Title

Title: Watcher

Rating: PG 13

Relationships: X\F B\A

Story: Action\Adventure

Feedback: In lieu of a Faithbot yeah.

Disclaimer: I don’t own the characters just worship at their altar.

Watcher 1 – Direction Change

The figure watched from the shadows as the raven-haired girl hurried out of the motel, her rucksack slung over her slender shoulder. He had to stop her, couldn’t let her leave, but how? He had to get her somewhere she couldn’t avoid him. A smile flickered across his face. He knew just the place. Turning, he raced back into the shadows. He’d have to hurry, she was way faster than him.

* * *

Tears blinding her, the girl ran into the shadowy alley. It wasn’t her fault, he shouldn’t have been there – what an idiot. Typical, just when things start going just a little better for her – when was she going to catch a break? Suddenly she slowed at the sound of a footstep in front of her. “Who’s there?” For the first time in a long while her voice shook with fear.

“Me.” A tall, dark-haired youth stepped out of the shadows.

The girl’s shoulders slumped in relief. She could handle him. “Get out of the way,” she warned, her voice calm again.

“No, you’re not leaving.”

The brunette’s eyes hardened. “Who’s going to stop me?”

“I am.”

Even in the darkness, she could see the nervousness in the man’s eyes and sense his fear. Not that that would stop him, she knew him too well to ever think that simple fear would ever prevent him from doing what he thought was right. Her voice grew hysterical. “Get out of the way or I’ll -,” her words trailed off as she realised what she’d been about to say.

“Kill me?” The man shook his head. “You wouldn’t.”

“Why not?” she demanded, the tears starting to fall. “I’ve murdered!”

The boy shook his head again. “No you haven’t. What happened tonight was a lousy, stinking accident, a tragedy, nothing more.” The man hesitated. “I’ll help you, we all will. That’s what friends do.”

“You’re not my friend!” she screamed, if she couldn’t back him off with threats maybe insults would work better. “You’re just a one night stand. And a crap one!”

The man winced at her words but didn’t retreat. “”So you don’t like me. Your choice. Mine to like you.” He swallowed. “You’re not going anywhere unless you beat me into unconsciousness and you know leaving me in these streets at night is a death sentence. You’re not cold-blooded.”

She smiled coldly. “Get out of my way geek. I can smell your fear.”

The youth laughed, it was a sound carrying very little humour but plenty of fear. “That’s not fear you smell Faith, that’s my underwear.” The half-smile left the man’s face. “But if you want to run away, you have to go through me.”

“Please,” Faith begged. Why did he have to make things so damn hard? It was better for everybody this way, she was just in the way here. So what if he had a crush on her?

“No.”

“Fine.” Finally her patience snapped. She dropped her bag. “You were warned tough guy.”

Darting forward she slid under the man’s left jab to land a crunching hook to the area beneath his armpit. Even as her adversary let out an anguished grunt, he slammed an elbow into the side of her head, knocking her sideways into the alley’s cold brick wall. The man attempted to follow up with a kick to the small of her back but she spun away from the manoeuvre, avoiding it easily.

“Hitting a lady, I thought you were a gentlemen?” She jibed as she watched her opponent. She’d thought her first attack would end the fight. She’d have to up it a gear.

The man winked at her. “But you’re no lady.”

“That’s just rude!” She attacked again, snapping out a heel-kick aimed at the man’s knee only for her rival to catch the blow with on his mid-thigh with a pained grimace. As the man stumbled in retreat, she followed up with a left hook to the jaw that her rival just managed to sway away from before being caught in the stomach by her powerfully delivered body shot that sent him down on one knee.

Her eyes widened as the youth climbed slowly back to his feet. “Stay down,” she pleaded. Why did he have to be such a hard ass?

“Can’t do that.” The man shook his head. “You need someone to beat your issues out on – looks like I’ve been nominated.”

“Girl’s gotta lot of issues,” the girl surged forward and lashed out with a chest kick. To her amazement, the man slid inside her attack, hooked her round her upper thigh and threw her into the air. Taken by surprise that her adversary knew such a move, she was unable to react with her usual agility and instead of landing with her usual upright grace, she landed on her side, the impact momentarily driving the air from her lungs. “Damn it!” she howled as she sprang to her feet. “Now I’m pissed!”

“Oh shit.” The man weaved away from her first three punches, her anger clouding her aim, but the fourth collided with his forehead, causing the man’s eyes to glaze over and her fifth smashed into his nose, triggering an explosion of blood from his left nostril. The man attempted to pull away but she was merciless, connecting with a trio of blindingly fast kicks to his side and throwing one to his head that he somehow managed to duck under before shooting an elbow that hit her in the chest.

“Strange way to try and cop a feel Xand,” the girl chuckled as she broke off her attack. “You got some nice moves though – been taking lessons?”

“Aikido, judo.” The man’s breath was coming in ragged breaths and his expression was dazed. It wouldn’t be much longer.

“Doesn’t matter,” she shook her head. “You know this can only end in one way.”

“Bring it.”

The girl shook her head in grudging admiration. No one had ever said he lacked guts, brains maybe. Moving forward, she feinted with a left which the man glided under only to walk straight into a pair of quick rights to his cheek. Groaning in pain, the youth staggered backwards but somehow kept his balance. “Please, just give it up,” she whispered. She didn’t want to have to hurt him anymore but she had to get away.

Instead the man counter-attacked, rushing in with a left hook that she caught on her shoulder before knocking his guard away and slamming a knee into his groin. The man let out a croak and slumped to the ground.

“Well Xand, it’s been fun.” Despite her lightly delivered comment, the brunette felt only guilt and sadness as she stared down at the crumpled body lying at her feet. What had happened earlier had been an accident, but this - she’d just beaten the shit out of a guy who’d done nothing but try and be her friend, to pierce the armour of mistrust she’d built around her.

Shaking away her feelings, she didn’t do guilt she reminded herself, Faith sauntered back to her rucksack and picked it up before striding past the crumpled body. And stopping. She walked back to the body and crouched down. “Damn it,” she whispered.

