched into every line of her weary frame.

The kitchen, once a sanctuary of bustling activity and familial chatter, now lay quiet and still. "Mom?" Buffy's voice echoed in the empty space, a hesitant melody seeking solace in the silence. With each step, she scanned the room, her eyes searching for a familiar face that seemed to elude her grasp.

Unfurling like a map of memories, the halls of her childhood home beckoned, whispering secrets of bygone days and untold stories. Following the faint echo of activity, Buffy ascended the staircase, each creaking step a testament to the passage of time.

Yet, as she reached the top, the sounds that greeted her were not those of her mother's domain but rather her own sanctuary. With a furrowed brow, she treaded the familiar path down the hallway, anticipation mingling with apprehension in the depths of her soul.

Pushing open the door to her bedroom, Buffy's gaze met Dawn's, a beacon of familiarity in the sea of uncertainty. "Why aren't you at school? And where is mom?" Her voice, a symphony of concern and confusion, hung heavy in the air.

Dawn, perched upon the bed like a sentinel of solace, met Buffy's gaze with a mixture of empathy and understanding. "Faith called mom, saying she was worried about you after a fight with a vampire last night," she explained, her words a lifeline in the tumultuous sea of emotions. "Mom let me stay home for when you got here, and she took Elizabeth in to school. Mom and Faith thought you might need someone to talk to."

As the shrill ring of the phone pierced the quietude of the house, Buffy and Dawn exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them like a shared secret. With synchronized movements, they descended the staircase, their footsteps echoing in harmony with the rhythm of anticipation.

Reaching the kitchen, Buffy's hand darted forward, seizing the receiver with a sense of urgency. Bringing it to her ear, she greeted the unknown caller with a tentative "Hello?" Yet, the silence that greeted her in return was as deafening as a void, leaving her brow furrowed in frustration.

"Hello?" Buffy tried again, her voice carrying a note of impatience. But once more, her words dissipated into the ether, unanswered and unheard. With a resigned sigh, she relinquished her grasp on the phone, the weight of disappointment settling upon her shoulders like a heavy cloak.

"Wrong number?" Dawn's inquiry broke the silence, a beacon of light in the midst of uncertainty.

"Looks like it," Buffy replied, her lips curling into a wry smile as she shook her head in bemusement. "Hey, would you like to go out? Do some retail therapy?"

The suggestion hung in the air like a promise of possibility, drawing Dawn's smile wider as she nodded eagerly. "Sure," she agreed, the prospect of adventure sparking a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Sunnydale Mall

The shopping mall unfolded before Buffy and Dawn like a canvas of dreams, each store a portal to a realm of possibilities. Their intertwined fingers served as a tether grounding them in the midst of the bustling crowd. Laughter and animated conversations wove together, creating a symphony of life that echoed through the corridors.

As they meandered from one boutique to another, Buffy's eyes danced with anticipation, reflecting the twinkling lights of the storefronts. Among them, a boutique stood out like a beacon, its windows adorned with the latest fashion trends, whispering promises of sartorial delights. With a gentle tug on Dawn's hand, Buffy steered them towards the entrance, the allure of fashionable treasures pulling them in.

In the heart of their exploration, a figure materialized—a fashion agent, her presence oozing elegance and refinement. With a smile that could charm the stars, she approached the sisters, her keen eyes immediately drawn to their distinctive style.

"Excuse me, ladies," the fashion agent chimed, her voice a melody of intrigue. "I couldn't help but notice your exceptional fashion sense. Are either of you interested in modeling?"

Buffy's initial excitement quivered, giving way to a whirlwind of emotions—hesitation swirling with vulnerability. Seeking solace in Dawn's supportive presence, she mustered the courage to respond. "I... I appreciate the offer," her voice quivered with cautious uncertainty. "But I have to be honest. I'm a transgender woman, and I'm not sure how that would affect my chances in the industry."

The fashion agent paused, her smile unwavering, as she met Buffy's gaze with a depth of understanding and respect.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," the Fashion Agent's voice resonated with genuine empathy. "Let me assure you that our agency values diversity and inclusivity. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their gender identity. Your transgender status is not a barrier; in fact, it can bring a unique perspective and authenticity to the industry."

Buffy's eyes widened, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within them as a glimmer of hope ignited in their depths. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and for the first time, she dared to entertain the notion that her dreams might not be confined by the label of her transgender identity.

"Really?" Buffy's voice quivered, a fragile whisper tinged with a mixture of disbelief and longing, hanging in the air like a delicate thread of possibility.

The fashion agent nodded, her gaze unwavering, brimming with sincerity as she extended a business card towards Buffy, a tangible symbol of the newfound path laid out before her. "Absolutely," she affirmed, her words imbued with reassurance and support. "Here's my card. Take some time to think it over, and when you're ready, we can have a conversation about how we can support and accommodate you in pursuing your goals."

Buffy accepted the card, her fingers trembling with a blend of excitement and apprehension. It was a moment of profound significance, as if a door to a realm of possibilities she had once deemed inaccessible had suddenly swung open before her, beckoning her forward.

