T-X Buffy (On Hiatus)

by Brenna's Urbangirl Projects

On that fateful Halloween night. Buffy is talked into wearing a different costume. When the spell is ended, Buffy finds out she is no longer human, but a Terminator.

5. Chapter 4: Ted

Chapter 4: Ted

December 7, 1997 – Sunday

Summers Home

As Buffy, Dawn, Xander, and Willow strolled along the street towards the Summers house, the air was thick with the intensity of their discussion. The words carried weight, revealing differing perspectives and stirring emotions within each of them.

Xander's voice carried a mixture of frustration and conviction as he challenged Dawn and Willow's viewpoint. "You don't know what you're talking about," he retorted, his gaze shifting between them. There was a hint of disbelief in his eyes, as if he couldn't fathom their perspective.

Willow, her voice tinged with determination, sought to clarify her stance, her words laden with conviction. "Xander, he was obviously in charge," she asserted, her tone carrying a touch of certainty. She believed that the individual in question held a position of power and influence.

Dawn, aligning herself with Willow, interjected, her voice reflecting a sense of agreement and support. "He didn't seem like the type to let himself be used," she added, her words spoken with a degree of certainty.

Xander, unwilling to yield, presented his counterargument, his voice revealing a mix of frustration and determination. "Well, that was her genius," he countered, his words echoing a deep-rooted belief. "He didn't even know he was playing second fiddle," he added, his tone laced with a touch of resentment.

Buffy, caught in the midst of her friends' passionate exchange, found herself momentarily distanced from the conversation, her focus shifting to the world around her. Her heightened senses absorbed the beauty of the night, capturing the melody of birdsong, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the earthy scent of freshly mowed grass. She relished in the sensory richness, a brief respite from the intensity of the discussion.

The tranquility of the moment was interrupted by the voice of Cameron, her words holding a mix of wonder and gratitude.

"Isn't it a nice night, Buffy?"

Buffy nodded; her agreement tinged with a genuine appreciation for the beauty surrounding them. "It is, Cameron."

"Being a machine, I never had the chance to experience the world the way you do.

I am happy Mr. Rayne's spell did this to us.

And as I said last month, it gives me the chance to see the world through your eyes instead of the lens of my programming.

And I've come to learn that Skynet was not right in its attempted extermination of the human race."

Buffy's smile widened, a mixture of affection and pride in her eyes as she regarded Cameron. The growth and understanding she had witnessed in her Cameron since the date of Angel's departure from Sunnydale filled her with a sense of satisfaction and relief. "You've come a long way, Cameron," she acknowledged, her voice reflecting a mix of warmth and admiration. The bond between them had deepened, their shared experiences shaping their understanding of not only the world but each other.

Xander's question hung in the air, curiosity and a hint of excitement shimmering in his eyes as he turned to Buffy, eager for her input. "Buffy? Cameron?" he prompted, hoping to engage them both in the discussion.

Cameron, always the sharp analytical mind within Buffy's consciousness, swiftly responded, her tone brimming with determination and focus.

"Play ignorant. I'm currently scanning files on the subject Willow and Xander were discussing."

"Huh?" Buffy uttered, her brows furrowed slightly.

Xander delved into the topic at hand. "Who do you each think was the real power - the Captain or Tenille?" he inquired, a touch of mischievousness coloring his words.

Buffy feigned innocence as she responded to Xander's question. "Uh, who are these people?" she asked, her tone tinged with mock confusion. Deep down, she was fully aware of the singing duo, having heard her mother play their albums in the past.

Xander, wearing his signature expression of disbelief when his pop culture references went unrecognized, couldn't help but shake his head, a playful grin forming on his lips. "Boy, someone was sure raised in a culture-free environment," he remarked, his tone infused with a mix of jest and affection.

Buffy let out a resigned sigh, her emotions intermingling with her response. "I'm sorry. I was just..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone.

Willow, always perceptive, completed Buffy's sentence. "Thinking?" she suggested, her voice tinged with a touch of understanding.

Buffy shook her head, her voice filled with a mix of exasperation and sincerity. "No, not thinking," she clarified, her words carrying a weight of self-awareness.

"Yeah, right," Willow interjected, her playful tone acknowledging Buffy's constant mental activity. She knew that Buffy's mind was always at work, processing information and analyzing situations.

Buffy's voice softened as she explained, stepping onto her porch, her finger seamlessly morphing into the house key's shape. Dawn, Xander, and Willow followed closely behind, their presence a comforting presence. "When you have a computer brain, your kind of thinking all the time," she revealed, a mix of vulnerability and acceptance in her words. The complexity of her thoughts and the constant stream of information running through her mind were both a blessing and a burden.

Cameron's voice resounded within Buffy's mind, offering her findings.

"I can find no clear evidence who was really in charge of the group that Dawn, Willow and Xander are discussing."

Willow turned to Xander, a playful glint in her eyes. "I think Dawn agrees that we're just saying, if Tenille was in charge, she would have had the little captain hat," she suggested, a note of amusement in her voice, while Dawn nodded in agreement.

Buffy relayed Cameron's response to her sister and friends, her voice reflecting a sense of neutrality. "Cameron said she can find no clear evidence on who was in charge. I guess that means she has no opinion," she shared, her words tinged with a touch of diplomacy.

Dawn scoffed playfully; her tone lighthearted. "Cop out, Cameron," she teased. "You're supposed to side with me automatically. After all, you, like Buffy, are my sister," she added, her voice carrying a sense of sibling camaraderie and affection.

Cameron's voice echoed in Buffy's mind, her inquiry laced with curiosity and a desire for clarity.

"Is that true?"

Buffy let out a soft chuckle, her amusement blending with a hint of fondness. "Sometimes, Cameron. Not always," she responded, her voice carrying a warm undertone. She glanced at her sister, conveying the question that had been posed to her. "Cameron asked if what you just said was true," she relayed, her words filled with a sense of openness and transparency.

Dawn nodded; her agreement mirrored in her voice. "Buffy's right, Cameron," she confirmed, her tone holding a note of conviction.

Buffy's transformed finger hovered near the lock, but before she could fully insert it, the door swung open with a creak. The unexpected motion sent a surge of apprehension coursing through her, causing her muscles to tense. Dawn mirrored her sister's unease, their shared understanding of the ominous implications behind a partially opened door at night. "Wait here," Buffy cautioned their friends, her voice laced with a protective urgency.

Xander and Willow obediently held back, their expressions betraying a mixture of concern and trust in Buffy's instincts. Meanwhile, Dawn retrieved a stake, her hands moving with practiced ease, while Buffy's arm seamlessly transformed into a plasma cannon, the crackling energy serving as a visible reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

"What do you see?" Dawn inquired, her voice carrying a blend of curiosity and reliance on her sister's heightened senses. She knew that Buffy's vision would have effortlessly transitioned to the infrared range, allowing her to perceive even the faintest of heat signatures in the darkened foyer.

Buffy surveyed their surroundings, her senses honed and attuned to the slightest shifts in the environment. "Nothing yet," she replied, her voice steady but alert as they ventured further into the house. As they made their way from the living room towards the dining room, their movements were measured and purposeful, their shared vigilance unyielding. Their hearts raced with anticipation, prepared for any potential threat that may reveal itself in the shadows of their home.

From the kitchen, the sisters heard their mom's distressed cry reverberate through the air, filled with a mixture of shock and anguish. "No!" The sound of a shattering crash followed, punctuating the intensity of the moment. The urgency in her mother's voice fueled their determination as they rushed towards the source of the disturbance, their hearts pounding in their chests.

As Dawn began to voice her protective instinct, ready to confront any potential threat, her words faltered into silence as she and Buffy beheld the unexpected scene before them. Their mom, was locked in a deep kiss with a strange man, whose presence in their home was a bewildering mystery. The sight sent shockwaves through the sisters, momentarily paralyzing them with disbelief and confusion. The presence of a wine bottle on the counter only added to the surreal atmosphere, casting a shadow of doubt over the situation.

Joyce and the man abruptly broke their embrace, their features tainted with guilt and surprise. Joyce took a step back, her expression a mix of embarrassment and unease. Sensing the tension in the air, Dawn discreetly concealed her stake behind her back, while Buffy's arm reverted to its normal state. Their minds raced to make sense of the situation; their emotions tangled in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

"We thought we heard..." Buffy began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words to address the bewildering encounter.

"I broke a wine glass," their mom hastily explained, her tone strained. "You two are home early."

The man, whose presence had initially cast a shadow over the kitchen, offered a somewhat awkward greeting. "Hi," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Buffy and Dawn exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and apprehension dancing in their eyes. "Hi," they responded in unison, their voices mirroring a blend of caution and curiosity.

Joyce hurriedly interjected, sensing the tension that hung in the air. "Oh, uh, these are my daughters, Buffy and Dawn," she introduced them, her words rushed and filled with a hint of nervousness. "And Buffy, Dawn, this is... Ted."

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy and Dawn exchanged glances; their unease palpable as they leaned against the cool surface of the refrigerator. The atmosphere in the kitchen felt heavy with unspoken tension, and their words carried an undercurrent of skepticism.

"So, all these late nights at the gallery," Buffy began, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern. "I gather you were cataloguing more than art."

Joyce's smile wavered for a moment, a hint of apprehension flickering in her eyes. "Well... I've been looking for the right moment to introduce you three," she admitted, her voice filled with a combination of hope and uncertainty. "He's a wonderful man."

Dawn observed Ted's interactions with Xander and Willow, her gaze shifting between him and her mother. Her intuition told her to proceed with caution, sensing that there might be more to this situation than met the eye. She glanced at Buffy, who met her gaze and gave the subtlest of nods. "How did you meet?" she inquired; her voice tinged with a hint of wariness.

