NC-17.  M/F, M/M, F/F.  Slight mentions of Sam/Dean, mostly sleeping.  Dean/Xander eventually.

Notes:  Buffy:  Glory never happened.  This basically takes a right turn after the Initiative mess, though we did lose Tara for a few days.  So include all the mess of Willow going all dark magic.  Supernatural:  have just recently seen the first few eps.  Am watching them now.

Notes 2:  yes, I know I'm switching gender pronouns for Xander at first.  It's to show his gender confusion.  As he comes to accept his female identity it'll stop being that way.  Thank you.

The woman on the side of the road watched as the headlights came her way, then calmly pulled out a revolver and shot the back tire on the passenger's side, watching as the car skidded a bit but eventually came to a halt.  Two very angry men got out and she held up a hand.  "If I hadn't, you'd be in the hospital tonight from the car wreck.  There's going to be an oil spill in about ten minutes and you'd have run into it when Pastor Jim didn't answer his door because he's drunk off his ass and leering."

"What the fuck?" one of them shouted, glaring at the dark figure.  "What gives you the right...."

She stepped closer so they could see her.  "The Powers That Be sent me, Dean.  I'm here to help your stupid ass."

"You shot my car!"

"You were going to end up in the emergency room tonight," she shot back.

"I don't care!  You still shot my fucking car!"  He stalked toward her but she pulled the gun again.  "Uh-huh.  Big help there," he said, glaring at her.

"Shut up and listen then!" she shouted back.  "I have a reason for what I did!  Okay?  If you'll listen for about ten seconds, there's a damn good reason I shot the bald tire!"  He gaped and his brother huffed and moved closer to him.  "We have a mutual problem.  They sent me to you so we can help each other."  She pulled something off her neck and held it up once the gun was back in her holster.  "Virgin blood of a warrior called to fight the dark.  One of the five things you'll need to get free of the deal you made."  They both gaped.  "I'll even help change the tire."

"No spare, dumbass," Dean said, glaring at her.  "How do you know us?"

The woman grinned.  "The same way I knew about Pastor Jim, dumbass.  Like you're the only ones in the world?  Hello, not that alone."  She walked over and grabbed a tire, bringing it back.  "It's bald anyway."  She handed it over to the shocked younger man, grinning a bit.  "Hi."  She looked at Dean again.  "We can talk while we change it, after we change it, or at Pastor Jim's but I'd hate to have to smack him because he's drunk and leering.  Your choice, bright boys."

"How did you know about the deal and what we do?" Dean asked again, moving closer.  He was not going to let this one get anything over on them.  She might be a demon.

She picked him up by his beltline, holding him up.  "I'm a slayer."  They both gaped.  "I may run in other circles, but I have an issue and you have an issue.  I can help you with  yours and mine can end the fucking world.  Your choice to help each other or not.  Do you really want to lose both of you?  Because if you go, they'll take your brother while he grieves."  She put him down, staring at him.  "It's not the normal way but I couldn't take the drunken leering and the oil truck is about to tip over around the bend.  Broken ribs suck ass and we'd be behind gathering the other four things you need to save both your lives."  They both looked over as Sam moaned and grabbed his head, but she walked over to help him lean against the side of the classic car.  "In and out, Sam.  Deep breaths.  You can get through this one."

"You know seers?" Dean demanded.  Maybe there was a reason but he was still going to beat her bloody for hurting his car and trying to take care of his brother.

"My ex is the newest messenger for the Powers That Be.  Hers killed her."  She saw the horrified look.  "She was fully human.  He's not now.  Again, that can be cured."  She stroked down Sam's arm.  "Come on, focus on the external.  You can come out of it, Sam."  He shook his head quickly and she grinned. "Okay?  Or at least better?  No brain splitting headaches?"

"No," he said weakly.  He looked at his brother.  "I saw a guy sent to us."

She pulled out a wallet and held up the ID.  "That was me three weeks ago."  Both guys looked then gave her horrified looks.

"A witch?" Dean demanded.

Xander nodded.  "One who made the same deal you did to get back her heart."  They groaned.  "Taking her out will destroy this plane.  Of course, she was smart enough not to use her soul.  She traded mine without my consent."  They both groaned.  "I can fight it without what you need since you willingly made the deal.  Until then, I need help with a few things and you need help finding the other things.  Now, want to get with the tire changing?  I've got to call someone once the truck hits a pothole so they can make sure no one else crashes."

"Who are you?" Dean demanded.  "This is all too sweet and packaged."

She grinned.  "I'm Alexander Harris.  I fought with the slayer Buffy."

"Huh?"

"Slayers are a rumor," Sam said, looking confused.

Xander shook her head.  "No, they're not.  They're in a different circle, but they're not a rumor.  I'm pretty sure you've run into the Watcher's Council before, at least the edges of it."  Sam muttered something but nodded, crossing his arms over his chest.  "They're over the slayers.  Buffy's the current senior one.  A few  years back I brought her back to life after a drowning so now there's two."  They both hissed at that.  "Yeah, majorly screwed the system."  He stepped closer.  "Anyway, have you heard of us?"  They shook their heads.  "Good, finally.  Pastor Jim had and he burst out swearing when I showed up and put my ID in front of him before asking that he call you two.  The vision I got from the Powers said that we should help each other.  If Willow is taken, the world ends.  If I go, I'm not so sure it won't invalidate it and take Tara back as well, which will leave Willow ending the world in her grief.  We stopped her the last time.  I stopped her the last time," she said honestly.  "At the moment, she's got ten months."

"She couldn't get a full year?"

"They're not bound, Sam.  They're lovers, but no binding between them other than shared magic.  Before you say it, Tara's a sweet woman.  She's a pure soul.  Even having to slay with us she's a pure soul.  She deserved to ascend and Willow cast the deal.  Tara tried to go back because of what she did."  They both slumped, understanding how that went.  "Willow did this after killing the person who killed her accidentally and then trying to pull up an ancient temple.  I'm sure you two felt what was called a soul's shudder a little over a month ago?"  Dean shuddered at that.  "That was her grief.  I stopped it but two days later she called up a Higher elemental and begged.  She blatantly used me without my consent and the demon knows this.  Unfortunately we might be facing something worse and everyone's going to be needed on deck and ready."  He looked at Dean again.

"As for why I was male, and now I'm not, that was her too.  I went to Tara for help.  Her and the Watcher Giles.  They were helping me adjust.  See," he said, letting out a bitter sounding laugh, "Willow didn't think I'd fight back.  They knew I could fight and get out of it.  That doing so might even free her and Tara both.  That was the plan.  She found out when Buffy told her.  She made it so I'm not the fighter I was but she had another accident."  She shifted her top to show a large mole on one shoulder.  "She turned me into a slayer, called and able to function."  She put her shirt back up, staring at him.  "I need help.  Jim's drunk off his ass and was thinking about pinching.  The guy's nice.  I didn't want to beat his ass for it but it creeps me out."  She shivered.  "Now, can we get to fixing the car so we can go to the church and talk somewhere it's not cold?  I've only had tits for three weeks and I'm not really used to cold tits yet."

"Prove it," Dean said.

"Fine, call Jim.  I'll change the damn tire.  At least then I won't be cold."  He saw the oil truck go past and sighed, calling the officer he knew.  "Officer Bob, it's Alex.  The oil truck just hit a pothole and that second cargo container he had with the used oil just tipped and spilled all over the road.  It's an unholy mess.  Yeah, I'm helping two young guys change a tire out here."  He waved at a cop car going past.  "Officer Bill just went past us.  Might wanna warn him and others."  He hung up and moved to look at the car.  Then around.  He whistled and a demon came out looking scared.  "I only kill hunters.  Hold up the back of the car so we can change the tire please?"  The demon shrugged and came over to do that while Xander jimmied the lock on the trunk and found the lugwrench.  Dean snatched it.  She took it back.  "Not like you're helping.  I do know how to change a tire, dude.  Really.  I can even change the oil."  She knelt and got to work on the lugnuts.

"We put those on with a power wrench," Sam said.

"Slayer strength, Sam.  I can open stuck jars too," she said dryly, undoing the first one and handing it to Dean.  A few more twists and they were all off.  The tire was taken off and handed over, then the other one grabbed and put on. Dean muttered something and  put the lugnuts back on.  Xander shrugged, standing up.  She patted the demon on the neck.  "Thank you for your help.  Can you ease it down very slowly?"  It did and Dean finished tightening it.  "Thank you.  Now run away.  They're not used to your kind."  The demon sniffed him.  "Please don't do that.  I'm not in the slaying mood tonight.  Please?"  The demon took another sniff then grinned.  She picked it up and carried it off, even though it was over a foot taller than her, dumping it into some brushes.  "You have a mate.  Go find her."  She strolled back, dusting off her hands, grinning a bit.  "Sorry, part of what she did made me vulnerable to things like that.  Vampires really love me now.  I'm like a feast to the starving ones and they're all starving."  She looked at Sam again, smiling a bit.  "Meet you at the church in about twenty?"

"You're walking?" Dean asked.  Not that he'd give her a ride...she had hurt his car.

"No, I was going to go home, pack the last three bags of my stuff, toss it into the blazer, hand back the borrowed tv and vcr, drop the rented movies off at the library, then meet you at the church," she said honestly.  "Unfortunately I was sharpening a sword and I did laundry today."

Sam blinked. "You're very blunt."

"I don't have the energy to verbally spar tonight.  It's been a long damn day.  It started at six this morning when the half-siren in town went into labor and it made every man in town drool.  I had to get her shielded and deliver the kid, because no one else could apparently, and then go from there.  I'm exhausted at the moment."  Another demon came rushing out and she spun, grabbing the dagger off her belt to take it on.  "Damn it, I beat things like you weekly in my old body.  This isn't fair!" he muttered as he fought, finally getting it down.  He stabbed it and it dusted.  She sighed, standing up and dusting off again.  "Head to the church, guys.  Talk to Jim if he's able to talk.  If he doesn't have room, I have a couch you can share."  She walked off, going to bother the officer.  "Hey, Bill, can I get a ride home?"

"Sure, Alex."  He smiled at her.  "You know, you could settle here."

"No I can't.  I have a friend I need to kick the ass of.  Sorry.  It's a great town.  I might retire here."  She smiled.  "So,  how's your psychic twin?  I'm really sorry I had to break his arm but I couldn't put up with that level of staring and hitting on me."

"He's fine."  He looked at her.  "Our master warned us to watch for strange things."

She smirked.  "Doesn't get much more strange than a hellmouth baby, Bill."  He gaped.  She snickered.  "Me.  Born and bred, baby.  So can I get a ride so I can leave town sometime in the next few days?"

"If I can have the gun you used on their tire."

"Fat chance."

"It's not registered."

"It is.  It's in my old name."

"It's in a guy's name, Alex."  She showed her ID, getting a stunned man.  "How?" he asked weakly.

"Ever hear of Buffy?"  He nodded slowly.  "Ever hear of her friend Willow?  Redhead, has a temper, babbles?"  He nodded faster.  "Her."  That just got a nod and the officer let her into his cruiser so he could take her home for the night.  She waved at the guys as they drove past them.

Dean looked at Sam.  "Even for us this is freaky."

Sam looked at him.  "The vision said he..she was right."  Dean grimaced.  "Maybe he can invalidate it, Dean.  Please?  Can we try?"

"I want to know what he knows first."

"Then we should go see Jim.  I agree we need to look at things first."

Dean nodded.  "Might be a good idea."  He adjusted his pants on the way back to the driver's seat.  He had a wedgie and he didn't want to admit it.  She had been strong.  "What do we know about slayers?"

"Myths.  We can ask.  I'm sure she knows."

"Fine.  Look them up on the way?"  He grabbed his laptop and logged in so they could find what they already knew.  Dean carefully drove around the oil slick.  It was a nasty mess and the road crew was on their way out.  They could see their flashing lights.  He patted the vial in his pocket.  Hopefully she really could help them.  And hey, no more bald tire he'd have to replace sometime soon.

***

Xander strolled into the church, nodding at the two guys.  "He asleep?"

"On his desk."  Xander handed over a letter.  "What's this?"

"Probably the answer to most of your questions.  I should've given it earlier but I wanted you out of danger first."  She sat down in a pew.  They both stared at her.  "What?"

"No normal girl is that strong," Sam said.

"Slayers have enhanced strength and speed.  It's part of the gift for living an incredibly short life fighting demons and those born strange or from another plane."  They looked confused.  He pointed at the letter.  "Read.  It'll answer most of it.  I had Giles do the explanation."  She noticed they were still staring.  "Holy water?" she said finally.  Sam went to get some, bringing it back.  She drank it and handed back the cup.  "Eww.  Too much salt.  It's easier to take in a sports drink."  She shuddered but nothing else was happening.

Dean shrugged.  "At least you're not demonic.  PMS?"

She checked her watch.  "Twenty-eight days," she muttered.  "Wednesday of next week.  Thanks for asking.  I need to be somewhere defensible by then because I'll be drawing every demon within a thirty mile radius."  They both glared at him.  She shrugged.  "Learned it from the source, Buffy.  Those days, use me as bait."  She leaned forward.  "The rite you need to free yourself is in my bag.  I have a few books from Giles.  From what the Powers told me...."

"Powers?"

"The higher beings who make the slayers, champions, and all your lives a living hell," Xander said bluntly.  "They who play chess with humanity.  Yes, there's more than one. I'm not philosophical.  If you want that lecture, I can summon my ex or I can let you call Giles.  He's still up."

"Maybe later."  He went back to reading it then looked at her.  "What do you get out of this?"

"My dick back.  The world not ending.  Besides, I'm a helpful sort," she said dryly, staring at him.  "I have been forever and ever, especially since I jumped into this fight at sixteen."

"You're how old?" Dean demanded.

"Twenty.  Barely."  They gaped.  He shrugged.  "Not my fault."  He leaned on the back of the pew in front of him.  "According to the Powers, two of the things you need are in Sunnydale.  Giles will help you get them.   He's about to beat the shit out of Willow for me.  Buffy too for sticking up for her.  Another one's in Canada.  That one's hidden very hard and it's guarded by native shaman.  They're not going to hand it over willingly.  They might hand over part for a good reason and we only need a gram of it.  It's over ten pounds.  The last one might be found in LA.  If not, someone there can acquire it for us and probably not charge us, depending on who we ask.  The problem is that Buffy's ex is the present champion of the Powers and he's in LA.  He's there defeating the forces of darkness to atone for all the bad shit he did when he didn't have a soul."  They stared.  "Yeah, Angel."  She leaned back again.  "So we might have to go around him if she got to him about it."

"What else do you get out of it?" Dean asked.

"Less casualties on our side, Dean.  We're running low and most of us don't have kids."

"There's over thirty in our network," Sam said.

"Next year by Christmas you'll have eighteen.  There's an apocalypse between now and then and even the Watchers are worried and calling in reinforcements from your people.  They're worried enough to willingly share information with some of them."  Sam whimpered at that.  He nodded.  "I should be in Sunnydale with the other slayer.  Unfortunately I'd hurt them."

"We usually burn the bad witches," Dean told him.

Xander looked at him.  "She's the only one who can close and control the hellmouth, Dean.  That's not an option.  Otherwise I would've already taken her out for doing this to me."  He stood up.  "I don't care if you don't help me.  Most likely I can defeat my problem on my own.  I might need some help but hell, I can probably sweettalk Angel into it once he knows exactly what's going on.  Tara offered to go back so I wouldn't be sacrificed.  She didn't want Willow to do this.  She wants nothing to do with this.  That's why she helped me escape Sunnydale."

"We've heard of that town," Dean said, staring at him.  "There's a no-entry order on it."

Xander smirked.  "It's a hellmouth, Dean. Of course there is.  We have more demons there than we do normal folk.  That's why there's a slayer there."  Sam gaped.  "Yes, me, born and bred hellmouth baby.  Born very close to it.  Raised a few blocks away.  Went to high school overtop of it.  Fought the creatures that it called to it and those that wanted to use it.  Me, little old me."  He looked at Dean again.  "Your choice, bright boy.  Which would you rather have?  A peace treaty, not ending the world, and saving both your asses, or not?"  She turned and walked out, heading out to her blazer.  She had to make sure everything was packed.  She swore she had left something.

Sam came out a minute later.  "What are you going by?"

"Xander's fine.  For normals I usually use Alex."  She looked at him.  "I don't need a buddy, Sam.  I have one.  She was my best friend since the first day of school.  Look where it got me."  He went back to checking his gear.

Sam looked at a sword, pulling it out.  "We like artillery."

"I can do artillery but swords can be more practical.  Beheading is the easiest and fastest way of killing most everything.  You have to interrupt the flow from the major power centers of brain and heart but nearly everything can be killed if you chop it up enough.  A few things you have to burn afterward but it works."  She opened another panel after putting the sword back, grinning a bit.  "I have it shielded so no cop or anyone else can see into it."  He smirked at the stunned look.  "Not like I was going to leave it there."  He closed that panel and moved the two suitcases and one duffle bag back overtop of them.  "The duffle has books and things."

"I have a laptop connection."

"I have a Watchers' Council password," Xander said happily.  "They have half their shit online."  Sam grinned at that.  She closed the back gate, looking at him.  "Jim still up?"

"Not really.  He probably won't be for hours."

"He'll have to be."  She pointed off to the side.  "Demon sensing radar says there's two that way."

"Yours or ours?"

"One's yours.  Leading some of mine probably."  She pulled out her favorite sword and locked the blazer, looking at him.  "Shoo."

"I can fight.  I have fought."

"Now I get to do this instead because she screwed up another spell."  She walked around him, heading out to deal with the demons.  Someone had to and they were in shock.

"Dean, incoming!" Sam shouted, heading for their weapons.  He came rushing out, making sure the door was closed before they followed her.  They found her taking on something, wincing at the way she was fighting.  "She needs retrained."

"Obviously used to a bigger body," Dean agreed, shooting the possessed demon.  The body fell and the demon dissipated.  They looked over to find her surrounded and fighting.  "Can they be killed with bullets?"

"He has more swords."

"Good."  They ran back to get one and came back to jump back in.  She was clearly tired.  She was also clearly outclassed by the thing in front of her.  Suddenly she shrieked and went off on that demon, cutting it in  half.  She moved on, getting the next one and one afterward before she nearly stabbed Sam.  "Hey!" Dean shouted.  "Only I get to stab him."

"Fine."  Xander glared at the last demon.  "Who sent you?"  It backed away.  Xander pounced, knocking it down.  "Who the hell sent you?" he demanded, staring into its eyes.  "Tell me and you can run away until the next one."  It babbled something in a high- pitched voice.  "Not good enough.  Who paid you?"  It babbled something else.

Dean hauled her off it.  "What's it saying?"

"Buffy put out word that I'm a rogue slayer."  She looked at him.  "Do I look like it?"  The demon shook his head.  "Then you might want to tell them I'm still the White Knight and Willow did this to me because I was going to protest her magic abuse."  The demon stared, then slowly backed away.  "If I'm attacked I'll be fighting back.  If I'm not, I only go after the hunters.  Make that known and you can escape."  It nodded, getting up and running off.  She got free of Dean's hand.  "I'm not helpless."

"You're also not used to your current body.  You're moving in ways that don't suit it."

"Most slayers are tiny girls, Dean.  I'm not."  She stared at him, forcing herself to calm down.  "Though I did realize that.  I've been working on it for the last three weeks."  They saw someone coming out of the church, looking around.  "Hey, he's up."  She strolled that way, giving the pastor a look.  "Morning."

"What was that?"

"Buffy told someone I was a rogue slayer."  She put her sword back once it was cleaned off, taking the others to clean and put up as well.  Then she relocked the blazer and headed into the church.  "I'm going to hose off in the bathroom, Jim."

"Sure, Xander.  Go ahead."  He looked at the boys.  "Did you wreck on the oil spill?"

"No, he shot one of the Impala's tires," Sam said.  Jim laughed at that.

"We need to talk," Dean told him.

Jim nodded.  "That's why he's washing up.   He knows that."  He led them back to his office to tell them what he knew and what he had heard around.

Xander heard them talking so she went outside to call someone.  "Giles, me.  I just got jumped."  She smiled at the genuine worry in the British voice.  "Because Buffy told someone I was a rogue slayer.  Yeah, I'm sure.  The grendal said so."  She rubbed her forehead.  "Can you warn Travers?  Please?  Thanks, man.  No, I'm okay.  They're here.  We're working on it.  Any idea when the bigger bad is happening?"  She nodded, getting up to find some paper and make notes inside.  She hummed while she wrote, nodding a bit.  "What will we need?  Baseline, Giles.  Anything special, mystical, that crap?"  She nodded, writing down something else.  "Anything else?"  She smiled.  "Thanks.  If I can.  If you know beforehand, let me know.  I'll try.  Even if I do have to keep myself from replaying the MOO burnings scene."  He hung up and handed the notes to Sam.  "The next apocalypse."   She walked back outside to get some fresh air.  The herbs in the office were going to make her sneeze and she felt odd when she did it.

"Harris!" Dean yelled from the doorway.

"I'm not deaf.  Really.  Don't make me regret that."  She looked over from her back bumper.  "What?"  He stomped that way.  "What now?"

"The rite?  Can I see it?"  Xander got into the proper bag and found the right book, handing it over already open to the proper bookmark.  He read it over with the flashlight Xander handed over.  "Non-virgin blood?"

"I can go find any number of ways to fix that for that need," she said dryly.  "Hell, I could be in Vegas right now stripping and living the high life.  I'm not.  I don't know why I'm not," she said dryly when he glared at her.  "It's a lot prettier than wounds and broken bones."

"Can I copy this?"

"I'd hand-copy it instead of  photocopying or scanning it in.  The book's ancient and the ink might not show up right.  I know some others didn't from books printed around the same time."  That got a nod and he went to do that while Xander made plans.  She did not want to get stuck with those two.  She knew there was worse fates, but not many at the moment.  She adjusted her bra with a wince.  "I'm never going to get used to that."  She climbed into the back of the blazer and shut herself in, rolling up in her sleeping bag for the night.  It was safe enough and they were inside if something happened.

Sam came out an hour later to return the book, finding Xander asleep.  He smiled and walked back inside, shutting the church's door gently. "She's in a sleeping bag in the back of her blazer."

"What sort of dangers is she going to bring, Sam?" he asked.

"She'll be hunted," Jim said.  "Protecting her could save all of us."  They stared at him.  Dean almost looked horrified at that suggestion.  "She's done the same work you have, boys.  Mostly with those bad ones who're born wrong.  She's experienced; she's just in the wrong body.  She wants to solve this and helping you solve yours can only help hers more.  She could do it on her own and let you two suffer but she's got a soul that's deeper than some you'll meet, even among us.  Her reputation is about doing what's necessary, not always what's right.  She's adrift."

"She said she didn't need another friend," Dean snorted, putting his feet up.

"Because hers turned on her," Jim agreed.  They both scowled.  "His friend Willow was the one who turned him.  They've been friends since the first day of school.  He had one older but he had to stake him years past.  They were said to be closer than brothers, possibly heading towards mating when they were older."  They shuddered, they couldn't even imagine that one.  "Then he went to work helping a slayer with her duty.  What was supposed to be a solitary duty, one that would've gotten her killed within months.  He saved her.  He saved us all by helping save her."

"Why didn't the slayer step in?" Sam asked.

"Because she decided it was right for Willow to get her love back and Xander would never understand.  That's why she told Willow that Xander was planning on fighting the sacrifice of his life for Tara's. Tara stopped Willow from putting her into a coma.  She helped her escape when someone there captured her to use in a rite designed to call a higher power into being.  All he has right now is the one who was called back and the Watcher who can't really betray his slayer because she's like his daughter.  Even if she is spoiled.  You two helping her could forge some strong bonds and can only help you on your quest.  A slayer can call out to any demon and challenge it."  Dean sat up, staring at him.  He nodded.  "She's not ready yet.  She could if asked.  She's like that.  Dean, if you *ask* she might.  Don't manipulate her into it.  You'll lose her.  They did.  Learn from the mistakes others have made in this case.  Also, make her take her antibiotics."

"Why?" Sam asked.

"She's got a few cuts from the escape.  She had me smoothing some gel over one when it itched.  It's on her right shoulder just below the edge of her shoulderblade.  She wouldn't let me see any more.  She's highly embarrassed by all this.  Even looking at her body set her off when she first got here.  She broke one of the local cop's arms because he hit on her.  It took me weeks to help her while trying to find you two."

"If someone took my dick, I'd be damn pissed," Dean told him.

"She's gone past that stage.  They've had years of bad things so she found acceptance quickly.  Even if she is still mad at *why* she's learned to move on when the bad things happen and life goes to hell.  This is too much and she's trying hard to get to the level of acceptance."

"She needs to be retrained for her new body," Sam said.  Dean nodded.

Jim nodded.  "I've seen.  She's been working on it.  When a slayer's called, they get a lot of skills and knowledge.  Fighting styles are included in that but she never learned those before.  He learned how to fight and stake on the job.  He didn't have someone like John behind him to work on his skills."

"Is there anyone else who'll come to help?" Sam asked.

"That Angel fellow might.  If so you can't stake him.  He's important to saving the world."  They groaned.  "Some of them do switch sides."

"And I believe that," Dean said, standing up.  "You think she'll help if we ask?"

"I think she's not going to lie to you, Dean.  If she wants to help you, she will.  If you ask, without having to suck up or anything, she'll think about it and do what's best to keep herself on track toward both your goals.  I also think that she doesn't understand what normal people do sometimes.  She gave a few people very worried looks because they were hugging their children for doing good things.  I think he jumped into slaying to get away from some worse things.  I can't prove it.  He won't talk about it."

"Three screwed up people off to save the world," Dean said sarcastically.   "It's a soap opera waiting to happen."

"I doubt you'll have that much sex," Sam teased. "She seemed irritated by you, Dean."

"She shot out my tire!" he complained.

"She had a vision of you getting into that oily mess and having broken ribs," Jim told him  "It would've wasted time."

"Plus hurt," Sam said.  "I hate broken ribs."  He looked at Dean.  "Why don't we crash and talk to her again in the morning?"

Dean nodded.  "Can we?"

"I've still got the back room, boys.  Hit it."   They  nodded and went that way with the rite to look over and talk about.  It'd be a hard partnership but they were all strong young men.  Even if one could only wish he was a man again.

***

Xander woke up to someone tapping on his window, sitting up to glare at the demon out there.  "What do you want?"

"Come out and play, slayer."

Xander snorted and rolled over, closing her eyes again.  "The blazer's warded.  Go away."  The demon tried to rock it and screamed when her hands burned from the blessings woven into the paint job.  He looked at her and waved, smiling a bit.  "Morning.  Did I need up this early?"  She put her head back down and covered it.  Someone else could run the skanky demon off if they wanted to.  She was exhausted and she wasn't getting up yet.  It wasn't even light out.

Sam came out to the door, looking at the demon. "Do you mind?  People are trying to sleep."

"Aww, look, it's the cute one," she sneered.  She started that way, not hearing when the window on the blazer went down.  At least until her head exploded a minute later.

"I said let me fucking well sleep, bitch," Xander said firmly, putting the window back up with a finger and going back to his nap.

Sam blinked.  "He's good."  He looked back at Dean, who was staring at the mess.  "Salt?"

"Car.  Same as usual."  Sam nodded, going to get it and something to light the body on fire.  He looked at the blazer then shook his head.  He wasn't waking the woman up.  He might be next.  He went to the kitchen to make some coffee, then thought better of it and went back to bed.  It wasn't dawn yet, it wasn't an emergency, he could sleep until it was at least light outside.

Sam came back and got the other twin bed, laying down.  "She's roasting."

"Decent.  Sleep.  It's going to be a few frustrating days."

"I think she's worried."

"Why worry about us?  She's not demonic."

"No, but she's alone and we're her only hope at the moment.  You two didn't exactly click well, Dean."

"Gee, Sammy, wonder why."

"Don't call me that."

"Shut up."

"Both of you shut up," Jim called.

"Sorry," they called together, glaring at each other.

"If you like her so much, go sleep with her."  He flipped onto his other side, listening to Sam huff but stay where he was.  They heard something outside and groaned but no explosion.  No yelling, no screaming.  Dean went to check and see, but the woman was gone. The blazer was sealed up but she was gone.  "What now?" he muttered.  He saw the note and grimaced.  "Went for a run?  At this time of the morning?  Even Dad wasn't that bad."   He went back to bed.  Let her work on her own training.  It could only help them.  He climbed back into bed.  "She went for a jog."  He snuggled back in and got comfortable.  It was too early to be up.  Only insane ones were up this early.  Which proved his theory.

***

Xander looked at the witch he had meet him, giving her a bland look.  "Do you have it?"

"Are you sure it's worth it?"

Xander looked at the two books and nodded.  "It is."  He looked at her.  "Thank you."

"My payment?"  Xander held out his left arm, letting her make a shallow cut and gather blood.  She sniffed and moaned.  "Hellmouth and slayer blood."  Xander nodded.  "More than worthy.  Thank you for helping me."

"Thank you for getting me these.  Any idea on the third?"

"It's lost to time, dear.  No one knows where it is."  She nodded and walked off.  "Do be careful with what you're playing with, young woman."

Xander looked back at her.  "Ma'am, sometimes the fate of the world means I can't be that careful.  Sometimes I have to even if my soul screams."  She nodded at that.  "Have a good life."  She walked off, clutching the books to her chest.  She knew who knew about the last book and it was going to be a painful call to make.  She sat down and found the number Giles had Tara email her, looking at it for a minute before dialing it.  "Can I please speak to Travers?"  He snorted.  "The newest slayer called.  Rupert Giles told me to call him.  Alex."  He listened to the hold music and sighed at the woman answering. "You're not Travers.  I've seen him in person, dear.  I know I am.  Now, I need to speak to Travers.  Because there's an upcoming situation that the head of the Council needs to know.  Because I'm having slayer dreams and I don't know you from Jezebel, lady.   Your choice."  The woman huffed.  "I know toddlers who do that better.  Now, put him on or I'm going to let you all die."

She was transferred to another secretary but this one she knew the voice of.  "You're Wesley's father."  He smirked.  "Your newest slayer.  Because I need Travers and I'm getting pissed at all the people who aren't.  I do know you.  Well, I know your son and I almost like your son.  You, well, I heard about you.  You do sound just like him though.  Hey, I can go to Wes for what I need and tell him about how someone's planning on taking out the Council.  Your choice."  He huffed.  "Again, heard toddlers who did it better.  Alex.  That's all you're getting too.  Because Rosenburg activated me," he said snidely.  "Now, I need to speak to Travers.  If I do not speak to Travers, I'm going to let you all die.  I like Rupert.  Your choice."  He huffed but transferred him over.  "Travers, this is Harris, and yes I know Giles briefed you."  He burst out laughing.  "She did activate me, Travers.  You mean like the slayer ten ago had two children when she died?" he asked dryly.  That proved she had the memories of the past slayers.

"And she was only fifteen.  Her Watcher was the father of the second one?"  He quit laughing.  "Thank you.  No, I'm in the middle of an issue.  What did he tell you?"  He listened to the short report.  "Not quite.  He's protecting someone.  See, Willow turned me into a slayer.  Yes, I have tits," he sighed, rubbing his forehead.  "They do annoy me.  I don't like them and PMS is going to make me get drunk.  I have.  The upcoming apocalypse isn't it but the one after it.  If we let Buffy die, you'll go within a year.  All the Council will.  The rising power will wade through you like blood in a pool."  He smirked.  "Slayer dream.  The Powers are sending me visions now and then.  That's how I know who can help me.  No, she...  You know about Tara, right?  And how she flipped?"  He nodded.  Giles had to tell them something to explain how one of them had nearly destroyed the world and why it hadn't been a demon this time.

"Exactly.  Yes, she did.  She offered me as the sacrifice.  Why am I reporting to you instead of Giles?  Because I need the Perevent Diaries.  I have the other two.  Right before I escaped Sunnydale I was captured by a group of suicidal demons who wanted to raise Amun.  Travers, I'm still aching and I didn't have stitches.  The Powers woke me before they could do the final step.  I need the diaries.  Whichever one it is.  Well, I did just trade a small amount of blood for the other two books.  Because I can fight the situation Willow caused.  I can help with the apocalypse, but I'm not going to be used to raise a dead god who's going to be cranky with the ones who raise him.  That's what I need."  She squeezed her eyes shut.  "Then what do I do?"

He made notes, nodding slightly. "Thank you.  Any idea who I can hit for that?  I am, I'm helping another hunter.  Because I'm a virgin slayer, Travers, one born and bred on the hellmouth.  Think about that for a minute."  He heard the shudder.  They had always removed any potential slayers from the hellmouth so the power leaking out of it wouldn't taint them.  "Exactly.  Besides, we need them to be healed and I can help them with that.  It'll take my mind off why bras are irritating.  Also, a training manual please?  So I can figure out how to use my new body?  Because I'm five-nine, Travers.  I'm not exactly Buffy sized or my usual one.  My former training isn't cutting it after three weeks; I need help."  He nodded.  "Please.  I'm already drawing them.  I drew about thirty last night and it's been three weeks since she changed me so I couldn't fight what she did.  I had a better chance before," he said bluntly.

"No, I'm with a minister who helps the other sort of hunters.  Yeah, I have Giles' silver dagger.  He slipped it to me before I managed to escape.  Also, fair warning, Buffy sent some of them after me.  She called me a rogue.  I'm not, I'm still hunting, but I need to do some intense training.  Any ideas?"  He smiled and nodded, writing down the address.  "Thanks.  Um, I'm in Minnesota.  I think.  I don't know.  It's damn early over here."  He heard the laugh.  "I'll be there within two days.  No Watchers.  The ones I'm helping can handle it if I need to.  Actually, I'm here with him and another pair of hunters.  Thanks, Travers.  How do I get you directly?  If I have to talk to Wesley's father again I'm going to hurt him for Wesley's birthday present."

He smiled and wrote down the number.  "Thank you.  Let me know directly.  This is my number.  It's been my number.  Or Giles can reach me if you want email.  Tara does.  No, she didn't want her to," he said quietly.  "She found out and broke out crying and nearly tried to go back.  Willow stopped her and Buffy helped.  Personally?  Angel flashbacks.  She told me I couldn't possibly understand.  I had only lost people I had known since I could remember, ya know?"  He smiled.  "Thank you.  I'll do what I can.  Hopefully I can change my ass back."  He laughed.  "Thank you."  He hung up and finished making notes, turning to find Dean staring at him.  "You're up again?"

"Yeah.  I felt magic?"

Xander shrugged.  "I traded a bit of blood for a few books to help me get changed back.  I have about zero chance fighting him this way.  My actual body I might be able to do it.  I can't do it like this."  She stood up, copying the address and handing it over.  "I'm heading there.  It's a vacation cabin a former Watcher had.  Travers is having it cleared for me so I can use it to get my head on straight and do some training.  My aim's off," he said bitterly.  "If you're not doing anything, you can join me if you want.  If not, I'll be heading for Canada in three more weeks.  You can't get to the asteroid until Fall."  Dean nodded once at that.  "It's pretty country or so he said.  I have no idea.  That'll give me time to visit some places on the way up."  He closed up the blazer.  "If you show up, bring soda.  I'm going to hog mine."  She walked around him.  "Jim up yet so I can say goodbye?"

"That's it?" Dean asked.

Xander looked at him.  "Dean, until a few weeks back, I could bench press two hundred pounds and I was a construction worker with very good stamina.  Now I have enhanced stamina and no idea what to do with it.  It's a liability.  I can't do anything to help you or myself if I'm a liability."

"I noticed you were jerky.  Practicing alone won't help you."  He moved closer.  "You need a sparring partner."

"I can bend metal bars because of this stuff.  It's not fair to anyone to beat the shit out of a human.  It's also very bad of me."  He let out a snort.  "Learned that lesson very well from Faith.  So I can take three weeks and do what I need to do so I'm more with it and less of a liability.  Like I said, you can come up if you're not busy and watch me fall on my ass all you want.  Just bring your own caffeine."  He walked inside the church, hugging the pastor.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  Did I feel magic?"

"I traded a witch a few drops of blood for two of the three books I need to turn me back."  She smiled.  "Then I called Travers.  He's sending me a training manual."

"Where are you headed?"  She wrote down the address for him.  "There's been a few things up there, Xander."

"I  heard.  It'll be fine.  It'll be practice but it'll be fine."  That got a nod.  "I know very well I'm in worse fighting shape now than I was when I was tripping into graves all the time.  Besides, I need some me time to finish getting my head around the girl parts."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Thank you for helping me as much as you did.  Direct them that way if they want my help."

"I can do that."  He gave her a strong hug.  "Be safe and go with God, son."

"Thanks, Father, but the Goddess and I need to commune more I think.  She's over me now."  That got a nod.  "Be safe and well."  She walked out, climbing into her blazer, starting it and backing out.  He had an atlas and could ask for directions since he was now female.  Plus there was bound to be a library he could log onto mapquest from by the time lunch came around.

Dean walked back inside, going to wake up his brother.  Then he went to face down Jim.  "What did she say?"

"That she's a liability now.  That she knows she could get someone killed.  There's been some limited activity up there anyway so it'll give her good training.  Plus it'll keep her out of harm's way for the most part.  She's still getting used to girl things.  Not that I blame her.  Were it me, I'd be swearing at God until someone justified it."

"I don't think there is one," Sam told him.  He smiled.  "Coffee?"  Jim held  up the pot, letting them get cups.  "Are we going?"

"We can go tomorrow," Dean said.  "I want to look over this rite. A few of the things mentioned I've never heard of."  That got a nod and Sam went to get his laptop so they could do some research.  Dean looked at him.  "Truth, Jim.  Is it worth it?"

Jim nodded. "Helping her can only help yourselves in this case, Dean.  Not even your father could ignore this one.  Then again, she might've kicked your father's butt and then told him what was going on to prove it."  He shrugged and grinned, sipping his coffee.  The boys settled into his office to do some looking while he went to do things for his other job.  Being a pastor was a full-time calling.

***

Xander looked over from her drinking, waving the bottle.  "Hey."  The female sat next to him.  "What's up?"

"Why are you drunk?" Cordelia Chase asked.

"Because I started my first period ever and I thought it called for a celebration?" he said sarcastically.  "Why?  Big, major demon?"

"Xander, if you're bleeding, you're in danger," she said patiently.  "Remember, hellmouth baby, tainted blood, now a slayer too so doubly attractive to the other side?"

"Buffy kicked ass while regressed into cave slayer and drunk off her ass."  He took another drink of the vodka.

"You're not Buffy.  You have nowhere near Buffy's experience, training, or fashion sense."

He looked at her.  "I hate bras.  They hurt."

"Then don't wear one and bounce.  They hurt more then," she shot back.

He rolled his eyes.  "I'm comfy.  If something comes, I'll handle it."

"You're injured, Xander."

"Yay me.  Not the first time."  He looked at her.  "Any other chipper news or do they want me to go running to someone to protect me like I'm some damsel in those books you used to read?"

"They'd prefer if you had someone to protect you."

"Yeah, well, their chosen ones didn't like that idea any more than I did.  I gave them what they needed.   Angel can help them get that last requirement if you nag him."

"I'm sure he can.  Wes could too.  What about the one they can't get to?  The one in Canada?"

"I can get that for them.  I need some for myself anyway.  That way I can change back so I don't have to put up with fucking tampons and dripping and all that nasty shit."  He took another drink.  "I'm going to turn into my relatives soon."

"Yeah, ya think?" she said dryly.  He glared at her again.  "Xander, this isn't you."

He stood up.  "Cordy, if you were me, you'd be drunk and high right now.  At least I haven't went there.  You have no idea how much this is screwing with me because now I'm suddenly you!"  She huffed and disappeared.  He went to the wooden balance course.  Might as well work on it, it could only help when he was sober.  He slipped a few times but it happened when one was drunk.  He'd seen plenty of them in the past.  He knew what drunks looked like and he could make sure he didn't walk like one.

Cordelia appeared beside the two boys at the picnic table, flopping down beside Dean.  "You're about thirty miles away from where Xander is and there's six demons closer than you.  Four of which are hunters.  One of which is a magic user and would love to drain her dry for her blood."  They both groaned.  "And she's drunk off her ass because this is screwing with her."

"I would have killed the witch," Dean said.

"He couldn't.  She's protected.  Like you are."  She stared at him.  "There's a reason we put you together, Winchester.  Xander doesn't want to be some damsel in distress but she has no idea what to do as a slayer except for watching one.  Yeah, she helped, when Buffy wasn't being a brat and special.  The same as Willow did to him."  They both slumped.  "She's very brave.  She's very strong.  She's also very drunk and prone to stupidity.  Especially since she's still injured."

"Jim mentioned some healing scratches," Sam said.

"No, not quite.  See, there was a nice cult to Amun in Sunnydale.  They needed a warrior's blood to raise their personal deity of choice.  Xander was weak from the change.  There was no way she could've fought them off.  One or two maybe.  Ten with knockout gas?  Not even Angel could do that."  They nodded, looking upset. "The Powers woke her before the final step of the sacrifice.  Before then there's all sorts of painting, cutting, trimming, drugging, those things."  Dean shook his head.  "She's still got the figures carved in because whatever oil they used won't let her heal like a normal being.  Or even a normal slayer since they can heal a bit faster than average."  Dean stared at her.  "Yeah, a benefit when you're going out nightly to deal with bad things that fight back.  Right now, Xander's falling off a balance course.  She and the vodka need to part ways.  No matter how much having her period is screwing with her head, she's got to stay thinking.  She can't wallow.  Even this first time.  Or else you're screwed too.  It takes someone who was possessed to get to the asteroid and pass the challenges.  Her being drunk makes her vulnerable.  She gets dead and you're screwed."  She disappeared.

"We can make up thirty miles pretty fast," Sam said.

"So we can get yelled at?" Dean asked him.  "She will.  Especially if she's drunk."

"You'd rather we both die and the world goes to hell when he does?"

"No.  Just saying."

"We've talked to other drunks before and we've been drunk ourselves, Dean.  What's the difference this time."

"Point."  He got up and went back to the Impala, getting in to drive.  "Which way?"

"East."  He pointed.  "Ten miles, take Route ten, go to the end, hit the dirt road, go into the woods, then park by the cabin."  Dean nodded, backing out of their parking spot and heading off.  "Was she a ghost?"

"I have a feeling that's another one of those stories we need to hear," Dean told him.  "There's still something that's not adding up."

"He wasn't raised like we were, Dean.  He doesn't have a need to get vengeance.  He does it because it's the right thing to do.  For him it's probably like being called to be a priest."

"Hope not since we need non-virgin slayer blood too," he said grimly.

"I'm sure we can find some somewhere if it is."  He rolled his eyes, going back to his research on Sunnydale.  Dean was right, something wasn't fully adding up, but he wasn't so sure Xander knew what the problem was either.

***

Dean got out of the car, watching as Xander worked on his balance, grimacing.  It was painful to watch her mangle things that he had been doing for years.  She had probably been doing them for years and this retraining was not going well.  "You're going to hurt yourself," he called.  She ignored him.  He walked over there, pulling her off the balance beam.  "You're going to hurt yourself."

Xander blinked at him.  "If I fall, I fall.  There's others who can help.  Angel can."  She got free, getting back up there.  "It's part of the training.  Next I get to do it blindfolded while doing a kata."  She went back to what she had been doing.  "Have a good trip?"

"Until we got joined for lunch."

"Cordelia!  Butt out!" he yelled.

"Knew her?"

"Used to date her in high school.  She was Angel's seer for the Powers," she said quietly, getting back to work.  Dean tried to pull her off but she managed to avoid falling and got free, smirking.  "See, better already."  She went back to it, gracefully doing a cartwheel onto a higher beam that was tilted at a forty-five degree angle.  "Can you get me the blindfold?"

"No.  Not until you can do it perfectly without it and sober," Dean told him.

"I'm only drunk enough to relax.  I'm not fighting my body or my memories.  It's easier this way at the moment."  She hopped up to grab a bar overhead, pulling herself up onto it so she could take off her shirt and use it as a blindfold.  She still had a tanktop on so it was at least modest of her.  Then she slowly slid down until her feet hit the incline, going back to what she had been doing.  Dean tried to grab her but she realized it and jumped to avoid it, then smirked and moved away again, going to the other side of the course.  She felt another grab attempt and kicked at it, connecting with something.  It hadn't been as  high as either of the guys so she knew it wasn't them.

Dean didn't see anything but apparently something had grunted.  He came over to check, finding a lump on the ground.  "What are you?"

"What does it look like?"

"Neon purple and three feet tall?"

"Legs?"

"Yeah, barely.  I guess."

"That's nothing too harmful.  Probably paid off."  She kept going, finally reaching the end of the course.  She took a deep breath and moved to do it backwards, going slower this time so she could make sure of her footing.

"Xander, please get down?" Sam asked.  "We can't take you to the ER if you fall."

"If I fall I fall.  I'll heal from everything but having my head ripped off."

"Tonight's not the time, Xander."

"I don't have that long to train, guys.  I don't have time to take off for PMS or any other acronym that might show up in my life suddenly."  He almost slipped again but found his footing quickly.

"That's it, down," Dean ordered.

"I'm pretty sure I know what I'm doing.  Been doing it now for four years."

"Dad started training me when I was five," Dean told him.  "Get down, now!"

Xander took off his shirt to look at him.  "Then retire and become a Watcher."  Dean growled.  "I'm not scratching you behind the ears."  She moved off that one and went to another course further into the woods but Sam stopped her.  "Quit.  Now.  I don't have time to take the night off."

"Well, you still need to visit the restroom," he said bluntly.  Xander growled but went to do that, coming out nibbling on a popsicle all the way to the other course.  He looked at his brother, who shook his head.  "He doesn't look that drunk."

Dean found the fifth of vodka and held it up.  "Either he's already halfway to an alcoholic...."

"Or both my parents were," Xander yelled.  "Thank you for reminding me."  He finished his treat and hopped up onto the higher bars, swinging until he could get a leg up there and then shifting until he was on top of them.  They were like monkey bars but too thin to grab onto.  He'd crush them.  He had tried one earlier and crushed it.  This one was harder to balance on.  Thin bars that hurt his feet.  A good breeze this high up.  Nothing to grab onto if he started to slip on the metal.   Well, that was kinda like life at the moment so what the hell.  He walked it the first time slowly then gained more confidence.  He knew which ones rolled now and how they moved.  He went back over the course, eventually closing his eyes to try one.

"Why can't you do normal PT?"

"Slayers are created and given skills when they're called," Xander told him.  "Including super strength, stamina, speed, a bit faster healing, and knowledge of various fighting styles.  I'm supposed to be able to keep up with a vampire or higher demon if they attack.  I'm probably supposed to be doing this on my hands or something but there's no watcher here to tell me that so I'm working on my balance issues since tits throw that off."

"Xander, please?" Sam asked.  "Can't you do this tomorrow?"

"No.  No time."  He moved to do it again, faster this time.  He almost slipped but managed to catch the bar on the way down and swing back up with the momentum, landing back on top again, panting a bit.  "Damn I'm better than I was."  He got back up there and felt the wind shift.  "Which one are you?"

"It's me," Dean said.  "This is probably supposed to be used while you learn weapons fighting, Xander."  He was better trained and if they were working together, he'd make sure Xander could use whatever sort of skills this new body came with.  His and Sam's life might depend on it.  Xander opened his eyes so he tossed him a staff he had found inside.  "Come on."  Xander attacked and they moved back and forth.  The girl was good, but he was still better.  He tried to do a foot sweep but Xander hopped over it and got him in the knee then on the side.  Then she gritted her teeth and moved faster than she had been, making him look a bit impressed.  He finally backed off.  "Whoa."  Xander panted, backing off too.  "Not as bad."

"Thanks.  Two days did make a difference."

"Then let's see what other toys they left us."

"No working hot water heater," Xander said dryly.  "Probably meant to toughen the girls up."  He swung down after tossing Sam his staff, going to show him the other things he had found.  Dean shook his head at a few.  "They've been training the girls since before writing was invented," Xander told him.  "Granted, they like to turn them into robots, but they have been doing it for a while.  They wrote most of the books."

"We learned military style PT," Dean told him.

Xander looked at him and grinned.  "I remember that from a possession."  He walked off again, going to get a drink from the well then the vodka, going back to his next piece of equipment.

"Xander, no more," Sam ordered.

Xander looked at him.  "Until you suddenly have a period, don't start.  When you do, I'll sit and drink with you to help you through it."  He walked off with the bottle, going to train some more.  She really didn't have time.

Dean took the bottle and drained it for him then tossed it into a nearby burn barrel.  "There, not an issue."  He looked at her, weathering the scowl.  "If you want to go all emo and crap, talk to Sam.  He does that stuff.  I'll help you train.  It can only help all of us."

"I could hurt you."

"Yay.  Been there before.  Speaking of, she said something about injuries?"

"I banged my knee!  Gods!"  He walked off shaking his head, going back to working out.  There was nothing else to do up here.  Sam jogged after him but he was already up onto it, seeing how it could be used.  It was sturdy, which was nice, but the bars he was on rolled, suddenly locked, or slid out from under his feet when he stepped on them.  "I guess this is to teach me to value my footing."  She got down and went to the last one, finding it more imposing drunk than when he had looked over it earlier.  He frowned. "How do I get up there?"

Dean handed him the rope.  "Climb."

"Thanks."  He looked then shrugged and made herself climb up it, getting into the boxy creation.  There was just enough area for him to move in and it was very tight.  "Claustrophobia deterrent?"

"Maybe.  Sometimes nests are in small areas," Sam offered.

"Crypts in Sunnydale."  She moved through it then fell through a hole, getting stuck.  "Never mind, I see what this is for."  He climbed his way back up and stepped back, letting the hole close itself.  He was more careful where he stepped after that, finding a few more holes.  A few had sharp things along the edges.  Some didn't.  One was only big enough for one leg and it nearly broke it but she had stronger bones now.

"Xander, I want to know more about the slayers," Sam said, after watching Dean watch him.  He wasn't half bad, even for switching from his old training.  "When are they called?"

"Early to mid teens.  Usually the Watchers took them as soon as they were found so they could raise them.  That way there's no one there to counter their teachings I guess."  He took another careful step and had to back up three when a large section of the floor nearly caved in and slid him down.  It was a tilt board in one direction.  "They train from the time they're found until the time they're called.  If they're not called they usually end up working in the Council somewhere.  Sometimes they're allowed to breed and sometimes some of the Watchers are assholes. Those who're called last about seven months on average.  Which is up from the people who were called before Buffy.

"The one before her lasted all of two and a half weeks if I remember Giles' talk right.  The one before her lasted a night and it took out the Watcher and the slayer, plus half the neighborhood in Rio by burning it down.  Buffy's lasted since she was called at fifteen.  Though I did bring her back to life about ten months into her tenure because she was drowned due to a prophecy.  Which do suck," she announced.  "Very muchly suck.  We dealt with a lot of them in Sunnydale."  He started to move forward again, jumping over the tilt board and barely making it.  There wasn't any room to get further away.  He kept going, running into a place where the floor had sharp, pointy things on it, hissing a bit.  "The usual path is one girl is called, fights, dies, and then another is called.  With me doing CPR, Buffy died and came back but another girl had been called.  Now there's three thanks to Willow.  I'm sure Travers is going to have her ass."

"What happens if you can't be switched back?" Sam asked.

Xander looked at him.  "If I'm lucky I have the same life expectancy."  He got back to work.  "Maybe less, maybe more.  It's an average, not a definite date.  I'm seen as critically old for a slayer.  If this was the natural succession I wouldn't have been called.  Or possibly the Council would've assassinated me to call the next one."  He took another step and yelped, backing off to look at his pierced foot.  "Sorry, nail."  He moved around them carefully and came to the end, hopping up to sit on the wall.  "Giles could give you all the talk you wanted."

"We don't know him," Dean reminded him.

"I can introduce you if you want."  He shifted back onto the ground since his foot wasn't bleeding.  "I should bandage that and go back to it."

"Let us," Sam said, getting a grin.  "When do you have to go back to Sunnydale?"

