Change of Season

Cont.



"Willow!" Buffy looks at the redhead like she's gone mad.



" Just kidding, Buff. I was here, they showed up, they invited me over to their table… coinkidink, you know?"



"Really," Buffy says as if she doesn't believe it.



"What?"



"Well, I mean, you and Xander were together. Then my sister shows up, and suddenly they're together. I mean, my sister isn't like horning in on your action?"



"Huh?" Willow looks at her. Then she laughs.



"What's the funny?"



"You, goofus. Me and Xander? You're kidding, right?"



"No, why would I? I mean, you two seem really close."



"Well, we are close. We've known each other since like playgroup. That's when he stole my wonder woman Underoos…"



"Huh? He stole your underwear? Xander?" Hmmm… maybe mom has a point!



" Well, we were playing doctor, and…" Willow shrugs. "He thought they were cool. He didn't get the idea of anatomical differences between boys and girls, and how my underwear might not fit quite right…" Her brow furrows. "He's always been a little backwards that way."



"He knows the difference now, right?"



"Oh sure, I pointed it out to him…" Willow gets a concerned look on her face. "At least, I think he knows…" She watches Buffy for a reaction, and then bursts out laughing. "God, if you could see the look on your face!"



"You're funny," Buffy says, "really funny." She gives Willow a look. "Still, I mean you guys have been together a long time. I thought you guys would be like… well, close…" She makes a gesture. "You know… close, close."



"Look, Buffy. Me and Xander? We're friends. Best friends. But that's it." She stops, looking at the crowd ahead. "Gosh, this place is packed tonight." She manages to squeeze through, pulling Buffy along with her. " We're only friends. Nothing more."



"Ok, no skin off my butt," Buffy shrugs. "Just, didn't you ever like want to be closer?"



"Oh, we dated, briefly. In junior high. That lasted about a week."



"What happened?"



"He kissed me."



"Oh. It was bad, huh?" Buffy says, sympathetically.



"No, I mean, he did it right. It was just…" Willow makes a face. "It was like when I kissed a cousin once. Kinda ick."



"Oh."



"I think it was the same for him. Anyway, we never did that again, by mutual consent."



"Oh," Buffy repeats. "But your friends. Best friends?"



Willow catches something in Buffy's expression.



"What?"



"Nothing, just… well, how can a guy and girl be best friends?"



"We have a lot of the same interests. He likes movies, I like movies. He likes double mochas, so do I. He likes soccer, and so do I, and well…" She glances at Buffy out of the corner of her eye, " … we both like girls…"



Buffy stops dead in her tracks.



"Huh?"



"We both like girls, Buff."



"Yeah, ok," Buffy says, getting a little weirded out. "I have girlfriends, too…"



"No, Buff… Xander and I like girls the same way…"



"oh" Buffy eye's go wide. "OH!" She backs away from Willow a little bit." You… you mean you're like… ?"



"Yeah, Buffy. I'm gay." Willow sighs a little bit, seeing Buffy's reaction. "thought you should know, seeing we're friends and all, and … well, I just thought you should hear it from me, rather than just through the grapevine."



Buffy becomes very aware suddenly that Willow is holding her hand. She extracts herself from Willow's grip. Willow can't fail to notice.



"I see… this is freaking you out," She says, quietly, looking at Buffy's slightly nervous expression and her sudden separation. "It's not catching, Buffy."



"It's not like that, Willow," Buffy protests.



"Really? What's it like then?" Willow frowns slightly.



"You took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting something like that. I mean, kinda nuked me there with that news, Willow."



"That's funny, Buffy. I mean, I don't hide what I am. Pretty sure it's common knowledge around Sunnydale High. Yeah, I told you just now, but really only to confirm what you might've heard. I figured I owed you that… but I see it's freaking you out."



"Not freaking me out!"



"You're looking at me like I grew a third eye, Buffy. Being gay isn't the end all and be all of who I am, Buffy. It's just part of who I am."



"Well, yeah," Buffy says, recovering a little. "Sure. I know that."



"Then why are you all of a sudden wigging, Buffy?"



"I'm NOT wigging!" Buffy exclaims, "I think you got a problem, not me. I got nothing against gay people."



"Mmmm … right," Willow nods, still tight lipped. "You just wouldn't want your sister to marry one."



"What? You and Dawn? You're… You two…?"



"No, Buffy. It's just an expression!" Willow feels the blood rushing into her neck. "God, Buffy. She and Xander like each other. I wouldn't come between that, even IF I could. It's NOT like that Buffy. Crap," Willow shakes her head. "I don't hit on every woman I meet, Buffy. And Dawn isn't my type, anyway."



"Who is you're type?"



"Certainly no one around here," Willow looks Buffy straight in the eyes. "You know what? Bad idea even mentioning this to you. Let's just drop it. Just thought you should know."



"Fine, fine by me." Buffy says, a little huffily. "You brought it up, I didn't"



"Look, sorry I mentioned it, Buffy," Willow puts up her hands. "Let's just forget it, ok? I like Dawn… as a friend… and I know Xander is mildly crazy about her. I just wanted us to all get along, and I thought you knowing everything would be best. No surprises, you know? I thought we could be friends, too. But I'm thinking that's not gonna happen."



"What did I do? I just came to see how Dawn was doing, maybe hang out. What's the big?"



Willow looks at Buffy with a tight expression, then waves towards the alcove. "Well, we're over here. C'mon." She turns and walks towards the alcove, leaving Buffy standing there.



God, fine. Get snotty! I didn't do nothing! Buffy follows her in.



Xander is sitting on the sofa, Dawn on his lap, arms around his neck, kissing him. They seem oblivious to anyone else but themselves. Willow looks at Buffy, arching a brow.



"They've been like this most of the night. I'd be uncomfortable, but I don't even think they remember I'm here." Willow sits on the loveseat cattycorner to the sofa.



"Ahem," Buffy says, clearing her throat.



Dawn and Xander break the kiss, and look at Buffy.



"Buffy, what're you doing here?" Dawn sounds a little annoyed.



"Obviously, not what you're doing here," Buffy smirks. "Wanna get off the boy now? Let Xander catch a breath?"



"Hey, Buff," Xander grins, giving Dawn a little squeeze, "I'm fine. Real comfy. Dawnie doesn't weigh a thing."



"Yeah, you look real comfy. But I'd rather not be treated by the sight of my little sister making out with her boyfriendly, if that's ok with you."



She looks around for a place to sit, and seeing a chair, pulls it up. This isn't lost on Willow, who has plenty of room next to her on the loveseat.



"No one asked you, Buffy. You're not boss of me," Dawn says, giving her sister a look. "Again I ask, why're you here?"



"Well, mom wanted me to check on you, be sure Xander didn't go UN on you."



Dawn gives her a puzzled look.



"Roman hands, Russian fingers."



"Oh for god's sake," Dawn gives a huge, put upon sigh, and slips off Xander's lap. "Mom treats me like a kid! I'm 16 !"



"Yeah, well, now you know how I feel, Squirt," Buffy looks at Dawn's blouse. "Is that my blouse?"



"No"



"Ok, not a question this time. That's my blouse. Did you ask if you could borrow it?"



"No," Dawn gives her yet another look. "Want it back?" She makes to start to unbutton it.



"No, not now. Just, nice to get all nice and sweaty in my blouse, Dawn," Buffy shakes her head. "Now I'll have to burn it."



"God, Buffy. What's your problem. What's with the tude?" She flounces down next to Xander, frowning.



"What 'tude?"



"You'd think you'd be happy, mom letting you off restriction just before that party you want to go to…"



Buffy shoots Dawn a look, but Dawn ignores it.



"Party?" Xander perks up," There's a party?" He looks at Willow. "There's a party and we weren't invited?"