Joyce's response came with a touch of eagerness. "Oh, he sells computer software," she explained. "He revamped my entire system at the gallery. Freed up a lot of my free time."

Cameron's voice resonated in Buffy's thoughts.

"Find out what his full name is. I want to see what I can find out about him." Cameron suggested to Buffy.

Buffy's expression remained composed as she spoke, her tone hinting at a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "To meet new people and smooch them in our kitchen," she remarked, her words a subtle indication of her underlying concerns.

"You two weren't supposed to see that," Joyce admitted, her voice carrying a tinge of regret. Her eyes held a mixture of vulnerability and apprehension as she faced her daughters, the weight of her actions evident.

Dawn observed the scene unfolding before her, her gaze flickering between Xander's indulgence in a mini-pizza and Ted's gestures in the kitchen. Her voice quivered with a mixture of curiosity and concern as she posed her next question to her mother.

"How long have you been seeing each other?" Dawn asked, her words laced with a hint of vulnerability..

Joyce's response held a touch of uncertainty as she paused, struggling to recall the exact timeframe. Her gaze searched for answers, reflecting the complexity of her emotions. "Oh... about two months," she finally replied, her voice tinged with a mix of hesitation and longing for acceptance.

As Willow expressed her satisfaction with her new hard drive, the conversation momentarily shifted. Ted's attention turned to Willow, his voice infused with a sense of pride and knowledge. The interaction between the three of them unfolded, revealing an underlying current of financial limitations and unfulfilled aspirations.

"Yeah," Willow responded, her gaze darting towards Buffy for a brief moment, seeking solace and understanding. Her voice carried a hint of resignation and shared disappointment. "But who can afford the upgrades?"

Buffy couldn't help but roll her eyes at the conversation, a mixture of amusement and fondness tugging at her lips. She knew that with their advanced knowledge, she and Cameron could easily surpass any computer available on the market, making Willow's dreams a reality.

"You can," Ted said, his voice filled with a hint of excitement. "I get the demos for free. I don't see why I shouldn't give them to you for the same price." With a warm smile, he handed her his card, his eyes reflecting genuine generosity. "Any friend of Buffy's..."

Willow's eyes sparkled, a surge of elation rushing through her. She couldn't contain her delight, emitting a high-pitched squeal of joy that escaped her lips.

"What?" Ted asked, his brows furrowing in confusion as the high-pitched squeal pierced the air.

"That's the sound she makes when she's rendered speechless with geeker joy," Xander explained animatedly, his words slightly muffled by a mouthful of delicious pizza. The delight in his eyes was unmistakable as he savored the flavors bursting in his mouth. "Can I just say this is the finest pizza ever to grace God's green earth? What's your secret?"

Ted's attention returned to the pan, a mix of intrigue and pride evident in his gaze. He carefully lifted it off the fire, a sense of anticipation coursing through his veins. With deliberate movements, he carried the pan over to the, the aroma of the freshly baked pizzas enveloping the room like a tantalizing embrace. With a satisfying thud, he emptied the pizzas onto a plate, each slice a work of art in its own right.

" After you bake it you fry it in herbs and olive oil," Ted revealed, his voice laced with reverence for his culinary craft. As he spoke, his eyes shimmered with a passion that was infectious. "And you got to use a cast iron skillet. No room for compromise there."

Xander's eyes widened, a mixture of astonishment and admiration dancing across his face. "You absolutely have to market these," he exclaimed emphatically, unable to contain his excitement. "I mean, people would willingly part with two, three hundred dollars apiece just to savor this culinary masterpiece." The sheer value he attributed to Ted's creation was palpable in his heartfelt words.

"Buffy, Dawn, we're leaving," Willow announced, her tone carrying a subtle sense of urgency as she cast a pointed look at Xander. Understanding her unspoken message, Xander nodded in agreement, a tinge of disappointment mingling with his satisfaction from the meal.

"See you!" Buffy and Dawn called out to their friends.

As Willow and Xander made their way towards the exit, Ted waved them goodbye, his parting gesture radiating warmth and gratitude. "I'll have your upgrades ready by Monday!" he assured Willow, a steadfast commitment resonating in his voice.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Ted's smile radiated warmth as he carefully portioned out the last of the delectable mini-pizzas, carrying them over to Joyce, Dawn, and Buffy. His eyes twinkled with anticipation as he presented the savory creations before them. "Hungry?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern and a touch of eagerness.

Dawn responded politely, declining the offer with a gentle shake of her head. "No, thank you. I'm not hungry," she replied, her tone respectful yet distant, as if lost in her thoughts.

Buffy mirrored her sister's refusal, her head shaking slightly. "No thanks," she politely declined, her demeanor guarded.

Undeterred, Ted began to set the plate down, his expression growing earnest. "Buffy, Dawn, I want to apologize," he started, his voice tinged with sincerity. "That wasn't how I wanted us to meet. I wanted it to be...perfect." His gaze shifted to the refrigerator, where a cherished picture of Buffy, Dawn, and Joyce stood proudly. "I'm very fond of your mother. I guess that's pretty obvious," he admitted, his voice filled with a blend of affection and vulnerability. "I know that you two are the most important things in her life, and, well, gosh, that makes you both pretty important to me too."

Joyce, joining in the conversation, added her heartfelt sentiments. "I really want you both to be okay with this," she expressed, her voice carrying a mix of hope and reassurance.

Ted's arm encircled Joyce's shoulders, a protective gesture filled with warmth and affection. "I beg to differ. We really want you both to be okay with this," he emphasized, his eyes searching theirs for a glimmer of acceptance and understanding.

Buffy, with determination shining in her eyes, insisted, "We're okay." Her gaze then shifted to her younger sister, seeking confirmation and unity. "Right, Dawn?" she asked, hoping to find solace in their shared understanding. Dawn, understanding the unspoken plea in her sister's words, nodded in agreement, a gentle reassurance passing between them.

"You both are?" Joyce asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and uncertainty. She longed for her daughters to accept and embrace the new dynamic that was unfolding before them.

Buffy glanced at Dawn, her gaze filled with concern and understanding. She could sense her younger sister's unease, mirroring her own reservations about Ted. "We are," Buffy replied, her voice soft yet resolute. She sensed their collective exhaustion, a weariness that had settled upon them. "I think Dawn and I are pretty tired. So, Mom, if you don't mind..."

"Good night," Joyce acknowledged, her voice filled with a touch of disappointment, yet tempered with love and acceptance. She understood the need for space and time to process the complexities of their evolving family dynamic.

The sisters made their way upstairs, finding solace in the comfort of Dawn's room. Once the door was securely closed, Dawn's voice trembled with a mix of honesty and vulnerability. "He's kind of scary," she admitted, her words carrying a weight of fear and uncertainty. "I'm glad Mom's happy, but he scares me."

Buffy listened empathetically, her heart aching for her sister's unease. "I know," she murmured, her voice filled with a shared understanding. "There's just something off about him." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Cameron?"

Cameron's voice, gentle and compassionate, replied within Buffy's mind.

"May I switch so Dawn can hear this as well?"

"You may," Buffy granted, her voice conveying trust and support. "Cameron is taking over."

"Okay," Dawn replied, her eyes fixed on the transformation, the familiar features of her sister reshaping into Cameron's appearance.

"I've delved into the memories of Buffy's counterpart," Cameron shared, her voice laced with a blend of intrigue and determination. "I haven't found any information on a person named Ted yet. However, it's possible that this discrepancy stems from a difference in the timelines between the realities." Her eyes sparkled with a hint of curiosity and a thirst for understanding.

Cameron continued; her dedication evident in their words. "I also conducted an internet search. It seems that Ted works for a computer sales company, which, in the other reality, had a contract with Cyberdyne Systems." The weight of the alternate possibilities hung in the air, as they navigated the complexities of parallel existences. "In that other reality, the Cyberdyne research was carried on by Miles Dyson's partner, Andrew Goode, and eventually, it was acquired by ZeiraCorp. However, ZeiraCorp does not exist in this reality. Instead, Cyberdyne Systems remains, partnered with the company where Ted is employed."

As her words settled in, Cameron's form shifted once again reforming into the likeness of Buffy.

"Thank you, Cameron," Buffy expressed her gratitude, her voice filled with appreciation for their efforts. "Maybe the next avenue of research is finding more about this company and Cyberdyne. Make sure history isn't being repeated."

"It is doubtful if it is.

Cyberdyne research started because they had Terminator parts to reverse engineer.

They do not have such parts since in this world.

As no Terminator was sent back to protect Sarah Connor since she does not exist."

Buffy considered Cameron's words, their implications sinking in. "Maybe not, Cameron," she acknowledged, her voice filled with a blend of caution and determination. "However, it still warrants investigation."

Dawn's agreement echoed in the room, her voice brimming with a sense of reason and openness. "Buffy's right," she chimed in, her words carrying a mix of curiosity and conviction. "We don't know the extent of the differences between your reality and ours. After all, the spell that changed Buffy and me, and gave Willow and Xander the memories of John and Kyle, had to draw from somewhere. Willow and Xander have memories of events that never occurred in the show or the movies."

Cameron paused, processing the insights shared by Buffy and Dawn.

"I see yours and Dawn's point, Buffy."

"Cameron sees our point," Buffy relayed to her sister, a sense of relief and validation coloring her voice.

December 8, 1997 – Monday

Sunnydale High School

"Xander, if you say one more word about it, things will become dire," Buffy warned, her voice carrying a mix of exasperation and protectiveness. The tension in the air was palpable as she, Dawn, and their friends made their way towards the student lounge, their footsteps laden with a weight of uncertainty.