What he’d said was right. Leaving him here in the alley would be like signing his death warrant. She allowed her fingers to lightly stroke his battered face, battered by her. She could leave him here, either he’d get lucky and live, or he’d die. If he died nobody would know her part in it. Except her, she’d know she’d killed one of the few people to ever try and help her, to be her friend. Despite the way she’d sometimes treated him.

The brunette glanced around. She could hide him in a dumper. No. The beasts that stalked the streets would sense him and if they found him and realised who’s friend he was… She shuddered, refusing to finish the awful thought. Finally she sighed in defeat. Damn him for getting involved. If he’d just kept his nose out, she’d be… Running just like she always did when things got tough.

“Time to face the music Faith,” she muttered as she gently lifted the prone man off the ground, cradling him in her arms. “Come on X-Man, you’re going to become the only guy to get a second invite to my room.”

* * *

The brunette tenderly placed her burden down on the motel room bed before stepping back to inspect what she’d done. His own blows had done little effect on her but even though she’d only been going at quarter speed she’d really messed him up.

His forehead and face were horribly bruised, while his nose looked to be broken and all because of her. “Damn it Xand, why do you have to play Mr. Noble?” Steeling herself for the damage, she eased him out of his jacket and shirt. She shuddered at what she’d done, the man’s entire torso was covered in bruises. “God Xand, I’m sorry.”

Biting her lip to prevent from crying, the Slayer rummaged through her bag for her medicine box and pulled out some bandages. She set about bandaging the youth’s torso, muttering heartfelt apologises as she did so, stopping only to occasionally wipe at her eyes. After she’d finished with his ribs she quickly cleaned the dried blood from the boy’s face before easing him under the sheets of her bed.

Faith stepped away from the bed and inspected the body sleeping on it. A small smile tugged at her lips. Even with all the bruises he looked so peaceful lying there.

After placing a pillow on the floor, Faith hesitated. Tonight of all nights she didn’t want to be alone. And even fit, Xander would never try anything he wasn’t the sort. Her decision made, the Slayer quickly stripped and slid into bed beside the boy. On impulse she leaned over and lightly kissed him on the cheek. “Night Xand,” she whispered before turning off the bedside lamp. After a few seconds she pulled one of the man’s arms around her shoulders and draped her own across his waist.

Watcher 2 – Confessions

Xander awoke with a yawn. He looked around the strangely familiar room in confusion, where the hell was he? Then he noticed the beautiful and very naked girl lying half on top of him. His head furrowed in puzzlement, he reached to gently shake the girl awake and let out a groan as pain rippled through his body. Oh yeah, he remembered.

The brunette’s eyes flickered open. “Oh god Xand,” her voice shook. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry,” he hastened to reassure the girl. “It only hurts when I move, speak or breathe.” Seeing tears well up in the girl’s eyes, he ignored the pain to ruffle the girl’s hair. “Hey, don’t worry I’ll be alright in a few days. You didn’t leave that’s the important thing. Besides, I bet your knuckles are really bruised.”

The girl giggled before bursting into tears and pressing into him. “I’m sorry, I killed someone Xander, oh god I’m in so much trouble! What am I going to do?”

The youth allowed the girl to cry into his chest for a few minutes before nervously clearing his throat. “Based on last time, I normally enjoy having a naked Faith lying on top of me but when we’ve got important stuff to discuss, it’s kind of distracting.”

The Slayer’s head snapped up, her cheek crimson. “Oh god, I’ll get dressed.” Jumping up, she turned back to him. “Want anything?”

Xander turned away from Faith’s nude body, his own face colouring. “I can think of a few things,” he muttered before raising his voice. “Some painkillers would be good.” Yeah, distracting was definitely the word.

“Five by five,” the Slayer hurriedly dressed before rushing into the bathroom and returning with a bottle of painkillers that he took with a grateful nod. Faith’s eyes widened as he poured half a dozen tablets down his throat. “Xand, it says only takes two.”

“My ribs, face and nuts,” he reminded the Slayer. When her face fell at his words, he grimaced. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine in a few days.”

“Finch won’t,” Faith whispered.

Xander felt his stomach clench in pain at the misery and guilt he saw on his friend’s face. “Faith, help me sit up.” He groaned as the Slayer eased him upright. “Thanks,” he managed to gasp before pulling the Slayer into his arms, kissing her on the forehead and giving her a hug. “No matter what Faith, I’m in your corner.”

The Slayer wiped away her tears and smiled. “Thanks Xand, you’re the best.”

He grinned modestly and shrugged. “I know.”

The girl giggled. “Modest too.” Faith’s face turned serious. “How did you find out about,” she swallowed. “Finch?”

“Ah,” he reddened. “I’ve been kinda toying with the idea of being a Watcher since last summer when Buff ran away. That’s sort of why I’ve been taking the judo and aikido classes.” He swallowed nervously at the girl’s interested face. Anytime soon she’d start laughing at him who was he kidding? Him, a Watcher like Giles? “Dumb eh?”

“Not from what I saw last night,” the Slayer replied before gently squeezing his hand. “Boy’s got himself some moves.”

“Thanks Faith,” he smiled gratefully. “Anyway I’ve started staying behind in the library reading Watcher Diaries, books on the occult, that sort of thing.” He laughed bitterly. “Beats going home. Last night I was packing up when I heard Buffy coming in, all crying. I started to come out to find out what was wrong. Then I heard her tell G-Man what had happened. G-Man was pretty shook up too but he calmed her down, said that you needed our support and that we’d talk about it in the morning.”

“G’s pretty cool.”

“Yeah,” Xander nodded in agreement. “I thought you’d need someone to talk to so I headed out to your motel. I saw you leaving, figured you’d head to the bus station and I guessed the route you’d take and where to head you off.”

“Why didn’t you just let me go?”

Xander hesitated. “I’m guessing me and you share pretty similar families, aside from your first Watcher no one’s ever cared about you. Well you’ve got people here – me, Buffy, G-Man, Joyce, even Deadboy who do care. You shouldn’t have to run away from that. We’ll work something out between us.”

Faith’s eyes filled with tears before she flung her arms around his neck and began hugging him tightly. “Thanks X-Man,” she muttered huskily.

Xander grinned and ruffled the girl’s hair. “Always a pleasure to help a friend,” he winced. “And you can help me by easing up on the grip, battered body remember?”

