Intimidation and Arrivals
by DawnBTVS
Chapter 6
[reviews]
I have no idea what I'm going to wear! Halloween's almost upon us, almost four hours at least, and I can't think of a good costume. I was thinking of choosing one of those ghost costumes with a Boo written across, but Buffy told me it wasn't scary enough. Sure it looked like it was a tad too friendly but...ugh. Buffy wouldn't tell me what she was thinking of, unfortunately. I've been stewing all class about what her choice could be. I hope it's not a vampire. I've already seen her as a vampire and while oddly sexy in a creepy way, it's not something I want to see again.
"Buffy, what are you going to be?" I ask, nudging her with my shoulder. She grins at me and shakes her head, returning her eyes back to her worksheet. I sigh and let out a low grumble. I glance at Xander. "What're you going to be?" I ask, feeling curious. Xander's run the gamut as far as costumes go. One year, he was even the creature from the Black Lagoon. Although considering what Sunnydale is really like, creatures are kind of old hat.
"I was thinking Army. I can likely pick up a cheap rifle and some army fatigues," Xander replies. I smile; thinking of one of those toy guns, then frown at the image of Xander holding one. I give him a hard look, but he returns with a goofy grin, and tries to continue copying off Buffy who shoots him a glare.
"Don't worry, Willow. We'll find you something at the store later today. I heard Snyder's been looking for volunteers to walk the rug rats, so expect to get accosted in the halls. Are you finished yet?" Buffy asks me. I send her a frown, but she gives me her puppy dog eyes. I swear it's impossible to resist them. I shove my paper to her, and she gives me one of her 'Yay me, I won the battle' smiles. I've seen it often enough when she's sparring with Giles and wants permission to do something that he'll resist to.
"I had it done twenty minutes ago," I say, proud of myself for finishing first, as usual. Xander gives me a shocked look.
"You mean I've been working on this...okay, copying off Buffy, when I could've just copied off you like ten minutes ago?" asks Xander with a pout. I roll my eyes as Buffy glares at him and points at his worksheet in a stern manner. Xander wilts and returns his gaze to his worksheet.
~~~BTVS~~~
Sure enough, Snyder accosted us while walking through the halls. I was heading to my locker to drop off my books.
"Ms. Summers, Ms. Rosenberg, and Mr. Harris. I think I've found three new, eager participants for tonight's walk around. Sign," Snyder commands. He hands a pen to each of us as I glare back at him. He may be the principal here but to me he's a big poop head who overruns his boundaries. We sign as Xander hands the clipboard back and Snyder stalks off. Buffy gives a long sigh.
"I was going to stay home too. At least until it was time to go to the Bronze, then I was going to bring my costume. Ugh. Guess I'll have to throw it on earlier than expected," Buffy grumbles. I smile at her. I like kids and find them so adorable. Although the thought of changing diapers and projectile vomit gives me a big icky factor, so in a way, I'm glad I don't have kids of my own. That and I'm not sure I'd be the world's greatest parent, since I'm not exactly sure of what to do.
"It'll only be two hours. Besides, Giles said that we didn't have to worry about any demons or vampires, right? It's like their big night off. We'll walk the kids around, maybe get free candy, and then dance till we drop at the Bronze," I say, feeling quite cheerful. Free candy tends to have that added effect of making me happy. I'm still waiting for Buffy to bring me a box of chocolates. Granted, the massages, kisses, and flowers are nice but my tummy craves delicious chocolates.
"Sounds like a plan," Xander adds, smiling. Buffy rolls her eyes and lets loose with a smile.
"Okay, okay. You guys have won me over to the pro-Halloween side of the fence. I'm banking on free candy though," Buffy says to me, a grin on her face. I smile back.
~~~BTVS~~~
We're shopping at the local Party Town store. Xander decided he'd check out the new place, Ethan's. I'm browsing around, not sure what I want to be. I sigh and glance around for Buffy to see if she's having any success. She pops up behind me with a wide grin, clearly pleased at her selection.
"Come on," Buffy says, grabbing my hand, and dragging me over to a gorgeous 13th century Victorian dress. It's a gorgeous red that looks like it'll be great on Buffy.
"Have you tried it on? Wait, no, you can't try it on because this isn't like a clothing store where people can change and it'd be awkward seeing everybody nude for a brief time and them trying on their costumes and-" I babble, suddenly quieted by a slender index finger. I smile against the finger as Buffy pulls it away.