"Thank you," Buffy's voice resonated with gratitude, each word infused with a renewed sense of possibility and determination. "I appreciate your understanding and willingness to consider me. I'll take some time to reflect on this opportunity, but know that your belief in me means the world."

The fashion agent's smile widened, a beacon of warmth and acceptance in the bustling environment of the mall. "Take all the time you need," the fashion agent's voice held a soothing cadence, a gentle reminder that there was no rush in this journey of self-discovery. "Remember, your transgender identity is an essential part of who you are. Embrace it, and we'll work together to ensure your comfort and success in this industry."

Buffy nodded, her heart swelling with a mixture of cautious optimism and gratitude. In that moment, she felt seen and valued for every facet of her being. She stole a glance at Dawn, whose unwavering presence beside her felt like a pillar of strength amidst the uncertainty.

"Dawn," Buffy's voice was a whisper, carrying the weight of her vulnerability and the strength of her determination. "This could be a chance for me to challenge perceptions and pave the way for others like me. It's scary, but it feels like an opportunity worth exploring."

Dawn's smile softened, radiating love and understanding as she enveloped her sister in a comforting embrace. "Buffy, you've always been a trailblazer," her voice resonated with unwavering support, each word a testament to her belief in her sister's resilience. "I have no doubt that you'll inspire countless others through your journey. Just remember, I'll be right here beside you every step of the way."

"The whole world in front of her, and she hangs out with her little sister," a familiar voice chimed from behind Buffy and Dawn, injecting a playful tease into the air.

Startled, Buffy spun around, her heart leaping with joy at the sight of her longtime friend. "Xander!" she exclaimed, her voice infused with warmth and genuine affection as she enveloped him in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him like a shield against the uncertainties of the world.

"Hey, Buff," Xander greeted with a grin, returning her hug with a familiarity born of years spent fighting side by side in the battle against darkness. Turning to Dawn, he extended his arms in a gesture of welcome. "Hey, Dawnster."

Dawn's face lit up with a radiant smile as she embraced Xander, a sense of comfort washing over her in his presence. "Hi, Xander," she replied, her voice tinged with fondness for the friend who had become like family.

Buffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she regarded Xander, her heart brimming with joy at his return. "Oh, when did you get back?" she asked eagerly, her enthusiasm palpable as she took in the sight of her old friend standing before her, safe and sound once more.

"A couple of days ago," Xander replied with a casual shrug.

"You freak of nature. Why didn't you call me?" Buffy teased; her voice laced with mock indignation as she playfully nudged Xander's shoulder.

Xander flashed her a mischievous grin, his eyes alight with amusement. "Well, I knew you guys were starting the whole college adventure, and I didn't want to, um, you know… help you move," he admitted, his tone unapologetic as he leaned back with a smirk.

"We missed you," Dawn chimed in, her words a gentle reminder of the void Xander's absence had left in their lives. "How was your trip?"

"Was America nice? I hear it's nice," Buffy interjected before Xander could respond, her curiosity piqued by the tales he might have to share about his journey.

Xander chuckled, his laughter a melodic harmony in the air. "There's some purple mountains majesty, I'm gonna have to say," he quipped, his grin widening at the playful banter exchanged between friends.

"What did you do?" Buffy prodded, her eagerness palpable as she leaned in, eager to hear every detail of Xander's adventures abroad.

"What'd you see?" Dawn added, her curiosity bubbling like a pot about to boil over with anticipation.

Xander hesitated, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the admission he was about to make. "Well…" he began, trailing off as he searched for the right words to explain his underwhelming experience.

"Tell us!" Buffy urged, her impatience evident in the way she leaned forward, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Grand Canyon!" Xander blurted out, a spark of excitement igniting in his eyes as he anticipated their reaction.

Dawn's expression lit up with excitement, her eyes widening with wonder. "You saw the Grand Canyon!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with awe at the thought of Xander witnessing one of the wonders of the natural world.

"Well, I saw the movie Grand Canyon, on cable. Really lame," Xander admitted sheepishly, his shoulders slumping slightly as he braced himself for their reaction.

"Huh?" Buffy and Dawn exchanged a puzzled glance, the excitement fading from their faces to be replaced by confusion as they processed Xander's unexpected revelation.

"Basically," Xander began, his tone a blend of casual nonchalance and underlying mischief as he shrugged his shoulders with a forced air of indifference. "I got as far as Oxnard, and the engine fell out of my car, and that was literally. So, I ended up washing dishes at 'The Fabulous Ladies Night Club' for about a month and a half while I tried to pay for the repairs," he confessed, his words tinged with a hint of self-deprecating humor. "No one really bothered me, or even spoke to me until one night when one of the male strippers called in sick," he paused, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he caught sight of the quirky grin adorning Buffy's face. "And no power on this earth will make me tell you the rest of that story, especially when your younger sister is here. Suffice to say I traded my car in for one that wasn't entirely made of rust, came trundling back home to the arms of my loving parents, where everything was exactly as it was; except I sleep in the basement and I have to pay rent," Xander concluded, his explanation punctuated by a resigned shrug.