“Sorry.”

Suddenly there was a determined knocking on the door. “Faith, I know you’re in there. We’ve got to talk.”

Xander turned to a paling Faith and forced a smile. “It’ll be fine, Buffy will understand. Go open up.”

* * *

Buffy raised her hand to knock again only for the door to open to reveal a grey looking Faith. “Hi B.”

The blonde nodded before walking into the room. “Faith, I’ve told Gil-,” her eyes narrowed at the sight of her friend sat on the bed. “Xander, what are you doing here? And,” she turned a suspicious glare on Faith. “What happened to you?”

“Thank god for Faith,” Xander exclaimed as Faith opened her mouth. “I was in the library when you told G-Man what happened. I thought she might need someone to talk to so I hurried over but on my way here I got jumped by a gang of vamps. I dusted two but getting a pretty bad working over until Faith turned up and saved my ass. Then she brought me back here and fixed me up.”

Buffy looked at her friend sceptically. He was lying but about what she couldn’t tell. She turned to Faith. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t patrol again until we’d sorted out what happened?”

“I was going to run,” her counterpart replied in a whisper. “I was going to dump Xander in my room and leave him.” Faith grinned at her beaten friend. “But he kinda let me know I should stay and what I would be leaving behind.”

Buffy nodded approvingly at Faith before smiling at Xander. “Thanks Xand.”

Her friend grinned back at her before winking at Faith. “Couldn’t let our buddy run out on us.”

Buffy smiled at the embarrassed look on Faith’s face before turning serious. “We have to discuss what happened last night.”

“Buff, can it wait? I’d like you to ring G-Man and ask him to come here,” Xander swallowed. “And ask him to bring Deadboy.”

* * *

Xander took deep breaths to calm his pounding heart. A tearful Faith had just finished telling them about what had happened the previous night. He squeezed her hand comfortingly before starting. “G-Man, have there been any previous cases of Slayers killing innocent humans?”

The Watcher nodded. “Three.”

“What did the Council did in those cases?”

“Xander, I hardly think this is relevant.”

“Humour me.”

The Englishman sighed. “Two cases were quite dissimilar in that they were both murders, in those cases the Slayers were sanctioned by the Council. The third case was quite similar to Faith’s in that it was also accidental, in that case an errant crossbow bolt,” the Watcher hesitated. “That Slayer was also executed by the Council.” Faith let out a gasp of fear.

“Well that’s not going to happen to Faith,” Xander stated defiantly. “Is it G-Man?”

Giles smiled a Ripperish grin. “Too bloody right, no-body gets one of my Slayers.” Suddenly the facade of the middle-aged librarian was back. “I trust you have a plan Xander?”

He nodded uncertainly, his assurance of just a few seconds ago fleeing. “I asked you all here because my idea of what we do next involves you all. And like Faith we’ve all made mistakes.”

He looked towards Buffy. “You’ve run away from being a Slayer twice. Understandable in both cases, still.”

He turned to Angel who nodded in understanding. “Angelus.”

Xander nodded. “Yeah. As for the G-Man, there’s all the Ripper stuff and what happened during Buff’s 18^th birthday. As for me -.”

“Yeah what about you!” Buffy looked pissed, Xander knew she always enjoyed the illusion of her perfection being shattered.

“I remember everything I did as a hyena.”

Buffy’s angry expression changed to one of understanding and sympathy. “Xand, I stopped you. Besides you were possessed.”

“I know but -.”

“Hush,” his friend stood, walked across the hotel room floor and hugged him. “You didn’t do anything, it was the demon.”

Xander smiled. “Thanks Buff. Then there was the love spell thing. I hurt and humiliated a lot of good friends over that.”

Angel chuckled. “I still remember Drusilla kicking my ass for touching her kitten.”

Xander laughed. “Oh yeah, that was seriously scary.” His face sobered. “Then there’s the biggie,” he dropped his gaze to the room’s threadbare carpet. “Buffy, when you went to fight Angelus I...I knew Willow was re-attempting the soul restoration spell. But I was afraid you’d get yourself killed by holding back, so I didn’t tell you.”

Watcher 3 – New Alliances

“You knew!”

Buffy’s angry voice broke the tense silence. The blonde began to rise from her seat only for Angel to restrain her. “Buffy no.” The vampire stood and stalked towards him, an unreadable expression on his face.

Xander felt the brunette beside him tense protectively. “No Faith.”

“He’s not going to hurt you,” the Slayer growled.

“He’s got the right.” Steeling himself, he looked up to see Angel stood before him with a hand out-stretched. After a second he took the hand and shook it in bemusement. “Why?”

“I knew what you’d done when I was in hell,” the vampire’s face shadowed at the memories. “The demons would taunt me, mighty Angelus’ downfall caused by a schoolboy. At first I was so angry,” Angel shrugged. “Then I realised you probably saved Buff’s life. So thanks.” The vampire turned back to his seat.

“You’re welcome,” he muttered in disbelief. Maybe he’d badly misjudged Deadboy after all. Gathering his thoughts, he spoke. “As we’ve all made terrible mistakes and suffered guilt, we all know what,” he squeezed the brunette’s hand, “Faith’s going through. But the others wouldn’t understand and we can’t tell them.”

”Not even Willow?” demanded Buffy.

Xander noticed that the blonde’s eyes still held a glint of anger. Angel might have forgiven him but Buffy hadn’t. “Not even Wills. She’s got a kind of rigid code, which is great, but she and Faith don’t get on. And while she’d never deliberately use it against Faith she might lash out with it in an argument in Wussley’s hearing.”

“Who’d report it to the Council,” Giles commented.

“Yeah.” Xander hesitated.

“So what’s the big plan?” Faith prompted, her eyes dancing nervously.

Let the laughter commence, Xander swallowed. “The reason I knew what happened was because, ever since Buff left during the summer, I’ve been thinking about becoming a Watcher. So I’ve been staying behind to read some Watcher diaries and was in the back when Buff came in -.”

Giles chuckled. The Watcher opened his mouth to speak only for an angry Faith to interrupt, her eyes blazing. “Hey! Xander’s a wicked fighter! Last night I really had to

–,” the brunette’s words trailed off. “Oh crap,” she muttered.

