Something To Atone For. BtVS/AtS, Doyle SI.

Chapter 29: Perceptions Shape Us
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The bell rings and the students start hustling into the hall, making me call out to one in particular. “Miss Rosenberg, a moment please.”

“Yes Sir?” Oh god does that make me feel old.

Her gaggle of friends is loitering around the door, with Amy shooting me frustrated glances every few seconds. Even though I’m intrigued to notice both Marcie and Jonathon included, I give my full attention to the eager red head.

“My sister is starting school again and I was really hoping my brightest student would be able to show her around. Maybe help her get caught up on some of her other subjects?” It’s not like I can really bribe her with extra credit and so I lean on Willow’s kind heart.

Like the amazing person she is, Willow even promises her friends will help. “I don’t want her to know I asked. So since even Snyder says you’re a good egg, I think I can trust you with this.”

Opening the envelope I hand her, Willow is shocked to find five hundred dollars worth of gift cards. Each one is for something at the mall and is in a wide enough variety to keep all seven entertained for an afternoon.

“I have to say, you all impressed me.” Locking eyes with a surprised Xander, I hand him back his already marked essays. “Especially you Mister Harris. I was expecting all the creative insults, but the praise was positively poetic.”

“Really?” Shocked at being openly praised, Xander shows off his pair of A’s with a growing smile.

Nodding at the joker, I remind him they are being averaged so he and Cordelia don’t have an unfair advantage over anyone. “You should really be using some of those lines at the Bronze. You might actually get a few dances out of it.”

“... I got an A.” Smug as can be, Xander doesn’t seem to be listening anymore.

“But now I know what you’re all capable of.” Grinning at the other teens still paying attention enough to grow wary, I notice Jesse is the one who looks ready to bolt. “I better not be handed any assignment I have to mark lower than sixty eight percent.” It’s the lowest test I’ve graded so far and that’s the standard I’m holding everyone to.

“Dude.” Jesse shakes his head in confusion. “I can’t tell if you’re a cool teacher or scarier than Snyder.”

“Why can’t I have layers?” Shrek isn’t out yet, so why not steal the most recognizable line in it. “I’m like an onion.”

“Well thanks for, you know...” Suddenly awkward, Jesse motions toward his still damp shirt.

Before he can say something that will get Xander to laugh, I cut him off with a wink. “Stopping you from wailing on Larry? I saw that look in your eyes and I wasn’t in the mood to call another ambulance.”

“You almost got in a fight with Larry?” The shortest among the teens claps excitedly at the idea.

“Hitting him in the throat may have dropped the jerk.” Playing along to save his ego, I start feeding Jesse the answers. “But that probably would have gotten you sent to the big boy jail.”

Suddenly aware this favour might take more than a few days, Amy speaks up from the back of the crowd. “I don’t want to be rude. But how long do you want us to show Angel around?”

“Until she makes some friends of her own.” Considering they just doubled the size of the group and you’re a recent member yourself, why is one more girl a problem? Trying to keep the gender ration even or something?

The only people I really know anything about in her own grade are Devon and Oz. But I don’t really want to turn Angel into a groupie, so this is my best option for friends I know aren’t going to sacrifice her.

Once they agree, I spend the rest of my day just enjoying the lack of urgency. Not even a strangely pleasant lunch with Snyder is enough to shake off the good mood dating Fred has brought me.

It’s only when he mentions the two new staff members starting next week, that I really start to pay attention. “New coach is supposed to be a Russian champion. He’s going to make sure we win at least one medal next year.”

Turning over his shoulder to point at the other ‘athletes’ in the room, Snyder’s glare could cut diamonds. They must think my resting bitch face is agreement with the insults and the three coaches try to out sneer us.

Instead of thinking the situation through like I know a responsible adult should, I retaliate instantly by turning the heat of my sneer up to blue sun levels. Used to being able to group up on the vice principal, the trio are taken aback when I back up the troll.

“What are you staring at?” Annoyed at my good day’s disruption, I don’t wait for Snyder to say anything. “You coach extra curricular, we teach required subjects. Who’s replaceable?”

Snyder’s amused guffaw is more than enough to let me know I crossed a line. But instead of apologizing, I give the triad my most intense stare.

The one in the middle who coaches football is about to lift his massive gut off the couch. Only to drop back down when I point at his mug and tap at my nose. I can smell the tequila from here you idiot.

“Thanks.” Giving me a grateful look, Snyder keeps his voice low enough to be unheard. “No one here seems to give me any respect except when I get angry. It’s nice to know someone else understands how hard it is to keep order around here, Flutie just lets them walk all over him.”

“I think you might need to tone it back a little.” Shrugging at the scowls I know are being directed at my back, I decide this is probably my best chance to make some headway with the guy. “Right now the students have no reason to be good except for fear. But that only works until they hate you more.”

He pretends to gag at the idea. “I’m not trying to be friends with my students. I’m just supposed to make sure as many graduate as I can and the mayor will make me transfer me out of this hellhole after the centennial.”

“Well if you set expectations and students actually manage to meet them...” Staring at the balding man, I hope he sees my point. “That should be rewarded and it gives the less pig headed an easier path. We both know how lazy people are.”