"The next apocalypse isn't for six months.  I have to do that then.  Doing this here means that I'm ready in case I draw something else or I'm attacked.  Because it does happen.  Slayers' blood can cure a lot of ills in demons.  It's highly sought after on the black market.  That's how I got two of the three books I needed to work on my change back."  He walked around them.

"Freeze."  Dean walked after him, stopping him to look at his back.  "They did a number on those."

"The oil they used tainted the skin.  It's healing slowly but it's going."  He looked at him. "Don't grope."  Dean pulled back.  "Thanks.  Think I could go pick up women this way?"

"No," Dean said.  "You're a bit prickly about those things and women would want to touch you back."  Xander grimaced but shrugged and headed back to the well to wash off his foot.  "Anything other than your back?"

"One on my stomach.  Nothing major.  They're healing."  He looked at him.  "I'm fine."

"I'm sure you think you are.  They should still be cleaned."

"They were.  I did a lot of that my first week."  He got a drink then poured the rest over his head.  "Better."  He wiped the water out of his eyes then looked around. "It's pretty country."

"Cordelia said there were six demons nearby," Sam told him.

Xander nodded. "There's probably more but no one wants to tangle with us.  Slayers have this nasty habit of winning fights."  She walked off.

"Sit, let us work on the injuries, Xander.  I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't."  She gave them a cocky grin.  "You guys aren't that strong."  She pointed at something coming out of the woods.  "That is."  They stared at the large demon, Sam blinking a few times.

"Shit, how do you kill that one?" Dean asked.

"Take out it's nuts and burn it," Xander said, then shrugged.  "I don't have a flame thrower."

"Lighter fluid?" Dean asked.

"We're out.  Hair spray.  Lighter," Sam reminded him.  He went to grab them, coming back to find Xander had a crossbow loaded and was about to fire.  "Um..."  Xander shot and the thing's genitals were pierced, making the demon howl in misery loud enough to shake the cabin.  He ran forward to light it on fire and then backed off gagging.  "Ewww."  He waved a hand in front of his face.  "Oh god that stinks."

"Nice, Sammy," Dean praised.  "Thanks for getting stinky for us."

"Yeah, welcome and quit calling me that," he said, watching the thing burn.  He walked into the cabin, going to find this cold shower Xander had told them about.  Before he made himself sick.

Dean looked at the girl next to him.  He wasn't used to thinking about girls as fighters.  Sex partners, those who helped him by feeding and occasionally bandaging him.  Not as fellow demon hunters.  "I tapped you a few times," Dean reminded him.  Xander grinned back at him but kept going until she had her outer shirt back.  She slid into it and headed back to the blazer.  "Where are you going now?" he demanded.

"Did you buy groceries?"  Dean groaned and shook his head.  "Me either.  I have like six granola bars.  I also have the munchies."

"I've got a credit card," Dean muttered.  Xander gave him an odd look.  "Gotta finance the fight somehow."

"If you get me arrested for that I'm kicking your ass and turning you into me."  She stared at him until he backed down.  "I'm getting a stipend from Giles."  They both looked over as a car started up the driveway.  "Know them?"

"No," Dean said.  "Not a car I recognize."

Xander sat on the tailgate of the blazer while the sedan parked, waving at them.  "Hi, borrowing a friend's place here.  Are you lost?"

"No, Xander, I'm not," the man getting out said, smirking at him.  "You needed a few books?"

"God, yes."  She strolled over there, smiling at what was in the trunk.  "Thank Travers for me please?"

"He wanted pictures."

"I'm sure he does.  Of the cuts the cult did or just of me?"

"The cult."  Xander sighed and took off the overshirt, then scrunched up the tank top so he could take pictures of the markings, ignoring Dean's noises of pain.  "Who're they?"

"Fellow hunters.  The Powers sent me to them to help them with something."

"Oh.  I guess that's fine then."  He finished taking pictures and put the camera away, then handed over something else.  "From Travers.  It has ten thousand.  You'll only have this year he hopes."

"I'm hoping I'm back in my own body by then."  She smiled and tucked it into a pocket. "Thank him for me?"

"Of course.  How's the training going?"

"Eeeeh.  Not as bad as I was but this body isn't helping any.  There's a barrier between the slayer skills and my skills."

The guy nodded.  "You have to drop into a better fighting mindset most of the time anyway.  You were a bit dangerous the last time any of us saw you fight.  You weren't exactly trained," he said at the look he got.

Xander snorted.  "Why would Rupert have trained me?"

"Good point.  Did he at least beat Rosenburg?"

"He tried.  Buffy's sticking up for her in a moment of 'you wouldn't understand about love'.  Though I have talked to Angel since I called and he's on my side about Willow doing bad things.  Tara too."

"That's good then.  Hopefully it'll be solved quickly.  Are you going back for the apocalypse?"

Xander nodded.  "Giles said he'll need more help."

"Good."  He handed over something.  "Because I remembered you liked sweets."

Xander beamed. "Thanks.  Having my first period is very icky and nasty."  She strolled off with the books.  "Any other messages?"

"Don't get dead.  If you do, the demon she made the deal with could easily come and claim everyone in the town."

Xander looked back at him.  "After four years, isn't that the Sunnydale team's motto?  Look at Buffy, I brought her back."  That got a nod.  "Happy travels.  Thank you."

"Welcome, kid."  He got back into his car and drove off.  At least she had someone watching out for her.  Now he had to go see Rupert about this situation.  It was most against the rules and something had to be done about the Sunnydale team.  The new one should've been turned over as soon as Rupert had realized she was a slayer.  Other hunters were not Watchers.

Xander sat on the tailgate of the blazer, nibbling on her candybar while she looked over the books.  "Training manual.  Copy of the other book I need."  He found the spell he needed and grimaced. "I need a chaos sorcerer and it can only be done on the Yule equinox.  Yay me."  He kept going.  "And I need mythical demon parts too.  Angel's going to kill me."  He put the book aside, going to the training manual.

"For having had that much vodka earlier, you're fairly sober," Dean said as he walked around the blazer.

Xander looked at him.  "No, I know how to act fairly sober.  It runs in the family."  He went back to reading, frowning at the mention of the problem he was having.  Then she sighed.  "I'm not going to like this next step.  Gotta force myself to use the new skills too."

"We can spar," Dean assured him.  "You need it."

Xander looked at him.  "I can easily go spar with some local demons.  That's how the Watchers do it since they're human too."  She went back to reading, nodding at a few things.  She put the book up and finished her candy bar, then closed up the blazer.  "Since I have money for food.  Food shopping?"

"You're still drunk," Dean reminded her.

"With a faster metabolism and better reflexes."

"Yay you.  Get into the car, Xander."  Xander huffed but did that after a fast stop in the bathroom, which freaked Sam out because he was still in the shower.  Dean shook his head, letting Xander deal with her own things.  He wouldn't be very happy to have his period either.  It wasn't what any guy was really looking forward to.  "So, PMS real?" he asked as he backed the Impala down the driveway.  They had to talk about something and Sammy kept telling him that talking about issues would make them easier to deal with.  They needed her easier to deal with.

"Yup.  Cramps suck.  Chocolate necessary for male survival."  She rested her head against the window.  "I'm not cooking."

"We eat on the road, Xander.  We can make sandwiches."

"Thank God."

Dean laughed.  "You thought we'd expect you to?"

"Yeah.  Plenty of other guys would.  We would've expected Willow to cook since I can barely cook and Buffy doesn't cook.  Or Giles but he'd make real food instead of something quick to grab on the way out to hunt."  She yawned.  "Before you nag on the drinking, I do it very rarely."

"We drink beer every few days but we don't usually get drunk."

"Sometimes you have to so you can sleep," Xander agreed.  "Though sometimes the nightmare demons come worse when you're drunk."

"Nightmare demons?"

Xander looked at him. "You've never seen a nightmare demon?"  Dean shook his head, turning onto the main road.  "Huh.  I'll show you later.  I'm sure one'll show up.  That leaves the ones in your head but you can't fight those."  She shrugged and watched the land go past.  "Do you like traveling?  I tried to go on a road trip but the car kinda died in Oxnard."

"It has some good points.  Not having a steady place to go back to when you're tired is a bad point.  We have friends we can take a short break with when we get too tired."

Xander nodded.  "I've had a place to shelter but it wasn't any better than fighting."

"Don't go all emo on me."

"I'm not that sort of girl.  I talk more when I get drunk.  Sorry."

"No, if we're going to be working together now and then, we might as well get to know you.  Just in case you have one of those screaming in anger and pouncing moments."

Xander looked at him.  "Then handcuff me when we get to Sunnydale."  Dean snickered at that.  "Gotta go back for the apocalypse in six months, plus to get the stuff to help you."  He went back to watching out the window.  "Wanna trade places?"

"Hell no!  I'd have burned the witch for doing that to me."

"Even if she was your best friend?"

"Can't be much of a friend."

"She has a magic addiction," Xander said quietly, still staring outside.  "Then she lost her soulmate.  That one who was helping her heal and move on.  The one she had quit dating guys for."

Dean shook his head.  "I'd still have at least kicked her ass."

"I wanted to but I was captured before I could."

"You still need to get some neosporin on those."

"I have some in the bag.  It's fine.  They're not infected."  She grinned at him.  "I've had worse."  They pulled into a small packette store.  "Real grocery store so it's cheaper?"

"Over twenty miles away and we left Sam back there alone."

"Good point."  She got out and strolled inside, smiling and waving.  "Hi."

The woman behind the counter stared at her.  "Who're you?"

Xander looked at her.  "I'm borrowing Donny's cabin to do some training."  She gaped.  "So, food stuff?"  She pointed.  "Thanks."

"No Watcher?"

"I'm from the Sunnydale team.  We're sharing Rupert and Buffy needed him to pull her head out of her ass again."  She grabbed stuff for sandwiches, letting Dean pick out the bread.  Some meat, some cheese, some ketchup and pickles.  Some hamburger because she needed red meat today.  Some peanut butter and jelly.  A second loaf of bread.  Another box of granola bars.  Another candy bar.  A six pack of beer, which got a dirty look from the woman behind the counter.  She pointed at Dean, getting an eye roll.  "He's helping me train."  She stared at one cooler then walked away before she could be tempted.  The fridge at the cabin was tiny.  A thing of milk and two two liters of soda.  A quick scan of the store and some gum was found.  "These please.  Oh, toilet paper, Dean."  He grabbed some and tossed it over, letting her catch it.  "Thanks."  She smiled sweetly.  "He's got a brother too and they're single if you've got daughters."

She laughed.  "Hell no I'd never let my kin date a Watcher."  She looked her over.  "Bit bigger than the others that've been here."  Xander nodded.  "You're older too."  Xander nodded again.  "Which one died?"

"I got called specially.  Apocalypse coming up in six months."  She groaned.  "Hey, we draw the end of the world in Sunnydale.  Good thing we keep stopping it, huh?"  She nodded, ringing them up.  She pulled out money since she didn't see a credit card terminal, letting her give back the change.  She took the bags back out to the car, not letting Dean take them.  "I can carry and haul.  That's why I have super strength."

"So can I."  He took some of it.  It went into the backseat and they headed back to the cabin, finding Sam on the porch with the crossbow from earlier.  "Playing with the weapons, Sammy?"

"We had a vampire for a minute."

"Was it blonde or dark haired guy?"

"Female."

"Then I don't care."  She carried the bags inside.  "We're having burgers tonight.  I need red meat."

"Just don't eat it vampire raw," Dean called.  Sam got up with a small huff, going to cook since they were busy together.  Dean brought in the last bag and got a beer, heading out to look at the other equipment.  He found a few more pieces of equipment further off and smiled at the pond near them.

Xander came up behind him.  "I was told it filtered into the well so no soap in the pond."

"Sure.  Still able to swim in it?"

"Yeah, no monsters in it."  Dean gave him an odd look.  "My high school swim team."  She went to look at the equipment, shaking her head at one.  "I'm not doing that one."  The other one she climbed up on to try it out.  She fell nearly immediately.  "Never mind, I'll do it tomorrow," she said when Sam came out with plates.  "Thanks."

"Welcome, Xander."  They watched the sun set across the pond, eating quietly.  The boys smiled when they heard the first snore, Dean snagging the last half of her burger for himself.  "What's up next?" Sam asked quietly.

"Training," Dean said.  "It can only help us.  Find out more about this apocalypse.  Maybe hear more about what she's handled in the past so we know what to let her handle now."  He took the last bite, looking at her.  "We shouldn't leave her out here."

"No, we can't," Sam said, nudging him and pointing at the demon lumbering their way.  "Isn't that one of the peaceful ones?"

Dean watched the demon drink at the pond then sniff them.  He pulled his gun just in case.  It took another sniff then ran off.  "Hmm.  They can tell slayers."  Xander let out a louder snore and curled into a little ball.  "Bedrooms?"

"Two.  One twin sized bed.  One queen."

"That's fine, we can share again," Dean told him.  "Or there's the couch."

"Lumpy."  He got up and went to nudge Xander, nearly getting gutted for it.  "You can't sleep out here," he said after he made sure she hadn't gotten skin with the bodice dagger.

"Nice hiding job," Dean said.  "Didn't see it at all."  He finished his beer and watched Xander grumble before heading inside.  "Don't even think about taking the big bed unless you're sleeping with us," he called after her.  She flipped him off.  He smirked at his brother.  "Dude, you squealed when you jumped."

"I did not!"

"Did."

"No, I didn't."  He huffed off.

Dean laughed, getting up and gathering their plates to take inside.  Since Sam had cooked, he could clean up tonight.  He noticed everything was set up so someone smaller could handle the cooking and clean up duties, frowning.  So the Watcher who used to live here would've expected his girl to do it for him?  He was not liking these watchers.  He heard Sam huff again and went to help him move Xander to the other bed.  Even if he did have to pat her down for weapons first.  He sat behind her, stroking along her arm.  "Xander, wrong bed," he said in her ear.  "Let us move you?"  Xander grumbled something that sounded like a 'fuck off, I need sleep'.  "Come on.  Let us help you."  He pulled her up and helped carry her to her room.  It was small and pink and hideous.  He shuddered.  "Couch?"

"It'd be kinder," Sam agreed, going to put her out there.  No guy deserved to be in that room.  They covered her and she curled up.  Sam noticed her patting around and got the sword she had been sharpening, smiling when she curled around the handle.  "Cute."

"Very."  He went back to the kitchen, making another sandwich. They went to sit on the porch and watch the night for more demons.  Dean checked in every now and then, especially when Xander started to talk in her sleep.  Then suddenly the sword came down and a demon squealed.  He came in to see what it was.  "Guess that's a nightmare demon.  Huh.  He was right."  He picked the remains up and tossed it outside so it could finish dying in peace.  They'd burn it later.  "Nightmare demon."

Sam looked at him.  "Nightmares come from your mind, Dean."

"Apparently not all of them."  The demon started to regenerate so he pulled his gun and shot it.  The boy let out a cackle and snore right afterward.

"She likes guns?"

"Apparently," Dean said dryly.  He went to get the lighter fluid and matches.

"What about hunting for the one that killed Mom and Jess?" he asked finally.

"You know, he might be able to help us find them too.  The Watchers apparently have a network of their own."

"Maybe.  Can we trust them?"

"Did you notice the kitchen was set up so a kid could cook?" Dean countered.  Sam nodded.  "Then we probably can't trust all of them but Xander seems to trust this Rupert guy.  We'll see."

Sam nodded, letting him handle that for now.  He had more research he wanted to do.

***

Dean woke up warm and cuddled, grimacing at his brother.  "You drifted," he complained.  The dark hair didn't move.  "Sam."  He poked him on the side.  He got swatted on the head for it.  "Xander?"  Xander's head appeared from under the blanket and gave him an odd look.  "What are you doing in here?"

"Big demon."  She blinked and fell back asleep.  "Night. Dead."

Dean got up with a groan, going to see what she had mumbled about.  He found Sam drinking coffee staring at an extremely large demon on the front lawn.  Just sitting there staring back.  "What is that?"

"He wants the slayer.  Called me a Watcher.  It ate the one that was laying in the grass."

"Well, you're smart but Xander said they wear tweed.  You'd look sucky in tweed."  He stole the coffee to drink, letting the demon stare at him too.  "Go away."

"The slayer child is ours."

"I doubt it.  Plus, not a child."

The demon smirked.  "Then we have many uses for her."  It stood up and up and up until it was nearly towering above the cabin.  "Give me what I want.  I know she will awaken soon.  Best to have her in her new life then.  That way she can't fight the marking we'll be doing."

"Fat chance," Dean said.  The demon scowled and grabbed him to lift up. "Put me down," he growled.  The demon laughed.  He tried to get his hidden knife but it wasn't working this time.

Xander came wandering out holding her head.  She growled and sneered, then kicked the demon on the ankle.  "Put him down!" she snapped.  The demon dropped Dean, smirking at her.  "Go away."

"You stink like a hellmouth."

"Born and bred," she sneered.  "You're not having me."

"You will taste very good."  He made a grab but Xander broke his thumb for him.  The demon howled, letting Xander hit the blazer for materials.  A frantic search and he came out with an AK and silver bullets.  "Bite me."  She fired, making the demon howl and back away.  "Out!  Now!"  It fled.  She put one last one into it's ass, then put the gun back into the blazer and closed the gate, wobbling back inside.  "Be up later."  He took the coffee from Dean's hand and drank it on the way inside.  "Night."  She climbed back into the big bed and snuggled back into the warm spot.  It was a nice day.

"Um," Dean said, looking at his brother.

"She's like Rambo," Sam said, shaking his head.  "Wanna look at her stash?"

"Sure."  They went to look at the blazer's stash of weapons.  The AK got put back and sealed into it's case.  They found the release for the hidden compartment under the sword compartment, lifting up the back floorboard.  The artillery inside got a long stare.  "Damn," Dean said happily.

"Definitely."  They smirked at each other and closed it up again, going to make toast for breakfast.  More coffee was gotten and they were content until Xander finally got up.  Around ten a wandering, wobbling woman wove out of the bedroom toward the bathroom.  Then a shriek a moment after the water came on.  "She's up."  Dean started more toast.  Xander came out pissed.  "Morning."

"Fuck you," she muttered, taking the coffee to go out back.  She had to get back to work.

"Need midol?" Dean shouted after her.

"Missing my wake up sex, thanks.  And please, no offering.  You can't top my demon nympho ex."

Sam came out to look at her.  "You were dating a demon?"

"Former demon.  Former vengeance demon actually."  Sam gave him a horrified look - that was just so wrong!  Xander gave a smug one back.  "Anya was hell in bed.  Hadn't had any for twelve hundred years.  Got a bit needy."  He finished his coffee and got back onto the first piece of equipment, frowning when it wasn't as easy as yesterday.  "Liquor does make the difference."  He adjusted the bra, looking uncomfortable.  "I'm cutting the damn things off."

"You're wearing the wrong sort of bra probably," Sam said helpfully.

Xander gave him an odd look.  "Buffy can do it in a push up bra, backless shirt, short skirt, and heels.  In the same outfit.  How does a bra make a difference?"

"My former girlfriend used to have different bras for different purposes.  They make special ones for working out."

"What happens if you're attacked and you're wearing a normal one?"

"She wasn't in the life."  Xander groaned.  "We could go shopping."

"I loathe shopping.  They drug me plenty of times.  No thanks.  Really.  I'll just cut them off.  It'll be less painful."  He went back to what the book said he was supposed to be doing on this piece of equipment.  "How do you do a backflip?" he asked finally.

"You did one last night," Dean said, coming outside.  "Do what you did last night."

"The liquor was lubing the connection between body, memories, and instinct.  I'm not drunk at the moment."  She had enough sense to get off the balance beam to try it on the grass.  Fell on her ass too.  "Okay."  She sighed and got up, trying it again.  "How does she do this?"  Again and again and again.  She finally got a partial one, landing on her side.  She huffed and got up to do it again.  Dean came over to spot her, having had enough of the painful looking falls.  Xander managed it and beamed at him.  "Thank you."  She tried it on her own.  Still a bit weak.  She made herself tap into the slayer strength and did it again.  This time she landed it.  "Okay."  She got back onto the balance beam, making herself push past the barrier to her slayer skills.  The more often she did it the easier it'd be.  Dean grabbed the staffs from earlier and hopped up, tossing one over while she worked out.  Then he attacked.  She defended.  "Not my best skill."

"Yay us," Dean shot back.  She was good and moving a lot faster than he could.  He had to duck one hard blow at his head.  "No damaging me."

"Sorry."  She stopped and had to duck her own blow because he hadn't stopped.  "I don't want to hurt you."

"So don't."

"If I'm sparring, I should try for blows to incapacitate or kill."

"So?  Just don't aim directly at my head."

"Fine." Xander got back into it, making herself go into the slayer speed to drive him back and away.  The instinct about what to do with the staff was coming in handy.  It was comfortable in her hand.  She was still running into her breasts but it wasn't going to stop her.  She winced a few times when her arm caught.

"Short skirt and heels?"

"Yeah, Buffy's like that.  She wore clubbing clothes plenty of times while on patrol."

"You guys have a *patrol*?" Dean demanded.

"Yeah, nightly."

"No wonder we were told to stay away from your town," Sam said.

"The hellmouth drags demons to it like venus flytraps drag flies.  We have an official population of just over eight hundred plus the two colleges, and then another four-to-six hundred demons of varying classes.  Plus however many vampires we have that week."  She ducked a blow to the head, jumped over an attempt to take out her feet, and fell off the balance beam.  She snickered.  "Well, I'm getting better."  She got up, letting Dean rest for now.  "We have a nightly patrol to handle the vamps coming up and anything we can find hunting.  Then usually a few hours at the Bronze to hunt the vampires feeding in there.  It's the only non-demon bar and club in town so they feed there on the high school and college kids.  Then we'd head home or back to the Magic Box to see what was next.  Work, dinner, sex, slay, sex, sleep, sex, repeat."

Dean gaped at him.  "She was that hot?"

"She was that needy.  Morning sex, sometimes she popped around for lunch sex.  Dinner sex, post slaying sex so I could sleep.  Sometimes she'd drag me shopping instead.  She loves to shop."

"Was she getting paid for it?" Dean asked.

"No, she was working with Giles at the Magic Box.  I paid the bills but she had her own money."  They both gaped.  "It was a life, guys.  I worked construction so I had a good job."

"Can we just burn your town?" Dean asked.

"They might mind.  So, you guys had a do not enter warning?"  They nodded.  "Too many demons or just bad things?"

"The town was overrun, being run by demons, and too dangerous for a hunter to enter alone or even with a team."

Xander nodded. "Yeah, the Mayor tried to ascend last year during my graduation.  We killed him too.  The high school was very pretty when it went boom."  They both gaped and he grinned, wiggling his fingers.  "Necessary.  Eighty foot snake demon.  Hello, world eating thing that would've stopped the population crisis."

"So you blew it up?"

"Only way to kill it, Sam."

Sam shook his head quickly.  "I thought we were bad."

"We are," Dean said dryly.  "Badder than most at least."  He looked at Xander.  "I guess you can be considered cool enough but that shirt is ugly."

Xander shrugged. "It still fits.  I'm happy enough with it."

"Shopping," Sam said, heading back inside to make more coffee.

"Eww.  Plus, no thrift shops.  I'll do some when we get to LA and I can take Wes or someone with me.  Traumatize them like my girls did me."

"So, this Buffy chick.  Friend?"  Xander nodded, looking at him.  "Good friend?"

"Yeah.  We're not as tight as we were but yeah.  Her and Willow.  Anya.  Giles.  Buffy's new boytoy of the moment just left but we have Spike helping us.  He's a Master vampire with a control chip in his head thanks to the government.  They were another group not happy to see us coming."  Dean gaped again, letting out a small whimper.  Xander shrugged. "Frankenstein monster and all sorts of badness.  Plus they had a friend."

"I'm not sure if we want to hit Sunnydale or not."

"It's down to under twenty percent for deaths and disappearances," Xander offered with a grin.  He heard an engine and hopped off the equipment to go look, finding a young man getting off the bike.  "Wes?"

"Xander."  He looked her over, then nodded.  "At least she made you pretty."

"Not a salve, Wesley.  Why are you here?"

"You need trained."

"And....."

"I am a former Watcher, Xander.  Rupert sent me.  He didn't think you could do it on your own."  He walked closer.  "As good as the ones you got sent to are, there's things that they can't know about slayers," he said more quietly.  Xander slumped.  "Like how you cross into your gifts."

"I've noticed the barrier.  I have a training manual."

"Which is crap and you know it."  Xander nodded, grimacing.  "Besides, it can only help you not turn into Faith."

"I'm not..."

Wes held up a hand.  "You have that same darkness in you, Xander.  I saw it back then."  Xander glared at him.  "If you're honest you admit it.  If not, you'll end up following Faith's path when you kill someone and then have to hide it."

Xander slumped.  "I knew that already."

"Good.  Then I'll be here for a week."  He smiled at the two watching boys.  "Plus I can help you with other things that might miss the mundane viewpoint."

"Does that mean you can fix the ugly, non-fitting shirt problem she has?" Dean asked.  "Xander?  Introductions?"

"Guys, this is Wesley Wyndham-Pryce, former Watcher.  He's the guy they sent to Faith and Buffy when they fired Giles for giving a damn."

"We were getting the feeling that the Watchers were assholes," Sam admitted.

"Quite," Wesley said with a smile.  "Then I got fired for not doing what they wanted like a puppet on a sting.  So now I work with Angel."

"Heard him mentioned a few times," Dean admitted.

"Vampire with a soul, working for the Powers as a champion, handling the problems in LA with our group," Wesley told him simply.  Dean gaped.  "The soul is a spell, son."  He walked over with Xander.  "Now, I believe I heard the Powers sent him to the Winchester brothers.  Fairly well known among us but they do argue about which is which."

"I'm Sam," Sam said with a grin.  "So, how long were you a watcher?"

"It's a family obligation.  I was nominated at birth."  They both gaped.  He nodded.  "My father insisted.  Yes, they're like that.  Those of us who became real people don't like it either.  Xander calling Travers for help and information let him know that she wasn't going to be the normal girl or put up with their attitude or issues.  Therefore I got sent.  Rupert would've been sent but Buffy's a bit off her rocker at the moment," he said genteelly.

"She said I couldn't understand," Xander said grimly.  "Can you please tell them I can fight in whatever I'm wearing?"

Wesley looked at him then shook his head.  "No.  I'm sorry.  Cordelia gave me strict orders I'm to fix your wardrobe problem.  She said your bra was hurting even her."  Dean laughed at that.  "And the shirt was blinding the Powers That Be."  He patted him on the back.  "We'll do that this morning while the boys relax and talk behind your back.  Then we'll come back and work for a few days.  By Sunday you should be ready and I can go back to helping keep hell out of LA.  No matter what Wolfram and Hart want.  By the way, even they're pissed at what Miss Rosenburg did.  Apparently she's needed for the apocalypse and she's now tainted.  They're a bit panicked about who'll handle things."

"Tara," Xander said plainly.  "Must I?"

"Yes, Xander.  Come on.  A blazer?"

"I traded for the sedan.  Can't really carry the big guns in the sedan, Wes."  He sighed, trudging that way.  "Am I using the card Travers gave me?"

"Lord no.  There's a Watcher's shopping card for those things.  After all, the girls do grow now and then."  He patted her on the back.  "If either of you wanted to come along you're more than welcome to."

"Nah, we'll veg here," Dean told him.  "Might talk about girl issues too."  Xander shot a glare at him.  "That way you don't freak and get drunk next month too."

"Yay me, another month of nastiness."

"Xander, there's medicine to solve that issue," Wesley sighed.  "I'm sure the girls babbled at you about it."

Xander snorted.  "Buffy sleeps with vampires, Riley was given shots by the military to make sure he wasn't going to make baby soldiers.  Willow likes girls.  When would they talk about birth control?"

"Oh, dear," he muttered.  "Fine, we'll talk with someone about that as well."  He smiled sweetly.  "There's things that can make sure you only have one every four months or so.  We routinely put the girls on it."

"So their Watchers can't knock them up?" Xander shot back.

"Those we shoot, Xander.  As soon as we find out.  We take great pleasure shooting them."  Xander smirked at that.  "Now, let's get you set up properly.  That shirt must be binding you and, to be blunt, your back must be hurting."

"Tits suck," Xander told him, heading for the blazer.  "I'm driving."

"That's fine," Wesley agreed.  "You don't drive like Buffy or Cordelia from what I remember."  They waved at the boys.  "We'll bring back dinner."

"Thanks," Dean agreed, smirking once they were out of sight.  "Sounds like some of them don't have their heads in their asses."

"Yeah but the higher ups apparently do."

"But they're not standing in the way this time."

"Which is apparently a good thing."  Sam grinned.  "I found an online chronicle by one of the supposed evil overlords of Sunnydale."

"Anything good?"

"Including film and pictures.  They were watching the group so they could get them out of their way.  No one trained Xander to fight.  She learned on her own."  Dean moaned.  "So this'll help even if he does change back."

"Good.  Let's go see."  They headed to the porch to see what Sam had found.

***

Sam smiled at Xander over dinner.  "Anya's cute."

"Thanks.  Did she show up asking for sex?"

"No, we found someone named Warrens site online."  Xander let out a low moan.  "They were working to take over the town."

"Yeah, well, not an issue now," Xander told him.  "At least not that geek of the trio."  He ate another bite while they gaped.  "Did someone close it out with what happened when Tara died?"  Dean nodded.  "Warren.  Someone found him a few days later.  Who updated it?"

"Andrew," Wesley said.  "Willow's found them; he's hiding in LA at the moment."  He ate a bite.  "Angel is not amused with his Star Trek references.  He said even you were better."

Xander looked at him and grinned.  "Should I coo?"

"Please don't," Dean ordered.  "Might make us sick."

"Whatever," Xander shot back, smirking at him.  "How do you expect to do more than get laid with that attitude?"

"I don't.  There's no way I can settle down in my life."

"That's why someone brilliant created hunting partners and teams," Wesley said bluntly.  Dean gaped at him.  He nodded.  "It's not unheard of, even in your circle I'm sure.  Those Watchers who aren't assigned a girl often hunt in teams or with their spouses.  You two do very well together but some day you might feel the need for spawning."

"If so, I'm not going to be there at the delivery," Xander said firmly.  "Saw that film. Was way grosser than any horror flick.  Not going there."

"That's why you change that patch every week," Wesley reminded him.

"Good point.  Thank you.  Still didn't like the exam."

"Yes, well, it was necessary, Xander."  He ate another bite, looking at the confused looking boys.  "We were at odds when I first showed up.  I was young, over confident, and full of the books and stories."  They groaned.  Xander nodded at their groan.  Wesley smiled.  "I did grow up since then.  I decided to become a rogue demon hunter.  Then Angel needed me so I joined his group.  It's much easier now.  Even if we do miss Cordelia's sarcasm and attitude now and then."  He looked at Xander.  "How is she?"

"You've talked to her more than I have."

"True.  She wouldn't tell me."

Xander shrugged.  "I guess she's fine.   She's wearing designer clothes and shoes, her hair's fashionable, her nail job can't get ruined.  They've got to have chocolate somewhere or we'd have heard about it."  The boys snickered.  "She was like that but she was my bitch back in high school for a while."

"Yes and then you two broke up and you let that witch cast that love spell," Wesley sighed.  "Even we heard about that, Xander."

"Yay.  I was young and stupid."

"You certainly were.  Not that she's not worth the sentiment."   He looked at the boy.  "Any attempts at magic?"

"Hell no.  I'm not turning into Willow.  The spell to change me back.  The spell to help them.  That's it."

"Fine.  What about the requirement for how to get the non-virgin blood to come about?"  Xander looked confused.  "It must be another hunter, Xander.  Someone who knows of your calling and won't get hurt.  You could severely damage a man in bed with your strength."

"I'm sure there's plenty of them, Wes.  Are you offering?"

"Lord no, boy.  Um..."

"Boy's fine," Xander said quickly.

Wesley patted him on the back.  "I hope you won't get stuck this way forever, Xander."

"What happens if he gets too old to do the slaying gig?" Dean asked.

Xander looked at him. "There's no way to uncall a girl, Dean," Xander said quietly.  Dean glared.  "We live or we die.  We all die slayers no matter how old we are when we go.  Then again, death and I are buddies.  We've had drinks many nights.  Talked and complained about Anya's demands for sex, because hey, she used to work with him too."

"Yes, you have had more than your fair share of brushes with that subject," Wesley sighed.

Xander looked at him.  "It's the life, Wesley.  It happens."

"We still have to gel those cuts," Sam said quietly.

"Cuts?" Wesley demanded.

"That cult to Amun caught me before I could leave Sunnydale.  The Powers woke me before the final step."

Wesley gave him a horrified look.  "Oh, dear."

"Yup.  So I'm healing.

"I should look at them.  They might need stitched."

"It's been a month, Wes."

"Oh."  He shrugged.  "The oil?"  Xander nodded.  "Did you wash them in holy water and rosemary?"

"Sage.  That's what I found online."  Wesley groaned.  "Plus blessed water and then scrubbed with that stuff Cordy found for demon goo.  I figured if it took off slime it'd take off oil."

"Possibly," he said, moving her shirt to look at her back.  "Dear Lord, boy."  He hauled him up and into the bathroom, slamming the door for some privacy.  "These should have had stitches, Xander."

"Yay me.  So they cut really deeply, Wes.  They were worse.  They're healing."

"Uh-huh.  A few retaining stitches will make it go faster."

The brothers listened to Wesley lecture while Xander hissed, then looked at each other.  "Knew we should've gotten pushy," Sam said.

"It's her back."

"I know but she'll get hurt worse down the line if they're not taken care of."

"Now they are."  He sipped his soda, then rolled his eyes at his brother's look.  "Relax."

"I am!"

"You're not.  He's here to help her.  Maybe he can translate the parts of that rite we don't understand."

"He might be able to," Sam agreed quietly, digging in again.  "Then what?"

"Huh?"

"After we do it and you're free, then what?"

"We go back to hunting the demon that killed mom."

"And after that?"

"Not this again," Dean complained.

"If Xander can help us with both of those, that's coming up soon, Dean.  I'd like to have something to look forward to after that.  A goal we can look at and go 'now that we're done with the old one, let's go here'."

"How about a vacation?" Dean suggested.

"I could like that."  He went back to eating.  This wasn't the time or the place for this talk.  Dean patted him on the back when he got up to get some more soda.  "Think he'll take the pink room tonight?"

"Sure, but we've got to keep Xander from crawling in.  My first thought wasn't 'it's her'."  Sam shook his head.  They heard and felt a stomping coming their way.  "Xander, sounds like your date's back," he called.

"Apparently silver bullets didn't work," Xander complained, coming out a minute later, pulling back on her shirt.  "What drives them off and keeps them from coming, Wes?"

"You not bleeding, Xander."  He looked at the extra-large demon.  "Oh, them.  Hmm.  Holy water into the heart.  A soaked stake would do.  They weren't widely covered in the Watcher's education but that's generally an acceptable method to their type."

Xander muttered, jogging out to get one from the blazer before the demon got there, then looked at it.  "Heart's where?"

"The normal area!" he called.  The girl attacked the demon, making him wince.  "Xander, your arm shouldn't bend that way!"  He came out to help.  "You should know better than to swing like that.  You'll lose your weapon and then what?  Climb up it?"

"Maybe.  It's got fur!"  He panted as he worked to bring the demon down to a better height.  She finally dropped the sword and hopped up, climbing up the demon's back so he could get nearer to the chest.  He couldn't get it from behind without a spear but he could duck under it's armpit, grimacing at the smell, to stab it repeatedly.

"Deeper and over to the left!" Wesley called, taking another swing.  The demon bellowed and Xander fell next to him.  Wesley helped him up, checking him over.  "Are you all right?"

"I was just in a demon's armpit and I had my hand in it's chest cavity, Wes.  This is even nastier than the stories I found online where people stuck a fist up someone's ass."  He headed back to the cabin to wash up.  It was *so* gross.

"Yes, well, we're going to be going over the finer points of sword fighting in the morning, Xander.  You clearly need some tutoring!"

"It hurt doing it that way."

"I don't care."  He stomped after him to help him clean up.  After all, one couldn't reach their back and with stitches he couldn't shower.

"They're insane," Sam said.

Dean nodded.  "Possibly but what does that say about us?"  He went to light the demon on fire since it was dead.  The whoosh was pretty but it stunk.

Wesley came out and glared then muttered something to change the wind around the cabin.  Both boys stared at him. "Standard Watcher training," he said bluntly, heading back inside to help the young one. "Rupert and I are going to have a talk about him not teaching you children how to use the weapons you were carrying back in Sunnydale.  It's insane to send you out without training on your weapons."

"Chill, Wes.  I had a better grip before."

"Not if you swung like that you didn't."  He swatted him and went back to his fussing.

"Do you do this to Angel too?"

"To Fred, but Angel would eat me if I tried to help him.  He nearly did when I said his hair was out of place."  Xander giggled and he smirked at him.  "He ran out of gel for nearly three days due to a crisis.  Pity."  Xander giggled louder.  "When we were in Pylea and found Fred, I swear he used slime on his hair since there was no gel for months.  His hair still looked gelled but he had that slug odor.  Though there were slug demons there...."  Xander cackled at that, giving him a hug.  "Not too horrible."

"How do I stop it?"

"Quit bleeding," Wes said bluntly.  Xander nodded.  "That's why we put the girls on the patch system as soon as they have their first one.  Otherwise they draw every demon within fifty miles."

"Thirty, I asked one."  Wesley shook his head, letting him go back to his dinner.  "Sorry about the dinner entertainment, wasn't exactly how I planned on it going."  He sat down and went back to his dinner, noticing it was half as much.  He looked at Dean, then stole his plate to take it back.  "Don't take food from me unless you want me to eat you."  She handed his plate back and went back to eating.

"If you're hungry, there's more in the bag, boys," Wesley assured them.  Dean glared at Xander, then at Sam for snickering, but went to get seconds.  "By the way, thank you for taking out the vampires, Sam."

"Welcome, Wes."

"There were vampires too?" Xander asked.

"They snuck around the cabin," Wesley told him.  "While you were in the demon's armpit trying to stake it."

"Huh.  Thanks, Sam."

"Welcome, Xander."  He shook his head, smiling a bit as he dug in.  "Is it always like this?"

"Only if she's injured and bleeding.  That's why slayers have accelerated healing."  Xander nodded.  "And we put them on medicine to take away their cycles.  It's safer that way."  Xander nodded again, eating another bite. "Did you have to stay in Sunnydale that night?"

"No, I got free right before dawn and Tara had my car nearby.  I escaped after a quick stop at the bank.  LA got me provisioned and I headed off to follow the vision they gave me when they woke me up.  The highway out that way is really pretty when everything is purple and gold."

Wesley gave him an odd look.  "Please tell me you stopped and rested once you were safe?"

Xander snorted.  "Safe?  Hell no I'm not safe!  I'd been female for three days at that point, Wes.  I had no idea what I was doing.  I barely got to the point where I could pee sitting down.  Fortunately one of the radicals I got the stuff and blazer off of knew how to help me.  She thought someone had captured me, done an illegal sex change against my will, and then I had escaped."

"Not much different than what did happen," Wesley admitted.  "Do we know these radicals?"

"I doubt it.  They're going to storm San Jose in a few months. The agent inside their camp questioned me about what I wanted it for.  I told him I was from Sunnydale and would have to go back there someday.  He backed away slowly and waved me off.  So apparently he knew about graduation's real reason."  He ate another bite, then scraped his plate and went to get more.

Wesley shook his head.  "At least the proper authorities know."  He finished his dinner and threw out the paper plates, making the boys happy that they only had to clean glasses and forks tonight.  They retired to the porch to watch the sunset.

Dean looked at Xander when she yawned.  "Stay on the couch tonight."

"Huh?"

"You crawled in with me and Sam last night, Xander.  Stay on the couch tonight.  Remember guy thoughts about waking up with a woman against his chest?"  Xander blushed and nodded. "Stay on the couch or go take the pink room."

"No way in hell am I going to go into that ugly pink room."

Wesley snickered.  "The last slayer here had a Disney princess fetish."  He patted her on the head.  "I'll take the child's room.  You stay on the couch."  Xander nodded, going to crash in there.  He looked at the boys.  "Do you think you can handle working with her?" he asked quietly.

Dean looked at him.  "It's not often we work with others, but we have worked with our Dad in the past.  Dad might've laughed his ass off for the first hour but he would've helped."

"Good.  It shouldn't take more than a few days to get her to the point where her instincts will take over.  That's how it should be during hunts and attacks."  That got a nod.  "How were you two trained?"

"Our father was a Marine," Sam said.

"Then you got military self-defense?"  The boys nodded.  "If you'd like I can help you spar with her.  It could help your own training as well.  I know she'll damage me if she goes all out."

"I barely kept up," Dean admitted.

"Good.  Then I'll plan on letting both of you help in that area."

"I fight, he researches," Dean ordered.

Sam punched him on the arm.  "I can fight, Dean."

"The training could help him in case you weren't there, Dean," Wesley told him.  "Because he has to be alone sometimes.  Or you'd never be able to pick up women."

"Yeah, the last time I did that he got kidnaped and possessed."

Wesley laughed.  "The training can still help him.  Then again, on the days when you're too sore, he can spar with Xander instead.  Give you a chance to sleep in some mornings."  That got a small smile.  "We'll see how things go in the morning."

"Are all watchers like the ones who believe they're expendable?"

"They tend to fire the ones who aren't," Wesley told him.  "The Watchers are ancient, boys.  We've been around since people were wearing animal furs and not able to speak full sentences.  If you think you want to hear how it started, Xander does know.  To defeat the Initiative they had to call upon the First Slayer and she haunted them for a bit afterward."  They stared at him.  "Women weren't munch valued before this last century.  History is full of people who thought confining, dictating to, and beating women was acceptable.  The Watchers were there during that as well.  Generations of experience and teaching are presently being changed.  It's slow but it is starting.  Until Buffy, no slayer was allowed helpers or friends, or dates really."  They gaped.

"The rules were one Watcher, one Slayer and they were joined until one or both died. As I understand it, Xander forced his way into helping Buffy and hauled Willow after Buffy had to rescue her and couldn't rescue their other friend.  Since that day, Xander has been loyal to the group and has jumped in even when the girls didn't want him to.  Even when Rupert told him not to he was there.  It's why Buffy's the longest lasting slayer ever.  Willow's a strong witch with a problem.  Her magic addiction overtook her life and when Tara died she snapped.  Xander stopped her."  They gaped.  "Then she did this."  He leaned against the porch railing looking at them.  "Xander is the sort of loyal helper that you could call out in the middle of the night, citing certain death and mayhem, and he'd be there anyway.  Making bad jokes, bringing them sweets to help with the studying and research.  Even if it means his own life.  Even if he would give up his life for Willow or Tara, he won't let her do this to him."

"I'd still have burnt her," Dean said.

"There's a bond between Willow and Xander.  Both had...less than stellar upbringings.  They've supported each other since they met in kindergarten.  They've been there for everything else that the other has been through.  It's why Xander was able to stop her from ending the world in her grief," he said quietly.  "He could no more kill her than he could Buffy.  Hurt her.  Knock her out.  Possibly kill her if he had to so everyone else would live.  Not when it comes to his own life."  They nodded.  "Which is one of the reasons the Powers sent him to you.  You can take an objective look where he can't.  Xander's too close to the situation.  They've had problems before but this one has created a rift that could let evil win.  No one wants that.  As Buffy has helpers who fight with her and help her, so she needs.  She can help you with your problems from what I was told, without being told why you need it.  She'd probably do it if you asked.  She's like that.  She even helped me when I first showed up as a pompous arse."  He smiled.  "He even helps Spike and those two are at odds most of the time.  Spike came to Angel to tell him what happened and Angel couldn't even threaten him for showing up.  The girls are lost in their grief of love lost.  Buffy lost Angel because they couldn't be together without him losing his soul.  Willow lost that which completed her and made her better."

"Has he had that?" Sam asked quietly.

Wesley shrugged.  "No one's sure.  I know he and Anya were a bit serious before this.  I also know Anya screamed and ranted at Willow for taking what was hers.  Rupert has to support the girls, they're like his children, all of them.  He has to keep Buffy functioning and able to do what's necessary and he has to help Willow bleed off the magic addiction before she hurts others.  They have to keep Sunnydale under control, even if this one gets hurt.  He's been their backup for a very long time and doing this to him was cruel and inhumane.  Rupert does side with Xander on this matter.  He's said so.  He and Xander have talked many times about this matter.  I have the feeling he's the reason Xander's still sane.  I know I wouldn't be."

Sam swallowed.  "What happens when he's back to himself?"

"If we can find someone that strong?" Wesley asked.  They gaped.  "Willow can and does channel the hellmouth when she works magic.  She was on a magic high when she did this to him.  She was still bleeding off the black magic she had sucked from some books to end the world.  I'm not sure even a chaos sorcerer who could touch the hellmouth could help him.  I know one who can.  I have his address for Xander.  I don't know that it'll help and what he needs for his spell is very complex and mythical.  I've never seen one of the components.  No Watcher has in over three thousand years."

"Then what happens?" Dean demanded.  "She's going to live like this?"

Wesley looked at him. "That is her choice.  If she can beat that demon, it is her choice what to do after that.  The Powers might be able to take the slayer's gifts from her.  Let her try to lead a normal life.  Again, that would be up to Xander to ask."

Dean glared.  "That's pathetic."

"Yes, well, Xander's just a pawn in Willow's game at the moment.  Willow thinks she can get all of them free of the demon and keep Tara.  That's why she used Xander.  Or so she told Rupert."

"Dean, um...."

Wesley held up a hand.  "Many people have tried.  There's only two ways to get out of it.  Challenge the demon and win, or find some way to make the deal immaterial.  With what I've heard Xander's looking for for you two, he's going with the second one for you.  That would leave you free and clear of the taint as well.  Then your lives would be your decision, as hers would be."  He looked at Dean again.  "I've heard you hunt for one?"  Dean nodded.  "Calling them in Sunnydale is almost certain to get an answer.  The power there calls out to all demons, even those higher ones instead of those who're misborn.  As long as she doesn't add to the upcoming apocalypse, there shouldn't be a problem of calling her there."  He stood up again.  "If you need help, ask me.  Yes, they trained me but I got more guidance from Rupert and Buffy than I did from the Watchers."

"There's parts of the rite I don't understand," Sam told him.

Wesley smiled.  "I'll gladly go over it with you if want."  He looked at Dean.  "If she's going to see Ethan I'm not sure she should go alone.  He's in upper California and it's not exactly a safe town.  It's mundane threats but she is still a young woman with only partial control of her training."

"The blood?" Dean asked quietly.

"The way it's written anyone who's been in a bar brawl might do.  The stronger the one who breaks it, the stronger the blood right afterward.  Also, she could very well hurt them in bed with her additional strength.  I'm not suggesting either of you do it.  Though you  do find once you get to know Xander it's impossible not to get close and like the boy.  I came in wanting to shove him and Willow away and now I consider him one of my better contacts to go to.  The boy would give up his life for his friends and loved ones, or for those he respects when they have world-ending sort of problems.  Those are few and far between but they would be the ones who take the time to get to know Xander."  He smiled a bit.  "I have a totally unreliable vision of the future that has Xander getting out of a nursing home, should he be lucky enough to live that long, and going to help Angel because he needs it and he had to call in additional help."  He smirked.  "Then again, he'd come in calling him Deadboy, snarking about his hair gel, and wardrobe of choice."

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Sam asked.

"Xander's got a strong soul but even he has a breaking point.  Only he knows if this is his."  He patted him on the head.  "Did you want to go over it tonight or tomorrow afternoon?"

"Tomorrow's good.  I'm sure you're tired."

"Yes, shopping is that dreadful.  Now I understand why the boy refuses to.  Cordelia drug me many times with her."  He headed into the slayer's bedroom, looking around.  He'd slept worse places than a pink bedroom on a twin-size bed.

Dean kicked the swing into moving.  "She worries me," he admitted.

"She's still adjusting.  It'd send us to the funny farm."

"True."

"So far he's handling it okay, Dean.  We can only watch and catch him if he starts to slip."

Dean nodded at that.  "What if we can't?"

"Then she's got a fight against a demon to win so his friend Tara doesn't get recalled," Sam reminded him.  "It's a reason to fight and win.  He might disappear after that but I haven't seen anything in a vision."  Dean looked at him.  "We can help her and help ourselves at the same time.  It's not like she's new to the field.  Even if she needs help now and then she's not new.  She's got as much experience as I do."

Dean nodded.  "She does.  Do the Watchers Council worry you?"

"No, they're staying hands off.  They know this is a personal matter in that family they've made of their team.  They'll turn on an outsider trying to force things then go back to fighting each other.  The same as if we're fighting and someone attacks us, we can fight together and go back to it."

Dean smiled at that.  "And have many times."

"Yup."  Sam stood up.  "We should sleep."

"We should," he agreed, getting up and heading inside.  He made sure the cabin was locked up and let Sam take his cold shower first.  Then he got his and climbed into bed.  "No creeping tonight, Sammy."

"Shut up, Dean, and don't call me that."

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered, grinning when his brother hit him on the arm.  He heard movement, frowning a bit.  "Think she sleepwalks?"

"She did last night."

Dean got up with a groan, grabbing his gun and walking out there.  Xander was sprawled on the couch without a blanket on.  He covered her and looked around, going to kill the vampire in the kitchen.  "How did you get in?"

"We put a welcome sign over the door," he said with a happy smile.  "Can't pass up a slayer happy meal.  Especially a virgin one."

Wesley came out to stake him.  "I'll take first watch and do an uninvite spell."  Dean nodded.  "Wake you up at three."

"Thanks."  He went back to bed while Wesley found what he needed on his bike.

***

Sam woke up and groaned.  "Sorry I creeped, Dean," he muttered.  He heard the snore and looked at the body flopped onto his arm.  "Xander?"

"I sent her in," Dean called.  "She drew another demon.  Wesley's doing something in a few minutes so wake her up."

"Gee, thanks.  Needed cuddled," he called.  He nudged Xander until he got pounced, her staring down at him.  "Morning."

"Why are you on the couch?"

"You're not on the couch."

"Fuck.  Sorry."

"Not a problem.  You drew another one.  Dean sent you in."

"I should go cure that."  He got up and headed to the bathroom then out to the kitchen.  "How do I stop this?"

"I've got something to help, Xander," Wesley soothed.  He pulled him closer to start drawing symbols on him.  "The ones they carved in need to be canceled.  They got far enough in to imbue them with power."

"Flame thrower, burn the suckers off," she muttered, starting to move.

Wesley stopped him.  "I can drain them, Xander.  There's no need to permanently scar yourself with a flamethrower to burn them off.  Especially since some are down into the fascia level of muscle."  He went back to drawing on her back.  "Shirt off, please."  Xander sighed and did that, taking off the bra too.  Wesley blushed but did what he had to anyway, glaring at Dean when he stared.

"Sorry."  He went to change clothes.  "Xander's naked in the kitchen."

"Did you move the coffee maker?" Sam asked.

"Nope."

"Crap."  He went to get some, not looking anywhere near Xander.

"They're tits, you have them too; yours don't stick out but you have the same thing," Xander said dryly.  "Plus I'm sure you're not a virgin."  Sam blushed and went out back, walking around the house to come back into the living room.  "What're we going to do if I have to draw a higher demon by pretending to be a stripper?" she called.  Dean choked.  "Guess Sam's going with me then."

"Hush, Xander," Wesley ordered.  "That's a horrible career.  Even if you did do it when your car broke down."  Dean and Sam both choked at that.  "He was on his roadtrip just after graduation."

"The car 'sploded and stranded me in Oxnard.  It was a better paycheck than fast food.  It meant I could save up enough to leave," Xander said dryly.  "I don't fully suck at it but I'm not great either.  Now that I have bigger tits, maybe I'd make better money."  Wesley swatted her.  "Hey!"

"Shut up, Xander."  He got back to work.

"Well, I hustle pool, so I guess that's just as bad," Dean decided from a safe distance away.

Wesley sighed, shaking his head.  "Rob your targets, boys.  It's easier."