“I knew you were lying!” Buffy started to rise only for Angel to pull her down and silence her with a stern look.

“Great Faith, just great. Way to make a tough situation worse.” Xander groaned. “Last night after hearing what had happened I hurried over to see how she was. I found her trying to leave and tried to stop her,” he grimaced. “Not one of my smarter ideas. Anyway, what’s important is after she beat me up she didn’t leave me in the street.” He hugged the ashamed girl. “She cared enough to bring me back and look after me.”

“Um,” Giles fixed the brunette with a piercing glare before continuing. “I wasn’t laughing at the idea of Xander being a Watcher. On the contrary, before Buffy’s 18^th birthday fiasco, I had been considering recommending both Willow and Xander to the Council upon them finishing their education.” A rare twinkle entered the Watcher’s eyes. “After all how many Watchers have single-handedly prevented an apocalypse?”

“Or backed down a master vampire to save an injured Slayer,” added Angel with a smile.

“Well this is embarrassing,” Xander reddened.

“What’s this?” demanded Buff.

“Yeah spill.” Faith agreed, staring at him with interest and surprise.

“According to my sources, the night we battled the Sisterhood of Jhe, a certain young man who should have been tucked up in bed was in fact in the basement of the school battling a quartet of zombies intending to blow the Hellmouth open with a homemade bomb. I believe there were just seconds remaining on the timer when the timer was disarmed,” Giles explained.

“Wicked Xand! You know what I gave you as a thank you last time you saved my life?”

Xander coughed uncomfortably. “Faith, an audience.” He was far from adverse to the idea of doing the pelvic with Faith again but he’d prefer it without spectators to critique his performance.

Faith giggled. “Then I guess you’ll have to do with a kiss.” The brunette’s lips softly caressed his cheek before she whispered in his ear. “Thanks Xand.”

“How did Faith thank -.” Buffy began before colouring at Faith’s crooked grin. “Oh right. So what’s this about Xander and a Master vampire?”

“When I put you in hospital last year, I turned up there intending to take advantage of you, rape, kill, and maybe turn you. The only problem was Xander was standing guard outside your door,” the vampire smiled at him. “We both knew I could take him, but he wouldn’t back down and I also knew that the time it would take would give security time to get there and save you, so I backed off.”

“Good lord,” Giles looked at him in surprise. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It was nothing.”

“Nothing?” Buffy walked across the hotel room and kissed him on the opposite cheek to Faith. “You’re always saving my life.”

“Some kids collect stamps, my hobby’s saving Slayers’ lives,” Xander grinned before taking a breath. “Look, this is my plan. Faith needs a new Watcher, someone she can rely on, someone who’s not Wussley and is just looking after her, not her and Buffy.” Xander swallowed, this was where everyone started laughing. “So if G-Man will train me in theory and Angel in field work I’d like to try and do the job, unofficially of course.”

There was a moment of shocked silence and Faith let out a joyful squeal and threw her arms around his neck. “You’d do that for me?” she demanded, her eyes shining.

“You’re a friend, of course I will.” Xander glanced nervously at the others. “If G-Man and Angel agree?”

“Well your plan is unorthodox and there’s never been a field watcher your age before but,” a smile slowly spread its way across Giles’ face. “You’ve already proven yourself to be loyal, resourceful and brave, all valuable qualities for a Watcher. And the memories of the Special Forces soldier could be a great asset. So I agree. Angel?”

The vampire groaned. “You realise this means we’ll have to spend time together? I definitely preferred hell.” Finally he nodded. “Redemption’s a real bitch, but I’ll do it.”

Xander smiled in disbelief, they’d actually agreed. “Thanks guys.” He turned back to Faith, his face serious. “But there are conditions.”

“Conditions?” the brunette’s face grew wary.

“First, you have to go to Giles’ twice a week for counselling about what happened with Finch and anything else that’s bothering you.”

”I don’t need a shrink!”

“Giles does the same for Buffy, diff is he can’t do it anywhere were Wussley might overhear. Secondly, you enrol at school.”

“Like hell! I’m a Slayer, not fated for a long life. What’s the point?”

Xander fixed the girl with a glare that caused her mouth to clamp shut instantly. “You’re not dying any time soon, not with all us to help you. You deserve time to be a normal teenager, do ordinary things, time when you’re not thinking about Slaying.”

“Faith he’s right,” Buffy said quietly.

“Thirdly, if Joyce is still offering, you’re moving in with her.”

Faith’s mouth dropped open. “I’m not a charity case.”

“No you’re somebody who deserves to be part of a proper family,” Xander said firmly. “You certainly are worthy of more than this dump.”

“We’d be glad to have you,” Buffy offered. After a second Faith nodded silently, apparently cowed by Xander’s determination.

“Fourthly,” Xander hesitated. This was the one that could get his head torn off, he was just glad Angel and Buffy were here to protect him. “You stop sleeping your way through Sunnydale’s men.”

The raven-haired Slayer’s eyes flashed angrily. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to!”

“I know who I’m talking to,” it took a supreme effort of will to keep his voice steady but Xander managed it. “A beautiful woman who’s passionate, smart, funny and brave. Somebody who is worth more than just being a notch on somebody’s bedpost. Someone who deserves to be loved and valued by someone in a relationship.”

Faith stared open-mouthed at him. Angel chuckled. “That’s the first time I’ve seen her speechless,” the vampire sobered. “I was going to say it’s almost worth agreeing to train Xander to see it, but nothing’s worth that.”

Giles chuckled before breaking into the conversation. “I’d like to add a condition of my own. Xander, you have to move in with either Angel or I.”

“Why?”

The Watcher sighed. “Xander, I know your father hits you. No, don’t deny it, I’ve seen the bruises on the days you haven’t been on patrol.”

Xander flushed at the concerned glances he was getting, embarrassed, he glanced to the floor. “I don’t -.” He started at a gentle squeeze on his arm and turned reluctantly to look at Faith.

“Xander,” the brunette stared at him, her eyes filled with anxiety. “Is G right?” Suddenly choked up with shame he could only nod. “Xand, you deserve to be safe too.”

