Bad Can Be Good (RE-VAMPED)

“I love you.” Sarah whispered to Michael as she cuddled next to him in their bed. They'd made a beeline for the bedroom as soon as they'd gotten in the door, shedding their clothes along the way.

“I love you too.” He said kissing her forehead.

“Tired?” She asked.

“Not really. DVD?”

“Why not?” Sarah said reaching for her discarded shirt.

“I’ll go make popcorn, why don’t you go pick a movie.” Michael said dropping a kiss onto her lips.

“Okay. What are in the mood for?”

“Whatever you want.” He said as he opened the door.

Sarah settled onto the couch after she had put Cruel Intentions 2 into the DVD player. Michael came in a moment later with a bowl of cheddar popcorn. He set the bowl on her lap and draped an arm over her shoulders.

“This is perfect.” Michael said.

“What?”

“Everything. The house, our friends, you. I hope things stay like this.”

“Change can be good, though.” Sarah said.

“It can.” Michael said, looking at her strangely hearing the slightly panicked tone in her voice. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Sarah answered quickly, shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth.


The next day Michael met Max at the Crashdown.

“I think something’s wrong with Sarah.” Michael said to his best friend.

“She’s been acting kind of strange lately, hasn’t she?” Max said.

“Yeah but every time I ask her she mumbles she’s fine then changes the subject or flat out ignores me.”

“Do you have any idea at all what could be wrong?” Max asked.

“No, the only thing I know for sure is that it started about a month ago.”

“Around the time she got sick?”

“About then.”

“Maybe that’s it. We don’t get sick and as far as we know, neither does she. She might be freaked because of it.”

“Maybe.” Michael said.

“I’m sure that’s it. She’s obviously not going to talk to us so we should just let her work it out. If she needs us she’ll let us know.” Max assured him.

“I guess.”

“Hey guys.” Buffy said waving to the boys as she entered the café.

“Hi Buffy. Where are your friends?” Max asked motioning for her to sit.

“Sightseeing. I think they’re at the UFO center right now.”

“Why aren’t you with them? Don’t believe in aliens?” Michael asked sending a small grin at Max.

“I don’t know really. I have enough to think about with stuff on this planet to be worried about other worlds. I mean as far as I’m concerned if aliens are out there somewhere as long as they don’t bother me they can do as they please.” The slayer said.

“Sounds reasonable enough.” Max said with a smile.

“Hey Buffy.” Maria said as she came to the table. “Can I get you anything?”

“No thanks. I was just walking past and thought I’d stop in.”

“Are you sure?”

“Well, if you’re gonna twist my arm I guess I’ll have a piece of cherry pie.”

“Coming right up.” Maria said.

“So how did you end up in Roswell? You’re friends don’t seem to be like most of the alien hunting tourists we get.” Michael said.

“In a way Roswell is kinda symbolic for us. In high school we were all the outsiders, the aliens. That was Xander’s reasoning for coming here anyway and he was the driver so here we are.” Buffy said.

“You seem like you would rather have stayed home.” Max said.

“I would have. My mom has been sick lately and who knows what kind of trouble my little sister will get into if I’m not around to threaten death.”

“Sound’s like someone I know.” Sarah said throwing a pointed glance at Michael as she joined the group. She dropped a kiss on Max’s cheek then went to sit on her boyfriend’s lap.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Michael said.

“I know.” Sarah said with a grin. “How’s it going, Buffy?”

“Good, thanks. I’m actually feeling better about being in Roswell.”

Sarah giggled and covered it with a cough but not before the slayer caught it.

Buffy looked at her strangely but then turned her attention to Maria as returned and set her pie down.

“Thanks.” Buffy said.

“No problem. You want anything, Sarah?” Maria asked.

“A super comet burger with fries, onion rings, and vanilla chips with Tabasco sauce. A cherry coke too, please.”

“Where the hell are you gonna put all that?” Maria asked.

“Where do you think?” Sarah asked.

“Whatever you want.” The blonde said and made her way back to the kitchen.

“Vanilla chips and Tabasco sauce?” Buffy asked, making a face.