"I knew that," Xander told him.  "How do you think I got the AK, Wes."  Wes swatted her again, going back to what he was doing.  "Are we doing the ones on my thighs too?"

"Yes," he said patiently.  "All of them, Xander."

"Then they're probably going to freak out worse."

"We can go sit on the porch," Sam said, pulling Dean with him.

Xander looked back at him.  "I haven't done that since I was a virgin.  You think?"

"No!" Dean yelled.  "We're not.  You're being freaky!"

"Yay me.  Get used to it," Xander called.  "I'm trying to."  He let Wesley finish up then got out of her shorts so he could do the marks on the back of his thighs.  Wesley finally stepped away.  "We done?"

"Now you get to go lay in the woods and reconnect with mother nature."

"I don't do magic, Wes.  Wrong Scoobie."

"You can this time."  He pulled the boy out back.

"Can we do the pond?  I like water.  I'm more comfy in water than I am in the woods."

"Fine.  Go dive into the pond."  Xander ran that way, taking off her underwear before diving in.  Wesley followed more slowly, blushing when he saw how Xander had dove in and got a fairly graphic view of it.  He waded out and laid a hand on Xander's head, saying the small chant.  Xander moaned and went limp in the water.  "Don't drown."  He got out and sat down on the bank, staying away from the discarded panties.  Dean was nice enough to bring him some ice water.  "Thank you, Dean."

"Welcome, Wes.  How long should it be this time?"

"A few hours.  It'll also leech some of the hellmouth taint out of him hopefully.  That'll keep them from being drawn to him as well."  Dean looked confused.  "A hellmouth is a convergence point.  Think of it like a pond only it's magic instead of water that's gathering and it's sitting on top of a point of access to other dimensions, generally what we'd call hell.  There's millions of hell dimensions and a hellmouth can access any of them if someone uses the magic on top of it properly.  The problem is that it's not just natural gathering, like when rain falls.  It's also got its own store of power."

"So, like the pond after a heavy rain it overflows," Dean said.  Wesley nodded.  "Then what happens?"

"That's why the entire town of Sunnydale and about ten miles around it is irradiated with magical energy, most of it bad.  The portal attracts the bad power because of where it can go.  You wouldn't want pure, good energy there, it might cause an explosion.  Like matter and anti-matter according to Andrew."  Dean sat down next to him, ignoring the panties too.  "It's constantly raining there and constantly overflowing.  Anything there is either filled with the energy or has shields.  It's that same amount of energy that draws demons to use the hellmouth and can drive even the most gentle ones into feeding frenzies and rampages.  Xander, having been born there, soaked up the energy from the moment of conception.  His house was only a few blocks away from the school, which was overtop of the hellmouth.  Miss Rosenburg moved there when she was fairly young but Xander was born and bred there.  Since Xander has not even the most rudimentary shields in place to keep spirits or the energy out, he tends to be a collector of it.  He's a vessel that the power's been filling now for nearly twenty years."

"He's a medium?"

Wesley smiled and nodded. "Indeed.  We found that out when he was possessed.  Gave Rupert no end of fits with the hyena and halloween.  He told me privately that Xander will never get rid of some of the instincts or memories he gained from them.  I have no idea if there's been others or not.  I do know that poltergeists love him for some reason.  They tend to hang around and watch him in awe."  He sipped his water.  "Xander's an odd mix.  He has power if he wanted it.  He could channel the hellmouth better than Willow ever could dream of because he was born and bred there and so close to it.  He doesn't want to.  Considers it a skill he doesn't want to use.  Adding the slayer's power on top of it made him fairly dangerous if it's not drained.  As you could tell, he drew every demon within sensing distance.  Him bleeding for a while only made it worse."

"How do we stop this when we have to go back?"

"Xander will be fine when he goes back.  I personally think, and Rupert thinks the same thing, that the hellmouth will welcome the boy.  He may have fought it and its minions but it knows his energy and his touch.  It was under the old library and that's where the group used to gather to research and plan."

"Someone built a school on top of a mystical portal to hell dimensions?" Sam asked from behind them.

Wesley smiled.  "The former Mayor built the town to help him with his plans to ascend.  He made it a demon haven because they'd help him if he did.  The school's only purpose was to give the children something to do until they were old enough to harvest so they wouldn't go play in the streets and cause more problems for the mayor.  Who hated germs."  He smiled at them.  "Xander was the one who changed the plans on Rupert so more people survived."  They both stared at him.  "He's good at what he's been trained to do, boys.  He's not had full training by any means.  Rupert likes the boy but his duty is Buffy.  He can't forget that or she'll die again.  Then he'd get pushed out and another slayer and watcher would show up for them to help.  It's not pretty but Sunnydale is a survival and escape town.  You survive as long as you can and then you escape when you get tired of the surviving.  The only thing that drew him back was his duty to Buffy I fear."  He glanced at the blissed out boy in the pond.  "I do wonder about his affinity for water."

"The swim team," Sam said.  Wesley frowned at that.  "You didn't read that journal?"

"No, I let the children tell me stories.  What swim team?"

"The coach of the high school swim team was trying to make his team better so he dosed them with chemicals and mermaid parts or blood," Dean told him quietly.  "Xander went undercover to see what was going on since they were turning into bad B movie monsters and eating people on the beaches."

"They said they got the taint out but it's possible he's got some left," Sam offered.

"That would explain that.  I would've said the hyena would've been stronger but if it changed DNA then that would override a purely mental possession.  It's an interesting thought.  I'll have to ask him so I can research it."  He took another drink.  "It's going to be a few hours to drain as much of that as we can.  Then he'll probably want a nap until after lunch.  Go play or something."

"You sure?" Dean asked.  "I could change the brakes on the Impala."

"Do that.  I saw a nice garage in town."

"Dude, I can fix my own car," Dean said, standing up.  "I'm sure you can do the bike."

"For most small things.  I'm not that mechanically inclined I'm afraid.  That's why I don't get on as well as some of the other watchers with the weapons.  Swords yes, crossbows definitely, but not the more esoteric weapons.  I was a research watcher before they sent me to rein in Faith and Buffy."

"Where is Faith?" Sam asked.

Wesley looked up at him.  "Prison for killing that man.  She finally turned herself in after nearly killing myself and Angel."  They nodded, heading back to work on the car.  Xander was still floating and it was going to be fine.  The boys would help Xander and Xander would help them.  It'd give Xander a reason to keep going for a while longer and possibly win that fight he had coming up with the demon.

***

Xander looked out the back porch the night Wesley left, staring out at the woods.

"Something out there?" Sam asked.

"Yeah but it's barely in sensing range.  Doesn't feel dangerous."  He took his beer.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Where are you heading after this?  We found what looks like an imp possession happening toward the San Fernando Valley."

Xander looked at him.  "Ethan."

"Wes said he's living in a dangerous area," Dean noted as he joined them.  "Said it was human menaces."

"Yeah, Ethan's living about ten miles away from three different biker camps."  They stared at her.  "It's gathering season so there's a lot of them.  I think I can handle beating up on someone who wants to pinch my ass.  Go handle the imps.  Call when you're done and we'll figure out where we're going next or if I'm heading to Canada already."

"When can we get that piece?" Dean asked.

"Not until at least the Fall equinox.  Actually I think only on the fall equinox."  That got a nod.  "So I'll have to head up there in a few months.  I'm sure there's things to slay up that way to make it a real road trip."

"You could travel with us," Sam offered.  Dean gave him a look.  "That way we know where each other is.  We have to meet in Sunnydale right before the holidays."

Xander looked back at him.  "Yeah, I'm going there Thanksgiving week.  That way I can stake out a good place to hide myself from Buffy and Willow and see what Giles needs me to do.  I'll let you guys crash with me."  They nodded at that.  He took a drink of his beer, letting the bitter liquid slide down his throat.  "Canada's supposed to be pretty."

"Only been up there once and it was in the winter," Dean admitted.  "Kinda snowy then."

"I've only seen snow once and I was turned invisible."

"Huh?" Dean asked.

"The snow granted your nightmares.  I turned invisible."  He looked at him.  "Only on the hellmouth."  He shrugged.  "How about we meet in LA so we can get Angel to work on the last thing we'll need sooner?  Say a week or so?  That way it's not a last minute, have to kill someone to find it deal?"  They both shrugged.  "Coolness.  Angel's at the Hyperion Hotel in LA.  It's downtownish so there's plenty of cheap places to stay nearby.  I wouldn't want to get sucked into his thing with the law firm for hell.  They might follow you afterward.  They're a bit vindictive."

"Law firm for hell?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, Wolfram and Hart."

"Dude, didn't you have an interview with them?" Dean asked.

"For a summer job.  Huh."  He shrugged.  "They say a lot of lawyers are evil."

"As long as you don't turn into one," Dean said dryly, walking off again.  "Sparring in the morning, Xander."

"I know.  I'll hit the couch soon.  Night, guys."  She finished her beer, watching the silent, calm woods for a while longer.  It was nice to feel calm for a while.  Even if it was allowing her to think and thinking was bad.

***

Ethan opened the door when he heard the knock, frowning at the young woman standing there.  "I didn't realize I had called out for a special friend tonight."

"You didn't, Rayne.  I'm here to ask for help."  She walked across his threshold and whatever wards he had on his doorway went off, making him back up.  "Chill, dude.  Rosenburg turned me into this stunning woman you see before you."  He shut the door and held up the package he carried.  "Irish ale?  Giles said you liked it."

"You know Ripper?"

"Ethan, look at me.  Your marks are on me.  You do know me, just not as a girl."

Ethan stared then blinked.  "Bloody hell, man!"

"Exactly.  Willow turned me into a girl because she offered my soul to a demon so she could get Tara back.  I said I was going to challenge it since she didn't have my permission and she turned me into a girl.  I need to know if you can help change me back."

"Harris?"

"Yup."

"You're a slayer?"

"I know that.  Wes came up to help me train."  He helped Ethan into a seat and handed him a beer.  "Here."

Ethan took a drink then gave the bottle an appreciative look.  "Good choice.  Tell him I said thank you."

"Will."  He looked at him.  "I'm not asking for major help with the apocalypse coming.  I'm not looking for help with my challenge.  I'm looking for help so I can have my body back.  I make a sucky girl.  I make an even worse slayer.  Wes thought I might end up following down Faith's path if I don't get stopped."

Ethan finished that beer and brought the rest into his kitchen then pulled Xander into his working area.  "Sit."  Xander took off her shoes and sat on the floor where he pointed.  "You're used to her working I assume?"

"Now and then I've had to hand things to her."

"How long since she changed you?"

"Almost two months now.  I had to take some training time and find some help because I was drawing demons faster than a pig roast would."

Ethan nodded.  "Anything I should be aware of?"

"I'm a virgin again.  Wesley had to drain off the magic in the carvings the cult of Amun did to me before I could escape Sunnydale.  It drained some of my natural energy but not a lot.  Magic still goes a bit screwy around me.  That's probably why I'm not only a girl but a slayer."

"Possibly.  Is she healed from her magic addiction?"

"No.  Not in the least."

"Why did she make the deal?"

"To bring Tara back," Xander said quietly, making him drop things.  "I was the price she offered."

Ethan moaned.  "Janus must be high on the energy from her."

"I wish I was."  Ethan came over to light candles around him and get to work exposing his aura to see what he might be able to do.  "I've been looking over the spell she used.  She used the one in the Perevent Diary."

"It's impossible to do the counter.  Two ingredients are impossible to get.  Even should I send you to another realm I doubt you could find them."  He stared at the matrix of energy.  "Her usual slipshod job I see."  Xander nodded, going limp while he looked.  Finally Ethan had to blow out the candles and let the boy free.  "Xander."  Xander snapped awake.  "There's not much I can do.  I can anchor it more firmly.  That would lead to less interference from your old instincts."

Xander groaned, standing up to stretch.  He smacked the hand reaching for the scar on his stomach. "The stupid cult that got me three days after she did it."  Ethan frowned.  "Wes drained them."

"Thankfully.  I can heal those fully for you.  Make the scars disappear.  I can anchor it more firmly.  Right now you're a full woman but things are going to start going more odd around you."

Xander grimaced.  "Ethan, when she did it I nearly offed myself.  Why do I want to be more of a woman?"

"Because if you don't you could die before that fight and then he'll take her and you and the nice little witch Tara."  Xander grimaced.  "It might help to release it easier later.  Right now she has it laid like it's knotted around you.  She clearly substituted a few ingredients she couldn't find and it made it wrong."  He looked in the brown eyes.  He could see the despair.  "Nine more months, Xander."

"I know.  And an apocalypse before then."  He sat down.  "Will anchoring it do anything else?"

"It'd allow you to access that power that naturally resides in you."

"I don't do magic.  Wrong Scoobie for that."

"Yes, be that as it may, it's full within you.  Wesley did a marvelous job on the figures but your natural energy cannot be drained."  Xander slumped and nodded.  "Been drawing demons?"

"Not as much as before he did it."

"You were probably leaking it through the scars at that point."  He came over to work the anchoring spell, setting it more firmly into his body.  The boy passed out from the pain but the small inconsistencies he could tell were gone now.  The healing spell was easier to do on her and it was quickly accomplished as well.  It was the kindest thing he could do.  No one he knew could help that boy.  Once he was done he went to pray to Janus for an answer.  All he got was approval for how he had anchored it.  He went to make them dinner, coming back when he felt her waking up.  "Xander?  Want dinner?"

"Not really."

"You have to eat, Xander.  It won't do you any good if you don't."

Xander made herself get up and walk out there.  She noticed the way she walked was a bit different but it felt more natural to her body.  So she guessed it went well with the training Wes had given her.  She sat at the table and said a quick prayer before digging in.  "Anything new get found?"

"Janus liked how I anchored it.  I prayed about finding someone who could help you."  Xander grimaced and nodded, ducking his head to eat a bite.  "I wish I could help.  Perhaps if we could manifest Janus himself it might help."

Xander looked at him.  "Not worth it, Ethan.  The problems he'd cause would outweigh my personal problems.  That pesky morals stuff is going to bite me if you try."

"Yes, I can see how they can be inconvenient."  He smiled at the girl.  "Want seconds?"

"No thanks.  Not really hungry."  He looked around then at him.  "Why are you living here?"

"It's out of the way.  No one's going to come bother me.  Having those hooligans nearby means that I only get important visitors."

Xander grinned.  "Thanks for the compliment.  Are you coming for the apocalypse?"

"Not unless I'm needed."

"We only have Willow and Tara for witches, Ethan.  You and Ripper would be better than that."

He nodded.  "I'll write him to see if he wants to go that way instead."  Xander nodded, eating one last bite then pushing her plate away.  "Finish it, Xander."

"I'm not hungry, Ethan.  Thanks anyway."  She stood up.  "I should head back toward LA.  I'm meeting some people there to help them."

"I'd heard rumors that one of the slayers had crossed over to help the other sort of hunters."

"Yeah.  The Winchester boys are nice enough I guess.  They try to be really understanding.  Didn't even nag when my first period made me find a vodka bottle."  She shrugged.  "Thank you for trying."

"It's not a problem, but you could stay tonight, Xander.  It's not safe right now.  They're going to have a meeting tonight."  Xander shook her head.  "I can vow not to touch your blood, purity, or powers if you feel it necessary.  A hot shower and a real bed?" he teased at the next head shake.  "One without noisy people next door having sex."

Xander smirked.  "How did you know I stayed at a fleabag motel last night?" he joked weakly.

"They're cheap and you're avoiding notice.  Come.  I have a spare room."  He led her up to it, letting her settle in once she had gotten her bag from the truck.  He closed her door and went to his office to call Rupert.  "Ripper, love."  He smiled at the grumbling.  "She is here.  No, she substituted.  Even if it had been fresh I couldn't have undone it," he said quietly.  "I did anchor it so the two quit fighting each other."  He smiled at the kind words.  "She brought up a point.  You're going to need magical support.  Do you trust Willow?"  He grimaced.  "Ripper, lad, if you don't, you won't be able to cast with her.  You'd know my motives.  I don't want the world to end any more than you do.  No, she said she's heading to LA to meet up with someone tomorrow.  Well, it would give me something to do other than watch the biker gangs gather.  They do keep down unnecessary visits, yes."  He smiled a bit.

"You, the resurrected one, and I could.  Ripper, the prophecy said dark, not evil.  She sold someone else's soul to the devil, that's evil.  No longer simply bad."  He sighed and nodded.  "I can.  As long as you don't have your girls beat me up," he joked.  He smiled.  "Upstairs in my spare room.  The anchoring was a bit painful and she didn't eat much dinner but she's fine."  He nodded at that wisdom.  If it was him, he'd be slowly fading too.  "I've done what I could, Ripper.  Unless Janus himself manifests and even he might not be able to cure it."  He nodded, writing down a date.  "I can be local and hidden by then.  I won't cause you too many problems before then.  Thank you for trusting me with her."  He hung up and went to make plans.  A witch gone rogue made for some strange working partnerships again.

***

Sam found the hotel and smiled as he walked inside.  "Hi, is Wes or Xander here?" he asked the young woman he found dusting.

"Um.... Xander, here?  Why?"

"We're supposed to be meeting here in a few days."

"Huh. No one told me that.  Or Angel I think.  Wesley!" she yelled.  He came out of the office so she pointed. "He wanted to find you or Xander."

"Sam."  He nodded and the boy followed him back into the office.  "Xander's in town somewhere but I'm not sure exactly where.  She said she's blowing off steam.  Which could mean she's off in a club or she's off beating something up."

"Still?"

"I'm afraid Ethan couldn't fix it either.  He wasn't sure if even Janus himself could fix it if he manifested."  That got a grim look and a nod.  "I know she said she'd be here in two days.  Though I hadn't told the others."  That got a brighter smile.  "How's your brother?"

"Sprained wrist.  He had to let me drive," he said smugly.  "Complained all the way here too."  The older man laughed at that.  "So, now what?"

"Well, if you wanted to help around here for a few days I'm sure I could find something to do.  Perhaps some research if you wanted."  Someone walked in without knocking.  "Angel.  Sam Winchester, this is Angel.  Angel, this is Sam Winchester.  He's one of the two helping Xander."

"We're helping each other with problems."  He shook his hand.  "Hi."

"Hi."  He looked him over then Wes.  "Is Xander in town?"  Wesley nodded.  "Where?"

"Blowing off some steam was all he said.  Why?"

"Part of Wolfram and Hart just collapsed.  They're saying it was a structural issue."

"Oh, dear."

"That's what I was thinking.  It's a very Xander thing to do," Angel agreed.  "The radio said it exposed some people doing some sort of black magic rite and got them arrested, said something they were doing had caused the structural issue to become critical."  Wesley sighed and nodded.  "So, any idea?"

"I'd say she's either out in a bar fight, or she's in a club somewhere."

"There's so few of those," Angel said dryly.

"Ask Gunn's people, see if they've seen her."

"I don't know what she looks like, Wes."  He pulled out a picture from her Watchers' Council file, handing it over.  He looked. "She's pretty.  I saw her earlier."

"You probably did.  She got in last night after going to see Ethan."  Angel gave him an odd look.  "To see if he could undo what Willow had created."

"Oh.  Any luck?"

"He anchored it better so it's more in tune with her body."

"No hope?"

"He said even if Janus himself manifested he might not be able to fix it."

"Should we warn anyone up there?"

"I doubt you want that drama here, Angel," Wesley said patiently.  "Is Buffy still on her 'it's necessary' kick?"  Angel nodded.  "Do you still disagree with her?"

"It wasn't right for Willow to offer someone else.  Or change him into a woman."  He shrugged. "She's stepped over the line before.  This was a continuation of it and I hope Rupert's got her straightened out by the time the portal opens."

"Rupert said he's not letting Willow cast with him.  He's going to call on Ethan to help.  Said she's too tainted now for the rating of 'dark'."

Angel nodded.  "I'd consider what she did evil."

"My brother wants to burn her," Sam offered.

"I'm sure Xander could be talked into it.  He's usually agreeable whenever you try reason," Angel said, leaving them alone.  "If they need the library go ahead."

"Thank you."  He looked at Sam, smiling a bit.  "He and Xander are still at odds."

"It happens.  Do you have anything more on the rite we'll have to do?"

"I do."  He walked him over to the ballroom, letting him inside.  "There you go.  Far right wall, in my section. It has my name on it.  It's in Latin."  Sam nodded, going to find it.  He went to call Xander's cellphone.  "Xander, it's Wesley.  The boys have shown up.  Sam's here if you wanted to pop around sometime soon," he said into his voicemail.  "Call me when you get this."  He hung up and went back to the totally mundane paperwork of running this place.  Someone had to order and buy the bandaids when they ran out.  Plus toilet paper it seemed.  For an undead man, Angel certainly did go through a lot of toilet paper.

***

Xander looked up from her lotioning, grinning a bit.  "Hey."

"Hey.  What are you doing here?" Dean asked.  He was trying very hard not to look at the velvet bikini outfit Xander was wearing.  It was making his mind start to go to that gooey place and he didn't want to go there with Xander.  Really, he didn't want to.  He did give the other girls long looks of appreciation.  Not too many were skanks.  He'd even sleep with a few of them.  Then he glanced at Xander again and away.

"Blowing off steam.  Getting used to the whole 'female' thing.  That stuff.  Getting free drinks."

"You could go to any club and get that."

"Yeah but then they'd want to touch.  Here they can't."  She stood up and wobbled in the heels until she caught her balance.  "How did you get back here?"

"Told them I'm your brother," he said since the bouncer was nearby.  "You're going to come over after your shift?"  Xander shrugged.  "Xander."

"Fine.  Where's Sam?"

"Angel."

"Poor thing.  He'll be brooded to death."  She put on a robe and grinned.  "Okay, quit staring."

"Can't help it.  The pushup bra is a bit much, isn't it?"  Xander gave him a look then strolled past him.  "When are you done?"  So he could go get a drink and forget that glimpse he didn't want.

"Two hours."  She winked at him and headed for the stage area.  She still sucked as a dancer but it was nice and she got nice tips because of her rack.  The last dancer came off and she went out, tossing her robe off at the last second as her intro song came up.  She strolled out to play with the pole, getting a lot of interested looks.  At least Willow had made her a pretty woman.  Plus the free drinks were easing her temper and nerves.  A lot.  It had helped over the last three days.  She swung around and slid down the pole, nuzzling it with her chin.  She made sure she didn't look near the back corner she knew Dean would've chosen since there were a few demons in there with them.  The men hooted and waved money so she strolled over, letting them glance down her top while she took the first round.  The song changed and she took off her top, tossing it back toward the back of the stage.  Most of the guys drooled and she got more tips.  She teased her panties and they went wild, letting her do her up-down thing a few times before she wiggled her way out of them during her third song.  She timed it so she was only naked on stage for maybe sixty seconds, maybe a minute and a half.  Then she left the stage.  The bouncer got her remaining tips for her and her top.   She was getting dressed when the club's owner came back there.  "Hey, boss.  Let me finish getting dressed."  She turned around to adjust her bra and panties then slid into her dress.

"Your brother's still here."

"He's fine.  He's not going to kill me or anything."

"I was thinking you might want to go home.  You're making poor drink sales tonight, Alex."

She looked at him.  "I am?  Six drinks is bad?"

"You make 'em drool on stage but they're selling to the other girls.  Sue me, I'm being a nice guy."

"Sure, boss, thanks."  She took her tips and looked at her outfit. "I should probably change."  She sat down to change into the outfit she had worn in.  She had been forcing herself to wear skirts every other day so she'd get used to the idea.  Not that she wasn't freaking out and that's where the free liquor was helping a lot, but she wasn't sure Dean could put up with her in a skirt.  She came out in lower heels and her bag over her shoulder.  The bartender cashed her out for the night and her pay was waiting on her.  "I'm fired too?"

"Your brother said they were leaving for Vegas tomorrow.  Come back when you're in town again," he soothed.

She nodded, smiling and signing her check so he could cash it for her.  She slid the money into her bra with the tip money and winked, letting him kiss her gently before walking over to where Dean was lounging.  "Come on.  I'm free for the night and beer's cheaper other places."

"True."  He looked at her, blinking a few times.  "New look."

"Have to make myself wear skirts sometimes.  Come on, bright boy."  She led the way out to the blazer, looking around.  "Sam steal the car?"

"Yeah.  He's at the Hyperion.  Besides," he said, holding up the brace.  "Sprained last night."

"Ow.  You good?"  He nodded.  "Fine, I can drive."  She slid into the truck, tossing her things in the back.  "Let me count."  She pulled out her tip and check to count, nodding a bit.  "Not bad."

"Was that six hundred bucks?"

"Yeah, I had a four hundred dollar paycheck for the last three days.  Apparently I make them drool but they buy the other girls drinks."  She tucked it back into her bra, getting an other odd look.  "No one's going to pickpocket me there, Dean."

"Never thought about that.  Skirt?"

"I'm making myself accept it.  The free liquor has been helping with that."

"No hope?"

"He said if Janus himself showed up he might be able to fix it for me."

"Damn.  I'm sorry, Xander."

"Not your fault.  If it was I would've killed you already."

"Let me drive.  Have you been drinking?"

"I got one whole drink sale of real liquor tonight.  It was three hours ago.  The rest I've done virgin."  He backed out of the parking space and headed off.  "Hyperion?"

"Yeah.  Stopping for a burger?"

"Sure, if you're hungry."

"You're not?  You burned a lot of energy up there."

"Wearing the shoes burns energy, Dean," she said dryly.  "And no, I'm not."  She pulled through somewhere for him, handing over the bag.  "There we go.  Enough for you and Sammy."

"He hates it when others call him that."

"He's going to be using me for bait tomorrow night anyway."  She drove on.  "By the way, one of your sort is around.  Ethan helped me put up a shield so they can't tell I'm a slayer. All they can see is pretty girl, has power, and slightly tainted.  An open demon feast.  It'll be easier to pop her out of that one and then send her off."

"Got any other info?"

"Back at my room."  She swung that way, hurrying inside to get that and the rest of her cash since it looked like someone had been inside.  She counted it and nodded.  "No one touched the money even if they did get into my clothes and masturbated on the bed with some panties."  Dean shuddered.  "It happens to girls.  Spike did it all the time to Buffy's clothes."  He headed for the hotel again, thinking while Dean read and ate.

"Looks pretty simple.  What if she won't jump?"

"Then we'll do it the normal way."

"Sure, we can try it.  Bored anyway."

Xander laughed.  "Does that mean you want to go to Sunnydale sooner?"

"No thanks.  Last minute for that is fine.  Canada's nice but there's another demon cult starting in Texas."

"Yeah, I heard.  Not sure if it can be stopped in time though.  They're going doomsday and it's an elemental that's doing it.  They're going to go in September.  That's not much time since it's the second of August.  Plus the travel time to Canada after that."

"We'll talk about it tomorrow while we're making plans."  They parked in the hotel's parking lot and got out, him carrying the bag and information inside.  He looked up as the wards lit up.  "Huh."

"Relax, people, he's a hunter too," Xander said dryly.  "Sammy!"

"Don't call me that!" he yelled.

"Hmm.  Library?" he asked the girl he didn't know.

"Yeah.  Who are you?"

"Xander."  She gaped.  "Ask Wes.  Not an amusing story in the least."

"Demon?" she asked hesitantly.

"Willow.  Same thing at the moment."  He walked that way with Dean grunting because his mouth was full behind him.  "This is Dean, Sam's big brother."  He ran into Angel. "Before you can ask about the ho shoes, I'm making myself accept it for the moment and forcing myself to wear girl things.  The free liquor was helping with that a lot."  She went into the library, patting Sam on the head.  "Huh.  Gladitaus."  She went to get another book and brought it over.  "Here, better resource."  Sam grinned until he saw her outfit.  Then he nearly choked.  "What?"

"Different look for you," he said.

"Making myself accept it."

"Going into the redzone, Xander," he complained, still staring.  Dean smacked him on the head and gave him the bag of food.

"Hey, had to make motel money somehow," Xander said dryly.

"Street corner?" someone asked.

"Strip bar, free liquor," she shot back dryly, making that one laugh.  "Hey, Gunn."

"Xander.  What the hell happened?"

"Willow."  He gaped.  He nodded.  "Angel didn't tell you guys?  Or Wes?"

"No.  I heard Spike came in to tell him there was an issue with Willow after we felt something going on that way."

"Tara got shot accidentally.  Willow went magic addiction again, sucked up black magic from a lot of magic books, went to end the world, and I stopped her.  A few days later, before Giles could send her off for some healing time with some druids in Devon, she made a deal with a demon to get Tara back and offered him my soul for it."  Gunn sat down hard, staring at her.  Xander nodded.  "Then I found out I could fight this since she didn't have my permission.  She found out I was going to and changed me.  Then there was the cult of Amun.... and training, and all that good stuff.  Right now I'm working on my acceptance levels.  I'm still freaked out by looking in the mirror."  She sat down, getting comfortable.  "Yes, the shoes hurt before you can ask."

"I'm sure they do."  He walked off shaking his head.  "Wesley, why can't we bind Willow or something?" he demanded. "Before she gets another person on our side."

"Because she's more powerful than all of us combined," he said bluntly.  "If not, she'd have already been put into a magical coma and kept there for a while."  Gunn shuddered at that.  "She told you?"  Gunn nodded.  "I helped with her slayer training.  Willow not only changed her into a pretty young woman but also a fairly old slayer at twenty."

"Damn," he said.

Angel nodded.  "Definitely and those shoes don't help.  Harris, did you blow that building?" he called, heading for the library.

"What building?"

"Wolfram and Hart."  He walked into the library, ignoring the outfit.  His sire Darla had teased and hunted men by wearing short skirts so he had learned not to look at them.  Especially after some of the ones that Buffy had worn around him.  "One of their walls collapsed and they found people doing black magic rites with a human sacrifice."

"Welcome," she said dryly.  Sam and Dean both gaped at her.  She grinned and wiggled her fingers.  "No one likes the evil lawyers.  Their own fault really."  She smiled at Angel.  "So, how's business going?"

"Not fun.  Yours?"

"Hunting for certain things."  She found Sam's copy of the rite and showed him.  "Giles said he has these two.  I know where this one is.  I need the last one for them."

He looked at it then at him.  Then at the boys.  "What was that important?" Angel asked.

"His life," Dean told him.  "He's still my brother."

Angel nodded.  "We've seen a lot of them recently.  You could," he told Xander, who shook her head.  "Why not?"

"There's no clause.  We can't heal Tara the same way we could heal Sam.  Giles and I talked about it.  I have to challenge him to get free.  If I do, then she can challenge his decision to turn on her while someone protects Tara."

Angel nodded.  "I can see if anyone has it stored, Xander."

"Thanks, Angel."

"Welcome.  Can you maybe put on pants?"

"No.  They say you have to accept yourself sometime," she quipped.  "Might as well and I'm learning a lot about balance and grace from the heels.  You can even tell Spike so he can shove it back in her face.  Buffy's too."

"I can tell Spike.  Pictures?"  Xander smiled and stood up.  He went to get a camera to take a picture and let Wesley send it to his childe.  "Wes, Xander's in the library with the other one."

"I heard," Wesley called. "Let me finish this order."

"You might wanna take in a cloth to clean your glasses," Fred offered.  "She's working on accepting her feminine side.  I didn't know you could get heels that high."

"Oh, dear lord," he muttered, going to check on her.  "Xander, I know I did not buy you that outfit," he complained when he saw it.  "Or those shoes."

"Traded my first lesbian kiss for it," she said dryly, smirking a bit.  "Not that different."  Wesley blushed and left again.  "I'm working on acceptance issues, Wes."

"You can't hope to slay in those shoes," he complained, coming back.

"Faith and Buffy both did," she said bluntly.  "I'm at least as good as Faith is."

"Quite a bit better physically," Wesley admitted.  "Mentally...."  He stared at her.  "You've lost weight."

"Traveling rations suck, Wes."

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Before work."

"Work?"

"Strip club.  I'm learning a lot about balance and grace."  Wesley gave her a horrified look.  "Free liquor to ease the nightmares.  Men who can't touch so I get used to them looking.  Free peanuts at the bar.  I get paid to wear high heels."  She shrugged.  "I made eight hundred in the last three days."

Wesley pulled off his glasses to clean, walking off doing that.

"Sorry, Wes."

"We'll talk later, Xander.  Eat something."

"I'm not hungry!  I ate before work!"

"Bar peanuts?" Dean asked.

"Granola bar too," Xander said, stealing a fry.  "There, see, still able to eat."

"Want to drink some holy water so we make sure?" Sammy asked as he read, pulling some out to hand over.  Xander sighed and drank it, and they waited but nothing happened.  "Then it's a mental reason, Xander, and you still have to eat.  If you pass out I'm going to make Dean carry you around."

"Fat chance," both of them said together.  Xander stuck her tongue out at him.

"Don't offer, not in that outfit," he shot back with a smirk.

"Sweetie, as good as that waitress said you are, you're still not gonna touch it.  I doubt you've got the stamina to keep up with me."  She looked around then up.  "Anya!"  She appeared, looking stunned, then squealing and hugging her.  "Hi.  I thought maybe we could catch up tonight.  I'm going to hunt with them tomorrow so breakfast, guys?"  They both grunted and nodded.  "Thanks."  She grinned.  "Come on, I drove."  Anya went with her, waving at the others as she walked off.  It was a good ploy to keep Wes from having that 'I'm disappointed in you' talk.  "So, how's tricks?"

"Not bad.  I'm back to my old job.  Willow's betrayal was enough for that."  She looked her over.  "I never considered women before but you're pretty."

"Thank you.  Working for a few days so I could get over the skirt trauma."

"I can see that.  You smell like lust."

"Strip club."

"Oh.  That again."  She nodded, taking her free hand to hold.  "How are you really?"

She looked at her.  "I'm still a guy underneath it all, Anya.  I'm not having a Hallmark moment."  Anya giggled.  "I'm slowly coming to terms with it."

"Good."  She kissed her at a stoplight.  "Room?"

"I have one of those.  Have to clean the bed though."  They drove back there and got out to head inside.  The used panties got tossed into the wash and Anya showed her what a woman's body was actually good for.  It was ...nice to be held.  Even if they did keep up people for three rooms.  Anya was a bit noisy and she couldn't quite make it all the way to orgasm but that was fine for this time.  It was still nice to be held by someone who gave a damn about you.

Back at the hotel the boys were asking their new acquaintances about the woman who had just shown up.  They knew something about Anya and were worried she'd hurt Xander on her present quest.  Then they learned she had gotten her powers back and it turned into a deeper worry.  Gunn did say Anya wouldn't hurt her.  She had no reason to.  They were probably going to go have sex or talk about girl stuff so they left it alone for now.  They'd save her in the morning if they had to.

***

Dean pounded on the door again then sighed and picked the lock, heading inside the room.  He turned and blushed at the naked, uncovered twine of bodies.  "More than I wanted to know, Xander."  The other one hissed at him.  He glared at her.  "I do know how to banish vengeance demons, Anyanka."

"Poo.  I was hoping for morning sex.  Willow didn't rob her ability to perform oral sex and I haven't been having good orgasms for a while now.  No one every gives me over three and Xander used to give me six or seven a day.  I miss my orgasms."

"Find her later or tomorrow."  She pouted and got dressed then disappeared.  Dean groaned, coming over to poke Xander once he made sure there weren't any weapons nearby.  "Xander."  She blinked slowly at him.  "Feel better?"

"Couldn't get off.  Pity."  She rolled onto her side.  "It can't be breakfast yet.  It's still dark."

"It's only dark in here because you live like a vampire and cover all the light sources and the mirror," he complained.  "Come on.  Breakfast time.  Go shower and meet us down at the Impala.  Our treat."  Xander groaned, getting up to deal with that.  He made himself not stare at her backside and went down to the car.  Xander came down in sunglasses, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, plus sneakers, locking the door behind her.  "Money?" he asked.

"Anya probably took half."  She dug it out and looked at it, nodding.  "Yup, like old times.  She took half."  She put it back.  "Where did you two want to eat?"

"All three of us," Sam told her.  "Denny's?"

"That works and it's cheap," Dean agreed, driving them that way.  They got there and Xander slid out of the backseat, stretching and wincing at the light.  "Should we make you drink more holy water?"

"No thanks.  Tastes bad."  They walked inside and Xander had to pull down her t-shirt so everyone quit staring at her stomach.  They sat down and she looked at the waitress.  "Coffee?" she nearly pleaded, getting a smile. "Sugar."  It was pointed at and she grinned back. "Thank you."  She opened a packet so she could pour it onto her tongue, feeling better from that.

Dean shook his head.  "Coffee, hot cocoa for Sammy."  Sam kicked him under the table.  "We'll figure out food soon."  She nodded and left them alone.  He took the next sugar packet and handed over a menu.  "Get sugar the natural way."

"Maple syrup."  Xander stared, deciding what she wanted to eat.  She smiled at the coffee that got poured next to her.  "Love you."

"Haven't heard that yet today so thank you," she said happily.  "College kids?"

"Upcoming," Xander lied with a sweet smile.  She pointed at the menu.  "I need that."  She nodded, writing it down.  The boys ordered their own breakfast and Xander inhaled her coffee.  "So.  How's it looking?" she asked once their waitress was gone.

"Looks okay," Dean admitted.  "The idea's doable.  Where would we do it?"

"Park?"

"Pretty open," Sam complained.

"Depends on which park and what part we're in."  The waitress was coming back to refill the coffees.  "I think we could role play pretty easily in the big park up the road a bit.  Don't you?" she asked her.  "It's got private spots, right?"

"Oh, yeah.  Along the jogging trail there's a few grottos to rest in and some other nice areas in that park up by UCLA."  They smiled at that.  "Or there's the beach.  It's not the heaviest of days today because it's supposed to rain later.  There's a few smaller beaches with a lot of rocks on 'em that don't really get anyone but a surfer now and then."

"I think we'll hit the park," Sam said with a grin.  "Thank you."

"Welcome, kids."  She went to get their orders, coming back with them.  Xander leaned over to sniff her pancakes, earning a laugh.  The syrup bottle was nearly emptied but she was sure the girl would watch her figure and work it off later.  She kept an eye on them because they were young and slurping coffee like truckers.  That's why she saw the one guy get up and stroll over there.  "Oh please don't," she begged quietly, heading to refill their coffee again.  "Hon, need anything?"  The boys were watching how she handled it but the smaller one looked ready to jump in if she needed it.

"Some fresh air," she said, smiling sweetly at the man.  "Not interested.  Thank you."

"Oh, come on, I know you're hot and all so you think all men are beneath you but you can do better than these two geeks."

Xander stood up and poked her finger into his chest, making him wince.  "I like smart men.  Their brains turn me on.  Thinking is good for humanity."  He glared.  "It is.  The same as hitting on someone who said no twice now isn't that smart.  So can we please be left alone so I can finish waking up?"

"What's wrong?  They not hit it hard enough last night?" he taunted.

"No, the former girlfriend didn't, thank you for asking."  He gave her a horrified look and backed off farther.  She smiled sweetly.  "Enough now?"  He growled and tried to hit her.  She grabbed his wrist and yanked him off to the side, then down and onto his stomach.  She knelt on his back, getting down closer to his ear.  "Pissing me off is stupid.  Really.  All we want to do is finish breakfast so we can go play in the park.  If you have a problem with that, I'm sorry.  I don't care, but I'm sorry.  Please go back to your table and practice manners."  She got off him at the waitress' urging.  "Sorry you had to see that."

"No, sweetie, it's good for young women to be able to take care of themselves."  She sat her back down.  "You finish up.  I'll go get his check."  She went to do that, putting it down with a glare at his friends.  "Pick him up, boys.  He clearly had too much to drink last night."  They did that, leaving a tip too.  The trio of kids left a nicer tip when they left a few minutes later, making her a happy waitress and mother of two kids.  She'd have to get her daughter into self-defense soon.  That way she could handle the boys the same way.

***

Xander looked up from her reading, smiling at the demon they were there to see.  "Hi," she said in a fake southern accent.  "How are you?"

"Hi."  She sat down next to her.  "What are you reading?"

"Hmm, Shakespeare."  She let her see the title.  "I borrowed it off a friend."  Sam didn't have that many non-work books and that would've given it away.  "Pretty day, isn't it?"

"Very."  She leaned closer to sniff her.  "Nice perfume."

"Thank you but I'm not wearing any."  She pulled out her best flirting and smiled a bit.  "Out here meeting someone?"

"Just you."  She shifted closer.  "I don't know if this is your thing or not, but I think you're very pretty."

Xander blushed and grinned back. "Thank you.  I've ...dabbled."  The demon nearly purred.  "But I'm still not sure which side I sit on.  I can't let it go past fingers.  I promised I'd be a virgin until at least the holidays.  The family can be a bit insane about that stuff."

"I can understand that.  How about we go neck?"

"I could like that."  She leaned closer to kiss her, feeling the demon's smoke coming up.  She backed off, coughing a bit.  "Smoking?"

"Earlier.  Sorry."  She leaned in for another kiss, letting Xander take control this time.  Xander wound a hand into her hair to pull her closer.  That way she didn't see Sam and Dean behind her.

Dean coughed.  "Get off my sister."  The woman jumped up to stare at him, then backed away slowly.  Xander casually stretched out and tripped her.  "Thanks, sis."

"Welcome, studly."  She got up and lowered her shields so the demon would come out faster to possess her.  "Don't be scared of them.  They're not mean about this stuff."  The demon came out fully and Sam threw the holy water on it, starting the banishing.  It faded out and Xander helped the young woman to her feet, looking at her.  "Hi."  She burst out crying so Xander cuddled her for a few minutes.  "Shh.  You're safe again."

"I needed that!" she said.  "I needed it or else I'll never get anyone!"  She tried to hit her but Sam stopped her and Dean splashed her with holy water, making her scream and run off.

"Huh," Xander said, shrugging a bit.  "Pity."  She grabbed the book and handed it back.  "Listerine?"  Dean handed some over.  "Thanks."  She rinsed and spit a few times then they walked off together.  "So, how was your watching?"

"You looked hot kissing her," Dean offered.

"Gee, thanks."

"Welcome," Dean said with a cheeky grin.  "Could've been a worse show."

"Can you maybe pull up your shirt a bit, Xander?" Sam asked.  Xander looked down then pulled up her shirt and did up the slipped open button.  "Thanks."

"Forgive him, he doesn't get much," Dean told her.

She laughed.  "Neither do I.  We should have an 'ain't gettin' none' club."

"Sorry, can't join," Dean said.

Xander looked at Sam.  "He keep you up?"

"Only with the smutty thoughts.  That's all he's gotten recently."

"Hey, I could've had her coworkers."

Xander looked at him, then patted him on the cheek with a smile.  "Only if you paid for it."   He gave her a hurt look so she giggled and ran ahead.  "They would."

"Uh-huh.  Angel said to take you out to a real club tonight for the other issue."

"What other issue?"

"You and your girl stuff."

"Oh.  That issue.  I don't dance like a girl."

"You did last night."

She stuck her tongue out then turned around and patted the horse that was lounging nearby for carriage rides.  "Ooh, pretty pony."  She walked on, letting the guys follow her.

"Think she's nuts?" Dean asked.

"Maybe.  It'd drive me nuts."  Sam looked at him.  "We're going clubbing?"

"He wanted her to do the girl stuff Wes trained her for."

"Oh, that stuff.  Sure.  Why not.  Are we going to keep her from drinking?"

"Maybe."  He shrugged and pulled out the keys since they were close the parking lot.  "Xander!"  No answer.  "Xander!" he tried again, louder.  They heard something and went down a side path, finding Xander being kissed.  "Know him?" he asked loudly.  Xander pulled back and kneed him in the crotch, sending the guy to the ground.  "I guess that's a no."

"No."  Xander looked around.  "HELP!"  Two bike cops came riding up.  "He pulled me off the trail and grabbed me to kiss me.  He's some sort of pervert!" she said firmly, pointing at the guy.  "I want him arrested for trying to molest me!"

"Calm down, ma'am.  Are you all right?"

"I kneed him," she said, pulling up a convincing sniffle and pout.  "I'm going home with my brothers.  The people here are mean."  She stomped off, letting the boys walk her off.

Sam looked at her once they were in the car.  "Demon?"

"No, rapist.  I want his ass in jail before I kill him."

"Good idea," Sam decided, grinning a bit.  "Want the mouthwash back?"

"Nah, I'm fine.  Hell, I had worse kisses when Spike tried."  She shrugged.  "Blood breath is nasty, I don't know how Buffy put up with it."

Dean shuddered.  "She really slept with Angel?"

"And it really made him happy enough to lose his soul," Xander agreed dryly.  "He broke her in."

"Eww," Dean said, backing out and heading back to the hotel.  "Angel said he needs someone to go to a certain club and clean out some of the unlife.  Since you're a slayer...."

"I can do that," she sighed.  "Means I won't get hit on as much since I'll have to be somewhat practical in my clothes and I can't get drunk."

"True," Sam agreed.  "You have clothes?"

"I need to do laundry and stop somewhere.  Panties don't last that long."  They both blushed at that and let her go into the store she pointed at.  She came out with a bag ten minutes later and they headed back to the hotel.  The boys decided to move over to hers so they were there in case something happened.  Xander came down to their room about seven in a modest skirt and shirt outfit, plus low heels.  Her hair was getting longer so she had pushed it back with a headband.

"You look like a schoolteacher," Dean said.  It was a definite switch from last night.

"I have to be practical and hide the weapons."

He groaned, walking her back there.  "Clubbing, Xander."

"I have no idea how girls club except for Buffy and her backless shirts."

"Uh-huh.  Go out looking like you want to attract attention."  He looked at the clothes, shaking his head, getting into her stripper gear.  He grimaced.  "You don't have anything that's trashily tasteful.  Do you?"

"No, Wes didn't buy me anything like that."  She gave him a look.  "I have two other skirts.  One was last night's."

"What's the other one look like?"  She held it up.  He blinked.  "Wore that on stage?"

"Yup."

"Not tonight."  He went to call Wesley.  Maybe some of Cordelia's old stuff....  They were about the same height if he remembered right.  Gunn showed up ten minutes later with a young woman, who drug Xander off once she had on different shoes.  They shared a look and a head shake.  "Joining us?"

"Yeah, in case you guys need backup.  She's like my sister."  That got a few smiles and they finished getting ready, heading out to track down the girls.  They couldn't find them so they called and agreed to meet at the club.

That's why Dean nearly spit on Gunn when he saw them walk in.  Xander was wearing stretch velvet.  Black stretch velvet and a slim velvet collar with a little charm on the front.  Her hair had been gelled and she now had earrings. She was still wearing the modest two- inch heels and was strolling over to them.  "Hey," he said weakly.

"Hi.  Think this is okay?"

"You look hot," Sam told her honestly, getting a smile back for it.  "We haven't seen any yet."

She looked around. "Six or seven in here."  They all looked at her.  "We have an early warning system that causes cramps."  She strolled toward the bar and one guy came over to chat with her.  She blushed as she talked to him, making him horny.  He bought her the drink she wanted and took her out to the floor.

Sam watched.  "She doesn't dance like a girl."  Dean shook his head, she didn't.  It looked okay but she wasn't doing it right.  The real woman went out there to help her, teaching her.  She came back after a song.  "She okay?"

"She said it's her first time in town and they didn't have a club where she was.  She'll do better."  They watched as Xander got looser and into the groove with the guy.  It was very nice and he was trying hard to grope subtly.  She swatted a hand and gave him a small sentence.  He pouted.  She apparently said something and he started to sweat.  She strolled back and sat down at the table, smiling at them.  "You okay?" she asked.

"I told him breaking me in was going to take more than one dance in a club.  I wasn't that easy."  She sipped her drink, smiling a bit when he came over.  "Boys, this is William.  William, these are some of my new friends.  They're *very* protective of me."

Sam looked at him.  "Hi, Sam O'Neill, I'm a lawyer.  You?" he said, holding out a hand.

He swallowed.  "I sell cars.  My name's William."  He shook his hand.

"Bryan," Dean said, shaking his hand.  "I work at a shooting range."  That got a horrified look so Dean grinned.  "Our father's a Marine."

"Oh.  No wonder."  He smiled at Gunn.  "You?"

"Me?  I'm a PI."  The man just nodded.  "This is my girl Bev."

"Charmed," he said, shaking her hand as well.  "Alex, would you like to go again?"

She shrugged.  "As long as the hands don't wander."

"Of course not.  I'll be a perfect gentleman. You made your intentions very clear, my dear."  She walked out there with him and he didn't try to grope this time.  He was using her to pick up other women. If someone this hot wanted him of course the other hot chicks would.  He was sure she understood.  Another guy came up and stole her so she danced off with him, giggling a bit like an airhead.  He got more play but then he sniffed and moaned, letting her lead him to his seat because he looked sick.  He glanced away then back and he was gone.  She was strolling back to the table but the guy was gone.  He shrugged it off.  It was fine.  Sick people were like that.  She'd find someone to date her he was sure.  Even though LA was the city of easy lays she'd find someone higher class.

She sat down, smiling at Dean.  "He was a bit ill."

"Pity.  You good?"

"I'm fine."  She stroked over his arm to remove some lint.  "But if I hang out here too much we're going to look like a posse soon."  They all laughed, letting her take Bev back out to the floor.  It was perfectly acceptable for women to dance together.  She could learn more about how to dance like a girl than what she had learned watching Buffy dance with guys.  She looked over but Sam and Dean had picked up women and were on the floor too.  Gunn was saving their table, watching over them.  She winked at Bev and nodded.  They went to tease those two suckers.  She managed to get their wallets before they went poof.  A few more and it was nice.  Her last one she accepted a drink and an invitation to his table.  He was clearly older and more important, at least in his own mind.  She settled into his booth to talk to him.  The guys were checking over there.  She was doing okay until he went poof into a ball of flame.  Not what she was expecting.  She shrieked and the club emptied.  Gunn found her.  "I don't know what happened," she said.  "He was playing with something in his pocket then he went up like I fed him holy water.  Only he stayed lit instead of going poof."

"We'll figure it out," he assured her.  She nodded, letting him lead her off.  One of the cops stopped them.  "She's shaken up.  She was beside him."

"He was playing with something in his pocket.  Talking about his new steel PA, and I guess something sparked.  I have *no* idea what happened," she told them.  She hugged Dean when he saw and came over.  "I'm all right."  She walked him off, handing him something subtly.  "Can you hold this for me since I don't have a purse on me?"

"Sure, sis."  It was a good cover and he could stay with her.  "Officer, is there a problem?  She's really shaken up by that.  I'd like to take her home.  We were checking on them.  One second she's laughing and then she shrieked."

"I need contact details so we can find her if something else comes up," he said.  Dean wrote down his cellphone number plus motel number and they left together.  He watched them go.  Something was going on.  He knew that motel; it was decidedly lower class than that girl.  He went into the club to check on the table.  The sprinklers had put him out nearly immediately.  Though all that was left was ashes.  "What happened?"

"First of all, he wasn't caught on tape," the officer in there said, letting him see the table.  They had zeroed in on it.  The story checked out.  She hadn't reached over to touch him.  She was barely within touching distance of where the other glass was.  Then suddenly there was an outline of fire and he went up while she scrambled away.  He saw the wallet.  "Is that a man's wallet?"  They zeroed in on it and nodded.  "Think it was his?  Whoever he was?"

"No," the officer said, going back a few frames.  "She had it earlier.  We can't tell if she came in with it or not."

"Should we go find her?"

"No," the officer said.  "There's no way she sprayed an accelerant on him.  That's the only way he could've went up like that, sir."  He looked over.  "Human bodies don't just combust like that.  Any other ideas?"

"She said he was talking about his new steel dick piercing."

"Static discharge caused a spark and lit his clothes?" he said.  "We'd have to test the fabric.  If we can find any that's not ashes."  They nodded and went to check on it with the fire inspector.  There was no way they could charge anyone with this.

***

Dean closed the door on Xander's room, looking at what she had handed him.  "You pickpocket you," taunted with a grin.  "Yet you didn't like us with the credit card thing."

"Well, yeah.  Learned that back in Sunnydale.  That's how we got the weapons from them when they attacked."  She sat down, taking off the shoes so she could rub her feet.  "That was freaky.  I have no idea why he went up.  The earlier one who sipped my drink and got the holy water bath but not that one."