Xander couldn't resist offering his observation, his voice laced with a touch of mischief. "Did you even bother to taste 'em? No," he pointed out, his tone animated. "Well, I did, and I'm here to tell you, those mini pizzas have changed my life. Ted is the master chef." His enthusiasm for the culinary creations was undeniable, his taste buds transformed by the flavors he had experienced.

Willow, caught in a whirlwind of excitement over the promised upgrades from Ted, interjected with keen perception. "You don't like him," she observed, her tone soft yet perceptive, her eyes scanning Buffy's and Dawn's expressions for signs of confirmation.

Bristling with skepticism, Dawn scowled, her brows furrowing. "Buffy and I don't know him," she retorted, her voice tinged with a mix of caution and defiance. "I mean, so far all we see is someone who apparently has a good job, seems nice and polite, our mom really likes him..."

"What kind of a monster is he?" Xander added dramatically, his voice filled with theatrical flair, amplifying the underlying unease that had settled in the room.

The sisters glared at Xander, their eyes flashing with a mixture of frustration and concern. "Even Cameron thinks there is something up with him," Buffy asserted, her voice holding a firmness that brooked no argument. The weight of Cameron's perspective, intertwined with her own instincts, only strengthened their collective doubt.

Willow and Xander halted their banter, their expressions shifting as the mention of Cameron struck a chord of curiosity. Could there be validity to their concerns if even Cameron, with her unique insights, perceived something amiss? The possibility loomed before them, casting a shadow of uncertainty.

"Buff, Dawn, you two, and Cameron are lacking evidence," Xander remarked dismissively, his words attempting to quell the sisters' growing unease. "I think we're getting into Sigmund Freud territory," he quipped, his attempt to trivialize their concerns evident.

"He has a point," Willow interjected, eagerly jumping on this new track of analysis. Her voice brimmed with a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm. "Separation anxiety, the mother figure being taken away, conflict with the father figure..."

"He is not our father figure!" Dawn fired back; her tone laced with a defensive edge. The truth resonated within her – she knew that Giles had served as much more of a father figure to both her and Buffy than Ted ever could, or even their actual father.

A trace of amusement flickered across Xander's face as he observed the exchange, recognizing the underlying emotions at play. "Having issues much?" he quipped, his words carrying a mix of lightheartedness and a hint of teasing.

Buffy shook her head, a mix of frustration and determination etched on her face. "We are not," she firmly denied, her voice carrying a steadfast resolve. The idea of parental issues struck a chord within her, and while she acknowledged the complexities of their family dynamics, she refused to let it define them.

Xander, unable to resist the urge to inject a touch of humor, pointed at the sisters and performed a playful little dance, his words sung in a playful chant, "You two are having parental issues, you two are having parental issues..." His impromptu dance ceased abruptly as he caught their piercing gazes. "What?" he feigned innocence, realizing the line he had crossed. "Freud would have said the exact same thing. Except he might not have done that little dance," he admitted, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.

Dawn paused at the soda machine, her hand trembling slightly as she contemplated the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed them. "I admit it's weird," she confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "Seeing our mother, you know, Frenching a guy. It is definitely a ticket to therapyland." The weight of the situation settled heavily upon her, a mix of confusion and unease intertwining within her heart.

Cameron's voice resonated from the depths of Buffy's mind, their words gently reaching out to offer understanding and support.

"From what I know and have seen of parental/child interactions.

I can understand how it could be weird for you and Dawn."

Buffy's voice chimed in, her words carrying a blend of astuteness and concern. "But it's more than that," she interjected, her voice filled with a determined honesty. "I'm pretty good at sensing what's going on around me and Dawn and I both know that something's wrong with this Ted."

Willow's keen observation skills detected Ted's approach, a flicker of movement catching her attention from the corner of her eye. "Ted!"

"Of course, Ted. Who did you think we were talking about?" Buffy responded, her confusion evident.

"Hi, Ted! Ted who's here," Xander's voice rang out, a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Startled, Dawn and Buffy spun around, their eyes widening in shock as they took in the unexpected presence of their mother's boyfriend at their school. The air seemed to crackle with a sense of unease and disbelief, the reality they had constructed suddenly shattered.

"Why didn't you warn me?" Buffy muttered softly to Cameron, her voice carrying a tinge of frustration and confusion.

Cameron's response carried a note of remorse.

"I'm sorry. I thought he might be another student or a teacher."

Ted, seemingly unperturbed, greeted them with warmth. "Hi, kids!" he chimed, his voice brimming with friendliness and familiarity.

Dawn, unable to conceal her astonishment, mustered the courage to question him. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice betraying a mix of curiosity and caution.

"I'm updating the software in the guidance office, which reminds me..." Ted's words trailed off as he retrieved a disc from his shirt pocket, extending it towards Willow. "Your upgrades," he announced, a glimmer of pride and satisfaction evident in his gaze.

A smile tugged at the corners of Willow's lips as gratitude flooded her. "Oh, what a day! Thank you," she expressed, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

"Think nothing of it," Ted responded, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity. His attention shifted towards Dawn and Buffy his eyes sparkling with genuine interest. "You two like miniature golf?"

"Who doesn't?" Xander interjected, his voice carrying a touch of enthusiasm, eager to join the conversation.

Ted's smile widened, his charm shining through. "Your mother and I were thinking, maybe this Saturday we could drag the four of you out to the course? Spend some time swinging the iron with the stuffy old people?" His playful tone carried a sense of inclusion, as if extending an invitation to a newfound family.

"Well, I guess..." Buffy began, her voice laced with hesitation, a mix of conflicting emotions evident in her eyes.

"I'm making a picnic basket..." Ted interjected, his words filled with an air of excitement.

"Mini-pizzas?" Xander interrupted, hope lacing his voice, a glimmer of anticipation shining in his eyes.

Ted's smile broadened, his nod confirming the culinary delight awaiting them. "And cookies," he added, his voice carrying the promise of delectable treats.

"You know, I wish we could, but Saturday we have that thing," Buffy stated pointedly, her words carrying a mix of reservation and underlying tension.

"Oh, that thing," Willow chimed in, her voice mirroring Buffy's sentiment. The weight of unspoken concerns hung in the air, an unspoken understanding between friends.

"Hey, we can do that thing anytime," Xander interjected, his tone filled with determination. "I'm tired of that thing. We're on!"

Ted's smile remained undeterred, a facade of geniality masking a hidden agenda. Dawn and Buffy exchanged glances, a shared sigh escaping their lips. They were caught in a web of conflicting emotions, torn between their growing suspicions and the desire to preserve a semblance of normalcy.

As the days passed, they found themselves actively avoiding Ted's presence, their steps carefully avoiding encounters with him. In the midst of their avoidance, Cameron took on the task of delving deeper into the enigmatic figure of Ted, hoping to unearth any traces of information that might shed light on his true nature.

Cameron's findings painted a haunting picture – the memories of Buffy's counterpart held no mention of Ted, much like the absence of Sarah and John Connor in this reality. The other reality never had a Ted Buchanan.

December 13, 1997 – Saturday

Mini-Golf Course

Buffy and Dawn reluctantly joined their mother and Ted as they made their way to the mini-golf course, their footsteps heavy with a mix of resignation and wariness. The weight of their suspicions still lingered, casting a shadow over their time together.

"The dreaded par five cuckoo clock. So many came, so few conquered," Xander proclaimed with dramatic flair, his words evoking a mix of amusement and nostalgia. The group had already played three holes, the lightheartedness of the game providing a temporary distraction from the lingering doubts that tugged at their minds.

As they progressed through the course, Buffy's computerized brain analyzed the game with precision, calculating the trajectory of the ball and the exact amount of force required for a hole-in-one. However, she purposely held back, hitting with less force than necessary and choosing a trajectory that would typically result in multiple shots. It was a simulation of human fallibility, a calculated act to blend in and not reveal her true capabilities to her mom or Ted.

Joyce expressed her appreciation for the picnic, her voice carrying a genuine sense of enjoyment. "You know how rare it is to find a man who cooks?" she mused, her words tinged with admiration and satisfaction.

Ted nodded, a touch of pride illuminating his features. "I know. I've been looking a long time for one," he replied, his voice filled with playful charm. He exchanged a knowing glance with Joyce, sharing a connection that eluded the robotic senses of Buffy and Dawn. His gaze then shifted to the sisters, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "So, Buffy... Dawn, I'm sure the boys are lined up around the block trying to get a date with the two of you."

"The picnic was delicious," Joyce remarked, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You know how rare it is to find a man who cooks?" Her words carried a touch of admiration and satisfaction.

Ted nodded, a hint of pride dancing in his eyes. "I know. I've been looking a long time for one," he replied, his voice tinged with playful charm as he exchanged a knowing glance with Joyce. His attention then shifted to Dawn and Buffy, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, Buffy... Dawn, I'm sure the boys are lined up around the block trying to get a date with the two of you."

Buffy shook her head, her expression tinged with a mix of indifference and guardedness. "Not really," she replied, her words carrying a sense of disillusionment and detachment.

Dawn, mirroring her sister's sentiments, chimed in with a firm, "No."

Willow, ever the quick thinker, attempted to cover for her friends, her voice tinged with a touch of nervousness. "Oh, they are, but Buffy and Dawn are only interested in... uh... their studies," she improvised, her words faltering slightly as she tried to maintain the facade.

Ted, unfazed by the response, lined up his shot, his focus unwavering. "Glad to hear that. I bet that means your grades will be picking up soon, Buffy," he remarked, his tone carrying a mix of friendly encouragement and a hint of curiosity.

