Russ – Yep, blame Justin. Blame him for the next update too… No no no… More funny feedback! I need the humor in my life. Yeah, I probably would have noticed boats in the streets although we’re having a cool wave and it’s only 95 today!
YunaMaClay – Go ahead and blame away. I’m glad you’re liking GSA. I think it’s great. Enjoy.
mollyig – Thanks. Yep, strengthening. Talking coming right up…
Title – School Days
Part 23 - Views
Author – JustSkipit - Debra
Spoilers – Geez! Even in Europe, the show has been off the air for a year. If you haven’t seen any given episode, you aren’t really trying. Nonetheless…
Note about this part – First off, sorry for the delayed update. I had this part started on time and made good progress. And I finished it. But I hated it. I didn’t like the point of view at all and didn’t think that the update worked.
So this part is a rather large diversion from the writing style and point of view of the story up to this point. I hope that you find that this approach works well.
Rating – Part 23 - PG
Disclaimer – Guess what… I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental and fortunate.
Thoughts in italicsOk, why isn’t she answering the door? I waited around the school for a few minutes but her Jeep wasn’t in the lot. Now I’ve been standing here knocking for at least five minutes with no response at all. It’s probably really bothering the cat too. And what am I going to say when she does answer the door? “Hi Willow. I’m so so so sorry about kissing you yesterday like some horny teenager or crazy and immature adult. It was all my fault and … and … and…” Oh yeah, that’s definitely going to go over well.
God, I can’t believe this. I mean I was all right with the whole “be in love with a student but keep your hands off” plan but then yesterday that spell was just amazing. I don’t even remember leaning forward to kiss her but then I was and it was the most incredible feeling I’ve ever had. If I hadn’t known that I was in love with her before the kiss, it definitely sealed it. Oh Goddess!
This really is a Hellmouth isn’t it? I mean what are the chances? Faith and I move here to fight evil in general and vampires in specific and instead I manage to fall in love with a teenager and probably ruin my career. What ever happened to good old-fashioned apocalypses?
And standing here making my knuckles swell isn’t going to help me.
I turn and walk down the porch stairs and start back toward the school and our apartment beyond. Great, a nice three-mile walk to really round out the afternoon. I should have stopped to get my bike from Willow’s truck before running away yesterday. Oh yeah, that would have been so smooth: “Hi. Sorry I ran away but can I get my bike to run away even better now?” Very smooth.
Not that running away was that smooth.
“Tara, right?”
The voice shocked me from my self-admonishment. Not that I need that much more admonishment. I mean I spent all afternoon and all night last night beating myself up for my bad judgment.
“Um… Dawn?” I asked as I recognized the girl Willow had pointed out as her friend and Buffy’s sister.
“Do you live this way?” She asked, clearly puzzled to see me in this area. Yep, that’s right folks, us po folk live the other direction.
“I w-w-was looking for Willow,” I explained.
“Oh,” Dawn smiled, “she’s at our house. She was upset about something and left immediately after school.” She complained, “Like she couldn’t give me a ride home just because she’s so upset.”
“A-at your h-house?” I confirmed hoping that Dawn would agree to take me there. Then I could talk to Willow and at least feel better about everything.
“Yeah,” Dawn answered, “do you want to come with me? You just passed it a few blocks ago.”
“S-sure,” I answered. Stupid stutter.
We started walking and I knew that Dawn was checking me out, trying to figure out what was up with me. “Are you ok?” she asked. She’s kind of sweet.
“Um… y-yes.. f-fine,” I answered.
“Yes,” she answered dryly, “because your good mood is both obvious and contagious.”
“I just n-need to talk to Willow about something that happened,” I explained hoping that she wouldn’t ask for details. I mean, what could I say? “Oh, I practically molested your sister’s best friend and now my career is probably over.”
I was caught off guard by Dawn’s next question: “In class?”
“What?” I responded quickly, “no not in class. I mean Willow isn’t in any of my classes. I only teach Junior English and she’s a Senior.”
“You teach Junior English and Willow’s a senior?” Dawn repeated slowly. She had a strange look on her face but I’m not sure why. Suddenly she got very cheery. “Do you like teaching?”