Sam knocked and was let in.  "Hey."  He closed the door, handing over the other few Bev had handed him.  "From Bev's purse."

Dean sat down to count things, smiling at the ID's and credit cards, plus a lot of cash.  "I love the first of the month."

"Me too," Xander said happily.  "Better tips."  They both stared at her.  "There are."

"You can't go back, Xander," Dean ordered.  He split half the money with her but kept the ID's and credit cards.  Xander gave him a look.  "Tough."

"Just don't do it around me.  Pickpocketing vampires I can handle.  Credit card theft is past my limit."

"I don't think they'll mind."

"If those aren't forged or stolen," she said dryly.

"Good point.  We'll check into it."  They went into his inner pocket.  "You okay?"

"No one but the first guy touched.  I learned how to dance better and more like a girl."  She took off the choker and rubbed her throat.  "I still have a problem with things around my throat."

"Why?" Sam asked.

"Faith.  She tried to choke me once."  She smiled.  "It was a long time ago, Sam."  She curled up on the bed but both guys looked away so she moved her legs so they couldn't see up the skirt.  "Get over it already."

"You're female, you should watch those things," Sam said.  He blushed and left when she started to get up.

Dean laughed.  "He needs laid."

"Well, yeah," Xander agreed dryly.  "Me too and I can't for another few months.  It sucks."

"Girls can do it for themselves too."

"Doesn't work," she admitted grimly.  "Apparently she wasn't that kind."

Dean huffed.  "You're not doing it right."

"I think I know how to and so does Anya.  Hell, we caught her having a six day masturbate-a-thon once."  Dean shook his head quickly to clear that mental image.  "Exactly.  Even she couldn't.  So no, Willow couldn't quite make that work.  What a fulfilled girl I am," she finished sarcastically.

"Maybe when you get that fixed it'll be better," he offered.  Xander gave him an odd look.  "How would I know?  I've never been a girl!"

"At least you tried.  Thanks, Dean."

"Welcome."  He stood up.  "How many did you get?"

"Seven.  One didn't have a wallet and I missed another one's before he went poof.  Oh, got a tip for Angel.  One of the higher demons is running an S&M club for humans and using it to provide snacks."

"I'm not going there.  Sam isn't either."

"I wasn't going to suggest it.  That's an Angel issue, not a slayer one."

"Good."  He walked out, heading back to their room to talk to his brother.  "She found out one of the demons is using an S&M club as a cover."

"You're on your own there," he said dryly.  "I don't want to know how freaky you can get."

"That's what I told her.  She said Angel could handle it."  Sam nodded at that.  "Anything come up under the ID's?"

"Only one's a fake.  The rest were the vamps themselves."  Dean let him pluck that one out.  They'd use it to exchange pictures out of for one of theirs or sell it as a template.  The others got hidden in the special box of fake ID's.

They heard Xander's room door open and then close but no one was walking up the walkway when they looked.  So maybe she had called Gunn about that information.  They'd figure it out in the morning.

***

Xander looked up from her reading as the figure settled in next to her on the park bench.  "Hey."

"Hey yourself," Cordelia said.  "You're driving them nuts."

"Then let them fix it."

"Xander," she sighed.  "If they could've fixed it, they would've let Ethan fix it."  He looked at her.  "Yes, it sucks, but hey, maybe it's your reward."

"My reward is having my life ripped apart, threatened, and then knowing that I've maybe got a year before I die.  Yeah, some reward, Cordy.  It's like finding out you've been living someone else's life and then you find out that you have cancer so you'll never get back to your own because there's no one who can treat it."  He stood up.  "Any other helpful advice?"

"Don't wear thongs.  You look trashy."  She stood up to face him.  "I'm sorry she did this.  Hell, if I had heard sooner I would've warned you."  He gave her a look.  "I would have.  Or Giles.  You're not heading anywhere near a finish line soon though.  You've still got a lot of laps left to do and a lot of pitstops during them where you have to do ....car stuff or whatever they do.  It's an imperfect analogy but they keep annoying me so I can't think."  He cracked a small smile at that.  "Remember, you have a goal.  You still have a purpose, Xander.  Even beyond that one, final one.  You don't have that long until it happens and you're nowhere near trained enough."

He looked at her.  "You'd be surprised."

"No, not really.  I've been watching."

"Did you watch before?" he asked bluntly. She winced and shook her head.  "Didn't think so."  He walked off.  "Any other helpful things?"

"Yeah, don't do Texas.  They can do Texas.  You have to be in Canada by the equinox."

Xander nodded.  "Fine, thank you."  He waved a hand.  "Have a good life."

"You too," she said quietly, watching him walk off.  Something was very not right with her Xander.  She looked up.  "I can't have another hint?"  She got the feeling she should know but didn't.  "I need to kill Willow," she muttered, disappearing again. Even though the Powers had said it wasn't her job so she couldn't.

***

Xander looked at the woman who was led out and sat across from him at the picnic table.  It was an open visitation day at the jail and it was nice enough so they let the lower risk people outside today.  "Hey."

"Hey."  She stared at her.  She felt familiar.  That spark....  "Did B pass?"

"No.  Willow created an exception."  Faith blinked at that, gaping a bit.  She shrugged.  "It's Willow, ya know?"

"Yeah, I remember witchy poo.  So why come see me if B's still all well and good?"

"Because Buffy, Willow, and I are having a fight," she said bluntly.  Faith snickered.  "Frankly, Wes is worried I'll end up where you are."

"I doubt that.  They gave him another girl?"

Xander stared at her.  "Faith, you know who I am already.  You're not firing on all cylinders."  She stared then burst out ranting and swearing, standing up and starting to pace.  "Guess you caught the clue."

"Boytoy?"

"Yup."  He smiled at the guard.  "Sorry, some upsetting news about a mutual friend," he lied.  "She'll calm down.  Won't you, Faith?  Please?"

"Sure, yeah, I'm calm."  She sat down, staring at him...her again.  "What the fuck, X?"

"Willow."

"Willow?  Red?  Witchy poo did this?"  She waved a hand.  Xander nodded, looking calm.  "How long ago?"

"Few months.  I even went to Ethan Rayne; no one can fix what she did."  He patted her on the wrist.  "Not the point of the visit.  Though, does your mole swell when you retain water too?"

She blinked a few times.  "I knew I felt the spark."

"Yeah, not only did she do it to me, she changed me that way.  So now I'm my actual age and one of you.  With a bad time coming up and Buffy deciding Willow was right to offer me as a sacrifice."

Faith shuddered.  "Oh, God, Buffy's lost it."  She looked at her.  "Tweedy?"

"He's with me.  Tara's with me."

"Tara?"

"Willow's girlfriend.  She lost her and it took a soul to get her back," he said quietly.  "She gave mine without my permission."  Faith gripped the table hard enough for the wood to squeak.  "Hey.  Calm down."  She calmed down.  "I've been mad enough for all womankind for the last few months.  Not why I'm here."

"Okay."  She stared at him.  "At least she made you hot."

"Not a consolation."

"Sorry.  True but sorry.  Things going okay back there?"

"I haven't been back since the day I escaped."  She nodded at that.  "I'm helping a few hunters with their own traumas right now to take my mind off mine."

"That's good I guess.  So why come to me?"

"To make amends."

"You're going soon?" she demanded dryly.

"Faith, I'm twenty.  I'm not Buffy.  Hell, I'm not even you."  She shrugged, leaning on the table.  "I'm also realistic.  I have eight more months until Willow's deal comes to pass and I have to either accept it or fight my way out of hell."  She gaped.  "If I do then the thing she made the deal with can take Tara back or even Willow herself.  I love Tara like my sister."

She took her hand to hold. "We all lose someone, Xander."

"I'm tired of losing someone."

"Then you're in the wrong line of work."

"Yeah, well, there's always the give up option at that point."

"I don't take you as a quitter."

"I'm not.  I still might lose though."  She nodded that was true.  "He's higher than even D'Hoffryn is."  She shuddered.  "Exactly."  She leaned closer.  "If I do go, I need you to keep a promise for me if I can't."

"What one?"

"The two hunters I'm working with are trapped in the same sort of clause."  She groaned.  "One saved his brother, Faith.  There's a strong bond and there's every indication they'll be going on even if we all die.  I need, they need, someone to help them with one single problem.  It'll have to be called.  It killed their mother."

"So they need someone with the big, hairy mole to summon the puss sucker.  Our blood calls stronger."

Xander nodded.  "It'll be easiest around the same time as the fight.  You'll be out by then from what I hear.  If I fall, you do this for them.  You don't have to hang with them.  You don't have to do anything like it.  Just help them with that single issue."

She considered it then nodded.  "Buffy won't?"

"They got offended on my behalf when the Powers sent me to them.  One of them wants to burn Willow at a stake."

"Can't say as I think he's wrong with what happened to you.  Yeah, I can do that."  Xander smiled at that.  "Anything else?"

"Just making amends, Faith."

"Hey, you tried damn hard to save me, boytoy.  Even if you did have a slightly selfish reason, you were trying to do the good thing.  We're five-by-five and it's good."  She got a small grin.  "You okay?  You look rough."

"I'm having trouble adjusting."

"Yeah, probably not easy.  Mine wasn't and I grew up one."

"Exactly.  Though drinking isn't the answer I wanted.  It seems to happen when I have a bad day."

"Thought you hated drinking."

"It numbs it, Faith.  Giles stopped me after it happened."  She nodded, understanding what he was saying.  "Anyway."  He pulled out two hunter's magazines and pushed them over.  "For you.  I wrote Angel's addy on the index of one.  He's in town.  Wes is still working with him."  She smiled at that.  "I don't think he'd be mad if you wrote to him."

"I can do that.  It might help me."  She brushed some of her hair off her cheek.  "You need a trim."

"I don't care.  I never really did and I definitely don't now."  She nodded at that.  "Anyway," she sighed, standing up.  Faith pouted.  "Fine, we'll stay and talk."  She sat down again and they talked about general life stuff and slayer stuff.  Faith had only been catching the barest of rumors from the new people coming in.

***

Sam looked up when Xander walked up to where they were eating.  "Where were you?"  He was watching how she walked.  She was wearing tighter clothes today.  All the other things he'd seen her in, including the dresses, had been somewhat looser and had concealed the fact that she was losing weight.  Dean must've seen that at the strip club and that's why he was being so forceful about taking care of her, even though he had refused to tell him why.

"Talking to Faith."  She sat down.  "I had to make amends."  He looked at Dean.  "The other last problem, the family vendetta issue, if I can't because of my last fight, since it'll be easiest around the same time, she will.  She'll be in Sunnydale by then and she promised me she'd help you two."

Dean nodded.  "Thanks.  Where is she right now?"

"Prison."  They choked.  They had forgotten about that.  "She staked someone who didn't go poof."

"Damn," Dean muttered.  "She okay?"

"She's better now.  She said it calmed her down, made her think.  She already knows she's getting out in January.  My fight's in February, so she'll be there if she can."  That got a nod.  Sam shoved over half his burger.  "I had a...."  They both glared so she ate it anyway.  "Thanks, guys."

"Welcome," Sam said with a smile.  "Any other errands you have to run?"

"Cordy said if you're going to Texas you're on your own.  I'm to head to Canada."

"Sure," Dean agreed.  "Will you need us up there?"

"Don't know yet.  I don't think so.  I haven't heard I would.  When you're done, head that way.  At the very least we can find something to do in Seattle since there's a ton of activity up there."  She swallowed some of Sam's water.  "Now I have to head to check in with Angel and tell him Faith's fine.  I'll see you guys in a few weeks."

"No, stay," Dean said.  Xander gave him an odd look.  "None of us have to leave tonight, Xander.  Stay."

"I'm fine."

"Bull.  You look like you haven't slept since the night Anya came over to play," Sam told him.

"I've been having a few slayer dreams about the upcoming thing.  That's all it is, guys.  Really.  I've already emailed them to Giles through Tara."

"Uh-huh.  You're still staying, Xander," Dean ordered. "We're a partnership and we have to look out for each other.  If Sammy came in looking like the same sort of hell you do I'd make sure he slept that night."

"I'd probably handcuff him if he looked that way," Sam quipped happily.

"In your dreams maybe," Dean shot back.  He stopped Xander when she tried to move.  "Sit.  Now."  Xander sat down.  "Thank you.  Damn, I just sounded like Dad."

Sam smirked and nodded.  "You did.  Think he'd be amused?"

"Probably at Xander.  Probably yelling at Xander too."  He looked at her.  "Dad was a Marine."

Xander shrugged.  "I ignore most people who yell at me.  Even bigger and brighter people in the same field.  If I didn't, I would've quit a long time ago when they tried to shove me off or turn me into donut boy."

"Who did that?" Sam asked.

"The evil trio didn't hear?  Huh.  They mention a zombie named Jack and his bomb in the basement?"  Sam nodded at that.  "That same night everyone, even Giles, decided I was too normal to be of any help to anyone and that I should pull back from the fighting for good.  Jack needed a car, kept talking about baking a cake as he went around to raise his friends for some fun.  He and I ended up staring at each other over it and he disarmed it before he disappeared into the jaws of doom."

Sam gaped.  "Jaws of doom?"

"Oz.  It was the full moon."  Sam shuddered.  "He disarmed it first.  That was nice of him."

"So you got shoved away by your friends and let this other guy pick you up?" Dean asked.

"He was one of the cool kids.  I was still trying to fit in back then.  That was also the night I lost my first time to Faith.  Saved her by having an accident with the car and some suicidal things that she was trying to hold off.  Then ten minutes later it was all over with and I found out what Jack was doing.  So I went to stop him while they were handling something in the library and the hole in the floor."  Sam pushed over his water again.  "Thanks."

"Welcome, Xander."  He looked at Dean.  "If we had done something like that in high school we'd have been beaten to death."

Dean nodded. "Yeah, just a bit."

"I didn't realize about Jack.  He had been at school that day.  His grandfather arranged things for him when he had a stupidity accident."  She took another sip and handed the glass back.  "Anyway.  Not a fun night.  I changed a lot that night."

"How close was it?" Dean asked, staring at her.

"Ten seconds.  We had a talk about liking the silence and how it was going to be no more playing frisbee during lunch for him.  He blinked first," she finished blandly, looking around.  "Weren't there people near us earlier?"

"They left a few minutes after you got here," Sam told him.  He pushed his water back and some of his chips too.

"Not that hungry, Sam.  Eat your own lunch.  This isn't grade school."  She ruffled his hair.  "But you're sweet."  She smiled and stood up again.  "If I'm staying I should get a room.  How cheap is the local place?"

"We have a couch," Dean told him.

Xander looked at him.  "I'm not sleeping in your room."  She walked off, heading out to the blazer.

Dean walked up behind her and neck pinched her until she fell down.  He put her into the Impala, smiling at the cop giving him an odd look.  "She's like our sister and she's refusing to sleep due to nightmares.  We're going to go tie her down, make her eat lunch, and then sleep."  He nodded at the blazer.  "My brother can drive it."  Sam came out.  "Paid?"

"Yup."  He handed over the box.  "The rest of yours so you don't starve.  Keys?"  Dean patted her down, finding them and tossing them over before getting in to drive.  Sam smiled at the officers.  "Really bad nightmares.  It's been a bad few months for her."  He climbed up into the blazer, liking the seats.  They were comfortable.  He started the engine and backed out, heading back with Dean.  He noticed the cops following him but oh well.  He parked in front of their room.  Dean got out and came over to grab Xander, carrying her up to their room.  Sam locked up the blazer and followed, waving at the cops.  One came up to check.  She was on the couch.  Dean was in the chair.  "She's fine, I promise.  She's like our sister, Officer.  We're not kidnaping her."

"I'd like to hear that from her.  You can knock her back out later if you need to."

Dean reached over to swat Xander's foot, making her wake up.  "Tell the nice officer we're not kidnaping you?"

Xander blinked at the officer.  "They're pushy but they're like my made family, only they like me more."

The officer nodded.  "Fine.  The younger one brought your blazer."  Xander nodded at that.  "Have a good night, kids."  Sam knocked her back out when she tried to move from the couch.  He left, going to tell the curious owner.  "Their might-as-well-be sister showed up and she's not sleeping regularly.  They knocked her out and put her on the couch."

"That's fine.  They paid for a double but one night won't matter that much.  She did look a bit thin and pale."

"Had dark circles too."  He went back to make a report just in case something happened.  You never knew about some strangers.

***

Xander walked up to the shaman, kneeling in front of him as a show of respect.  "Elder."  The older man looked at her.  "I need guidance and help."

"You seek our treasure?"

"Only a small piece and it's for a good cause.  One who saved his brother needs it to now save himself.  They're local if you feel the need to check but they cannot handle talking to the spirits as I do."

"You would willingly go talk to the spirits?"

"As I have before," Xander agreed.  The shaman gave her a long stare.  "I've been possessed before, Shaman."  She lowered her shields fully so he could tell.  He hissed and tried to move.  She closed it.  "It is where I was born, not who I am or what I do."

He settled in again.  "That town is evil."

"I helped take out the evil so that normal people could be safe and live their lives, Elder.  I have for many years now."  The elder studied him then nodded finally. "I may try?"

"You may try.  You do know the spirits must relent?"  Xander nodded, standing up.  "How big are you needing?"

"It calls for a gram."

"Not a big chunk," he agreed.  "You may try."  He pointed at a nearby cave.  "It is in there."

Xander looked then pointed behind him.  "The spirits talk that way."  The elder laughed and nodded, waving a hand.  He bowed and headed to talk to the spirits.  He closed his eyes as he walked into the cave, opening them once he was inside.  He let his eyes adjust to the dim light and moved in further, looking at the drawings.  He found some chalk and finished an arrow that was being shot at a moose.  He looked at the next one and saw  the same scene but this time it was a female with children.  He studied it.  "Even women can hunt," he called.  "Someone has to feed the children.  If the only ones who can are women then so be it."  He didn't draw in the arrow this time.  The bow was positioned differently.  He put down the chalk and moved on, hearing the chatter of voices in the back of his head. He came to a softly lit cavern and faced a spirit.  "Elder."

"You are not one of us."

"No, I'm not.  I'm here on a quest for someone who chose to save his brother with his own life.  He cannot talk to you as I can."

"You think that gives you an advantage?"

"No, I think having to manifest to those who can't talk to you wears out some of the energy  you have carried over from your mortal life."  The spirit gaped.  She smiled.  "I'm what's known as a slayer, Elder.  One who protects humanity against the darkness.  The one I come for does the same thing only he's male and only has a personal calling, not a duty."

"You don't like your duty."

"I make no grand statements about liking it," he agreed patiently.  "I've never liked being called.  It was necessary for it to be so, even when I was who I truly am.  Someone has to do it or else all humanity is lost."

The spirit floated closer.  "The one you serve...."

Xander burst out laughing.  "I serve no one, Elder.  I only serve myself.  I help him because he needs it and helping him helps me in my own quest.  Plus he helps humanity as I do.  Helping a fellow hunter is good for all hunters."

The spirit looked at her.  "You are not one of us."

"I was born male.  A witch did this to me."

"You are not a shaman."

"No, I am not.  I am one who can talk to spirits but I am not a shaman.  I do not use magic, even though I was born next to a place where the bad power collects to be tainted further by the portal underneath it."  The spirit looked confused.  "I lived on the hellmouth, Elder.  Boca del Inferno."  The spirit still looked confused.  "What did Giles say your... The Cumash guarded my former town.  They had a village there to keep the portal from opening and tainting the entire earth."

"I know of the Cumash."  He floated closer, laying a hand on her head.  "You are tainted."

"I was born and bred there, Elder.  I've had to soak up the energy there since the moment of conception.  I do not use it and I do not do things that would make that power happy.   I fight the things that the power bring."

"You are an odd choice to send to us."

Xander nodded.  "I may be but my quest is pure and necessary."

"Tell me of the one who sends you."

"He is an older brother.  To save the younger brother he would do anything."

"So he sold himself?"

Xander nodded.  "He would do anything to save his brother pain or hurt.  He knew the price he paid but his brother still needs him.  The world still needs him for he is one of the few who do the job we do."

"Those ones from over the seas send your kind out against those born wrong."

Xander nodded.  "I only hunt those who hurt others.  I have no interest in hunting those who desire a peaceful life and do not hurt others."

The elder nodded.  "That is a noble sentiment.  What if they are human themselves?"

"There are those who are supposed to hunt those.  Should I run into one of those I'm forbidden to slay them.  That doesn't mean I won't help where I can."

The ghost nodded, smiling at him.  "You are brave."

"Thank you.  Some say stupid though."

The ghost smiled.  "The line between bravery and stupidity is very thin and usually depends on  who's telling the tale.  You're also in the wrong cave."

"The other had no spirits in them that I could feel."

The spirit nodded at that wisdom.  "That is true.  Then again, what you seek is not in a cave."  He walked her back to the entrance to the cave.  "Shaman."  He came out of his tent.  "He is worthy.  His mind shows no malice and his quest is pure.  Both of them."  Xander looked at him.  "Your personal quest is pure.  It is right to protect yourself, daughter."  He patted her on the head.  "Go with love, child.  Try to find some."

"I doubt there's time left for that, Elder," she said quietly.  "But I thank you."  She bowed and headed with the shaman.  "Thank you for that."

"You're welcome.  He would know.  He held this job before me."  He let her down into the underground cavern, closing the trap door on her screams.  He watched the other cave.  She had not been expelled so the first test must have been passed.  Time went on and still no brash American female.  All night he watched.  At dawn the next morning there was no female.  He considered going after her but something told him not to.  At noon she came out with a small bottle.  He stood up and walked over there, looking at the small amount of dust.  "Gathered from the floor?"

"From the top of the stone, where nature is wearing it down."  She looked at him, her eyes haunted.  "I needed to see that.  I know that.  Thank you."

"It was only a vision of what could be."

Xander smiled.  "I'm a slayer, Elder.  To die is our life."  She walked off, taking the small vial to the blazer and then to her hotel room.  She sealed it into a bigger bottle.  It was just over a gram by her estimate and what was on the bottle.  She hoped it was enough.  She sat down on the bed, then sniffled.  She had needed to see that.  She didn't want to but she had needed to.  She couldn't let that vision happen.  Even if others would be happy, she would not be having a future hunter for anyone.  The other things she learned weren't as bad.  The upcoming attempted invasion was going to be bloody.  The fight after that was going to be worse.  The boys' fight was going to be bad for them.  Then healing would start.  Well, their healing would start.  She'd have to make some new decisions then.  She packed and sealed the bottle away in a locking case, one that locked by magic so no one could get it.  Then she went to take a shower.  She came out and it was still there.  She checked.  She relocked it and curled up around it on the bed, her other hand holding a dagger.  Now all they needed was the soul of a priest.  Giles could gather the other things.

***

Xander met up with the guys two days later, handing over the box.  She unlocked it and they stared.  Then she sealed it again and made sure it was sealed magically.  "Yours."

Dean gave her a look.  "Thank you."

"Not a big."  She smiled.  "Sunnydale?"

"We have over a month.  Seattle?"

"Seattle.  Sure."  She walked back to the blazer but Sam stopped her to hug her.  "What was that for?"

"You look like hell, Xander."

"Some visions of what the upcoming battles could be, Sam."  He grimaced.  "It's my job to make sure it doesn't turn that way."  She smiled and patted him on the cheek.  "The hug was nice anyway."  She walked around him.

"Xander, motel?" Dean called.  Xander shrugged.  "None in mind?"

"I splurged and stayed at the Holiday Inn last night," she quipped. "Pick one and text me."  She climbed in and buckled up, starting her engine and pulling out of the meeting area.

Dean watched her drive off, looking over at his brother.  "Vision my ass."

"They can be hard to deal with," Sam reminded him.  "I have that problem too."

"For a month straight?"

"Well, no," he admitted.  He climbed in, letting the precious box sit in his lap.  He stroked  a hand over it, wincing when the vision hit him.  "Pull over."  Dean pulled over again.  He did it again, letting the vision come this time.  What he saw was horrifying.  The battle was bad.  There was a whole section of their people trapped by the lines.  The next one flashed, a redhead with a dagger and a tied down body.  Another flash and then a creeping sense of something in the darkness.  He came out of it suddenly, looking at his brother.  "There's something looking for her.  It's creeping in the dark."

"And?"

"Some redheaded girl with a knife.  Xander tied down to an altar looking place.  Visions of the battle coming up.  Part of the troops trapped behind the lines and being fired on."

"So, gory and bad.  We can handle those."  He restarted the car and drove on. "Where's that motel?"

"Six miles past the bridge."  He tried to get back to the first vision but it wasn't going to happen.  "We need to see if she got the same one."

"We will later.  After dinner.  Unless you don't feel like eating?" he asked at the silence.

"I'm not sure I can.  The battle turned into a carnage."  Dean shuddered.  "I don't know, Dean."

"That explains why she looks like hell then."  He found the bridge they needed and went another six miles, tooting when they passed her filling up her gas tank.  He pointed and she nodded, paying attention to the pump.  He pulled in and went into the office.  "Hey, I need a room for me, my brother, and my sister."

"Two rooms or one?"

"Whatever's cheapest."

Xander strolled in behind him.  "Two rooms.  I'm not sleeping with them, they snore."

The woman laughed.  "We have an efficiency with a king size and a pull-out couch, kids.  It's only forty for a night.  If I give you two rooms it'll be eighty for both."

Xander grimaced.  Dean decided.  "We'll take the bigger single one then."  He put down a credit card and let it be run.  "Thank you, ma'am.  Is the store the only one around?"

"There's a diner in the village.  It closes in about an hour.  The store closes at eight."

"Then we'll get stuff from there.  Thank you," Xander said with a grin.  She filled out the card with her license plate number and they went to drag themselves upstairs.  Sam had locked the box into the trunk in the special lockbox that was welded to the frame and hidden under the floor mat.  Xander brought up her smaller bag and sat down on the couch, waving at Sam.  "Hi again." He grinned.  "We're doing dinner from across the street."

"Sure.  Money?"  Xander handed over a twenty.  "I'll find something.  Does the oven work, Dean?"

He tried it then nodded. "Yeah.  Get something simple."  He turned off the oven and came over to sit on the foot of the bed, looking at Xander once his brother was gone.  "Sam got a vision off the box.  Something about a thing creeping through the dark?"

"I know what that is.  It's the slayer's mortality.  That one got explained to me.  I went back to talk to the shaman for a few days over the visions I got given."

"He also saw some of the battle."  Xander nodded she did too.  "Also some redheaded girl with a dagger and you tied to an altar."  She grimaced.  "Willow?"

"She's the only redhead I know.  It's possible that's her plan for beating her deal.  It won't work.  Your deal protects you from being killed.  So does mine.  She knows that."

"If it wasn't those what did you see?" Dean asked.  "It has to be bad."

"A possible future event that I'll never let happen."  She smiled, a bit grimly but nothing too horrible.  "It's covered, Dean.  Don't worry about it."

"See, you're becoming a friend so I should worry."

Xander nodded.  "I consider you the same way," she agreed.  "Which is why I'm more worried about Sam.  He looks like he's sick."

"He had the flu in Texas.  The usual summer humidity and heat got to him on top of it.  He spent the last week puking his guts up."  Sam came back. "Hungry?" he asked when he spotted two bags.

"Sandwich stuff, beer, and soda.  Plus a frozen pizza for tonight."  He gave Xander back the change and started the pizza baking.  Then he came over to sit beside Xander.  "That battle scene was horrible."

Xander nodded.  "It might be preventable.  I know the area it was in.  If not, forewarned and all that so we can plan around that in-case."  Dean nodded at that.  Sam gave her another hug.  "Sam, I love you dearly, but I'm not dating you.  Get off."  He laughed and got off.  "Thank you.  Wrinkling me.  Cordy would complain."  Dean laughed, going to check on the pizza.  "You can smell them when they're done, Dean."  She looked at Sam.  "Why are you so touchy-feely all of a sudden?"

"You looked like you need it and, well, over the last few months you've kinda gotten used to taking care of us so I figured we could help each other over the new nightmares.  With the way you're always taking care of us you're kinda motherly."

"Eww, no," Xander said, hopping up.  "Sisterly maybe but not motherly.  Never, ever motherly.  I can't handle that thought.  Even if I do like you I can't handle that thought.  Little sister.  That's it."  She fled to the bathroom.

Dean looked at the bathroom door then at Sam.  "I think you freaked her out."

"I'm sorry, Xander."

"Not your fault.  Just a bad thought.  I can barely handle the thought of anything coming out of me.  Much less that," she said through the bathroom door.

Dean gave her five minutes. "If you don't come out, you can't eat."

"Go ahead and start without me."

Dean tapped on the door.  "Fat chance, Xander.  Get out here and eat."

"You're clearly starved or you have tapeworms.  If there's nothing left I'll get a sandwich later."  Dean tried the knob so she opened it with a sigh.  "I should go for a run anyway, make Wes proud."

"No.  No going out alone tonight.  Even if it's a quiet area.  I want you where we can see each other."

Xander gave him a horrified look.  "I can sleep in the blazer."

"No.  Now go eat."  He pulled her out and went to use the bathroom so she couldn't hide again.

Sam came back from borrowing a knife, smiling at her.  "Hungry?"

"Not really.  You gave me nasty mental images."  Sam pouted.  "You did!  I've seen that film.  Eeww!"

"Tough, suck it up and eat anyway," Dean said before he came out.

Sam grimaced.  "Did you have to do that before dinner?"

"Yes."  Hee came over to pull out the pizza and cut it for them.  Then he put Xander down on the couch and handed her two pieces.  She clearly wasn't eating again.  "What else did you see?"  Xander gave him a look then shook her head.  "Uh-huh.  You sure?"

"Very."

"Final answer?" Sam asked.

"Funny, you don't look like Regis."

Sam stuck his tongue out.  "Keep it up, he'll spank you next.  He tries on me now and then."

"Hate to remind you, but super strength, Sam.  He won't be pinning me down to paddle me.  Or anything else."

"Hasn't crossed my mind yet," Dean promised her.  She gave him an odd look.  "Really.  Hasn't."  He ate a bite of his dinner.  "Eat, Xander.  Don't make me treat you like I do Sam."

"Again, super strength, doubt you could."  Sam took the plate and Dean pounced.  They wrestled for a few minutes but Xander landed on top and held him down, letting him thrash a bit.  "Feel better?  Should I flip you over and spank you?"

"Please don't," he ground out.  This was not how his roughhousing with Sammy usually went.  "Get off me."  Xander grinned.  "Now."

"Not the right magic word," she said happily.

"There's a pagan group up the road," Sam told her.

"I know.  I visited there first to warn them about the upcoming problem with the invasion."

"Fine.  Please?"  Xander got off him and hauled him  up.  "I forgot how strong you are."

"So do I now and then."  She sat down and stretched, yawning a bit.  "Shift down, Sam.  I'm tired and going to curl up."

"After you finish eating," Dean said.  Xander made a whining noise.  "Tough.  We need you in top form for the attack.  If you're weak now, you'll be weaker then.  So until then, you're going to eat and sleep like a normal being."  He took the plate from Sam and handed it over.  "Eat."

"Fine," Xander muttered.  It did make sense.  She could put off her thinking until after the assault.  She finished her two pieces and Sam added his second one.  "Hey!"

"Your choice, eat or be in the hospital since I 'saw' when the last time you ate was."

Xander grumbled something under her breath and ate that one too.  Then she stretched out and made Sam move.

"It folds out," Dean reminded her.

"I'm fine and I'm not letting one of you two crawl in with me."

"We woke up to you cuddling plenty of times in the cabin," Sam reminded her.  Xander stuck her tongue out.  "Fine.  Don't be comfortable then."

"The broken spring's on the other side, Sam.  I'll be fine.  Have fun being his teddybear again."  Dean reached over to swat her but she kicked him and he fell backwards, making her laugh.  "You're nearly as good as the Three Stooges."

"Well, there are three of us," Dean smarted back with a smirk.

"Yeah but I'm the Zeppo.  Different comedy team."  She flipped onto her other side and closed her eyes.  She was tired.  A nap could be nice.

Dean waited until she was snoring to look at Sam.  "Give me another piece?"  He handed him two more, knowing his brother's appetite.  "Thanks.  Handcuffs?"

"We have manacles."

Dean watched her shift then sighed and got up, putting her onto the bed.  She sprawled out to take up most of the space.  "Not happening, Xander."  They got the sofa bed unfolded and put her into it, letting her spread out over there.  They drew straws for the first shower, letting Dean finish eating in there with his remaining stink from earlier.

Sam finished tucking her in, getting unhappy noises. "It's us, Xander.  Sleep."   She flipped onto her side and curled around a pillow.  "That's a good Xander."  Xander barked.  He laughed.  "Okay."  He settled in with his computer.  He had a freecell game he could open up.  Dean came out in boxers and a towel.  "Leave me any hot water?"

"Some."  He sat down to finish drying his hair while watching Xander.  He heard the first nightmare and got up to sit on the foot of her bed.  She kicked him once, then her foot rubbed.  "My ass, Xander.  Quit," he said quietly.  She made a purring noise and drifted off again.  He shook his head.  The manacles were looking like a good idea.  He slid into his jeans and headed down to the car, bringing them back.  They were long enough to hitch her to the bedframe and allow her some movement.  They'd rattle if she moved so they'd wake up if she did.  She started that same whimpering so he sat on the foot of her bed again.  This time it kept going.  He could barely hear what she was muttering and it made him blush.  "Figured she had those sort of dreams too," he complained.  He sat on his bed and she snapped awake.  "Sleep.  Now."  Xander shook her head.  So he nerve pinched her until she was unconscious.  Then he got back down to his boxers and climbed into bed, turning on the tv for now.  They had some decent stations around here.  It was a nice change from some of the American motels.   Sam came out and slid into bed too, giving him a look.  "Tv?"

"Sure.  A-Team?"

"Why not.  Lots of guns and explosions."  Sam pointed at Xander.  "She'll be fine."  They settled in to watch it together.  Sam could pick the next show.

***

Dean woke up to a noise, looking around the room.  Nothing was out of place.  He sat up to take a better look, frowning at the empty fold-out bed across from them.  "Where is she this time?" he muttered, getting out of bed.  He pulled on his jeans and went down to the cars, finding her behind the blazer.  "You're cleaning it at *this* time of night?"

"I'm going for the run I should've went on last night," she said, finding her running shoes.  She sat on the tailgate to put them on then closed it.  "I'll be back in an hour."

Dean gave her a look then shook his head.  "As much as I know about PT, no.  It's three in the morning.  Go to bed, Xander."

"It's quiet and I won't get hit on the road.  There's no traffic."

"Don't make me knock you out and chain you up again."

"Yeah, about that."  She smacked him on the side of the head.  "Not your wife, Dean.  I'm not playing bondage games with you."  She stretched in the other direction.  He grabbed her around the waist and she struggled but he got her in a choke hold.  "Let go," she ground out.

"Bed, Xander."  He drug her back up there and tossed her down onto her bed.  He locked the door and put a trap in front of it.  She was still glaring.  "It's three in the morning.  We need sleep too."

"I didn't wake you up.  The neighbor just got off and woke you up."

"I don't care.  Go to bed."  He got back down to his boxers.  When she hadn't moved he came over to take her sneakers off for her.  She swatted at him again but he ducked it and hit her back.  "Quit," he growled.  She gave him a glare back.  "Sleep."  The other sneaker hit the floor and he pushed her backward, putting her under the blankets.  He laid on top of them and held her down.  That way she couldn't escape this time.  They would have to refill Sam's sedatives when they got back to the states.  Xander remained stiff but oh well.  At least he could sleep now.  He smiled, hearing the softer breathing start.  She was calming down.  He drifted off about the same time as the first snore.

***

Sam woke up and blinked at the other bed.  "What happened this time?" he muttered, getting up and going to the bathroom.  He came out but the flushing hadn't woken either of them.  Xander was curled up on top of Dean's chest.  Dean was holding her, one hand was in her hair.  He checked the clock.  It was only five.  He looked at the cold bed.  Then at the warm, full bed.  He shrugged and crawled in behind her, holding her down too.  Dean obviously had run into a problem in the middle of the night.  He fell asleep warm and comfortable, nuzzling her shoulder as he fell asleep.  She smelled good.

Dean snapped awake an hour later, grimacing at what had woken him.  Someone was stroking his stomach.  He looked under the blanket.  Both her hands were on his upper torso.  One was kneading his shoulder, the other was around his ribs.  That left one person who'd be teasing his bellybutton fur that way.  He smacked the hand and it stopped.  He was even nice enough to move it onto Xander's stomach instead.  He shifted, realizing he had a hand in her hair when she whimpered.  He let that one go and shifted onto his side, facing away from her.  He shook his head when he felt the warmth hit his back.  She was definitely cuddly.  She was also pushy and making needy noises in her sleep.  He sighed and flipped back onto his back.  She snuggled into his side again and he had to let her.  He tried to flip that way and she bit him, hard.  She hadn't drawn blood but it was a deep mark.  She  sighed in pleasure and wrapped her thigh over one of his.  He looked at down at her.  "I'm not yours," he reminded her quietly.  She pouted.  "Xander, I'm not a pillow."

"Bad, shh," she hissed.  "Hear you."

"Who'll hear me?" he asked.

"Bad people."

He stroked her back.  "They won't get me.  I'll protect you so you can sleep."  She shh'd him again.  "Sleep, Xander.  Cuddle up to Sam and nap."  She clung to him so he had to put up with it.  He didn't want to be bitten again.  The hand on his stomach came back and he swatted it again.  Sam made the same sort of whimpering noise.  Xander cooed in her sleep in response.  Dean, he just groaned and tried to move.  They both pounced him and he ended up the group pillow.  He hated it when Sam had these moods.  Her having them too was too strange for him.  He got to swat Sam for real when he tried to pet him this time.

"Belly loves," Sam mumbled.  "Nice dog."

"I'm not a dog, Sam.  Get off," Dean complained.  Xander shifted, her thigh going back over his.  "Great.  Why can't this be a woman I could do something with?" he complained to God.  "This is really unfair.  I can't sleep with either of them.  Why do this to me?"

Sam purred in his ear.  "Cuddle?"

"I am being cuddled, Sam."

"Nice you," he promised, stroking higher up.  That hand got smacked by Xander, which made Dean laugh at least.  "Oooh, breasts."

"What are you, Bart Simpson?" Dean complained.  Sam stroked him and he swatted it so it moved.  Ran into Xander again and she swatted him.  Sam tried it again a few minutes later, starting to pout now.  This time instead of swatting she petted his head for him.  Sam quit petting him and started to pet her.  "Uh-uh.  Not on top of me."  Xander bit him again and he yelped, which woke Sam up.  "Get off me," he growled.  Xander growled back.  He swatted her too, getting a sleepy look. "I'm not the bed.  Get off me."

"Grumpy bitch," she said, putting her head back down.  "Shut up.  Trying to sleep.  You wanted me to sleep."

"Not on me!  Especially not with the petting thing you two had going on."

"Shut up," she warned.  "Or I'm going to cut your balls off."

"Then I'm definitely moving."  He wiggled until he got free and went to the real bed to sleep on his own for a change.  He made sure the alarm was still set for nine.  Then he made himself fall back asleep.  Sam and Xander could cuddle each other.  He didn't feel it when Sam came back after she bit him for trying to nurse on her.  Or her when she got cold because Sam had taken the blanket with him.  He woke up underneath them again, almost in the same position, only this time Sam was trying to nurse on him and stroking Xander's back and Xander was sucking on his neck in her sleep.  He looked at her.  "What happened to the 'don't touch me' thing you usually have?"  She woke up when he poked her.  "Why are you trying to eat me?"  She gave him a confused look.  "You're sucking on my neck, Xander.  Go fix yourself food."

"Food bad.  Keeps this going."  She put her head back down.  She smiled.  "Sam, thanks for the backrub."  He made happy sounds.

Dean looked down at him.  "You were breastfed, Sam.  We all know that.  I didn't do it for you though.  Get off."  Xander poked Sam on the side until he quit sucking.  "Thank you.  Xander, you're sending mixed signals.  You have been."

"I'm a tactile person, Dean.  Sorry.  Won't happen again."

"Then I'd quit wearing the bras that push you up."

Xander looked at him.  "I used it to get out of a speeding ticket."

"Did it work?"  She nodded.  "I'll have to put Sam in one the next time."

She snorted, getting out of the bed.  She went to the bathroom and came out to make a sandwich.  A quick scoop to get her shoes.  "Going for my run now, Dad.  Since you wouldn't let me run when I needed to think."  She left, going to do that.

Sam woke up when the door slammed, looking at Dean.  "Did I creep?"

"Dude, you went so far beyond creeping it's not funny.  You changed beds twice.  You were trying to breastfeed on me.  Get off!"  Sam got off him.  "Thank you!"  He went to shower off the drool.  He knew his brother was strange and Xander was a given for the strange crap award, but those two getting together was too damn strange.

Sam pulled the blankets over himself and went back to sleep.  He had over an hour left.  Even if he did feel lonely and cold all by himself.

***

Two days later Sam finally decided to go to the library and check his email, leaving Dean and Xander cleaning their guns.  Dean looked at her.  "Your eating thing has got to be solved," he said quietly.  Xander grunted back.  "You said it was going to prolong this problem of yours the other morning."  He made Xander look at him.  "I know I said to do the emo crap to Sam, but talking could help."

"I can't be changed back, Dean.  I don't particularly like being a woman or a slayer.  There's nothing to talk about.  I'll do what I have to do."

"Which means you could lose your challenge."

"I don't hate it enough to like hell better."  She got back to her cleaning, putting that one back together and picking up the next one once it was back in its case.  "I don't know what I'm going to do once I win this fight.  It sucks."

"You do that in your sleep," he said, mostly to see her smile.  Xander gave him a look.  "You do.  Need to see the hickey again?"

"No thanks.  That shirt shows it off very well."  She went back to breaking down that gun to clean it.  He grabbed one of hers once his were done.  "I can."

"So can I.  You'll never get done if I don't."  He helped her clean the rest of her stash.  "You still have to be in prime form for the problem coming up in a month, Xander. You're still not sleeping without being forced and you're still eating one meal a day when we nag.  You need to fix that before the battle.  There won't be time afterward."

"I know.  I'm doing better than I was."

"Some progress is good.  It's still not a lot of progress."  She glared at him.  "It's not.  What's the nightmare that keeps waking you up?  It wasn't one you were having at the cabin by what's going on."

"It's nothing."

"Something about the battle?  Battle nerves?  Worrying about someone else stepping in?  The thing with Willow and the dagger?"

"I didn't get that one.  I barely saw it before it changed."

"Okay.  And?  What about this dark, creeping thing?"

"That's the slayer's mortality sneaking up on me.  It's a pretty simple 'you'll be dying sometime soon' feeling.  Kendra said she had it a few weeks before she was killed."

"You can't die yet.  The demon would be cheated and they won't allow it."

"I know that.  Faith said she got it before her coma too.  We're still mortal, just gifted.  That's pointing it out."  She finished that gun and put it back together, then grabbed another one.  "That's more of the acceptance stuff.  I could very well die in February.  Or shortly afterward if I'm too injured.  We all die.  I've faced it too many times before on the patrol.  It happens."

"Okay, then what is it?"

"Drop it."

"No."  He punched her on the arm.  "If we're really as close as your family, you can talk to us, Xander."  He grinned.  "Even about the nasty stuff.  I learned more about periods from yours than I have before."

Xander looked at him.  "The Powers decided to hint that I could have children someday if I really wanted to.  Since I don't even like being female that's just worse.  Feel better?"

"Not really.  It's kind of disgusting to think about."  Xander nodded, going back to it.  "Any idea who?  Or if it's when you're...broken in?"  She shook her head.  "You're sure?"

"Very.  It was in a few years."

"Was there a father?"

"Yeah.  No comment."

"That's fine.  I won't ask."  He finished cleaning his and put it down, taking the last one.  "What about after your fight with that thing?"

Xander shrugged.  "I'll make sure you've got yours if you haven't yet.  Then I'll go somewhere and think."

"Which means you'll probably never be coming back," he said  quietly, glancing at her.  "We miss too many of us, Xander."

"Dean, if this was you, I doubt you'd want to live like this."

"I don't think I'd let it freak me out this way."

"I've had very few things I could cling to in my life, me being a boy was one of them."

"That should be a fundamental part of you," Dean said, looking at her.  "I noticed Ethan healed more than those few scars you had from the carving.  I also know how some of them come about, Xander."

"Then you know why I can't accept this."

"I  know but if you give up there's no chance."

"Actually, if I die I might change back."

"You won't get to enjoy it."

"I won't confuse any angels."

"Not a happy thought."  Dean shifted closer.  "I don't want to have that thought, okay?"

"That's why I wasn't sharing."

"I was going to offer to let you travel with us for a while.  That'd give you plenty of time to think about stuff and figure out if there's other ways."

Xander stared at him.  "I like you guys a lot but I don't want you to be part of my fucked up life, Dean.  It could only hurt you.  A slayer's supposed to be singular for a reason.  Those around them are targets and even other hunters are vulnerable," she said quietly.  "I'd hate to be the reason that you and Sam die."

He nodded.  "I can see that.  I still want to keep in touch with you.  You're a friend now."

Xander nodded.  "I feel the same way.  We'll have to see how it works out.  I'm not making any promises."

"Sure."  He shifted back.  "What about the skirt stuff?  You were doing better."

"Yeah, well, I tried to put the moves on someone and it creeped me out all over again.  I retreated back to where I was."

"When did you do that?"

"Few weeks back.  On the way up here.  I figured we could get to the mildly fooling around stage and nothing would happen.  I nearly killed myself getting away from him and I felt like I needed to scrub off all my skin."

"Couldn't go gay before?" he teased.

"I could and tried it once," she admitted quietly.  "Wasn't bad.  Not something I'm going to push to do again but wasn't bad.  It just felt *wrong*.  Like I was attacking him."

"Using the strength on him?"

"No," she said weakly.  "Not in the least."

He thought about it while he finished that gun and put it away.  "There's a thing it could be."  Xander looked at him.  "I know when I was younger I was creeped out by girls that wanted to take control.  Absolutely could not handle it.  I take you as one who was pretty much in control before now."

"Anya got on top all the time."

"But you initiated?  Right?"

"Sometimes."

"Did that bother you?"

Xander grimaced but shook his head.  "No, not really.  Maybe it's because I'd be the vulnerable one that way.  I don't know.  When I have to I'll make it something quick and dirty in a club or something."

"That's pitiful.  It should be better  than that."

"Willow never made that part work."

"I think it does but because it's freaking you out, it won't work," he countered.  She scowled at him.  "Think about it, Xander.  If you were scared of yourself before, would you have worked?"

"Probably not but girls aren't like that."

"According to the biology book it's the same organ only on guys it grew and on girls it didn't."  Xander gave him an amused book. "I'm sure Sammy could pull up an educational site or three if you wanted him to."

"Not really.  I'm still having trouble even thinking about it."

"That's another good reason for it to not work," he  pointed out.  "Did you let Anya help?"

"A lot.  She tried everything."  She shrugged.  "Didn't help."

"So maybe you're not a lesbian this time."  Xander shook her head but she was smiling.  "I think if you get a guy who's a bit aggressive, not that'll force the issue but one who'll make most of the moves and let you experience it, it could help that problem."

"I have to be able to deal with the fact I have one of those."

"Say the word, Xander.  Wesley said you have to say those words."

"He's wrong about some things.  Because I can't and I never will be able to. "   She stood up and grabbed the gun case.  "Help me carry?"

"Sure."  He helped her carry the cases back down to the blazer and put them up, locking them back inside, watching as the magic hid them again.  "How did you get that?"

"A few people who owed me in LA.  Someone had to stock bolts and things for Giles."

"Good point.  Can I meet 'em?"

"If they're still there.  The upcoming problem would make them run as soon as they heard and they get the early warning 'oh crap' alerts."   Dean snickered at that.  "They do.  It's their people."  She shrugged and locked the tailgate again.  They watched as a cop rolled past the parking lot, then looked at each other.  "Go get Sam?"

"Nah.  It'll be fine."

"Dean, I've already ended up in a cell once this trip."  He gave her one of those looks.  "Some redneck idiot tried to grope.  I broke his wrist.  The cops pulled me in for assault.  The cop tried the same thing on tape with his partner in there and their boss watching.  I warned him first.  He tried it anyway.  I broke his wrist."  Dean laughed.  "I got let go because they decided groping me was a bad idea but I had no control over the unconscious reaction."  She leaned against her tailgate, watching a different cop car roll past.  "That's two."

Dean looked around.  "That's a caddy down the lot."

Xander looked then groaned.  "Drugs or weapons you think?"

Dean looked.  "It's a pimp caddy with a lift kit.  Drugs."  Xander groaned, paging Sam to call her.  He called but Dean answered.  "We've got a police raid coming we think.  No, not on us as far as we know.  Thanks.  Yeah, good idea."  He hung up and tossed the phone back.  "You have everything packed?"

"Nearly.  I was rinsing a few things out."  She went upstairs to repack the few wet things.  They could dry in her backseat.  She came back down and found cops frisking Dean.  "Hi, guys.  Problems with my brother?"

"Ma'am, put down the bag and step over here please?" an officer requested.

"If you give me a damn good reason why."  They glared.  She glared back and dropped the bag but stayed there.  "I want a reason."

"Ma'am, one of your neighbors heard you planning an assault."

Xander blinked.  "Really?  And they were listening to us why?"

"Probably trying to see if we were having sex," Dean said.  "Two guys, one girl, a motel room.  It's a cheesy porno."

"Definitely cheesy."  She came down, letting them frisk her.  All they'd find was a bodice dagger and her bootknife. She looked at them.  "You guys, I'm from near LA."  They all gave her horrified looks.  "I'm from a small town called Sunnydale."  One stepped away in horrified awe.  She grinned.  "He knows my town apparently.  We're going back to town for a long visit but the town's very dangerous.  It has a high death rate.  During the holidays we often have gang fights for new stomping grounds because we're just off the drug highway.  That's why there was a rash of PCP killings a few years back."

"No town has that much PCP."

"Hey, tell it to the old mayor.  That's what his police department said it was instead of idiots with guns and things.  So yes, we're planning on going back and the ones we're staying with are expecting to be attacked yet again this year.  One of them runs a neopagan store and the gangs don't like them in case you didn't know.  So we've been planning how to protect them.  Any assault is one we were planning against."

"Can we check your truck, ma'am?"

"No.  I have a fourth amendment."  They all glared.  She glared back, crossing her arms over her chest.  "What do you think you're going to find?"

"Bombs," one said honestly.

"Actually, I am licensed in demolitions but no.  Not hardly."  They all gaped so she pulled out her ID case and found her old license.  "Before the sex change operation."  They all stared and backed up a step.  She grinned.  "Even if you used a bomb dog, they'd smell that I used to have residue in here.  Or gunpowder.  Last time we went I ended up firing on a few of them doing a drive-by on bikes."

"Motorcycle gang?"

"It's southern California, dear.  They were on mopeds.  That's why I used a shotgun instead of  my pagan buddy's AK."  That got a nod.  "He's British.  Refugee type thing a few years back."

They walked off to talk about it.  Dean looked at her.  "You have a demo license?"  She let him see it.  "Neat."

"Construction worker, Dean.  Of course I have one.  I'm actually rated to do SWAT's job for them."

"That means you have to stick around.  No one in my friends can do that if we have to rip down a barn the next time."  One of the cops looked at him.  "I have friends in the midwest and it's easier to blow it than bring in heavy equipment to knock it down and then replant whatever they've wrecked."

"Easier cleanup too," Xander agreed thoughtfully.  That same cop gave her a horrified look.  "I'm a former construction foreman, guys."  That got a whimper.  "I know how to put them up and take them down."

"Your town had a gas explosion a few years back," one said.  He was the one who knew.

"My graduation," Xander agreed.  "I helped with the clean up and the evacuation."  That got a nod.  "I can give you guys someone to call if you need to.  I'm a protector, guys, not an attacker.  Whoever was listening only got half the story."

