Intimidation and Arrivals
by DawnBTVS
Chapter 9
[reviews]
I was sitting in bed, feeling antsy. Buffy, Giles, and some British guy had gone back to the library. Buffy sent me home to keep Joyce company. Joyce had just gone to bed, but I was staying up to make sure Buffy came back safe and sound. I glance at the clock before swiveling my head back to the opening door so quickly that I wince in pain.
"Hey," I say, glad to see that Buffy's alright. She gives me a smile and walks closer to the bed but doesn't climb in. I just watch her, waiting for her to start. I can tell she's working on what to say in her mind.
"Quentin, the other British guy that you saw with us, talked with Giles and I. He told me that he was head of the Watcher's Council. He congratulated me on my victory. He told me I had passed, but Giles hadn't. Quentin said that Giles had shown too much of a fatherly love and affection for me and that he was jeopardizing the cause, the war between the Council and the demons," Buffy explains, now sitting on the edge of the bed. Giles was fired? They can't fire Giles though can they? Wait...are we supposed to be sad or happy after what Giles did? I can see that Buffy looks sad though, so I think it's sad.
"Giles was fired? S-so, he's unemployed now? He's like, jobless, right?" I ask Buffy, wanting more clarification on this very important matter.
"He'll still be the school librarian, but he won't have access to the Council. They are sending me a new Watcher soon, probably with-in the week," Buffy says. I frown at this announcement. I want Giles as Buffy's Watcher. I like Giles, even if he did what he did but he was just following orders...
"Is Giles going to leave when this guy comes?" I ask, now scared at the prospect of Giles going back to England and abandoning us. Buffy shakes her head as she sidles up next to me.
"No, Giles will stay, for us. He won't let anything happen to us, I'm sure of it," Buffy says. "I can't wait until I get my powers back or become the Slayer again. Did you know I had to ask Giles to open a bottled water for me?" Buffy asks, rhetorically. I smile; glad to see that she isn't angry with Giles any more. I felt betrayed but he is Giles...I didn't want to hate him.
"I bet it sucks being your average girl huh?" I ask, leaning in, and kissing Buffy on the lips. She smiles as we break.
"It has some perks, although those perks were there when I was the Slayer. I'm having a craving for Willow lips...want to help satisfy me?" Buffy teases as I grin and take her lips with my teeth.
"Satisfaction guaranteed," I reply.
~~~BTVS~~~
"Hey. Mind if I join?" I hear a voice ask from over my shoulder. I turn to recognize Faith standing there. I smile.
"Sure, take a seat," I say. I'm waiting for Buffy but I could use the company while I wait. I've seen Faith around since her first day. She's very sure of herself and tends to come off as a bit of a slut, not that I know she is one..."How's school treating you?" I ask, trying to make conversation.
"It's going alright. I've never been a big school person, it's more to just do something. So, I gather that you and blondie are something of a new fixation for Sunnydale High, huh? Just hearing rumors and such," Faith says as I eye her, trying to decide if she's being nasty or not. She doesn't seem like she is.
"It's not exactly what's considered normal in Sunnydale but Sunnydale isn't exactly known for being normal," I reply. Faith gives an amused smirk.
"I've definitely learned that," Faith replies with a chuckle. I frown.
"What do you mean?" I ask, trying to figure out what she meant. Does she know?
"Well, you know, things at night," Faith says as I pale, but she doesn't seem to notice.
"Faith," Buffy says, somewhat cold. I glance up at Buffy, surprised, before recollecting myself.
"Hey, Buffy. Faith just joined me to eat," I reply as Buffy narrows her eyes and sits down. I frown at Buffy as Faith looks between us uncertainly.
"If you want...I'll go," Faith says, getting up, and walking off. I watch Faith, then glare at Buffy.
"See what you did," I admonish her, angry that she can't trust me.
"What? I just sat down," Buffy says, full well knowing exactly what she did. I glare at her harder, as she lowers her eyes, refusing to look at me.
"Yeah...you sat down and basically intimidated her. Buffy, you have to be more accepting...and you have to trust me. I've told you that I won't abandon you. Did you forget our five-month anniversary? I feel like you don't trust me in her presence," I say as Buffy looks at me.