"Male strippers?" Buffy queried, her curiosity piqued by the tantalizing hint of a scandalous tale, her quirky smile still firmly in place as she hoped to wheedle the details out of her best guy friend.

"No power on this earth, especially while Dawn is here!" Xander reiterated firmly, his resolve unwavering as he refused to be swayed by Buffy's attempts to coax the story from him.

"Okay," Buffy relented with a playful roll of her eyes as they began walking toward the food court, the mystery of Xander's escapades still lingering tantalizingly in the air. "College is good."

"Okay uh, once more with even less feeling," Xander quipped, his grin widening at Buffy's attempt to brush off the subject.

"No, really!" Buffy protested a little too quickly, her words spilling out in a rush as she sought to divert the conversation away from Xander's misadventures. "I-I mean, Willow's in heaven and Oz has this really cool house off campus with the band," she explained as they settled down at a nearby table

Xander arched an eyebrow at Buffy, his expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. "And you're here with Dawn because?"

Dawn took a deep breath, her voice steady as she recounted the events of the morning. "Faith called mom this morning. Explained Buffy was on the way over. So mom let me stay home from school," she explained, her words carrying a weight of responsibility beyond her years.

Xander's brow furrowed as he turned his gaze back to Buffy, his eyes searching for answers in the depths of her troubled expression. "And why is Faith worried about you, Buffy, that she had to make sure Dawn was available for a shoulder to lean on?"

Buffy let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her confession. "It's just… there was this vampire, and she took me down, and I just… I don't know how to stop her," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration and uncertainty.

"Then where's the gang?" Xander pressed, his tone tinged with urgency. "Avengers assemble, let's get it going."

Buffy hesitated, her gaze flickering with guilt. "I don't want to bug them... just starting school, they don't need this…" she trailed off, her voice trailing into a whisper as she grappled with the weight of her reluctance to burden her friends with her troubles.

"Lame excuse, Buffy," Dawn interjected, her tone firm as she fixed her sister with a pointed look. "Just like the one you made to Faith before you left the dorm. You weren't coming to see me or Elizabeth. You wanted to get away."

"Dawn I think is right," Xander concurred, his voice a steady anchor in the sea of uncertainty. "So, what's the what here?"

Buffy hesitated; her fears laid bare before her friends as she struggled to articulate the doubts that had plagued her. "It's just, what if I can't cut it?" she confessed, her voice trembling with the weight of her uncertainty.

"Can't cut what? Slaying?" Xander questioned, his brow furrowing in concern as he sought to understand the depth of Buffy's apprehension.

"Slaying, going to college, being married. Everything," Buffy admitted with a heavy sigh, her gaze falling to her knees as she grappled with the enormity of her fears.

"Buffy," Dawn interjected gently, her hand finding its way to her sister's arm in a gesture of comfort and support. "I think I know what this is really about. Not just that you almost lost to a vampire last night. New school, and you're afraid how people will look at you when they find out you're trans."

"Dawn's right," Xander affirmed, his voice soft but resolute. "And you can't let fear control you. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to...wait, hold on," he muttered, realizing he had fumbled the quote. "Fear leads to hate. Hate leads to the dark side… no, umm. First you get the women, then you get the money, then you…" Xander trailed off, noticing the bemused expressions on Buffy and Dawn's faces, and conceded defeat. "Okay, can we forget that?"

"Thanks for the Dadaist pep talk, I feel much more abstract now," Buffy quipped, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm as she attempted to deflect the seriousness of the conversation.

"The point is, you're Buffy," Xander said pointedly, his gaze unwavering as he sought to cut through Buffy's self-doubt with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.

"Yeah," Buffy muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe in high school I was Buffy."

"And now in college, you're Betty Louise?" Xander questioned, his eyebrows raised in a mixture of concern and confusion at Buffy's sudden crisis of identity.

"Yeah," Buffy agreed, her words tinged with resignation. "I'm Betty Louise Plotnick of East Cupcake, Illinois. Or I might as well be," she muttered, the weight of her disillusionment palpable in the heaviness of her voice.

Xander rose from his seat and crouched down in front of Buffy, his eyes meeting hers with a gravity that belied his usual lighthearted demeanor. "Buffy, I've gone through some fairly dark times in my life, faced some scary things," he began, his smile a flicker of warmth amidst the shadows. "Among them in the kitchen at 'The Fabulous Ladies Night Club.'"

Buffy couldn't help but crack a small smile at Xander's attempt to inject a moment of levity into their conversation.

"Let me tell you something, when it's dark and I'm all alone and I'm scared, or freaked out or whatever, I always think. What would Buffy do? You're my hero," Xander admitted, his voice tinged with reverence as he laid bare the depth of his admiration for his friend.