"And are kinda twisted," Dean said.

"Very."  Xander leaned against his shoulder.  "Sam's back," he muttered. "Dinner?"

"Yes, you have to eat.  Yet again," Dean said dryly, giving her a look.  He looked at Sam then at Xander.  Sam kept driving, looking like he had been looking for something in the car.  "Pizza, burger, diner, any ideas?"

"I don't care as long as it's not prison food."

"Good idea," Dean said.  "Diner?"

"Sure.  Whatever.  Is it my treat?  If it is, I'm about down to the card Travers gave me again."

"Yeah, us too.  I should go play pool tonight," Dean said.

Xander looked at him.  "Don't tempt me."

Dean gave him a look.  "With the doubts you've had?"

"In a funny way it makes me feel more powerful.  All of them staring at me in awe.  I have power over them and they can't do more than look."

"Some day you're going to have to get over that no-touching rule."

"I'm working on it."

"Good.  Try it with Sam.  He's the sweet sort."

Xander looked at him.  "That would go against your earlier theory, wouldn't it?"

He considered it then nodded.  "It would.  We'll figure it out.  As long as it's not Angel or someone like him."

"Spike would offer but eww and it has to be human.  Neither one of those qualify.  Which is why Buffy's blood doesn't qualify for that need."  She grinned.  "Did you know that when Buffy went telepathic Angel told her she couldn't read his mind because of the no reflection thing?"

"Really?  Doesn't seem that way."

She nodded.  "Yeah.  That's what he told her.  Of course, he told me he couldn't do CPR because he doesn't need to breathe.  That's how I ended up bringing her back to life.  I forced him to go."

"That's not right.  The air would be more pure if you didn't need to breathe that often," he said.  She nodded.  "What a woose!"

"Yup.  King Hair Gel.  Now you know why I laughed when Wes said he had to resort to slug slime when they went to Pylea for over a month and found Fred."

"I liked Fred.  I know a few people who'd adore Fred."  Xander nodded.  "Think we can set her and Tara up after we deal with Willow?"

"I don't know.  Maybe.  You'll protect Tara, right?"

"Yeah, when something happens, I'll protect Tara for you.  Not for Willow but I will for you."  Xander beamed at that.  He punched her on the arm.  "Getting all girly again, Alex."

"Sorry."  She smiled at the cops when they all looked over.  "What?  I've been having some post-changeover traumas.  He's been very good about keeping my spirits up when I found out how hard it is to have sex now."  That got a shudder.  "But I do make a fantastic stripper when I'm out of money."

"She does.  I nearly drooled," Dean said.  "I couldn't watch; it gave me some very bad thoughts."

"Really?"  She looked at him.

"Really.  That skirt you wore afterward wasn't much better.  Or the black velvet number in the club.  Definitely thoughts I should not have."

"Bev thought Sam would like it.  She thinks he'd make a good puppy dog."

"She's a bit wrong.  I'm going to protect Sammy, even from women who want to tie him up and mess up his hair.  Unless he hits on them first."

"Pity.  She said she'd  be more than happy to adopt him and do whatever he wanted."

"Dad would be screaming about this conversation by now."

"Probably about the time you admitted you thought I was hot while I stripped to make us roadtrip money."

"Yeah, probably.  Think you can freak Sammy out tonight?"

"Sure."  The cops came back.  "Anything else, gentlemen?"  One grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from Dean.  "He's not going to hurt me."

"You're dangerous, ma'am."

"Um, duh?"  She shrugged.  "I've still got a good portion of my muscles."

"When were you leaving?" one asked.

"Tomorrow.  We're due in Sunnydale in about six days.  I planned on staying outside the town to scout ahead so I could see who had died this summer."

"Were you in any way responsible for the explosion at your graduation?"

Xander looked at him.  "I'm not with the gas company, guys, and the mayor himself was responsible for the leak that started it.  He wanted to hold off fixing  it so he could have his chosen area for the ceremony and speech.  Then his equipment sparked and set it off."  That was the common explanation used.  "I helped clean up the mess and get the injured out of the way."  That officer nodded.  "We'll gladly leave tomorrow.  It's not like we planned on staying.  Your town's nice but we do have a schedule to keep.  We're not terrorists.  We're not going to attack anything in the US and make people paranoid.  Really."

"Dating women?"

"I tried, that's one of the problems.  It wasn't as good as before.  I've been talking to myself about trying a guy sometime soon."  They all shuddered.  She shrugged.  "I might like it more this time than last time."  She grinned.  "Any other questions?"

"Do you have weapons with you?"

"I have bullets with me.  Ripper never has bullets."

"Do you have bomb making paraphernalia?" another asked.

"I have a kit to repair the car.  Nothing to do tv and vcr repair I think.  Dean, did you see an electronics kit?"

"No.  Wes said you wouldn't need one on the trip.  You could call if your phone broke."

"I guess I don't."  She looked at them again.  "Just because I have the skills doesn't mean I'm going to use them, guys.  How many of you are former military?  Do you use it?"

"We were trained not to attack our own people," one glaring one said.

Xander snorted.  "I was trained to a higher standard, all of humanity.  The whole town was going to go up in flames a few summers ago and we stopped it then.  Our PD is crappy and on the take.  They don't come out except for speeding tickets.  Hell, I walked past one with a battle axe one day and just got a friendly nod."

"The state boys said that their state boys down there said the same thing," one agreed.  "You'll leave tomorrow?"

"Sure.  Middle of the morning.  Dean's a grump first thing in the morning."

"Then we'll let you go since we can't charge you with anything."

Xander kissed him on the cheek.  "Don't worry.  I know you want to capture someone but it's not us, guys.  Really."

"I can charge you with assault for that," he sneered.

"And like the guy who tried to cop a feel when I didn't want him to, I can break your wrist.  I'm being nice."  She smiled sweetly.  "Ask the cop who tried to do the same thing to prove that I did it on purpose.  His partner was there and they caught him groping me on tape."  They all hissed at that.  "So yeah, not high on my happy list but I don't care about you.  I have to go save our friends from gang members.  You're a pinpoint on a map that had a motel.  We'll gladly leave in the morning."  Dean came over to cover her mouth.

"Ten good for you guys?" he asked.  They all nodded.  "Thanks.  Have a better night, guys."   They walked off.  One hung back.  "Yes?"  It was the one who knew about Sunnydale.

"Brother and sister?"

"Adopted," Dean said.  "Close enough for our family."

"Oh.  Ripper Giles?"

Xander moved the hand.  "I'm Xander."  His eyes went wide and he backed off.  "See, told you I wasn't going to do more than go home and protect it."

The officer nodded.  "I understand now.  How...."

"Rosenburg."

"Oh.  Yeah, my cousin told me.  I was at graduation."  Xander nodded at that.  "Good work."

"Thanks.  We tried."

"You did good, kids."  He walked off, going back to the office to explain it a bit better.  They'd leave the kids alone.  Including the other car in the group.  Someone had seen it pause and then drive off again.

Dean looked at Xander.  "You babble when you're trying hard not to talk."

"I know.  It's a bad habit I picked up off Willow."

"Can I burn her?"

"No.  If she's going to be tied to a stake for hurting me, I'm gonna be the one to do it."  She sighed and looked at the blazer then at him.  "Wanna go tonight?"

"Yeah, kinda."  He went to get their room fee back while Xander made sure everything was packed for all of them.  She came back down to hand Dean his and Sam's bag, then got into the blazer and headed off.  Sam stopped by to pick up Dean and they followed.  There were some nicer motels up the road anyway.

***

Two days later they ran into a snag in the plans.  Lack of money and a motel keeper that had 'found god' as he put it so he would not let them stay in the same room to do 'ungodly things' with his furniture.  He had started to protest as soon as Dean and Xander had walked into the office.

Dean looked at him.  The standard lie wasn't going to make it any better so oh well.  Guess it was a new lie.  "Listen, dude.  The other guy is my little brother.  She's my wife."  Xander looked at him, giving him an amused look.  He grinned back.  "I know you wanted to keep it secret until we found your friends, but we can't this time."  He looked at the guy again.  "Before you ask, she can't wear a ring.  Gold allergy.  I'm too young to afford platinum yet."

The guy stared at her.  "That true, ma'am?"

"I'm not old enough for a ma'am yet," she said with a sweet smile, wrapping an arm around Dean's neck to kiss him gently then smiled at him.  "We were just married two weeks ago in Vegas and now we're on our honeymoon road trip with Sam.  He's such a *nice* boy.  Stanford and all that stuff.  He needed a break so we brought him with us."

He smiled.  "Then I guess there's no harm with it.  The black car yours or hers?"

"The blazer's mine and his.  Sam has the Impala.  Bought if off my Dean for his graduation present.  Dean's sweet enough to switch off so they can have guy talk.  You know, those silly things guys talk about.  Fishing and hunting and strippers."  The motel keeper laughed at that. "Is that good enough or do we need to go dig out the certificate?"

"No, that's fine.  I'm sure you won't get up to anything naughty since he's your brother and you're married to the other one.  You gotta be careful along the highway.  Plenty of loose women around here who prey on the poor truckers.  Always with stories about being related but they do things God wouldn't allow relatives to do."

"I've heard," she agreed, stroking up Dean's arm.  "Is there somewhere we can send Sam out for dinner?"

"There's a good diner 'bout fifteen miles up the road.  Go to May's.  It's great food, good prices."  That got a nod from Dean and Xander paid for it with the card Travers had given her.  "Go ahead and sign the box for me, ma'am, um, well, what do you call a young  married woman?"

Dean shrugged.  "Honey."  She swatted him.  "Or other special pet names that'll get you pounced."  The motel keeper laughed while she signed her name.  "The couch pull out?"

"Nah, 'fraid not.  Go ahead and send him out for food.  Wish I had something bigger."

"It'll be fine," Xander assured him with a grin.  "That's why there's a dinner run."  She took the keys with a wink and walked out holding hands with Dean.  "Get the bags?"

"Sure.  You go scout the room and the shower."  She nodded, heading that way.  He grabbed her usual bag, their usual bag, and woke Sam up.  "Come on, sleepy.  There's a bed inside."

"Took you long enough."  He yawned as he got out, smiling and waving at the clerk once the Impala was locked back up.  "Did you lock the blazer back up?"  Dean tossed him the keys so he could check, nodding and coming up the stairs.  He looked at the room. One bed.  One single king sized bed.

Dean looked at him once the door was shut.  "It'll be fine.  You can go get dinner in a  while, Sammy."

Sam sighed, heading for the bed.  "Let me finish my nap first.  Then we'll do dinner."  Xander came out of the bathroom and grabbed her bag, heading back inside.  "Xander, patch?"

"In the bag.  That's one of the reasons I need it."  She stuck another one on and came out in a tight t-shirt and shorts. She leaned down to kiss Sam on the head.  "Thank you for thinking about that for me."   He grinned.  She leaned closer.  "We had to tell them you're our little brother; we're on a honeymoon roadtrip.  Got it?"  Sam giggled but nodded.  "Good."  She smiled at Dean.  "Are we eating out or in?"

"We can eat in.  Sam can get out of here for a few minutes."

"You mean you only need a *few* minutes?" she teased.

"Don't make me spank you," he said sarcastically, watching her sit in the lone chair in the room.  He kept repeating his new mantra 'it's only for one night' over and over in his head.  Because he knew he'd be tag-team cuddled again and drooled on by both of them.  Sam finally gave up on his nap and took the rest of the cash out to get some dinner from the diner the clerk had suggested.  "Whatever shall we do?" Dean quipped, sure someone was listening.

"I could use a knot worked out if you wouldn't mind," she said with a grin.  He arched an eyebrow up and she pointed at her back.  "Twisted wrong last night during that slaying."

"Sure."  She came over and let him sit on the bed, kneeling in front of him.  "Shoulders, bit further down?"

"Between my shoulderblades.  That huge, honkin' knot."  Dean nodded, finding it and getting to work.  Her moans would be enough to convince anyone who was listening of what they were doing.  "Oh, there," she agreed, closing her eyes and tipping her head forward.  She let out another moan and he grinned.

"You're a big cat today."

"Don't say that, I might change again."

"Don't you dare."  She giggled and he got back to it.  He was still working on her back when Sammy came back with bags.  "Hey."  His brother blushed.  "What?  She's got a knot to work out."

"Um, that's fine, but you can hear her outside."

"Good thing I'm not a screamer," she quipped.

"No, that they'd hear up the road," Sam said, still blushing.  He put the food down on the bed and laid down facing the  other direction.

"I don't know how you manage to get any women, Sammy.  You're a prude.  It's not like she's naked."

"I'd almost rather see her naked."

"Don't tempt me," she said in a sing-song voice.  "Tuesday up the road is open pole night.  I saw the sign on the way in."  Both boys groaned at that.  "Thank you, Dean."

"Welcome, Xander."  She hauled herself up and looked at the food, picking out what she wanted.  She got a spot on the floor so they could all see the tv and eat at the same time.  Dean picked out his part of the meal.  Sam got his and stole part of his back from Dean.  "Hey!"

"You're not starved.  I am.  I slept through lunch.  If I can't eat it, you can have it back."  He dug in before his brother's stomach jumped up to eat him too.  Sometimes Dean's stomach was like a third brother traveling with them.

Dean looked at Xander.  "Must you?"

"Can't hit Giles up for money until we get to Sunnydale."  She ate a bite of her spaghetti.   "He was right, this is pretty decent food."

"Much better than some of the places we've eaten at," Dean agreed.

"I've started writing down reviews of them to be passed on," Sam said.  "That way they can avoid the roadkill cafe truckstop we ate at a few months back."

"Don't tell me that while I'm eating," Xander ordered.

"Gladly," Dean agreed, taking another big bite.  "Quid pro quo on the backrub stuff?"

"I could do that."  Dean grinned.  "Sam?"

"I could use one for my shoulder.  It's aching again."  That got a nod and they settled in to work on each other's aches and pains for a while.  It was good for them.  Even if Sam refused to look anywhere near her chest.

She leaned closer to his ear.  "You were trying to suck on them the other night," she reminded him quietly.  "They haven't changed."  He was bright red now.  "Quit.  Now." Dean laughed.  "You'd think you were the virgin in the group," she teased.

"Nah, he had a good thing until she died,"  Dean assured her.  "Serious and all that."

Xander blinked.  "I had Anya."

"That's  not saying much," Dean countered.

"We were living together.  I was thinking seriously about ring shopping."  Sam gaped.  She smiled and nodded.  "I was. I knew which one I wanted and everything."

"Wow," Dean said.  "Further than I've gotten in the past but then again I like being easy."

"Aww, are you a slut?" Xander teased.

"Hell no."

"Gigolo?" she suggested.

"No, then we'd have road trip money."  Sam spluttered and choked.  He laughed.  "We would."

"Don't say things like that!"

"I made that joke in front of Dad once.  You should've seen his face.  Man, talk about screaming.  I thought he was going to try to do an exorcism on me.  Someone else took the shotgun from him."

"Not a happy camper?"

"No and then he went off on the tangent of 'someday I'll need more heirs, so don't catch anything'.  That speech lasted over an hour.  I was nearly asleep when he thumped me upside the head and made me promise not to hit on women when he was around."

Sam shook his head.  "He never even asked me if I liked girls."

"Dad knew, Sam.  You couldn't quit staring at them when you were younger."

"They were like alien creatures!" he complained.

"They still are," Xander agreed.  "Even I don't understand women."  Dean laughed.  "I don't!"

"I know you don't.  By the way, um, t-shirt?"  She looked then adjusted it so it was back down over her breasts.  "Thanks."  Sam blushed again.  "That's it.  If she does do that, you're going to watch, Sam."

"Why?  I don't want to know that much about her."

"You've seen them before when you rushed into the bathroom while I was showering.  I still wonder why that place had see-through shower curtains."

"I don't know but they seem to be standard in some places," Dean told her.  "We see a lot of them."

"I didn't want to know about your body fur either," Sam complained.  He looked at Xander.  "Are all women that hairy?  My ex used to shave."

"She did?" Dean asked.

"Yes, she did."

"Like Brazilian, or fully shave everything shave?" Dean asked.  Inquiring minds and all that.

"She was always smooth."

"Must've went through electrolysis," Xander told him.  "Yes, all women are just as hairy as you guys.  Some of us trim, some of us shave.  I only shave that stuff when I have to because it itches like hell when it grows back and it doesn't really get many admiring glances when you're scratching yourself there while you drive."

Dean snickered.  "Sorry, but sometimes you look like a chia pet, Xander."

"I did not need that mental image either!" Sam complained.

Xander snickered.  "It's not like you water it to make it grow.  It doesn't come in a fantasy creature planter either."

"No, not really.  It plants a few fantasies in most men...."

"Eww."  Sam got up and huffed into the bathroom.

"I have had a girl who said that spraying it for her would make it thicken."

Xander looked back at him.  "They say shaving does too.  Haven't seen any proof of that one."

Dean laughed.  "Are you going to?"

"I haven't in a while.  I might."  She grinned.  "Which means another session of nair."

"I'll let you do that while I'm off putting gas in the car or something so we don't get the fumes."

"I'm out.  Besides, I'll have to trim first."  She shrugged and got up.  "I can make a quick pharmacy run.  Are we out of anything else?  Sam, need anything from the pharmacy?"

"No," he called.  "Thank you anyway."

"You sure?  I mean, you sounded like me with my last bout of PMS.  I can pick up some midol."

"I'll kill you tonight while you sleep," he called back.

She laughed.  "You're more than welcome to try, Sammy."  She skipped out before he could come out and yell at her for calling him that.

Sam came out.  "She's doing it on purpose, right?"

"It's because you blush.  It's nice to have her in good spirits again."

"It is but I don't need picked on."

"Relax, Sammy.  It'll be fine."  He gave him a pat on the arm.  "You done with your food?"  He groaned and sat down to finish it before Dean could claim it and inhale it.

***

Xander smiled at the nice lady registering for the open pole night.  "Hi.  Passing through."

"I heard you were at the motel.  Playing with the new husband?"

"Yeah, and we're out of gas money." She laughed.  She shrugged.  "It happens."  She smiled at the boys.  "The younger one's our brother-in-law."

"Sure.  Let me get them a table in the back so you don't have to worry about your man hitting on someone."  She did that and registered Xander for her turn on the pole, letting her go change and put her music into the jukebox.  At least it'd be something different than the usual ten girls who showed up to do the contest.  She watched as the last of the usual girls got done and walked up there.  "Y'all's in for a treat tonight, boys.  We have a young couple passing through that's out of gas money.  Newly married.  She's teasing her man tonight."  That got some hoots and Xander's music came on.  Something like a rockin' country, and she strolled out to it, sashaying and wiggling.  The guys hooted and hollered, loving her for being something different.  She winked at the MC for the night.  "Now, remember, no full monty, dear.  We're not some sleazy club."

"Of course you're not."  She winked at one guy then put her hat in front of him, bending over so the other side could see her butt very well.  She strolled back and used the pole, having some fun with it while shaking her generously shaped ass.  She got down to bra and panties, all that the other girls did, but hers were actual stripper wear instead of bikinis.  The guys were in awe of her.  Tips were good tonight.  She blew a kiss at one big tipper, squatting down to kiss him on the forehead, then back up to finish her last number while he fanned himself.  She ended up against the pole, feet crossed, one finger in her mouth, winking at the MC when she came back.

"Well, that's something different, huh, guys?"  They all clapped and cheered.  Xander picked up her tips and clothes, going back to change out of them.  "All right, let's do the usual loudest one wins count."  Xander, being new and different, won easily.  The girls all pouted at her and Xander strolled off with a nice grand from the pot and tips.  Plus about six phone numbers.  The usual dancers got the stage back and the guys were happy enough with that.  That girl was going to drive her man insane but he had looked happy with her show.  The little brother hadn't looked, like a good brother should.

Back in the Impala, Xander counted out her money.  "Am I tipping you guys too?"

"Could," Dean said, holding out a hand.  She gave him a quarter of it, getting a smirk back.  "Uh-huh.  Share, Xander."

"If I have to, I will."  She stuffed the rest down her bra.  "Sam, you can quit blushing now.  It's not like I got further than the bikini top."

"You were nearly falling out of it."

"I've been meaning to take him to a few strip clubs, but we never seem to run into them when we have the money," Dean told her.  He backed out of his parking spot and looked at her.  "The CD?"

"Copied.  I've got the original in the blazer.  That way the girls can mooch the music.  They've had the same ten girls doing the same routines every single month for probably the last year.  It'll add some spice to their lives."  She stretched out.  "What about you, oh great pool shark?"

"No place locally to play but I will the next time we run into a place."

"That's cool."  She yawned. "I deserve chocolate for that."

"You do," Dean agreed.  "Not bad.  Not half as smutty as LA's one."

"You watched her?" Sam demanded.

"Well, yeah, couldn't do anything but watch.  It's a strip club, Sam.  Not like guys go there for the expensive booze and bad food."  Xander giggled.  "Do they?"

"No, they go to see tits and asses shaking and to hit on the dancers hoping that one'll be part of the half that does tricks."

"Did you?"

"Sam, virgin," Xander said dryly.

"There's other things," he said dryly.

"I still have a gag reflex too, dear."  Sam gave her a horrified look.  "I dabbled long ago on my first road trip.  I got stuck stripping there because the car exploded.  Got lit with one of the dancers and dabbled a bit.  I am a horrible blower.  I have too many teeth and I proved it that night.  He came in limping and complaining so the boss yelled at me and told me how to give a better one.  Suggested I practice.  That way I could get home faster."

"Did you?" Dean asked.  She kicked the back of his seat.  "Never mind.  I probably wouldn't either unless I was real desperate or it was the only way to save my ass."  He looked at the diner.  "Still open?"  Xander shrugged so they pulled in and got food to go back to the room with.  They saw the clerk watching and Xander waved with a grin, carrying her box up the stairs, making the boys follow since they were checking the car over.  The clerk came out and he grinned.  "She's been in a teasing mood.  It keeps her from picking on poor Sammy and making him blush like a virgin."

"I am not!" Sam complained.

Xander came out to the railing around the second floor.  "Boys, fighting is not allowed while we're in tiny, borrowed accommodations.  Quit, before I spank."  The clerk spluttered so gave him a look.  "You too."  She tossed down something.  "We didn't need the upgrade to a recorded room, but thank you anyway."  She strolled back inside, closing the door.

Dean looked at him.  "I promise we won't do anything  you'd find objectionable."  He took his dinner up there, letting Sam follow. The door was closed and locked behind him.  "Any others?"

"Just the one on top of the tv.  Fairly obvious."  She looked at him.  "I already checked everywhere but inside the bed."  That got a nod and they piled onto the bed to eat.  "Three days to Sunnydale at this rate."

"Anxious?" Sam asked.

"Torn.  I miss my town.  Almost.  Kind of.  I miss some of the people in my town, that's  more like it.  Then again, I'm still having anger issues. It's a good thing I can't get Willow magic to work for me."  She ate a bite.  Dean stole some of it so she swatted him.  "Mine."

"Sorry, looks good.  Only wanted a taste."

"Does that mean you're going to wake up sucking my neck this time?"

"If I do would it convince you not to drool on me?"

"Probably not."

"Yeah, me either.  Then again, Sir Sucking over there is even worse.  You're lucky you haven't woken up with him trying to breastfeed."

"If he tries he's going to be on the floor."

"Yeah, I'm about to do that too."  He looked at his brother.  "Keep your mouth to yourself tonight."  Sam pouted.  "Thank you.  My chest will appreciate it."  He went to take a shower, coming out to climb under the covers.  Xander and Sam both followed, keeping on at least a bit of clothes.  Dean was the last one asleep, watching those two snuggled up against each other.  It was cute.  They made a cute couple.  Not that he thought Xander wouldn't run rings around Sam.  She wasn't used to nice boys, or girls.  Sam was too nice for her.  She needed someone with a bit of an edge.  Someone with some understanding. Someone who would spank her because there was a hand sneaking over his thigh.  He swatted it.  Sam huffed in his sleep.

"Great.  Not what I wanted tonight," he complained to God again.  He was sure if his father could see this he was either ranting and screaming or laughing his ass off somewhere.  He shifted further down and got comfortable.  A butt wiggled back against his side.  He flipped onto his other side, facing away from them.  That lasted for all of three minutes.  Sam was behind him and sucking on his shoulder.  "You were broken of your oral phase," Dean complained.  He wiggled free.  Sam came back.  He got up and changed sides of the bed.  Xander only cuddled.  She hardly ever sucked in her sleep.  He was drifting off when he felt Sam shift so he was cuddling Xander's back again.  Then that hand came back.  He pinched it and she grunted this time.  He stroked her stomach, letting her fall back asleep.  She was definitely a tactile person.  He smiled, letting himself drift off.  She'd protect him.

***

Dean woke up warm and comfortable, which he liked.  He was also being molested by one of the two.  He looked down at his stomach.  Xander was sucking on his stomach.  Sam was laying nearly on top of his crotch and shifting against him.  "Sam, you're still my brother," he sighed.  He shifted away from him but that gave Xander more incentive.  It felt wonderful.  She was making his morning happiness even brighter.  He flipped onto his side, letting Sam the cannibal have his back again.  He even got the swat the helping hand.  Xander pouted because he had shifted, shifting up to cuddle him and blindly search for a kiss.  "You have some strange wet dreams, Xander," he said in her ear.  "Want to wake up?"  She  mewled and clung to his front.  It was getting very hard to resist that invitation.  Xander shifted again and let out a small purr of  pleasure when she ran into him.  He considered it but she was doing it to him.  He gently stroked over her cheek, waking her up a least partially.  "Where's your hand?" he asked quietly.  He felt her flex her fingers then blush.  "Didn't think you wanted to do that in your sleep, Xander."

"I....  Sorry, Dean."

"Shh.  It's not the first time.  Swat him for me."  She pinched Sam's helping hand.  "We've got to start getting separate motel rooms.  I'll take one, you two can grope each other and suck on each other all you want."  She let out a soft laugh, a warm, fuzzy sound that made his cock twitch.  "Xander, still holding onto me."

"Kinda unfair to wind you up, Dean.  I know I'd hate it if I was still a guy."

"I can handle that."  She flexed her fingers again and he hissed.  "Where I come from that's an offer."

"I know.  This is all I'm offering."

"I can accept that."  He let her do whatever she wanted.  She wasn't asleep.  It wasn't bothering her at the moment.  The handjob was much appreciated.  He needed to come very badly and she helped him all the way  over, leaning in to give him a gentle, soft, closed mouth kiss.  He moaned and deepened it, getting a blush from her.  "There.  Payment back."

She used her t-shirt to wipe her hand off.  "Didn't need it but thank you."  She got up and headed into the bathroom.

He listened, frowning at her frustrated noises.  "Xander?"  She flung open the door.  "C'mere.  It's different when it's on you."  She shook her head.  "You sure?  I can do the same thing."

"No, I'm fine.  Thanks."  She went back to cleaning up then came out.  "I hate ingrown hairs."  She pulled on a pair of jeans and a loose t-shirt, then pulled her hair back again.  It was now down to her shoulders and she didn't like it.  "There, ready for another day of driving."

Dean smiled. "Help me get him up too."

Xander leaned down, stroking over Sam's lower back, whispering in his ear until he woke up and groaned.  "That's a good boy, Sam.  Come on, let's get up so you can eat and then we'll be on the road again."

"Yes, Mom," he said in a sleepy voice, heading for the bathroom.

Dean smiled at her.  "He loves you."

"I can tell by the hickey on your back."  She blew a kiss and headed down with her bag to put it up.  She came back up.  "I need to do laundry."

"Us too," Dean admitted.  "Whatever place tonight?"  Xander nodded.  Dean got up and stretched then went to clean up once Sam was done.  He came out dressed too and they left for the day once he had checked the room for lost things.

***

Xander looked at the motel then at the guys.  "No way in hell," she called.  They glared at her.  "Permanent invite spells, guys, and this is a brothel.  I don't wanna be broken in that way."  Sam moaned.  "There's one by the mall.  There's two in Sunnydale itself."

"I thought you didn't want to stay in town."

"I'd rather feed the nighttime population but...."  She shrugged.  "Let me call someone.  Don't check in.  We'll never get out alive."  She found her phone and called someone.  Then she hung up and called another number, getting Joyce's cellphone.  "It's Xander."  She smiled.  "I know you heard.  I tried the house phone but Buffy answered.  I don't wanna talk to your daughter.  Thinking about places to stay, Joyce.  Anything recent come open suddenly?"  He grinned.  "Perfect.  Thank you.  Yeah, later tonight.  Very later tonight.  Like after Buffy's huffed off to screw Spike later tonight.  Sure, we'll let you know.  Love you too, Joyce.  I'll pop in on him.  Thanks."  She hung up.  "We're in luck.  A house just recently came open due to mysterious circumstances."   The boys both grinned at that.

"C'mon."  She hopped back into the blazer and drove off, taking them to the house they needed to be at.  It was a good house.  End of their street.  Defensible.  A few empty ones around them in case they needed to move suddenly.   She walked into the house with Dean and Sam behind her.  A few vampires had taken residence but nothing too major.  "We'll clean the rest of the neighborhood tonight," she said quietly.  She flipped on a switch with a grin.  "If anyone asks, we're relatives here to scavenge the house."  That got a nod and they went to grab their gear to bring it inside.  Xander went to do a turn around the rest of the neighborhood.  She ran into an older lady who used to teach her in elementary school.  "Don't worry, Mrs. Newworth.  I'm here to help the good guys.  There's going to be a big gang warfare thing coming up and we're here to help stop them."

"Do I know you, young lady?"

She smiled.  "You taught me in fifth grade, ma'am."

"Oh.  Yes, of course."  She smiled and patted her on the cheek.  "The two young men?"

"My brothers, adopted."  She nodded.  "So just ignore us and we'll try to keep the neighborhood safe while we're here."  She nodded, going back inside.  Xander went to clear the last house, which used to be his old one.  He looked at it.  "Huh, they died."  She killed the vampires in there, looking around.  Then she came out and used her keys to lock the door.  She walked off, heading back to their house.  "I need to scavenge the dirty brown one."

"Why?" Dean asked.

"I used to live there."  She smiled.  "You saw most of downtown.  The grocery store's past the pharmacy.  The coffee place is past the Magic Box.  The hellmouth was that pile of rubble.  Giles runs the Magic Box.  Buffy is a tiny blonde thing.  Willow is a redhead."  She pulled out the last pictures she carried to show them.  "That's Tara," she said with a smile.  The other was a group shot.  "That's Willow, Buffy, Giles, Oz, who doesn't live here anymore, he's in Tibet getting control of the wolf, and Riley.  Used to date Buffy.  Commando guy."  She put the picture back and looked at Dean.  "Need anything?  I'm going to scout the Magic Box."

"Go ahead.  We'll get groceries and meet back here."  She nodded, taking a few thing with her, tucking them into her waistband on the way out the door.  "Sam, staying?"

"It's not dark yet.  Go ahead."  Dean nodded and went to get supplies for them.  With the electricity still on they could actually cook.  Sam found the phone line and it was operational so he logged into his email and got to work checking for new cases or messages from their fellow hunters.  He smiled at one that simply said 'call me'.  He called.  "Hey, it's Sam."  He laughed.  "Actually, we're with a slayer named Xander."  He nodded.  "Basically.  No, we're in Sunnydale.  We'll be seeing you soon, Bobby.  I promise.  No, we're good.  Dean's getting groceries.  An apocalypse.  She has to help handle it and she's helping us right now.  Kind of helping each other really.  Exactly.  Sure, I'll tell him to call too.  Talk to you later."  He hung up and looked toward the door.  "I can hear you moving."

"I could hear you from up the street," the blonde girl said as she walked in.  "Are you alive?"

"I was this morning when Xander bit me."  She looked upset.  He stood up.  "Sam Winchester, Miss Summers.  We were drafted to help during the current situation."

She weakly shook his hand.  "Is Xander back?"

Sam looked at her.  "My brother and I both know what happened."

"You wouldn't understand," she said firmly.

"My brother made the same sort of deal to save me.  Yes, we do.  Better than you do."  She gaped.  "Xander said she's going to avoid you for the most part.  Her temper's still a bit bad about this whole thing she's got going since it can't be reversed."

"Willow said she could."

"Willow's a lying bitch," he said bluntly.  She glared.  He glared back.  "Not only can no one change him back, we've talked to people in each and every tradition.  The way she did it means that you'd need two components that haven't been seen on this plane in over three thousand years.  There's no way to help her.  Now, let's make a truce.  I don't care if you want to come talk to Xander.  That's between you two.  I will not have Willow upsetting Xander.  Dean wants to beat her ass.  I'm not far behind.  You... we'll wait and see about."

She stiffened.  "Fine.  Where is he?"

"She's off scouting a problem area."

"Oh."  She slumped.  "Are you guys commandos?"

"Hunters," Dean said from behind her.  "Buffy."

"You're...."

"His brother, Dean."  He smirked.  "We're sons of John Winchester."  She shuddered at that name.  "We're part of that circle, yes.  Your Powers sent Xander to us to help with mutual problems.  Problems, bro?"

"Bobby wants a call."

"I'll do it in a few."  He handed over the bags.  "Here."  He looked at her again.  They were about the same height with her heels.  "Xander doesn't want to be here.  She has to be here because it's the right thing to do.  If it had been one of us she had done that to, we'd have burned her.  We see her, Xander will have to hold us back.  Do you want to take that chance?"

"No,"  she said.  "Are you going to warn me off talking to Xander?"

"That's between you two and we'll be there in case we have to stop her.  After all, your buddy did make her a slayer too."  She shuddered again.  "Now, anything else you need to know?"

"No.  I saw his, um, her phone number on the caller ID and I came looking.  Tell her I'd like to talk to her?"

"I can pass on that message."  She nodded and left.  "Don't worry about patrolling here.  We can."

She smiled.  "The help is always appreciated.  There's too much for just one of us."  She walked off, going to the Magic Box.  She found Anya pouting.  "Saw Xander?"

"Yes but Giles told him it's not safe yet."

"It's not," she agreed.  "Do you think Xander would talk to me?"

"No," she said bluntly.  "You betrayed him.  She did it worse but you both hurt him and broke him.  You're going to be lucky if it doesn't go slayer-to-slayer."

She nodded.  "I figured I'd try to explain why I did it."

Anya shook her head.  "Don't bother.  Xander will see who she wants to see."

"Willow said it was reversible."

"If she's lucky it'll reverse when she dies," Giles said, coming out of his office.  "Leave Xander alone, Buffy.  We need him during this coming assault and he will leave if you bother him.  Or if he has to deal with Willow.  Am I clear?"  She nodded.  "Good.  I believe you have patrol in a few hours.  You should get dinner now."  She nodded, heading to do that.  "Xander will be back later to go over the plans.  There's been a small hitch in what we've already gotten according to a vision he had."  She nodded at that, going to gather things for that meeting.  Xander needed cookies, she looked very skinny to her.  Giles went back to his office, finding Xander already in there.  "Came back?"

"Avoiding people."  Xander sat up.  "You got the email?"

"I did but I can't find a way around that problem."

"I can.  We need more people.  We can send Riley a 'wish you were here, having a fun time being invaded on this date' hallmark."

Giles smiled.  "I do have a number to get hold of him."

"Then fax the thing to him."  Giles nodded, going to call it.  Xander went back over the plans, smiling at the cookies Anya brought him.  "Thanks, Ahn.  I missed cookies."

"It's clear you're not eating."

Xander looked at her.  "This has been screwing with my head now for months.  I actually got very drunk the night of my first period."  Anya sniffled.  "Wesley was sent to me after that."  Xander went back to her planning.  "Someone just came in."  She went to check, smiling when Giles closed the office door.  She called Angel.  "It's me.  We're going to need some of your people up here for the assault.  He is?  That'll help.  I don't know.  We're hoping Riley.  We've got a dimensional portal getting ready to open from an overcrowded world that's short on food to a world rich in food, us.  Thanks.  Yeah, I'm here hiding."  She hung up and went back to it.  Something was still bothering her.  She got up to look up something, frowning at the entry in the book.  That's why she was in the corner when the office door opened.  She glared at the person peeking in but didn't move.  Willow pulled her head back and shut the door again.  Ooh, she wished she could send a 'come save me' page to the boys.  They'd come beat Willow for her.  It'd be fun.  A group bonding exercise when they held her back.  Maybe he'd even set Anya and Sam up together.  They'd make an interesting pair.  Sam would never be shy again.  Of course, Dean would kill him if he did.

Giles walked in and looked around.  "You are still here."

"Yes and she spotted me.  Did Ethan and you talk?"

"We did."  He smiled.  "It'll be fine.  Riley said he can get up here next week and stay for the full event."  Xander nodded.  "Those two young men Buffy told me about?"

"The Winchester boys?  They'll be fine."

"Good.  Excellent perhaps.  How are you coming on their behalf?"

"I got some meteorite dust already.  Asked Angel about the soul.  We need your two."

"I've got them safely stored."  Xander grinned and relaxed.  "What about the blood of an impure slayer?"

"Well, I figure I can ask Faith or I can do it myself since I donated for the pure one.  We'll have to see how that goes.  I might not be able to stand it at the moment.  Since it has to be given in the next month, we'll see."  The door opened again and Dean strolled in.  "Sam went psychic?"

"Yup.  You good?"

"A bit pissed.  She smiled at me when she saw me reading."

"I still say we can do it the old fashioned way and burn her at the stake."

"Don't tempt me," Xander muttered.  Giles gave him a horrified look.  "Giles, ask him and he'll tell you I spend about one day a week drunk thanks to her.  I keep myself from doing it more often.  I'm having problems wrapping my mind around this."

"I had noticed the weight loss."

"We've had to nag," Dean assured him.  "About sleeping as well."  Giles moaned.  "Even if he didn't want to, I know a lot of other guys who'd be pissed on his behalf.  We already told your girl to keep her away from Xander."

Xander nodded.  "Then again there's a demon club here I can go blow off steam at."

"Only if you're going with backup," Dean said firmly.

"Think of the roadtrip money," Xander teased.

Dean shook his head.  "Only if we're with you,  you're armed, we're armed, and there's another one standing by in case of a riot."

"Fine.  Spoil my happy mood from thoughts of godiva and a bubble bath."

Dean snorted.  "You've got godiva in your truck and go ahead with the bubble bath. There's two bathrooms in the house we're using.  No bedroom furniture but two bathrooms."

"We can scavenge from the other places or I can head to my old place."  Xander patted Giles on the arm.  "He said they weren't vamped."

"Pity."  Dean nodded.  "Dinner?"

"Let me finish looking up one more thing.  Giles, we might have an advantage."

"What's that?"

"On their side it's All Saints.  It's why the border's so thin."  He looked at him.  "Apparently they don't know the rule that demons don't do anything on Halloween either.  Oh, thank you for finally showing that rule to Ethan.  I felt him working where I was and nearly freaked."

Giles smirked.  "I'm sure you're smart enough not to buy a costume off him this time."

"I only got a gun from him last time, the pair of BDU's came from the thrift shop."  He shrugged.  "Anyway, a different thing this time.  He was calling back dead relatives to haunt people and freak them out so he could gather the energy.  I'm thinking if we can tap into their side, we can do the same."

Giles considered it, taking a look at the information they had, then the book Xander had.  He got down another one.  "I'll look into that tonight.  Be safe on the walk home, Xander."

"Will.  You too."  He walked out with Dean, stopping to look at Tara, who sniffled.  "I love you."  She bawled so he hugged her.  "Come on, Tara.  We'll go have dinner.  You can steal food from Dean since he eats like he's pregnant."  She laughed through the tears but came with them.  "Think I could set Sam and Anya up?  It'd do them both good to have a steady thing again. Even if he would be gone half the time. She could even help with the research stuff."

"If you even *think* about it I will kick your ass," Dean assured him.  "Sam needs a nice girl."

"An...Anya's very ni...nice," Tara stuttered.

"Just blunt and horny," Xander agreed.  He grinned at his buddy.  "She's a lot better than she was.  Before, around prom, it was all 'let me tell you how I tortured men for centuries' and then a few minutes later it's all 'oooh, look a bench and even though there's children we're going to have sex right now right there'.  She's learned to ask, beg, and cajole her way into sex and presents instead of demanding them.  Besides, she could use someone nice who'd let her learn new things."

"Sam might quit huffing and then I'd never know when he was pissed."  Dean opened the door for them.  "Here we go, Tara."  Sam looked over and smiled.  "Sam, be nice.  This is Tara."  He closed the door in the face of whoever had been following them.  Xander looked outside then shook her head, walking Tara in to where the table was. "Food, Sammy?"

"It's on the stove, dish it up."  He went back to searching.  "Xander, I have almost nothing on this upcoming event."

"Basically it's Halloween on their side.  Their world is short of food sources, namely humanoids, including vampires.  They eat flesh and blood.  They're going to use the thinness of the barrier to push their way over here, where we're a virtual farm."  They both nodded.  "We're expecting a force of between ten and ten thousand demons from that dimension.  We have something to take out the portal and then it's wiping out the new threat."

"W...we can c...cast to close i..it," Tara stuttered, looking down.

"Do we need to take you under our wing too?" Dean demanded.

"Ease off, Dean.  She's shy and nice," Xander said calmly.  "Though, the answer is no, Buffy ran them off."  She gave her buddy a hug.  "Don't be shy around them.  I make Sam blush all the time.  Dean too."  Tara gave her a shy grin.  "Don't worry about them.  If something big and major happens I want Dean to guard you.  Okay?"  She nodded at that.  "Good."  She kissed her on the head.  "Food?"  Dean finished dishing up plates of food, hauling Sam into the kitchen to eat too.

"Th..thank you," Tara said.

"Not a problem.  We spend a lot of time on the road," Sam said happily.  "It's nice to eat someplace we don't have to tip."  She giggled, covering her mouth.

"Are we going on patrol tonight?" Dean asked.

Xander shrugged, looking at Tara.  "Should we?"

"It's been a mess," she said very quietly.

"Then we'll take this end of town and she can have the other.  We'll hit the Bronze so we can blow off some excess energy," Xander told her.  She nodded, texting that to Buffy, who sent back a smiley face.  "Good.  I have plenty of stakes."

Both boys smiled at her.  She was slightly insane about hunting.  Just like them.

***

Sam smiled at the other woman joining their team.  "Hi, I'm Sam, he's Dean."

"Hi.  Anya."  She shook his hand.  "Xander."  She waved but was watching a grave.  She huffed and shook her head.  "He used to show that focus on me but Willow just had to screw up my orgasms."  Tara pinched her.  "Hey!"

"Th...there's m..ore to life than se...sex."

"There's food," Dean quipped.  She pinched him too, making him laugh.  "Relax, Tara.  We're not the mean ones."  He looked at Anya.  "You may not hit on Sammy."

"Poo."  She pouted at Sam.  "Is your master at least keeping you a happy slaveboy?"

Sam burst out laughing.  "He's my big brother, Anya.  I'm not his slave."

"Pity but that means he can't tell you who to date."

"I can still banish you," Dean said firmly.  She pouted at him.  "Won't work on me.  He does it better."

She kissed Sam then smiled.  "You taste good."

Xander looked over.  "Anya, slaying now, teasing later when we go to the Bronze.  Please?"

"Fine."  She hung out with Tara and Sam.  Dean was almost scary in his intensity and focus.  It matched Xander's new focus very well.  The fledge finally popped out and Xander staked him, moving on.  They got a few more in their chosen cemeteries and she had to show Xander the new one going up.  She groaned but that was a slayer's duty.  Six more vampires there and then they could hit the Bronze.  Dean went to hustle pool.  Sam and Anya sat down to talk about demonology.  Xander went to sex bait and dance on the floor and Tara hung out with Anya and Sam so she could keep Anya from dragging him off for sex.

An hour later Dean won his last match and gathered the money, looking around for Xander.  She was moving on the floor and it was very hot.  He turned over his pool cue since no one else wanted to play with him and there was a group of giggling teenagers who wanted to tease each other with stick and ball jokes.  He got a drink and headed out to help Xander tease.  The vampires liked him, he smelled impure at the moment.  Xander got nudged and handed the drink after he took a sip, getting a smile and a wink for it.  She sipped through the straw, making the vampire with her groan and shift closer.  Dean found his own dance partner and she was definitely dead.  She was clammy.  The a/c in the club wasn't *that* good.  He let her drag him off, dusting her once they had been gone for a few minutes.  He came back and found Xander surrounded now.  She was teasing heavily.  He considered stepping in but she had it.  Another female latched onto him.  He smiled.  "I'm college age and you're jailbait," he teased.

"But I'm fun," she teased back.

He let her dance with him and it was nice.  She was even nice enough to make him follow her so she could tease him  more.  She walked off looking pleased.  He came out to get a beer, finding Xander looking blissed out between the vamps.  He would not get jealous of that.  He and his beer went onto the floor again after a glance at Sam.  He was still talking with the strange demon.  Xander had let two of the guys walk her off.  The others subtly followed.  Dean followed them.  He didn't have to worry, Xander was now a thing of beauty when she fought.  Only one looked surprised and he went last.  He let her have some of his beer to drink.  "Good job.

"Thank you."  She handed back the bottle after a long drink.  "It's been a while since we took a fun night."

"It has."  They went back inside and found Buffy.  He pulled Xander back onto the floor to dance with her.  She needed some fun.  Buffy could handle the other billion vampires in the club.  It was good between them.  Xander was moving sweetly again.  He was nearly growling at the ones who wanted her.  Xander winked and turned to dance with someone else, letting him have her back.  The vampire there groaned at her scent, stupid enough to go to game face on the floor.  Xander got him with a slim stake and then shrugged, turning back around to go back to him.  He grinned  "Naughty," he said over the music.

"Yeah.  And?" she said with a grin.  "The succubus good?"  Dean moaned so he laughed. "She used to hit on me all the time."  She took the beer back to get a drink, then handed it back.  "Pool?"

"Sure, I could use a cheering section."  They headed back to the pool tables.  "What else do you do for fun around here?"

"Spike plays kitten poker with some of the more harmless demons."

"Kitten poker?"  Dean shook his head quickly.  "Like they're the chips?"

"Yeah.  Squicked me badly but he won nearly a whole harem of cats and a lot of cigarettes the last time I knew."

Dean finished his beer.  "That's just wrong."

"I know, but this is Spike we're talking about."  She patted him on the back.  "So, anyone likely?"  She leaned closer to his ear, nodding at one guy.  "He's from the rich boy society.  Frat brother at the exclusive college.  Drives a Mercedes that always needs tuned up.  About to graduate to medical school.  Daddy's a senator."  Dean smirked at her.  She grinned back.  She nodded at another one.  "That whole back table is the frat house.  They used to have a dark deal with a snake demon for power and wealth."

"Not now?"

"Buffy and Cordy snuck off to the frat party, nearly got eaten.  We had to break in to save her.  Giles was not amused the next morning when he nearly paddled her for telling him she had to study."

Dean snorted.  "Teenage girls," he muttered.  He handed her a pool cue.  "Time you learned."

"I could almost play before."

"Uh-huh."  He racked the balls and showed her how to shoot better.  She was pitiful and using too much force.  A few helpful shots with him guiding her hands and it was a bit better.  "We'll turn you into a shark yet," he teased.

She smirked at him.  "I don't like biting people that much, Dean."

He laughed.  "Bet me!"

"I only bit you that once.  It was your fault, you moved."

"Do I want to ask?" Buffy asked as she walked over.

"Roadtripping, Buffy.  Sometimes we end up sharing the same room," Dean told her.  He watched her take a shot and nodded.  "Not bad.  Wrong english on the ball, Xan."  He took his own shot since she hadn't made hers.  She pouted.  He grinned.  "We're playing for backrubs, right?"

"All you have to do is ask."

"Sure."  He cleared the table and smirked at her.  "How're we doing beds tonight?"

"Scrounging?"

"For some reason the vamps have been removing the beds from the empty houses," Buffy told them, moving closer.  "We know where they are so we can get you some if you need it."

Dean nodded.  "Could.  I'm really tired of sleeping next to Sam and Xander.  Sam sucks in his sleep and Xander cuddles and snores."

"Better that than the night you woke up being petted and called a good dog by both of us," Xander said happily.  She reracked the balls and one of the frat brothers came over.  She sighed at the renewed cramps.  Great, rich vampire frat brothers.  "Hi, boys.  Want to play Dean instead?  He's trying to teach me how to play better.  Apparently I'm not holding the stick right, too hard of a grip as it slides up and down my fingers."  She smiled at him.  He swallowed and moaned a bit.  "You can.  I'll get us another beer, Dean?"

"Sure.  Thanks."  She went to do that, coming back with one for them.  He looked at Buffy.  "Watching too?"

"Yeah, I can do that.  Anya's being freaky with your brother.  They're talking mystical whores through history."  Dean sighed and shook his head.  "It's one of Anya's two topics."

"She's actually got a good hand at the investing stuff," Xander offered.  "She learned when she started to make money and figured out it could make baby money."

"That can be helpful.  Not like I've thought about retirement funds."

"Me either," Xander sighed.  Buffy gave her an odd look.  "I haven't."

"Me either.  Life insurance was easier."

"I have one of those," Xander agreed.  Dean nodded he did too.  "Remind me to go to that office tomorrow to check on it?"

"Sure," Dean said, letting the other guy have first break.  He'd lose that round but kill him on the next seven.  By then the other frat brothers came over to help as well.  He could tell both slayers were uneasy so he smiled at Buffy.  "Go take Sam away from Anya please?"  She nodded, going to do that.  She'd tell him what was going on.   He lost another game but he was winning all the other ones.  They'd have a lot of road trip money soon.  He grinned at the last one, who was shaking his head.  "Sorry, guys.  Guess the force was with me.  Must be the girlfriend's incentive plan."

Xander smirked at him.  "Sucking up won't get you anything more than we talked about."  Dean laughed and so did the other guys.  She took the beer to finish it, using her tongue to get the last few drops off the rim.  "Dean, can we get some air?" she asked coyly.  "Seeing you win ...."

"Sure, Alex."  He led her outside, looking like they were going to make out or have a quickie.  The vampire frat brothers followed trying to be subtle.  They turned and attacked, getting them.  Xander handed over the wallets she had lifted during the fight, making him hum in appreciation.  Sam and Buffy came out.  "It's kosher."

"Good," Sam said, smiling at them. "Road trip funds?"

"Yup," Xander said happily.  She winked at him.  "Now, are we going to go steal beds back from the vampires?"

"Does your old house have any?" Dean asked.

"There's probably bugs, Dean.  My former parents weren't exactly clean people."

"Sure, we can go steal beds.  Need the blazer?"

"Nah," Buffy said with a smile.  "They've got a delivery truck."  She looked at the piles of dust then at Xander.  "You trained really well."

"Wes started it and Dean finished it with Sam's help."  She smiled at the boys.  "C'mon.  Let's walk Tara back to the school.  Anya will need to find a honey for the night soon."  Sam went to get her and say good night.

"I still don't want Sammy dating your ex," Dean told her.  Anya came out.  "You still can't date him."

"I don't want to date him.  He'd be gone all the time when I needed pampering and spoiling.  That doesn't mean he can't have fun, does it?  Or are you your father, Dean?"

He smirked at her.  "He did tell me to watch out for Sam."

"Guys," Xander said.  "Unless you both go sleep with her?"  She walked Tara off, taking her back to the college.  Buffy could help Dean move beds.  She smiled at her buddy.  "How's it going?" she asked quietly.

"Not bad.  I'm adjusting well.  Buffy helped a lot with that."

"Good."  She gave her a short squeeze around the shoulders.  "If I win, I'm going to be leaving again.  You're more than welcome to come find the rest of the US.  We'd stop in all the time."

She smiled but shook her head.  "She needs me to help her get better, Xander."

She sighed. "If you're sure.  If you need me, you call and I'll be back here."

"I know you will.  You're a good friend."  She kissed her on the cheek, getting a smile back.  "I'm in Stewart this year."  She nodded, walking her that way.  It was mostly quiet.  A few demons who felt Xander and went running.  A few who came out of hiding, saw them and ran.  Xander grinned at her.  "I know, they're worried about Buffy."