Buffy and Dawn exchanged puzzled glances, a sense of unease settling within them. They moved closer to their mother, seeking some form of clarity amidst the uncertainty. "My grades?" Buffy questioned, her voice betraying a blend of surprise and concern. "How does he know about my grades?"

"I told him," Joyce interjected, her voice filled with a mix of pride and a desire to connect her daughters with their new partner. "He wants to know all about you both..." Her explanation was cut short as Buffy interrupted, her frustration seeping into her words.

"Then why didn't you tell him that my grades are improving?" Buffy snapped; her voice laced with disappointment that not only did her mother confide in Ted about her and Dawn but also that her mother apparently hadn't been paying attention to her improving grades. "Or did you not see my last report card?"

Joyce sighed, her gaze meeting her daughter's. "I didn't, I'm sorry, Buffy," she admitted, her voice tinged with remorse. "That said, he's concerned, and that's a good thing," she reassured her daughters, her words laced with a mix of understanding and a desire to find common ground. Her attention then shifted to Ted as he took his shot, offering a supportive comment. "Nice shot, Ted!"

"Thanks, Joyce," Ted responded with a warmth that resonated through his voice, a subtle undertone of affection and admiration coloring his words. As Joyce prepared for her shot, he positioned himself behind her, his hands gently resting on her arms, providing support and guidance. "Steady swing, lead to the right," he instructed, their synchronized movements resulting in a flawless strike. "Perfect," he declared, a sense of pride evident in his tone.

Joyce's smile radiated with appreciation, her eyes conveying a depth of gratitude. "Thanks to you," she expressed, her voice infused with a blend of fondness and admiration.

"Buffy, hit your next shot into the rough."

With a subtle nod to indicate she heard Cameron, Buffy moved into position, her gaze fixed on the ball as she lined up her shot.

Ted stepped in, offering his instruction. "Eye on the ball... watch those elbows..." his voice carried a mix of encouragement and guidance.

With her heightened sensory perception and computational abilities, Buffy swiftly processed the necessary information, gauging the force and direction required to execute Cameron's instructions. She struck the ball with precision, propelling it into the nearby bushes as intended.

"Bad luck, little lady," Ted commented, his words carrying a tinge of playfulness as he observed Buffy's shot.

"We won't count it," Joyce interjected, shaking her head with a sense of maternal understanding and compassion.

"We won't?" Ted's surprise mingled with curiosity as he turned his gaze towards the Summers matriarch, seeking confirmation.

"Well, it's just miniature golf," Joyce gently reminded Ted, her voice carrying a touch of calmness and perspective amidst the tension that had momentarily woven its way into their game.

However, Ted's face shifted, his expression turning serious as he responded. "It is, but the rules are the rules. What we teach her and Dawn is what they take out into the world when we're not there, whether it's at school or an unchaperoned party," he explained, his words carrying a weight of responsibility and concern. He turned to the sisters, his eyes filled with sincerity and genuine care. "I don't mean to overstep my bounds; this is between the two of you and your mother. I just think right is right."

Dawn and Buffy exchanged glances, seeking their mother's support.

"He has a point..." Joyce spoke, her voice soft but resolute, acknowledging the validity of Ted's concerns.

"Yeah, I'll just go hit from the rough," Buffy murmured, her voice holding a hint of resignation as she disappeared into the bushes, retrieving her ball.

Meanwhile, Dawn stepped up, her shot following in the footsteps of her sister's. Intentionally sending the ball into the bushes, she feigned surprise. "Oops," she exclaimed, her tone layered with playfulness and a hint of mischief. "Guess I will be doing the same." She quickly joined Buffy, finding her sister waiting. "I take it Cameron wanted you to…"

"Yeah," Buffy responded, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and readiness to follow Cameron's guidance, her trust in their shared connection unwavering.

"Drop the ball into the hole and tell everyone you got a hole in two. Have Dawn do the same."

"Cameron wants us both to drop our balls into the hole and tell everyone we got a hole in two," Buffy relayed the instructions to her sister. "What's going on, Cam?" she inquired.

"I have a hypothesis; I want to test it before I say more."

"Okay, let's do as asked," Buffy agreed, her resolve firm as she exchanged a determined glance with Dawn, their shared determination a testament to their unwavering support for one another. They picked up their golf balls, casting cautious glances around to ensure they went unnoticed. With a swift and calculated movement, they dropped their balls near the hole, before using a well-timed kick to send them rolling into the designated spot.

"Hey, how 'bout that, Dawn and I both got a hole in two!" Buffy exclaimed, her voice ringing out with a mix of triumph and subtle mischievousness.

"Beg to differ," Ted's voice cut through the air, his presence unexpected and jarring as he interjected into the conversation. His words held a tone of stern authority, challenging the sisters' perspective.

Buffy and Dawn turned to face Ted, their expressions a mix of defiance and weariness. "Okay, so fine our scores or whatever..." Buffy responded. She and Dawn stood their ground, unwilling to back down in the face of his unwelcome intrusion into their family.

"I think you're missing the point here, little ladies," Ted continued, his voice carrying a sense of moral certainty. "Right is right. Wrong is wrong. Why don't people see that?" His words dripped with a righteous fervor, a conviction that left little room for debate.

Dawn interjected; her tone tempered with a hint of anger. "It's just a game," she emphasized.

"Right. It's just a game," Ted responded, his words laden with a mix of dismissiveness and an underlying intensity. "Do your own thing. Well, I'm not wired that way," he asserted. "I'm here to tell you it is not a game, it does count, and I don't stand for that kind of malarkey in my house."

Buffy's retort was quick and sharp, her voice carrying a blend of defiance and underlying frustration. "Then I guess it's a good thing we are not in your house," she fired back, her words serving as a subtle reminder of the boundaries she refused to let him cross.

"Do you want me to slap that smartass mouth of yours?" Ted's question hung in the air like a thick cloud of tension, his words dripping with anger and menace.

However, just as the tension reached its peak, Joyce, Willow, and Xander emerged into view, the sight of their presence causing a sudden shift in Ted's demeanor. Instantly, he reverted to his friendly self, a disarming smile spreading across his face. With a swift motion, he pulled out a bag of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, his attempt to divert the attention away from the charged atmosphere.

"Who's up for dessert? I made chocolate chip cookies," Ted offered, his voice now filled with warmth and enthusiasm. The aroma of the cookies wafted through the air, creating a temporary respite from the earlier conflict.

"Yum, count me in!" Xander exclaimed, his voice echoing with excitement at the mention of the sweet treats.

Willow's smile brightened, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Cookies," she uttered with delight, her emotions shifting from the previous tension to a sense of eager anticipation.

"I made too many, so you guys are going to have to take some home..." Ted continued, his words carrying a note of generosity and a desire to maintain a friendly atmosphere.

Buffy and Dawn, standing a step back, watched as Joyce, Willow, and Xander gathered around Ted, their attention fully captivated by the prospect of cookies. A sense of caution still lingered within the sisters, their eyes locked onto the scene before them, searching for answers and reassurance amidst the lingering doubts.

"Cameron?" Dawn said, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and curiosity, as she looked to her sister.

"Give this to Dawn. It is something I have been working on so we can communicate with her."

A silver earpiece-like device materialized in Buffy's hand, originating from her own body. She held it out to Dawn, her expression filled with a mixture of trust and trepidation. "Cameron wants you to have this. She said it's something she was working on so we can..." Buffy's voice trailed off, her words tinged with uncertainty as she struggled to convey the true nature of the device.

Dawn, sensing the significance of the moment, nodded in understanding. She reached out and took the earpiece, placing it gently into her ear. As it settled in place, a shiver ran down her spine, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension coursing through her veins. The device, now nestled within her, began to integrate itself into her brain, forging a unique connection.

"The device will remain within you Dawn till you ask for it to be removed.

It will do nothing to you.

Consider it similar to an implant from something seen in your science fiction genre.

Till you ask for me to remove it, it will be a part of you.

In fact, because of where it is attached you can now speak to me and Buffy, in your mind."

Dawn absorbed the information, her thoughts echoing with a sense of acceptance. "Okay," she thought, her mind embracing the possibilities and responsibilities that came with this newfound connection.

"Now I believe Ted is not human.

I may have been mistaken in my suspicion that Cyberdyne was not researching Skynet.

He may be an early form of Terminator.

And I can't determine that for sure without accessing his CPU.

Which if he is human would be assault."

As the weight of this revelation settled upon them, Joyce interjected with a sense of unawareness, her focus shifting to the cookies. "Oh, you have to try one of these, Buffy... Dawn. They're really good," she exclaimed, her words carrying a mix of obliviousness and genuine delight, unaware of the imminent danger that lingered in their midst.

December 15, 1997 – Monday

Summers Home

Joyce's voice filled the air with a cheerful tune as the sisters descended the stairs, their presence met with her warm greeting. "Good morning," she welcomed her daughters, a hint of excitement dancing in her eyes. "I've got juice, I've got sticky buns. Don't they smell good?" Her voice held a sense of anticipation, the aroma of freshly baked pastries permeating the room, a tantalizing invitation to indulge in the morning treat.

"Hi," Buffy and Dawn responded, their voices holding a tinge of hesitation as they each took a sticky bun. The aroma of the freshly baked treats wafted through the air, filling the room with a tantalizing scent.

"Ted made them," Joyce mentioned, her voice brimming with admiration for her boyfriend's culinary skills.

Buffy and Dawn exchanged a quick glance, a shared understanding passing between them in an unspoken moment. Without a word, they both placed the sticky buns back down, their sudden loss of appetite apparent.

"What?" Joyce questioned, her hands instinctively moving to her hips in a defensive gesture.