“True.” Snyder seems to finally be considering the idea. “That would give me more time to focus on the ring leaders.”

Since you’ve as much as admitted to being an agent of the mayor, aware of the true evils or not, I can use that to my advantage. You aren’t going to waste Wilkins’ time with this.

“I’m just glad I’m not assigned to this place by myself.” Matching Snyder’s whisper, I lean in across the table. “You keep things calm and I’ll keep them safe. That way the big guy gets what he wants.”

Hopefully that keeps the mayor from sticking his nose in my business until after the Master is dealt with. Caleb and the First are already on the loose and I really don’t like the idea of rushing ahead any more big bads.​

 

Chapter 30: Fight The Future​

Liam may not have been ecstatic about leaving town so soon. But he barely put up a token argument and that can only mean he finally believes me.

Sudden pain in my ribs reminds me to focus, getting me to wrap my arm around the attacking vampire. Once secure in my grip, I flip the demon onto his back like Liam showed me and plunge the stake into his chest.

A headstone cracks in half as Liam kicks his own foe into it, creating a cloud of ash only a moment later. “That’s the last of them.”

“All of this just for the car?” It was supposed to just be a light patrol around the Bronze. “What’s so special about it?”

But no. The second we saw the ocean blue Camaro, you insisted it would get you to Boston faster.

“You want me to spend a few weeks looking for this girl Faith first. I’m not doing it in the Corolla, I have some self respect.” Grabbing the jacket he tore off the lead vampire before dusting her, Liam searches for the keys eagerly.

“It was just an offer...” Scowling at the smug Irish vampire, I follow him to the parked car. “Could have just said no.”

He hops into the driver’s seat and starts adjusting everything to his liking. “You’re sure I shouldn’t stick around to help you deal with the preacher?”

“If the plan worked, Fred and Willow should be working on the android right now.” Once Ted is up and running, we can work on getting a guard dog model. “Besides, it looks like Mayor Wilkins is pretty upset. The cops are actually out looking for Caleb in force right now.”

“Not going to join the search?” Liam watches me carefully as starts the engine, very clearly trying to hold in a giddy smile.

“Got enough on my plate right now and we have no leads.” For all I know, the guy caught a flight to Australia this morning. “Need to figure out a way to deal with a witch before she works her magic.”

Shifting into gear, Liam still hasn’t fully relaxed. “Be careful with Madison. Word around town is that she’s a nasty piece of work.”

“Lorne just thinks she’s lonely and that I need to work my charm on her.” Fred wasn’t quite so amused with the suggestion. “I’m leaning more on the call her in for a parent teacher meeting and set an ambush plan.” Only need to wait a few more weeks and it will be report card time.

“You really don’t mind looking after my stuff?” He only has room to bring a couple suitcases and so I’ve offered to store everything in the attic.

I hate the feel of leather on my skin so the furniture will be safe and sound. “Your namesake may end up stealing most of the clothes, she really likes the baggy look. But everything else should still be waiting for you.”

“You better keep up the training while I’m gone.” Glaring at me intently, Liam shifts into fifth gear once we reach the open stretch of road near the airport.

“Oh no!” With mock horror I slap my cheeks. “I need to roll around every day with my girlfriend and she’s going to be wearing work out clothes each time. The horror.”

“You sure you shouldn’t be coming with me?” I catch his smirk out of the corner of my eye and can only growl in frustration.

“And leave Buffy alone for over a year?” Sounds like a fantastic idea after stirring the pot.

An uncomfortable cough escapes the vampire and he concedes the point. “True.”

“I know I threatened you with it before...” Trying not to piss him off too much, I make it clear he can tell me to shut up at any time. “But how do you really feel about me giving Darla back her soul?” You know, if I can convince Jenny to recreate the spell.

“Why her?” It’s not an instant no, that’s a good sign.

“Because I’m pretty sure the Master is protected by the Hellmouth’s barrier.” And if it fails, he’d know exactly what my plan was. “I don’t know anything about Luke or the other minions. But you’re my charge and that means more than a few of my visions had Darla in them.”

Liam doesn’t like my tone and hisses. “So you can manipulate her?”

“So I can convince her to let me help.” Turning to my left, I don’t bother holding in the derisive snort. “You mopped around for a century. I don’t have that kind of time and will need her to show me how to find the Master.”

“He’ll kill you.” It’s not a warning, just a promise of what will happen if I try.

“Which is why Fred’s working on a robot right now.” Rig Ted to explode and I can at least keep the city safe if I fail. “But that’s just the back up plan. I’m hoping one of the Chekhov’s Guns work.”

“The what?” Scowling at another one of my odd words, Liam really starts getting a feel for his new car as the speedometer climbs past seventy.

“Vaguely powerful artifacts you collect and find out later can save the day by pure coincidence.” My vague expression comes with a smirk. “You know, stuff like a glove that controls lightning or a Letterman's jacket that seduces girls.”

He nods his understanding. “Or a glowing paperweight that can hold a soul?”

“A little pricey. But with Wiley placing my bets for a thirty percent cut, I don’t have to worry about money for much longer.” It’s probably not allowed for me to gamble with my visions. But my own memories are fair game as far as I’m concerned.