"I do trust you, Will, I just don't trust her," Buffy says, finishing somewhat lamely. I frown at her.
"Look, just be nice to her, okay? For me?" I ask, as Buffy gives me a slight scowl but nods her head.
"I'll be nice. Doesn't mean that I'll like her though," Buffy says as I smile, catching Buffy's pout. She can be so irresistible.
"Thanks, that's all I ask. If Xander and I can put up with Cordelia, you can definitely put up with Faith," I say, with a smirk. Buffy just rolls her eyes. I kiss her on the lips before standing up. She frowns. "I wanted to catch up with Xander. Thank him for the fifth anniversary. I never did formally thank him," I say, blushing. I had been meaning to thank him, but it was never the right moment. I walk out of the cafeteria, in search of Xander.
~~~BTVS~~~
Jenny asked me to help after the last class today, after I had briefly talked with Xander. I told Buffy I'd meet her later, which turned out to be five hours by my count. I had finally got out. Jenny would've driven me home but she had to fix some things up and get a guideline setup so she was staying, which meant that I was left with the wonderful task of walking home...alone...in the dark, at night.
"It's okay. You have a bottle of holy water and can handle yourself...against one vampire at least. Let's just hope there's not more than one, okay?" I ask myself, trying to make me feel better about this but it's not working at all. I think I'm making myself more nervous. I let out a scream as I feel a hand clasp my shoulder, whirl around, and throw the bottle of holy water at the face of my attacker, bottle and all. The thing lets out a grunt of pain and falls to the ground, clutching his face.
"Ow, bloody hell," the man sputters as I frown. He doesn't sound like a vampire...and I don't think vampires are prone to wearing business suits and carrying briefcases.
"Who are you?" I ask, trying to make myself scary or intimidating. The man rises to his feet as he lowers his hand. He has a pretty good black eye as I wince and lower my eyes, embarrassed that I hurt him so badly.
"I'll be f-fine, thanks. Wesley Wyndham Price, Buffy's new Watcher. I saw you walking around and I've heard rumors that Sunnydale can be rather dangerous. I wanted to make sure you were safe. Here, I believe this belongs to you," Wesley says, bending down, and handing me my bottle of holy water that remained intact somehow. I sheepishly take it back and begin to walk towards Buffy's house with him in tow.
"So, you're the new Watcher, right? What do you know about Sunnydale?" I ask, curious to find out exactly what Wesley knows and doesn't know. Giles seemed pretty up to date on the going ons but didn't seem to be big on the fighting, at least, at first.
"It's on a Hellmouth. Demons, vampires, and the sort converge," Wesley answers. I nod my head.
"Have you ever fought any vampires?" I ask, trying to appear innocent without showing my hand so to speak. My hand of cards that is, although I'm not carrying any cards.
"I've managed to fight two vampires. Of course it was in a controlled environment...for their protection of course," Wesley says, quite proud of this fact. I giggle at this. Wesley looks at me with a mix of a frown and a glare. How do those British guys do that facial thing where they can express two different emotions at once? I swear, Giles has done like four or five at once.
"Two vampires? Well, you don't have to worry in Sunnydale," I reply. Wesley looks confused now.
"I don't have to worry about vampires?" he asks, as I have to stop, laughing so hard. I finally quiet myself to a manageable smile.
"Controlled circumstances. We get plenty of vampires, believe me, and they aren't your ordinary everyday garden variety either. We've had The Master, Angel, and now we have Spike and Drusilla," I say, rattling the names off in my head, and ticking them off on my fingers. At this, Wesley grows pale. "Don't be scared. We've already killed two of four," I say, trying to ease his growing tension. It's starting to affect me and I don't like it.
"Do you know where a Mr. Giles lives? I would like to speak to him before the night's through," Wesley says as I nod my head.
"Yeah. I'll let you know when we reach home, Ms. Summers' place. I'm sure you know why I call it home, I hope. I don't like to talk about it much if I can help it," I reply quietly, thinking back to the end of sophomore year. Wesley remains quiet, letting me dance about in my head. We continue to walk in silence for a good thirty minutes, thankfully, no action, before arriving home. I thank Wesley and inform him of where Giles lives. I give him my bottle of holy water before heading into the house.