"Dawn and I'd just like to eat something around here that Ted didn't make," Buffy spoke up, her words carrying a mix of frustration and unease. The truth behind their reluctance to consume Ted's creations remained unspoken, hovering beneath the surface.

Confusion etched itself onto Joyce's face as she probed further. "What kind of attitude is that?" she inquired; her tone laced with a hint of disappointment.

Struggling to find the right words, Dawn hesitated, her mind racing to find a way to address the concerns raised by Cameron without divulging Buffy's nature as a Terminator. "Look, Mom, we know you think he's great and all, but..."

Joyce's frustration simmered beneath her composed exterior as she listened to her daughters' remarks. The weight of disappointment hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room. She refused to let Dawn finish her sentence, cutting her off abruptly. The strain in her voice was palpable, a reflection of her inner turmoil caused by the growing rift between her daughters and her boyfriend.

"He's gone out of his way to be nice to you both, and neither of you could find two words to say to him on Saturday," Joyce expressed her frustration, her tone tinged with a mixture of hurt and exasperation. The emotional strain was evident in her words, as she struggled to bridge the gap between her daughters and the man she cared deeply for. "Now, I don't expect either of you to love him right away like I do, but I do expect you both to treat him decently."

Buffy seized on their mother's choice of words, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and uncertainty. "You... love him?" she questioned, the revelation hitting her with unexpected force.

Joyce's admission was filled with a touch of vulnerability, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I don't know... that kind of slipped out... but I guess... it's not exactly like men beat down the door when you're a..." Her words trailed off, the unspoken truth hanging heavily in the air.

"Single parent," Buffy and Dawn finished in unison, their voices tinged with a blend of understanding and empathy. The weight of their shared experience loomed over them, reminding them of the challenges they faced as a family.

Collecting herself, Joyce forged ahead, determined to convey her perspective. "I would never have anything to do with anyone who didn't care about the two of you. But he does. I don't understand why either of you can't see that," she pleaded, her voice carrying a mix of sincerity and longing.

"He threatened us," Dawn stated matter-of-factly, her words cutting through the tension.

"What?" Joyce's voice held a mixture of disbelief and shock, her words punctuated by a sense of denial. The accusation leveled against Ted seemed incomprehensible to her. "Ted would never do such a thing," she defended him, her voice betraying her unwavering trust in her boyfriend.

"He said he was going to slap my face," Buffy asserted.

Joyce, however, maintained her stance, her smile projecting a sense of certainty. "He never said any such thing," she refuted, her voice holding unwavering faith in Ted's character. "Ted told me what happened. He caught you two cheating, didn't he?"

Caught off guard by their mother's response, Buffy and Dawn exchanged a surprised glance.

A thought flickered within Cameron's mind, their voice resonating within Buffy's consciousness

"Maybe we should reveal me to your mother?"

Ignoring Cameron's suggestion, Buffy continued to voice her frustrations. "Yes, Dawn and I kicked our balls in, so put us in jail, but he wigged-" Her words carried a mix of defiance and frustration, as she attempted to express her side of the story.

"And he didn't say anything about it in front of the others, did he?" Joyce questioned, seeking confirmation of the events that unfolded.

"No, but..." Dawn's voice faltered, her attempt to voice her concerns stifled by her mother's dismissal. The weight of her unspoken words hung heavy in the air, overshadowed by the sound of Joyce devouring the sticky bun.

"I think that was pretty decent of him," Joyce stated, her voice laced with a mix of determination and longing. The act of consuming the sticky bun became a way to distract herself from the underlying tensions, her chewing echoing through the room as she swallowed and resumed speaking. "Ted says we're just going to have to give you both time to come around. Speaking of which, he's making dinner for us tonight. Please be here promptly at six."

Buffy's voice hung heavy with a weighty silence, her thoughts a tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions. The burden of her responsibility as the Slayer clashed against her apprehension towards Ted, creating a battleground of inner turmoil. After a moment of contemplation, she found the strength to express her dilemma. "Mom, I have to patrol tonight."

Unfazed by Buffy's reservations, Joyce responded with an unwavering smile, her gaze filled with motherly affection. Her voice held a gentle reassurance, laced with a touch of lightheartedness. "Well, you can do that afterwards," she suggested, the words carrying a subtle undertone of compromise. As she took another bite of the sticky bun, a temporary respite from the tensions that surrounded them, her smile widened. "These are so delicious," she expressed, finding solace in the simple pleasure of the treat, momentarily diverting their attention from the complexities that awaited them.

Sunnydale High School

Buffy and Dawn sat in the quad with Willow and Xander, their expressions burdened by the weight of suspicion and unease. Willow, nibbling on one of Ted's cookies, sought clarification from her friends, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What do you mean, check him out?"

Buffy let out a weary sigh, the heaviness in her heart evident in her voice. "Cameron believes Ted may not be human. We need to find out before Dawn and I confront him. That means uncovering his secrets, and Willow, that's where your skills come in. We need you to hack into his life."

Xander interjected, his tone laced with skepticism. "Can you say overreaction? All we have is Cameron's suspicion, and we don't even know if it's true."

Buffy's response was sharp, her words carrying a sense of urgency. "Can you say sucking chest wound?"

Willow shook her head, her expression a mix of concern and hesitation. "Buffy, Dawn, it just seems like you two and Cameron want him to be corrupt or something. "

"I'm taking over."

Buffy, mindful of their surroundings, scanned the area to ensure they were not being observed. She nodded, a silent agreement between them. Dawn, Willow, and Xander watched as Buffy's physical form underwent a transformation, morphing into the visage of Cameron.

"I don't have evidence," Cameron confessed, their voice heavy with a mix of uncertainty and concern. "But that is precisely why we need your help, Willow. I have reason to believe that Ted may be an early form of Terminator."

Xander's response was steeped in disbelief. "Terminator? Except for you and Buffy, Terminators are works of fiction."

Cameron nodded, their tone carrying a somber conviction. "That is true, but Cyberdyne is a real company. The only difference between the fictional Cyberdyne and the real one is the absence of Terminator parts to reverse engineer. However, that doesn't negate the possibility of their involvement in researching Skynet. If they are, we must put a stop to it now, before Skynet can come into existence."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Cordelia, her presence injecting a hint of normalcy into the intense discussion.

"Hey, Cordy. Nice outfit," Xander greeted her with a touch of lightheartedness.

Cordelia's response was tinged with annoyance. "Oh, very funny," she retorted, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm as she came to a stop.

Xander's expression was tinged with a mix of regret and resignation. "Not really..." he murmured.

Cordelia, unimpressed, prodded him further. "What are you saying?" she inquired, her tone conveying a combination of curiosity and annoyance.

Xander's response was swift, his words laced with a touch of defensiveness. "Nice outfit," he repeated, attempting to salvage the moment with a feeble attempt at a compliment.

Cordelia's patience wore thin, her retort dripping with disdain. "Why don't you just keep your mouth shut?" she shot back, her frustration palpable as she turned her attention to Cameron. "Are you new?" she questioned, her tone holding a hint of caution. "You might want to think twice about associating with..."

Cameron, firm and protective, interjected before Cordelia could finish her sentence. "Buffy and Dawn are my cousins," they stated, their voice resolute. "So, their friends are mine."

Cordelia scoffed, a mixture of skepticism and dismissal evident in her demeanor. She turned away, walking off with a dismissive air.

Xander looked after Cordelia. "Would you guys excuse me for a second?" He turned and ran after her.

Willow watched Xander with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she turned to Dawn, seeking answers. "What's up with them?" she questioned; her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

Dawn shrugged; a gesture of uncertainty mirrored in her expression. "I don't know," she admitted, her tone reflecting a blend of curiosity and mild apprehension.

Cameron, aware of the urgency of their mission, appealed to Willow with a plea in her voice. "Willow, please," she implored, her words laced with a sense of determination. "We need your help in looking into Ted."

Willow nodded, her commitment to aiding her friends evident in her unwavering gaze. "What do you want me to look for?" she inquired, her voice steady and focused.

Cameron exhaled softly, her voice carrying a mix of caution and urgency. "Let's start small," she suggested, the weight of her suspicions palpable. "Confirm where he works."

Lorrin Software

Dawn phased herself and Buffy through the wall into the employee bathroom from outside the office suite. It had been the best way of getting in without being seen by the office staff. Dawn stayed in the bathroom as Buffy transformed her body to look ten years older.

Buffy carefully observed Ted as he engaged in a phone conversation, his voice determined and persuasive as he sought to make a sale. As he rose from his desk, she discreetly maneuvered herself out of his line of sight, her body pulsating with tension.

Ted approached a large sales tote board, where he meticulously added a checkmark beside his name. The significance of his actions heightened Buffy's curiosity, urging her to dig deeper into his secrets.

"Going to lunch," Ted announced casually to no one in particular as he exited the office.

Dawn's thoughts echoed in Buffy's mind, filled with anticipation and a hint of impatience. "Anything?"

Buffy replied with a calm assurance, "I will let you know in a moment. He's just leaving for lunch."

Just then, Buffy felt a presence nearby, and she turned to face a guy who was getting a cup of water. His voice broke the silence, drawing her attention. "You're new, aren't you?" he asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

Buffy nodded, keeping her cover intact. "Temping," she replied, her voice projecting a sense of professionalism.

Neal's acknowledgement was accompanied by a slight nod, his expression a mix of weariness and resignation. "I'm Neal," he introduced himself, his tone tinged with a hint of exhaustion that seemed to seep through his words.

Buffy reciprocated with a brief introduction; her voice steady but her mind focused on the task at hand. "Cameron Glau," she replied, gesturing toward the sales board. "That guy's a salesman. Guess he's the one to beat around here."

