A Gift from Evan

Part 13: Can’t we skip it

I pay mine and Cloud’s bill at the bar and lead him outside.

“It is really, really simple ,” he finishes telling me. “Think of it as a sort of try before you buy.”

I rub my cheek and stubbled chin. “That would be it? I would stay like this forever?”

“With all the privileges it comes with,” he tells me.

“Let me think about it, ask me tomorrow?”

“Sorry Champ. One time deal. Your time is officially up. What’s it going to be: Evan or Faith?”

I think back to Buffy’s reaction and I think it’s a clear choice. I mean, what would you do?

~ Three days earlier ~

I look over at the book that Xander has open and at the photo of the demon. “No.”

It feels like I’ve said that a thousand times tonight. I mean, I get it, I have no right to be mad at the others. I just feel… really shitty right now. B and Red left shortly after I spilled.

Right after I told her, Buffy turned a different shade and slumped down onto the couch beside her. “H-how?” I made out – it was asked so quiet.

“A demon.” I said matter-of-factly. “B, I’m so, so sorry. You must think-”

“You actually think I can form a thought right now?” She looked so broken. I moved to hold her and she jerked away from me. She just turned to Red. “Will?” and Red came over and helped her up. She said goodbye to Giles and the both of them left us ... men… alone.

That was an hour ago and we’ve been researching ever since.

English shows me another book from circa 1200s. “How about this one?” I think he said. He’s got one of the straps of his specs in his mouth. The demon has a man-like shape, but that’s about the only resemblance to Cloud. I shake my head.

“Look guys. I ‘ppreciate y’all trying to help me out and all… But I need some air.”

G-man pauses for a beat and then nods. He closes the book he’s holding. “OK, but Faith please return here early tomorrow. Xander and I will keep researching.”

“Thanks,” I say, weak. I pick up my jacket and head out. I walk around Sunnydale for some time, feeling the restlessness hit me. I wish I’d told B sooner… That look on her face was not what I was expecting… Yeah, when and how I told her was fucked up – but I was cornered! … But still, part of me hoped that she’d be a little excited.

“To find-” I hear.

I look up and see one of our TAs from college standing in my way. “Sorry,” I say and side step. He matches my move.

“You’re Evan, right?”

I exhale and stand still. “What’s it to you?”

“Riley Finn.” He sticks his hand out and I shake it. “You’re a hard one to find. Been scourin’ around campus looking for you.”

“Why?”

“I want you.”

“Huh?”

He shakes his head and laughs. “Sorry, let me start that again. I’m from the initiative. Rumour has it you met some of the boys on a rogue mission the other day.”

“You’re one o’ them? Can’t trust anyone in this damn town. You ain’t dressed like those tools was.”

“Our recruitment sub-team. Look, I’m sorry if they left you with a bad impression, but we’re not all like that – I promise. I hear you’re a good fighter.”

“I can hold my own.”

“I’ve no doubt.” He starts walking in the direction I was and I follow at his pace. “But we can train you; help make you better. Prove yourself and you’ll be heading up your own team in no time.”

“My own team? Doin’ what? Hunting girls on campus.”

“No and for the record, what happened will never happen again. We only hunt sub-Ts. That’s what our government-backed operation is about. Our mission is to make the world a safer place. Quell those things that go bump in the night. We get to travel around the world with the latest and greatest weaponry you can imagine… Plus we’ve got dental.”

I chuckle at that. “What’s a sub-T?”

“Sub terrestrials… Demons… Vampires… The same things you’re hunting now, but on a bigger scale.”

“Hunting now?”

“Surveillance tells me that you’re into fighting at night.” He jabs my chest. “Doing a little damage to vampires.”

“I take out a few here and there.”

“Let us help you. We’re the good guys, Evan – I promise you that.” He stops walking and we’re standing outside the dorms. “This is me and here’s my card. The offer’s good for as long as you need to think it over and make the right choice.”

I take the card and shake his hand again. “Thanks, Ri.”

At least someone’s interested, even if it is only for my fighting skills.
I turn away and head slightly outta town and crossover onto cemetery grounds – begging the powers that be for a vamp or two. I need to do wail on something right now. I hear a scuffle going on ahead and skip ahead, just in time to see that familiar puff of vamp-dust scattering in the air. B puts her stake away, dusts herself off. She sees me and turns away – walking off.

I catch up with her and walk just a few steps in front, I turn and start backing up in time with her forward steps. “Buffy, please.”

She stops and looks at me. I hoped she’d be mad, but she looks tired. Her shoulders are hunched over, her hair is a little messy and most of all, she just looks tired.

“You wanted to know what I think? Well, here it is. I’ll help you get your body back, Faith. But then, that’s it. You leave. Leave town. Leave America – leave the planet for all I care…” A tear slips down her cheek. “You violated me.”

“Buffy-”

“No. You wanted my answer and you have it. I don’t ever want to see you again.”


Penultimate part next.