And You Know It's No Fun
by DawnBTVS
Chapter 1
[reviews]
Title: And You Know It's No Fun
Pairing: B/W eventually
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All characters and such belong to Mutant Enemy Corp. and Fox Corp.
Spoilers: None really
Summary: AU Season 1. Buffy arrives in Sunnydale from Boston, MA. She doesn't know she's the Slayer.
Warning: Non-consensual parental abuse.
I sigh when I finally take in the home before me. It was bigger than the one back in Boston at least. Much bigger as a matter of fact, but compared to then, anything would be better. Mom gives me an encouraging smile when I glance at her. I give her a weak smile, hand gripping the handle of my one suitcase. It doesn't hold much, just a few clothes, some pictures, and a few other items that Mom allowed me to bring. We walk up the steps in silence as Mom pushes the key in, opening the door rather quickly, and not so kindly shoving me in. I look back at her, knowing what she'll request.
"Buffy, make sure you get the rest of the suitcases, okay," Mom orders at me. I nod my head, leaving my suitcase on the wooden floor, and promptly heading back out the door towards the Jeep Cherokee. I wonder how Faith is. Last I saw, she was standing alone at the entrance of the mall. I fled after saying goodbye, not ready to accept the hurt that would accompany any words that she'd speak towards me. I met Faith a few years ago at a local orphanage Mom helped run. She was cool, for a ten year old. She also liked to fight a lot and was extremely loyal to me. I appreciated her standing up to the sixteen year olds trying to objectify me as a sex toy. I hoist the trunk door open, grabbing a couple suitcases, and trekking back up the steps. I glance around, wondering where Mom went. I hear her footsteps in the kitchen. I decide it'd be better if I didn't try to see what she was up to. Mom wasn't big on me trying to spy on her. I tenderly rub underneath my left eye, remembering what happened the last time I did that. I deserve it though. A girl shouldn't try to sneak around when it comes to her mother.
~~~BTVS~~~
I glance around the classroom, trying to see if the new girl has shown up or not. I came out a year ago, with my parents being surprisingly quite accepting. Then again, they make sure to see me at every extracurricular event I'm at and generally could be construed as the statues of the perfect parent. I spot a flash of blonde hair entering the classroom. She has sparkling green eyes and a self-confidence that one doesn't normally see here in Sunnydale High. The teacher gives her a curt nod as she glances around. She spots me, lowers her eyes, and briskly walks down my aisle, taking the seat next to me! I glance at her, but she keeps her eyes lowered on her desk. I frown a little at the action, but maybe she's just having a bad day. I smile when she sneaks a peek at me, but she averts her eyes again. I sigh and lean back in my seat.
"I'm Buffy," she whispers. I glance at her, a little surprised at how soft her voice is. She lifts her eyes to me, still painfully shy, but also exuding that confidence. I crack a smile, pleased to see her lips cracking into a small smile of their own.
"Willow. I can totally help you out if you need it. I'm known as the resident brainy girl here, not that I mean to be tooting my own horn," I finish, grimacing a little at how selfish I probably sounded. She keeps her smile though.
"Thanks. I haven't seen anybody interesting, until now that is," she says quietly. I blush a little at her comment. Most girls tend to refrain from making any type of comment that could be construed as flirty around me.
She brushes a few strays of blond hair behind her ear. "Want to meet in the library later?" I ask, my curiosity of Buffy getting the better of me. Normally, I try not to befriend girls due to my reputation in school, and the fear of causing suffering, but Buffy just has this charm about her. She grins at that, her eyes sparkling.
"You mean that?" she asks as I nod my head, wondering what happened to make Buffy so...unsure. I can feel the self-confidence exuding from her internally but it's the complete opposite when it comes to her speaking out loud. The bell rings as I quickly shuffle my items into my book bag.
"I'll see you later. I have to jet to class otherwise Mr. Harrelson will have my hide as usual," I say, a smirk on my face. Buffy nods, her smile faltering for a second, but coming back. I nod my head and dash out of the classroom.
~~~BTVS~~~
I tentatively press a hand against the wooden door leading into the library, peeking through the circular window first, but not seeing any sign of a living person. The door swings back as I enter and am instantly confronted by a tweed jacket wearing man in his forties. I look around, quite startled, and now extremely nervous. He gives me a slight smile.