Neal's response revealed a mix of admiration and resignation. "Nobody beats the machine," he admitted, a trace of awe laced in his voice. "The guy's a genius. Pure salesman. Knows everything about computers, never loses a client, never yells at the annoying ones... not that I do..."

Cameron's voice echoed within Buffy's mind, her words carrying a sense of validation and growing certainty.

"It is sounding like my suspicion that Ted is a Terminator is becoming more and more accurate. Those would all be things a Terminator would do as an infiltrator."

Buffy took in Neal's words, a somber realization settling upon her. "I guess he's been doing this for a while," she mused, her voice tinged with a mix of contemplation and concern.

Neal's nod confirmed Buffy's thoughts, his weary gaze meeting hers. "He was here way before me – and he'll be here long after I'm gone," he revealed, the bitterness in his tone revealing the toll that Ted's presence had taken on him.

Buffy's words held a hint of wryness, acknowledging the mixed sentiments that often accompany encounters with overachievers. "Nobody likes an overachiever," she admitted, her voice carrying a tinge of both admiration and subtle envy. "Well, maybe he's got ex-wives and family to support."

Neal's response resonated with a touch of sarcasm; his weariness evident in his tone. "All he's got is a girlfriend. I'm amazed he let her clutter up his desk," he remarked, his gaze drifting toward a framed picture on Ted's desk. There was a hint of frustration in his voice, an undercurrent of resentment toward the seemingly effortless balance Ted maintained. "Thank god he's taking off for the wedding."

Buffy's eyebrow arched in curiosity; her intrigue piqued by Neal's mention of a wedding. "The wedding?" she questioned, her voice laced with genuine curiosity and a tinge of skepticism.

Cameron's voice interjected, their inquisitive tone mirroring Buffy's thoughts.

"Wouldn't your mom have said something if she was getting married?"

Buffy contemplated the question internally, her thoughts intertwining with Cameron's presence. "She would, I would think," she responded silently, her mind racing to piece together the puzzle of Ted's life.

Neal nodded, a mixture of resignation and anticipation etched on his face. "He's got it set for two months from now," he revealed, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and hope for relief from Ted's presence. "Believe me, I'm counting the days."

Just then, Neal's attention was diverted as he noticed his boss approaching, his words cut short. "Uh oh, the uber-boss. Back to the salt mines," he muttered, a hint of resignation coloring his voice as he moved off.

Buffy's hand trembled slightly as she examined the picture on Ted's desk, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and unease. The image, carefully folded to highlight their mother while obscuring herself and Dawn, triggered a surge of conflicting emotions within her. It felt like an invasion of their privacy, a tangible sign that Ted had a deeper interest in their family than he had let on.

Cameron's voice echoed with a mix of concern and suspicion.

"He stole the picture of you, Dawn and your mother?"

Buffy nodded, her eyes fixated on the photo, her mind racing to unravel the meaning behind Ted's actions. "Dawn," she thought, her thoughts directed towards Dawn. "He's got a picture of you, me, and mom. But he's folded it in such a way that only shows mom. And his co-worker said he's planning to get married in two months."

Dawn's own thoughts mirrored the underlying sense of discomfort. "Weird," she thought, her voice laden with a mix of confusion and trepidation. The unfolding puzzle only deepened their sense of unease, leaving them both with an unsettling sense that something was amiss.

Summers Home

That evening, the atmosphere at the dinner table was filled with a mix of tension and forced politeness. Dawn and Buffy sat on one side, their eyes occasionally darting towards each other, silently exchanging their shared concerns. On the opposite side, Joyce and Ted appeared blissfully unaware of the undercurrent of unease that permeated the room.

Ted took the lead, offering a prayer for blessings and guidance, his eyes briefly locking with Dawn and Buffy as he emphasized the importance of honesty.

"Amen," Joyce echoed, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension as she glanced between Ted and her daughters.

Breaking the strained silence, Ted shifted the conversation to more mundane matters. His inquiry about school and their day elicited responses from Buffy and Dawn, who mustered polite nods and vague affirmations. Yet behind their feigned enthusiasm, they remained guarded, careful not to reveal their mounting suspicions.

With a false cheerfulness, Ted turned the conversation towards the day's events. "Another great day at work," he exclaimed. "How was school, Buffy? Dawn? Did you two learn anything?"

Buffy mustered a polite response, her voice laced with a touch of restraint. "Quite a bit," she replied, casting a quick glance at Dawn, who mirrored her sister's nod.

Ted's smile widened, seemingly unfazed by the tension. "Good for you," he remarked, gesturing towards the food on the table. "Well, Joycee, what do you think?"

Joyce smiled. "I think every home should have someone like you," she replied enthusiastically. She looked to Buffy and Dawn, her gaze searching for confirmation. "Don't you think?"

Dawn observed the exchange, her shoulders lifting in a nonchalant shrug as she glanced at Buffy.

Buffy, her gaze fixed on her plate, mustered the courage to voice her thoughts. "It... looks pretty good," she replied, her voice lacking enthusiasm as she absentmindedly pushed her fork around the food.

Ted, oblivious to the underlying tension, maintained his cheery demeanor. "Well, you know, little lady," he chimed in, his voice tinged with a touch of patronizing affection, "it's not just for looks, it's for building strong bodies."

Joyce, catching the shift in the conversation, interjected, her voice gentle yet cautionary. "Honey..."

Buffy's movements stalled as she held the forkful of food near her mouth, her eyes finally meeting Ted's gaze. The question lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of suspicion. "Are you guys engaged?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Surprised by the sudden query, Joyce's brows furrowed. "What?" she exclaimed, her tone a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Goodness, no, what gave you that idea?"

Ted's smile remained plastered on his face as he addressed Buffy and Dawn, his words carrying a mix of excitement and an undercurrent of manipulation. "Now Joycee, let me handle this. Your mother and I are taking things one step at a time, but if things go the way I hope someday soon I just might ask her to tie the knot. How would you two feel about that?"

Buffy's gaze shifted uneasily between Ted and her mother. She couldn't bring herself to answer.

Dawn shrugged her shoulders and forced a smile, her words failing to match the truth hidden behind her eyes. "If mom is happy, okay I guess," she said, her words laced with insincerity.

Ted tried to create an atmosphere of openness and acceptance. "It's okay to have your feelings. And it's okay to express them," he said, his gaze fixed on the sisters, his tone almost too understanding.

But Buffy couldn't hold back the depth of her emotions any longer. The weight of her unease and distrust pressed upon her chest, and her words slipped out with a heavy dose of dark sarcasm. "I'd feel like killing myself," she uttered, her voice dripping with bitterness.

Cameron, ever the logical presence in Buffy's mind, interjected with a reminder of their nature.

"That isn't possible. Terminator's cannot self-terminate."

"I know that, Cameron," Buffy thought, her inner turmoil intensifying with each passing moment, her true feelings hidden beneath a facade of forced composure.

"Buffy!" Joyce's voice carried a mix of surprise and disappointment, her eyes widening at her eldest daughter's unexpected remark. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as the weight of Buffy's words hung in the air.

Ted, though visibly affected by Buffy's comment, tried to regain control of the situation. Shaking his head, he attempted to reassure Joyce. "No, no, I told her to be honest," he said, his tone betraying a hint of defensiveness. Turning his attention back to Buffy, he spoke with a combination of determination and a touch of arrogance. "Sweetheart, you should try and get used to me because you know what? I'm not going anywhere."

Buffy's face tightened, a mix of frustration and resignation etching itself upon her features. She mustered up the courage to make her request, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "May I be excused?"

Joyce, still grappling with the situation, responded with a mix of sternness and disappointment. "You can go to your room, young lady, that's what you can do," she said, her words carrying a heavy weight of authority.

Buffy nodded silently. "Got work," she muttered.

Joyce's voice softened, revealing a glimmer of understanding beneath her disappointment. "Not tonight," she said, her tone gentle yet firm. "I'll call Rupert and let him know."

A weary sigh escaped Buffy's lips as she stood up. Without a word, she turned and made her way upstairs.

"Can I be excused, too?" Dawn's said as she looked at her mother with pleading eyes, silently hoping for understanding.

Joyce's heart sank as she saw the genuine distress in her younger daughter's face. A mix of concern and compassion filled her voice as she responded, "Of course, dear."

Dawn rose from her seat. With a quick glance at her mother, she followed the path of her sister.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Dawn's voice quivered with a mixture of fear and curiosity as she looked at her sister, her eyes filled with unease. "Cameron, do you really think he could be a Terminator?" Her words hung in the air, laden with worry and a deep sense of apprehension.

Cameron's usually composed demeanor faltered for a moment, revealing a flicker of concern.

"I do not know for sure, Dawn. There are too many things that don't add up."

Buffy's voice quivered with a mixture of confusion and sadness as she moved toward the window, clutching her weapons bag tightly. "Such as why he has the picture from the kitchen," she mused, her eyes flickering with a hint of disbelief. A pang of grief tugged at her heart, causing her brows to furrow. "I could see maybe mom giving him one of just her," she continued, her voice tinged with a touch of longing. "But why would she give him the one of the three of us from the kitchen?"

Dawn's voice trembled with concern as she questioned Buffy's decision, her eyes shimmering with worry. "You're going to patrol?" she asked, her words laced with a mix of disbelief. "After mom told you not to?"

Buffy's reply was laden with a heavy weight of responsibility and determination. "I have to, Dawn," she confessed, her voice carrying the weight of the lives she held in her hands. "Someone could die if I don't."