"Xander is right, Buffy," Dawn chimed in, her words a heartfelt echo of Xander's sentiment. "You're my hero too. And you know why that is. Because you have faced an uphill battle since before you came out to me as transgender. You faced challenges and you surpassed them to become who you truly are."

Buffy hesitated for a moment, her heart swelling with gratitude at the unwavering support of her friends. With a small smile, she held out her hands, and Xander and Dawn took them, their touch a tangible reminder of the bond that bound them together. "I think I say thank you, to you both," she said softly, her gaze shifting between her sister and her best friend, her eyes shining with emotion.

"And nothing says thank you like dollars in the waistband," Xander quipped, a playful twinkle in his eye as he attempted to lighten the mood, though Buffy and Dawn exchanged a bemused glance in response to his jest. "Ok, what do we do first?" he asked, his tone shifting back to one of practicality as they prepared to embark on their next adventure.

"First I have to drop Dawn off with mom and then we swing by the dorm to grab Faith," Buffy explained, her voice steady with determination as she outlined their plan of action.

U.C. Sunnydale – Buffy and Faith's Dorm

Faith's heart sank as she stepped into her and Buffy's dorm room, only to find it barren, devoid of the familiar traces of their lives. Panic gripped her as she scanned the room, her eyes alighting on the stripped bed, a stark reminder of the emptiness that now enveloped them. With trembling hands, she reached out and picked up the small sheet of paper resting on the mattress, her heart pounding in her chest as she braced herself for what it might reveal.

As she read the words scrawled upon the page, Faith's brow furrowed in confusion and disbelief. "This is all just too much for us. Faith and I have decided to take off. Sorry we didn't have time to say goodbye, but we need to be by ourselves. Good luck this year. Buffy and Faith."

The weight of the note settled heavily upon Faith's shoulders, the unfamiliar handwriting a cruel twist of the knife in her already wounded heart. "I take it, it's just like the note I told you was in Eddie's room?" Buffy's voice broke through the haze of Faith's thoughts, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of uncertainty.

"Yeah," Faith replied quietly, handing the note over to Buffy before turning her gaze to Xander, her eyes searching his face for answers. "When did you get back?"

"Two days ago," Xander replied, his expression a mirror of Faith's concern as they grappled with the sudden disappearance of their friends. "So, what now?"

"We try and find out where they are holed up," Buffy declared, her voice tinged with determination as she crumpled the note and tossed it into the trash can.

U.C. Sunnydale – Administration Office

Buffy sat poised at the computer in the cramped office on the college campus, her fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced precision. The shattered glass of the door lay in scattered fragments at her feet, a testament to their determination to uncover Sunday and her minions location.

Xander and Faith hovered behind her, their brows furrowed in concentration as they sifted through the dusty archives of newspapers strewn across the filing cabinets. "Kids disappearing every year, not too many, just enough so that everyone thinks that they up and left," Buffy remarked, her voice a solemn echo in the dimly lit room.

"I can't believe the vampires took your stuff. Murder I expect, but petty larceny seems to… petty," Xander muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the headlines for any clue that might shed light on their investigation.

"They have to be keeping it somewhere, on campus, or at least nearby," Faith murmured, her gaze darting between the computer screen and the newspaper clippings with a keen sense of determination.

"Hey, how far back do the disappearances go?" Xander inquired, his fingers tracing the faded ink of a newspaper article with growing intrigue.

Buffy's hands danced across the keyboard, her brow furrowing in concentration as she sifted through the digital records. "Uhh…" she murmured, her eyes scanning the screen for any sign of a date. "They weren't too common before '82," she offered, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she relayed her findings to her companions.

Faith's eyes lit up with excitement as she spotted something in one of the newspapers Xander held. "I think Xan is onto something," she exclaimed, her voice filled with a newfound sense of hope as she and Xander hurried over to where Buffy sat at the computer. With a swift movement, they dropped the two newspapers onto the counter

Buffy leaned in closer to the newspapers spread out before her, her eyes scanning the headlines with a furrowed brow. "Psi Theta loses its charter. Building to be closed for renovation," she read aloud, the words hanging heavy in the air like an ominous prophecy.

"1982," Xander interjected, his finger pointing to the date printed at the top of the newspaper.

Faith's gaze shifted to the other newspaper, her eyes skimming over the article that had captured Xander's attention. "Former Psi Theta fraternity house lies dormant while zoning issues drag on before the City Council," she recited, her voice steady as she absorbed the implications of their discovery.

"We have a winner," Xander declared triumphantly, a sense of excitement tingling in the air as they pieced together the puzzle of the disappearances.

Buffy's lips twitched with a hint of dry humor as she glanced at the picture accompanying the article. "Looks pretty cherry," she commented wryly, the irony not lost on her as she contemplated the dilapidated state of the abandoned fraternity house.

"You two up for a little reconnaissance?" Xander inquired, his gaze shifting between the two Slayers with a mixture of determination and resolve.

"Buffy and I will go do the reconnaissance," Faith asserted, her tone firm as she met Xander's gaze with unwavering determination. "You go find Willow and Oz, Xan. Get them there."