“I’ve had a craving for it lately. It’s good, honest.” Sarah said.

“I’ll take your word for it.” The slayer said, taking a bite of her pie.

“So what are your plans for tonight?” Sarah asked Buffy.

“I don’t know. We’ll probably end up vegging at the hotel or going to the club.”

“Well, Michael and I are having a party tonight at our house if you and your friends wanna come.”

“I’ll have to talk to the others but I’m sure they’ll want to come. Thanks.”

“No problem.” Sarah said.

“You want us to bring anything, food or whatever?” Buffy asked.

“Naa, we’re covered.” Sarah said.

“Yeah, Sarah bought enough junk food to supply a small country for a year.” Michael said.

“Oh if you want you guys can bring some CD’s. I don’t know what kind of music you all listen to.”

“Okay.” The slayer said.

Sarah gave Buffy directions to her house and they talked until Buffy finished her pie then the slayer left to find her friends and tell them about the party. After Sarah finished her food she left with Max to decorate the house.

When they got there Isabel and Kyle were waiting.

“Where’s Michael?” Isabel asked.

“Maria’s car in the shop so he’s gonna wait until she and Liz finish their shift and give them a ride.” Max explained.

“Ready to have a little fun?” Sarah asked.

“Yep.” Max said as they moved into the living room. Sarah went to the chandelier in the middle of the room and put her hand next to it. The others watched at it shifted into a mirror ball.

“Nice.” Kyle said.

“That was nothing.” Max said as he moved to a wall. Max put his hand on the long light above the French doors leading to the balcony and the curtain covering the door, a moment later the light was replaced by a row of colored flashing lights and the curtain was replaced by long strings of colored crystal beads.

They had found out about a month ago that Sarah not only has Max’s ability to heal but also had his power to change objects. She’d always had the power but had never even known but one night the idea had gotten into Liz’s head that she might.