Willow shrugs, "Are we ever?"



"Good point!" Xander grins lopsidedly. "So, going to a party, Buffster?"



"Buffster?"



"Oh, Xander does that to everybody," Willow says, lightly. "He calls Dawn Dawnster now. I'm the only exception. He knows better than to call me Willster. I'll beat him up."



"Yeah, never could take you in a fight, "Xander grins. He leans over to Buffy, "She fight's dirty."



"I do not, Alexander Harris!" Willow blusters. "You're just a weakling, is all."



"Hey, don't call my Xander Bear a weakling!" Dawn protests.



"Xander Bear? Oh god," Buffy mock groans. "I think I need insulin!"



"Shut up, Buffy!" Dawn growls. "Just because you don't have a boyfriend…"



"I'm a boyfriend?" Xander looks at Dawn. "You think I'm boyfriendly?"



"Oh yeah, Pookie lips," Dawn coos.



"Love ya, pooh butt," Xander coos back.



They kiss.



"Ack," Buffy makes fake choking sounds. "This is beyond sugar shock." She looks at Willow. "They do this all the time?"



"Yeah, sad to report. They're hopelessly cute. I think it's a terminal case."



Buffy makes a rude noise.



"So, what's this about a party?" Xander comes up for air from Dawn's lips. "When is it?"



"Oh, tomorrow night," Buffy says, trying to make it casual.



"Who's throwing it?"



"Some college fraternity. Alpha Mu? No one you know, anyway."



"College party? With like, college women?" Xander gets a dreamy look on his face. " Coeds… hmmmm."



"HEY!" Dawn punches him on the arm.



"OW!" Xander rubs his arm, "Aw, c'mon, Pooh butt. You know you're the only girl for me."



"Yeah, well, you seem awfully interested in the Coeds all of a sudden."



"I'm a high school guy. It's a genetic thing. A guy thing." Xander says, defensively. "I can't help it."



Dawn pouts, not looking at him.



"Aw, c'mon cutie-patootie, don't be that way," Xander begs.



"Well… maybe I should just look for a guy who'll want to be with me, and not some slutty college coeds."



"You think they'll be slutty?" Xander asks, getting that dreamy look again.



Dawn hits him again. "Stop it!"



"Ouch! You hit hard!" Xander chuckles, rubbing his arm.



"Well, maybe I should just go," Dawn says, sounding a little miffed.



She starts to slide away on the couch, not trying TOO hard to get away. Xander catches her, and pulls her back next to him.



"Aw, you know you're the only one for me, Dawnie."



Buffy and Willow are both rolling their eyes by this time.



"Well…I dunno…" She giggles, and throws her arms around Xander's neck, "Ok, kiss and make up?"



"Oh yeah."



And they do.



"I don't think I can take much more of this," Buffy says, rising, "I'm gonna go into a diabetic coma soon, if they keep it up." She looks over at the bar; the crowd around it has thinned out. "Maybe I'll get something to drink."



"Yeah me too," Willow says, getting up. "You can only be a third wheel so long before it gets old."



The two women leave the alcove, leaving the lovebirds to their smooching.



"Hey, look, I'm sorry," Buffy says, sipping her drink.



She and Willow are at the bar, sitting on stools. They both decided going back to the alcove right now wouldn't be good for their blood sugar level.



" 'bout what?" Willow says, sipping her soda, looking around the Bronze.



"You know, about the whole… thing." She blows out her breath. "I mean, it's your life, right? You gotta live it as you see it. I just… wasn't expecting the little announcement." She shrugs. "Kinda threw me. I mean, I heard things… but I thought it was just gossip."



"Look, Buff. I'm comfortable about who I am. I've already gone through the FUD. My dad was especially freaked when I told him; he's like really conservative and all that stuff. Mom was a little cooler, but she's all into the child psychology thing; I think she thinks it's just a rebellious phase, you know? All I'm saying is, I'm not looking for anyone's approval. Not even my parents, ok?"



"Ok, ok," Buffy shrugs. "I wasn't talking about that. I behaved badly, and I'm sorry."



"No big, Buff. I get it." Willow changes the subject. "So, what's this party all about. College Fraternity huh?" Willow looks at her. "How'd you get invited?"



"Oh, ummm… well, Cordelia Chase was going, and she asked if I wanted to go, and well… I thought, why not?"



"Cordelia, huh?" Willow frowns a little. "You and her are getting kinda chummy…"



"I guess we gotta be," Buffy says, "After all, I'm on the cheerleading squad now."



"Really?" Willow smiles, "Hey, that's great. Congratulations!" Her brow furrows. "Wait, I thought the list wasn't going up til Monday…?"



"Well, Cordelia told me today, after tryouts. That I'd made it. Cool, huh?"



Willow looks at Buffy's beaming face, and can't help returning the smile. Still, she had reservations. Why does she even want to be a cheerleader, anyway? I mean, she could be so much more…



"Well, I thought you did really well when you were doing tryouts…"



"You were there?"



"Oh yeah, all of us were. Me, Xander, Dawn. They even took a break from tonsil swabbing to watch. We all thought you did great."



"I didn't see you guys…"



"Well, we kind of hung back around the exits. We're not exactly Cordelia's favorite peeps, you know? We didn't want to like, let her know we were there…"



"What is it between you and Cordelia? Why don't you like her?"



"Did I just hear Cordelia's name?" A voice, Xander's, comes from behind Buffy. She whirls to see him and Dawn walking up to the bar. "I think I need to hit the head. I'm feeling nauseated," Xander says, frowning slightly.



"Both of you," Buffy looks from Willow to Xander and back, "what's the deal? Why don't you like her? I don't get it. I've talked with her and all and she's nice enough…"



"Is that why she threatened me Buffy?" Dawn asks, also frowning.



"Threatened you? You mean that first day? C'mon, that was just her doing her power thing. We were ragging on her. It didn't mean anything…"



"No, Buffy. After that. Remember that day you ragged on me on the front steps? Well, you're buddy Cordelia came up to me after, and said that looks like she was going to be able to give me hell now. Now that you and I were fighting. I guess that's what she was thinking… I don't know… all I know is she's planning on something… "



"You're delusional, squirt. First of all, you're pretty full of yourself to think you're even on her radar when you're not in her sight, and secondly, she's only ragging on you. She's not going to do anything to you…"



Willow and Xander exchange a significant look.



"… look, we're friends now, ok, Dawn?" Buffy puts her hand on Dawn's arm. "She's not going to mess with you, promise."



Dawn doesn't look in the least mollified. She continues to look at Buffy like she's grown another, stupider head.



"You guys got her all wrong. She's ok once you get to know her… look, why don't you go with me to the party tomorrow. Maybe if you hang out with her some, you'll get to know her better?"



"Cordelia's going to this party?" Xander asks, looking at Buffy.



"Yeah, she asked Buffy to come along," Willow adds in.



"Think I'll pass, thanks Buffster," Xander says, "Being in the same space with Cordelia Chase when I don't have to be? Naw, don't think so."



"Yeah, me too," Willow adds in, "Sorry , Buff, but there's just some things I won't do. Tear the labels off of mattresses, lick postage stamps with my tongue, socialize with Cordelia Chase. All those things are just wrong."



Buffy looks at her sister. "I'm not going if Xander's not going. God, why would I want to be with the Wicked Bitch of Sunnydale High, anyway?"



"Fine, don't go. No skin off my rear," She shrugs, "You guys are something." She shakes her head.



"Buffy, you don't know her like we know her," Willow says, "I'm warning you. She's trouble, with a Capital T and that rhymes with C and that spells Cordelia. I won't say don't go to the party; just be careful. Watch your back."



"Yeah, what she said, but I will say, don't go to the party, Buffy. She's setting you up." Xander adds. "Make sure she doesn't know anything you don't want everybody to know."