Finally. A topic I could talk comfortably about. I probably was too much of a chatterbox but I filled what could have been an awkward silence for the next block and a half until we reached a house with a mailbox out front that said: “Summers.” I’m not sure I had known Buffy’s and Dawn’s last names.
Dawn bounded up the porch stairs with a sudden and surprising burst of energy. “Willow!” she shouted, “I have a surprise for you!”
“Dawn Summers!” Willow shouted back as she came down the hallway toward us, “how many bloody times have I told you not to shout in the house? And how many times have I told you not to touch my computer? You lost five days of my work and now I’ll have to spend the weekend recreating it!” God, I didn’t even know Willow could get that angry. If she was a cartoon, she would have had steam or smoke coming from her ears. I guess getting molested by a teacher didn’t really improve her mood.
“Fine,” Dawn answered angrily, “sorry I bothered you then.” She started to stomp up the stairs before telling the redhead, “and you’re not Giles so don’t even try that ‘bloody’ thing!” A moment later I heard a door upstairs slam shut.
Willow sighed and looked like she was slowly counting to ten in her head or something. “Tara,” she breathed, “I’m really sorry about that. I don’t usually go off on her like that but she just doesn’t respect other people’s things. Just the other day she wore a pair of Buffy’s favorite pants and you don’t need to hear this at all. I’m sorry I guess I’m really nervous and I’m glad you came by and do you want to sit down?” She waved her hand toward the living room.
How does she do that without passing out? I think if I ever said that many words I’d lose consciousness.
I couldn’t even bring myself to say one. I nodded and silently walked into the living room. A couch and a chair: I took the chair. What if I had taken the couch and she had also sat there? No, the chair is a much better choice.
“I’m sorry, Tara,” Willow said as she was sitting down, “I mean about yesterday. I mean it was a mistake and I’m so sorry and I can totally understand why you ran out.”
“No, I’m sorry,” I said, “I s-shouldn’t have… I mean… I’m so sorry Willow.” I hated that it seemed that she was blaming herself.
“You shouldn’t be sorry,” Willow argued, “I’m the one… I mean totally the one. Yep, the one is me who should be sorry.”
Goddess, she’s the most adorable creature on the planet. When she concentrates, the tip of her tongue sticks out. It’s just the best… Argghhh!
“We’re both sorry,” I summed up. Then the biggie: “I was going to g-go and file a report in the morning.” And ruin any chance I have of finishing my teaching certificate or ever getting a teaching job. Way to go Maclay.
“Oh,” Willow seeming somewhat surprised at my plan, “I can do that. I mean if you’d prefer.”
I took a deep breath. I needed to put some distance between us--some authority. “What happened was inappropriate and I think that the authority f-figure needs to take some responsibility for it.” Oh yeah, that sounded very authoritative except for the stupid stutter. “You know, the student/t-teacher aspect?”
“The authority figure,” she echoed quietly looking like she’d just been admonished. I didn’t mean to make her feel like a kid. It’s just that I need to put the distance between us.
“Would you like to do it together?” she asked. I guess she wanted to get to tell what I did. Actually it was a good idea.
“Sure,” I agreed, “let’s meet at 8:00?” Great, 16 hours till I destroy my life. Ok, till I finish destroying my life. Melodramatic much, Maclay?
I stood up nervously. We had nothing else to talk about so I better go. “Is my bike…?” I started.
“Oh,” Willow answered, “it’s on the back porch.” She turned and went down the hallway.
--
The war of 1812 was in 1812. Ok, that seemed likely anyway. I should have let T clep this class for me when she did hers. But no. I wanted to have integrity and take all my classes myself. So here I am having to take stupid Freshman level History my final year of college. Like T’s integrity is doing her so much good.
I mean, sure kissing Red was a dumb thing to do but going and reporting it is even dumber. Why not just say, “It can’t happen again” and move along? I’d be sorry we moved here except the fighting is awesome. We never had this many vamps in Cleveland. And then there’s Buffy to fight during the day. Actually I wonder if she’d want to try taking on some vamps at night? She’s got the moves.
Light knocking interrupted my return to studying but I didn’t feel that disappointed. I mean, how sad can you be about missing a few minutes of studying? I’m taking it pass/fail anyway so I only have to make a 70. “Hold your horses,” I called toward the door as I shut my book and walked over. There was a sword in the corner behind a plant but hopefully it blended in with the “décor.”