Liam scowls at me, his brow creasing with doubt. “How can you know the exact score of so many hockey games if you aren’t abusing the visions?”

“Must have been a Canadian in a past life.” Blowing a raspberry at the irritated vampire, I try to play it off as just being a fan. “If I was getting visions of hockey games, I’d have made sure we went to one by now.”

Not fully convinced, Liam does at least turn around at the next rest stop. “... I guess that makes sense.”

“Even if I did use the visions to keep myself fed, it’s not like the Powers have given any of us a pay check.” And until they do start paying champions, I’m completely fine using my future knowledge to feed as many as I can.

“So you’re handling middle management?” Scoffing at my grin, he slows down enough to keep the cops off his tail.

“Until they send someone else down to take care of coordinating everyone.” All I can do is shrug and hope for the best. “The visions make it pretty impossible to just sit back and ignore things. I feel exactly what the victims do when they die.”

His expression shifts into one of empathy that would bother me from pretty much anyone else. Because from most people it would just be sympathy.

“I’ve known a few seers. But only one was even close to as accurate as the visions.” Liam’s look turns into one of newfound respect. “All lost themselves to some degree. Even Drusilla was well on her way to madness before...”

It takes a few seconds for the vampire to convince himself to continue, the words so at odds with his last hundred years of guilt ridden existence. “Before Angelus shattered her mind completely.”

“First time you haven’t taken responsibility for the demon’s actions.” Progress.

“I’m just tired of you pulling out the spray bottle.” His glare pierces into me and it’s hard not to chuckle at the fib of filling one with holy water.





Notes: This one just took a few tries to get right. Think this is my fifth rewrite of the chapter.
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Interlude 4: Coping Mechanisms​

The motley group of teens end up taking the city bus to the mall, the gift cards already split up among them. With only Amy frustrated at what seems like a waste of time, she suggests they split up.

“I don’t really need any new clothes. But I need to get a...” Amy’s lips quirk oddly as she tries to think of a mundane word. “Present for my mom. Can one of you big strong men help me carry it?”

“Jesse’s taller!” Blurts out Xander as soon as physical labour is mentioned, throwing his best pal under the bus.

Annoyed, Jesse fires back with his own measurements. “You weigh forty pounds more than I do.”

“Who almost ‘beat up’ Larry today?” Counters the slightly heavier boy, his dark curls shaking along with the chuckles. “Think that makes you the strong one here. What say you Yehonatan?”

It takes the shortest boy a moment to remember Willow had translated everyone’s names into Hebrew. But when he does, Jonathon has no shame giving him the thumbs up.

“I know I’m never going to do that.” Before he can feel to bad about it, Marcie gives hives hand a supportive squeeze.

“Harris one, McNally zilch.” Glad to settle another pointless argument between her boys, Willow leads her charge inside the mall.

Rushing after the girls with Jonathon and Marcie only a few steps behind him, Xander practically cackles over his shoulder. “First ones done have to save a table near the Cinnabon!”

“You know this means you two get to carry our bags, don’t you?” With a teasing grin, Marcie Ross revels in being part of a group.

This makes Xander stop, hands resting on his hips as the shaggy haired brunette realizes something. “I know why he has to. But what’s in it for me?”

“The gratitude of someone cooler than all of us.” Rolling his eyes, Jonathon brings up who she was talking to when they met. “Because I’m pretty sure Devon would have been just fine driving her here.”

“He was pretty persistent,” Admits the extremely nervous Angel as she starts picking at the dry skin of around her nails. “He even invited me to something called the Bronze?”

Blinking at the news, Willow notices a few cheerleaders going into a shoe store and her voice gets squeaky. “Are you sure you want to be seen with us?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Overwhelmed by all the attention, Angel only wishes she had this many friends before meeting Father Caleb. I never would have left with him.

Not bothering to sugarcoat it, Marcie lays out the pecking order. “Because once you’re seen out in public with us, that reputation is as good as dead.”

“I’ve had more than enough attention.” Face paling, Angel flashes back to being on the news when Allen was in his coma. “I’d just like to make some friends. But I don’t think Amy really likes me.”

“She’s just going through something right now. It’s got nothing to do with you, I promise.” Willow assures the older teen, while trying not to look completely lost in the goth clothing store.

Blinking at the choice of clothes, Jonathon finds a flaw in Angel’s plan. “None of this stuff is going to help you blend in.”

“But no one will really be looking at me once I’m wearing it. Angel gets all the attention and she’s the brave one.” With a smile full of regret, the runaway uses the money Allen gave her to replace her entire wardrobe.

Willow quickly rejects anything form fitting. But both Marcie and her boyfriend end up grabbing a few things. With the blushing Jonathon very interested in how short the skirt was.

Eventually Xander decides it’s not charity and allows himself to pick out a few dress shirts of a far higher quality than his usual Hawaiians. Just need to put them on once I leave the house, so Dad doesn’t throw a fit thinking I have any money.

“How about this Willow?” Holding up a corset style leather top, Marcie smirks at how quickly the nerd looks like a tomato. “What, too low cut?”

“Too everything!” Flustered at the idea of showing so much skin, the redhead just tries to keep it together until they can eat.