Finally Xander spoke. “I’ll move in with you thanks G-Man.”

“Well done X-Man.”

The Watcher beamed. “Splendid. And when will the move take place?”

“Tonight,” he answered, might as well get it over with.

“Fine, Angel and I will pick you up then,” Giles replied.

Buffy smiled. “And we can take your things over after patrol Faith.” The brunette nodded.

Xander smiled. “Thanks for coming everyone. G-Man could you drop me off at-,” he started to struggle for his feet only for Faith to grab his hand.

“Please Xand, don’t go. Stay with me until I go onto patrol. I don’t want to be alone,” Faith voice was soft, nervous.

“No problem,” Xander grinned.

Buffy smiled. “I’ll stay for a while too.”

* * *

Giles chuckled as he started his car. “That is a most resourceful and cunning young man. Adding those conditions was a masterstroke.”

Angel looked up blankly from under his blanket on the backseat. “What do you mean?”

“Well the conditions achieve two objectives. One, they combine to give Faith the stability and love she so desperately needs and yearns for. Two, by setting them he’s forced Faith to acknowledge that he’s the boss.”

“And how do you think he’ll do as a Watcher?”

“Whatever occurred between them last night and before we arrived has somehow made Faith more willing to listen to Xander than any of us. And we both know how fiercely protective and loyal Xander can be. He’s not the most academically minded, but in the past he’s shown himself to have a flair for strategy and tactics. But what’s most important is that today he’s declared his priority is Faith. As long as he maintains that, it will do wonders for her self-esteem that someone chose her rather than Buffy.”

“But we’ll have to watch them both.”

Giles nodded in agreement. “Oh certainly. And make sure that Wesley doesn’t have any idea what’s going on.”

Watcher 4 – Family

“So.”

Xander smiled weakly at the two Slayers staring at him. From the looks on their faces he was in big trouble and as usual he didn’t have a clue why. “Hi girls.”

“Hi, he says hi,” Xander was sure he could see steam coming out of Buffy’s ears. “Are you nuts? Just what happened with this zombie gang?”

“Oh that.” Xander went through the entire night, trying to play down all the dangerous bits even as he secretly enjoyed the Slayers’ wide-eyed looks. Once he’d finished the comments began.

“Wolfie ate one of them? Gross!”

“You played chicken with a bomb!”

“So you’re telling us you start the night riding around with a zombie, then you save my life, have sex and then go back to battling zombies? Then the next day you say nothing, just dismantle the bomb and walk off?” Xander nodded. The brunette snorted and shook her head. “B, boytoy’s crazy!”

“It’s been said before.” Xander groaned as he struggled to his feet.

Instantly the brunette was by his side, a look of concern on her face as she allowed him to lean against her. “Where you goin’ Xand?”

“The toilet.”

“Sure,” Faith glanced towards Buffy. “Can you grab the door B?”

* * *

“So what was he like?” Buffy asked as soon as the toilet door was closed. Now Xander was out of earshot she could get some dirt on him.

“Boy’s got some moves. Tough too, kept hitting with punches and kicks but he wouldn’t stay down. Could handle a newbie easy, too smart and skilled for them-.”

“That’s great Faith,” Buffy interrupted impatiently. “Really interesting. But I meant in bed. And unless you’re really kinky...”

“Oh,” a wistful smile flickered across Faith’s lips but was quickly gone. “Interested for yourself B?” the brunette asked, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Buffy blushed. “Bite me, Faith.”

“That’s your boyfriend’s bag,” the brunette shot back. Faith’s face grew reflective. “Considering it was his first time he was pretty good.” The Slayer smiled. “Not bed-rocking but real sweet and gentle; haven’t been with too many guys who treated me nice like he did,” Faith scowled. “Then what do I do to a guy who’s just saved my lousy life and treated me like I was somebody? I kick him out into the street without even a thank you.”

“Oh Faith,” Buffy’s heart broke at the self-loathing she heard in her friend’s voice. She opened her mouth then closed it again when she realised she couldn’t think of anything comforting to say.

“A prince of a guy like Xand deserves his first time to be with a lady not an ungrateful skank like me,” the younger Slayer continued bitterly.

“Bullshit!” the girls turned to see an angry looking Xander stood in the bathroom doorway. “I was lucky, my first time was with a beautiful woman who also happens to be one of the bravest people I know and somebody who honours me with their friendship. I’m your Watcher now and I’m telling you now I won’t allow you talk crap about yourself anymore. Faith, you’re a wonderful person with plenty of great qualities, who goes out every damn night and risks her life to help other people. I’m proud and lucky to call you my friend.”

“That goes for me too,” Buffy added softly even as she smiled at the pride that shone in the younger Slayer’s eyes. Somehow Xander had managed to connect with Faith in a way the rest of them hadn’t. Perhaps it was their similar childhoods that gave her friend a way in or perhaps it was just his compassion that made Faith trust him. Deciding that the two of them needed some alone time she smiled and stood. “I’m going now. See you later.”

* * *

Faith looked up at the man she was snuggled up to and smiled contently. It was the first time she could remember being this near a guy, just enjoying his comforting closeness, knowing that she could trust him not to try anything. “Xand, can I ask you something?”

Xander grinned. “Course you can Faith. After all as your Watcher I am now officially a fount of all knowledge.”

Faith giggled, he was such a goof, before turning serious. “W..why is everybody trying to help me? Nobody’s ever tried to help me before.”

Xander smiled sadly. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Before Buff, G-Man and Joyce came to town, I never really had anybody except Will and Jesse,” her friend’s smile brightened. “Now though you’re a part of our family. You’re in trouble and you need help but that’s what families do, they help one another.”

“Oh,” Faith thought about what her friend had said. Family, she smiled, belonging to something, being wanted for something other than her looks, sounded pretty good. “So what about all these conditions – if you want to help why do I have to do all that stuff?”

“Because,” Xander gently brushed a stray hair off her face. “You haven’t had much of a normal life, been part of a family or gone to school. You deserve a chance to be ordinary, to hang with kids your own age and do what usual stuff teenage girls do.” Xander laughed softly. “Not that I’ve ever thought there was anything normal about cucumber face packs.”