“B,” I smiled as I saw the blonde on my porch. What a surprise. “Slumming?”
“What?” Buffy answered, “I … uh… did you lose this?” she asked, holding out her hand.
“Come on in,” I said as I took a step back. She came in and shut the door behind her still holding out her fist. I put mine under hers and then raised it to slowly caress her skin. Nothing like a little touch to try and start something moving between us.
“Is it yours?” she asked somewhat breathlessly.
Good, the caress worked. I opened my hand to see a leather cord and a handful of wooden beads.
My bracelet!
“Thanks, B,” I told her sincerely, “T would kill me if she knew this broke yesterday while we were sparring.”
“Anya found it when she was cleaning up and I thought it was probably yours,” Buffy explained.
“You want a drink?” I offered as I turned toward the kitchen and saw her nod. I dumped the bracelet parts in a cup so none of them would get lost and returned with two beers. I don’t know if Tara could use the same parts again or if she would need entirely new stuff but I didn’t want to lose any of it. She’d be mad enough about my not wearing it. Note to self: Keep eyes extra open for demons in the house. Without the bracelet, I’d have to notice them myself. Woo hoo.
I handed Buffy her drink and clinked them together. “To worthy opponents,” I whispered. Damn, that woman was definitely worthy. I hadn’t yet found her limit in sparing and I was going nearly full-speed and full-strength. I wonder about her stamina?
“What’s the smirk for?” Buffy asked.
“What smirk?” I argued. Ok, I was definitely smirking. I mean I’ve been with a lot of women. Wait, let me amend that. I’ve been with A LOT of women. But this one’s got moves. I wonder what kind of moves she would have in bed.
B seemed to take a deep breath before she stepped closer. “I bet I could get that smirk off your face,” she whispered.
Ok, I know I challenge when I hear one.
I was going to grab her and kiss her hard but I didn’t have the chance. My beer bottle fell to the floor as she pressed our lips together. God, it was like the woman needed me like her life’s blood. Her softness and her strength warring as our mouths crushed together. It only took a step back to pull her down on top of me onto the couch.
--
CRAP!
I jumped from the couch the moment I felt the vibration in the bracelet. Ok. Let’s try to think logically. I took a few deep breaths. A demon is in our yard. It’s daylight so it’s not a vampire unless it’s covered with a blanket, which isn’t very cool. Could be a benign demon but what would one be doing at our house?
And Faith said she was studying this afternoon.
I’ve got to get there.
Now!
“Willow!” I shouted down the hallway as I saw her wheeling my bike. “I n-n-need a ride h-home,” I pleaded.
“I thought you wanted your bike,” Willow argued. Of course it wouldn’t make any sense to her.
Sorry, your girlfriend has just lost her mind.
Change that:
Your inappropriately in love with you teacher has just lost her mind.
The vibration intensified. Goddess, that’s a strong demon. And now it’s in the house.
“P-p-please,” I begged as I stood by the front door, “hurry!”
--
I had no idea what was upsetting Tara so badly but I wasn’t about to deny her anything. I think I’d really done enough already. What with dating her and then kissing her. And she was right. It’s all my fault. Teacher and age and power differential and everything. Well, we’d make our report in the morning and it will be in the open.
Yeah, and then you have no job. Back to hacking I guess.
I grabbed my keys and shouted to Dawn that I was going out, slamming the front door harder than I intended on the way. By the time I reached the Jeep, her hand was on the handle. I popped the locks and we both jumped in. Seeing how upset she was, I started the ignition without even getting my seatbelt fastened and started from the driveway while fastening it.
“Th-th-that way,” Tara pointed and I laid rubber turning right. Actually it was kind of cool. Like being in an action movie where the two female leads need to stop a crime and they only have two minutes to get to the day care center and they have to race through intersections and screech around corners.
My head!
It’s a wonder I don’t get headaches from the things I think. I made a few more turns according to Tara’s nearly panicked directions. And glanced out the corner of my eye. Tara was biting her lip in frustration and obvious fear. I couldn’t imagine what had her so upset. She played nervously, almost obsessively, with the bracelet she always wore. “What’s wrong, Tara?” I asked as I reached out to pat her hand.