Buffy shakes her head, a disgusted look on her face.



"I can't believe you… any of you," her nostrils flare a little. "You talk about being tolerant and non judgmental and all that, but you're as bad as you're accusing her of being."



"Buffy, we know what she's capable of. We're just trying to warn you!"



Buffy slips off her stool, grabbing her purse.



"You know what? I'm feeling kinda tired. Think I'll go home. Not sure I want to be here anymore." She starts off towards the exit.



Dawn follows her, grabbing her arm.



"Wait, Buffy. Don't be an idiot. Come on, think. She treated us like crap that first day. Why do you think all of a sudden she's doing a 180? She's setting you up!"



"You too, huh? They got you brainwashed. Well, that's your choice. Frankly, intolerance doesn't suit you , Dawnie."



"You're being a dope, Buffy!"



"You're right," Buffy says, pulling away her arm. "Hanging with you and your loser friends? Total moron." Buffy turns and waves over her shoulder. "Later, Dawn. If you wanna hang in loserland, that's fine. Just don't ask me to."



Buffy disappears in the crowd.



Dawn watches her sister blend into the crowd, and shakes her head. God, you're a moron, Buffy. Wait, it's Buffy! She's always a moron!



She makes her way back to the bar. Xander and Willow are waiting for her.



"So, what did she say?" Willow asks, looking a little worried.



Dawn shrugs. "She's being Buffy. A total airhead with concrete casing. No talking to her."



"Well, you did your best, Dawn," Xander comes over and puts an arm around her shoulder. "You can't think for her. She's gotta find out for herself, I guess."



"Yeah," Dawn agrees, leaning a little against him.



"I just hope it doesn't cost her too much," Willow frowns, looking in the direction Buffy disappeared.



6



Joyce dials the number again, then holds the cell against her ear to hear it ring.



She's been trying to reach Faith all day, without success. All she's gotten so far is her voicemail.



Sighing, she listens to the rings, expecting to be connected to the cheery, if slightly bent message Faith left on her mailbox. Deciding she didn't want to leave another message(she's left 6 already), she's about to press the 'end' button when a voice answers.



"Hello?"



"Faith?"



"Joyce? Hi, baby," Faith says with a soft, almost purring quality.



Joyce feels a major flood of tingles pour through her body. God, that woman makes me hot just talking!



"I've been trying to reach you all day!" Joyce says it a little more petulantly than she'd planned. She immediately is sorry. "I was a little worried," she adds quickly."



"I'm sorry. I had the thing off. It's been a crazy day."



"Oh?"



"Yeah, running around campus, getting ready for school and all. God, I forgot how hard all this crap was," Faith laughs.



Joyce feels her heart beat a little faster with Faith's laugh. She doesn't sound angry! Good!



"Sounds like fun," Joyce says, almost enviously. I wish I could just worry about school and such.



"Not all that much fun. Geeze. Fundamentals of Chemistry? Theory of Civilization? Political thought in mid-19th century Europe? All I want to do is paint, and I've got all these brain buster courses," Faith sighs. "Maybe this was a big old mistake…"



"No, Faith, no," Joyce jumps in, " believe me, it sounds hard now, but you're smart; a lot smarter than you think. You'll do fine. And I wouldn't want you to miss this experience for the world. You can make a lot of good contacts in College; contacts that'll stay with you all your life."



"All I wanna do is paint, Joyce. Tell me how Algebra 201 helps that?" Faith sounds a little discouraged. "I'm not as smart as you think!"



"Pish tosh!"



"Pish tosh?" Faith repeats, almost chuckling. "Is that like for real?"



"I'm just saying, you're a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for, and anyone not named Faith Lehane can see that!"



"You think I'm smart?" Faith says, almost teasingly, "You mean you don't just love me for my hot ass?"



Joyce experiences another flood of tingles, along with a couple of very warm blushes, thinking of Faith's 'hot ass'.



"Of course not," her voice is a little smoky, despite her best efforts. "You're hot ass has very little to do with how I feel about you!"



"Mmmm, I see. So, you don't like my ass then?"



Joyce feels a moment of frustration. God, she can be so… so … sometimes! If she weren't so utterly adorable, I might put my foot to that hot ass of hers, hard. Or my hand… Joyce gets a major tingle moment at that thought. Stop it, Joyce. There's serious stuff here to think about!



"Faith, I need to talk to you," Joyce says, changing the subject. Maybe just a moment too late when she experiences that familiar dampness between her thighs Faith always engenders.



"Oh, man. I'm sorry Joyce, but I'm on my way out the door. I gotta get to work…"



"After work?"



"That's gonna be like 2 a.m., Joyce. I gotta close tonight. And I gotta get up early tomorrow. Got lots to do, and there's a student orientation going on tomorrow I gotta go to. And I gotta work tomorrow night, too…"



"Oh," Joyce says, disappointed. Well, what, Joyce? She's got a life outside the bedroom. The fact you can't see her is your decision, not hers. You're the one that wants it QT." Hey, I understand. I just needed to tell you some stuff…"



"Well, go ahead, Joyce. You got me now."



"Not on the phone, in person…"



"Oh… sounds serious…" Faith thinks a minute. "I could blow off work if …"



"No! It's.. it can wait, you know? I just… really wanted to see you…"



"Me too, baby, but this weekend looks crazy – crazy. Maybe Monday? I'll take you to lunch or something?"



"Yes, ok, that sounds fine," Joyce says, trying hard to hide her disappointment. "Monday's fine."



"Ok, babe. I really gotta motor."



"Ok, Faith, well… I'll see you."



"Back at ya, sexy," Faith can feel the blush through the phone.



"Love you…" Joyce says.



But the call has ended. She sits a moment, staring at her phone. Then she leaves her office, heading for the back gallery.



Faith stares at the cell in her hand, and feels some little guilt.



Nice one, Faith. Blow off the most important woman in your life, cuz you're feeling a little hurt.



I didn't blow her off! I just have things to do. And anyway, it's more than that.



Things to do, huh? So much you couldn't find a little time tomorrow to meet her? Gee, what are you, like Donald Trump? Too busy with your important junk you can't make time for the most important person in the world to you?



Yeah, well, why'd she have to say those things? Make me feel like a child? I mean, I gave up a LOT to be here. My family, my friends, my life…



Yeah, great life. Being a sex toy for you're ex girlfriends porno shop, showing it off for the pervs. Great life you had there.



I would've done something else, once I got outta the hole. I woulda gone back to my painting, gone to school, all the rest.



Yeah, sure you would. You know she's the first person that really believed in you! Believed you were more than some Southie chick that would waste her life on nothing. God, you're a real shit sometimes, you know?



Yeah, well, she made me feel like shit. Like some kinda slut, the other night. I mean, she's ashamed to be with me! God, it's like I'm dog turd sometimes, I'm thinking!



Bullshit, and you know it. You know what kind of guy her ex is. What he'd do if he caught you two together. He'd take the kids from her, and they're super- important to her. You know that! But no, you gotta act like some kid who got caught stealing candy. Grow up, Faith. When she's ready, she'll make it known. Stop being a child!



I love her! I'm proud of her! Why can't she be the same with me?



Because she could lose everything that means anything to her. If you really loved her, you'd see that and stop acting like this!



God, I hate it when you’re right! I really do!



So, what're you gonna do about it?



I dunno, call her tomorrow, surprise her. See if maybe we can get together.



Finally, you're getting a brain. About time! I mean, especially if you're going to take Fundamentals of chemistry. Whew!



God, don't remind me!



Faith, feeling a little better, resolved to patch up this little tear, walks towards her bike.



It's gonna be ok, you watch!



She starts up the bike, and with an extra accelerated roar, takes off towards the bar.