"On my way," Xander replied, his voice filled with purpose as he prepared to mobilize their friends.

Buffy ascended the ladder with purpose, her movements fluid and deliberate despite the precariousness of her perch atop the old fraternity building. As she reached the roof, her senses honed in on the faint sounds echoing from below, a grim reminder of the danger lurking within the dilapidated structure.

Navigating through the fallen debris with the grace of a seasoned warrior, Buffy made her way to the closest skylight, her muscles tensing with anticipation as she lowered herself onto its surface. With a deft sweep of her hand, she cleared away the obstructing debris, revealing a glimpse of the scene unfolding below.

Her heart sank as her eyes fell upon the vampires she had fought and lost to; their forms illuminated by the faint glow filtering through the skylight. Anger flared within her as she watched them callously rummaging through her belongings, their mocking laughter cutting through the stillness of the night.

"Score!" Buffy murmured under her breath; her fists clenched in frustration as Faith finally joined her on the rooftop. Together, they listened to the sound of Sunday's mocking voice as it drifted up to them, "Look how tough I am," sending a shiver down Buffy's spine.

"Oh! That's my skirt!" Buffy growled through gritted teeth, her gaze narrowing with determination as Sunday flaunted her stolen possession with cruel mockery. "You're never going to fit in it with those hips!" she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain as she exchanged a knowing glance with Faith. "We have to kill them!"

"We need weapons," Faith remarked, her eyes scanning the scene below with keen scrutiny. "Do you see our weapons chest?"

Buffy's brow furrowed in concentration as she peered through the skylight, her senses on high alert. "I don't see our weapons chest down there. It was right by our bed," she admitted, her frustration mounting at the realization of their predicament.

"I know it wasn't there when you found me in our dorm room," Faith observed, her voice tinged with urgency. "That means it has to be down there."

Buffy's heart sank as one of the vampires picked up her childhood toy pig, the sight of Mr. Gordo evoking a pang of nostalgia and sorrow within her. "Mr. Gordo?" she whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper as she clutched the skylight's edge, her resolve hardening with each passing moment.

"We'll get it back," Faith promised, her voice a steady anchor amidst the chaos, as she rested a reassuring hand on her wife's arm. The weight of her touch conveyed a silent vow to stand by Buffy's side no matter the odds.

The lanky blond-haired minion, oblivious to the impending storm, picked up Buffy's diary with a careless flourish, his mocking laughter echoing through the room like a dagger to Buffy's pride. "Uh-oh, score!" he cried triumphantly, waving the book in the air with mocking glee.

"Laugh all you want," Buffy muttered through gritted teeth, her voice dripping with venom as she glared down at the four vampires who dared to defile hers and Faith's things. "This time we play it mine and Faith's way. And the rules are just going to be a little bit…" Buffy's words trailed off into the ether as a sudden crack split the air, the sound reverberating through the air like a warning bell.

In an instant, the old skylight gave way under their weight, shattering into a cascade of shards as Buffy and Faith tumbled unceremoniously into the room below. They hit the floor with a resounding thud, their gazes locking with the startled vampires who had frozen in their tracks at the unexpected intrusion.

Sunday dropped Buffy's skirt and turned to face Buffy with a smug smirk plastered across her lips. "Say, don't I know you from… beating the crap out of you?" she taunted, her words laced with arrogance and disdain.

"Don't I know you from… making you run away scared?" Faith shot back without missing a beat, her voice a defiant challenge as she and Buffy rose to their feet, brushing the dirt off their clothes with determined resolve.

"We just thought we'd drop in. Get it? Drop in?" Buffy quipped, her attempt at levity met with stony silence from the vampires below. "Boy, tough room," she remarked, shooting a wry glance at her wife, hoping to lighten the tension with a touch of humor.

"Yeah, I noticed," Faith replied dryly, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of weakness in their adversaries.

"I must say, you've really got me now," Sunday mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she taunted the Slayers. "I mean, it's a diabolical plan, throw yourself at my feet with a broken arm and no weapons of any kind. How'm I going to get out of this one?"

Buffy's gaze swept over the room, her mind racing for a way out of their predicament. "You've got a nice set up here," she remarked, her eyes locking with Sunday's defiantly. "But you made one mistake."

Sunday took a menacing step forward, her expression a mask of contempt. "Yeah? What was that?" she challenged, her voice laced with disdain.

Buffy frowned, her mind scrambling for a witty retort. "Well, I'm not actually positive, but statistically speaking, people usually make at least…" Her words were cut short as Sunday, bored with the banter, lashed out with a powerful punch, striking Buffy squarely in the face and sending her staggering backwards with a grunt of pain.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

As Faith took a hit from one of the minions, she stumbled and fell to the floor, her body absorbing the impact with a grunt of pain. Her muscles tensed with determination as she prepared to retaliate, her eyes narrowing with focused intensity as she assessed her opponents.