"Buffy Summers, I presume?" he says, asking me in a manner that says it's not much of a question but more of a statement that he knows who I am. I meekly nod my head as he dashes behind the counter and bends down. "It's been years since I was told that I would be your Watcher. A good decade or so, really. The Council told me that you'd be arriving this week. I must say that I'm quite honored," Giles says, enthusiasm dripping on every word, as he rises and slams a book on the counter. The title says, "Slayers and the Vampyre" as I glance at him, thinking he's crazy.
"I don't think that's what I'm looking for. I don't want you watching me either, that's just creepy on so many levels," I say, backing away a couple steps. He frowns, confusion now appearing on his face.
"They didn't inform you of your role, did they? Blasted...I didn't mean Watcher as in watching you, although that's a part of my role. I'm here to guide you and uh...train you in your fight," Giles says, giving me a soft smile. I frown, looking at him even more cautiously.
"I'm not fighting anybody," I snap back. Giles sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"I'll be glad to explain if you would kindly take a seat," Giles says, pointing at the table. I sit down, but pull a pencil out of my book bag should he try to attack me or something. He walks forward, clearly thinking out what he wants to say. "Contrary to religious mythology, humans were not the first to populate Earth. Eons before humans arrived, demons walked as free as you and I do now. Humans arrived, wiping out the demon populace, and scattering them all over the world. The last demon on Earth bit a human, mixing their blood. Thus came the existence of what is modernly known as the vampire. The Watchers Council, a governmental body in England, has existed for well over five hundred years. Their goal is to wage war against the demons that remain on Earth. They use one instrument as their main source," Giles says, stopping to catch his breath.
"What is that instrument?" I ask, finding myself a little intrigued at that implausible fairy tale.
"The Slayer. In early times, it was one boy who would be chosen. Unfortunately, males turned out to have too many personal conflictions. The Council then resorted to using females. One girl in the entire world, anywhere from the North Pole to the South Pole, can be chosen. That girl is equipped with special abilities. Those abilities vary from girl to girl, although the most common abilities tend to be highly sensitive hearing, quicker reflexes, and healing abilities that are much, much faster than normal humans. Not every girl has all those qualities though," Giles says as I give a soft smile, eyes drifting to the table. Guess I'm missing that healing quality. Giles frowns, but continues his spiel. "You are the chosen one, Buffy. You've become the heir apparent as the Slayer," Giles whispers, clearly in awe of being in my presence now. I blush a little.
"So, what happened to the girl before me?" I ask, curious. Giles winces, turning away now. That's not good.
"Beverly Andrews was killed, as every Slayer is. The longest Slayer to remain on record was Kelly Baker. She lived from 1882 to 1908, chosen in 1898. Most Slayers have a short span unfortunately. We've been studying this phenomenon for decades, with no feasible explanation as to why some girls live longer than others," Giles finishes quietly. I chuckle, earning a surprised glare.
"You expect me to believe this?" I ask, smiling a little at the thought. Giles nods his head, his face extremely serious. I frown now, wondering what mental ward he escaped from.
"It's urgent that you believe this, Buffy. Sunnydale resides on a Hellmouth, the only one known to exist in the Western region. Anything you've imagined to be under your bed, surfaces when dusk falls, although some demons are known to flit about during the daytime as well. Meet me tonight at the Gibson Cemetery, at 9. I promise, this is sadly all too real," Giles whispers. I close my eyes, wondering why I'm even agreeing to this, knowing Mom will beat the shit out of me for leaving.
"You better not try to rape me," I snarl as Giles nods his head, just pleased that I accepted it seems.
~~~BTVS~~~
I push open the wooden door and smile upon seeing Buffy seated at the table. She lifts her head, giving me a small smile, and blushing as she lowers her head back to the worksheet. I wave to Giles, who waves back. Giles and I met a few weeks ago. I've been spending most of my time here, lost in the books, as well as the quiet. I think Giles appreciates the company since not many people come in here. They think it's weird and Giles tends to creep them out. Of course, Xander being the cult leader tends to make other people into sheep. Cordelia as his girlfriend doesn't exactly help matters any.