7



"I don't know, Buffy," Joyce sounds doubtful, "You should've asked me about it sooner!"



"Aw, mom!" Buffy huffs, sitting across from her mom at the breakfast table. "You gotta let me go!"



"I don't 'gotta' do any such thing, Buffy," Joyce's voice hardens just a shade, indicating she's entrenching her position. "You know the rules about parties."



"I know, mom, but I only learned about it last night," Buffy says, "I couldn't ask you last night, because you were already in bed. I asked you as soon as I could."



Dawn, sitting a little away from Buffy at the table, groans internally. God, lie much, Buffy? Never mind you're ruining another meal. You're such a selfish …



"I don't like it, Buffy. There are reasons for the rule. I don't know this Cordelia Chase person. Who is she?"



"She's like the daughter of the richest man in Sunnydale, Mom. And captain of the cheerleaders. This whole party is to welcome the new people to the team. I mean, you wanted me to get back involved with this stuff, right? How's it gonna look when I can't go? Like a snub, that's what! And even if that doesn't get me kicked off the team, It'll be like I'm some kind of snob too good to go to the party. You gotta let me go, mom!"



"Again with the 'gotta', Buffy. I don't have to do anything, young lady."



Dawn takes another spoonful of cereal in her mouth and grins to herself. Good, mom. Don't let her go. She's just going to get in trouble again, and make life like miserable around here again!



Buffy, seeing she's run up against a wall, changes tack. She puts on a softer, calmer tone.



"Mom, I'm really sorry. I really didn't know about this party beforehand, or I would've told you about it."



Liar, Buffy. You knew about this days ago! Dawn thinks, eating her cereal.



"It's not like before, mom. I promise. This is the cheerleaders and maybe some guys from the football and basketball teams. No losers, no druggies in the bunch. I know how bad I was last year, but I'm really trying to change," Buffy almost pleads with her, "I want to be a better daughter and student, I really do!"



Lay it on thick, Buffy. Geeze. Dawn stares down at her bowl.



"I know you do, Buffy," Joyce concedes, "and I don't want to be the mean old mom here. But after last year, I have to be careful…"



"Mom, I have to go to this. I really do, if I'm going to stay on the team. It's all about being part of a team, and not showing up would be an insult. Saying like I don't care if I'm on the team or not. Please, mom, just this once?"



Joyce sighs. She's tired of being thought of as "mean old mom". She loves Buffy, and she wants her to be happy. And one little party can't be all that bad. And it's going to be with a good crowd…



"Where's this party taking place, Buffy?"



"At Cordelia's house. Mr. Chase will be there to supervise," Buffy lies calmly through her teeth.



Dawn almost spits her food back into her bowl. You great big liar! Oh, Buffy, I'm so gonna use this …



"Where is that, exactly, Buffy?" Joyce inquires, looking sternly at Buffy.



"Over in Sunnydale Estates. It's a private, gated community. Security and everything. Gotta have an invite to get it. It's going to be safe, trust me."



I wouldn't if I were you, mom! Dawn stares at the audacity of her sister.



Joyce thinks about it. She's almost 18 now, almost an adult. I've got to let the reins go a little, give her a little sense of responsibility. I've got to learn to trust her a little bit… she's really trying, she's been better since I lifted restriction. And with everything going on, we all deserve a little fun, right? Geeze, Joyce, loosen up a little.



"Ok, Buffy. I'll make an exception. This once! But I want you home by 11."



"Mom, it's a weekend night! 1 a.m."



" This is not a negotiation. Midnight."



"Ok, mom, midnight." Buffy says, as if it's a great burden. But she's almost rubbing her hands in glee. Did it! I did it! YAY ME!



"That's totally unfair!" Dawn pipes up, "When I wanted to go to Melissa James birthday party last spring, you so didn't let me!"



"That was being held at some nightclub I'd never heard of before, and there weren't going to be any parents."



"It's still not fair," Dawn subsides. Oh, Buffy. You're gonna owe me your ass for this one.



"Thanks, mom, you're the best!" Buffy jumps out of her chair, and goes over and hugs Joyce.



Joyce relishes the spontaneous affection of her daughter, so rare these days. She returns the hug.



Buffy starts off, heading for the door.



"Where are you going, Buffy?"



"Shopping. Gotta get something totally new and gossip worthy for the party."



"What's wrong with what you've got? You've got a lot of fine dresses you can wear to the party." Joyce says.



"They're so… last week, mom," Buffy shakes her head, never getting parent's priorities. "This is special, gotta get something special."



"Well, you've got chores to do first, young lady. Then if there's time, you can go shopping."



"Aw, mom!"



" Buffy. Chores first, or we can just forget the party."



Buffy rolls her eyes impatiently. God, the things I gotta do! She walks back to the dining room.



Dawn chuckles quietly over her breakfast.



"What's so funny, Squirt?" Buffy frowns, picking up her plate.



"You are, Buffy," Dawn says, standing up with her bowl. She pauses by Buffy, and leans in close. "You so owe me, Buff." She whispers. She straightens up and heads for the kitchen.



Buffy, grabbing her bowl, follows her.



"What're you babbling, brat. How do I owe you?"



"For not telling mom where the party is really going to be, and how there won't be a parent in sight." Dawn smiles wickedly. "Oh yeah, Buff. You owe me big time."



"Really?" Buffy arches a brow. "Well, if you feel that way about it, go tell her."



"Don't think I won't, Buffy."



" Go ahead, I mean you gotta do what you gotta do…"



"I will tell her Buffy. Then you can forget that party, and probably anything else after she grounds your butt," Dawn starts for the kitchen door.



"Brian Green," Buffy says, mildly.



Dawn stops in her tracks.



"What about Brian?"



"You know exactly 'what' about Brian, Dawnie," Buffy says in a sing song voice. "Wonder how mom would feel about what you did with him last summer?"



"You wouldn't!" Dawn turns an unpleasant shade of red. "You promised you wouldn't."



"Hmmm… well, since we're getting things off our chest, Dawnie, I figure I have this need to confess what I know…" She looks at her sister. "Wonder how mom would react to her little angel playing the skin flute?" Her grin turns hard. "Kinda makes the party pale in comparison, don't you think?"



Dawn's lips compress into a hard, straight line. Her eyes are frosty cold, and full of daggers.



"I hate you, Buffy Summers!" She hisses.



"Yeah, well…I'll live. Matter of fact, I'm thinking, you're going to volunteer to do my chores."



"WHAT?"



"Yeah, I need to go shopping you see, and I really don't want to have to rush. So, how bout it squirt?" She leans on the counter. "Or maybe mom would like to know where that nickname came from?"



Dawn looks like she wants to hit her sister. Instead, she just glares at her.



"Have fun, Dawnie," Buffy grins, walking out of the kitchen.



Dawn stands there, fuming.



Enjoy it now, Buff. But I'm gonna get back at you for this.



Believe it!



Dawn, jaw clenched, leaves the kitchen.



8



"Sex on the Beach!" "Tequila shooter!" " Beer!"



Faith hustles around the small bar in the Alpha Mu house, feeling the sweat build on her forehead. She's been here a number of hours, coming before the party to help Mike set up the portable bar.



"I wanna Alabama Slammer." " Gimme a cold one." " Geeze, you call this a Cosmopolitan?" "Hey, where's my Mojito?"



Faith looks up at the crowd surrounding the bar, her hands flying over the bottles, pouring, shaking, serving. The clink of the bottles, the clatter of ice, the shaker and the glasses, the throbbing rhythm of the over cranked stereo, the shouting to be heard over the music are all serving to make her head pound. Shit, this is worse than a Friday night shift, Faith grunts as she dumps more ice into the tray in front of her. Except these cheap bastards don't tip worth shit. She notes her tip jar has very little in the way of appreciation .