Perhaps it shows just how upset she was that she didn’t even try to push my hand away.
“W-w-we have to g-g-get h-h-h….” She gave up after that and I speeded up.
“Whatever’s wrong,” I tried to assure her, “we’ll take it on together.” Who knew if she trusts me but we’re both witches and surely we can do something.
“Here!” she shouted and I slammed on the brakes to turn sharply into a gravel driveway next to a big white house. Before I even got the car turned off, she was jumping from the front seat. I expected her to run into the house but instead saw her sprinting toward a small garage at the end of the driveway.
--
I frantically pulled open the door knowing that Willow was right behind me. I felt reassured that she wanted to help but wasn’t sure if I wanted to drag her into the demon-fighting life Faith and I lead. Just because she’s a witch doesn’t mean she should have to spend her time doing this.
“Faith!” I shouted as I stepped in and saw them.
I knew it! I knew there was something completely suspicious about Buffy. Faith was pinned beneath the blonde, struggling against her. Buffy had each of Faith’s wrists in her hands and both girls turned their heads toward the door. I could see the look of horror on Buffy’s face as she realized she’d been interrupted in her attack.
--
Buffy?
Buffy?
I mean for real.
My best friend. My best straight friend. My best friend who happens to be straight.
Ok, my best friend who says Faith makes her feel bendy. Completely making out with Faith. The shock and anger on Tara’s face was surprising. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe they are a couple. But Tara’s never acted like they were a couple so why the upset?
I was so busy attempting to understand the scene that I didn’t even notice Tara readying the spell that she cast a split-second after we entered the room.
“Separate,” she said through clenched teeth and Buffy tumbled to the floor. Instantly Faith stood and easily caught the sword Tara flipped her from the corner.
“Demon!” Tara accused pointing at Buffy. Buffy’s wide eyed gaze caught mine as she was pinned to the floor, now by the tip of the sword Faith held to her throat. Its sharpness was made evident by the drop of blood forming at the point. “She set off the a-alarm,” Tara added, “she’s a demon.”
No one moved for perhaps a half a second, maybe more. Maybe a full second as I attempted to reason this out.
The bracelet.
The bracelet.
What happened with the bracelet? Tara was fine … until … Until Buffy arrived and set off some sort of protection spell she set on the apartment. They thought Buffy was a demon because she set off the alarm.
“She’s not a demon,” I shouted, “she’s the Slayer!”
Tara and Faith looked to me before glancing at each other. Then I heard them ask in unison: “What’s a slayer?”
MoveOn.Org
American Civil Liberities Union
Human Rights Campaign
by Shy One » Sun Aug 01, 2004 12:15 pm 
, please 
let them get together and explain that it's inevitable, when you have a connection like this one, anything can't stop it, you could delayed it, but our ladies are getting closer.
Anyway I'm now going to blame you for my lack of sleep (if you don't mind that is). I've currently spent two days with next to no sleep reading AntogoneUnbound's Gods Served and Abandoned, and unfortunately haven't finished. Yet I'm dead exhausted and darn life seems to keep getting in the way 
And since you recommended her I blame you 
Hope you at least enjoy reading this. Well at least as much as I'm enjoying writing it. Now I'm off to 
Though not from what I usually see people around here doing it for.... it seems to be when Willow and Tara are in the middle of sharing some *clears throat and grins* "special" moments.... or shagging like bunnies. Whatever you want to call it. Anyway Just wanted to thank you for the recommendation. Hmm This paragraph seems to be a little too long but it's 2 AM here and I'm going on maybe a couple of hours of sleep. Have a good day/night.
Although with the whole report of the incident thing im not sure how you could 
and then on top of all that the slayer secret is revealed! I cant wait to see Tara and Faith's reaction when they find out that Faith is in fact a slayer also! What a cliffhanger... I can't wait to read more
.
Then being just as evil as you are he'll decide to not tell them THE TRUTH. He'll interview them seperately and give them both a stern telling off. and then he'll send a memo round the school making sure that no one gives the game away.
As if that's not enough you end with that cliffhanger!! They were just about to find out everything! You evil woman! I'm really really loving this fic but it's driving me insane!
ish
ock