Not ready to give up in her attempt to push Willow, Marcie gets a salacious look in her eye. “So should we go look at the underwear instead? Only you’ll know what you’re wearing.”

“Uh...” Realizing things are suddenly taking a turn for the uncomfortable, Xander pokes his fellow male in the ribs. “I think we should go get that table now.”

The shorter boy nods fervently, only for Willow to quickly put a stop to such an idea. “I already have a drawer full!”

“That was way too easy.” Rolling her eyes at her friends stammering, Marcie hands her boyfriend a red and black flannel shirt.

“Underwear isn’t for the showing of people.” An incredibly pale Willow shakes her head back and forth as if her life depended on it.

“And that’s why you haven’t gone a date since first grade.” Bringing up the stolen Barbie incident, Marcie teases her genius friend with a warm grin.

Eyes suddenly wide, Xander’s whisper to Jonathon is just loud enough to be overheard. “You saw Marcie’s underwear already?”

Instead of answering smugly like Jesse would have, Jonathon just smirks mysteriously. This only frustrates a curious Xander even more and he almost starts whining.

“Dude?” The entire walk to the Cinnabon is filled with never answered pleading.

“And that’s why you haven’t had one in just as long,” Groans Willow as even she tires of her crushes behaviour.

Approaching the Jesse and the table he already claimed with Amy, Xander can’t help but point. “What, you think I should try throwing myself at everyone? Hasn’t worked out for him yet.”

“Uh, Jess?” Willow can’t help but notice the new additions to the lanky teens wardrobe. “What’s with all the... stuff?”

Her eyes bounce between the various good luck charms being worn. From the rabbits feet on each belt loop to a bracelet made of woven four leaf clovers, Jesse seems to have a new obsession.

“You don’t like it?” Frowning at her tone, Jesse holds up the silver horseshoe necklace. “I figured it couldn’t hurt.”

“He already got yelled at for throwing salt over his shoulder.” Scowling at her bag carrier, Amy manages to hide her book before Angel sees the cover. “I definitely picked the wrong one.”

Despite the tone, Willow notices Amy is also wearing something she hadn’t when they split up. “New earrings?”

“Uh...” Turning pink, the witch in training grabs one of the brass acorns dangling from her lobe. “It was the only thing Jesse suggested that didn’t look stupid. I guess the luck couldn’t hurt.”

“That’s what I thought. So I got one for each of you.” Grinning like he’s the smartest man on Earth, Jesse hands out a good luck charm to each of his friends.

Even Angel gets one, holding up the intricate dream catcher with misty eyes. “Thank you.”

“You mentioned nightmares on the bus. Thought this could do double duty.” Relieved at the jokes being over, Jesse gives Willow the next charm. “And since you never forget anything, I thought you should have the elephant.”

Once he gives Marcie a golden frog with three legs, Jonathan gets a brightly painted scarab. With the best saved for last, Jesse hands his best buddy a piggy bank. “Did you know pigs are lucky in Germany? That’s why kids store money in them.”

After the studying and snacking is done for the afternoon, Angel doesn’t even need to bother pretending she forgot the way home. Since they all used the gift-card bribes, not even Amy has a problem bringing the new girl home first.

With the conversation on the trip home being more relaxed and natural than the one to the mall, Angel leads them up the driveway with a nervous smile. Fred better have everything ready.

Turning the knob, the goth girl calls out awkwardly as she pushes it open. “I’m home!”

Just like they had planned before school this morning, Fred has the robotic body of Ted on the kitchen table. “Hey, how was the ma-”

Not giving the college aged girl in safety glasses a chance to finish, Xander unleashes a very manly shriek at the sight of what he thinks is a dead body. “What the hell is going on here?”​

 

Chapter 31: Partial Truths​

Everyone freezes when I step inside the house. All seven teens turn to me, each expression a varying degree of fear.

Snorting at the sight, Fred puts her wrench down beside Ted’s body. “How did it go, Liam insist on picking his own car?”

“Yeah and I got a bunch of his junk to move into the attic now.” Acting casual, I drop a box of the vampire’s clothes in front of the boys on the couch.

They jump at the loud clap, with only Xander keeping a grip on his Super Nintendo controller. The announcer cries out his victory only a few moments later, getting frustrated curses from Jesse.

“Any of you guys want to look through this?” Even if I wanted it for myself, no of it will fit my slighter frame. “Otherwise I’m dumping it all in the lost and found tomorrow.”

All three boys start to look. But pretty quick it’s clear the clothes will only fit one of them and Xander makes a show of sighing.

“Fine. I guess I can take them...” He makes eye contact long enough for me to discreetly nod. “Thanks.”

“Doing me a favour, don’t worry about it.” Knowing the proud teen would reject the gift if it seemed like pity, I keep the whole interaction casual.

Angel looks up with a fake expression of guilt. “I got a little lost and they had to show me the way home. Hope you aren’t mad Allen.”

“No one ran out of the house screaming and ‘everything’ has been explained.” You did everything perfectly, I’m nothing but ecstatic right now.

Standing with Marcie beside my bookshelf, a very interested Amy strokes her chin at the collection. “Fred said this is all your stuff.”