Faith thought for a moment about what Xander had said before looking up at him. Time for some fun. “Xander, about that fourth condition,” she said, her eyes innocent as she started to run her finger in a circular motion across the man’s chest. “Having a steady boyfriend. I can think of one guy who I might be interested in.”

Xander’s eyes widened. “I, um, ah, eh.”

Chuckling throatily, the Slayer leaned over the man and blew in his ear before whispering,” that a yes X-Man?”

“That’s a maybe.”

Faith’s eyes filled with hurt. She thought he’d really cared about her. “What! Good enough to be a one night stand, your friend and Slayer but not girl-friend. Still got a Jonesing for B or is it Re-.”

“Now hold on!” Shocked by the man’s tone, Faith’s tirade petered out. After a few seconds, Xander continued to speak his voice calm again. “Faith, you’ve got to learn to control that temper.” The Slayer flushed red. “What I was going to say is that you don’t know many guys our age and I don’t want to start dating you before you’ve had a chance to meet some people at school. But if after a month you’re still interested..”

Faith beamed. “Promise!”

“Faith, are you crazy? You’re incredible, everything a guy could want, but I don’t want you to be with me because I’m the only choice you’ve got. But if you still want me after a month, then it would be an honour and a privilege to be dating you.”

“An honour and a privilege?” Faith arched an eyebrow, secretly she was delighted with what Xander had just said but she had to keep him on his toes. “One day as a Watcher and you already sound like a junior G.” She giggled at Xander’s horrified look.

* * *

“Are you ready Xander?” Giles asked.

“Guess so.” The youth began to slowly climb out of the car, his head held low. Giles exchanged a worried glance with Angel. When they’d arrived at Faith’s room with Buffy at sundown to escort the two teenagers to their new respective homes, Faith, despite her brash exterior, had been bubbling with eagerness. Xander on the other hand was subdued. Clearly the thought of telling his tyrannical father he was leaving terrified him.

Giles smiled comfortingly at the boy. “It’ll be fine Xander, you’ll see.”

The young man didn’t speak just nodded nervously as he walked up to the front door and opened it before turning back to him and the vampire. “Come in Giles, Angel.”

They’d barely stepped over the threshold when the lounge door flew open. In the doorway stood a towering man in his mid forties with angry brown eyes, a pot belly, and a half –drunk beer in one hand. “Where were you last night you little bastard?” yelled the man, his face reddening. “You had chores to do you lazy brat!”

Seeing the way Xander flinched, Giles stepped between the boy and his father. His face icily polite, he started to speak, his voice stern. “Your son was helping a friend last night. That’s what he does, he helps people. He’s come to collect his things and move out, move in with me.”

“Like hell he is, I need his rent and I’m not letting him move in with a couple of fags even if he is a worthless bastard.”

Giles felt the rage of his youth rise up in him. A scowl on his lips, he started towards the man to give him the horse-whipping he so richly deserved.

But before he’d taken a step Angel was there. Grabbing the surprised man around the throat, the vampire lifted him to arm’s length and slammed him into the wall. “Worthless bastard?” Angel growled, his eyes glittering golden. “That worthless bastard is my friend. That worthless bastard has saved the life of everyone I care about on at least one occasion.” Angel pressed his face into the suddenly pale man’s face. “So if I hear another word from you, I’m going to show you what happens to people who piss me off. Understand?” The man nodded numbly. Angel smiled coldly. “I’m so glad we had this conversation.” After effortlessly throwing the man into the living room, the vampire turned towards Xander and placed a protective arm around the youth’s shoulders. “Let’s get packing Xand.”

* * *

“I’ll be with you in a minute.” Giles watched as Angel and Xander carried the last of Xander’s heart-breakingly few belongings out to the car, he’d have to get the boy some more clothes, before turning and walking into the front room. “Mr. Harris -.”

The man stood, his earlier arrogance returning. “You’re not so tough without the big qu -.”

Giles smashed his forehead into the man’s face, breaking his nose and sending him crashing to the floor. “Shut it,” he growled as he crouched over the man’s body, noting with sadistic delight the blood leaking onto the carpet. “Your son is one of the finest people I know, while you sir are a worthless pillock. If I find out you’ve even looked in his direction, my associate and I will pay you another visit.” The Watcher rose and turned away from the groaning man before turning back and smashing a foot into his ribs. “Good night Mr. Harris. It wasn’t a pleasure.”

Watcher 5 – Why Finch Why?

“Do you have any idea why Xander has asked us both here?”

“No.”

Angel cut short a sigh at the Englishman’s curt reply. The Watcher barely spoke to him, communicating only when necessary to discuss a mission, Xander’s training, or either Faith’s or Buffy’s well-being. He couldn’t blame the Watcher, after all Giles was a lot more forgiving than he’d have been if Giles had murdered Buffy and tortured him. But then, that was hardly likely because Giles didn’t have a raging homicidal demon inside of him; unless you counted Ripper. Still, he missed the burgeoning friendship and mutual respect that he’d shared with the librarian before Angelus. Deciding that any attempt at conversation would be futile, he glanced around Giles’ apartment.

After a few seconds he began to smile. Everything was so quintessentially English, the drapes, the furniture, the first edition works lining the bookcase – Chaucer, Tennyson, Keats, Byron, Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Dickens, the vampire half-expected to smell roast beef and Yorkshire pud wafting through from the kitchen. His smile broadened as he noticed the album collection stacked against the stereo, Buffy had told him about Giles’ taste in music but he’d hardly believed it, the refined librarian into the punk rock and heavy metal of the seventies, impossible? And yet there was the evidence before him.

“What are you grinning at?”

Turning, he realised the Watcher was staring at him with suspicion. Schooling his face back into its customary expressionless, he explained quickly. “Your record collection is surprising – Buffy told me but still – Cream, Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, and the Clash I can just about see you listening to. But Black Sabbath and the Sex Pistols?”

The Watcher shrugged. “The music of my youth.”

“I prefer Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart – the classics.”

“To each his own,” a slight smile tugged at the Watcher’s mouth, “that must make for interesting conversations with Buffy considering her torturous choice in music. Faith’s obsession for the Metal of today isn’t too far from my own youth but Buffy’s taste for the manufactured crap of today makes our training sessions complete torture.”