"Hey, Buffy," I say, jazzed to be with the blond again. I couldn't keep her out of my thoughts at all. Mr. Harrelson sent me to the principal again when I began daydreaming in class. Oh well, not exactly a rarity. Buffy gives me a smile and lifts her head.
"Hi, Willow. I met Xander and Cordelia on my way over," Buffy says, her smile turning to a frown. I wince and rest my eyes on the table, waiting for Buffy to leave. I'm sure she found out what I was. Cordy and Xander probably spared no details either. Xander and I used to be friends until he started dating Cordelia. After that, he did a 180 and became the male copy of her. "You're gay?" Buffy asks, a slightly bemused smile on her face. I can't bear to look her in the eyes at the moment.
"Came out last year," I whisper, hoping Giles doesn't hear me. I glance back over my shoulder, but he's in his office now. Buffy smiles, placing a hand over mine as both of us instantly feel the same jolt.
"I'm fine with it. You're my friend, Willow. Besides, it's not like I'm not used to being stepped on," Buffy states, almost as if she said it everyday. I lift my eyes to hers, frowning.
"Don't you ever get tired of it?" I ask, kind of curious how Buffy can be so non-chalant about such a thing. I hate being walked all over. Buffy sighs, pulling her hand away, much to my displeasure.
"I deal. Most nights, the dreams take whatever happened away," Buffy says quietly. I can tell she wants to get away from this topic. I appease her.
"Want to study at your house tonight? We seem to have gotten a little side tracked here and I don't think-" I begin to ramble, but Buffy cuts me off with a shake of her head.
"Sorry, it's just that my mother and I...have plans tonight. Maybe another time," Buffy says, clearly not happy at turning me away. I swallow the hurt and nod my head, accepting her answer. I wouldn't want to intrude anyway. Buffy glances at her watch, gives me a sorrowful look, and dashes out of the library with book bag flying behind her. I frown after her, puzzled that she didn't even say anything upon her exit. I sigh and gather my books into my book bag, resigning myself to another boring night at the Rosenberg household.
~~~BTVS~~~
I show up at the cemetery right on time, wincing with each breath. I think Mom managed to catch one of the ribs this time. I pull my leather jacket tighter around myself as I walk up next to Giles. He grins, clearly finding the prospect of standing in a cemetery at night with a sixteen year old exciting. I take a deep breath, regretting it with a sharp gasp. Giles glances at me in concern. "It's nothing," I respond, waving a sleeve at him to dismiss the subject out of further discussion. He nods his head as we focus back on the grave. Just then, my worst fear comes to fruition.
"Yes, well. What do you know of vampires?" Giles asks me. I smirk at him, wondering how daft he thinks I am.
"Stake, sunlight, sleep in coffins, pointy teeth," I say, still smirking. Giles gives me a slight scowl and shakes his head.
"They don't sleep in coffins. Rather, the need to sleep in coffins is not a requirement, however some do choose that method when daylight arrives. Viable ways of death can be a stake, sunlight, a bottle of holy water, fire, or decapitation," Giles explains. I nod my head, bored, and eyes closing briefly. I snap them open just then, a hand jutting out quickly disturbs the grave in front of us. I gasp, stumbling back, and onto my butt. I rise to my feet, clenching my fists. Giles hands me a stake as the guy climbs out of his grave. Stinks much? I wince, covering my nose with a sleeve of my jacket while gripping my stake tight. The guy charges at me and I fall onto my back, flipping him over my head. I rise up and smile at Giles, only to get tackled to the ground again. He leans in towards my neck with me struggling, and on the verge of screaming bloody, well, hopefully not bloody murder. I shove him off and stand up, growing seriously annoyed now.
"I think it's time for somebody to die...uh, again," I quip. That'll need some practice of course. The vampire charges and I duck, stabbing him in the chest with the stake. I pull my hand back...and he's growling. I glance at Giles concerned.
"You missed," he says simply. I frown. Damn. I deliver a kick to the groin followed by an uppercut. I swing the stake hard, hitting the heart this time, and watch him disappear in a cloud of dust. I begin to cough, thinking I inhaled some by accident. I hear the crunch of leaves to my right and quickly tuck the stake into my back pocket.