“Looks good.” Isabel said. She and Sarah went to the kitchen to get the food ready while Max and Kyle moved the coffee and end tables out of the living room.


~~~~

“Are you sure this is it?” Anya asked as she looked at the huge house.

“Yep, positive.” Buffy said re-checking the paper where she’d written Sarah’s address. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting but it hadn’t been this. The house was huge and absolutely gorgeous. It looked new but was built in a gothic Victorian style and it sat on a small cliff that over looked the whole town of Roswell.

“Wow.” Xander said.

“Pretty much.” Tara said.

They got out of the van Xander had rented for the trip and went to the door. They rang the bell and Sarah answered.

“Hey guys, come on in.”

“This is a great house.” Tara said.

“Thanks. I’ve coveted it from the first time a saw it, as soon as it went for sale I knew I had to have it.” Sarah said leading them to the living room. “I think you know almost everyone. The blonde guy over by the stereo is Isabel’s boyfriend Kyle, the girl over there in the black gothic dress is Jess, and the two out on the balcony are my band mates Darcy and John. The balcony is the smoking area in case anyone needs it. Help your self to food, drinks, whatever. I’ll be right back.”

Buffy saw Isabel wave to her so the Slayer made her way to talk to the blonde. Xander dragged Anya to the snack table, Spike went out to the balcony and Willow and Tara went to talk to Liz, Crys, and Maria. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the Scoobies made some new friends.

“Michael, come dance with me.” Sarah said tugging on her boyfriend’s sleeve attempting to pull him away from the poker game he had going with some of the guys.

“Not now, honey. I’m just about to make these boys cry.”

“Fine be that way.” Sarah said. She moved over to the snack table where Anya and Xander were.

“Great party.” Xander said.

“Great food you mean.” Anya said rolling her eyes.

“What would you rather me do?” Xander asked.

“Come dance with me. Mind if I borrow him for a few, Anya?” Sarah asked.

“Please do, if he inhales one more Twinkie I think I’m gonna hurl.” The ex demon said.

Sarah took his hand and led him to the middle of the living room where Buffy was dancing.

“Come on Twinkie boy, show me what you got.” Sarah said.

They danced together for a while and talked a little. Sarah really liked Xander. He had such a great sense of humor and could always make her laugh. Eventually Anya came and joined them.

“Yuck, I hate this girl.” Anya said as a Britney Spears song came on. “All these blond teeny bopper singers lately.”

After a while Darcy and John said goodnight left soon after Kyle and Crys did too. The remaining group sat down and Jess suggested they play truth or dare. Although there were a few groans and grumbles among the group they eventually agreed.

“Okay, here’s the rules.” Jess said. “No one can get help coming up with questions or dares. Someone can only get out of a dare by death so don’t even think about. If someone says truth and they won’t answer then you have to do a dare or if you say truth and you lie, and trust me Sarah will know if you do, then you have to o a dare.”

“You’ll know?” Buffy asked.

“It’s a gift.” Jess said which earned her a pinch on the arm by Isabel.

“If you say so.” Buffy said. “Who’s gonna go first?”

“I say since Sarah is our hostess she goes.” Alex said.

“Okay. Um, Tara truth or dare?” Sarah asked.

“Truth.” The shy blond said.

“Okay, let’s see. We’ll start off easy, have you ever stolen anything?”

“No.” Tara said looking relieved.

“Okay, your turn.”

“Maria, truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

“Okay, um…” Tara said looking around the room, her eyes landed on the snack table. “I dare you to take a big chug from that bottle of Tabasco sauce.”

“You have to do it.” Liz said with a grin as her best friend opened her mouth to object.

“Oh fine.” Maria said. She got up and did the dare giving everyone a laugh as she ran to the kitchen and drank two glasses of milk without taking a breath. When she came back and sat down her face was bright red and her eyes were still watering. “Xander, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Are you truly in love with Anya?”

“Yes.” Xander said without hesitating.

Anya smiled and hugged his arm.

“Buffster, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Did you ever have any naughty thoughts about Angel while you were with Riley?”

“Xander!” Buffy shouted.

“You gotta answer, luv.” Spike said with a grin.

“Who are Riley and Angel?” Liz asked.

“Angel was my first love and Riley was my last boyfriend.” Buffy said hoping she could buy some time and make Xander forget what he’d asked.

“Come on, out with it.” Xander said.

“You’re gonna pay for this.” Buffy said scowling. “Yes.”

“I knew all that good virtuous Buffy stuff wasn’t true!” Xander said laughing.

Buffy stuck her tongue out at him. “Jess, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“What’s the worst thing you ever did?”

“Dated a guy who treated me like a queen then cheated on him with his best friend.”

“Harsh.” Isabel said.

“Yeah yeah, we’ve established that I’m a bitch. Moving on, Sarah, truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

“Ok, this has to be good. Let’s see.” Jess said looking around. “Got it. I dare you to chug the rest of the tequila Darcy brought and eat the worm.”

Various ‘ewws’ and ‘grosses’ were heard.

“I can’t.”

“Sarah, you know the rules.” Max said.

“No, I’m serious I really can’t.” Sarah said looking around.

“Sarah, don’t be a baby. Just do it.” Michael said.