A bittersweet mixture of love and concern danced in Dawn's eyes as she spoke softly, her voice filled with a plea for caution. "Be careful," she implored, her words clinging to the air like a whispered prayer.

Buffy embraced her sister tightly, her touch offering both reassurance and vulnerability. "I will," she promised.

Park

Thirty agonizing minutes dragged by like an eternity as Buffy found herself perched on a lonely swing, her gaze lost in the depths of the enveloping night. The weight of her responsibilities bore down upon her weary shoulders, her heart heavy with the knowledge of lurking danger. "Vampires... Here, vampires..." she murmured, her voice tinged with both frustration and weariness. A heavy sigh escaped her lips, carrying with it a sliver of disappointment and resignation.

Reluctantly, Buffy rose from the swing and started for home.

Summers Home

Buffy cautiously maneuvered her way through the narrow opening of her bedroom window, a faint unease tugging at her senses. At first glance, the room appeared unchanged, unaware of the lurking disturbance that awaited her.

Suddenly Cameron's voice echoed in the depths of Buffy's mind.

"Buffy."

Buffy's gaze lifted, guided by the warning embedded looked up, and her eyes widened in startled realization. Ted, an unwelcome figure, stood ominously beside her vanity, casting a dark shadow over her sanctuary.

Confusion and a hint of defiance infused Buffy's voice as she confronted the intruder. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her words laced with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The air crackled with tension, her defenses rising instinctively to shield herself from the unseen threat.

Ted, unruffled by Buffy's inquiry, met her gaze with a cold, calculated stare. A hint of smugness played at the corners of his mouth as he responded. "Your mother said go to your room, Buffy. I think we both know she didn't mean climb out your window and go gallivanting about town," he retorted, his voice dripping with condescension.

Buffy's eyes narrowed in a mix of indignation and suspicion as realization struck her like a lightning bolt. Her surroundings blurred momentarily as her attention shifted to her violated personal space. The open drawers of her vanity, the scattered stakes and holy water, and her vulnerable journal, laid bare and exposed on the surface. Anger surged within her, the flames of invasion licking at her core.

A surge of righteous fury infused her voice as she confronted Ted, her tone brimming with a potent blend of anger and disbelief. "First of all, this is my room," she asserted, her words resonating with a fierce protectiveness. The violation of her privacy ignited a fierce determination within her. "Second of all," she continued, her voice laced with accusation, "have you been going through my things?"

Ted's nod, devoid of remorse, only fueled the flames of Buffy's wrath. "Yes, I have," he replied.

A surge of fiery anger ignited within Buffy, fueling her words with an intensity that seared through the air. "How dare you!" she snapped, her voice crackling with an unleashed fury. The violation of her personal property struck a chord deep within her, a raw nerve exposed to the world. The weight of betrayal hung heavily in her voice, a mix of disbelief and outrage intertwining like a tempestuous storm.

Ted, seemingly unaffected by Buffy's seething anger, met her gaze with a cool, calculating demeanor. His voice dripped with a calculated nonchalance, attempting to rationalize his actions. "I don't see how it's any different than you snooping around my office. Do you?" he retorted; his words laced with a smugness that pricked at Buffy's already raw emotions.

Buffy's gaze pierced through Ted, her eyes burning with a mix of confusion and alarm. How could he have known she had been there? She had taken painstaking measures to conceal her identity, donning an older appearance and utilizing Dawn's abilities to pass through the walls and into the bathroom undetected. She had even gone to the extent of assuming a different name to deceive his unsuspecting co-worker. And yet, Ted seemed to possess an uncanny awareness of her intrusion.

As if sensing the tumult within Buffy, Cameron's voice reverberated through her consciousness, resonating with a commanding presence.

"I am taking over, Buffy."

The shift in her form was subtle yet profound, as Buffy's visage rippled and transformed, adopting the appearance of Cameron. Cameron confronted Ted with an unwavering intensity, her voice echoing with a righteous fury that emanated from deep within. "Tell me how that is different than you stealing from Buffy and her family," she challenged, her words searing with an unyielding demand for accountability.

Ted's eyes widened in surprise; his composure momentarily shattered by the revelation. "You are not human."

Cameron's words sliced through the air with a chilling clarity, her tone devoid of human warmth. "No, I am not," she declared, her voice resonating with an eerie mechanical precision. "I am a T-X series Terminator. Let us drop the charade, Ted. I know you are a machine. What series are you?"

Ted, his façade crumbling before Cameron's revelation, responded with a monotone admission. "Ted series 1," he confessed, his voice carrying an artificial edge that mirrored his mechanical origins.

A sense of anticipation hung in the air as Cameron pressed further, her eyes locked on Ted with unwavering focus. "What is your primary objective?" she inquired; her voice laced with an underlying warning.

Yet, Ted remained silent, his refusal to comply fueling Cameron's resolve.

A cold smile twisted upon Cameron's lips as her hand transformed into a menacing nanotechnological transjector, its ominous presence hinting at the power it held. "I have the ability to interface and control any machine through the use of nanobots," she warned, her words dripping with a calculated edge. "I advise you to answer my question, or I will inject them."

Ted stubbornly persisted in his silence, defying Cameron's ultimatum.

Undeterred, Cameron's resolve solidified. "Very well," she stated, her voice carrying a chilling determination. Closing the distance between them, she moved toward Ted, ready to extract the truth. But before she could react, Ted recoiled, his hand connecting with her face in a sudden, jarring slap. Cameron's expression remained unfazed, her eyes gleaming with an eerie composure.

"Nice try," she mused, her tone tinged with an unsettling mix of detachment and amusement. With swift precision, she plunged the needle-like device into Ted's body, injecting the minuscule nanobots. Her gaze fixated upon him as the tiny machines coursed through his system, seizing control with relentless efficiency. Ted's feeble resistance was palpable, a futile struggle against the inevitable.

A moment of realization flashed across Cameron's face, her words carrying a trace of revelation. "Ah," she exclaimed, her tone layered with a mixture of understanding and calculation. "Your primary objective is to acquire your maker's wife and bring her back. You are not a Terminator after all, it appears. Still if Cyberdyne got ahold of you, they might start building Skynet using your parts which were advanced even for the nineteen sixties. Go back to your place of residence and wait for me there. If Joyce asks, you will bid her a pleasant good evening."

Ted, now under the control of the nanobots, turned and left the room, his movements dictated by a force beyond his own will. Cameron followed, a silent sentinel as they made their way down the hallway. As Ted descended toward the front door, Cameron's attention shifted, her purpose guiding her toward Joyce's room.

Buffy's worry and concern echoed through her thoughts.

"Cameron, what are you doing?"

Cameron was resolute in her decision. "It is time we tell your mother," she responded, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of sympathy. With measured steps, she crossed the threshold into the room, her presence both poised and enigmatic. "Hello, Mrs. Summers. My name is Cameron," she introduced herself, her tone projecting an air of calm authority.

Joyce, caught off guard by the unexpected intrusion, looked up at Cameron with wide eyes, her expression clouded with fear. The uncertainty lingered in her voice as she pleaded, her words tinged with vulnerability, "Please don't hurt me," her voice trembling with a mixture of anxiety and confusion, unsure of Cameron's true intentions.

Cameron's smile, warm and reassuring, held a comforting presence. "I would never think of hurting you," she reassured Joyce, her words carrying a soothing cadence. The sincerity in her voice conveyed a genuine desire to protect, to shield those dear to her. "To do so would hurt Buffy and Dawn. And I would never hurt them or you," she continued, her voice resonating with unwavering loyalty and devotion. "I believe Buffy has something she wishes to say."

Buffy, her desperation evident in her pleas, begged Cameron to reconsider, to spare her mother the harsh truth in this moment.

"Cameron, don't do this. Not in front of my mom. Please."

However, Cameron remained steadfast, unwavering in her course of action. With a subtle ripple, her form shifted, transforming back into Buffy's appearance, restoring control to Buffy. "Hey, mom," Buffy greeted, her voice carrying a bittersweet mixture of affection and apprehension.

Joyce's fear was palpable as she shrank away from Buffy, her voice trembling with trepidation. "What are you? Who are you?" she stammered, her gaze fixed on her daughter with a mix of confusion and terror.

Buffy, her heart heavy with the weight of the revelation, sought to bridge the gap between her and her mother. "Do you remember Halloween, when Dawn came back different?" she questioned, her voice laced with a fragile vulnerability. Joyce nodded hesitantly, her eyes reflecting a flicker of recollection. "So, did I," Buffy admitted, her voice tinged with a delicate blend of sorrow and acceptance. "I'm Buffy, Mom. I'm just not human anymore."

The shock and fear danced in Joyce's eyes, her voice trembling as she sought understanding amidst the swirling confusion. "N-not human?" she managed to utter; her voice laced with palpable fear. "W-what are you?"

Buffy, recognizing the need for support and reassurance, moved towards the connecting door that led to Dawn's room. With a gentle knock, she called out to her sister, her voice carrying a mix of urgency and tenderness. "Dawn!" she called, her voice echoing through the room.

A moment later, Dawn phased through the door, her presence a comforting sight amidst the chaos. "Yeah, Buffy," she responded, her voice tinged with both concern and curiosity.

Seizing the opportunity to provide clarity, Buffy turned her attention back to Dawn, her gaze seeking confirmation. "Who is Cameron?" she questioned, her voice carrying a note of acceptance and trust. "It's okay to say it in front of Mom. Cameron already dropped the bomb, transformed in front of her."

Dawn's presence beside Joyce offered a comforting anchor amidst the bewildering revelation. As she settled down on the edge of Joyce's bed, her eyes reflected a mixture of empathy and determination. Nodding solemnly, she prepared to divulge the truth that lay heavy upon them all. "Cameron shares Buffy's body with her. Cameron is a T-X series Terminator," Dawn explained, her voice carrying the weight of their shared reality.