~~~BTVS~~~
"Tomorrow night, Slayer," I read again, placing the note on the table. Buffy, Cordelia, Xander, and myself are all seated there. We were basically just hanging out, until Giles gave us that letter. He said that Wesley had received it from a fellow that gave him "quite a fright" as Wesley put it.
"A shindig at Buffy's house?" Xander asks, a grin on his face. Buffy gives him a pout.
"Last thing I need is a party at my house. I can just picture my mother being happy cleaning up our mess. I'm to assume it's a Spike and Drusilla message. Gee, nice to know that they live in the subtle," Buffy says, looking restless. Buffy didn't get much action last night, from vampires or me for that matter. It's not that I didn't want to, more that I was just bushed from working so hard. Buffy understood but I think she has the teeniest grudge against me now. I'm always on the side of the grudge...I'm never the grudger person. I should do something about that someday.
"All I have to say is that I'm glad they're finally making a move. I've been trying not to see you people, you know? I barely like any of you but you guys have a way of saving me. God, it would be so nice if I didn't have to do this whole secret agent act," Cordelia grumbles. I glare at her as Xander smiles.
"If it were up to me, the number of times we saved you would be drastically dwindled down to oh...zero," Xander replies, smirking at Cordelia. I smile. It's not often that Xander can get a dig in at Cordelia.
"I wish it were zero so I didn't have to hang out with you guys. It'd certainly help my status remain intact," Cordelia snaps back.
"So, why are you even here then?" I ask, now wondering what good she does. She rarely helps and when she does, she's always griping about it.
"Think of it as me doing you guys a favor, okay? I offer my aid and you guys get marginally cooler. I'm helping you out here in more ways than just whittling stakes," Cordelia says, like it was all so obvious and we were too dumb to even notice. I frown at her, not happy that her answer was so condescending. I know I'm not exactly cool, and am a nerd, but I'm not that bad off, am I?
"As much as this talk of status encourages me to knock myself unconscious, let's focus on the matter of Spike and Drusilla, shall we?" Giles says, clearly annoyed now. Wesley seems to be annoyed but in a way that he can't say anything. He's also paying quite a bit of attention to Cordelia...ewww.
"Uh...y-yes, we should be prepared for whatever Spike and uh...Drusilla have prepared for tonight. Granted, it can't be good," Wesley says as I grin at him.
"Wow, Wesley. No wonder the Council was so proud to send you here," I say casually. Now I definitely know that Buffy's been a very bad influence on me. That was harpy, and a little cold. I try for an ease smile but Wesley just looks ruffled. Buffy looks at me, surprised, as I blush and scrunch in my seat to try to hide myself.
"Let me guess what the plan is? We all stick together tomorrow night and just wait?" Buffy asks, looking at Giles, and ignoring Wesley. Giles sighs and begins to speak over Wesley's protests.
"Given how dangerous Spike and Drusilla are, I would consider it ill advised for us to split up at all," Giles replies as I nod my head in agreement.
"There's no way we're splitting up tomorrow. Over my dead body, not that I want to be dead and you could just step over my dead body pretty easily but..." I say, starting to get into babble mode and cutting myself off before I get too off track.
"Y-yes. We won't let you get harmed if we can help it," Giles says, giving an encouraging smile. I smile back, proud to see our friendship coming through the forefront.
"Need I remind you that Buffy's a Slayer and the rest of you would be merely endangering yourselves for no reasonable purpose," Wesley says, clearly flustered at our actions. I glare at him, as does Giles while Xander just shakes his head.
"Ah...as opposed to the mortal danger that we face every single night? Clearly you've won me over, Wesley. The danger we face nightly pales to this one night so let's stay home and wait for Buffy to die," Giles says, driving the stake of sarcasm deeper than I've ever known him to do before. I think my eyes are bugging out and I can see Xander with a really pleased smile. Buffy looks as shocked as me. We aren't used to Giles acting like one of us.
"I'm aware that Sunnydale may be rife with vampires but being a man who's fought two, I can tell you that you'll only be risking yourselves to permanent death rather than helping Buffy," Wesley protests, trying to get us to give in.