"Yeah, I think she's going to be going downhill again too."  They walked up to the front door of the dorm, letting her go inside.  "Be safe and sleep well, Tara."

"You too, Xander."  She headed up to her room.

Xander headed back toward her old neighborhood, a bit more content this time.  About halfway there she was jumped by the rest of the frat that hadn't been at the bar.  "Evening," she said quietly,  looking at them.  "Pretty night, huh?"

"You were with some of our brothers and they disappeared," one said.

Xander nodded.  "I was.  We were playing pool.  They disappeared when we went outside."  Two of them attacked her and she staked them.  That small cantrip she had for relieving them of wallet, keys, money, and anything else on them was helpful.  It  had been a nice going away present from Ethan.  The others attacked once she got the first one gone.  There were seven of them but she wasn't that worried.  She did trip at one point in time but she rolled back to her feet and got back into it.  The last one died before she got there, leaving her looking at a thin brunette woman.  "They let you have hiphugger jeans back?"

Faith nodded.  "It was what I was wearing when I got caught."  She smiled and helped her pick up the haul.  "Cute."

"Road trip funds."  They walked off and she handed over the majority of the keys.  Dean would want two.  One was another Impala.  The other was a corvette and he knew someone who was looking for one.  "It's expensive and if we don't have the funds, we've got to share a room.  Sam sucks in his sleep."  She laughed.  "So, what's up?"

"Got out early thanks to G."

"He's probably back at the Magic Box."

"We can head."

"Sure."  They went that way.  "Tara's in Stewart Hall."

"I'll watch out for her when you're gone, boytoy," she said.  "She needs it if she's staying with Red."

"She said Willow needs her to help her heal.  I wanted her to move somewhere safer."

"I'll be here.  This is where the parole board sent me at his urging.  I'm officially in his custody."  Xander snickered at that.  "I know, no fun and games.  No drinking by the rules.  I'm supposed to have a curfew."  She shrugged.  "Only for two years though."

"You'll survive.  You're strong, Faith.  You'll outlast Buffy's record."  She grinned at that.  She opened the door to the Magic Box, letting Faith walk in first.  "We're back."

Willow stared then backed up.  "Faith," she said nervously.

"You I'm not talking to or dealing with.  I heard.  Shoo.  Before I forget I'm reformed and stake the evil."  She fled.  She smiled at Giles.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome, Faith, but we will be talking tonight so we can come to an understanding."

"I've had time to think and calm down, Giles.  Plus talked to a lot of others who had it just as bad or worse than me."  He smiled and relaxed.  She looked at Xander.  "He know?"

"No."

"Know what?" Giles asked.

"She's boosting wallets off the vamps," Faith told him.

"Xander, I do give you funds," he said, sounding exasperated.

"Giles, I'm on the road most of the time.  That means motels or sleeping in the blazer.  Food, gas, and lodging money."  Giles groaned.  "Motels are fifty a night usually, and that's the basest, roach infested places.  Twenty every two days for food.  You only give me four hundred a month.  Gotta make up gas money somehow.  Hell, even with that I still have to strip sometimes.  That's why Dean plays pool."  Giles sighed, shaking his head.  "We're handling it, Giles.  Don't worry about it.  Oh, that snake god frat?  They were back and vamps.  Pity."  She strolled out.  "Heading back."

"Have a good night, Xander.  We'll go over things tomorrow," he called after her.

"At least she's been eating," Faith told him.

"She's still a bit thin."

"She came up to the prison to make amends, Giles.  She was thinner.  Whoever those boys are, they mother pretty well."   She leaned on the counter.  "So, now what?"

"Now, there's a room above the shop you can stay in, Faith."  She held up the keys.  "Get rid of those.  I'll not have you going back for stolen goods."  She nodded, going to call a former contact to do that.  He rolled his eyes.  "Those boys are teaching Xander bad habits," he muttered.

"Probably useful ones though.  She looked wicked bad fighting the seven vamps, Giles."  She listened to her contact splutter.  "Yeah, Buffy, dude.  Thanks."  She hung up.  "Gotta go give them keys and locations.  Can I, dad?" she asked with a grin.

"As long as you come back by eleven, Faith."  She nodded, going to do that.  He sighed, shaking his head.  She had calmed down a little bit, but not that much.

***

Xander strolled into the borrowed house, seeing the grim looks.  "Bad beds with bugs?"

"Only three that didn't.  We could only move one of them.  But we did dust about ten more vamps."

"Coolness.  The rest of the frat came for me."  She put things down onto the table, getting happy smiles from the boys.  She put down the two sets of keys.  "One's an Impala.  One's a 'vette."

"Ooh.  I know someone who'd pay major bucks," Dean said, sitting down to call them.  They'd arrange transport and put the other Impala somewhere they could use it for parts for his.  Once he was done he pulled out his haul, making Sam smile.  "Plenty for when we have to leave again."

Xander grinned.  "I had to justify it to Giles but he knows how expensive it is now."  She sat down.  "So, am I hiking to the old homeplace for a bed?"

"Up to you," Sam said.

"It's too dangerous," Dean told her.  "We can go get one."

"Bugs, Dean."

"Which means you'd have to deal with them there too.  We can scout it.  It's only ten."

Xander shrugged. "I'm not sure the electric's on."  Someone pounded on the door so she got up, going to smile at the officer. "Hi."

"The last I knew the owners of this place were dead," he said bluntly.

Xander stared at him.  "Giles needs us closer to help Buffy."

He groaned.  "An explosion?"

"Invasion.  Down next to the Mocha Pump.  We've got a few weeks."

He nodded.  "Fine.  Make it more subtle, please?"

Xander grinned.  "The pool playing or the hunting?"

"One of us saw you picking up your haul with that Faith broad, ma'am."

"Xander," she said.  His eyes went wide.  She grinned and wiggled her finger.  "Willow.  That's why I'm staying on *this* block."

"Fine.  Um, your parents disappeared but they didn't die that we know of."  Xander shrugged.  "We have a death certificate if they had insurance, um, Miss Harris."

"I'll check when I go change the beneficiary on mine tomorrow."  That got a nod.  "Just ignore us.  There's more of us coming.  Remember the commandos?"  He shuddered again.  "Some of them are coming back to help. I don't know if they'll be at Lowell house or not.  They could do the same thing."

"That's fine.  Anything you need?"

"Beds," Dean called.

The officer looked back at him.  "With what you two got tonight to fund the cause, go buy one, son."  Sam laughed.  He looked at Xander again.  "You all right with her?"

"No, which is why I'm staying around this end of town."  He smirked at that.  "Anything happens, you tell Giles or us.  Please."

"Agreed."  He shifted a bit.  "Um, there's a problem at the one that's not Willie's Cantina, Miss Harris.  Do you think I should tell Buffy?"

"Define problem."

"Sixteen orange and green bikers causing chaos."

"Huh, Ethan's nearby.  No, we'll handle it for her."  That got a smirk.  "Well, I did train for it."

"Good point.  Thank you.  Sometime tonight or tomorrow?"

"Sure, Tomorrow would be easier.  They're nocturnal."  He nodded and hurried off.  "Gossip level only please," she called.

"Of course."  He waved before diving into his car and hurrying off.

Xander looked outside.  "I can feel you," she called.  A smoking blond man came out of the shadows.  "Spike.  Faith's back.  It's like right before the ascension all over again."

"Saw."  He looked at her.  "More nummy now than before."  He smirked.  "Smell good too."

"Yeah, it's time to change the birth control patch.  We're holding a meeting tomorrow.  FYI, Riley's coming in to help.  We're coordinating through Giles so the various factions don't kill each other."

"Can do that," he agreed smoothly.  "Use your place?"

"Go sleep with Anya."  He chuckled.  "She's single and needy.  Complained she's only getting three a night."

"She is a fun quim.  Thanks.  See  you tomorrow."

"Sure.  Have a good night, Spike.  Or go handle the demonic bikers."  He cackled as he headed off to do that.  He could use a bit of mayhem before checking in.  She shut the door, leaning against it.  "The gang's mostly back," she quipped.

"You good?" Dean asked, staring at her.

Xander shrugged.  "I'll live for the moment. Let me change the patch before I forget."  She went to do that in the bathroom, coming back to find Faith was in.  "Hey."

"Hey.  You didn't tell me they were adorkable."

Xander laughed.  "Sam is."

"Hey!" Dean complained. "Not that I feel like a dork but I am adorable."

"Awww," Faith said, pinching him on the cheek.  "You know, it's been a while for me."

"Go sleep with Anya and Spike," Xander told her.  Faith cackled.  "She cheated on me with him.  Buffy slept with him.  Even in her mother's home.  Must've been good somehow."

Faith fell out of her chair still giggling.  "Oh, that's so bad!"

"Anya cheated on you and you didn't dump her?"

"We were having issues.  Besides, she's more needy than I could handle sometimes."  She shrugged.  "It happens.  I did tell her the next time I caught it she was on the street, penniless, and without clothes."  She sat down.  "Why the visit, Faith?"

"Your cut," she said, handing over a quarter of what she had gotten.  "Thanks, needed money for new leather pants."

"Hey, Buffy shops, not me," she defended.  "Wes had to drag my ass.  The only thing I've bought since then are panties and some stripper clothes."  Faith started to drool.  "Not sharing, Faith.  Night."

"Night, boytoy."  She sniffed.  "Still pure?"

"Have to be for another few weeks.  Then we can fix that with a human fighter and collect the blood for a rite the boys need to do."

"We can do mine.  I've bled plenty."

"By the rite and the collection specifications you would've had to been a virgin when you were called and been broken in by a human fighter since then," Sam told her.

"Pity.  Wasn't one when I was called.  Human's debatable and he did fight himself."  She shrugged.  "It happens.  So, X, got a choice?"

"Considering. It's still messing with my mind."

"We'll help if we can."  She grinned.  "Think B would unbend enough to go shopping?"

"Maybe.  She and Willow have had to hang."

"Good point."  She waved.  "Gotta get back.  Tweedy set me an eleven curfew and the parole board agreed."  She left them alone, closing the door behind herself.

Xander looked at them.  "She showed up during our senior year, after Kendra was killed by Spike's Dru.  If she shows up, I'm running.  That'd be too many of us in town," he said when Dean laughed.  "Plus she wants me to be her kitten."

"You purr in your sleep," Sam said.

"You're still trying to nurse, Sam.  No contest against my purring."  He blushed and ducked his head.  "So, did you like Anya?  I think you two would be a cute couple."

"She's very smart, kind of funny, and sexy, but I don't think I could keep up with her.  I like soft, gentle things and she was talking about sex like it was food."

"Yeah, she missed it during her demon years."

"No way are they dating," Dean said.

"Yes, dear."  She picked up her stash and put it away, heading to the bathroom again.  "I'm for a hot shower.  Night, boys."

"Night, Xander," they called out in unison, Sam waving.

Sam looked at Dean.  "Sleeping how?"

"We should set a watch.  You want first or second?"

"You take first, I'll take last, let her have the middle one."  That got a nod and he went to check the house over for entry points while Sam went to bed for now.  Xander came in wearing shorts and a t-shirt.  "We're doing a watch.  You have second."

"That's fine."  She snuggled down into the bed.  It was only a queen, it'd be better if all three of them weren't in it at once.  "Should be fine an hour after dawn.  Not too many daywalking demons around here.  No nearby sewer entry points either."  That got a nod from the man beside her. "Night."

"Night."  He smiled, watching her sleep.  He fell asleep long before Dean came in to wake her.  She took her turn and he only grumbled that Dean had taken his pillow.  Dean climbed in once he was down to boxers.  He was content until Xander woke him up.  When his shift was done an hour after the sun rose he went back to bed because he was still tired.  Curling up against Xander's back was comfortable after so many nights sharing a motel room.  She didn't mind if he cuddled.

Dean woke up warm and held, looking at the ones around him.  Somehow he had ended up in the middle again.  "They must like my chest.  I should consider it a compliment," he muttered.  He tried to move but Xander's hand dug into his side so he quit.  "Have to use the pot," he told her.  She hummed and licked his side.  "Xander."  She shifted closer, rubbing against his thigh.  "One of those mornings huh?"  He shifted, making Sam curl up against his back.  She made happy noises.  Sam's hand wrapped itself around his waist and it was nice.  She was petting his stomach.  He was ready to pounce but this was still Xander.  He tightened his stomach, earning a coo and her hand  moving south again.  He smiled when she started to play with him.  She was good, even in her sleep.  He kissed her awake, getting a sleepy smile.  "Morning.  Having a good dream?"  Her hand flexed and he moaned.  "Xander."

"Sorry."

Dean smirked.  "I'm sure you are.  That's why it keeps happening."

"Thought it was mine back."

"I don't mind, Xander, but I want you to be sure of what you're doing."  She let him kiss her again.  "See, I don't mind.  It's going to stay at the level of playing."  She nodded, kissing him again, letting her hand play with him.  It was good enough for now.  She moaned while her hand worked.  His fingers teased her stomach and side.  She wasn't stiffening  yet so his fingers moved south to stroke her mound.  She stiffened.  "Shh, let me," he said in her ear.  "Payback and all that."

"Not needed."

"Bull.  Even women get frustrated."  His fingers moved a bit to tease her, mapping out the right places in his head as he felt around.  One finger stroked her entrance and she moved.  "Sorry."

"I still can't deal with that, Dean."

"I know.  Sorry."  He kissed her.  "So, make any other choices?" he asked casually.

She sighed.  "It kinda seems reasonable, huh?"

"Yeah."  He smiled.  "I'll gladly pop that for you.   Not an issue.  No strings, no dating, nothing."

She nodded.  "I'm not looking for a boyfriend."

"Good."  He grinned.  "Now, I'm hungry and need to use the bathroom."  She gave him a harder than average squeeze, making him whimper.  A few good pulls and he came in her hand.  "Oh, that was nice.  Need some?"

"No, I'm still dealing with the issue of having *that* down there."

He kissed her again.  "It's not that different.  We'll deal with it.  Or talk to Faith."

"I think I'm going to."  She smiled, getting out of bed and going to one bathroom to clean up.  Dean got the other one.  She left once she was dressed, heading to the Magic Box and the training area.  She knew Buffy wasn't up yet.  Faith was sipping coffee.  "I need to practice."

"You probably should.  It's not the same as sparring with the boys or Wes," she agreed.  She looked at her.  "Other issues?"

"Having to do the deed later on this month.  I'm still freaking out when I look down."  She sat next to her, frowning at the cup of coffee Faith put in front of her.  "Sugar?"  It was handed over by Giles.  "Thanks.  How do I get past that?"

"A mirror and a bath tub," Faith suggested.

"Faith, I couldn't pee sitting down for over a week," Xander told her.  "I only went when I had to take a dump." She sighed.  "I made myself start doing that.  I still can't look.  Much less letting someone touch?  No.  Not yet."

Faith gave her a hug.  "It'll be fine, Xander.  You and the cute one'll be fine."

"Dean, Faith, not Sam."

"Really?  Sam's cute."

"He's gentle.  He had something serious and she died due to a demon."

"Oh.  Damn."  She shrugged.  "Okay.  So let him try."

"I did.  He got near there and I had to stop myself from panicking."  She took a sip. "I can't even talk about it in clinical terms."

Faith looked at her.  "I'm not the one to ask, Xander.  I had a lot of fun my first time; I was pretty drunk, and it happened."

"I don't want to associate it  with drinking."

Giles coughed.  "Xander, I believe you chose him because he could get a bit pushy when you panicked."  Xander nodded.  "Plus you're very good friends.  I'm sure he understands this and he knows when to push.  Should I perhaps have a talk with him?"

"No, we've already talked about this."  She sipped her coffee, getting more from Faith.  "I'll deal with it.  Thanks for trying, guys."

"Take him to a motel for the night," Faith told him.  "You guys have been spending more nights in one than not."  Xander nodded that was true.  "Let the sweet one guard himself."  She grinned.  "I wouldn't mind stepping in."

"You'd have to ask Dean.  He's fierce about his brother's protection."

"Family's supposed to protect each other," she reminded her more gently, smiling a bit. "You've made a good one with them."  She patted him on the back. "Finish up.  I haven't sparred since I went away."  Xander finished up her coffee, putting the cup into the dishwasher so they could go spar.  "Want staffs, Giles, or something else?"

"Start with staffs for now, girls."  Xander found them and tossed her one, frowning at hers.  "Xander, that one has a crack."  She got another one and came back, letting Faith start out.  Xander was still in 'protector' mode instead of hunting mode.  He watched them critically.  "Faith, your back arches too much when you lunge.  You telegraph."  She straightened her back.  Xander suddenly made herself push past the slayer skill barrier and it was truly on between them.  He felt someone come in and looked at her.  "Anya."

"We've lost her, haven't we?" she said quietly.

Giles watched, nodding a bit.  "I think they're better for her anyway.  They're much more supportive than we could've been during this.  She considers them like family.  Xander, don't trip," he called.  She stumbled but didn't trip over the shoe Faith had lost.  The shoe got kicked and Faith got her other one off with a swing toward the other wall.  Then they went back to it.  He smiled.  This was what slayers fighting was supposed to look like.  It was awe inspiring and a bit scary.  Faith was starting to slip.  So was Xander.  They were well matched.  Nearly a 'before and after' picture.  Xander suddenly ducked and came up with a different weapon, a dagger, getting Faith pinned down and it pressed against her stomach.  "No blood, Xander."   He turned and found Dean standing there.  "Good morning.  There's coffee if you want some."

"Thanks."  He walked in and hauled Xander up, looking at her.  "Cheater," he teased with a grin.

"Well, yeah, it works."  Faith snickered, nodding as she got up.  "Did I hurt you?"

"Nah.  I'm good.  Go ahead and practice with him.  I wanna see how good he is."

"I usually use a gun, Faith."

"You can't brawl?" she teased.  He snorted, nodding.  "Then do it.  She needs more practice."  She handed Dean her staff.  He tossed it away with a dirty look.  Xander got a short sword but Dean shook his head and they went hand-to-hand instead.  He was getting good at gauging her moves.  Giles was gaping in horror.  Faith smirked.  "They do the same job, G.  Of course they're good to get this far."  Xander ducked a blow and knocked him down.  Dean laughed and got back up, going after her again.  This time he pinned her against a wall, looking at her.  She went limp and he shifted closer.  So she got him on the knee with her foot, shoving him back and going after him again.  He got her into a choke hold and she broke it, tossing him onto his back on the floor.  He got back up with a groan and went after her again.  She giggled and pounced, driving him back to the floor to hold him down and sit on top of him.

"If you wanted to be on top all you had to do was ask," he quipped.

"Maybe sometime soon," she said.  She smirked. "Yield?"

"Hell no."  He surged and rolled them over, trapping her beneath him.  "I feel better now.  More used to this position," he said with an evil smirk.  He felt her foot connect with his thigh.  "Won't help you, princess."  She wiggled and got him again, this time making him hiss.  "You'll pay for that later."

"Why?  Gonna sic Sammy on me to suck on my back too?"  She got free but he pulled her back down and pinned her again. "What?"

"Talking?" he suggested.

"I did talk to Faith."

"Good."  He got up and pulled her up.  "You good?"

"I'm fine.  Remember, stronger, better healing, better hair?"

"Yeah," he snorted, running a hand through his.  "Better than Sammy's maybe."  She swatted him.

"Children, if you want to play that way, go find a motel room," Giles ordered, giving Dean a stare.

"Sure."  He looked at Xander.  "We need a time estimate?"

"Next week sometime.  The week after I go on the breather patch and four days after that is the battle.  We need it collected by the end of that week."

"Okay.  We'll plan something for next week.  Need all that girly stuff?"

"Burger's good," Xander assured him. "Same as usual."  Dean grinned and nodded, going to get some coffee.  Xander looked at Giles.  "Do not help with that."

"I'm not.  I know it would embarrass you, Xander."  He went to open up the shop.

Anya pounced Xander to talk to him about his girl parts.  Including telling him that he didn't have to go onto the breather patch, he could go onto the next one and skip back to the breather patch some other time.  That cheered her up a lot.  She hadn't been looking forward to PMS *and* a battle.

***

Dean looked at Xander.  She was fairly nervous.  "Your first time wasn't bad, right?"  He checked her arm.  The spot Giles had drawn blood from earlier as now healed.

"No, Faith kinda climbed on top and rode me hard, then kicked me out after she was done."  She looked at her clothes, then took off her t-shirt.  He had seen her in less than the bra she was wearing.  "Sorry, laundry."

He grinned.  "Not an issue, it's not like it's going to get in the way."  She let out a nervous laugh.  "Want me to get a bit pushy here?"  She shrugged a bit so he moved closer, taking control for now.  Keeping it at kissing.  She could kiss very well.  She was definitely good at this stuff.  He moved her away from the wall of the motel room, sitting them on the bed.  "There, so we don't fall down."  She snickered and nodded, pulling him back into another kiss.  "You sure you don't want Sam?"

"I like Sam but I think he'd probably leave too much up to me."

"Probably.  He's a hearts and flowers kinda guy.  That's why he doesn't get any on the road."  She pinched him so he undid her bra on her.  "The patch is on, there's no gap, no chance of anything happening, right?"  She let him see and he grinned.  "Good.  Don't wanna wake up and have you with a knife overtop of me for that."  He went back to kissing, teasing the newly exposed skin.  She tensed up but he kept it there.  He'd sneak up on the other stuff for now.  Another kiss, and she was on her back now.  He took off his t- shirt too.  It was easier and it would make her feel a bit more comfortable if he wasn't fully dressed.  He knew some women found it thrilling but he had no idea why.  Neither did Xander probably.  He pulled back to look at her.  "Quit thinking."

"Sorry."

"Am I not giving you enough?" he asked, stroking down her side.  She wiggled a bit.  "Focus, Xander.  You have a very impressive focus."  Xander closed her eyes, letting him do whatever he wanted to.  Another kiss and she was back into it.  "Should I go get us a beer?" he teased when she tensed up again.

"I don't want to associate the two.  Then I'd really be my parents."

"Then we'll keep it for afterward."  Another kiss and she put a hesitant hand on his chest.  "Go ahead.  Investigate. I doubt you did last time."  She shook her head, moving to check his chest out. A few touches, a few pinches, a teasing scratch over a nipple that made him  hiss and arch toward her.  She leaned down to lick over it, making him smile.  "Are yours sensitive?"

"Were."

"Good."  Dean moved the bra so he could get in some light groping.  He had tried this the other morning and it had went all right.  She seemed to like  him touching there.  She bit him gently and he hissed again, squeezing her a bit hard.  "Gentler, Xander.  Pain is for fighting."  She eased off and it was nice.  She was gentle with him.  He was going to try to be gentle with her.  He used one hand to play with a breast while the other one went to undo her jeans.  She stiffened so he did it anyway.  He left it open and stroked over her stomach.  "Want to finish stripping?"

"Only if you tip me," she joked.

He grinned. "Smartass."  She beamed and nodded.  "No more bad jokes."  He got up and pulled off her pants, leaving her the fairly skimpy panties.  His jeans dropped too and she stared.  "Didn't look all the times I was coming out of the shower?"

"Not really."

He smirked.  "See, Sam thought you were checking me out months ago."

"The scar on your back, trying to figure out if it was a knife or a claw."  She ran a finger up it.

"Claw."  He touched one of hers.  "Dagger?"

"Kitchen knife."

Dean looked at her.  "Parents?"

"Don't go there."

"Okay.  That's a drunken talk."  She nodded.  "Good."  He kissed her again and she got back into it, still gently exploring.  He was having some fun teasing her.  His hand was slowly sneaking down to breach the panty line.  She groaned into his mouth when he did.  He had figured out where her sweet spot was and a gentle touch to it didn't get much response.  Maybe....  No she had to be wrong about it not working.  He shifted his hand, pushing up instead of in.  She did make a noise at that.  He kept going, keeping her mind occupied.  It was nice enough.  First times weren't supposed to be fast and hard, but he figured if he got that pushy she would've went cold in his hands.  She needed someone to be a bit more aggressive so he had to do that this time.  Normally he was fairly considerate.  He kept playing and teasing, slowly working her up.  She was slower to respond than most women he'd met but that happened.  His thumb was playing with her clit and his fingers were teasing the outside of her hole, making her shift and arch against his hand.  It took nearly a half hour before he felt her clit stiffen.

"That's the problem," he said, realizing one of them.  "You have a really long hood.  Most women have shorter ones.  That's what's cutting down on it."  He grinned and teased the sensitive little nub gently, making her swear and arch up.  He laughed, letting her go over before he took off the panties and lost his own boxers.  The spell required no condoms or other barriers between them.  "Ready?"  She nodded.  "Deep breath."  He slowly slid in, resting against the barrier.  She shifted so he pushed past it, then pulled back and pushed farther in, making her moan and try to wiggle away.  He pulled her hips closer and went in deeper.  He shifted his position so her clit could rub against his pubic mound and it was apparently good enough.  She was a bit of a squealer and a moaner.  It was nice noise.  He kept going, making her a happy girl.  She finally came so he let himself come, going limp on top of her.  "Hey."

She stroked his forehead. "Thank you."  She kissed him and cuddled up to his chest.  He smiled, letting her do it.  She was warm in his arms.  "So, why do women like oral sex?"

"I'd show you but since you're bleeding a bit, let's wait until some other time, okay?"

She looked at him.  "I am?"

"Breaking ...  Never had a virgin, huh?"  She shook her head.  "How did you manage that?"

"I only slept with Faith, Cordy, and Anya.  Plus that one time I dabbled at the club."

"The hymen bleeds a bit when  you break it.  It's flesh.  So there's a bit of blood.  Since I'm not a vampire...."  She laughed and swatted him on the ass.  "Easy," he ordered with a teasing grin.  "I need time to recover.  Not like you at twenty.  After twenty-five you slow down a bit."

"Need more viagra?" she teased.

"I'll show you who needs it."  He latched onto a nipple and she let out this primal shriek.  He smirked at her.  "Good?"

"Feels like you're sucking a straw to clean me up."

"Heard that before."  He went back to teasing her breasts.  This time she was much more into it and he wasn't nearly as careful.  She was fully ready when he slammed himself in, riding her harder this time.  This was more his usual thing.  She flipped them over to get on top.  "Sure, go ahead," he agreed.  She tried it but it wasn't as good.  He shifted her hips as he thrust up and she lost it.  That was the spot then.  He was going to enjoy teasing it this time.  He flipped them back over, putting her onto her stomach this time.  "Should've done it this way since you dabbled," he said in her ear.  He slid back inside, starting a hard, swift rhythm that was making her pant and beg into the pillows.  He pulled her back up to sit in his lap, teasing her clit again.  "This is where you touch," he said in her ear.

"That way you're not frustrated."  He guided her hand to it.  "That's the hood.  It blocks out some of the feeling so you aren't one constant orgasm."  He swallowed his spit and let her tease herself while he worked on her.  It was extremely good.  She had stamina like he needed.  He groaned.  "Xander, please come?" he begged.  He went back to teasing her, making her pant, huff, and moan louder until he felt her go off around him.  He let himself come and they both collapsed.  "Hour, please," he begged when she kissed him.  She mewled into his throat, going down to suck and play with it.  He went back to teasing her until she finally came again and went limp on  his chest.  "Damn, woman."

Xander looked up at him.  "Thanks," she said weakly.  Her head thumped back down.  She yawned.  "I didn't know that women took naps afterward.  I thought they got more energetic."

"If it's good, you always need a nap."  He stroked her back, making her yawn and fall asleep on top of his chest.  He yawned too.  She'd let him nap.

Neither one felt the sheet be ripped underneath them to take her spilled blood and his dripped seed.

***

Xander looked at Dean when he woke up the next morning.  "Coffee?"

"Coffee's nice."  He took the cup from her.  "Went for your morning run?"  She nodded, taking a sip of hers.  "You can cuddle."

"I don't want to seem clingy.  I'm not going to turn into one of those saran wrap girls."

He sat up to kiss her.  "Before you wouldn't mind.  Nothing changes, Xander."

"I don't know how to act."

"I'll let you know if you're getting pushy."  Xander nodded, crawling back in to get cuddly.  "Sam all right?"

"He brought home that waitress at the Mocha Pump."

"Cool.  He needed it."  He kissed her.  "Casual, right?"

"That's what I'm afraid of breaking."

"Don't get weird about it, Xander."

"I'm trying to figure out where the line for friends with benefits is."

"I'll let you know if you get clingy."

She smiled. "Thanks, Dean."

"Welcome.  What time is it?"

"Seven."

"Early," he complained.

She teased his stomach.  "I was kinda hoping for another round."  She looked up at him.  "If you're not too tired or sore or anything."

"You're the one who should be sore."  She shook her head.  "Slayer healing?"  She nodded with a grin.  "Fine.  You're insatiable."  She laughed and let him put down their coffees so she could pounce him.  It was just as good as the night before, even if Xander did get pushy to get her own pleasure.  Some women got demanding; he put up with it because it was good between them.  They finished up in the shower, him popping a back zit he found for her.  Her doing one on his shoulder for him.  They rewarmed the coffee before heading to the Magic Box.  He looked at her.  "Sparring with Faith again?"

"Giles wanted Buffy and Faith to spar this morning.  Made her get up."  They walked in together and she hugged Tara.  "Morning."

She smiled.  "Are you okay?" she whispered.  Xander nodded so she beamed at Dean.  "Thank you."

"Not like it was a hardship, Tara."  He grinned at her.  "Okay, so we need to draw blood?"  Xander groaned, nodding a bit as she went to find Giles.  "We're keeping it as buddies, Tara.  Don't worry about that."

"You made her smile.  She hasn't smiled in days," she said gently.  He considered it then shrugged.  "Good."  She patted him.  "Sam's in the backroom with the books."  She led him that way.

"Morning, dickhead," Dean said.

Sam flipped him off.  "I found the mention of the demon that killed Mom."  Dean sat down to go over it with him.

"Giles, a question.  Since I'm hellmouth tainted, someone told me that makes my blood stronger."

"It would," he agreed after a minute's thought.  "Why?"

"Should we follow the recipe exactly?"

He frowned, then nodded.  "Sometimes it's not the strength of the blood but the amount of it.  Even if it's too powerful it should only make the calling easier."  Xander nodded at that, rolling up her sleeve.  He attached the IV needle and the bag.  "These have no preservatives so they'll need to be frozen almost immediately."

"Yes, Giles.  We need three pints?"

"It's dangerous to take that all at once."

Xander looked at him.  "Giles, Buffy's been nearly drained how many times?"

"Good point."  He got the three pints they'd  need for  the boys' spell.  Then he took an extra one for his own use.  He'd take some more later after he had sealed and preserved that one for later spells.  She gave him a grin for it.  "It's powerful, Xander.  Some protection rites call for it."

"I know.  I looked up all the uses of slayer's blood."

Buffy walked in, grimacing.  "We're bleeding us?"

"No, we're bleeding me because the guys need some for their upcoming fight.  Giles is  taking extra because it's used in protection rites."

"Oh."  She shrugged.  "Need mine, Giles?"

"I'll get some from you and Faith later, Buffy."  He smiled, withdrawing the needle and putting on a proper bandage.  "There you go, Xander."  The three pints were put into the freezer and the freezer was locked and spell locked so no one could get into it.  Dean came out to whisper in his ear.  "If you're not looking in the Compendium, there's that one and one other.  Xander, do you feel comfortable sparring with Buffy?"

"I was going to go over the battle area."  She stood up and rolled down her sleeve.  "Then I'll come back to spar."  That got a nod so she left.

Giles smiled at Dean.  "There's one other book that may have it."  He got him into the locked cabinet, bringing out a very old book.  "This details the origins of the vengeance and other demons of that level of power."  He opened it and found the demon he needed in the index, flipping back to it. "Here you go, boys.  It does look like there's a weakness."  He left them to their research, going to watch the two senior slayers workout.

No one would miss Xander for hours.

***

Xander woke up on top of something solid stone and flat.  She looked at the ropes around her wrists and chest, feeling more around her ankles.  She sighed.  This was not how she wanted today to go.  She tested them.  Tight but still had some give.  Looks like Sam's vision was right.

"You might as well stop.  You know very well that I know how to tie up werewolves and slayers."

"You know, the really pitiful thing was I might've done it for you if you had asked," she said dryly.  She looked at Willow.  "It won't work, Willow.  By the vow they're not going to let me die before it's time."

"I have a cure for that.  Then Tara and I will be safe."

"Cheating the demons doesn't make them happy and I doubt it'll go that way, Willow.  He'll take you instead."  She got a wrist free but Willow got it tied back down before she could do anything.  She tapped her fingers, glaring at her former best friend.  "I understand the urge, Willow."

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!" she shouted.  "How could you!"

"Gee, I don't know, let's see the many ways I've lost people who were part of my reason for existing."  She stared at her.  "Including you."  She got another one undone but Willow forced her back down with magic.  "Oh, that's so not going to work."  She struggled until she got free.  "You have no idea what you're attempting, Willow.  Because of you, the slayers die with me.  You fucked up!" she shouted.  "There's not going to be any more after me."  She burst out laughing.  "Also, your little spell?  Not reversible."

"I don't care."

"Obviously.  Do you think Tara still loves your evil little soul, Willow?  She loved you when you were pure, not now."  Willow glared at her.  "The way you did the spell warped the calling spell for slayers.  Even Wes found it.  It's pitiful but I'm the last slayer until I fight your battle for you.  Because you were too fucking pitiful to ask!"  She backed away from her.  "I don't want to hurt many humans but you're not human.  You're a demon to me.  Nothing and no one will protect you, Willow Rosenburg."

"You can't stop me and when you die, the deal will be sealed," she said, taking a knife out of a potion.  "See, hunter's seed and virgin slayer's blood make an excellent poison."

"I know that, bitch.  I researched it years ago."  She snickered.  "Oh, and by the way, how did you get the hairs you need?  He shaves."

"No one said it had to be *that* hunter's hair, Xander.  Or are you going by something else?" she sneered.  She lunged and Xander fought her off.  Willow was insane and that gave her strength and the will to use the magic with it.  Xander managed to send a psychic shout for help Sam's way while trying to protect herself against the knife but she still managed to scratch her.  It was a very potent poison.  Xander felt herself fading and fought back, backhanding Willow into the altar.  "You'll pay.  I'll sell your body," she growled, getting up and coming after her again.  She could see the poison working.  "What's wrong?  Numb?  Cold?"

"Nah, feels  more like a hangover."  She hit her again, hearing someone shout from the doorway.  "Stop her!" she shouted.  "She's trying to kill me!  Call Giles!"  She saw someone pounce Willow but she passed out.  The poison was too strong for the slayer healing.  Fortunately, she knew she'd be coming back.  The demon wasn't about to be cheated of his soul by letting her die early.  When she woke up she was on the altar.  Dean was stroking over her hair.  "Not how I wanted things to go after this morning," she said weakly.  "Willow?"

"Done for," he said simply.  He helped her up, steadying her until she could stand up on her own.  "You okay?"

"No."  Xander looked at the tied up, crying woman.  "Willow, I'm so damn sorry you felt the need to go this way.  If you had asked," she said, her voice breaking.  "I'm damn sorry you changed sides in this war.  Pity the slayer's line dies with me."   She nodded at the guy standing guard.  "One of Riley's guys?"

"He went to get Buffy.  He said to keep you here; you need the rest."

"I'm not staying anywhere near her."  She looked at Dean.  "Grab the silver flagon with the potion.  Giles can use it for other things," she said quietly.  "So can we."  He nodded, grabbing it carefully.  She walked around where Willow was, heading out with Dean hovering protectively.  "I told her," she told him.  "I told her it wasn't going to work. She thought the hair and blood and seed combination would overpower the demon's curse."  She gave him a look, swallowing.  "By the way, she took some of Sam's hairs for it.  Probably the sheets from last night too."

"Giles found what she was doing when Tara said you should've been back by then.  He did a long search of her room."  He looked grim.  "How powerful is this poison?"

"Incredibly.  It'll kill nearly any demon.  It will kill any slayer not charmed, cursed, or protected by something that holds immortality."  He nodded.  "Which both groups could use."

"Definitely.  Doesn't mean I wanted it field tested.  Want to go back to the house or to the Magic Box?"

"I should go to the Magic Box but I feel like shit."

"Then we'll go home."  He nearly ran into Tara and smiled, handing her the flagon.  He was seriously liking this young witch and her manners.  "Hold that.  That's the poison.  We'll need it to help us with the battle and other demons."  She nodded, carrying it off carefully.  He escorted Xander home, thanking all of the deities that Sunnydale was a very small town since Sam had the Impala getting some supplies for Giles out of town at the moment.  He tucked Xander into bed, patting her on the head.  "Rest."  She nodded.  "I'll let them know."  He went back to the Magic Box, checking the potion.  He poured it into two vials and corked them, handing one to Tara.  "Your half."

"Thank you.  Will it be enough to kill the one you're hunting for?"

"It should be."  He grinned.  "It'll be okay.  You're more than welcome to move into our usual territory, Tara.  We'd love to be able to visit you now and then.  Sunnydale is too bad for most of our group."

"I don't know yet."

"Think about Kansas.  It's pretty country."  She smiled and nodded.  Giles walked in.  "I split the poison with you."

He looked at him.  "That's fine, Dean.  No, it won't work on the one you want it to but it will work on the ones for yours and Xander's other fight."  Dean smirked at that, nodding a bit.  "What's this about the slayer's line dying?"

Dean found the book Wesley had shown Sam, flipping through until he got to the picture he remembered on the page after the section, turning back a page to hand to him.  "Wesley found it."

Giles looked at the prophecy and moaned.  "Oh, damn it."

"Vaguely, yeah.  If she dies before the demon's deal is broken, meaning a month after she wins the fight, there's no more slayers, ever.  Unless your buddies can redo the spells."

Giles slumped, shaking his head. "It's been lost to time."  He looked at him.  "Wesley found out?"

"While we were in LA last time.  He called his father to warn him, or so he told Sam.  Is he back yet?  I miss my car."

Giles nodded.  "Riley's people reported he pulled across the city limits about three minutes ago.  I thought we should have a meeting."

"Xander's in bed.  She's staying in bed.  She said she feels like shit."

"I suppose she would.  I'll send Spike to watch over her.  Spike!"  He came out of the back room, giving him an odd look.  "Go watch over the house where Xander's resting.  She's too ill to come to the meeting tonight and she's vulnerable while she's ill."  He nodded, going to do that.  Giles carefully put both potions onto a shelf, then locked the case around it.  "There, that should keep it from being broken, I hope."  He turned to look at the young man.  "We may have an idea about the fight.  It's Samhain on their side."

"She said that.  That means we might be able to use that to call up some former fighters on our side or those who're crossed over but still hanging around?"

Giles nodded.  "Exactly.  Also I think Xander has another plan as well."

"You'd have to ask her.  She was planning today, that's why she went to look at the area."  He nodded politely at the military strike team that came in.  "So, are you guys the commandos they helped take down?"

"The remains.  We're hunting demons for the UN now," one of them told him.  "Mr. Giles,  you called for help?"

"Yes, we do need it, Riley."

"Okay, we can do that."  He grinned, holding out a hand.  "Riley Finn."

"Dean Winchester.  The one in my Impala is my brother Sam."

"I've heard of you."

Dean smirked.  "Was it a scary rep?"

"That too, that and you're a bottomless pit."  Dean laughed.  "I want one thing explained to me.  What happened between Xander and Willow and who was that  young slayer?"

"Xander," Dean told him simply.  Riley shook his head quickly.  "That's both answers."

"She changed him into a slayer?" Riley asked, making sure.

"Against her will because she was going to fight her way out of the deal Willow made with Xander's soul without his consent," Giles finished.  Riley shuddered.

"I'm still looking for the lighter fluid," Dean said, looking at Giles.

Giles stared back.  "She won't have this problem for a very long time.  When she wakes up  hopefully all her magic will have been drained.  I have Ethan setting up the spell now."

"Like they did to Xander in the pond?"

Giles considered it.  "You mean Wesley drained the marks of Amun?"  Dean nodded.  "No.  No, this spell will leach all the powers from her, Dean.  There will be no powers left and when she's totally drained the reserves she have will be closed automatically.  Only then will she be waking up."

"So we'll tell our great-grandkids to watch out when she wakes up," he said smartly.

Giles smiled a bit.  "That could very well be.  Riley, we're waiting on a few others before the meeting.  Where are your people bunking down?  Xander wasn't sure you'd be able to use Lowell House or not."

"We can't but there's plenty of empty houses, Mr. Giles."

"That's what we're doing.  We're in Xander's former neighborhood," Dean told him.

"I know where that is if we need her suddenly," he agreed.  "Is Xander all right?"

"No," Dean said.  "It's screwed with her head, still is.  She didn't eat unless we nagged for the last six months."

"Damn it," Riley muttered.

"Indeed," Giles agreed.  "We had to help her escape.  Girls," he said when he saw Faith and Buffy coming in.  "Is she under?"

"She's down for a long nap," Faith agreed.  "Our great-grandkids can watch her wake up."

"Small issue," Dean told them with an evil smirk.  "Wes found out that the way Willow did it means no more slayers if Xander dies within the time frame that the demon can claim her."  Faith gaped.  Giles nodded.

"A full month after the deal is lost," Giles told them.  "So we must protect Xander.  Not that she isn't capable.  You've done an excellent job training her, Dean."

"Thanks, but your bosses are still assholes.  Wouldn't want to work for them."

Giles laughed.  "Me either.  My father made me."

"Wes said the same thing."

"I'm sure he did.  His father is the arsehole rod of the group really."  He smiled at his slayers.  "Buffy, get the map please?  I'm sure Xander will have a plan for us within a few days."

"She gets to plan?" one of the soldiers asked.  "Why?"

Dean looked at him. "Is it because she's female?" he taunted.

"No, but we're military!"

"Xander was possessed by someone in the Army," Buffy offered.  "Besides, Xander planned graduation."  That made them all shut up.  They'd heard.  "Good."  She went to get the map for them.  "Okay.  The portal is going to open here by the Mocha Pump in this alley," she said, pointing at it.  "We know when it'll open.  We know about where in the alley it'll open."  They all nodded.  "Giles has stuff on the demons coming through."

"There's a possible plan that since it's All Saints on their side we can use that to call up some of our own former hunters or slayers who have passed on," Giles offered.  "We're looking into it now."

"How many are we looking at?" Riley asked.

"Somewhere between ten and their whole race," Buffy told him.  "They eat flesh and blood so even vamps aren't safe this time."  They all shuddered.  "Giles, the demony pictures?"

He passed out stapled bundles of papers.  "On the demon, their weaknesses, their physiology as we know of it.  A few have crossed over in the past but never in this sort of invasion.  Xander seemed to think that their food sources were running low.  Since he's getting visions from the Powers, it's possible."  Sam walked in.  "Sam, thank you, lad."  He took the two boxes from him.  He paid him for the delivery and put those behind the counter.  "As of right now, we have no good reason to evacuate the town even if we wanted to."

"The terrain would benefit us," Riley said.  "It's a dead end alley.  What's the order, Giles?"

"We have to use magic to close it.  The ones on the ground will be fighting the tide until we can."

"Willow?" Riley asked.

Giles shook his head.  "It says one pure, one reformed, and one dark.  Tara, Ethan Rayne, and I are doing the spell to close it.  We'll have to be nearby but not too close."

"Knowing how Xander plans, what about across the street or something?" Dean suggested.  "In a shop there?  Is there a shop there?  I don't remember."

Buffy nodded.  "The donut shop is there.  We can get them to close.  They have magical ants that won't go away."

"That's one idea," Giles agreed.  "Xander will probably layer the slayers since we have three of them at the moment thanks to Willow's misdeeds.  We'll have your troop, Riley.  We'll have some help from LA's team but I'm not sure how many."

"But we've got them in a bottleneck situation so it'll be easier to keep them from exiting the alley," Riley agreed.  Giles nodded.  Dean too.  He looked at Dean.  "Can you use whatever weapons we have?  I don't know how you were trained."

"I can use a sword, but I'm not the best master at it.  Sam's a bit better.  We like guns.  Guns nice."

"Okay," Riley agreed.  "Other training?"

"Our father was a Marine," Sam told him.

"That'll work," Riley agreed.  "Buffy, Faith."  She waved and grinned.  "Do we have to worry about you?"

"Nah.  Prison made me think about stuff.  Plus, ya know, talking with Xander and Wes now and then helped.  I'm good slay gal again."

"Good," Riley said with a grin.  "Buffy could probably use the help.  They opened a new cemetery?"

"Two are full," Buffy admitted.  "With Willow being off, it's been going harder recently.  The hellmouth is a bit tied to her because she keeps closing it.  Having her knocked out won't make it open, right, Giles?"

"No, Buffy.  It won't."  She beamed at that.  "We know the invasion will be next week.  Riley, if you can find some reason for the evacuation, please do so."

"I'll do what I can with my bosses.  Let us go settle in for the week and we'll meet again tomorrow?"  Dean nodded.  "Xander?"

"Should be fine.  She's a bit dizzy, said she feels like she has a hangover, muttered about it on the way home."  That got a nod so the military left.  He looked at Buffy, then at Giles.  "I'll send Spike back.  We're going to go eat and make sure Xander sleeps and eats tonight."

"Thank you.  After all this, we'll work on the issue for your family problem and then your personal one."  Dean nodded and Sam waved before leaving.  He looked at his slayers.  "Ethan is warding her so no one can wake her?"

"Yup.  Hiding the cave and all that," Faith agreed.  "Swearing the whole time in some strange language."

Buffy nodded.  "Sounds like that growly, squeaky language, Giles.  The one the hairy, growly things use."

"He does know that one," he agreed with a small smile.  "Tara, love, make sure we have everything we'll need for the spell?  I'm sure we do but I want to double-check."  She nodded, taking the spell to gather everything together so they could move it quickly.  He looked at the slayers. "Go do a patrol tonight.  No shenanigans, Faith."

"Yes, Tweedy."  They headed out together talking about boys.  Buffy had good taste if she had bagged Riley.  Maybe she'd share.

Giles shook his head.  "We will survive this.  The group will heal after this loss," he reminded himself, going to make some tea to calm his nerves.  Too many things were happening together this month.  Plus he still had to finish his holiday shopping.

***

Xander looked up from her map marking, smiling at the gathering troops.  "Okay, guys.  The assault is in two days.  We know where the portal is because there's a protoportal already."  She straightened up.  "For the moment, Buffy's got a lawn chair and a latte there until it starts to open.  That way we have forewarning if they come through.  I'm hoping the first one comes through with a 'I'll give you an all clear' and can't because he dies so they give up but I'm realistic.  We have a chance in hell of that happening."  A few of the military guys nodded.  "All right.  Giles, do you have to have direct line of sight into the portal or just at the portal?"

"At the portal.  As long as we can see even an edge we're good."

"Okay, question, can they jump or climb?"

"They can."  Riley grimaced.  "Another team ran into them in the jungles of South America.  They were like monkeys."

"All right.  Then we're going to put them on top of a building and guard them.  We can remove the fire escapes so they can't get up there.  Do you want next to it, left or right, or across the street, Giles?"

"Right.  Ethan will be more comfortable."

"Okay.  You're on top of the music shop then.  We'll disable the fire escapes for that building so they can't get up them.  No one lives up there so it won't hurt other residents. Riley, can your guys handle that?"  He nodded.  "Okay, good.  I need you to put two guys on the magic workers.  They're their forward guard.  Dean, Sam, I want you both with them but Dean I have a special task for you first.  You guys are the last resort, last line of defense while the spell's being pulled off.  Am I clear?"  They both nodded.  "Good.  Dean, get into the blazer.  There's a blue box inside my sword compartment."  He went to get it.  "Buffy will be at the portal until about two hours before it opens.  Then Faith will tag her out so she can nap, potty, that stuff.  Faith,  you are our forward line of defense.  It's the most dangerous position but you're the better one of us three in cramped quarters, which you'll have.  You'll have...  Riley, how many guys do you have?"

"Sixteen."

"Okay, give Faith three, two with the magic crew.  Buffy is going to be our second line of defense.  She'll be halfway between the portal and the alley's entry."  Dean walked back in.  "This is fired into the portal.  You have to hit it dead center because the outer edges can warp where it goes.  I don't want to send it to some harmless plant demon world and have them invade next."  She handed over something.  "It's shot with this."

He looked at the gun, then nodded.  "I know how these work."

"Good.  Use the tester darts to make sure of your aim.  Once you've fired it, run like hell up another way to get back to Sam's side to guard the trio of witches."

"Got it."

"Good.  Riley, I'll let you make assignments for your own crew.  Three with Buffy, three with Faith.  The rest I want guarding the way out.  Make sure no one escapes the alley."

"Agreed."

"We can do some of that," Angel said from the kitchen, coming out into the dim light.  "My people are better at open areas."

"Even better.  Take Market.  Have Spike take Gunn's people if they're coming?"  Angel nodded.  "Fine, you take the rest of your crew and a few of Riley's to do the Market side.  Spike and Gunn's crew do the street toward Prosper."  They all nodded.  "Riley, split the rest of your guys up between the three slayer teams.  However you decide.  I'm taking the alley entrance.  I'm better with a sword and long range weapons."

"I do have some good news.  They're killed by cold iron," Riley said.

"Giles, can you get us bullets made?"

"I have sixteen cases with us," Riley told him.  "Gold cores because they're allergic."

Xander hugged him.  "I still hate you but you're neat.  Thank you.  Will it fit nines or what sizes do you have so we know what we need to find?"

"I've got mostly nines and for our assault rifles."

"That'll work.  I've got a glock.  Xander has a few nines and Sammy can borrow one, Xander?"  Xander nodded.  "That'll help.  Thank you."

"Not an issue.  We don't want them to get loose either."  He looked at his people.  "Faith, you're taking me and my wife Sam.  Doug, you too.  You like multiple guns, it'll help.  Pete, Dave, Jacob, with Giles on the building. You're first line of defense if they get up there.  Don't worry about collateral damage unless it's a teammate or one of us."  That got a nod.  "The rest of you pick Buffy or Xander.  Layer Buffy's team between her and Faith's team.  Xander's layer between her and Buffy's but a few of you layer behind Xander to help Angel's crew."  That got a nod.  He looked at Angel.  "Will you need bullets?"

"Some of Gunn's people might but I can probably find cold iron bullets if we'll run short.  I know someone who can procure it."  That got a nod.  "Swords still work as long as they're iron?"

"Killed by a simple stab to the gut," Xander said, handing him an information packet.  "That area's the heart.  The area below it is the thing's stomach.  Sever the area between.  It's about a good foot of target for every one of them.  If you puncture the stomach they'll probably fall down and we can mop those up later."

"We can do that," Angel agreed.  "When is it due to open?"

"Seven at night.  Just after sunset so in that nice dusk time."  That got a nod.  "You and Spike arrange it however, Angel.  You're the last line of resort.  Nothing gets past your people."

"They won't."

Xander looked at the others.  "Anyone have any questions?"

"Is Anya coming?" Buffy asked.

"Anya can't fight, Buffy.  Battles creep her out.  She'd want to run during it so I'm going to let her run first.  The same as graduation and the later battles."  She nodded at that.  "If she stays, she can help Angel's group.  I'm hoping like hell they're bored.  If they are, they can move in to help us if the alley isn't too crowded.  Any other questions?"

Ethan raised a hand.  "What about the bodies afterward?  We'll be too tired to start a bonfire magically and it would be better to burn them instead of burying them.  They could be harboring any number of extraterrestrial diseases."

"Lighter fluid or gas, dude," Sam told him.  "We do it all the time.  We have plenty in the car."  That got a smirk from Ethan and Giles both.  "It works."

"It does.  The same as beheading works for most things.  These  ones will at least fall down if that's the only shot you can take.  We can burn them in the alley.  The fire department won't come out after dark.  The buildings around it are stone.  If worst comes to worst we'll move them to the field outside of town and burn them there."  That got a few nods.  "Anything else?"  No one said anything.  "Then we have just under forty-three hours to get ready, pray we over-planned this or that we're worrying for nothing, and for Giles to finish his Christmas shopping since he said he needs to.  Go rest, people.  Faith, check on Buffy now and then?  She said if you'd bring her a latte every few hours she'd love you forever and ever.  If they try to open it early she'll yell and text."  That got a nod.  "Giles, your idea?"