She holds up a blue tome, reading off the title with obvious intrigue in her voice. “Remedial Witchcraft. That’s a curious choice for you to have Mister Doyle.”

“Monsters of the Mojave...” Marcie’s voice has a hint more fear as she reads off the other titles I grabbed at the Dragon’s Cove. “Bloodlines to Fear, Western Wolves, and the Shaman’s Drum?”

“What about these ones,” Adds a smirking Amy as she grabs a couple more to show off. “Magic for Beginners and the Treatise on the Mythology and Methodology of the Vampire Slayer.”

Waiting for the teen witch to make a mistake first, I find I am having far too much fun with the deception to let it end quite yet. “I have esoteric interests.”

“You have glowing paperweights.” The scowling blonde points at the two Orbs of Thessulah on the desk.

“Thought they looked pretty.” They really do.

Grabbing a silver dagger, Marcie holds it up with a triumphant look. “You going to try calling this a letter opener? Because we aren’t stupid.”

“Xander is,” Amy mutters with clear annoyance at the winner of the video game. “Jury’s still out on Jesse.”

“He’s unmotivated.” Shaking my head at the bickering, I remind them who grades the homework. “But Alexander is no idiot, he just needs a reason to apply himself. Can’t blame him for thinking school is just a waste of time, I know I was the same way a few years ago.”

“... Really?” Shocked at not being ridiculed, Xander doesn’t even correct my use of the whole name.

“And my school didn’t even have it’s own obituary page in the paper.” I had reason to believe I would have a future. “But the day I found my passion, everything just clicked into place.”

Still not convinced a teacher has any of life’s answers, Jesse chimes in with his own creased brow. “How long did that take?”

“About two months ago.” Shrugging at the lanky teens stunned face, I can only chuckle.


“Is that when you started learning magic?” Done playing dumb, Amy decides it’s time to confront me with her conclusion.

None of the teens react with anything but interest and so I decide to reward the confidence. “That’s next weekend when I make a trip to Los Angeles.”

“Well what happened two months ago?” Wrinkling his nose, Jonathon looks about ready to have an aneurysm.

“Decided to help save the world. No big deal or anything.” Smirking at the shocked faces on display, I give Amy my full attention. “Now Miss Madison, why are you so interested in magic?”

Meeting my open eyes with her own hard stare, Amy only hesitates for a few seconds before wavering. “My mom, she’s....”

“A really powerful witch?” That shocks the girl into revealing the rest.

Once I know everything and have promised to help, Amy only has a single question of her own for me. “But how did you know about my mom?”

“Cathryn has quite the reputation around town.” That is something the teens hadn’t known and has them exchanging worried whispers.

All but Xander that is, who’s face was still screwed up in concern the whole time. “Can we please get back to this whole saving the world thing? Seems like kind of a big deal to me.”

“Thousand year old vampire wants to open a portal to hell and I’m going to stop him. Don’t worry about it.” Of course that’s the wrong thing to say and Xander just gets more riled up.

“See, now I can’t do anything but worry.” His friends start murmuring different levels of agreement. “In fact. I’m kind of terrified right now.”

The shortest boy raises his hand and waits until I call on him. “Shouldn’t you be calling the army or something?”

“Not unless you want Sunnydale turned into a glowing crater.” My casual dismissal just seems to frustrate them more.

“Well let us help you,” Insists Jesse, only correcting himself when he hears a stern cough. “After we stop Amy’s mom of course.”

“Give me a minute.” I thought I had more time and now my mind is racing for a solution.

Nothing comes to me at first. But eventually my eyes roam towards the glowing orbs. That might work.

“Alright, here’s the plan.” Suddenly back in my stricter teacher mode, I start splitting everyone up with tasks. “Miss Ross and Mister Levinson. I need you two to check out the Incan exhibit at the museum. Take pictures of everything and get them developed.”

“Okay?” Confused at the request, Jonathon accepts the offered fifty with a strange look.

I don’t bother explaining and turn to Willow next. “You keep helping Fred with my ‘dad’. That’s pretty much my back up plan for making sure everyone survives the spring.”

“Got it.” Pale as paper, Willow tries not to let the panic overwhelm her.

“Amy, I need you to get a copy of the spell your mom is going to use.” Realizing she may not be on board, I get some clarification on her feelings. “And I need to know how you feel about Cathryn. She wants to be you, so only fair if you choose her fate.”

“What do you have in mind?” A shimmer of cruelty hides behind Amy’s eyes as she follows me into the kitchen.

“We really only have a few choices.” The others aren’t ready for such blunt honesty, Amy however needs to make an informed choice. “Death is always an option.”

Amy doesn't instantly reject the idea and I’m concerned enough to move on to the next choice. “Or we can switch her for someone else who got screwed over.”

“What do you mean?” Curious at my claim, the budding witch eagerly leans closer.

I explain the process and Amy thankfully has no issue with my plan. In fact, she might be a little too eager once I tell her about the visit to the zoo.​

 

Chapter 32: Phase One​

“Why don’t I just move into the apartment until he comes back?” My ward frowns at how much junk is already in the attic. “I don’t think you really have room for everything. Ted was kind of a hoarder.”