Meanwhile, Buffy's attention was drawn to their trunk, the beacon of hope amidst the chaos surrounding them. With single-minded resolve, she began to make her way towards it, her path abruptly blocked by Sunday, who stepped in front of her with a sinister smile. In her hand, Sunday twirled Buffy's class protector award, a cruel reminder of her superiority.

"Oh, and this. This is my favorite item," Sunday taunted, her voice dripping with malice as she toyed with the cherished trophy.

"You don't want to touch that," Faith warned, her voice strained with exertion as she launched herself into battle against Sunday's minions, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

Buffy's frustration bubbled to the surface as she watched Sunday drop the award to the floor before callously stomping on it, the wood splintering under the force of her blow.

Deftly, Sunday seized Buffy's left arm, her grip tight and unforgiving. "You know this arm's not looking so good. It might have to come off," she sneered, her words a chilling threat that sent a shiver down Buffy's spine.

But Buffy refused to cower in the face of danger. With a steely resolve, she met Sunday's gaze head-on. "You want to know the truth? I only need one," she growled, her voice low and menacing as she balled her right hand into a fist, unleashing a powerful punch that sent Sunday reeling backward.

Rolling to her feet with fluid grace, Buffy advanced towards Sunday, her movements swift and precise. With a forceful kick, she sent the vampiress crashing over a nearby couch and onto a coffee table, the impact shattering the furniture into splinters. Sunday scrambled to her knees, her expression one of shock and disbelief as Buffy closed in on her with unwavering determination.

Meanwhile, the lanky blond-haired minion, observing the chaos unfolding around him, found himself knocked off his feet by a swift blow from Faith, his body crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. As he struggled to regain his footing, he couldn't help but lament, "This is startin' to suck," his words a bitter acknowledgment of their dwindling prospects in the face of the Slayers' relentless onslaught.

Sunday rose to her feet, her visage twisted with the unmistakable features of her demonic form, her eyes gleaming with a ferocious hunger for vengeance. Sensing an opportunity, her female minion rushed to her aid, effectively dividing the attention of the Slayers and leveling the playing field.

Buffy seized a nearby tennis racket, her mind working quickly to strategize her next move. With a swift and calculated motion, she ascended onto the arm of a nearby chair, her athleticism on full display as she launched herself into action. With a powerful roundhouse kick, she caught Sunday squarely in the face, momentarily stunning the vampiress. As the female minion closed in, Buffy swung the racket with precision, the impact sending her hurtling over the couch, the frame of the racket splintering under the force of the blow and leaving a jagged shard of wood in Buffy's hand—a makeshift stake ready for action.

Meanwhile, the minion in the black skull T-shirt, sensing the tides turning against them, made a desperate bid for escape, only to find his path blocked by the sudden arrival of reinforcements. Xander stormed through the door with Oz at his heels, wielding a cross to ward off the fleeing vampire and effectively cutting off his retreat.

As Willow struggled to load her crossbow, the lanky blond-haired minion saw an opportunity for an easy meal. With a malevolent grin, he advanced towards her, underestimating the young witch's resolve. But Willow proved herself more than capable, raising the crossbow just in time to deliver a fatal blow straight to the minion's heart. With a bewildered expression, he looked down at the wooden bolt protruding from his chest before turning to dust with a final word of surprise.

Faith glanced back at their allies—Xander, Willow, and Oz—who nodded in confirmation that they had the situation under control. Satisfied, Faith turned her attention back to Buffy, who stood tall and defiant over Sunday.

"When you look back on this, in the three seconds it'll take you to turn to dust," Buffy declared, her voice steely with resolve. "I think you'll find the mistake was touching mine and Faith's stuff."

The female minion, feeling hopelessly outnumbered, cast a wary glance around the room before swiftly darting towards another exit. But her attempt to flee was short-lived as Faith's keen eyes caught sight of her retreating figure.

"Stake!" Faith's command echoed through the chaos, and without hesitation, Xander tossed her one of the wooden weapons. With a deft flick of her wrist, Faith sent the stake hurtling through the air, the projectile finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The female minion crumpled to the ground, her form disintegrating into dust mere inches from the door, her escape thwarted.

Meanwhile, Sunday wasted no time in launching another assault on Buffy, her ferocity undiminished by their previous exchange. As she charged forward, Buffy braced herself, her unwounded arm poised for action. Sunday deftly parried Buffy's strike with a snarl of defiance, taunting her with a sadistic glee. "What about breaking your arm?" Sunday goaded, her grip tightening on Buffy's left arm with malicious intent. "How'd that feel?"

Buffy met Sunday's gaze with a steely resolve, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Let me answer that question with a head butt," she retorted, her voice tinged with a hint of menace. With a swift and decisive motion, she brought her forehead crashing down onto Sunday's, forcing the vampiress to relinquish her hold and stumble backwards.

Elsewhere in the fray, Xander found himself locked in a tense standoff with a recently turned minion, the odds seemingly stacked against him. But with Oz's quick thinking and a well-timed strike from the cross, they managed to turn the tables on their adversary. As the minion turned to confront his unseen assailant, Xander seized the opportunity to push him off balance, sending him crashing to the ground where Oz swiftly dispatched him with a well-aimed stake.