"Fought two? They were in controlled circumstances. Remember our talk last night? You're not breaking Buffy and I up. I'm not going to abandon my girlfriend in the face of this. We've fought side by side with her against the Master and had to endure Angel right with her. It's futile, Wesley. Just accept that we aren't budging from our position. You can either join us or stay in the library to mope," I say, basically laying it down for him. He may be the new Watcher but he's not apart of the Scooby Gang, not yet anyway. One thing we take pride in is being a team, Buffy and her Slayerettes.
"I still strongly forbid this, but if you five want to go out and get yourselves killed, I won't stop you," Wesley says as Cordelia frowns and raises her hand.
"I'm not going. I have cheerleading, you know, something that's non-demon related. It's apart of normal life. I don't even know why I'm still here," Cordelia says as I roll my eyes, already sick of her 'me' comments. She gets up and leaves, Wesley obviously missing her presence. I give him a disgusted look as he blushes and promptly walks into Giles' office. I glance at Buffy who gives me a knowing smile. I'm sure she had the same exact emotion upon that sight.
"Well, now that we erm, got our way, I think we should try and map out a plan," Giles says. I nod my head and lean forward; ready to work out whatever we need to do.
~~~BTVS~~~
Xander and Giles are squatted behind some bushes. I'm seated on a park bench next to Buffy, who's holding her stake. So much for hiding what she is. I look around, not pleased that Spike and Drusilla haven't shown up yet. It's already been fifteen minutes.
"Well, if it isn't our two lovebirds. I wanted out weeks ago, Slayer. You just wouldn't suffer though. You had to completely change on me, with your friends, your bleeding Watcher, and the fact that you've already survived death. Yeah, I heard about that one, love," Spike says, sauntering into view. He's alone though and that's unnerving in its own right. No Drusilla and no flunkies to back him up. Buffy and I exchange glances, worried about why Spike's alone.
"We are going to fight and not make small talk, right?" Buffy asks, already getting herself into position. Spike just grins.
"In due time, love. You Slayers are always fight first, talk later. Me, I like to talk. I like to learn about my victims just before I kill them. The last Slayer I killed was on a subway system in New York. She had a child then, quite amazing considering the longevity of most Slayers. I killed her right and proper but she put up a fight. I've heard about you though. Transferred from another high school, got kicked out for burning down the gym. I find that fascinating," Spike says, staying where he is. He pulls a cigarette out and lights it. Clearly, Spike's taking his time and I don't like it. He's like Angel, just waiting things out, rather than attacking instantly like most vampires. It's unsettling is what it is.
"I'm sure you'll find it equally fascinating when you dissolve to dust too," Buffy comments. She's growing testy now, she really wants to fight, and get this over with.
"Witty, always a bonus for a girl. Shame I'm going to have to kill you, though. You're a hell of a lot more interesting than most Slayers I run into. Don't worry yourself, Red, I'll make sure you both get reunited in the afterlife," Spike says, taking his cigarette out, and grinding it out on the grass. I back up a couple steps as Spike charges at Buffy who quickly rolls out of the way and rises to her feet. Where are Xander and Giles? They should be ambushing right now. Why isn't this going to plan?
"Ah...so quiet when you're scared. Shhh, no need to be afraid of Mommy, little one," whispers a voice behind me. I instantly freeze as Drusilla places a hand around my throat and presses myself against her body. I can see Buffy still with the upper hand on Spike. She glances over and sees me. I try to smile at her, but instead I wave my arms frantically knowing it would be far more effective. Hello, I'm about to die here, you know?
"Shit," I hear Buffy curse, getting knocked down by Spike. Spike positions himself between us, not well. I can hear Drusilla breathing on my neck and shudder. Why isn't she biting me yet? Buffy ducks a roundhouse kick and levels Spike with a right hand. She grabs him by the chest and lifts him up, holding him to her chest with a stake to his chest. I manage to look up at Drusilla, in full vamp guise, and she's smiling. Smiles are bad, big bad, especially in my current predicament. No smiles, please?
"Buffy," I cry out, growing more worried with each passing second. We've reached a stalemate and I still don't know where Xander and Giles are.
"O-okay. A trade. You let her go, and I'll release Spike. You two leave and Spike doesn't die," Buffy calls out as Drusilla lets out a giggle.