“I…I can’t.” Sarah said nearly shouting, her eyes beginning to water. She shot up and left the room. Michael moved to go after her but Spike stopped him.

“Why don’t you let me, mate? Sometimes it’s easier to talk to a stranger.”

“Go ahead. Good luck, she’s been acting so weird lately.”

Spike got up and followed the sounds of Sarah’s soft crying. He found her in the den at the other end of the house.

“How far?” He asked from the doorway.

“What?” Sarah asked with a sniffle.

“How far along are you, pet?”

“How did you know?” Sarah asked.

“No offence but you’ve been eating like a horse all night, and some of the strangest things too and you don’t seem like the type to go all girly over some alcohol.” Spike said since he couldn’t tell her his vampire nature had picked up soft new heartbeat inside of her.

“Almost five months. I haven’t told anyone. I guess I won’t be able to hide it much longer.” She said. “God, how am I going to explain this little out burst? How the hell am I supposed to tell Michael? And Max, oh shit, Max is going to kill me.”

“I can see Michael being a little upset but what does it matter about Max?” Spike asked as he sat down beside her.

“Oh, well Max is like a brother to me. A very protective brother.” Sarah said and although it was true the real reason was that because of their special bond Max considered her one of them and even though he tried not to the royalty in him leaked out when big issues came up.

“There are options.” Spike said.

“Not for me. I mean whatever other women want to do is their business but I could never even dream of getting an abortion. And adoption just doesn’t seem right to me either. I just don’t understand. We’re always so careful.”

“These things just happen sometimes, luv.”

“Would I sound terribly childish if I said it wasn’t fair?” Sarah asked.

“Not terribly.” Spike said, provoking a small giggle from her.

“You’re going to have to tell him eventually, pet. And you’d probably be better off to tell him before by some freak coincidence he finds out on his own.”

“I know, I know. I just wish there was some easy way to say it.”

“You’ll figure out a way.” Spike said. He got up and held his hand down to help her. Once she was on her feet she hugged him.

“Thanks, Spike. For some reason I feel better knowing that someone else knows.”

“I always love a dirty little secret.” Spike said.

Sarah laughed and moved to the door. “Since you made me feel better I won’t ask how you really knew I’m pregnant.” She said with a smirk as she went out the door.

Spike entered the living room in time to hear Sarah quietly tell Michael she’d just taken a very large amount of Midol and didn’t want to take any chances mixing it with alcohol; it also covered the small outburst. All in all it was a good lie. The group had agreed to stop playing the game while Spike and Sarah had been talking. They turned on some music and slowly the party broke up an hour before dawn.

On the way out the door Sarah took Spike to the side.

“Thanks again. You can tell your friends what’s going on so they don’t think I’m a big freak. I can tell they won’t say anything to my friends.”

“I’m sure they won’t.” Spike assured her and said goodbye.

“How are you feeling?” Michael asked once everyone was gone.

“I’m fine. Sorry I got so crazy.”

“It’s okay.” He said wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her forehead.

“I’m beat. Max said he’d come over around noon to help us clean up. Right now I just wanna crash.”

“Me too.” Michael said and took her hand to lead her upstairs.


Spike got everyone together when they arrived back at the hotel and told them Sarah’s secret.

“It’s Michael’s, right?” Anya asked.

“Yea, she’s scared to death to tell him.” Spike said.

“Funny, you sound like you almost care.” Buffy said.

“There’s something about that girl, about all of them really. They’re not like normal people but I can’t put my finger on it.” Spike said.

“I noticed that too. She feels different.” Buffy said.

“Smells different too. Not quite human but not evil either.”

“Just Sarah?” Willow asked.

“No, Max, Michael, and Isabel. They’ve all got this scent to them. Never smelled anything like it.”

“What do you think it is?” Tara asked.

“I don’t know. There is definitely something going on though. I keep seeing things I probably shouldn’t be seeing, like at the club the first time we met them. Michael elbowed her in the ribs when she said something about having a gift. Then tonight Isabel pinched Jess when she said the same thing.” Buffy said.

“And she knew I was lying about how I knew she was pregnant. You know I can lie with the best of them.” Spike said.

“Does it really matter? They all seem like good people.” Anya said.

“I guess not, it’s just I’ve sorta gotten used to knowing what’s going on.” The slayer said. “Maybe I’ll nose around a bit but I won’t push it. I like everyone and Sarah really doesn’t need any extra pressure right now.”

“You got that right.” Willow said. “This one time when I was still with Oz the condom broke and I was terrified. I thought my life was over. I still have no idea what I would have done if I had gotten pregnant.”

“Why didn’t we ever know about this?” Xander asked.

“We’ll it was right after Halloween and you had just quit your job at the bar and Buffy had just had the whole Parker incident, not to mention the whole Cave-Buffy beer thing. I didn’t want to add to all that. But it doesn’t matter now, I mean it was a while ago.”

“I say we help Sarah how ever we can. If she’s not ready to tell her old friends then we can let her know that her new ones are here for her.” Tara said.

“Sounds like a plan.” Buffy said.