"And for the record," Buffy growled, her voice a low rumble of defiance as she clenched her left fist, her determination burning bright. "The arm may be hurt," she declared, her words punctuated by a powerful uppercut that sent Sunday hurtling backwards. "But it's not broken."

Amidst the chaos, the minion in the black t-shirt with the white skull seized his chance for escape, slipping away unnoticed as the other combatants were distracted by the intense showdown unfolding before them. With a swift and silent exit, he vanished into the shadows, leaving the battlefield behind him as he made his retreat.

Oz, Xander, and Willow approached Buffy and Faith, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness to assist in whatever way they could. "Hey, Buff. Faith. Need a hand?" Oz inquired, his calm demeanor a reassuring presence amidst the chaos of the battle.

Faith turned to her friends with a confident smirk, a silent declaration of her unwavering faith in Buffy's abilities. "My girl has got this," she declared, her tone laced with pride as she exchanged a knowing glance with Buffy, recognizing her need for closure in this final confrontation.

Buffy returned Faith's wink with a determined smile, her grip tightening around her stake as she prepared to deliver the decisive blow. With a swift and practiced motion, she twirled the stake in her hand before launching it towards Sunday, the wooden tip finding its mark with deadly accuracy.

Sunday's reaction was one of annoyance as she looked down at the stake embedded in her chest, a futile gesture of defiance as she realized the inevitable outcome of her defeat. With a frustrated shake of her head, she met Buffy's gaze for one final moment before succumbing to the inevitable fate of all vampires, crumbling to dust before their eyes.

As the remnants of Sunday dissipated into the air, Buffy's gaze drifted towards her Class Protector award, a tangible symbol of her triumph over adversity. With a sense of satisfaction, she crossed the room to retrieve it, relieved to find that the plaque remained intact despite Sunday's attempt to destroy it.

U.C. Sunnydale – Footpaths

As they exited the old fraternity building, burdened with the weight of Buffy and Faith's belongings, the gang walked in somber silence, the gravity of their recent battle still hanging heavy in the air. Xander trailed slightly behind the others, his thoughts drifting to the abandoned possessions left behind in the now-desolate space.

"So, all that other stuff in there? That's just gonna sit there, right? Uh, I mean, no one owns it in the strictest sense," Xander ventured, his tone tinged with uncertainty as he grappled with the moral implications of leaving the abandoned items behind.

Oz's response was quiet yet reflective, his words carrying a sense of unease. "It seems wrong, somehow," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the ground as they continued their journey.

Amidst the solemn atmosphere, Xander couldn't resist a moment of levity, calling out a playful claim to one of the discarded items. "Dibs on the rowing machine!" he announced with a hint of mischief, eager to stake his claim before anyone else had the chance.

Their reverie was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Giles, his urgent call breaking through the subdued ambiance. "Buffy! Faith!" he called out, his voice ringing with a sense of urgency as he approached them, bearing an assortment of weapons in his hands.

"Hi, Giles," Willow greeted casually as she passed by him, falling into step beside him as they continued their march.

Xander couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight of Giles' makeshift arsenal, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected display. "What's with the arsenal?" he inquired, nodding towards the weapons in Giles' hands with a quizzical expression.

Giles stood before Buffy and Faith; his exhaustion evident in the weariness etched on his face as he addressed the couple with heartfelt sincerity. "I've been awake all night. I know I'm supposed to teach you both self-reliance," he began, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and concern. "But I can't leave you out there to fight alone. To hell with what's right, I'm ready to back you up. Let's fight the evil a-and fight it together," he declared, his commitment unwavering in the face of adversity.

Buffy offered a grateful smile in response to Giles' pledge of support, though she couldn't bring herself to confess that the threat they had discussed had already been vanquished. "Great! Thanks!" she exclaimed; her words tinged with warmth as she acknowledged his unwavering loyalty. "We'll get right on that," she promised, sidestepping him and leading the way forward, her resolve unwavering as she forged ahead with purpose.

As the group moved forward, Giles fell into step alongside them, his confusion evident as he sought clarification on their next course of action. "The evil is this way?" he queried; his brow furrowed in puzzlement as he followed their lead.

Faith, ever direct, corrected him without missing a beat. "Our room is," she clarified, her tone leaving no room for misunderstanding as she and Buffy guided them towards their destination.

Meanwhile, Willow approached Giles tentatively, her awkwardness palpable as she sought his assistance with a task. "Hey, Giles," she greeted softly, her request hesitant yet earnest. "Could you get this box on top?" she asked, a faint smile of gratitude playing at her lips as Giles readily complied, placing his weapons in the box before hoisting it up with a nod of acknowledgment.

Xander's voice cut through the air with a hint of lightheartedness, his attempt at levity breaking through the tension of the moment. "So, college not so scary after all, huh?" he called up to Buffy, his words infused with a sense of camaraderie.