"Slayer. That trade isn't very fair. I like the redhead, she brightens my sunny disposition so tell me, Buffy, are you ready to lose her?" Drusilla sing songs in my ear. I wince at the foul stench of her breath and look at Buffy, pleading with my eyes. She lets out a growl and presses the stake harder to Spike's chest. I now understand the ruse Drusilla's playing. She doesn't think that Buffy will stake Spike.
"Hehehe...come on, Slayer. If you're gonna bloody stake me, then do it already," Spike snaps at Buffy. I frown, knowing that if Buffy does that, I'm good as dead...literally.
"Spike, shut up. You touch a hair on her head, Spike goes, and you get tortured," Buffy growls at Drusilla. I let out a small yelp of pain as Drusilla bends my head to the side sharply. I feel her tongue caress my neck and barely keep my vomit down.
"Red is awfully enticing though," Drusilla says with a pout. She glances at Spike, almost looking at him for permission to release me. I give him my most hopeful, pleasing smile for added effect.
"Bloody hell, Slayer, you just staked me," cries out Spike in alarm. I glance at Drusilla who looks surprised, and now angry. I wasn't expecting Buffy to stake him, even if it wasn't the heart. I give the slightest hint of a smile, seeing Buffy's surprise in her eyes before she turns all serious again.
"That's right. Let Willow go, or I'll stake you right in the heart next time," Buffy snaps at Spike who's practically pleading with Drusilla to release me, or his eyes are at least.
"Dru, honey, the sooner I'm out of the clutches of this bleeding mad woman, the better for my undead life," Spike pleads, struggling in Buffy's clutch. I feel Drusilla's grip loosen enough to where I can get away, and get away I do. I scramble to the side, making a wide arc to Buffy so Spike doesn't just intercept me. Now I hear Xander and Giles groaning by the bushes...so much for manly help. Buffy only lets go of Spike when I'm behind her. Spike stumbles away, hand over his wound as Drusilla walks over to him. "You bloody staked me, and personally, I like my undead life more so than your sodding girlfriend. I don't need to be getting staked, ya know! You are the Slayer though...which presents a problem. You see, I came here to kill you, not get myself killed," Spike says, still perturbed that Buffy would physically harm him in such a manner. I whirl around upon hearing a voice that I recognize.
"I thought I told you, Spike, that you and your girl could only attack on Halloween," says Mayor Wilkins. I frown and glance at Buffy who looks ready to kill first and talk later. Xander and Giles come up from behind us.
"Wilkins. You didn't tell me that the Slayer would actually be tough," Spike snarls as Drusilla smiles, watching the interplay along with the rest of us. Wilkins walks forward.
"I have some power, Spike. I know that two of your old clan are already dead, both at the hands of Buffy...and her friends. I'm not going to protect you or Drusilla. Buffy brings in a boatload of demons from all over. You said you wanted your mitts on her, you did, and you failed to kill her. I have important business to conduct next year and I don't want you or Drusilla around," Wilkins says in a warning tone. Spike snickers and walks forward, Drusilla by his side.
"Or what, Dick?" Spike snarls as Wilkins smiles.
"Well, I could have you two tested on. Yes, we have an experimental facility that takes pride on seeing what makes demons tick. I've heard that they've been working on implants. Pretty much, take yourselves for example. They implant this tiny chip, and you won't be able to harm a living thing, not even a flower, without feeling massive pain in your head. I've seen them for myself, really quite remarkable. You want to test me?" Wilkins asks, as Spike glances at Drusilla, now seeming unsure. I bet the thought of not being able to feed is making Spike have second thoughts.
"He's telling the truth," Drusilla whispers to Spike, eyeing the Mayor with scrutiny.
"The truth, huh? I'm not one to be constricted. You want to run the show here? Fine. We'll be back though, Dick. We'll return and when we do, the Slayer, and her friends better watch their backs," Spike snarls, looking over us one by one. He grabs Drusilla's hand and stalks off, clearly pissed off at what's happened, but not willing to risk himself to getting tested upon to prove himself the bigger bad.
"Excuse me...what the hell was that?" asks Buffy, waving at Wilkins. I frown, not sure if Wilkins is a good guy or not. What does he have planned for next year?