"As it's closing we'll try if we need the help, Xander.  We may not need it.  I'm not sure if it'll work anyway."  That got a nod from the young slayer.  "Anything else?  If not, there's pizza in the kitchen for those who want to stay and talk."  He kept Xander from moving away.  "Meeting adjourned."  He looked at her.  "What do you want for the holidays?"

"An answer to help the boys with their two battles."  Giles gave her a look.  "It can only help.  Otherwise?"  She shrugged.  "I don't know, Giles.  I wouldn't exactly plan on something I can't use until next year."

"I know you'll win, Xander."

"Maybe, but even then I'm not sure what I'm doing, Giles."

"Are you thinking of coming home?"

"Not right away."  He nodded, understanding that.  "I don't know.  I might take them home first.  I have no clue."

"All right.  I'll work on getting you clothes."  Xander laughed, shaking her head.  "Every young woman needs some clothes and all your t-shirts are lacking in color.  I almost didn't recognize you."

"Wes bought 'em."

"I could tell.  I'm surprised he didn't buy you tweed."  He walked off smiling, going to talk to Tara and his slayers.

Xander walked over to where Dean and Sam were talking.  "Giles is threatening me with new clothes."

"Think you should ask him for more stripper shoes?" Dean teased.

"Dean!" Sam complained.  Buffy looked over.  "His mind's in the gutter again."

"Isn't that Xander's job to cure?"

"Friends, Buffy.  Just friends."

Buffy smacked her on the head.  "Stupid.  Men like him are rare.  Look at the ones I've dated trying to find a good one."  She walked off shaking her head.  Someone would have to explain holding onto a good man to her.

"Sorry, she likes Cosmo," Xander quipped, cracking Sam up.

"Hey, I am a good guy, but I don't think I can settle down for a long time."

"Which works out well since we're friends," Xander agreed.

"It does," Dean agreed, smirking back.  "Stress relief?"

"Sounds excellent."  Sam whimpered.  "We'll let you sleep."

"Thanks, really."  He went to get some pizza, Dean and his stomach following.  "I can stay at one of the other houses."

"Fat chance, Sammy."

"Quit calling me that!  I'm not five."

"Oh, shut up."

Faith giggled. "I can watch Sam for a while if you and boytoy need some stress relief."

"You might mess him up," Dean shot back, making her cackle and nod.  "He needs good girls, Faith.  Ones who like to cuddle and do girly things since he acts like a teenage girl now and then."  Buffy choked. "You haven't seen him huff and pout?"  Sam punched him on the arm, making him laugh as he huffed off.  "See?"  He grabbed a piece of pizza then looked at Faith.  "As long as he can walk, he doesn't have bruises, and you don't choke him."

"I'll ride him until he's happy and sleepy.  No choking.  Might mess up his pretty hair."

"Then go hit on my baby brother."  He walked back to where Xander was reading something.  "Future research?"

"Yeah, figured I could start on it now."  She looked up and smiled.  "Wanna blow this?"

"Thought you said you had too many teeth," he joked.

"Doesn't mean I can't try."  Dean laughed and nodded, walking out with him.  They could get dinner later and stake the vampire delivery boy too.  Even more stress relief.

***

Xander looked at the portal that was opening, shifting closer to Dean.  "You sure you can make it?"

"Yeah, I'm sure," he said, focusing on the sight.  As soon as the portal started to open and the first one came out, he aimed at one's chest and blew it back into the hole.  There was a muted explosion but they kept coming.  He looked at Xander.

"They're not immune to the flu.  That' a fast acting bio-hazard strain; they're going to have to recover to do this again," she said.  "Go hit Sam."  He nodded, hurrying up to the interior staircase so he could help guard the ones trying to close the portal.  Xander looked at them.  "The chest, people!" she shouted.  One made it past Buffy's group so she moved up and took a swing.  The gun would be for those in too close of range.  They were still coming but he could hear the chanting picking up.  They were on the third stanza, ten more to go.  A few were trying to climb the building.  "Riley!  Behind you!"  One of the other soldiers turned and fired on them, going back to the ones pouring out like water out of a spigot.

More were getting past Buffy so she was going to step up and make sure they didn't get past her.  How they would've stopped this with only one slayer he wasn't sure.  He felt a wind start behind him and looked, glaring at the ghost.  "Fine, stay, help.  Cold iron if you have it."  She shot one and moved in to swing at another one.  It went down even though she only got the stomach area.  That was fine, injured was fine.  More were coming.  Ninth stanza.  The portal was starting to shrink.  Only a few were getting past her team.  Angel's team had moved in to help contain them.  A last few popped out and these were fiercer.  They ran over the soldiers, literally.  One headed for Xander so he shot it then the next one.  Another one managed to get up so Buffy swung and finished it.  Xander checked her watch.  "Damn, ten minutes to save the world.  We beat the graduation time!"

Buffy looked back at him. "Go us!  Now what?"

"Salt and burn, Buffy."  She grimaced.  "Fine, go bandage injuries, we'll salt and burn.  Giles, you guys okay?"

"Yes," he called down, leaning over the side of the building.  "Dear Lord, there's a lot of them."

Xander looked at the bodies littering the alley.  "Ya think?"  The ghost behind him laughed so he looked.  "We were expecting anywhere from ten to ten thousand.  Looks like close to two hundred.  And damn my shoulders hurt."  She rubbed one.  Dean came over to get it for her.  "Thanks."  She looked at the ghost, then at him.  Then back at the ghost.  "Am I the only one who can see you?"

"Probably.  Why are my sons here?"

"The Powers said so, John."  Dean stiffened.  "Giles, can you make the ghosts appear?"  A short chant from Ethan and they did.  "I know, you missed Halloween?"

"I figured it worked well there," he said dryly, shrugging a bit.  "I'm not going to bring back  your parents.  I have no desire to smell them.  That one can help Ripper when he needs to make the girls see sense.  Since your partnership seems to be so beneficial to the cause and all that."

"Thank you.  Okay, someone get the gas and let's start piling bodies."  She put her gun into Dean's hand then the sword onto his belt.  "Hold those for me."  She started to move bodies with Faith, who was grimacing.  "Want to do killing blows to make sure?"

"No.  I'm too tired to care if they burn alive," she said, looking at him.

"Go get bandaged, Faith."

She nodded, walking around the frozen young man at the alley.  "Angel, he could use some help with the piling and burning."

"Sure."  He nudged Dean on the way past.  "Get the gas?"

"Yeah, sure."  He went to do that, finding Sam doing the same thing and looking very pissed.  "Did you punch Ethan?"

"Yeah, twice."

"Thanks for getting one in for me."  They carried back the gas cans, ignoring the curious looking cops.  "Xander, natives."

Xander looked over and grinned, waving.  "The invasion was stopped."

The cop just nodded.  "Don't burn the buildings."

"They're stone.  It's only gas.  Shouldn't take that long.  We can guard the fire crew if you want."  That got a nod and he went to call them.  Xander started to splash bodies, hearing a few groan from the pain.  "We should do killing blows."

"Yeah," Dean said.  "I'm not going to unpile them."  He lit a match and pulled Xander back, flipping it onto the fire.  "Almost cheery if it didn't stink."

"Nearly as good as the pre-football game bonfires."  They shared a smirk and went to get more gas and the last few parts to toss onto the pile.  They were helped by Angel and Wes, then they sat there to watch the fire crew's backs just in case vampires decided now was a good time for a snack.

"Anyone want a latte?" Buffy called.  "The Mocha Pump's still open."

"Get me a soda please?" Xander called.

"Sure.  Diet?"  She sent a glare at her and Buffy grinned.  "Well,  you *are* a girl now, Xander."

"I have another three battles before St. Patrick's Day, bite your tongue.  I need the calories.  Diet," she muttered, shaking her head.  "Sacrilege."

Dean patted her on the back.  "You don't have to come to ours."

"Shut up, Dean."  She looked at him.  "Before I find a trashy cheerleader outfit and pompoms."

"You can do that if you want," he offered with a bright grin.  Sam gave him an odd look from her other side.  "We could use a cheering section."

"I don't want to see her in some fantasy cheerleader getup, Dean.  Get your head out of the gutter.  Please?"  The ghost laughed.  He glared.  "Don't make me banish you."  Buffy handed him a cup of cocoa, getting a smile.  "Thanks, Buffy."

"You're welcome.  We should celebrate."  She handed Xander her non-diet soda.  Dean got some coffee.  She walked off with her cold latte and waved at the ghost.  "We're going to the Magic Box.  It'll be less insane there.  They'll show up later because Giles said so.  Want walked that way?"

"No, I'll be fine, miss."

"Buffy."

John Winchester frowned.  "The slayer Buffy?"

She took a sip, nodding.  "Yeah, thanks for the lending of the sons.  Came in handy and they do make Xander stay a little bit sane.  Which is probably a good thing.  Plus, hey, Xander's all helpy and stuff with them so they can beat bigger demons."

"Buffy, babbling, sounding like me," Xander called.

"No, I'd never wear that shirt," she called back without having to look at what he was wearing.

"It's one of the ones Wes bought," she complained.

"Yeah, but you look like a butch, truck drivin' lesbian who chews tobacco, Xander.  Sorry.  Wes, man, fashion is *good* for us.  We'll teach you alllll about it when you and Giles help Faith and I shop."  She took his arm and walked him off, smiling at the ghost.  "Might as well.  They're probably going to do the 'we saved the world' groping soon."  John coughed and floated after her.  He wanted answers and surely someone would have some for him soon.

Dean leaned closer to Xander's ear.  "The birth control patch was in place last time, right?  There's no way to have him born as our kid?"  Xander shuddered and shook her head.  "Thank you, God."

"Dess," Xander corrected.  "She's over that stuff."  She took a sip of her soda, smiling at the fireman.  "Hi."

"What were they?"

"Demons from another plane here to eat us."  She used a piece of wood in the alley to pull one out for him.  "See?"  He went pale and backed away.  "Pretty standard gas fire."

"Sure.  The ashes or remains or whatever?"

"Toss 'em," Sam told him.  "Salt them first."  That got a nod and the fire crew came in to watch the fire for them while they went to watch for vampires.

Angel walked over to them.  "You three go back to the Magic Box so Giles can make sure you're fine and quits fussing.  We'll make sure they're not eaten."

"Sure," Dean said.  "I want to punch someone."  They walked that way, finishing their drinks outside before heading in.  "Hey," he said when he spotted Faith.

"Your dad just told Buffy to worry less about her clothes and hair."

"Sammy used to get that lecture."  Their father floated over and Xander ducked off to go yell at Ethan for them.  "Sir."

"Sir," Sam said.

"Boys.  Didn't I tell you we're not supposed to be in this town?"

"They needed us.  Besides, the Powers told us we had to team up with Xander to help each other with major demon problems.  This is just the warmup," Sam told him.

Dean nodded.  "We had three slayers and the old evil that was running the town died last year."

John groaned.  "I still don't like it, boys."

"Yay," they said in unison.

"So, Dad, how's the afterlife?" Dean asked.  "Any pretty girls?"

"No, unfortunately not."

"Mom?" Sam asked quietly.

"She's still screaming at me so I see her now and then.  She's fine, Sam.  Mostly happy with everything but me.  She's not mad at you for anything."  Sam beamed at that.  "She's a bit pissed that you didn't go back to law school yet.  She wants you to have a normal life too."

"Yeah, well, three more demons and then we'll see," Dean told him.  "Two for us, one for Xander," he explained at the heated look.

"What is Xander?"

"Born and bred here," Xander said from behind him.  "Ask me yourself.  I don't need to use the Sam mouthpiece system at the moment."  Sam giggled.  "You do it very well."  She looked at the ghost again.  "I'm the last slayer called."

"You...  There's no way you're natural."

Xander shrugged. "I was born and bred here, John."

"Mr. Winchester, girl."

She laughed.  "I helped fight off an ascension last year.  You don't scare me."  The ghost gaped.  "For that matter, there's not much left that does.  I was sent to help your boys with their problems.  They agreed to help me with mine.  Take it at face value because I don't feel like retelling that whole tale here."  She stared at him.  "Now, anything else?  If not, I'm going to go to my former house, Dean."

"Go for it.  See you later."

"I'll stay over tonight so you can have the long talk and yell."  She punched them on the arm.  "Want walked back?"

"Nah.  We're good.  If we have to, we can ask Faith."

"Sure.  That way I can mess up Sam's hair again."  Sam blushed.  "Awww, so cute."

"Not in front of my father," Sam pleaded.  "Faith!"

"Fine."  She walked them back, letting the ghost follow.  Xander had already disappeared into the dark.  "It went better than I expected."

"Casualties?" Dean asked.

"One of Riley's boys.  A few broken bones, some major cuts.  Xander?"

"Didn't say anything but she wouldn't," Sam admitted.  "Dean?"

"We had the best spot," he said quietly.  "I'm a bit tired but nothing got past us.  Scratches, Sammy?"

"A few.  One's nails got my arm.  One bit me."  He shrugged.  "I'll be fine."  They turned down their street.  "When are Riley and his people heading?"

"Tomorrow.  They get to go home for the holidays since they're in the states.  It was a bonus to coming up here," she said, grinning at him.  "Xander does plan good fights."

"She does," Dean agreed.  "Think she'd really find the cheerleader outfit?"

Sam moaned, holding his head.  "Dean!"

"What?  It'll help distract the demon."

"Not really!"

Faith giggled. "You two are so cute."  She pinched Sam on the ass.  She knew pinching Dean would make Xander pout.  Dean gave her a look.  "Xander would whip my ass in practice tomorrow if I groped you.  There's a clear 'hands off' sign above your head."

"We're casual, Faith.  Relax."  So she pinched him too, making him yelp.  "No slayer strength," he complained, rubbing the sore spot.  She laughed.  "That's us," he reminded her.  She nodded, opening the door and looking around before leaving.  "Night."

"Night.  Hope you get some sleep.  He looks like he's been sucking on sour starbursts."  She strolled off.  She could see the candlelight flickering in Xander's old place.  So she was settled.  She snuck around to the back door and inside.  "Hey, boytoy, wanna talk?"

"No thanks," she called from upstairs.  "I've got to plan when we're doing the spell for the guys."

"You okay?"

"Sore shoulders.  Nothing else."  She smiled when Faith came in.  "I'm fine."

"If you're sure."  She patted her on the back.  "Think it'll show up if you do the spell?"

"Yeah.  We have to do it close to the time the contract ends or it'll invalidate it."  She nodded.  "Thanks for checking, Faith."

"Not an issue.  Happy sleeps, sweetie."  She left, making sure the door was closed behind her.  Her trek back to the Magic Box was okay.  Spike met her on it.  "They're in for the night."

"That's fine.  Watcher wants the whelp in the morning."

"She'll be in for sparring."

"Good.  Chaos boy's already fleeing in terror for calling that one back."

"Yeah, I'm taking it that he's not happy with his boys or Dean's choice."

"Shit happens," Spike said bluntly.  "Whelp?"

"Her house."

"Sure."  He lit up and they walked back together, doing a short turn through the new cemetery to make sure nothing was rising.  A few vampires staked and they went back there.  Giles looked at them.  "Did a turn."

"That's fine.  Xander?"

"Her house.  She'll be in for sparring.  She said she's figuring on when the best time for the next fight is."

"That's fine," Giles agreed.

"Noticed something," Spike offered.  "Some of the vamps are painting invitation symbols on the empty houses."

"The beautification society wants to repaint them all, this'll give them a good reason.  Graffiti," Buffy said.  She looked at Giles.  "So, their dad seemed kinda like the broomstick riding sort.  Like Travers is."

"By his reputation he could be," Giles sighed.  "I'm hoping he can leave town with the boys."

"I'm sure boytoy will *love* that," Faith said dryly.

Giles laughed.  "I doubt it.  Is everyone all right?"  They nodded.  "Then go home.  You deserve a night off.  Even if there are more vampires in town."  They went to get ice cream and watch movies.  Buffy had decided Faith was going to be treated like a normal human being so she was going to make her watch movies with her.  Angel and his crew would fade into the darkness back to LA within the next few hours.  He looked over as Wesley came in.  "Are all your team all right?"

"A few scratches, one who stepped on his sword.  Otherwise fine.  The others?"

"One dead.  Fell and was trampled.  A few broken bones.  Riley and his team are heading home for the holidays tomorrow so they have time to rest.  The three girls are all fine as they reported."

"Did anyone think to check Xander?"

"No but I'm sure Dean or Sam will.  Even if their father does complain."

"Quite possibly."  He smiled.  "What are we getting for Xander?"

"A few gift certificates and some more money so she doesn't have to pickpocket the vampires she's staking for gas money.  You?"

"Probably about the same.  I'm worried it might not be necessary past February."

"She'll be fine, Wesley.  She's a strong soul.  She always has been.  It shows in how much she could irritate you to make you relax."  The younger former watcher laughed. "Want some tea?"

"Please.  The coffee house only had tea bags and ungodly flavored mixes.  Real tea is not rhubarb and raspberry plum."

"We do have some hippies around here," Giles said dryly, walking him into the kitchen to make tea.

***

Dean came out of his shower and flopped down on the bed beside Sam, looking at their staring father.  "Okay, I'm clean, he's clean."  He nudged Sam, getting a snore.  "He's asleep.  What's up, Dad?"

"What are you doing here?"

"You didn't listen when Xander said it?"  John gave him a look that should've made him want to wet himself.  Dean only shrugged.  "Xander got turned into a slayer by a local witch."

"She gone?"

"In a magical coma having her powers bled off into the hellmouth again."  John groaned.  "She did what we did to save her girlfriend.  Xander was the price she paid, without his consent.  Then she changed him into a girl and a slayer on top of it.  The Powers helped her escape the town to get away from her and sent her to help us.  She found out what we need to do so I can get free of how I saved Sammy's life."  Sam mumbled something.  "She also knows how to summon the one that's a vendetta in this family."  John shifted some.  "Mr. Giles at the Magic Box is a former Watcher.  He's helped both of us.  Another former Watcher showed up to help train her in her new body and us a little bit in how to help her.  It helps with our own training.  Then we worked together on how to do things.  She got us some of the ingredients we need for our fight.  We're helping her train for her own."

"She can't hope to win."

"She was given against her will.  She has that chance," Dean said.  "She's a slayer and we do have some idea of what we're doing."  John scowled again.  "Dad, lay off it."

"She has your scent on her."

"Yeah, stress relief, Dad.  That was an alien demon invasion just now."  His father huffed just like Sam did.  "So that's where he gets it from."  He grinned at the renewed scowl.  "The Powers sent her to Pastor Jim.  He vetted her first and called us.  She's good but she's got some soul-deep scars.  We've been helping each other a lot.  She balances us out."

"And the fact that she's unnatural?"

"Not like she asked for it," Dean said coolly.  "And that's all I'm saying on it, Father."  His father floated backward.  "She didn't ask for any of that.  She was more than happy to live the life she used to have before the witch went off the deep end because she lost her soulmate.  She paid the price for that witch and we're going to help her."

"I'm not debating it's right.  I'm debating letting her go on hunts."

"She's a slayer.  She can hunt without us.  She probably has.  We've been refining her skills since she's only been a slayer now for about half a year.  Only been a girl the same amount of time."  John sighed.  "This was such a big shock to her that she quit eating when they told her it can't be reversed," he said quietly.  "Xander is a very good friend who's helped us even when things got bad this last half year.  Even when I turn dark and want to kill people.  Especially that one because he's been sucking in his sleep."  He nodded at his little brother.

"So you're having sex with her?"

"We agreed it was stress relief and a casual thing.  She's not that clingy but it had to happen for the spell we need to do.  I've taught her a lot about being a real woman."

"That's funny, you don't look like one," John shot back.

Dean gave him a look.  "No, but I do watch them.  If you got to know Xander it might help, Dad.  She's a nice girl with the same sort of calling we have only for different reasons."

"She'll help you get the demon who killed your mother?"

Dean nodded.  "Because of her we found we can call it and kill it that way."  John nodded once.  "Sam could've left and he didn't.  That was his choice.  He knows that normal things aren't for us.  Anything else you wanted to nag over?"

"You're going to end up doing things with Sam that aren't right soon."

"Why?"

"Because it's the only way to keep him safe.  It'll taint him enough that he won't be possessed again."

"Is that why he's been getting those nightmares?"  John nodded.  "You know that's creepy, right?"

"Yes but I'm sure you'll be protecting your brother very well, Dean."  He stared at his son, who sighed, shaking his head.  "You could let her help if she's that nice."

"Dad, she's not a hooker.  She's a friend.  Even we Winchesters have to have friends."  He scooted down and Sam moaned, shifting to lay on his stomach.  "I should spank you," he told him.  He looked at his amused father again.  "The vampires locally have been stealing beds."

"Interesting.  Why?"

"Don't know.  They're making some sort of dorm thing.  Buffy had it."

"She's really a slayer?  In that outfit?  She was wearing lace and pink and had her nails done."

"Some girls are like that, Dad," Dean said dryly.  "Xander said the Watchers never raised her.  Why didn't you tell us about them?"

"They're elitist snobs with issues that I won't put up with."

"Wes said they like to shoot those sort."

"While that's wonderful, the rot goes pretty far up the tree.  That Giles guy is a watcher?"

"Fired for giving a damn according to Xander."

"Oh.  This Wes person?"

"Fired too.  Trained Xander."

"Whatever," John decided.  "You know I'm proud, right?"

"Not really."

"Well, I am.  You've handled this stuff very well.  Even if you have had to make some  unholy alliances."

"Lay off Xander."

"Fine.  What about after your two are done?"

"We're helping Xander with hers.  Then we'll try to make her stay around."  John looked stunned.  "She's not exactly a happy woman.  She didn't want to be changed over.  She didn't want her best friend to sell her either."

"Fine, I'll get to know her."

"Please do," Dean agreed.

"Do we perhaps like her more than just friends?"

Dean shrugged.  "I'm not ready to settle down yet.  She's not sure if she's got a future.  Doesn't really matter."

"Son, you're an idiot.  In that sort of fight having a reason is the one thing that can make you win."

"She has a reason.  She knows I'm another one of many reasons."  John slumped.  "Sorry, but her biggest nightmare to date was having kids."

"Pity.  They'd be strong and beautiful children."

"Yay.  I raised Sammy.  I've already had my kid."  He stared at his father until he floated backward some.  "Anything else, Dad?"

"Get some sleep, Dean.  You're cranky."  He faded out, going to watch the young woman.

Xander looked up.  "I'm a slayer, I can feel ghosts," she said bluntly.  John faded in.  "Go away.  I don't need more nagging bastards trying to tell me what to do.  Especially not one who couldn't face his sons down and tell them that they were good boys."  John gave her a horrified look.  "Anything else?"

"I don't think...."

"John Winchester, this is my house.  Do you feel the resonance here?"  He did that and shuddered.  "I know more than you think, mister, so get the hell out of my house.  I'm not putting up with shit from anyone tonight.  I don't need people telling me how to win my fight or how to help others unless it's constructive help.  Nagging me and bitching at me about things that I had no control over aren't."

"Okay," he said, floating away from her.  She was gripping the pencil like a stake. He wasn't sure if it'd hurt or  not but he didn't want to find out.  "I wasn't going to nag.  Dean said you're a friend and I wanted to get to know my son's friend."

Xander snorted.  "And I believe that."  She got back to work. "I'm trying to research something.  What did you want?"

"Why are you so hostile toward me?"

"Because the first thing you said wasn't 'nice to see you', 'you look good', or even 'nice job with the demons, sons'.  It was nagging them that they weren't supposed to be here to stop the end of the world.  From what I'm told parents do, there should've been some love before then."  She got back to the old book.  "Anything else?"

"You love my son."

"With the way my soul aches most of the time there's no room for love anymore," she said bluntly, staring at him.  "In case he didn't tell you I'm like this because my best friend since I was five betrayed me to save her lover.  She so fucked up my life that she screwed centuries and generations of work in the slayer line.  She so fucked up everything in the world so your boys are going to have to do jobs they shouldn't have to.  And she did it to me because she decided she could sacrifice me before it was time to get around the deal."  John shuddered at her cold tone and she didn't care.  "So no, I'm hurting for whole different reasons, John.  Yes, I love your boys.  They're as close to me as my made family used to be.  That's as close as I can be right now.  Sorry, my soul's in shreds and it's not got the slayer healing special ability."

"Dean said he's helped you a lot."

"He has.  He's kept me from going off the deep end many times.  He kept me from drinking myself to death.  He's made me eat when I couldn't force myself.  He makes me sleep now and then too.  He's a great guy.  Anything else?  I can't just up and retire from being a slayer.  I'll die a slayer.  Whether I'm eighty or twenty-one I'll still die being a slayer.  I'm not going to take them with me if that's what you're worried about."

"Right now I'm more worried about you.  Need a shrink?  Even the military has ones for combat veterans who've seen too much."

"I reached that point my first year of slaying, back in tenth grade."  She stood up.  "I'm twenty now.  Almost twenty-one.  I'll be spending my twenty-first birthday in hell if I can't fight my way free of my best friend's deal.  Now, can I get back to my research?  Please?  I doubt the demons are going to bake me a cake or anything."  John nodded, fading out.  Xander sighed and sat down to get back to work.  This was more important.  Dean had to win his first.  Then they could call the family demon before Xander had to fight hers.  Of course, the boys would be off on a case at that point because she'd send them off.   That brought up another thought.  She could designate who would be allowed at the challenge and how many spectators there were as witnesses.  Maybe one of them would guard Tara for her?  She rubbed her sore shoulder and got up to take some tylenol.  Then she went to the basement to practice in the dark.  It was pitiful but she needed to practice.  She wasn't very good, even after all the time she'd spent training so far she was pitiful.  She heard a floorboard creak. "Go away," she called.

Spike came down the stairs.  "Giles wanted to make sure you're getting some sleep tonight."

"Let me practice for a few hours first, Spike."  She looked at her form then at him.  "Want to spar?"

He stared at her, looking confused.  "You hate me."

"You fight better than I do and I have to be able to beat you to beat that other one, Spike."

"So why should I help you?"

"Because if I don't win, he can take Tara too.  You like Tara."

Spike stared at her for a minute.  He'd let her get away with that he decided.  He came over.  "No swords.  Don't want the slayer reflexes to come into play right now."  Xander put it down and came back, attacking him.  He defended, pushing her back.  "You're fighting your instincts, love."

"Not your love, Spike.  Please tell me Dru is being batty somewhere else?" she begged.

"Brazil, slime demon," he complained.  He stopped her by knocking her down.  "Your instincts are built from slayers past," he reminded her.  "Use them."

"I can't tap into them.  I can tap into the hyena easier."  She stood up.  "The weapons instincts come through, not this stuff.  Dean had to start over with Wes to train me in hand-to-hand."

Spike huffed.  "It's never easy for you, is it?"

"No.  Apparently I'm not that blessed this life.  I'm thinking I ate live babies like hotdogs the last one with how this one is going."   She attacked again and he fought her off.  She was pushing the slayer boundary and let it slip over.  He took her more seriously and it was a better fight.  Still not great.  She was learning though.  She countered a rush by Spike.  Something she had trouble with most of the time.  She mentally cheered but Spike was still pushing her back and kicking her ass.  She  pushed him back and pushed the slayer skills harder.  They weren't going to answer her this time.  "Damn it!" she said suddenly, turning and walking off.

"You're still human, whelp."

"The ghost told me I'm an unnatural being," she shot back bitterly.

"Well, this town does taint."  He moved closer.  "Not bad.  Not for six months."

"Six months as a slayer, Spike.  I should be better.  I have to be better."

"Every slayer picks a way to fight that's solely hers," he told her.  "You're trying to use Buffy's and Faith's.  It doesn't work.  You're bigger, you're more muscular.  You're more attuned to weapons."

"If I challenge he gets to choose the weapon."

"So?"  Spike shrugged.  "Only so many he can choose."

"He could pull up a nuclear bomb, Spike.  There's no limit."

"I know that.  Won't do him much good."

"If I die he wins.  That's not that hard to do with something like a bomb."

"That takes the fun out of it."  Xander looked confused.  "The ones who challenge that sort make their day, whelp.  Gives 'em some entertainment.  You're still human and you can only do what you can do.  Find your own style.  Use what's in you and what you know best."  He punched her on the arm that was clearly sore.  "Also, get the boyfriend to work on that shoulder before it dislocates."

"I'm fine.  Thank you."

"Sleep before the Watcher uses me for a rug."  He left her alone to pace in the dark and think about what he said.  He respected the kid.  He didn't want to see her in hell.  He ran into Dean standing outside.  "Smoke break?" he said dryly.

"Not tired at the moment.  Xander?"

"Frustrated.  Trying to use everyone's style but her own."

Dean nodded.  "She's still in pain, Spike.  It's not easy."

"No, but her shoulder's about to come off."

"She bleeding again?"

Spike shrugged.  "Didn't sniff."  He strolled off.  "Better sleep.  Watcher wants to go over your plans tomorrow sometime.  Cute little pagan girlies come in tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks."  He could learn to respect that vampire.  His father faded in next to him.  "That was Spike."  Spike smirked back at him before turning the corner.  "He's fighting with Buffy."

"I saw them sparring.  She shows your style."

"Someone had to teach her.  She didn't get it here."  He walked over to that house, finding the door locked.  Not that it was a good lock so it was easily picked with his license.  He walked down to where he could hear noise, finding Xander pacing around in circles.  "Sleep."

"Fuck sleep."

"That's one way to get to sleep."  Xander glared at him.  "Your shoulder?"

"Wrenched trying to use a sword, yet again.  The official way sucks and hurts my shoulder.  I told Wes that and he insisted."

"You can't do things the official way, Xander.  You don't have a sword up your ass.  You're not that straight or you'd never go blow off steam at a strip club.   Buffy's a nice girly sort of girl who likes pink and worries about her nails and hair.  Faith's got a darker core due to her upbringing."

"I had the same sort she had," Xander said.

"With a different outcome.  Faith's wary of everyone.  You weren't before you got screwed over.  Being here is bad for you."

"We need to summon your family problem here," she reminded him, moving closer.

"So?  I can have my fight anywhere.  So can you.  Yes we need to do that one here.  Give us a few days and we'll do it after the holidays.  Then we'll head somewhere less evil and with less memories so you can calm down and make plans."

"I need the books here and he'll try to bring me back here."

"He can't bring you back here.  As for the research, call.  Giles would fax it I'm sure."

"Giles can't use a computer."

"So?  Sam can."  He smirked.  "We'll get through it."

Xander shook her head.  "You guys need to be far away from mine."

"Fat chance.  If you can have pompoms at ours, I can have some for you.  I'll even put Sam in the short skirt.  How 'bout it?"

Xander stared at him.  "Dean, you could die during yours, but if I go then he can take Willow and Tara too.  The world can end if I lose mine.  I want you two safer."

"If the world ends and we're in it, it's not safe there either."  She slumped.  "Tough.  Suck it up.  If we're like your family now, we're going to be there.  Winchesters don't abandon each other."  Xander gave him a look.  "Dad's obsessed.  We know that."

"You did a good job raising Sam," Xander said quietly.

Dean grinned.  "Thanks.  Means I don't have to have any kids in the future.  His'll be my grandkids."  She laughed.  "Thank you.  Now, shoulder?  And why didn't you let anyone know?"

"It's just wrenched.  I'll heal.  I always do."

"Uh-huh."  Dean drug her back upstairs to the bedroom with the lit candle in it.  He looked around.  "Your old room?"

"Not like I want to use their room."

"Probably a good idea."  He sat her down on her bed, taking her shirt off her, watching when she hissed and winced.  "That's more than a wrenched shoulder, Xander."  He gently probed it, frowning some.  "Feels like it's starting to separate."

"It's fine.  It needs some rest.  I won't lift anything heavy tomorrow."

"Sure."  He checked her for other bruises. "Not too bad.  A few cuts from nails.  A few bite marks."  She looked confused so he pointed.  She looked then shook her head.  He sat next to her.  "I've never seen you drop into a state where you didn't know what was going on, Xander."

"I can't access all the slayer instincts.  My natural ones are taking over," she admitted, looking at her lap.  "The hyena, the soldier, and my old ones are still stronger."

"Okay, so we use that to craft your own personal style of fighting."  Xander looked confused.  "That's who you are.  How you fight reflects that.  The same as Faith is all stealth and theft, Buffy's all karate moves and flips.  You can do those but they're not natural to you.  You needed a foundation in them but you need more to find your own way, one that fits your body."

"That's what Spike said."

"He's got to have a point.  I watched him during the fight.  He's not bad."

"He beat Buffy a number of times.  Killed two other slayers."

"Then he's clearly good."  Dean kissed her on the forehead.  "Sleep, Xander.  You have to sleep.  Then we can figure things out."

"I'm too wound."

"Yeah, me too."  He kissed her on the lips.  "Stress relief again?"

"Isn't that making it become a habit?" she said with a grin.

"Probably."  He shrugged. "Hell, Dad said I had to do stuff with Sam to taint him so he couldn't be possessed again."

"I wonder if that'd work for me."

"Probably not.  You don't have a brother."

"Thank the Gods."

Dean looked at her.  "Show me around?"  Xander shook her head.  "Please?"  Dean stood up, puling her up.  "You've got to get over it sometime.  Midnight's a good time for that."  He walked her downstairs, looking around the living room.  There were almost no pictures.  There were pictures of a boat.  One that clearly came with the frame and had never been replaced.  "No pictures?"

"No one to take pictures and no one who cared to remember the past."

"That sucks.  Dad got the important things on film at least."  He walked around the room, kicking over an empty bottle of scotch.  He noticed a few other empties.  "Did they get kidnaped?"

"I'm the only one who ever cleaned."  She leaned against a wall.  "I wouldn't advise looking in the kitchen.  You'll get sick."  He looked anyway, coming out green from the long dirty dishes growing mold and the bugs on them.  "The sad thing is it looked about like that the day I moved out."  She took his hand to lead him down to the basement.  "I stayed down here for a few months before I finally got to move out.  Paid a really high rent for it too."  He growled. "Sorry.  Maybe we should just go sleep."

"No.  This is good.  Did you leave anything?"

Xander looked at him.  "Anything I left is long gone, Dean.  They were drunks.  If it could be sold it was sold."  He simply nodded so Xander looked in a closet.  There wasn't anything in there.  He led him back upstairs.  "This is the bathroom."  He let him see it.  "With the electric off there's no hot water or anything."  He looked in the main bedroom.  "Their room."

"Looks like they left in a hurry."  He got the candle and came in, pulling Xander with him.  She had to face this sometime.  "They left the penny jar."

Xander opened a drawer, looking at the check inside.  "Their last SSI check."  He looked inside.  "Looks like the police overestimated when they left."  She looked around, finding a few more things.  Her baby book and birth certificate were in a box in the closet.  A leather jacket he had bought and had stolen by his mother.  "I thought she sold that."  She pulled it out to try on.  "It still fits.  I'm amazed."  It got tossed onto the end of the bed and she looked at the rest of the closet.  "I should burn that. They won't take it for donation."  She  moved over to look at her father's dresser.  "He would've killed me or sold me if he knew what she did," she said quietly.  Dean came up behind her to give her a hug.  "Whichever would've gotten him more money."  She opened a drawer with a sigh, looking at the box.  "His stash."  She opened the box to show off the drugs.  The lid fell closed and she looked around it, finding a bit of hidden cash.  Another stash was found in the sock drawer and that one was added to the other one.  The third stash under the bed had more money so she took that too.  The first two cigar boxes got put into the bigger box and carrying case.  "I guess he was selling to pay off his dealer."

"Maybe."  He watched her look over things, touching a picture.  He looked at it.  "She was pretty when she was younger."

"Yeah and then she got married and had me.  She said it ruined her figure, her face, and her life."  Dean gave her a squeeze around the waist.  "I'm fine.  I'm over their bullcrap."

"No matter how old you get it still hurts," he said gently.  "Mine still does."  Xander looked at him.  "Really.  I was about to banish my father earlier."

"I  yelled when he showed up.  Told him good parents would've said 'hello', 'you did good', something like that before they started to nag."

"Probably.  Never had one."  He grinned at her.  "At least my version of fucked up understands yours."

"True.  It's nice that they can mesh and complain in our psyches together."

"Very."  He looked around.  "Need anything else?"

"Yeah, a few things."  She walked over to her mother's dresser and opened a drawer, pulling out the flask inside.  She looked at it, running a finger over it.  "This was my trust fund from my grandmother."  It went onto the leather jacket and then she found something else, pulling out the old shoe box.  "All the pictures that were ever taken."  She put that onto her jacket too and then carried them over to her room, getting into a stash she hadn't had time to move before.  It got shoved into her pocket.

"Weed?" he joked.

"Sleeping pills.  They used to fight for days on end and I couldn't sleep."

"No wonder you can go days without now."  He found the dresser in the near darkness.  It was mostly empty.  He found a small book in the bottom drawer.  "What's this?"

Xander came over to take it, running a hand over it.  "Memories I'm not sure I want."

Dean found an empty box in the closet, stuffing the book and everything else into it.  "C'mon.  Got a liquor stash?"

"Maybe."  They went down there to check the cabinets.  They weren't going to touch the food but there was a whole cabinet of cigarettes and liquor.  "Monthly liquor binge buying.  Mostly stuff they couldn't remember that they don't like."  She found a few plastic bags, making sure they didn't have bugs before loading in the liquor.  She checked one last cabinet, finding an unfamiliar jacket in it.  She pulled it out to look at it, snickering.  "Now I know what happened."  She called the Magic Box on her cellphone.  "Send Spike to my old place please, Faith?"  She hung up and dug into the pockets, finding some more money and an ID.  "Think I could pass?" she asked.

He looked.  "Yeah, you cut your hair.  Could be.  Lost weight excuse.  We can change out the picture for you, Xander."  She held up the passport.  "Sweet."  Xander grinned.  "Good girl. I know I trained you well."  Someone tapped and walked in.  "Hey, Spike."  She finished searching the jacket, coming out with a small doll.  She held it up.  Spike moaned.  So Xander handed over the jacket.  "Whose is that?"

"Dru's," Spike said miserably.

"Which means she decided to take care of my parents," Xander said dryly.  "Thank Her Looniness for me?"

"O'course.  I love my dark princess.  You'd make a nice substitute."

Xander smirked.  "Did you know my father had drugs in the house?"

"No," he said slowly.  "Really?  Any weed?"  Xander dug out a few joints and handed them over with the cartons of cigarettes.  "Thanks, whelp.  Nice'a you.  Need to unwind after the battle."

"Us too," Dean agreed.  He went to get the book Xander had been researching from, bringing it back down to find Xander looking in a drawer.  "Is that safe?"  Xander held up a small paper bag.  "Do I want to know what's in there?"  Xander dumped them out.  Among the bugs were two sets of wedding rings and a nice solitaire.  "Real?"

Xander shrugged. "I can have them appraised.  I figure if we need it they can go into the disguise kit.  She thought she had lost the first one.  My father's only sentimental thing in the last thirty years was to get her a second set.  I rescued the first from a pipe."

"It would make the married lie go easier."

Spike coughed and smirked at him.  "You do know in fifteen states if you check into a motel as married, you're considered common law married?  That's how Dru tricked me into it."  He walked off with the velvet duster.   He ran into Buffy, holding it up.  "Found in the whelp's closet."

"Dru decided she needed to be drunk and get indigestion?"  Spike nodded.  "Interesting.  Xander know?"

"She found it with Dean.  Boy's good.  Share a blunt?"

"Hell no."  She sneered.  "You do pot?"

"Now and then.  Not like I can get hooked.  Just mellow and calm."  He smirked.  "Whelp's dad's stash.  She's cleaning it out."

"Good, hopefully they can burn that too since both brothers seem to be pyros."

Spike laughed, walking off to the Watcher's.  Giles looked up from his reading.  He held up the duster.  "Whelp's kitchen closet."

"Druscilla ate them?" he demanded, looking disgusted.  Spike smirked and nodded.  Giles took off his glasses to clean.  "Does Xander know?"

"She found it and her father's drug stash."  He generously  put down one of the joints before walking off.

Giles stared at it before putting it into his pocket.  He'd think about it later.

***

Dean led Xander back to the house, putting down the box and bags, then led her up to bed.  Sam was hogging it but a poke made him shift over.  "There, now we can sleep."

"Dean, no kinky things."

He kissed her.  "No kinky things.  My father might still be watching."  She laughed, giving him a hug.  "Good.  Now, strip, woman."  He got down to his boxers and slid into bed.  She slid in next to him, cuddling up to his side.  "There, more normal."  He stroked her back.  "You okay?"

"I'll be fine."

"Good.  Giles wants to see us tomorrow."

"That's fine."  She yawned, resting her head on his shoulder.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  If we had a house, I'd let you do the same thing for me."  Xander nodded, letting him soothe her into sleeping.  Dean eventually drifted off too.  He had missed the tag-team cuddling earlier, it's what had woken him.

***

Dean woke up and looked down at his family.  Xander was sucking on his left nipple - very nice of her - and Sam was about to suck him down.  He gently woke up Xander, earning a blink.  "Shh.  Let me wake up Sammy."  She nodded, sliding out of bed and going to the bathroom.  He smacked Sam on the head, waking him up.  "I should've let you do that before I woke you so you'd wake up and taste me.  Then I could ask if I tasted good."  Sam blushed and groaned.  "Want to talk about this nightmare of yours?"  He shook his head, covering it with the sheet.  Dean moved it.  "Dad told me last night I might have to do that stuff to make sure you can't be possessed again, Sam.  I need to know what's going on in that huge brain of yours.  Why the sudden outbreak of groping?"

"I could lose you."

"You won't be losing me."  He stared at him, then grinned.  "I'll be there annoying you for many years to come.  As a matter of fact, Xander and I decided since I did so much of your raising, all your kids can be my grandkids.  That way I don't have to have any."

Sam cracked a grin at that.  "Thanks for not having her in here."

"She saw but she left.  I thought we should talk first."  He pulled his brother up to face him.  "Now, what's really going on?  Nightmares?  Good dreams?"

"I think the same thing that gives me visions keeps showing it as going on."

"Okay," he said, nodding a bit.  "So it's a vision thing that's making you nearly blow me in your sleep?"  Sam blushed but nodded, looking down.  "No, don't stare at what you were sucking, stare at me."  Sam looked at him.  "Now I know how girls feel when all you can do is stare at their tits."  He stared at him.  "This is freaky, even for us, Sam.   It's not going to happen all the time."  Sam shook his head quickly.  "Good.  Then we'll talk once we're on the road again."

"The demon summoning?"

"Is easiest done in late January.  We'll come back."  Sam nodded.  "Is being here making the visions come faster?"  He nodded.  "Okay.  Xander?"  She came out of the bathroom in a towel.  "We're going to head soon.  You're coming, yes?"

"I was going to go back to the cabin as long as Giles could send me information."

"Good.  We can go there."  He got up and Xander smirked at him.  He looked down then at her.  "Don't say a word.  You were nursing this time instead of Sammy."  He walked around her, heading to use the bathroom.  She got back into her shower.  Sam came in and used the bathroom and left before she could get out. "Giles wants us."

"Sure.  Let me get dressed."

"Meet us there."  He walked out, grabbing clothes to slide into.  He followed Sam out the door, heading to get coffee and then to the Magic Box.  "Hey."  Giles smiled at him.  "We pretty well agreed that we're going to head back to the cabin."

"I was hoping..."  He trailed off.  "She's uncomfortable here?"

"Some.  Sammy's getting some psychic static.  We need to check in with our people and Xander needs to finish getting her head on straight."

"Can you stay for the holiday at least?"

Dean looked at Sammy, who shrugged.  "If she doesn't mind we don't.  We don't have anyone to run home to."  He smiled again.   "That reminds me, her gun and sword are in the Impala."  He shook his head.  Xander came in, earning a smile.  "Have to do laundry?"  She was back in a skirt again.

"Yup."

"Xander, the boys said you were going to go back to the cabin for a while?"

"Yeah, I think we should, Giles.  Do you think it'd be easy enough to call their demon there?"

He shook his head.  "It may not answer without the right stimulus.  By then I doubt you could have a newborn."  Xander shrugged at that.  "So we'll see you back in late January?"  The boys nodded and so did Xander.  He smiled.  "Excellent.  What about the other two?"  He handed Sam a book.  "I want that back sometime."

"Yes, Mr. Giles."  He looked at it and beamed.  "That's perfect."

"It'll help you both.  Consider that a holiday present."  Xander grinned.  "Would you care to stay for the present exchange?"

"Depends, am I going to have emo Buffy crying on me?"

"Quite possibly.  I know she went and patrolled all last night."

"We went to clean out some of her parent's stash," Dean told him.

"Spike came back here.  I'm sorry about your parents, Xander."

"Well, they spread the liquor buzz so they probably would've considered it a good death," she said dryly, sitting down.  "I know mine will come wherever I am."

"The same as Dean's will," he agreed.

"Then we can do that at the cabin?  It's far enough away from normal people to not endanger anyone."

"You can," Giles agreed.  "That's not a bad plan but you won't have anyone to back you up."

"If we do it here I'm going to have to ask some demons for favors to protect Tara, Giles.  I'm not sure which one is better in the long run."

"We'll be warding Tara," Giles assured him.  "Ethan has agreed to come back and help.  Spike as well."  Xander relaxed and grinned, nodding a bit.

"We'll be with her," Sam told him.

"Good.  Her usual instinct is to send those she needs away."  He looked at her. "If you'd rather not stay I won't force the issue.  I know Buffy would be a bit of a trial."  Xander nodded.  "We'll try it?"

"Solstice is in two days.  We can stay that long.  It'll give me time to have the oil changed in the blazer and pick up a few new things, plus do the laundry so I'm not wearing skirts."

"You look good in it," Sam reminded her.

"So?  I still can't spar in it.  That's wasting time, Sam."  She stood up.  "I'm not Buffy.  I don't plan on flashing a vampire to stun them.  I never did understand how she wore a skirt on patrol."

"Or go-go boots," Giles agreed. "Or those dreadful backless shirts."

"See, my loud shirts aren't that bad compared to those."  Xander grinned at Buffy when she came in.  "Hey.  We're talking about Solstice."

"I'm not really in the mood for presents this year," she admitted, looking at Giles.

"I can understand that, Buffy.  That's what we were seeing.  If we could stand to be around each other until the present exchange."

She shrugged. "It's depressing this year.  By spring we could lose Xander and Tara both.  Willow's gone.  She might never be woken up in my lifetime."

"Maybe someone will wake her up to fight the next generation of Voldemort," Xander offered.

Buffy grinned at him.  "She'd probably like that."  She looked her over.  "Cute skirt.  Didn't expect it of you."

"Now and then I make myself accept that I don't have boy parts anymore.  Of course, half the time I do that by getting used to guys staring at a strip club.  I make good gas money that way."  She shuddered.  "Sorry, realities of life.  Motels, gas, and food are expensive when you're on the road all the time."

"Which is why I'm glad I live at home," Buffy said, smirking some.  "Want to go hug my mother?  She's been looking forward to one."  Xander nodded, going to do that.  She looked at the boys.  "Where would you be headed?"

"There's a Watcher's cabin in upper South Dakota," Dean told her.  "That's where we went to start her training.  We'd go back there for our fights.  We'll have to come back to summon the one demon here to fight it."

She nodded, sipping her usual morning caffeine boost.  "That's in..."

"January," Sam said with a smile.

"Maybe things'll be happier then.  We'll do the presenty stuff then?"  The boys both nodded.  "Giles?"

"That would be acceptable but I think I'll give her mine before she leaves as I've gotten her gift certificates for clothing."

"Yeah, kinda freaky not seeing Xander in loud shirts.  Or thrift shop wear.   Or with Anya begging for sex."  She shrugged and hugged them both.  "Be safe and make sure Xander is safe.  I don't want to lose her.  Understand?"  She looked at Dean.  "Also, if she gets pregnant, I'm a godmother if I'm still living.  Deal with it now.  Move on.  Plan to give me two or three so I don't have to have any."

"I helped raise Sam.  His kids'll be my grandkids."

She laughed, going back to the training area.  "I'll see you guys later, before you go."

Giles smiled.  "Sunnydale does breed very strong people who do learn to move on rather quickly."

"If I had been Xander, I'd be insane," Sam agreed.

Giles nodded.  "Me as well.  Though Ethan did do a temporary one that once.  I nearly drank myself to death."

"Her first period she had most of a fifth of vodka that first day," Dean told him.

Giles nodded.  "I would've shot myself.  Especially with Xander's arsenal.  Will you give me today to wrap things?"  The boys both nodded and he smiled.  "Thank you, boys.  Go back to the research room if you want.  If not, go play.  It's a beautiful winter day in California.  So of course there's no snow."  They smiled and went to do that, Sam clutching the book.

***

Xander walked into the cabin, looking around.  "This is beginning to feel like home.  I   should redecorate the pink monstrosity."

Sam laughed, carrying in the bags of liquor and their stuff.  "Are we going to share the big room?"

"Yup," Dean agreed.  "Might as well."  He kissed Xander on his way past.  "Be a girl later.  For right now, go get your crap. It's cold out there."  Xander nodded, going to do that while he found the source of heat.  Which turned out to be connected to the hot water heater.  He was incredibly happy with that.  "We have a hot water heater."

"We didn't before," Xander called.

"We do now."  He came out once it was started.  The heater was blowing lukewarm air but they'd stay warm enough.  There was a fireplace too.  "I'll chop wood.  Sam, call Bobby, tell him we're up here and we'll head down for a visit in about a week?"  Sam nodded, finding his cellphone to do that.  Xander hauled in the guns and then the swords. "Leaving the heavier stuff?"

"No room for it."

"Put it in the spare bedroom, Xander."  She nodded, going to haul that with his help.  He had to show her what one wore in snow, which was fun because he kept trying to get her into leopard prints and furry things to tease her.  Sam suggested leather.  Xander had decided on soft cable knit sweaters and velvet.  Always appropriate.  The last piece got hauled in and he held out his hand.  "Keys?"

"Why?"

"You have better traction on snow.  I'm going for groceries."

"I knew we forgot something."  She dug them out and handed them over.  "Thank you. Get soda?"

"Of course."  He headed back out.

Sam came out of the bedroom.  "Where is he going now?"

"Groceries."

"Always a plan," Sam agreed.  "In case we get snowed in."  He grinned. "Did Jim talk about Bobby?"

"Nope.  He didn't want to divulge other people."

"I guess that's fine.  We'll have to introduce you."  He gave her a hug.  "Let's do something for the fireplace?"

"Sure, I'll go be super strong and chop wood."  He laughed but let her do it while he made sure it was clean and able to be used without burning them up. She brought in an armful about the same time Dean got back so he went to help unload.  Xander came to the door.  "Tell me you didn't forget soda?"

"No, I didn't forget."  He let her carry her soda inside while he made sure he had the coffee.  They closed the door and settled in to watch the fireplace smoke until Sam switched the floo knob.  Then it was much better.  Xander cooked a frozen pizza for dinner.  They settled in to relax because it had been a long drive and Xander barely understood how to drive on snow.  She snuggled into his side, getting petted.  He grinned at her.  "Sleepy?"

"A bit.  Long drive today."

"Very."  They watched as the sun went down and things got a bit colder.  "Wish we had a garage for the Impala."

"It'll be fine," Xander reminded him.  "We have a tarp if it gets too bad."  That got a nod and Dean went to put it on while Sam shook his head behind his book.  She got one of the books she had picked up and went to read it next to the fireplace.  Dean came back in stomping his feet.  "Get it fixed?"

"Yup, she'll be fine."

"Bobby's expecting us Sunday for probably three days," Sam told him.  "Are we bringing Xander?"

"Up to her.  Did you warn him first?"

"Nope.  Told him the one we've been hunting with is with us.  He didn't exactly invite her but he didn't say she couldn't come."

"I'll meet him sometime we're not all worried," Xander said from her corner.  Dean came over to drag her back to the couch.  "Hey!  It was warm."