"Don't worry, I already held it up, and it looks like it'll fit. Bonus, it's fairly cheap. It only costs fifty bucks! It's on sale, half off," Buffy explains, as I nod my head. I'm not big on the whole shopping but even I know that sales are usually good. I wonder if there's ever a bad sale? Like...what if a person has to sell their hamster? They could price it at uh...five bucks and it would break their heart to sell him but Virginia needs braces or something. Then again, the person buying the hamster might be a four-year-old boy who is in need of a pet because he's all alone...okay, back to reality, Rosenberg.
"Cool. I still don't know what I want to be. Stupid costumes," I grumble, looking around again. Buffy's scooped the costume and is carrying it around with her as she follows me in my search for the perfect...or even halfway decent costume. I spot a little red riding hood getup and casually wander over. I glance back at Buffy for her approval.
"Very fine choice. My parents made me be little red riding hood for three years in a row. My mother made the outfit the first year, so I was burdened with it. I think you'll look good in it though," Buffy says, cheerily. I smile back and pull the costume off the rack, holding it up against myself, and posing for Buffy at the same time.
"You should've seen her two years ago when she was a vampire. Thinking back, it was a very fitting choice," Xander says behind Buffy. I glare at him, feeling embarrassed that yes, I was a vampire for Halloween. Buffy turns back to me with a big catty grin. I pout at her.
"I see you have a small rifle. That's it? I was expecting something more realistic," I say, surprised at the gun. Xander holds it up with a smile.
"I'll have you know, girls, that this is a vintage...okay, I got it for two dollars off a homeless man. I'm kidding. I got it at a garage sale," Xander says. I smirk, as Buffy has to cover her mouth to hide her laughter.
"We should check out our items. How was that place?" Buffy asks as we make our way to the cash register.
"It was okay. Not really a step up to this place though, and it was pricier...and the guy who runs it was odd. He was British too. Think a more rowdy version of Giles without the textbooks and musty library smell," Xander replies. I turn and smile at the image he just gave me. Buffy frowns and I can tell she's imagining something either different or very, very gross. I don't want to know. We pay for our items and quickly head out.
~~~BTVS~~~
I finish putting on my hood and turn around, smiling at Buffy. Buffy looks so beautiful. I was admiring her for almost an hour until I decided to get into my costume. I don't think she minded the added attention though. I think she was savoring it a little.
"You look great. It's a shame that your hair will be hidden though," Buffy says, teasing and flirting with me at the same time. She's really evil that way. I can never say no to her doing that.
"Shame you are pretty much covered with your dress too. Although, ideas can be considered about what's underneath...not that I'll be considering what's underneath since I know what's underneath, no, not that I know exactly but-" I babble and stop, too flustered with myself to continue. Buffy gives me an amused grin as I blush.
"Uh-huh. You can find out what's underneath when we're both ready. Until then, let your imagination occupy you," Buffy says, going with the flow. I smile back.
"We better go. You know, to avoid Snyder's wrath although we'll get it anyway," I say, frowning at Snyder. Darn Snyder, ruining what should be a fun night. We're getting free candy! It can't get much more fun than that.... except for Christmas, which I never celebrated, but I've heard it's fun with the snow and such...if you live on the East Coast at least.
~~~BTVS~~~
I'm walking with my group. We've been about a half hour in and it's going pretty well. It is still dusk and getting darker, but the kids are so cute! There's this one girl who's to die for. She's a witch with the wart and everything. Awww...I want to take her home with me. We stop at a house as I stand at the base of the porch to let the kids get their candy.
"Ahhhh," the woman screams and I lift my head at her. They're monsters! Why are they monsters? Damn. Okay, too many monsters out here now. What's going on?
"Willow!" Buffy calls out as I see her come into view. She looks as worried as I am. That's not a good sign, I don't think at least.
"Buffy, what's going on?" I ask, confused. Just then I spot Xander who's roaming the street with a real rifle. When did he get a real rifle? "Xander," I say, catching up with him. He whirls around and aims the rifle at me. I instinctively throw both arms up but Buffy swats me down as I grin guiltily at her.
"Back off ma'am. It's not safe to be out here. I advise you both go to your homes and stay there," Xander says at us. Huh?
"Look, Xander. This is no time for games," Buffy says. Xander just looks at her confused. Not good.
"Do you know where you are?" I ask, earning a quizzical look from Buffy. I ignore her.
"I was stationed at Fort Worth, base 12," Xander replies, looking serious. I groan.
"We have to get to Giles and no firing at the monsters. That's an order," I tell Xander. Buffy nods her head as I motion for Xander to follow us.