Joyce's voice quivered with uncertainty as she grappled with the implications. "L-like the m-movies?" she stuttered, her words laced with a mix of awe and trepidation. "And t-that new t-tv show?"

A gentle affirmation escaped Buffy's lips, her voice tender yet filled with a tinge of melancholy. "That's right, Mom," she confirmed, her voice laced with a subtle ache. "Willow and I dressed up as a theme. Willow dressed up as John Connor, and I dressed up as Cameron, well, a version of Cameron anyways," she explained, her words carrying a touch of nostalgia.

Buffy's gaze met Joyce's wide eyes; her voice tinged with a bittersweet acceptance of their transformed reality. "As you know, when the spell ended, things didn't go back to the way they should have," she continued, her voice carrying a sense of resignation. "Dawn, for example, can walk through solid matter now. Willow and Xander gained memories of who they dressed up as. I became a robot."

The weight of the truth hung heavy in the air, amplifying the tension within the room. Joyce's eyes flickered between Buffy and Dawn; uncertainty etched upon her features. Seeking solace in Dawn's unwavering support, she looked to her younger daughter, silently searching for confirmation.

Dawn met Joyce's gaze with unwavering determination, her voice carrying an air of truth and loyalty. "She's telling the truth, Mom," Dawn assured, her words resonating with conviction. "This is Buffy."

Joyce's head shook in disbelief, her eyes reflecting a maelstrom of emotions.

Buffy's voice carried a tender urgency as she leaned in closer to Dawn, her words a whispered plea meant for her sister's ears alone. "Stay with Mom. I have to take care of something. I will be back in a little bit," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of determination and concern. With a resolute nod, Buffy turned away and left the room, her footsteps fading as she descended the stairs and ventured out through the front door.

Dawn and Joyce remained in the room; their ears attuned to the fading echoes of Buffy's departure. Silence settled upon them, thick with uncertainty and lingering questions. Joyce, her voice heavy with a mix of confusion and longing, broke the quietude. "Dawn?" she called, her words a plea for clarity. "Where is Buffy? The real Buffy?"

Dawn met her mother's gaze, her eyes brimming with empathy and understanding. With a quiet strength, she responded, her voice steady and resolute. "That was the real Buffy," she affirmed, her words carrying an unwavering conviction. "She told you the truth. Just like I was changed on Halloween, so was she."

Joyce sighed, a mix of weariness and acceptance washing over her. She looked at her youngest daughter, her eyes filled with a complex blend of love and vulnerability.

Streets of Sunnydale

Buffy's steps carried a weight of determination and frustration as she navigated the familiar streets, her gaze fixed ahead with a laser-like focus. Every stride she took held a sense of urgency, propelled by the internal tracker that guided her towards Ted's whereabouts, courtesy of the nanobots Cameron had injected into his system. Her heart, heavy with a mix of emotions, pushed her forward, unyielding in her pursuit.

Cameron's voice resonated within Buffy's mind, a blend of remorse and practicality tinging her words.

"I am sorry, Buffy. But this entire situation with Ted would have been easier to resolve if your mother had known about us from the start."

Buffy's response carried a bittersweet acceptance, her voice soft and laced with a mix of regret and determination. "I know," she admitted, a gentle sigh escaping her lips. The weight of missed chances and the consequences of her silence weighed heavily upon her. The longing to turn back time and disclose the truth to her mother sooner washed over her, fueling a quiet ache within her heart. "I should have told her before now," she conceded, her voice tinged with a tinge of remorse and self-reflection. "But Giles belief that revealing I am no longer human but a machine, a robot, after learning that I'm the Slayer would push her over the edge. I just…"

Cameron's reply, filled with understanding and empathy, reverberated within Buffy's mind, punctuating the weight of their shared burden.

"He only did what he believed was right."

Buchanon Residence

Buffy pushed open the front door, its rusty hinges creaking in protest, revealing the desolate interior of what appeared to be an abandoned storefront. As she stepped inside, a sense of unease washed over her, amplified by the absence of any sign of Ted. Her brows furrowed, a deep frown etching itself upon her face. "Cameron," she said, her voice laced with a mix of urgency and frustration.

"He is nearby. My connection to him says he is below us."

Buffy nodded, her gaze scanning the room as she activated her heightened senses. Switching her vision to x-ray, she sought any hidden clues or pathways that would lead her closer to her target. With a determined focus, she scoured every nook and cranny, searching for a way to descend into the depths below. "Got it," she exclaimed, a sense of triumph coloring her voice as her eyes fell upon the concealed trap door. Swiftly, she moved the rug that obscured its existence and opened it, revealing a set of stairs leading into the depths.

As she descended the stairs, a stark contrast awaited her. The concrete bunker transformed into a retro 50's style home, an incongruous setting within the underground confines. The jarring juxtaposition of eras added an eerie layer to the unfolding scene. And there, standing before her, was Ted, the orchestrator of their recent turmoil. A surge of righteous anger coursed through her veins, propelling her forward.

"Now it's time to think about disassembling you," Buffy declared, her voice cold and determined, each word punctuated by her unwavering resolve. Her arm morphed into a deadly plasma cannon; a stark reminder of the danger that Ted posed.

Ted, desperate to regain control, fought against the nanobot's hold on his body, his resistance a futile struggle against her enhanced strength. The air crackled with tension as she fired a direct hit that obliterated Ted in an explosive burst of energy. Two more shots followed, ensuring that any remnants of his presence were eradicated.

With her immediate threat neutralized, Buffy's attention turned to the room surrounding her. A mix of curiosity and dread filled her as she approached a closet nestled beside a chest of drawers, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air. Bracing herself, she swung the door open, and her heart sank as her eyes fell upon the sight that awaited her. Four lifeless corpses, their presence a chilling testament to the darkness that had resided within Ted's hidden realm. Her frown deepened, a heaviness settling upon her as she grappled with the grim reality of the situation that had awaited her mother.

December 16, 1997 – Tuesday

Summers Home

After ensuring that Ted's remains were no longer a threat, Buffy took it upon herself to make an anonymous call to the police, providing them with the crucial information that led to the discovery of the hidden corpses within Ted's abode. The wheels of justice began to turn, guided by the truth that Buffy had bravely unearthed.

That evening, as the fading sunlight cast a warm glow upon the porch, Buffy and Dawn sat side by side, their presence a testament to the resilience of their bond as a family. Joyce, her heart still mending from the shock of recent events, joined them, finding solace in the simple act of shelling peas together. The repetitive motion provided a momentary respite, a shared space where their collective healing could take root.

The air hung heavy with a mixture of vulnerability and newfound strength. Joyce, her voice imbued with a gentle tenderness, broke the silence, offering a small glimmer of normalcy amidst the remnants of chaos. "You two want to rent a movie?" she proposed, her words carrying a soft undertone of hope. It was a simple invitation, a gesture meant to bridge the gap between the darkness they had faced and the light that still flickered within their hearts.

Dawn, her voice laced with youthful enthusiasm, eagerly embraced the idea. "That'd be fun," she chimed in, her words resonating with a newfound appreciation for the moments of togetherness that brought them solace.

Joyce, now more resilient after coming to terms with the harsh realities surrounding her oldest daughter, couldn't help but offer a tender smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of love and acceptance. She had traversed the tumultuous path of understanding, finding solace in the open conversations she had shared with Buffy. Her protective instincts had ignited, leading her to confront Giles, her voice filled with righteous indignation as she held him accountable for the attempts to hide the truth about Buffy's ordeal.

As the topic of movie choices arose, Joyce's request carried a hint of playful exasperation, her words infused with a touch of levity amidst the remnants of their recent turmoil. "Just nothing with horror in it. Or romance. Or men," she playfully declared, her voice colored with a mix of lightheartedness and the underlying knowledge of the darkness they had faced. Buffy had shared the unsettling truth about Ted's evil nature and the shocking discoveries within his home.

Buffy, her voice carrying a trace of relief and humor, couldn't help but respond with a wry smile. "Sounds like we're Thelma and Louising it again," she quipped, her words a testament to their resilience and the bond they shared.

Joyce, her heart swelling with love for her daughters, nodded in agreement, her voice laced with appreciation for the resilience they had found within themselves. "Good call," she affirmed, her words a testament to the strength that had emerged from the depths of their trials.

December 17, 1997 – Wednesday

Sunnydale High School

Dawn, Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Cordelia walked in unison down the familiar school hallway, their steps echoing with a mix of determination and shared concern. The weight of recent revelations bore heavily upon them, interlacing their conversation with a somber undertone.

Xander's words, laden with a hint of bitterness and disbelief, tumbled out. "So, I'm Ted the sickly loser, I'm dying and my wife dumps me," he lamented, his voice laced with a mix of self-deprecation and sorrow. "I build a better Ted. He brings her back. She dies in his little love bunker and so he keeps bringing her back over and over. That's creepy on a level I hardly knew existed."

Buffy's form rippled, her features transforming to mirror Cameron's appearance, a solemn reflection of the weight of their discovery. "The real Ted must have been a genius," Cameron's voice interjected, her words infused with a blend of awe and concern. "There were design features in that robot that predate anything Cyberdyne would have been working on. If they had gotten their hands on him …"

Dawn, Cordelia, Xander, and Willow, their expressions a mirror of shared understanding, nodded in unison. The gravity of the situation sank in, their eyes reflecting the weight of the possible repercussions. The threat of Skynet, an apocalyptic future of machines dominating humanity, loomed ominously in their thoughts, a reminder of the dangers they had narrowly averted.