"Hey, c'mon, where's my beer?" " Hurry up, I've been waiting forever!" "Did you get that? Jack on the rocks, no water…" " Geeze, can you go slower?"



Faith wonders why she took this gig again? Oh yeah, needed the cash. And Mike said these parties tipped well. She looks over at her nearly empty tip jar, and grimaces. Well, that was a lie. Well, at least he paid me time and a half to do this gig. Now I know why… no one else would. She turns around to get another group of bottles to replace the ones she's emptied, feeling the sweat start to build up under the uniform Mike made her wear. Shit, I feel like a Vegas Dealer in this stupid costume, She grumbles, pulling at her tie to loosen it a bit. At least a dealer gets a break between hands. Shit.



The worst part were the morons trying to flirt with her while she was sweating her ass off to get the drinks out. You could always tell them, because they started ordering the sexually suggestive drinks : Buttery Nipple, Blow Job, Bald Pussy, and the rest. She'd glare at them, then tell them she didn't have the blender and/or ingredients for the drinks, and move on. Most would get the hint, but a few she had to bat drunken, misplaced hands away.



So gonna get Mike for this. Easy gig my ass. God, I won't Have an ass after I finish tonight.



"Where's my Mai Tai?" " Hey, c'mon, get me my beer." "Club soda. Think you can handle that one?"



Faith grins, and thinks up revenge scenarios involving well planted bombs up certain snotty college types' asses. She knows they're the customers, but they could be a little less rude about it. Still, she needs the job, and the money, she hauls ass trying to keep up.



"Hey, bartender, we need another keg upstairs," One of the frat brothers, Riley, shouts out to Faith.



"Kegs are in the common room. Go for it." Faith says, moving on to the next customer.



"Me? Hey, you're working here. Get it upstairs."



"Look, pal," Faith says while mixing a few drinks, "If you haven't noticed, I'm kinda busy here. Don't have time to haul a keg upstairs."



"Make time. We're not paying you to stand around." The frat boy slaps the bar, his cronies around him laughing. "You forget who you're working for?"



Faith, pushing a bunch of drinks at an anxious crowd, turns and glares at him. Just be glad I don't have the ice hammer in my hands right now, baby, or I might pound out a tune on that conga drum you call a head.



"Look, I can't leave now. If you want it now, haul it yourselves. Otherwise, you wait til it slows down."



"Whatever, give me a four beers to go. Get the keg up there in half an hour, or I'm calling your boss, got it?"



Faith draws the beers, and shoves them towards Riley. She turns away, fuming. Stupid spoiled rich prick. Yeah, call Mike. Right now, I'd tell him where to stick this fucking party.



"You think I can get my drink today?" " Hurry up!" "Where's that beer?" "What happened to my…"



Faith sighs, knowing this is going to be a loooong night.



Buffy arrived at the Alpha Mu house about an hour earlier, ready to party. Dressed provocatively in a very short skirt, midriff top and heels, she was ready to take her place in with the 'cool ' crowd. The crowd that didn't go to the lame-o parties, but hung out with the college crowd. She looked hot, and knew it.



Opening the door, she is hit by a wall of sounds, sights and smells that screamed 'get your fine ass in here, get down and party, girl. No losers allowed.' She pushes her way through a crowd of people, looking for Cordelia and her gang. The noise is earsplitting: loud music competing with even louder shouts and laughter and chatter from the guests draped every which way on any surface that would hold them. She feels the sound in her bones even as her ears began to ring. Beer is the pervading perfume wafting through the air, mixed with cigarette smoke, pot and a few smells she can't, and didn't want to, identify.



Buffy is feeling a little nervous. It isn't that she hadn't been to parties before. Buffy is and ever will be the social animal. She's been to plenty of parties in her young life. What's freaking her a bit is she didn't see anyone she knew. She's used to mixing, and it's really hard when you didn’t know anyone at the shindig.



She's also feeling a little pissed. She was a few minutes late arriving at the Bronze … Ok, half an hour. But I couldn't get away from my house any sooner. God, mom just HAD to think of last minute things I needed to do before I could go… you'd think they could've waited half an hour. Shit! Fortunately, Cordelia had left her a note with the Bronze bartender, telling her where the party was. Sooo… along with everything else, she had to pay for a cab to get here. Damn, there goes this weeks allowance… and now, she couldn't find Cordelia, or any of the others. Where the hell is she? This is the right house, right?



"FRESH MEAT!"



Buffy, hearing the shout, turns and stares in horror as some drunken lout seems to be making a beeline for her. Ohhhh… shit! She looks around desperately for an escape route; her way seems to be blocked on all sides. She braces for impact.



At the last moment, a tall guy steps out of the crowd, halting the drunken freight train pretending to be a student in its tracks. Buffy, feeling all sorts of relief, sighs audibly.



"Hey, whoa, Ralphie. Hold up. The girl's with me."



Ralph looks at the newcomer with a slightly out of focus look. " Riley? Old Buddy! Hey, man, wow. She's kinda hot. She's with you?" He turns, almost knocking Buffy out with his 150 proof breath. "He's with you?" He weaves in place.



"Oh, yeah, we go way back. Way, way back." Buffy says, linking her arm through Riley's.



"Oh, really? Well you looked all alone and lost there, just a minute ago …"Ralph burps magnificently. " 'cuse me. So, you go way back, huh? So what's your name, darlin?"



"Buffy."



"I never heard ole Riley boy here mention a Buffy before," Ralph looks at her suspiciously, which with his moon face, looks a bit piggish. "So whaz his name, then, if you know him so well, huh?"



"Riley," Buffy says, quietly.



"Yeah, that's right…" Ralph frowns. " What's her name?" Ralph turns on his erstwhile friend. "Huh? What is it, huh?"



" Buffy. I told you about Buffy, Ralphie," Riley smiles a ' Hi' to Buffy. He turns back to Ralph. " Don't you remember?"



"Huh? You did?" Ralph looks at him, then he gets all apologetic, his frown turning into a slightly apologetic smile. "Gee, sorry Riley. I forgot! I 'member now. Hey, Buffy, good to seeya again."



"Hi, Ralphie," Buffy smiles a little, waving to him.



"Well, sorry again…" Ralph looks around, and spots another cute girl. " FRESH MEAT!" He yells. He starts off, then stops and turns around. "Sorry, kids, gotta go. Gotta get the girl…" He stumbles away.



"Thanks," Buffy smiles up at Riley, who is rather easy on the eyes. "I wasn't sure if he wanted to dance with me, or trample me."



Riley grins, upping him even further on the Buffy cute guy scale. An 8.5… maybe a nine… definitely cuteness potential here. Maybe with some later mass kissage.



"Don't mind Ralphie. He's ok, just gets a little rowdy when he gets in his cups," Riley puts his hand on Buffy's shoulder. "Of course, with Ralph, being drunk is a lifestyle, so he's often a bit of a lout. But a loveable lout. Just duck him and you're pretty safe." Riley smiles a megawatt smile, giving Buffy some definite tinge-worthy seconds. "So, haven't seen you at one of our parties before, Buffy. You knew to UC Sunnydale?"



"Actually…"



" Buffy! There you are!" A voice interrupts her before she can continue.



Cordelia, followed by Harmony and Aura, breaks through the crowd. Each is accompanied by what could only be called a college jock: Tall, muscular and handsome in a blank, don't use the brains too much kind of way.



Cordelia separates from the entourage, and going to Buffy, takes her in a hug.



"Hey, you. I was about to give up on you. Glad you could make it!"



Buffy smiles, feeling the love. Then she gets a little squicky feeling in her tummy when the hug seems to last just a bit beyond her comfort zone. She gently breaks away, still smiling.