“Because you’re a teenager.” And sorry to think this. “One I’m kind of responsible for now.” But you really don’t have a good track record with decisions right now.

An intrigued glint flashes in Lorne’s eyes while he holds the ladder down. “Well if the place looks any better than the basement, I could always keep an eye on the place. Especially if you’re going to keep having a gaggle of teens over.”

“You didn’t have to hide from them all night,” Fred reminds him with a smirk, climbing down the ladder first.

“I notice Allen didn’t tell the kids about his demon half.” Crimson eyes twinkle at me when I join the others in the hallway. “So until he does, I should probably keep laying low around any of you pink mammals.” What does that make you, a reptile?

Frowning as I think back, I realize awkwardly that Lorne was never introduced to anyone in the crew. “You do know we come in a few colours, don’t you?”

“But you said that was just a prosthetic when I asked about Chubbs.” Blinking in confusion, Lorne brings up his curiosity during movie night.

“I thought you meant his wooden hand,” Admits a pink faced Fred when she catches on to the source of confusion.

With scarlet eyes shining as if he just solved the greatest mystery of the universe, Lorne strokes his chin. “No wonder all the demons want to come to Earth. You have all the flavours of people here.”

The chime of the door bell startles me out of my chuckling fit. Must be Willow here to play mad scientist.

“The kids at school are already talking about the show. Don’t bother hiding, I’ll just tell her we’re helping you move.” And let the Jewish girl make her own assumption about you wearing makeup.

“Really?” Lorne is almost vibrating at my easy acceptance of the idea.

“You’re an adult...” That makes me pause, a curious expression being thrown over my shoulder at the empath demon. “Aren’t you?” I’m not actually sure what Lorne’s life cycle is like, maybe he’s really just a child.

I don’t reach a conclusion by the time I open the front door, revealing Willow hasn’t come alone. Xander and Jesse flank her.

“Hello?” Stepping aside so they can enter like I explained last night, the teens file into the living room.

“I thought you might like some help moving everything,” Willow explains for the boys busy trying to act like it was all her idea. “I printed out the blueprints for the zoo already, so these knuckleheads don’t need to waste time trying to draw a map for you.”

Xander is aware his art skills are lacking. But the casual comment has Jesse looking hurt.

“Miss Perfect couldn’t hack into the museum though. So Jon and Marcie are heading over with a camera right now.”

The two friends exchange stuck out tongues, as I let them know the change in plan. With both guys very relieved the physical labour was only a terrible myth.

Fred gets an eager greeting from her study buddy Willow as she and Angel say hello. Only for Jesse to nearly squeal in excitement when he sees Lorne coming down the stairs.

“This is the friend you’ve been letting crash in the basement?” Rushing over to the green demon, Jesse starts pumping his hand with enthusiasm. “It is so nice to meet you Sir. I’m a huge fan!”

“How come Lorne gets Sir and I only get called Mister?” Trying to keep the whine out of my voice, I think I managed to succeed when Fred laughs.

“Because singers get babes,” Xander explains as his friend asks for Lorne’s autograph. “And Jesse’s been listening every night.”

“The show only started a couple weeks ago though?” How can Lorne already have people so invested in him?

Nodding fervently, Willow’s answer sets my mind at ease. “And Jesse’s already gone from tone deaf to bearable.”

“Really?” That’s praise worthy I guess.

“Now girls wait until he starts talking before they decide to ignore my pal.” Xander teases his friend and realizes he doesn’t really have much reason to be here now. “Uh, do you still need help?”

“You want to help me steal a magic jacket tonight?” Lance should be at the Bronze almost every night if his bragging around campus has any truth to it.

Doubting my claim, Xander tilts his head to one side. “What, does it keep you dry?”

“Probably better if you don’t know.” Either you or Jesse will definitely try borrowing it once I’m finished. “Don’t want to tempt you with it.”

“Amy’s been able to prove she has magical powers.” The dark haired teen in Liam’s clothing tries to phrase his disbelief carefully. “But vampires, werewolves, and demons? I’m not sure I really buy that nonsense.”

Snorting at his claim, Fred stops her discussion with with Willow to point at the radio host. “That’s not make up.”

“Yeah right.” Now thinking he’s being screwed with, Xander asks Lorne for permission before running a finger along his flesh. His eyes go wide when no paint comes off and Lorne just smirks.

“Satisfied?” Lorne’s tone isn’t mean, just amused at the gaping face of Xander.

“I’m not exactly one hundred percent human myself.” Knowing it’s the kind of secret that would tear a group apart, I make this transformation my slowest one yet.

“Whoa...” Jesse gets over his shock first, his eyes roaming my barbed face with open curiosity. “You look so cool.”

Wait, what? “Really?”

“Dude, you have a face full of spikes. That’s metal as hell.” The McNally snorts as if it’s obvious, his short brown hair plastered to his brow from the already intense sun outside.

With it decided Lorne is the one moving instead of all the furniture, we get him and his radio gear moved by dinner time. The offer of pizza was more than enough to get the guys to stop grumbling and Jesse eventually gets that autograph once Lorne’s settled into the apartment.

“No offence Allen. But I just need a place of my own to relax.” Lorne tries to let me down easily once the last slice is gone. “Even in the basement, I couldn’t stop picking up the girls’ emotions.”