"Buffy?" asks Willow, wearing blue jeans, and a Sunnydale High gray sweatshirt. Fuck. She gives me a hurt look and glances at Giles, now turning her expression into one of confusion as her brows become knitted. "Oh, God. I'm sorry. You're both paying respects, right? I-I'll go then. Sorry for intruding!" Willow squeaks, clearly embarrassed.
"It's cool. We were just finishing up, actually. You can join us. We're likely headed back to the library," I say. Now, it sounds kind of lame. Willow glances at Giles who is wearing a slight scowl. She turns her head back to me.
"Giles doesn't look happy," Willow whispers, pointing her index finger at him. He glares at me as I roll my eyes. I place both hands on Willow's shoulders. Her eyes widen a little, but she stays in place.
"Please?" I whisper, begging. She nods her head, sudden firm serious face in place. I smile and walk back next to Giles. He glares at me but I ignore him. Suddenly I hear growling behind me. I let out a groan of displeasure. Willow turns and shrieks, going backwards so fast that she falls flat on her back. I pull the stake back out.
"Buffy?" I hear Willow ask with concern. I ignore her, my focus being on the guy looking to make meals of us. Giles takes a couple steps back to give me space.
"You didn't even clean up your mess. What kind of manners did your mother teach you?" I ask, rhetorically of course. Well, that sounded better than my first quip. Looks like I'm improving. I duck his charge and instantly see him continuing his path towards Willow. I tackle the guy from behind as Willow whimpers, shielding her face with her hands. "Giles!" I shout. He dashes over, pulling Willow out of harms way. I spin the vampire over and stake him, hitting the ground where a clump of dust now remains. Though I didn't inhale any, so yay again. I get up, brushing myself off. I glance back at Willow who looks confused.
"H-He just went...poof. A-and you staked him, in the heart, like he was a-a vampire or something," Willow stammers. I glance at Giles who nods his head. I step up next to Willow, linking my arm with hers. She looks at me, still very confused. I crack a tiny smile at her confusion. I find it extremely cute.
~~~BTVS~~~
I think my mind's still reeling from earlier in the night. I was taking a walk to try and clear my head a little and spotted Buffy. Come to think of it, seeing Giles there was kind of odd as well. Then that...vampire came up and out went rational thought. I perk my ears back to Giles. He's explained the whole spiel that Buffy seemed to have heard. She's smiling at me. I think she's worried that she broke me. She places a hand on my shoulder and I flinch, not meaning to, but she quickly withdraws her hand anyway.
"Okay, so let me just work this out. Demons inhabited the Earth eons ago. Humans came. Demons vanished. You're apart of some organization that trains Slayers who then kill the demons still on Earth?" I ask, trying to make sure I have this down. Giles nods his head.
"Fun being in the know, huh? I had a few hours head start," Buffy whispers, giving a slightly hard look at Giles. Wait, Buffy didn't know either? Wow...maybe we're the only ones that know. Of course it would explain all of the sudden disappearances and such that occur here in Sunnydale.
"You two should head home," Giles commands. Buffy pales at the mention of the word home, instantly hustling from her chair. I frown at the repeat of this afternoon and glance at Giles, who merely shrugs his shoulders.
~~~BTVS~~~
I glance at my watch, cursing to myself the whole time. My watch reads 10:08 PM. Sneaking in is going to be hard. I walk up the front steps, looking around cautiously. I reach for the doorknob of the front door when the lights flash on and Mom opens the door. She's wearing an angry scowl, the type that somebody wears before they're about to discipline somebody. Of course, I'll be the one getting disciplined.
"It's a school night, young lady," Mom says in a cold, clear tone of voice that holds room for absolutely no arguments. I sigh and lower my head.
"I know," I whisper, silently hoping that she'll be quick this time. Normally she takes her time, which makes the wait even worse. I feel a hand grip my ear hard, twisting it down while dragging me into the house. I hear the door slam shut as Mom lets go of the ear and promptly slaps me hard across the cheek. I wince, head going with the slap to minimize the pain. I close my eyes at this point, gritting my teeth to the point where I'm almost grinding them. I feel a punch to my stomach and instantly fall to the ground. Looks like she's in the mood to take her time. Damn.