"Sorry I was late. I had like a bazillion things that I had to do at the last minute."



"No worry, Buff. You're here now, that's what's important." She gives Buffy the once over, and gives her a low whistle. "Nice outfit, girlfriend. New?" She reaches over, and jiggles Buffy's belly ring. "How 'bout this?"



Buffy feels Cordelia's eyes raking over her, and her touchy feely approach is beginning to get a little uncomfortable. Oh, lighten up, Summers. It's a party, she's probably had a few and is feeling good, is all.



"That old thing?" She grins. "I got that last year. The outfit, however, is new. You like?"



" Oh, I like," Cordelia smirks, noticing Riley also giving Buffy a few good glances. She leans in. "I see you met Riley. He's ROTC. Major cool, huh? I think he likes, too."



Buffy blushes, and Cordelia makes a mental note. Hmmm… well, maybe I see who's going to break in this filly tonight.



"Hey, you know the girls, Buffy. Guys, this is Buffy, the one I was talking about. Buffy, this is Peter, John and… what was your name again, cutie?" She addresses the boy with Aura.



"Luke" He says, grinning. "Nice to meet you, Buffy."



"And it seems, you already met Riley," Cordelia gives Buffy a nudge. "Way to go, girl."



"Yeah, Riley here rescued me from the Raging Ralphie," Buffy smiles at Riley, who smiles back, a little shyly.



"That's our Riley," Peter, the one with Harmony, pipes up. "A regular boy scout. Always out to rescue the damsel in distress. Especially if she's a cute blonde."



"Hey!" Harmony playfully hits Peter's arm. However, her eyes are anything but playful.



"Well, you're a cute blonde, too, Harm," Peter chuckles, "Just you haven't needed rescuing… yet."



"Hey, what're we standing around here for, anyway?" Cordelia says, "The real party's upstairs."



"The real party?" Buffy looks around at the crowd. "What's this? A church meeting?"



"No," Riley, coming up next to Buffy, laughs. "This is the plebe's party. For the lower classmen. We have our own party upstairs. Wanna come?" He grins at Buffy. "I promise, Raging Ralphie won't find you up there."



"Sounds good," Buffy smiles at him. Her head is already beginning to pound a little from the noise and smells. "I'm hoping it's a little … noisy?"



"Oh yeah," Luke puts in, "You can actually hear yourself think up there." He covers his ears, shaking his head.



"What're we waiting for?" Buffy says, brightly. "Lead on, McDuff."



"Er, name's Luke," Luke says, taking Aura by the arm, and heading towards the stairs.



Hmmm… ok, not so good on the brain power, Buffy thinks to herself. Then she watches John , Peter and Riley follow. Of course, I'm not here to party with Einstein, either. She grins.



"So, what do you think?"



Buffy almost jumps out of her skin. She forgot Cordelia was standing next to her.



"I'm thinking… if all college guys got such cute butts, I'm looking forward to college."



Cordelia smiles, nodding. "Yeah, they are definitely drool worthy. And I'm thinking Riley is really digging you…" She watches Buffy out of the corner of her eye.



Buffy blushes pink. " You think?"



"Oh, yeah," Cordelia says, hooking her arm through Buffy's "I definitely think." She pulls Buffy along. "Let's motor, girl. Party awaits."



As they climb the stairs, Cordelia is definitely aware of the warmth of Buffy's skin on her arm, and the slight, vanilla citrus smell she gives off.



Cordelia can barely contain the strong urge to push Buffy up against a wall, and give her a tongue lashing she'd never forget. Already a bit tipsy on beer, Buffy being so close is definitely making her warm. Very warm.



And it's going to get a whole lot warmer before morning.



"Oh yeah, now this is better."



Buffy sits back on the couch, relaxing a little. Unlike the downstairs party, this is a lot quieter. The music is still dance music, but not ear splitting. There are fewer people, and they are either dancing, or sitting on sofas, chairs and pillows around the room, talking at reasonable levels. No breaking glass, no screams and no wandering jocks pretending to be rhinos in mating seasons. All in all, a much more mature party.



She's still a little wound up, and feeling a bit out of sorts. However her jangled nerves are starting to un-jangle, and sitting next to Riley is proving to be very comforting. He's been sitting next to me for half an hour, and hasn't tried pawing me. He's a real nice guy. A slightly puzzled look comes over her face. Why is that? I mean, aren't I like cute and sexy? Doesn't he like me?



"Hey, brought you something," A hand comes down on her shoulder, and she looks up to see Cordelia looking down at her. "Thought you could use a little liquid reinforcements." And maybe a little of the liquid happy I added to it.



"Thanks," Buffy says, taking the glass from Cordelia. She looks at the glass for a moment, then leans forward to put it on the table. "Maybe I shouldn't."



"Aw, c'mon, Buff. It's a party," Cordelia slides over the sofa, sitting next to Buffy. A little of her own drink spills. "Oops." She giggles, and leans in. "C'mon Buffy, it's just beer. I know you've had beer before. C'mon, don't be a wuss."



"Not a wuss, Cor," Buffy protests, "I just got off restriction. Trying to stay off for awhile, ya know?" Buffy shakes her head, "When I came home from the last little adventure we had, I got grounded for a month cuz I was tipsy."



"Oh, for god's sake, Buffy. One beer isn't going to make you tipsy," Cordelia makes a face. "C'mon. Riley is looking at you. He's probably wondering if you're adult enough to have a drink. Geeze, Buff. Do you want him to think you're a kid?"



Buffy looks over, and sees Riley looking at her. Damn, he's sooo cute. God I don't want him thinking I need diapers. Cripes! It's just one beer…



"You're right. God, I'm being like totally weird," Buffy laughs, a little nervously. She leans over, retrieving her glass. "I mean, it's a party, right? Right?" She takes a sip of the beer. "Mmmm, good…"



"Hey, Buffy. You're new here, " Riley says, sliding closer. "We have a tradition at Alpha Mu. Newbies gotta chug their first drink. "



"What?" Buffy looks doubtful.



"C'mon Buff. Everyone's looking. Don't let me down here," Cordelia prods her a little.



"It's pretty weak kneed beer, Buffy," Riley leans over, encouraging her. "Heck, one chug won't do squat. Trust me."



"Do it, Buffy."



"Yeah, c'mon Buffy," Harmony, standing behind the couch, leans over. "We all had to do it. What's wrong, chicken?"



Buffy, hating the sneer in Harmony's voice, needs to show her up.



"Show YOU who's chicken," Buffy mutters. She tilts back her head, and opens her mouth, pouring the beer down her throat.



"Chug, Chug, Chug, Chug!" The chant goes up around the room.



Buffy shotguns the beer down her throat, the sits forward, and brings the glass down with a crash. " There ya go!" She looks around, smiling.



A cheer goes up around the room, and suddenly Buffy feels a warm glow suffuse through her. They really like me! They totally think I'm cool!



The glow spreads through her, making her feel warm and wonderful. She feels her inhibitions start to drop away.



"Yeah!" She cries out, picking up her glass and slamming it down again. "Another beer!"



"That's a girl," Cordelia squeezes her arm, grabbing Buffy's glass. As she walks over to the keg, she grins to herself.



My little girl is on her way. Hmmm… this is gonna be sooo fun…



Faith is leaning against the doorjamb in the kitchen, taking a much deserved break.



Her whole body is aching, and she has a raging headache. God, between the cigarettes and the pot, I can barely breathe in here. She takes a lungful of fresh air, trying to revive herself. Haven't these guys heard of air conditioning?



She looks at her watch. Thank god, only another hour. Then I can pack up the bar and get my weary ass outta this joint. Man, I don't care if I never get a weekend shift. I'm not doing one of these again.



"Hey, there you are," Riley walks across the kitchen. "You forget something?"