Seeing an opening, a chance at his first real conversation with the Watcher since Angelus, Angel opened his mouth to begin a discussion about music only for the door to swing open and a worried, yet also excited, looking Xander to bound into the lounge. “Hi guys, sorry I’m late but you know me and punctuality,” Angel hid a smile at the teen’s comment, about the only thing Xander wouldn’t be late for was a fight - then he was usually early.

“That’s quite all right Xander,” Giles’ irritated tone suggested it was anything but, “now I’ve sent Buffy and Faith to patrol the cemeteries furthest away from us so we wouldn’t be interrupted as you requested so can we begin?”

All cheeriness disappeared from the youth’s face leaving only an intent grimness. After a second the teen nodded and sat down beside the vampire, facing the Watcher. “Sure, after Faith killed Finch I got to thinking,” the teen began. “Why was Finch where he was that night?”

“Excuse me?” Angel was puzzled.

“Think about it Angel,” the vampire was pleased when the youth had begun to refer to him by his name rather than Captain Hair Gel, or Deadboy, proof of the way their new relationship had strengthened over the past three weeks since he’d begun training him. “What the hell was a middle-class male, the Deputy Mayor for Christ’s sake, doing in the rough side of town, in the middle of the night? Two, if you’re a normal human and you see a Slayer in full flow fighting vampires what do you do?”

“Running away would be the normal reaction,” Giles interjected.

“And the Watcher wins the prize! Two Twinkies for the intellectual Englishman!” Xander exclaimed. “But according to both our Slayers he ran towards them.”

“He was looking for them,” Angel’s eyes widened in realisation. “Smart thinking Xander, but why?”

The youth beamed at his praise; angering the vampire. It was obvious from the look of stunned joy on the teen’s face at his compliment that his father had rarely noticed him except to heap abuse on him. “Uh thanks Angel,” the youth glanced down at the sheaf of papers in his lap before continuing. “I’ve thought of that too. I waited for a few days until Finch’s disappearance was all over the news before approaching Willow about her doing some background research on our dear deputy Mayor, amongst other various pillars of the community, a project started by Giles but top-secret and using me as a go-between.”

“A project started by me?”

“Well that’s what I told Will. Plausible deniability,” Angel bit back a chuckle at Xander’s wink. Then the youth’s face grew serious again. “Did you know that in the eighteen years I’ve lived here I can’t remember a mayoral election? And,” the youth passed them both photocopies of an early Sunnydale newspaper, “does that man look eerily like our current Mayor?”

“Yes, but that was his grandfather.”

“Was he G-Man?” Xander raised an eyebrow. “Okay then. Here’s another question, why does the Sunnydale PD turn such a blind eye to the homicide rate that makes the West Bank seem like toy soldiers? Answer,” Xander passed them each another piece of paper, “that’s a copy of Chief of Detectives Stein’s Cayman bank account. Ninety grand a year, quite a haul on a Detective’s pay. And a principal’s.” He passed them both another sheet.

“You’ve hacked bank records!” Giles’ eyes were bulging.

“Actually Will did she’s quite the little ferret.” Xander grinned before passing them a third sheet of paper. “And that’s our esteemed Mayor’s bank account; note the regular payments to Wolfram & Hart in L.A., who according to my sources is a demonic law firm. Also note the payments to Sarlku Anduv, a known dealer in black arts artefacts, and there are other payments to other organisations with murky if not demonic origins.”

“You have sources?” muttered Giles. Angel just sat open-mouthed.

“Don’t ask you really don’t want to know. Just don’t look too closely at your bank account this month; there’s been a few withdrawals.” Giles groaned; Angel was once again profoundly grateful the teen had chosen to live with the Watcher rather than him. “I also did a recon of the grounds of the Mayoral mansion and the mayor’s got some very interesting guard dogs, the sort that turn to dust in sunlight.”

“You did a reconnaissance on your own!” Angel roared. “That was so stupid!”

“I needed to check a few things,” Xander shrugged.

“So I trust your findings have allowed you to come to a conclusion.”

“Oh yeah,” suddenly Xander’s eyes hardened, all the humour usually there disappearing to be replaced by a chilling coldness that Angel remembered from the night his soulless alter-ego had been backed off by the youth. “I’ve come to a few conclusions. Richard Wilkins had been Mayor of this town since it’s inception one hundred years ago. If he’s human at all, which I kinda doubt, he’s made some sort of pact with a demon, hell maybe a whole bunch that’s allowed him to live this long. And that he’s planning something big called an ascension.”

“Good lord,” Giles’ head snapped up, “did you say ascension?”

“That mean something to you G-Man?”

“Indeed it does, simply put ascension is when a demon ascends, becomes more powerful and grows to a size unlimited by this environment.”

“And for those of us in the intellectual cheap seats?”

“He means that a demon becomes the size and power it would usually be in its own hell dimension,” Angel explained.

“How much bigger and more powerful are we actually talking?”

“Anything between 3 – 10 times,” Angel replied grimly, his mind filled with some of the images he’d seen during his time in hell.

“So not a world of fun then?”

“No Xander, not a world of fun.” Giles replied. “The only question is what we do about this piece of information?”

“Oh that’s simple,” Xander broke in, “we blow him up.”

“Yes but we don’t know when or where he will ascend,” Angel pointed out.

“Funny that,” Xander retorted, his eyes once again filled with the cold grimness that the demon within him remembered. “I wasn’t planning on waiting until then.”

“What!” Giles leapt to his feet, “are you completely barking? We can’t kill the Mayor, he’s human!”

“A hundred years old, looks like he’s in his mid-forties, and still human?” Xander raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t sound very human to me.”

After a second the Watcher nodded. “I reluctantly concur, but I don’t believe Buffy would agree.”

“I wasn’t planning on informing her,” Xander sighed, “after what Faith’s been through, I don’t want her involved, and as for Buff, let’s face it G-Man what we’re doing her is a simple pre-emptive strike on from what you and Angel say could be possibly her toughest opponent to date.”

Angel raised a tentative hand, he’d thought of another problem. “With all the research Willow’s done won’t she be suspicious?”