“You trying to say something?” Glaring at the Pylean immigrant, Fred caught that I was excluded from the complaint.

“Just that all humans are a little bit psychic and you really project when dreaming.” Lorne’s explanation comes with a wince as he picks up on the annoyance in Fred. “The Brachen half muffles Allen so I can sleep.”

A look of guilt flickers across my girlfriend’s face. “Sorry Lorne. Thought you had already picked up on some Eathly misogyny.”

“Are you kidding Winnie? Mr Prickle-Pants here is nothing but tumultuous emotions, you and Angel at least talk about what bothers you.” Faking hurt, Lorne slaps a hand onto his left ass cheek. “Cross my and hope to die.”

Jesse ends up being convinced to sing some Pearl Jam for the empath demon, his voice admittedly not terrible. But when I see Lorne’s expression, it only reinforces my decision to save him from Darla.

“You really need to stop hitting on everything that moves.” Lorne is careful not to say anything about a pulse. “It’s going to be the death of you one day unless you can learn some self control.”

Hearing his possible fate, Jesse decides to stay at the apartment for more answers. So while Fred and Willow take my car back to house, Xander and I walk over to the Bronze.

When I see a guy wearing clothes right out of the movie Grease, I lead the teen into the alley behind the club. The vampire is already in game face and is about to sink his fangs into one of my student’s throat.

But when Xander bellows like a very brave man, I take the chance to shove my half a pool cue through the blood demon’s back. The cloud of ash makes me sneeze and sends the girl running off before we can be recognized.

“Uh...” Trying not to hyperventilate, Xander forces himself to start breathing normally. “That just happened.”

Rolling my eyes, I don’t have the patience to keep all of the annoyance from my voice. “Told you about the vampires. That’s why you lot should never go out after dark unless you’re in a group.”

It’s no guarantee of safety. But it should at least make most fledges look for a meal somewhere else.

“But you didn’t have to stalk out the alley, he was just going to kill her!” His face is white enough I’m starting to worry Xander might pass out. “Is the whole town infested with monsters?”

“Portal to hell is buried in the library.” And why I try to avoid the place. “And the Mayor has been planning to sacrifice your grad class for a century.”

His jaw hangs low as I shatter his reality with terrifying facts. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” realizing the teen is close to breaking, I send him inside to keep watch for Lance. “Let me know when he’s leaving so I can get ahead of the guy.”

May as well take advantage of having such a scary second face. It’s not like the kid will recognize me as a teacher, so I just need to do a snatch and grab.

Forced to lurk in the alley until well past midnight, I end up taking care of four more vampires while I wait. It’s only when I start thinking Xander got caught up with his new look and the interest I’d seen sent his way during the day that he dashes out the side door.

“Lance and his buddies are walking the Cordettes home!” Crap, that’s more people than I was expecting.

“Which way are they going first?”Knowing it’s pointless to waste time, I grab Xander by the shoulders and shake him back into coherence.

“You really think Cordelia would let anyone else go first?” The teen snorts and leads me towards the rich part of Sunnydale. “We can cut through Hammersmith Park, it’s a shortcut!”

Impressed at how quickly he gets over his own panic and focuses on the matter at hand, I follow Xander’s sprint through the park. “Just make sure the girls don’t scatter!” Don’t want them getting picked off by any vampires just so I can steal the jacket.

Charging ahead of Xander, I let the spikes emerge as I catch sight of the distracted teens. Harmony and Aphrodisia are practically clinging to Lance, even with his horrible mullet his only real standout feature.

Shrieks of fear greet me as I slam into the shocked Lance Brooks, sending him tumbling to the ground in terror. His two friends on the baseball team aren’t any braver and take off into the night with one of the rich girls. Aura I think.

But once more I’m impressed by some of the teens. Even as I start tearing the Letterman jacket from the sobbing jock, Cordelia starts smacking me in the head with a very heavy purse.

It’s not enough to hurt, only slow me down long enough for Xander to ‘save’ the day with a tackle. The force of it sends me rolling away with my prize in hand and I don’t bother sticking around for the rest of the show.

“Harris?” The shocked gasp makes me peer over my shoulder just long enough to catch a stunned Cordelia Chase staring at her protector. Not sure if she’s more shocked Xander was brave or well dressed.​

 

Chapter 33: Read Something​

The next day at work while watching the sophomores sit down, I find Xander has become a hot commodity overnight. Lance has already gotten a replacement jacket and insisted the joker take the desk beside him.

“I’m telling you Larry, we’ve had this guy all wrong for years.” Talking up his new favourite person to the other jocks, Lance doesn’t even seem to mind that his dates from last night are no longer simpering over him. “Chet and Steve just took off when the gang banger jumped me.”

The whole section of popular teens glare at the jocks exiled to the front row, making both boys shrink in on themselves even more. In the moment of distraction, Cordelia takes her chance to really get a good look at Xander’s new look.

He’s taken to wearing Liam’s spare leather duster at all times, with a deep crimson button down underneath it for pop. How is he not sweltering in this heat?

Thinking back on the mean girl with a heart of gold’s essays, I can easily see why her face is so conflicted right now. She spent so much time focusing on his lack of fashion, the sudden change must be hard to comprehend.