Aw, fuck!



"Hey, just taking a break. Be right with ya, ok?"



"No, not ok. I told you to bring up that beer half an hour ago, and we still don't have it. Did you forget you're working here?"



Man, if only!



"No, but I gotta right to a break, pal, same as anyone. Been busting my hump for hours, ya know? I'll be with ya in …" She looks at her watch,"… 5 minutes."



"I guess you're not comfortable with the whole employer/ employee dynamic, are you?" Riley looks at her with some distaste. "Get it straight. You're on the clock for another hour. We paid for the service, and frankly, you're not performing your duties as expected. We do a lot of business with your boss, and I'm pretty sure he'd be upset if we pulled our business because one of one of his employees refusing a reasonable request. Never mind I've heard a lot of complaints about you already from our guests. I mean, have you ever tended bar before? So, I'd get your butt off the doorjamb, and get that beer upstairs pronto. Or, I'm going to have to make that call."



Faith stares at him for a moment, then pushing off the doorway, walks into the kitchen. She walks up to Riley, and pats him on the chest.



"Don't worry, bud, you're gonna get your beer right now," She smirks at him. She starts to walk away, then turns, and smiles at him. "Know what? Every time I've had a guy give me a speech like that, I usually find they have balls the sizes of a pea, and a toothpick dick. So, tell me, Jock boy. Can I pick my teeth with your dick?"



Not waiting for an answer, she walks over, and grabbing the little hand truck, slides it under a keg. She turns, and chuckling, walks the keg out of the kitchen.



An hour later, after chugging quite a few more beers, Buffy is really, really in the party hearty mood. She has somehow lost her heels, and now, just in her stockings, she's on the coffee table, doing a little impromptu belly dance for an admiring crowd of jocks, who have surrounded her. Her hips are rolling back and forth, and she's shaking her tummy and chest, showing off her belly ring. Her top has magically come off, and she's down to a bra, using the top like a boa, sliding around various admirers' necks. Some reach out and try to get a free feel of her cute little ass or other charming assets, but she giggles and slaps them away, teasing them further.



Cordelia leans against a wall, watching Buffy's little show. She smiles , knowing the GHB she slipped in Buffy's drink is working perfectly. She licks her lips, thinking how nice it'll be to taste that little tease, licking her clean of the cum deposited in her sweet box. She particularly enjoys the taste of mixed sexes cum. Just a few more beers, sweetie, and those legs of yours are gonna fly apart for anyone. Just think of it as initiation, lover. All my other little whores have pulled the train, it’s just your turn to hook up the cabooses, baby. She smiles, feeling a strong wet warmth between her legs. Maybe I'll even join you in the fun, Buffy. After all, been awhile since I've pulled the train. Might be nice… and after, honey, I'm gonna make you scream like you've never screamed before.



She pushes off the wall, approaching the coffee table where Buffy's dancing. Elbowing her way in, she leans up next to John, her 'date' for the evening.



"Enjoying the show?"



"Oh yeah," John turns to her, leering a little. "You're right, this one is a little hottie."



Cordelia slides her hand over his pants, feeling his interest.



"So I see," She purrs. "Your boys are going to have some fun tonight. I might even join in." She squeezes him gently. "Would you like that?"



"Oh yeah," John's breathing becomes heavier. "Been awhile since you put it out there. I know how good it can be."



Cordelia looks over, and watches Buffy gyrate. She notes the glassy cast to her eyes, and nods.



"Maybe it's time you took her next door and got her ready."



John smiles, and signaling some of the other guys, starts to walk towards Buffy. Cordelia catches his sleeve.



"Just remember. Afterwards, she's all mine. Got it?"



"Don't worry, Cor. I know the drill," John smiles, pulling away.



Yeah, I know you do. And how to use it.



Faith exits the little service elevator, and pushing the little hand truck in front of her, walks down the hall towards the music.



Well, at least it's not blaring up here, thank god.



She walks into the common room upstairs, and over towards the empty keg. Hauling it down, she puts up the fresh keg, and taps it. Testing the nozzle, she then puts the old keg on the truck and starts to leave.



Geeze, what was peanut brain's hurry, anyway? Everybody seems to be cool…



She looks around, noticing most are busy doing something even more common to college kids than drinking. Group grope, she chuckles, shaking her head. So, this is college life, huh? Looks like any sleazy club after midnight. Except the clubbers dress better.



She leaves the party, heading back towards the elevator.



"NO!"



A voice, sounding definitely distressed, comes from behind her. She stops, and turns around.



What the fuck? She listens for a minute, and not hearing it repeated, shrugs and turns to leave.



"No! STOP IT!"



Oh, fuck… that doesn't sound good.



Yeah, well, what're you gonna do about it, huh?



She stands there a minute, frozen.



"HELP! STOP! NO, PLEASE… STOP!"



Aw, shit!



Pulling out her cell phone, she dials 911 while she heads down the hall.



Buffy isn't sure what's going on, but she knows she's not liking it too much.



She finds herself surrounded by a bunch of men, and they're pulling and tearing at her clothes.



"Lemme alone!" She yells, batting weakly at a guy who's grabbing her, holding her still.



"Stop fighting it, bitch. It's going to happen," Riley hisses at her, holding her arms behind her. "Just relax and enjoy it." In one swift motion, he rips off her skirt.



"No… no… STOP IT!" She yells, trying to hit or scratch or bite him. Something to stop him.



"Buffy, stop fighting it!" Cordelia, already half naked, comes over to her. She stands next to Buffy, caressing her face. "It's gonna be fun, trust me."



"I don't wanna do this!" Buffy whimpers, looking at the guys around her. Most are halfway naked, having lost their shirts. "I've never… " She looks at Cordelia, and whispers "I'm a virgin!"



"She's a virgin? Shit, I've never had a virgin before!" Riley grins, pawing at her. "Nice one, Cor."



Buffy looks confused, and she looks at Cordelia. " You did this? You set this up?"



"It's going to be ok, Buffy. Believe me, virginity is way overrated," She slips her arms around Buffy. " We'll be gentle." She leans in to kiss Buffy.



"NOOOOO stop IT!" Buffy struggles to get away from her. "LEAVE ME ALONE!"



There's a crashing sound, followed by the door flying open. Faith enters, holding what looks to be a thick table leg in each hand.



"Back off, boyo. She doesn't want it."



"What the fuck are you doing here?" Riley growls, turning to face Faith.



"Well for one, keeping you from raping the girl," She starts swinging a leg like a baseball bat. She gets a good look at the victim. " You!"



"What're you guys doing? Get the bitch!" Riley yells.



"I wouldn't do that," Faith yells, holding up the bats. "The police are on the way right now. Wonder what they're gonna do to you for raping a minor?"



The others, already confused, hesitate.



"What the hell is wrong with you guys?" Riley, frustrated, pushes Buffy away from himself. He advances on Faith. "I shoulda kicked your skanky ass outta here an hour ago."



Faith doesn't hesitate. She brings both table legs together alongside Riley's head. He goes down like a tree hit by a sharp axe.



"Anyone else?" She swings around, facing the crowd, both arms raised.



The others, seeing Riley go down, back off. They stand around looking, well, sheepish. Like little boys caught in a circle jerk.



Faith smirks. "Didn't think so," She goes over to Buffy, who's standing next to Cordelia.



"Thank god you showed up!" Cordelia comes around Buffy, looking terrified. "They were gonna… rape us!"



Buffy, looking confused and zoned, just stands there, not moving.



Something really stinks here, Faith thinks to herself, taking an immediate dislike to Cordelia for no rational reason.



"Well, get the fuck outta here," Faith growls, pulling Buffy along with her. "I figure the police will be here any minute."



The faint sounds of sirens can be heard in the distance.