Buffy returned his smile, her expression reflecting a sense of newfound confidence. "It's turning out to be a lot like high school, which I can handle," she admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of relief. "At least… I know what to expect."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

In a secluded corner of the campus, the vampire clad in a black t-shirt adorned with a menacing white skull dashed frantically, his heart pounding with fear as he sought to evade the relentless pursuit of the Slayers. Darting behind a sturdy tree, he seized a momentary respite, scanning his surroundings with wary eyes for any sign of his relentless adversary.

Spotting a brief opening in his path, the vampire seized the opportunity to make a desperate dash across the clearing, his movements fueled by a primal instinct for self-preservation. Yet, before he could make good his escape, a sudden noise shattered the silence, causing him to whirl around in apprehension. In that split second, two darts from a taser gun found their mark, piercing his chest with a jolt of electric current that sent shockwaves of agony coursing through his body.

With a convulsive jerk, the vampire crumpled to the ground, his limbs rendered powerless by the overwhelming surge of electricity. Immobilized and helpless, he could only watch in dread as three figures emerged from the concealment of their camouflage attire, advancing towards him with purposeful strides. One of them carried a coil of sturdy rope, poised to bind him securely, while the other two brandished weapons, their vigilant gaze trained on the incapacitated vampire to forestall any attempt at escape.

As they closed in on their quarry, the vampire could only resign himself to his fate, knowing that his fleeting moment of freedom had come to an abrupt and decisive end at the hands of these determined hunters.

August 28, 1999 – Saturday

U.C. Sunnydale – Buffy and Faith's Dorm

Buffy sat across from Faith, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling within her. She fidgeted with the handle of her coffee mug, trying to find the right words to convey the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed her since her encounter at the mall.

"Hey, Faith," Buffy began, her voice tinged with a hint of apprehension. "I, uh, I need to tell you something."

Faith looked up from her own mug of coffee, her gaze softening as she took in Buffy's expression. "What's up, babe? You look like you've got something big on your mind."

Buffy took a deep breath, summoning the courage to share her news. "Yesterday, when Dawn and I were at the mall, this fashion agent approached us," she explained, her words coming out in a rush. "She said she noticed our style and asked if I was interested in modeling."

Faith's eyebrows rose in surprise, her interest piqued. "Modeling? That's unexpected. What did you say?"

Buffy hesitated, her thoughts swirling as she recalled the conversation with the fashion agent. "Well, at first, I was hesitant," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I told her I'm transgender, and I wasn't sure if that would affect my chances."

Faith reached across the table, gently placing her hand over Buffy's. "Babe, you know I've got your back no matter what," she said, her voice steady with reassurance. "But what did she say?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Buffy's lips as she remembered the fashion agent's words of encouragement. "She was surprisingly supportive," she said, a note of wonder in her voice. "She told me that their agency values diversity and inclusivity, and that being transgender wouldn't be a barrier. She even gave me her card and said we could talk more about it whenever I'm ready."

Faith's eyes sparkled with excitement; her own enthusiasm contagious. "Buffy, that's amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride. "You've always had this unique sense of style and confidence. I think you'd be fantastic at it."

Buffy couldn't help but be swept up in Faith's enthusiasm, her heart swelling with gratitude for her wife's unwavering support. "You really think so?" she asked, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her voice.

Faith nodded, her expression earnest. "Absolutely. You've faced so many challenges with courage and grace, and this could be another opportunity for you to shine," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I believe in you, Buffy. And I'll be right there beside you every step of the way."

Tears welled up in Buffy's eyes as she gazed at Faith, overwhelmed by the depth of her love and support. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Having you in my corner means everything to me."

Faith leaned forward, wrapping Buffy in a warm embrace. "Always, babe," she murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "I'll support you in whatever you decide, because seeing you happy and fulfilled is all that matters to me."

August 30, 1999 – Monday

U.C. Sunnydale – Buffy and Faith's Dorm

With a sense of determination pulsating through her veins, Buffy clasped the business card between her trembling fingers. It was time to seize the opportunity that lay before her, to step boldly into the realm of possibility that awaited. With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she retrieved her phone and dialed the number printed on the card.

As the phone rang, each tone seemed to echo the rhythm of her racing heart. Finally, a voice answered on the other end, smooth and professional yet tinged with warmth.

"Hello, this is Buffy," she began, her voice quivering with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I wanted to thank you for your offer and... and I've decided to say yes."

There was a brief pause on the line, followed by a surge of affirmation from the Fashion Agent. "Buffy, that's wonderful news! We're thrilled to have you on board. Let's schedule a meeting to discuss the next steps and how we can best support you in your journey."

Buffy's heart swelled with gratitude at the agent's enthusiasm and support. "Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to it," she replied, her voice steadier now, filled with determination and a newfound sense of purpose.

As she ended the call, a wave of exhilaration washed over her. This was just the beginning of a journey that held endless possibilities, and Buffy was ready to embrace every moment of it.