Getting saved by the guy she also called crueller than half the bullies in school. That’s probably left Cordelia’s very idea of Xander in shambles.

Not one put off by attention, Xander seems to be thriving under all the praise. “It was no big deal. I just did what any man should have when he heard some beautiful ladies screaming.”

“I wasn’t screaming Harris.” Not willing to let the comment stand unchallenged, Cordelia smirks at the teen she’s bickered with for most of her life.

“Guess I wasn’t calling you cute,” Counters Xander, his eyes flashing with some of that cruelty I read about. “Just the hotties you’re friends with.”

Glancing at Xander’s usual group, I notice the glare Willow has had all day is briefly replaced with a pleased smirk. Jesse’s own expression of frustration at how close his friend is sitting to his obsession, seems to shift into a plotting grin with the snarky comment.

“I’m telling you, this guy’s face was all messed up like he ran into a porcupine.” Lance brings the classes attention back to his ‘champion’ last night. “But Lex just charged the guy and saved my ass.”

“Lance!” Snapping at the teen, I startle him out of his cocky mood with the gruffness. “You want detention with me at lunch scrapping gum off chairs or do you want to hand in an essay on donkeys tomorrow?”

Not daring to challenge me with his wit, Lance lets me finally start teaching the class.“Essay sir!”

“Eight hundred words on my desk by first bell.” Growling the instructions, I start pacing in front of the class for dramatic effect. “No one likes book reports. It’s the same fifty books on the list for every school and I’ve already marked them all a dozen times.”

The students exchange nervous murmurs of agreement, with a couple even trying to start a clap when I tear said list in half. “I’m not marking another report that can be copied from an older sibling. So you are all going to create this classes list.”

“What do you mean?” Eager to please, Willow’s hand is already in the air before I’m finished speaking. “Write a list of the best books?”

“Literature isn’t just in books. I want each student to write down the best thing they ever read, no matter what it is.” The comment stuns her into silence and I have to clarify myself before I get in a heap of trouble with Flutie. “No Jesse, it can’t be a porno magazine.”

Smirking as if he’s figured out the answer, Larry waits for me to call on his raised arm. “Does that mean I could write down my favourite birthday card?”

“If it mattered to you, go for it.” The closeted jock blinks at my answer. “I don’t care if it’s a comic book, poem, or a fashion magazine. I care that you read something.”

The list I end up getting is quite varied and I grin when I tell them all to select a choice they didn’t provide for the class. “Don’t groan. I have to read them all before I can mark anything.”

Once the bell rings, they all dash away before I can assign any more homework. The sideways glances I get on the way to the teachers lounge come with whispers about me being strict but at least fair.

My regular spot has been saved beside Russel and it takes me a few moments to realize I’m not thinking of Snyder by last name anymore. Oh shit... I’m actually friends with the Troll.

Most of the teachers seem to find a reason to be elsewhere once I pop my food in the microwave and I find only the new swim coach chatting up the nurse. Really need to take care of that creep once I have a chance.

With the room suddenly cleared out, Russel seems to decide now is a good time to share his life story. “So once my.... growth spurt never came in, Mom kicked me right to the curb. It’s when I realized the only fairness in the world was the kind I enforced with my will.”

“She kicked you out for being short?” That seems a little petty even for Sunnydale.

Glancing around the room to make sure the lovebirds aren’t listening, Russel’s voice becomes a hissed whisper. “You say you’re supposed to keep things safe at the school. But how much do you really know about things here?”

“Enough to wear one of these even though I’m not sure what I believe in anymore.” Pulling my collar down to reveal the silver crucifix, I can practically feel Russel relax at the sight of it.

“And you think it’s all just scary stuff?” The way the balding man hesitates, has my curiosity surging.

“What, are you a werewolf or something?” Giving him an out, I reassure him I know it’s only a three night a month thing.

Russel’s mouth twists in a way that must be uncomfortable, his hands wringing as he tries to work up to the truth. “You know how the students like to call me a troll?”

“Yeah...” No way!

“Well that’s the growth spurt that never came in.” He watches me carefully for any sign of scorn, happy to find not a single shred. “And every time I hear the students call me one, I want to wring those scrawny necks. One eighth was just enough to make me ugly and bald.”

Do I actually feel bad for him? The realization that I do, makes me take a very stupid risk.

“Well I’m half Brachen. You really don’t want to see what I look like when I don’t take my allergy medication.”

The admission stuns the normally vindictive man. Eventually his lips turn upwards just enough to call it a genuine smile.

“Really?” The desperation is palpable in his voice.

In for a penny, in for a pound. “Must be why we clicked so fast.”

“Glad we did.” His smile shifts into a more familiar smirk. “The kids aren’t giving me quite so much lip this week.”

The door swings open to reveal the frowning face of the techno pagan Jenny. Her eyes dart between the only two occupied tables and I decide to put my own conversation on hold.

“Over her Miss Calendar. I think we can make some room for you.” And give me a chance to figure out your schedule.

Russel snickers under his breath at first, only to swallow it when the woman accepts the offer gratefully. “Thanks. I was starting to think I had missed a fire drill or something.”​