"Shit. Shit, shit. shit!" Peter, one of the participants, seems to wake up. "We're gonna be busted. SHIT! This CAN'T HAPPEN!" He turns to the others. "C'mon, we gotta get outta here!"



Faith, not waiting to get caught in the panic escape, drags Buffy along with her, running down the hall.



"C'mon, kid, hurry up," She growls at the drunken Buffy, who is stumbling and falling, slowing their progress. "Don't think you wanna be here when the cops show up."



She gets halfway down the stairs, and stops.



The house is in general panic. People are rushing the exits, trying to get out before the police show up. There is the sound of toilets flushing, and people screaming as some start to get trampled in the general panic.



"Shit, this isn't going to work," She groans, as Buffy again stumbles into the stair railing, almost going over.



Whether out of panic or just frustration, Faith grabs Buffy, and grunting heavily, manages to throw her on her shoulder. Struggling a little under the sudden added wait, she makes it down to the first floor.



Seeing the crowd heading towards the front entrance, she works her away around, heading for the kitchen. As she passes, she sees the portable bar. It's been trashed in the general melee.



Mike's gonna have a fit! Faith thinks, forcing her way through to the kitchen. Once there, she crosses to the still open door and out into the night.



Faith makes her way across the lawn, towards her bike. She sees the patrol cars starting up the lane, and she stops.



Shit, don't wanna explain why I have a naked teenage girl on my shoulder, and running away from the scene. And fuck, I can't get her on my bike, anyway. Shit, shit, shit!



She turns, and starts off in another direction, hoping to make some kind of cover before the police pull up. God, this totally sucks. Why does this shit always happen to me?



She spots a group of bushes ahead, and makes for it. "Perfect," she mutters.



"Hold it right there!"



Faith freezes. She slowly turns around, to see a Campus security officer approaching her.



"What's going on?"



"Oh man, I'm so glad you're here," Faith decides to bluff, "We were at the Alpha Mu house, and someone was getting raped. I got my friend out here, but there's still a lot of shit going down back there."



"Why're you carrying her? What's wrong with her?" The officer approaches closer.



"She's drunk, Officer. I told her not to go to the party, but she didn't listen. She's already like on probation; this'll get her kicked outta school. Please, don't report us. Please? Just let me get her back to her dorm, so she can sleep it off. Please, sir?"



The officer hesitates for a moment, then waves her off.



"Get her home. I think she's been through enough."



"Thank you, god, thank you!"



Faith turns, starting to walk away.



"Wait a minute!"



Aw, shit!



"Officer?"



"Here," The officer shrugs off his coat, offering it to Faith. "you better get her covered up. You can return it to the security office later, ok?"



"Thanks. Thanks a lot!"



The security officer starts away.



Faith, tired, lowers Buffy off her shoulder, and to the ground. She pulls her to her feet.



"Can you stand? Can you walk?" She asks of the dazed girl



Buffy just stares at her blankly.



God, how do I get myself into this crap!



"Here, put this on." She puts the officer's coat around Buffy's near naked body. "God, how did you get yourself in that mess, anyway?"



Not expecting an answer, Faith goes to put Buffy back on her shoulder, when Buffy pushes her away.



"I.. I can … walk," Buffy says, trying to wrap the coat around herself. "Don't need help!" She turns, gets about 4 steps, and her knees start to give out on her. She sinks to her knees. "Oops."



"Yeah, sure you can," Faith comes over to her, helping her up. Throwing Buffy's arm over her shoulder, she puts an arm around her waist. "C'mon, dumb ass, let's get you home."



Buffy pushes at her, trying to free herself. "Not a dumb ass. Let me alone!"



Faith grips her tighter around the waist, and starts walking.



"Maybe not. Just a spoiled brat that almost got herself raped tonight. Wait, that pretty much spells dumb ass in my book."



Buffy shoves Faith hard, managing to break free.



"Get away from me! Tole you, don't need no help!" She stumbles off, and gets a couple of yards this time before going to her knees.



Faith comes over, and grabs her roughly, pulling her up.



"Fuck you!" Buffy sneers at her, but doesn't fight to get away.



"Not in a million years, Blondie," Faith grips her tightly. " now, lets go."



Slowly, trying to guide the stumbling, resistant girl, Faith heads towards town.



9



It's well past midnight before the cab pulls up at 1630 Revello drive.



"Are you sure this is the place, this time?" Faith growls.



So far, Buffy has given her half a dozen different addresses, all wrong.



After leaving the campus, Faith used her cell phone to call a cab. Then, they had to wait half an hour for it to show up. When it finally did, it took some fast, creative talking to get the cabbie to actually pick them up.



Then came the joyride. Faith asked her where home was, and Buffy told her an address. They got there, but it was an empty lot. The next address? The Bronze. Then a store in the main drag; a house, but the wrong house; the mall; and finally, here.



"Are you sure you live here?" Faith turns to her. "This is your house, right?"



"Uh-huh," Buffy nods.



"Well, if it aint, I'm just dropping you on the porch, and you can make your own way home. I'm tired of this crap."



Faith is especially tired because Buffy has turned from hostile to amorous, over the course of the cab ride. This is just great. I can see just see the conversation with Joyce on Monday. " So, how'd your night go on Saturday?" "Just swell, Joyce. I did a party with a bunch of rude, obnoxious college kids. And, oh, nearly got my head ripped off by some guy trying to rape an underage kid. Oh, and I took the kid home and she started hitting on me. Best night of my fucking LIFE!"



"C'mon, dumb ass, let's get you inside," Faith says, simultaneously trying to pull Buffy out of the cab while Buffy tries to get into Faith's pants. Shit, this couldn't have happened to me when I was like 17. " Stop that!"



Buffy pouts, standing outside the cab dressed only in an oversized uniform coat. Faith pays off the cab.



"Ok, girl. Let's get ya to your door, see if ya got a key, and get ya inside. Shit, I should ring the bell and let your ma take care of ya." Faith, exhausted, falls back on her Southie accent. "Yer nothin' but a peck o trouble, are ya, ya little git."



"You talk funny," Buffy smiles. "Kinda cute."



"Yeah, well ya smell funny. Not at all cute." Faith wrinkles her nose. "C'mon, let's go."



The two make it up the sidewalk, Buffy leaning heavily on Faith, much more than she needs to. Faith keeps stopping, having to slap away her hands, which keep trying to unbutton her clothes.



"God, what the hell did they feed ya at that party? Stop it!" She growls, maneuvering the drunk and amorous Buffy up onto the porch.



"Where's your key?" Faith asks, suddenly getting a sinking feeling. Aw, crap!



"In my purse…" Buffy looks confused. "Where's my purse?"



"I'm thinking, back at the Alpha Mu house." Faith sighs. "Well, guess there's no help for ya, Blondie. We're gonna have to knock."



"No, we don't gotta. We could climb on the roof…" Buffy points up at the porch roof. "My bedroom's right up there."



"Na uh… I'm thinkin, I don't want to be facing the business end of your daddy's shotgun, thanks."



Before Buffy can protest, Faith knocks loudly on the door.



"Why'd you do that?" Buffy suddenly sounds panicked. "I'm so gonna be in trouble! Shit, why'd you knock?"



It's too late for questions as the porch light comes on. Faith disengages herself from Buffy, merely supporting her at the back so she doesn't fall over.



The door starts to open, and Faith starts talking before she can see who's at the door.



"Sorry, Ma'am, but I found this at a college party and I was thinking…"



She gets that far when she sees who's standing at the door.



"Joyce?" Faith's stomach starts to churn.



"Faith?" Joyce stares at Faith, then turns to the girl standing next to her. " Buffy?" Her eyes go wide, and she turns back to Faith." What're you doing with my daughter? And why is she nearly naked?"



Aw, shit!