“Thought of that,” Xander replied quickly, “she’s seen the bank accounts, seen the records of Wilkins’ dealings with demons. If she asks we just blame it on one of the deals going sour. So what do you say?”

Angel hesitated, given the evidence the Mayor was obviously a very bad person, if he could be strictly classed as human anymore, and doing this would help protect his Buffy. After a second he nodded. “The girls must never know. Giles?”

The librarian nodded. “I’m in, now the next question is how to we get the explosives required?” the Watcher’s eyes grew gleeful, “I remember an old recipe, now how did it go?”

Both Angel and Xander stared at the Englishman. “Just what did you do in the seventies?” the vampire asked.

Xander grinned. “From the sound of things the question should be what didn’t he do?” the youth corrected before continuing in a more serious tone. “Don’t worry about the explosives; I’ve got a load of C4 in the garage.”

“Tell me you’re bloody joking!” Giles looked seconds away from a hear attack.

Angel saw the youth swallow nervously. “Don’t worry G-, Giles. The detonators are in my room, there’s no chance of an explosion.”

“And what about the Feds? And how did you manage to get hold of -, no I don’t want to know.” Giles took a breath. “Tomorrow night, what’s the plan Xander?”

* * *

“So you’ve got the plan?”

Angel sighed. “Xander, it’s not exactly brain surgery. Giles waits out here in the car in case of trouble,” he glanced across the road to the shotgun-wielding Watcher sat in the front of his car, “I get you inside the grounds,” he stared towards the 4 storey building, “and act as your look-out and muscle while you plant the explosives. Now are you ready?” The youth nodded nervously. “Great,” grabbing the teen’s collar, he flexed his thighs and leapt to the top of the eighteen foot wall surrounding the hushed building.

“Wow that was quite a ride!” Xander yelped excitedly.

The vampire grimaced. “For god’s sake Xander, vampire security remember?” he hissed, “just whisper.”

“Oh sorry.” The youth glanced down at the grass below them how are we going to get down. Angel picked the youth up and cradled him in his arms. “Why Angel,” Xander said breathlessly, “you’re so masterful, I never knew you felt this way.”

The vampire’s eyes rolled back. “Xander, shut up.” Angel dropped off the wall, bending his knees to absorb the landing. “So everything okay?”

The teen glanced inside the army surplus bag slung over his right shoulder. “Everything’s fine. Detonators and explosives undamaged.”

“Good, then let’s get it done and get out.”

The first three lots of explosives were planted without incident but on the fourth, Angel cursed as he sensed the approach of one of his brethren. Reaching out he grabbed the crouched teen by the scruff of his neck and lifted him into the cold night air. “Vampire,” he muttered. “Pretend to be scared.”

“Who’s pretending?”

The vampire who stepped out of the shadows was tall and stocky dressed in a style that dated as being turned in the late fifties. “What are you doing here?” the newcomer growled in a Texas twang.

“Heard the Mayor’s the big man in these parts,” Angel explained, “come to pay my respects. Is he in?”

“He’s in. He doesn’t see visitors though, not here.”

“He’ll see me,” Angel blustered, he’d already known the Mayor was home, they’d seen his limousine drop him home three quarters of an hour. “Brought him a present.” He lifted Xander towards the other vampire.

The other vampire shook his head. “Sorry buddy,” he drawled, “Mayor Wilkins is not like that, he doesn’t eat kids.”

Angel shook his head. “Look closer, don’t you recognise him? He’s one of the Slayer’s buds. The Harris kid.”

“Really?” Distracted, the other vampire stepped towards Xander, giving Angel the chance to dip his free hand into his coat’s pocket and pull out a stake, before the other vampire even realised it he slammed his stake into his chest, causing the vampire to explode into dust.

“Have I told you how much I hate being the bait in one of your traps?”

“You’re still breathing aren’t you?” Angel placed the teen back on the ground. “Now get on with setting the explosives.”

Xander grinned at him. “Am I sensing a mutiny in the ranks?”

Angel sighed; he felt a Xander-shaped headache coming on. “Just get on with it.”

* * *

Giles hid his nervousness behind a mask of cool indifference. His part of Xander’s plan was the most important if they hoped to get away with their execution of the Mayor without the others finding out. He glanced at the teenagers sat around the library desk and began talking. “I’m sure you’ve all seen this morning’s paper -.”

“Oh you saw it too. I’m sure it must be a crime, a 50% sale at Top-Scale Fashions. I mean that’s all very well but does anyone else consider what putting labels in the price range of the average person could do to the social hierarchy?”

“Cordelia,” Giles sighed, “I was referring to the bombing of the Mayoral mansion last night.” He saw Willow’s eyes flicker, she would be the toughest to convince, considerably smarter than the , Giles only hoped that she was still naive enough to believe that good guys didn’t do things like this. For all sorts of reasons. “What some of you are unaware of is that over the past few weeks since the mysterious death of the Deputy Mayor,” Faith’s face paled, he gave her a reassuring smile, “I’ve had Willow investigating the Mayor to see if there was any possible reason why the Mayor might want Mr. Finch dead.”

“Why wasn’t I informed?”

As usual the Watcher ignored Wesley or ‘the prat’ as he’d begun to mentally call him. “While Willow,” he smiled at the girl, “didn’t unearth any specific information relating to Finch, she discovered other information that was perhaps even more disturbing. The Mayor was apparently doing business with a number of major figures on the demonic scene, as well as bribing a number of people including our own esteemed Principal to turn a blind eye to his activities while obstructing . I believe that it’s possible that the Mayor double-crossed one of his partners resulting in today’s headlines.”

“This mean we’ve got some new player moving in on our territory G?”

Giles took a minute to translate Faith’s question into an English he understood before answering. “No, I don’t believe so,” he replied carefully, he didn’t want to needlessly alarm his Slayers, on the other hand in their business complacency was a killer. “But it wouldn’t hurt to perhaps check out Willy’s, keep an ear to the ground, that sort of thing. And even if there isn’t a new player in town, there is a power vacuum, things may get chaotic for a while.”

“Five by five,” Faith winked at him, “girl likes it wild.”

Giles winked back at the brunette. “So I’ve heard.” He was most pleased by the stunned look on the Slayer’s face at his retort.

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