"Ah, Buffy, and the rest of the group. Sorry for the intrusion, however I had to put my foot down. Don't worry yourselves over what's going to happen, really. Just make sure you get through this year. Next year's going to be a doozy, I can promise you that," Wilkins replies with a smile. I frown, still confused as to what side he's really on. He turns, walking away, as we all look at each other confused. Giles has a nice welt on his forehead; it looks angry, and lumpy. I frown at Giles, staring at the bruise. He gives me a smile.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Give me an icepack and a gallon of pain killers, and I'll be good as new," Giles says. Buffy kisses me on the forehead as I snuggle against her, still thinking about Wilkins, but also pleased at Buffy's actions.
"You really staked him," I tell her, happy that she did, and not exactly hiding my surprise in my words. Buffy just nods her head.
"I couldn't kill him, but I knew that I had to make a statement. I told you I'd protect you, baby," Buffy says. Xander and Giles look confused, unaware of what exactly happened.
"We'll explain it to you when we get back. Right now, I'm craving mocha. We also need to try and figure out what's going on," I say as we turn to head back to life in Sunnydale while Spike and Drusilla flee to wherever they are headed to.
"So, think we'll get anymore excitement over the next five months, G-Man?" Xander asks. Giles glares at him.
"Don't ever call me that. I can't say for certain, but I'm sure we'll have our fair share of battles, and we also have the Mayor to figure out," Giles replies.
"Look on the bright side. We live in Sunnydale," Buffy says as I just smile, resting my head on her shoulder as we walk. Life can't get more exciting...or scarier for that matter. Me? I'm looking forward to what I got on my SATs. I've already gotten several dozen letters from colleges wanting my services due to my high GPA. Poor Buffy hasn't gotten any, but I'm sure she'll get hers soon. I'll drag Buffy to a 4.0 kicking and screaming if I have to. Through hell or high water, she's getting into a good college if I can help it. Yeah...we'll show them. Buffy looks down at me with a smile. "What's going on in there?" she asks as I snuggle against her.
"Just thinking," I reply. Life should continue to be exciting, provided we survive the rest of junior year. Hey, we've already fought major big demons, so I'm not worried. Sunnydale or no Sunnydale, I'm charging into the second half with a full head of steam.
~~~BTVS~~~
Five months have come, and gone. We haven't learned much on the Mayor unfortunately, but we're making progress in other ways of life. Faith occasionally joins us at the Espresso Pump. We haven't exactly included her into the Scooby Gang, but I think she's aware that we haven't been up front with her in regards to our extracurricular activities. If she has noticed, she hasn't said anything. Buffy has been better around her, though, which I'm grateful for. I've recently become the "fulltime" tutor for both Buffy and Xander, though they'd both deny that. I know they're using me, but it's nice to help my friends out in the academic area. SAT results were returned and I managed a 1540, Xander got a 1050! (After I spent nearly 2 straight weeks of 24/7 mentoring with help from Buffy and Buffy had to resort to prizes...), and Buffy got a 1430! Xander also managed a 2.50 GPA for the year and Buffy managed a 3.20! She's been getting letters from some big colleges now, like Boston College, UCLA, and Northwestern! I'm so excited for her, and Xander too. Xander's gotten a couple college acceptance letters...okay, only one, but it was from UC Sunnydale. Yes, academic achievements make me very excited, as Joyce pointed out to me when we read our scores to each other in the living room. Buffy's gotten her driver's license too, along with Xander. Right now, I'm the only one who's car less or rather can't even drive but that should change this summer. Joyce hasn't said anything about getting cars for us though, which makes me think that she's smart and knows the insurance rates. I saw them one night online...yikes.
"Hey, you ready?" Buffy says, leaning through the doorway with a smile. I grin back, just feeling excited.
"Sure, I'll be right there," I reply as Buffy ducks back out. I pick the phone up again. "Hey, back," I whisper as I listen to the other voice on the end say stuff, then hang up. I hang up the receiver and glance at the door, feeling slightly guilty. You see, that was the Mayor...You know, Wilkins, the guy who we're trying to figure out. He's offered me a job that I have to accept or reject by the first day of Senior year. It is a fairly important job, and I might be able to get some inside information. Okay, I'll discuss it with the gang when that time comes. Right now, we have to celebrate the fact that we're all likely go to college. I bounce off the bed and scramble out the door, mochas swirling in my mind. Senior year, here we come!