"Body heat works better than a fireplace," Dean told her, getting a blanket to cover them.  She curled up against his side again and went back to reading.  He looked over her shoulder.  "Knights and dragons?"

"Psyching myself up toward my White Knight side."

"Oh."  He let her cuddle in, smiling down at her.  "We need a tv."

"It's hiding in the cabinet behind us," Sam said.

"Someone seriously redecorated then," Dean said.  They got up and turned the tv around, smiling at the nice cable.  "Think the Watchers are giving it to you?"

"Not a clue," Xander said.  "Haven't called England.  I can call Giles and ask."

"Sure.  We should let him know you survived driving in the snow anyway," Sam said, handing her phone over from the charging cord.

She dialed.  "We made it.  There's a hot water heater, a real heater, and cable, Giles.  Are the Watchers feeling generous?"  She listened, then shrugged.  "Okay. I wouldn't mind. Thank them for me."  She grinned.  "We're good.  Dean got groceries.  I chopped some wood for the fireplace.  We're watching tv.  Thanks, Giles.  Yup, I'm good.  Thank you.  Miss you."  She hung up.  "Mi casa and all that.  There should be a letter somewhere in here about it."  They got up to search, finding it on the pink bed.  "Ha ha, Travers," she said dryly, setting in to read it with them reading over her shoulder.  It basically said she's on the reserve list, they're hoping that she would consider breeding in the next decade, and that they knew she'd win the fight so there could be slayers in the future. That the cabin was now hers to redecorate and to live in so she'd be left alone when she wanted to and her friends -  underlined twice - could come rest when they got tired of hunting too.  She looked at the boys and grinned.  "They're being nice."

"It's part guilt trip and part 'go away' letter," Sam said.

Xander shrugged.  "They never liked me in Sunnydale.  I jumped in and pulled Willow with me.  It upset the natural order they had established.  Hell, I think they tried to wet works me one night but I can't prove it."  They both gave her horrified looks.  "That was right before we found out what was going to happen at graduation so they were glad they weren't down another fighter or two.  Especially when I pulled Giles' plan out of the fire."  She snuggled in again.  "Guess this means I can redecorate the pink bedroom."

"Red?" Sam suggested.

"Green?" Dean suggested at the same time.

"I'm thinking blue and gray, like when the sun's just starting to rise or at dusk," Xander said, looking at them.  "Feeling a bit gay?" she asked.  They were pouting about her color choices.

"No," they said together.

"We should celebrate," Sam said.

"There's no karaoke here, Sam.  If you get drunk, you'll whine."

"No I won't!"

"You did the last three times you got drunk and there wasn't anything fun for you to play with.  I'm sure you will this time too."  Xander got up and hefted Sam up, taking him and putting him out back.  Dean laughed until Xander pulled him up and tossed him onto the front porch.  "Hey!  It's cold out here!"  She locked the door.  He growled and pounded but ended up having to pick the lock and go let Sam in.  "That was mean, Xander."

"Had enough of the fighting in the tiny motel rooms, guys.  Keep it up, figure out if I'm going to have one last menstrual cycle before my fight to help call your demon."

Both guys shuddered.  They didn't want to think about those things!  Dean got a bottle of whiskey and three glasses, pouring them each some and some soda.  "To take that image out of our heads."  He slugged back his, bringing back the soda and fifth so they could have some more.

Sam drank his in one gulp too.  "Nasty mental image, Xander."

Xander grinned sweetly.  "I have to decide.  I figured I'd let you guys have some say about being terrorized that week."

"If you quit talking about it, I'll kiss your ass later," Dean offered.

"You never did show me why girls like oral sex so much."

"Or I can do that."  He drank that drink and let Xander drink hers before pulling her up and into the bedroom.  Sam could watch tv.  They heard it get turned up but oh well.  He pulled her clothes off then his own, pushing her back onto the nice, larger than it was last time, king sized bed.  He was even nice enough to go directly to his target.  She let out a loud squeal and arched up so he had to hold her down but it was worth it.  Especially since afterward she let him do whatever he wanted in whatever position he wanted.

***

A few weeks later Dean was watching Xander stare at a small box.  "Oh, no, you put that patch back on right now, Xander.  I want some pre-apocalypse sex later and I don't want to draw every single demon on the hellmouth to us."  Xander laughed, putting on her birth control patch.  He went back to watching Tara make the potion for them while pacing.  She was a witch so she had a better hand with them, plus she had volunteered.  Apparently UC Sunnydale was a lot less stringent in the homework department than Stanford because Sam was pouting he hadn't had weeks without homework.  He smacked him on the head as he walked past.  Xander stopped him to kiss him, making him relax.  "I know I'm wound up."

"Of course you are.  It's a dangerous plan," she said gently, stroking his cheek.  "Calm down anyway.  It's distracting her and me.  Come on, we'll go borrow an empty room.  There's always a few by now in the semester."  Dean smirked and walked her out, letting her find an empty room.  One of the RA's gave them a pointed look and opened a door for them with a muttered 'don't use the bathroom, you'll scare someone'.

Dean locked them in, slamming Xander against the door.  His hand went up her skirt to take off the panties while she undid his belt and let his pants drop.  "Wore the skirt for me?" he teased, letting his fingers tease her lower half.

"Yup.  Figured you could use the distraction too."  She wiggled against him as his fingers did some walking.  "Why is it you can always hit that spot and I can't even find it?"

"Angle of my hand."  He kissed her then flipped her around and slid into her, going hard and fast, holding her against the door, making her whimper and beg for more.  "Tell me," he panted.

"More, Dean, please?" she begged.

"God I love it when you beg," he said in her ear, stroking harder and faster until he finally let go of one of her hands and his fingers went back to playing with her.  She screamed and went limp against him, letting him get off.  He pulled her over to the bare bed and laid down to cuddle her.  "You always make me feel like I'm The Man."

Xander grinned, kissing his throat.  "You are the man since I'm not."  He spanked her.  "Hey, we agreed, no kinky shit unless we're embarrassing Sam."  He laughed, spanking her again.  She bit him and he hissed, getting hard again.  She giggled.  "Already?  Aren't you the one who complains when I jump you too soon after the first round?"

"Fuck that," Dean said, putting her onto her back and diving in again.  It was so good with Xander.  She knew what he needed, what he needed to hear, why he needed to hear it. She gave him all the pretty sounds he wanted.  "I should record this.  Make it your ringtone," he panted, trying to speed up but he couldn't get a foothold on the plastic mattress cover.

"You do and everyone will know how kinky you are," she panted back, pulling him down to kiss him.  She flipped him onto his back and climbed on top, letting him help her.  It was good like this.  She was stressed.  He was worried.  It was the best of both worlds and Dean was fantastic in bed.  It could be the last time they spent together.  She got off and he kept going, making her moan.  It was going to be one of those nights when he got her started and wouldn't let her sleep.  She leaned down to kiss him, then shifted back some to nibble on this throat again.

"No hickeys," he said, spanking her.  She bit harder.  "Or biting!  Heathen bitch."  He pulled her off and put her onto her knees, taking her again.  She was still so warm and tight.  It was so nice to bury himself in her.  She'd let him do nearly anything he wanted right now and it was good for him.  He did suck a mark onto her shoulder, getting swatted for it, but who cared.  He kept going until he finally came, flopping down on top of her.  She did a half pushup to shove him off and rolled onto her side.  He pulled her back against his chest, playing with her clit until he felt her go off under him.  "Thank you."

"Never a problem."  She pulled up his fingers to clean them off, making him groan.  "Later, dear.  Later. Even I get a bit sore when you prove how good your thigh muscles are."

He laughed.  "Is that what that was?"  She nodded.  "Huh."  He checked his watch then kissed the back of her head.  "We should get back."

"Probably. Two more minutes?"

"Sure, two more minutes."  He let her cuddle all she wanted.  He knew she needed it, she was very worried about the upcoming battle.  It was taking her worry off her own in just over a month.  He gave her stomach a squeeze and they got up, getting redressed so they could go back to Tara's room.  He ignored the blush but Xander just shrugged.  She pointed at the wall behind him.  He looked and found his father's ghost.  "I thought you went to haunt Bobby and them."

"I did.  You're having a major battle today and I should be here.  You are my sons."  He looked at Xander, who flipped him off.  "At least you're useful."  Xander got something off Tara's bookshelf and uncorked it, carrying it over to him.

"No banishing Dad, it might get into the other potion," Sam ordered, taking it and recorking it, watching Tara snicker.  "Dad, get over it.  Dean and Xander are cute together.  I like them together.  Even if they do pick on me sometimes."

"It's what family does," Xander quipped, grinning at him.  "Or so all the cheesy movies say."

"I've been picking on him for years so I guess they're right," Dean said, stretching out on Tara's bed.  "Tara, how long can I nap for?"

"An hour, Dean.  Then I'll need some of your hair."

"Arm, leg, head, or pubic?" he asked. "Or chest, but there's not much there."

"If you were that hairy I'd never sleep with you," Xander assured him.

Dean smirked.  "I'd shave like you do."

"Haven't had to for quite a while before today."

"I don't want to hear about it," John said quickly, disappearing.  Dean and Sam waved at the blank spot, cracking the girls up.

"Head," Tara told him.

"That's fine.  I've got plenty.  Yank away."  He closed his eyes, shifted a bit, then fell asleep.

Sam looked at Xander.  "Good job."

She smirked. "Mutually beneficial."  She sat down in the desk chair, swinging it idly back and forth until someone knocked.  "What?" she called.  Buffy walked in.  "Hey."

"Hey.  Potion day?"  Sam nodded.  "Will you need my help?  I have major testage issues next Monday so I'm arranging time to goof off."

Sam smiled.  "You mean you actually get homework?"

"I know, it's so unfair!  I mean, it's college, who gets homework?"

Sam gaped.  "In Stanford I did the actual amount of homework for my credit hours, Buffy.   I spent more time studying than I did sleeping."

She shuddered.  "Eww, bad thoughts.  Lack of beauty sleep would mean the vamps would pick on me."  She walked out.  "Call.  Text.  Smoke signals without second hand smoke.  Whatever."

"We will," Xander agreed.  She shook her head a bit, smiling.  "She got Willow to do them all for her."

"That makes more sense," Sam said.

"Then again, we do have a major in surfing."  Sam groaned, shaking his head.  "I think there's one in theoretical physics that no one can prove or find math for too.  They basically sit around and chat from what I've seen and heard."

Tara nodded at that.  "Don't forget film and tv studies."

"Where you can major in the movies of Jet Li," Xander finished with a happy grin.  "That would've been my major."

"For actors or writers?" Sam asked, sounding hopeful.

"Communications department," Tara said.  Sam moaned, leaning forward to cover his face with his hands.

"Wasn't the news lady who mispronounced everything and misread most every night part of that program?"

"She was vamped and had to quit," Tara told her.

"Huh.  She's probably about as smart as the Harmony vampire."

Tara nodded.  "They're shopping buddies."

Xander snickered.  "Well, she was a Cordy clone so now she's got another one with her I guess.  Airheads unite?"

She looked over. "Andrew ran back here to get away from them.  They kept wanting him to build them a Cordelia robot."  Xander cackled, falling out of the desk chair.  She smiled at Sam, she liked Sam a lot.  If she liked boys, she'd crush on him.  "You should see the Buffy bot.  She's been using her to go to class for her."  Sam let out a deeper moan and she blushed, going back to her potion making.  Xander was rolling around on the floor.

"Trying to sleep," Dean said without opening his eyes.  "Quit cackling, Xander.  They'll think you went evil again."

"Talking about Andrew.  They wanted him to build a Cordelia robot."

"Buffy's been sending her robot self to class for her," Tara told him.

"Wish I could've in high school," Dean complained.  He blindly reached down and patted a few times until he ran into Xander's hair and pulled her up, putting her on top of him. "Quit distracting Tara.  We can gossip before tonight."  He fell back asleep holding her.  She tried to get free a few times but he wasn't letting go.

Sam grinned.  "You make a good teddybear."

"So do you, Sammy."

"I should spank.  I really should."  She just smirked.  He got up but Tara shook her head and pushed him down.  "Please?  She knows it bothers me."

"That's why she's doing it, Sam."  She patted him on the cheek, getting a grin back.  "Leave the two lovebirds alone.  They're cute."

"They are.  Perpetually.  Especially first thing in the morning."  She giggled.  "They are.  He pours her a soda while he's making coffee so she won't steal his."  She grinned, getting back to work.  He watched Tara work, sighing a bit.  If she wasn't gay, he'd be trying really hard to date that woman.

Xander looked over.  "Sam, there's always the option to do what was done to me," she said with a small smirk.

"I will kill you," he assured her.  Tara swatted her.  "See?  She'll help."

"That would fix the whole deep sighs and looks of longing you both have."

"It might but it's wrong," Tara said firmly.

"Fine, we'll find you a female version of him," Dean said, opening his eyes to look at her.  "Or if a demon castrates him, I'll let you have him then.  Okay?"  She nodded.  "Need hair yet?"

"Another half hour, Dean."  He nodded and went back to sleep, making sure Xander still couldn't move.

John floated back in, watching them.  "Aww.  Now all I need are grandkids."

"Dean said Sam's kids will be his," Xander told him.  "Because if I have to have kids, I'm going to jump off somewhere very high.  I can't even deal with having a period."  John sighed and shook his head.  She closed her eyes.  "Tell me when it's my turn, Tara."

"Sure, Xander."  She smiled when she heard her snore.  "Anya used to complain about that."  She got back to work, holding up the small vial of pure blood.  The chant was said and the blood poured in, some of the potion was used to rinse out any that stuck to the vial.  She went back to stirring, humming over it, putting in her feelings for Sam.  It could only help things.

John looked at her.  "If you wanted to date Sam, I wouldn't mind."

"I don't like boy parts."

"Dad, she's a lesbian, leave her alone," Sam said patiently.  "Dean promised if I got castrated he'd let her have me then."  John groaned, settling into his corner.  "Why don't you go help Buffy?"

"It's wrong for a hunter to stop a fight to look at her hand and go 'oh, I broke a nail, I just paid twenty dollars to have them done' and then kick their ass harder."

"She learned it off Cordelia," Tara said.  "You should meet Cordelia.  Cordy?"  Cordelia showed up.  "Have you met John?  He's Sam and Dean's father."

She looked at him then nodded.  "Hi.  Leave Xander alone.  I will kick your ass.  The Powers said I could work out the last of my PMS on you."  He gaped.  She smirked.  "Mister, I used to run that school and then Angel's crew.  I *am* the messenger for the Powers That Be.  I'm also Xander's ex.  There's *nothing* you can say that'll make her like you or leave Dean.  Because Dean's cute and good for her.  She still can't let a guy pat her on the back but Dean gets *way* more than that."

"Cordelia!" Sam complained.

She ignored him.  "Also, even if there may be babies far, far in the future?  They'll let Sam be the nanny or something.  That way the kids learn more than 'C-4 pretty boom' that Xander would teach them or 'guns nice' that Dean would.  They're well suited to each other even if their lives and hunting will get in the way for ages."  She smirked at him.  "Now, let's let the nice lesbian witch crush on your nice son in peace so she can finish that potion.  That way the first son doesn't join you and Xander doesn't go destroy hell when she loses her fight.  'Kay?" she finished brightly.  She looked at Tara.  "What's even more scary is that Harmony and Melody are now thinking about creating baby vampires to raise together and make just as brainless as they are.  They want the Cordy robot to help them pick out their clothes."  Tara let out a cackle then covered her mouth.  "Oh, let it out.  Even Angel did.   Fred was giving him major worried looks and hid his leather pants, just in case he lost his soul again."  She glared at John again.  "Shoo!  Go bother Buffy or Faith!  Faith could use a daddy figure.  She never had one."  He disappeared.  "And change the shirt! Plaid is so last decade!" she called after him.  She huffed and faded out to nag him some more.  Bad enough she had to nag Xander about the stripper clothes now and then.  She wasn't even going to *mention* the short skirt and lack of panties today.

Sam looked at Tara.  "I'd cackle too."  She smiled and got back to work.

***

Dean kept his hand from shaking as he intoned the last word of the spell.  Sam stiffened then went still as he died.  Xander came over to pour something down his throat.  They watched as Sam healed, his wound quit bleeding.  It sealed up. Then Sam took a breath as he began to live again.  Dean nearly fell down in relief.  Xander smiled at him and stroked Sam's hair until he woke up.

Dean looked at the demon that had appeared.  "See, didn't need you after all," he said smartly, nearly sneering now.

"You still made the deal."

"And you tainted him.  That wasn't part of the deal.  He's whole now, not like when you did it."

"You're still mine."

Dean shook his head.  "No, I'm not.  You didn't keep your end of the deal."

"You wanted him back."

"Yes, and I said alive.  He wasn't fully alive.  That breaks the deal."  He smirked now.  "If you think it doesn't, challenge me."

The demon stared then looked at the other two with him.  "You brought a girl?"

"She's here to protect Sam.  She's of no concern in this matter."

"A girl, to protect your precious brother?" the demon sneered.  "How will she do that?"

"She can fight.  She's a hunter, like us."

"Then I choose her to be my champion in this fight."

Dean nodded. "Sure, you do that.  I win, we all go free, including her and Sam."

"Whatever."

"Agree or it's off," Xander said firmly.

"Are you a witch?"

"No."

"Hmm."  She looked at her.  "You're a medium."

"I am."  The demon smirked a nasty little smirk.  "Doesn't mean you're getting in."  She stood up.  "You want Dean to fight me to get free, so be it.  You will agree to the terms beforehand.  See, Sam's a lawyer wannabe."  She grinned.  "And I've dealt with witches and demons before."

"Fine.  Should he win, you all go free, even you and the annoying, nice one."

"Thanks."  Xander looked at Dean.  She felt the demon try to take control of her but pushed it out.  "I didn't say you could possess me.  I said I'd fight him, not that you could have me.  Psychic sex is *way* grody."

The demon shuddered.  "I can feel the strength in you.  You're native."

"I am.  Born and bred."  She pulled out a sword, tossing one to Dean.  "Deal on?"

"Deal on," he agreed calmly.  He had trained Xander, he could beat her.  She lunged and he smirked.  "He'll try it again if you throw it, dear."

"I know."  She ducked his blow and came up under his guard, getting in close enough to kiss him.  "Winner gets to give oral sex tonight?" she asked with a grin.  He hummed and nodded, arching an eyebrow up, smirking just a tiny bit.  She backed up and attacked again, and Dean was clearly winning.

"No!  That's not right!" the demon shouted, trying to take over Xander again.  She managed to breach her defenses and bellowed as the pain hit her.  "No!" she shouted, stepping in.  "I will fight this one myself!  Unholy one!"

"Saying something coming from you," Xander said, tossing the poison onto her.  The demon shrieked in pain and Dean stabbed her once he was vulnerable.  The demon died and they watched as Dean lit her up.  "Ah, another cheery Sunnydale bonfire that stinks."  She stiffened and fought against it but the demon still had her.

Dean nodded.  "Come on, Xander."  She lunged and was using slayer strength.  Dean still fought her back, ending up without his sword, but he could grab her and knock her out.  It took two attempts and got him a broken wrist but she went out.  "Someone do a exorcism," he said.  Giles hurried over to do that.  Xander went limp once the demon was gone.  "Is that all of it?  Usually there's more smoke."

"Xander has a bad tendency to keep part of the things possessing her," Giles said grimly, going back to it.

"Let me," Sam said, standing up, coming over to work on it instead.  He and Dean did it and they got Xander clear, finally.  Only took three tries.  Xander blinked at them.  "Morning."

"Not.  Dark."

"Yeah, we know," Dean said, hauling her up.  He looked her over.  "Did I hurt you?"  She slowly shook her head.  "You sure?"  She nodded.  "Good."  He grinned.  "Now only a few more."

Xander looked up then slit her palm, intoning a summoning charm and adding the proper name of the demon.  He appeared, a black cloud, floating and twisting, shrieking in a long forgotten language.  "Yours I believe," she said.

"Oh, so ours," Dean agreed.  Sam picked up Xander's sword and attacked.  Tara healed his wrist and he jumped in with his.  The demon was pinned between them.  Xander pulled out something and tossed it at the demon, making it shriek and writhe as the thing captured it.  They managed to keep it distracted enough for it to be sucked in.  Then they looked down at it.  "Breaking?" Dean said.

"It's meant to be broken to kill the trapped spirit," Giles promised.  They both stomped on it.  It went off in a flash of light and turned to ashes.  Giles smiled.  "Well, that was exciting."

"The only way it can come back is if Sam has a child and we can ward it then to do it again," Xander told him.  "Because his first child won't have kids.  It's been seen down the line."  Sam nodded at that.  Dean gaped.  "Sorry, going to be a nun."

Dean burst out laughing.  "So even if it comes back it's a goner?"  Xander smirked and nodded.  "Oh, yes."  He laughed and hugged her, then Sam, then both of them.  "Thanks, guys."

"You're quite welcome," Giles promised with a smile.  He looked at the stubborn spirit who refused to be banished.  "Will that do to soothe your soul?"

"Some of it," he agreed, happy enough to float over and hug his boys and Xander.  Xander got free and went to hug Tara.  "My boys," he said, smiling at them.  "Thank you."

"One fight left," Dean said, looking at Sam, who nodded.  They looked at Tara, but Xander was gone.  "Damn it.  She knew we were going to be there."

Giles coughed and held up something.  "Buffy said they have these computer chips that tell you where someone is?"  Dean snatched it and headed off at a run for the Impala, Sam right behind him with a hug for Giles and Tara.  Giles and Tara both waved.  "They'll make our stubborn one see sense," he sighed.

"After a few rounds of spanking," Tara said with a giggle.  He smirked at her.  "They will."

"My boys should," John agreed.  "How could she do that?"

"Xander feels that no one should take on her duties but her.  Then again, the only one she's every really trusted are either gone or her made family."  He walked Tara off.  "Come on, I have a new batch of tea from home."

"Sure, Giles."  She put an arm through his, meeting up with Faith since she had been watching from father off in case something happened.  "Do you think Sam's nice?"

Giles smiled at her.  "I think he's a wonderful boy.  I think if you should find yourself wondering in that direction he's a very good choice, Tara."  She blushed but nodded, resting against his arm.

"Too nice for my blood," Faith quipped.  "Hold me down and tie me up is more my style."

"Well, there is Spike," Giles said dryly, giving her a look.

"He's cute but doesn't give oral sex."  Tara let out a horrified squeak and hid her face on Giles' arm.  "What?"

"How does Buffy put it?  Oh yes, TMI, Faith," Giles told her, cracking her up.  She giggled all the way back to the shop.

***

Dean and Sam finally caught up with Xander a few days later.  She had found the GPS chip and taken it off the blazer.  They found where she was waiting and stomped over to her.  "Spanking is going to be done and you will take it," Dean growled, pushing her back against a tree.  "We said we'd be here."

"And I said I wanted you safe.  It's within the month, he can claim you too."

Dean shrugged. "And?"  Xander glared.  "Don't even start, Xander."  He kissed her.  "Shut up, we're helping.  Even if you don't like it."

"I can't let you two die when you're finally healed!" she shouted, backing away around the tree.  "I need you two to be safe!  I won't let you be taken by this thing!"

"It's part of the calling," Sam reminded her calmly.  "Let us help, Xander."

"I can't.  You could die.  I'm not going to go through that.  I've lost too damn many already and I'm not losing you two.  If I die, shit happens.  They'll figure out how to make new slayers.  You two die and I live?  I'll fucking join you."  They gaped.  "So go the hell away to somewhere safer.  Go get a beer.  I'll be back in a few days."   The demon appeared and Xander walked up to Dean, kissing him.  "Three days at the most or I'm gone," she said, staring into his eyes.  "You can't come."

"Bet me."

"You can't, Dean.  He won't allow it."

"Yay.  Fight here."

"I challenged, it's his choice."

Dean glared.  "Not happening, Xander."

"They can come," the demon assured him.  "If they die they're still the other one's."

"See, a very good reason," Xander said calmly.  She took another kiss and stared at him.  "Some places only a slayer can go.  It's the mystical calling shit."  She and the demon disappeared.  She looked around the large arena full of sand then at him.  "We're channeling Mortal Kombat?"

"I thought it appropriate with the terms of the deal she made."

"She didn't have my permission."

"She had what she needed to claim you."  Xander shook her head.  "She did or you would still be male, Xander."  He sniffed her.  "Very nice.  I wondered how you had killed the other one."

"Hmm.  I'm smarter than you?"  Xander gave him a smug look.  "Are we doing this or not?  I have a friend to calm down and make the other one quit huffing."

"You'll never get back there.  Part of the challenge is to make it back to earth."

Xander snickered.  "Dude, haven't you figured out yet that I screw up magic done on or around me?  That I've invalidated so many prophecies that the Watcher's Council tried to have me killed once?"  She moved closer.  "That even Willow Rosenburg, stronger than you because she could do the spell to change me and you can't, can't stop me when the time is necessary to fight."  The demon laughed.  Xander stuck something in his chest, then set it off, running like hell.  The holy water/salt/thermite/blessings written on basalt from the Dead Sea grenade went off, splattering the demon.  Xander unducked, looking at the mess. "Not like I was going to use something like a sword on a higher demon."  She looked around.

"Hmm.  Doorway out."  She walked toward a few of the doors.  They led to blank walls.  Another one led to a hell dimension.  She closed it and stepped away.  She sat down to think.  This had to be like a dream plane.  So this was like a dream walk, right?  The demon couldn't fully relocate her but he could create a small bubble plane in the middle of that field.  She felt around for the magic, nearly being blinded by it.  The little she'd been able to learn wasn't enough.  She found a spot of wrongness and touched it.  She walked over to it, finding the demon's remains overtop of it.  She stepped into the middle of the mess and closed her eyes, wiling herself back home.  She felt things shift.  She felt them close.  She felt the earth move. Then she just felt nauseous and started to walk toward what felt like home.

She landed in the field, finding a huge battle going on and her boys in the middle of it.  Of course.  She growled and dove in, beating the demons until they begged and died.  She stabbed one who was trying to eat Dean, waving at him before getting the one trying to bite Sam.  They attacked the others together.  Dean went down with a blow to the head.  Sam went down ten minutes later with the same sort of injury. The demon tried it with her but she had a really hard head.  Gravestones banging into it had hardened it.  She was dizzy again but it happened.  She stabbed it and then pulled the sword up.  She set off another grenade, throwing it into the pack of demons to watch the ones nearby explode.  "Pretty, huh?" she called.  She smirked.  "I'm Xander, a slayer.  You're toasty.  Leave and be less burnt.  Damn it, need to work on my quips next."  A few ran off.  The rest attacked.  She was still a slayer and she was not going to die here!  The demon was not going to get her!  She got all but the last one with only minor injuries.  That one tried to gore her with its claws.  One did manage to get her stomach but she got its neck.  It fell.  She sat down in the bloody mud, looking around at the mess.  "They're never going to let us burn this," she said.  She crawled over to Dean, shaking him.  "Hey."

"Kill you," he muttered, barely opening his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, wait a month so the demon doesn't get either of us."  She made herself get up, holding her stomach.  She got Sam up and sitting, holding his head.  "Okay, kids?"

"We're both older than you," Sam said weakly.

"Sammy, you good?" Dean called from his spot.

"Head hurts.  Concussion."

"Yeah, me too."  Xander walked over and helped him sit up.  "Sit your dumb ass down, Xander."  She flopped down beside him.  "I'm still going to kill you."

"Wait a month."

"Uh-huh.  It'll take that long for the headache to go away."  He looked at her stomach.  "You need stitches and don't give me shit about slayer healing."

Xander kissed him.  "I love it when you're butch."  Dean sneered at her.  She grinned.  "I'll hitch the car to the blazer and we'll go.  How long was I gone?"

"Six damn days."

"Sorry.  Took me a while to figure my way out.  Had to walk through icky demon parts."

Sam looked at the exploded area.  "What caused that?"

"I had someone make me a grenade with thermite, blessed Dead Sea salt, blessings etched on basalt pieces from the Dead Sea area, and holy water.  That was my second one.  I used the other one to kill my challenger."

"Damn," Dean said, looking at the mess.  "How're we going to clean this up?"

Xander looked at him.  "I call a Watcher.  Let them do it."  She found his phone and called Giles.  "I'm here.  I'm okay.  The field is a mess.  I came back and the boys were in the middle of a battle.  Major parts, Giles.  Yeah, that sort.  No, like all over the field.  Well, the Watchers have a shit list.   Let them come clean it up.  Because the boys have concussion and I feel none too steady myself."  She hung up and texted the town name and location of the field.  Then she handed him his phone back.  "Got any chocolate in the car?"

"Nope."

"Crap.  Me either."  She stood up and hauled him up, both of them going over to haul Sam up.  They wobbled out to the blazer, letting Xander set up an area to nap in with the sleeping bags.  They climbed in without protest  - she didn't even protest that they were getting the sleeping bag slimy.  Xander patted Dean down for the keys.

"I'm still too mad at you to let you grope me," Dean said.

"Looking for your keys.  That way I can tow the Impala until you can drive."

"Uh-huh.  Get stitches."

"I'll see about it if they don't close soon."  She limped back to the car, driving it closer and pulling out her tow bar.  She hitched the car to it and closed the back gate, letting them cuddle up together.  She walked around to get in and drive, deciding it was about as bad as driving when she'd had a beer.  She saw a car pull into the field and drove closer to it, putting down her window.  "Hey."

"Xander?" the man asked calmly.  Xander nodded.  "Do you need medical attention?"

"She's been gored," Dean called.  "She needs stitches on her stomach at the very least."

"And he's still a strange man and I don't like people touching me," Xander shot back.  "Could use a bandage."  A first aid kit was handed over.  "Thanks.  Have fun with the mess.  Tell Priscilla that the grenade worked *wonderfully*, both of them.  I used one here and one there."  That got a nod and the Watcher drove into the field to handle the cleanup.  Xander put a bandage over her stomach, winding some around her waist to hold it in place, then drove them on.  "Where are we going?"

"Bobby's," Dean called.

"Which is where?"

"South Dakota."

"Sure."  Xander hit the right interstate and headed off.  Every few hours she turned up the radio until she heard dual grumbling then turned it back down so they could sleep again.  They made it to South Dakota three days later and Dean woke up enough to write down an address.  So another two days and they were there.  It kept her from having to think for a while longer.  Xander pulled into the driveway of the salvage yard, parking by the house where an older white guy was standing.  She got out and waved, smiling a bit.  "Help me get the Impala off my trailer hitch please?"

"Do I know you, ma'am?"

"I've got Dean and Sam, the head injury twins, in the back."  He came down to look.  "They got banged up about five days back and said they wanted to come here."  She handed over the Impala's keys.  "Here ya go.  I'll pull them out if you'll pull her off."  Bobby nodded, going to take the car off the hitch and back it away.  Xander opened the back tailgate once she had room and climbed in, nudging Dean and Sam until they both groaned.  "You're here."

"Hate you," Dean said.

"I know.  Come on."

"No."

"Now.  You can't live in the back of my blazer.  Your car would get lonely with only Sammy in it."

"Bite me," Sam said.

"Boys," Bobby called.  "You've been waking them regularly?"

"Every few hours for the last few days.  I'm up to about five hours now.  It's been five days," she said at the heated look.  "I've had plenty of my own.  Been here, done this."  She scooted backward, hauling on Sam's foot until he got up and crawled himself out.  Dean moaned but followed.  Xander got them steady and walked Dean up to the porch, then inside, putting him onto the covered couch.  "There, you nap, Dean.  No more moving."

"No more country music?"

"No, no more country music."

"No more wailing like banshees?" Sam asked.

"No, no more wailing country music."  Bobby laughed.  She put Sam down on top of Dean.  "There, be a teddy bear this time."

"Your job," Sam complained, but he yawned and fell asleep there.

"Still going to kick your ass," Dean said, sounding half asleep himself.

"You can try once you're better."  She stood up and looked at him. "They should be fine."

"You need patched up too, miss?  And you are by the way?"

"Have they told you about Alex or Xander, whichever one I've been going by depending on the person?"  He nodded and grinned. "Tis me.  Now I'm heading off to go think in private."

"No," Dean said tiredly.

"Shut up, Dean.  Before I paint you pink and leave you in a parking lot naked with a for rent sign around your neck."  Bobby laughed louder.  Xander grinned.  "You only torture your friends."   She started to walk out but he stopped her.  "They'll be fine.  All their stuff is in their car."

He stared into her eyes. "You look like hell."

"I'm going to go have a drink."  Bobby gave her a look.  "I know.  I had alcoholic parents.  I don't retreat there that often but I deserve one since I just got them free and me free.  I deserve a beer and I deserve a good, long shower.  So I'm going to do that.  If they want to call when they get up, they've got my number."  He nodded, but still didn't let her go.  "Bobby, I have very strong reactions to people grabbing me," she said calmly.  He let her go.  "Thank you.  Not to say it's you or anything but the only ones I feel comfy touching me are on the couch."

"I'm a good listener.  So's Jim."

"I was going to stop in and say hi to him on the way home anyway," she admitted.  "Don't worry about them.  They'll be fine now."

"The deal...."

"Was solved about three weeks ago; make sure they can't die for the next two weeks or more and it'll be good."  He nodded.  "Now, I'm being girlish so I'd better go."

"There's supplies in the bathroom, Xander.  We've seen other female hunters and you guys draw them when you're being girlish."  She smiled and went to the bathroom then left.  He looked at the boys.  "What have you gotten yourself into this time?"  Dean made a complaining noise and Sam whimpered.  "All right, you two. You both stink. It's clear she let you sleep in the back of the truck and didn't stop at motels or anything since the battle.  You're getting slime on the couch.  Up and to the shower."  He pulled Sam up and kept Dean from pulling his gun.  Dean followed with some prompting and a good shove.

***

Dean sat down at the table a few mornings later.  "Now that I can think, where is my bitch?"

Bobby blinked at him.  "Excuse me?"

"Xander.  Where did she go?"

"She's your...."

"Friend with benefits and our hunting partner, Bobby.  She's in deep emotional trouble.  Where did she say she was going?"

"To say hi to Jim on the way home.  That's all she said."

"Uh-huh.  She look like she'd eaten in the last few weeks?"  He shook his head.  "Knew she was going to backslide when she got it fixed.  Can you watch Sam for me?"

"Sure.  You sure you wanna go chase her?"

"No, but I'm going to go beat her ass for making us worry.  I'll try to drag her back here."

"She didn't seem like she could take being around people."

"Understatement," Dean snorted.  "Big understatement, Bobby."  He stood up and rubbed his forehead.  "Drugs?"

"Tylenol's behind you."  Dean got four and took them on his way out to the car, grabbing his keys off the front table.  Bobby watched him drive off then went to check on Sam, who was napping safely for now.  "Someone's got to tell me what's going on.  Might as well be him.  Bet it'll be entertaining with those two."  He went back to fixing himself breakfast.  Sam would get up eventually when he smelled the food.  Even if it was to puke because his head was making him feel like he had morning sickness according to him.

***

Dean found Xander on the road, having put the GPS tracking chip back into the blazer, under the back seat this time so it'd be harder to find.  He sat down across from her at the table, taking her beer to take a drink of it.  "Morning."

"Not really."  She took it back and drained it.  "Get your own."

"You are mine."

"I thought we agreed we'd be friends and neither of us would do the clingy girl things."

"I'm not being clingy.  You're our hunting partner, Xander."

"For the moment, I need time to think."

"No, you don't.  You think, you get depressed, and you end up looking like a crack whore.  Like you do today."  She glared at him.  "Don't make me mother you."

"You do it very well."

"Yeah, well, learned from experience.  So, you want to get a burger?"

"Not really hungry."

Dean made her look at him.  "Xander, we're going to talk."

"Get off her," the waitress said, coming over.  "She wants to be left alone."

Dean looked at her.  "No she doesn't.  We're friends. I'm staging an intervention."  He stood up and pulled her up.  "Pay the bar bill and we'll go talk it out again, Xander."

"I ...."

"Xander."

"I'm not your bitch, Dean."  He kissed her and she moaned, clinging to his chest.  "Even with that being good and all I still need time to think.  I'm lost again."

"I know that.  We can go think together.  My head's finally quit hurting and you need someone to talk to.  It works better for you.  So let's go do that."

"Leave her be," the waitress snapped.

Dean glared at her.  "Obviously you've never seen someone depressed enough to be dangerous to themselves, lady.  Butt out."  She gave him a dirty look.  "Xander."  She put down money and followed him out.  "Thank you."

"I'll let you do whatever and then go think somewhere else."

"While that's a nice sentiment and all, fat chance.  Not until you're back to yourself again."  He shoved her into the Impala, looking around.  "Where's the blazer?"

"I don't usually drink and drive if I've had more than one drink."

"Good to know.  How many have you had?"

"I don't know.  I lost track when people were buying for me a few days back."

"Where are you staying?"  She pointed at a nearby motel so he drove them over there, getting her out and up to her room, waving off the clerk.  "I'm bringing her home and sitting on the alcohol poisoning."

"She paid for a single."

Dean went to take care of that then came back and locked them inside.  She was collapsed on the bed.  "I've seen you look worse," he said, sitting up to watch her sleep.

***

Xander woke up in the morning and Dean snapped awake in his chair.  "What the hell?"

"It's called a motel room.  It's where you sleep.  I know you remember what that is."

"Not cute."  She sat up, holding her head.  "How did you find me?"

"The same way I did last time, dumbass."  He stared at her.  "Want something to eat?"  She shook her head.  "Don't make me handcuff you.  They'll get the wrong idea and I don't want to be in jail while you're in a psych ward.  It won't do either of us any good, Xander."

Xander looked at him.  "Why are you bothering?"

Dean stared at her.  "That's what friends do."  She gave him such a confused look.  "If Buffy had went on a bender, wouldn't you take her home?"

"Did when she went cave slayer."

"Then I'm doing the same thing."

"We're not home."

"I know we're not home.  You're here instead of home.  I came to find you.  Did the liquor rot your brain?"

"Must be.  Probably why my parents were so dumb too."

"Then quit drinking."

"Do you have any idea what I feel like?"

"Yeah.  I was there when Sammy died."  Xander groaned, flopping backwards again.  "And then I found a way out of it.  Then you saved my ass.  Now I'm returning the favor."

"I'm not some damsel and I don't demand payback."

"You're getting it anyway," he promised.  He stood up and walked over, pulling her up and into the bathroom, getting them both into a warm shower.  She shivered under the spray.  "There's a reason to go on, Xander."

She looked at him.  "I'm tired of hunting."

"What else are you going to do?  Go have kids?"  She shuddered.  "Did you threaten Bobby?"

"Told him not to grab me when he did."

"No wonder."  He pushed her back against the wall of the shower, looking at her.  "You're still a friend, even if you try to shove me away.  You still have at least ten more days before time's up on the after clause anyway.  We can talk during that ten days."  She yawned.  "You need to do more of that and more eating too.  Otherwise you're going o the ER and I'm going to have you checked in as suicidal so you can't get out on your own."

"I can escape."

"I have no doubt you can but it could actually help you.  What I'm trying to do."

"I'm fucking miserable, Dean.  Why do I want to prolong this?"

"Because some of us would miss you and I'm tired of missing people.  We go missing too many friends as is, Xander.  All I want to do is not miss you.  You can retire to the cabin.  You can do research if you want.  Jim does."  She slumped.  "You can go back to Sunnydale if you want."  She shook her head.  "Sam and I agreed before we went to Sunnydale that we're taking a vacation until we figure some things out.  We're doing that at your place because you have good cable."  Xander snorted at that, turning to wet her face down.  Dean turned her around and held her.  "Let it out, Xander."

"Not a girl."

"I know and letting it go isn't a girly thing.  Just let it out.  Let me help.  Otherwise I really will have to beat your ass for worrying us that way.  You nearly didn't come back.  We were going to give up when the attack happened."  Xander slumped, and he could feel a few tears.  "Shh, I've got you.  You can let it out, let yourself fall.  I'll help you.  That's what friends and family do for each other."

"How would I know?"

"We'll figure it out together."  She nodded, going limp against his chest.  "Shh.  Let it out.  I have you.  I'm the strong one at the moment.  Even if I am hungry enough to eat you.  Not that you'd be very tender.  You're kinda stringy at the moment."

"Food sucks."

"Yeah I know.  Tough."  He got them out of the shower and went to get them something from the fast food place up the street.  He came back and paid for another night when he saw the pissed looking man in the office.  "Sorry."

"Just tonight?"

"I think so."  He went back up there, letting Xander have her soda.  She gave him a weak smile.  "Drink."  He sat down next to her on the bed, letting her cuddle up to him.  He yawned.  "Drink it."  Xander gulped the soda.  "Want the pancakes and syrup or the bland scrambled eggs and toast?"

Xander looked up at him. "Hospital food?"

"Gotta have some uses to it.  You haven't been eating.  The alcohol would make your stomach touchy.  Up to you.  You want sugar or stuff to ease you back into eating?"  Someone pounded on the door and he sighed.  "Five bucks says it's a cop."

"Probably."

Dean got up to answer it.  "Yes, Officer?"

"Sir, it was reported that you drug a young woman out of a bar last night?"

Dean let him see Xander.  "First of all, she's my wife.  Secondly she's been depressed and took off recently.  I tracked her down so we could talk and see if I could help her.  Last night I did drag her out of there.  She wasn't sure what week it was.  I brought her back here to sleep it off and now I'm trying to get her to eat.  I appreciate that the locals are looking out for strange people who kidnap young woman, but I'm not one."

The officer looked at Xander.  "She does look rough.  Think about checking her into rehab?"

"She's depressed, not an alcoholic.  She's had some really bad traumas in the last few months."

"Ma'am, is what he says true?" the officer asked.

Xander looked up at him and blinked a few times then nodded.  "Yeah.  I did take off so I could have some time to think and it turned into a bad moment for letting people buy me drinks."  The officer nodded.  "He's trying very hard not to yell at me for taking off that way while he had a head injury."

"That's fine then.  You want to hit the ER?"

She shook her head.  "Over everyone who drags me's dead body," she said coolly.  He nodded, backing up at that.  "I'll be fine.  I was thinking too much and not eating or sleeping.  We've had this fight before."

Dean nodded.  "Up and down the California coast," he agreed.

"Fine, sir.  Ma'am, if you do need help, 911 works around here."

"Thank you, Officer," Dean said, smiling and shutting the door once he turned around.  He came back to the bed, handing her the eggs and toast.  "Thank you."  He kissed her.  "Now eat."

"Any more sodas?"

"Two in the bottom of the bag.  If you eat at least half  your breakfast you can have another one."  She dug in and ate listlessly.   "Sam was thinking.  You could have the surgery and change back."  Xander gave him a horrified look.  "It'd make you a guy again."

"I'd have to do a lot of stripping for that."

"True."  He stole a piece of her toast and gave her a soda, making her happier.  He even let her mooch some of the pancakes.  "Sam also found a spell online to make you a guy at least part of the time.  So you could switch back and forth."  She looked perkier at that.  "I'm not sure if it's doable.  He sent it to Tara while we were chasing after you."

"I'm sorry but..."

He put a hand over her mouth, staring at her, one eyebrow cocked up. "Shut up.  I heard your reasons.  They're flimsy at best.  We weren't going to get hurt.  There's no way that the demon could have hurt us."  Xander nodded.  "No there wasn't."

"He took it easy on me."

"I doubt that, Xander.  You're a prize to their side.  The same as I am.  They were simply dumb.  Most demons are."  She slumped.  "You didn't want to trust us."  Xander shook her head.  "Why?"

"Because you had what you needed and wanted."  She looked up at him.  "People leave when they have what they want."

"Some do.  I see you as more than useful.  Otherwise I'd put you in the trunk, not sleep with you.  You're not a weapon.  You're a friend.  Before all this stuff started, wouldn't your friends have been with you if it was a bully or something?"

"Jesse would have."

"Okay.  Did you talk to him?"

"I staked him," she said quietly.  "He got turned.  That's why I jumped into the fight."

Dean moaned, slumping some.  "Damn it.  We got involved because of Dad and the one that killed Mom."

"Jesse and I could've ended up together.  He was the only one who really wanted to know *me*.  Willow had a crush and she saw what she wanted to.  Buffy slowly got spoiled by the ease of the fight.  When I had to do something necessary she got pissed.  She would've thrown me a going away party in those days.  Later on she would've protested but if I was insistent she would've backed down.  Maybe snuck after me but probably not."

"What would Jesse have done?"

"We were fifteen when he was killed, Dean.   We were barely working out if we liked girls or not."

"Good point."  He kissed her again.  "I seem to like smartasses with super strength."  She gave him a weak smile.  "The same as I do for Sam, I do for you.  If you're in trouble and I can get there to help, I'm going to be there.  I'll even promise it in blood if you want."

"That can kill you."

"I know that."  Xander leaned against his shoulder.  "How's your stomach?  If I remember right you needed stitches."

"It's fine.  Healed."  She let him see the new scar.

"I don't see that it was stitched."

"I can't stand to have most people touch me, Dean.  That includes doctors and things."

"Would you consider trusting the ones I do if Sam and I are there?"  She shook her head.  "Why not?"

"Because it creeps me out."

"What about if I did them or Sam did them?"

"You two don't set of creepy feelings."

"Good.  Then it's progress.  A little bit with some backsliding.  Eat."  Xander finished her breakfast and his, then the soda.  She snuggled in again once the styrofoam boxes were tossed out.  "Did Jim make you feel creepy?"

"I felt like he was leering."

"He was probably studying you to see if you need help.  He does that."  He cuddled her closer.  "We're going tonight, okay?"  Xander nodded.  "We can do this however you want.  I'd like for us to go back closer to Bobby's since I left Sam there."

"I was wondering where he was hiding."

"He's soaking up real showers and home cooked food."  He looked at her.  "I also want to be back there because there's a hunter's picnic and gathering coming up.  I want us to go as a team.  We are a team?"  Xander nodded weakly, but flinched when someone knocked on the door.  "What?" he called impatiently.  They knocked again so he got up, looking at the man on the other side.  "Yes?"

"Your...wife forgot to pay half her bar bill."

"How much more do I owe?" Xander asked with a groan as she got up.

"How much did you drink?  You tossed down four hundred," Dean complained.

Xander came over with her wallet, handing over another two.  "That cover it?"  The guy nodded and left.  Xander shut the door, looking at him.  She leaned in.  "He's a supplier, Dean.  I was going to have him work on the blazer too."

"Uh-huh."  He looked at her.  "For?"

"More stability.  I felt like it was sliding on the snow."

"Fine.  When will it be done?"

"Should be done now.  Was it in the parking lot?"  He nodded.  "Then it should be done now."  She looked and waved at the guy, who nodded and left.  Xander shut the door and climbed back into the bed, patting it.  "Can I...."

"This time.  You told me you left it because you were too drunk to drive."

"Another good reason and I found out that he could do that after I started to drink."

"Fine."  He kissed her on top of the head.  "We've got to solve this issue."

"I don't like not being myself."

"So we'll try that spell, see if it helps."  Xander looked up at him.  "It sucks, Xander, but if you can't help it you can't.  If even a God can't heal it, then you've got to accept it."

"I don't want to live like this."

"Why?  What's so bad about it?"

"You mean besides having to fight?  I'm never going to get to do normal things.  I'm never going to be able to do anything but be a slayer.  I'm never going to start a family, raise one, keep them from joining me in the field, none of it.  I'll never get to work a normal job with a real paycheck.  It's always going to be slay and repeat."

"They said you were on the reserve list."

"Yeah but being what I am will draw them to me," she reminded him.

He considered it.  "That's a good point.  The cabin's protected."  She shrugged.  "You could stay there most of the time."

"Yay, hiding, a great way to live my life.  I'm not Howard Hughs."

"No, you're not.  If you were that rich you could've already had the operation."

"I checked.  You have to pass some mental evals and do the whole 'living as the other sort for a year' thing, plus a lifetime of hormones."

"Plus there's no guarantee of the powers passing on," he said.  She nodded, putting her head back down.  He thought.  "Because we finally got that one demon, Sam and I have both been thinking about our future," he said cautiously.  She gave him a horrified look.  "What?"

"If you're proposing you're going to be miserable after six months of doing nothing but hiding."

"Well, I wasn't going to.  I'm not ready for that and you're seriously not until you're back to the point where you can look at your own body again."  He gave her a squeeze.  "We've been thinking about cutting back.  Doing four, five, six jobs a year instead of always being on the road. That would solve both problems, right?"  She nodded slowly, still staring at him.  "I know very well I'm going to fall back to a support position like Bobby does sometime in my thirties.  I already ache and I'm only twenty-six.   I've been banged up too many times recently.  That sort of support would be helping other hunters, doing research, that stuff.  Want to help with that?"

"That's kind of what I was doing before," she admitted.

"Okay.  Can we work on doing that together?  We slow down, you slow down and gradually stop when you can't walk out the door?"

Xander considered it. "That's only one problem."

"The family thing?  You're closer to having one now than you were before, Xander.  You can have a kid whenever you want.  You know that."

"I'm still having trouble thinking about those parts."

"No one said it had to be today.  When you're ready for a family, you can do that.  Even with that one nightmare."

She plucked at his chest hairs a few times.  "In the nightmare I was having you being reborn after dying."

"That's kind of creepy," he told her, shuddering.  "Was Sam my dad?"  She nodded.  "Eww.  You'd break Sammy."

"I don't know."

"Still gross."

"Which is one of those things that's really stopping me from even thinking about it."

Dean kissed her.  "Me too now."  She gave him a real smile.  "You can shelve that problem until you're ready to think about retiring fully and having one.  Though I'd better not be dead by then."  She hugged him.  "Would that work so far?"  She nodded.  "Okay, any other issues beyond the fact that you backslid again about your body?"

"I was holding on because I had to do that job.  I kept pushing it back."

"So you ignored it and pushed it away instead of dealing with it.  Now we have to deal with it.  We can deal with it while on vacation.  Because your cabin's going to be covered in snow for another month and then you'll have three weeks of mud.  The Impala will never get out of there in that much mud."  Xander gave him a squeeze.  "Can we go talk to Sammy and make sure he can agree?  He always wanted to go back to a normal life too."

"I don't..."

He kissed her then stared down at her.  "Bobby used to hunt with our dad.  He's known us since we were little kids.  Jim's probably already warned him why you're with us."  She groaned.  "He won't tell anybody unless you tell him to but he's a good friend of the family.  That means you need to get to know him too and you two have to deal with each other.  Speaking of, how did my car get there?"

"I towed it."

"Want to do that this time?"

"I like the Impala."

"Yeah but I can't tow the blazer.  Unless you're not going to make any unscheduled side trips to some far off place again?"  Xander shook her head.  "Good."  She snuggled in.  "We need to sleep.  It's been a bad month."  She nodded.  "Did the demon hurt you?" he asked quietly.

"We sneered at each other then I used the new toy."

"I saw that in the field.  It was pretty."

"I'll get the specs."

"Cool.  We love new toys."  He wiggled down, letting her cuddle up.  At least until he pinched her.  "Never, ever offer to let me do whatever I want and then leave.  You're not my whore, Xander."

"Sorry."

"I know you were drunk, just don't do it again."

"Yes, Dean."

"Thank you."  He called Sam's cellphone.  "It's us.  Yeah, found her.  We'll be heading back that way tomorrow.  Took me three days to get here.  Sure.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Think you could handle the picnic?  It's lots of good food and Pastor Jim will be there."  Xander shook her head.  "You could try then go hide in the car."

"Too many people I don't know."

"We're a tight group, Xander.  We're mostly friends."  He made her look at him.  "Try it?  Just for an hour?  It's usually a lot of fun and half of them will think I finally brought a date.  We won't tell them you're you or anything."

"No one will wonder?"

"Nope.  They'll ask but Bobby's going to put around the word that you're a bit shy and don't want to talk about things yet.  Some of us come in with a huge chip, like Dad did, and some sneak in under the radar and find themselves stuck in the middle of us.  You can appear to be one of those, sucked in by my magnificence."

"Funny, you don't look like Lockhart."

"Thankfully, he wore ugly clothes.  Robes would get in my way anyway; they'd hide some of my best assets."  He kissed her.  "Sleep."

"Yes, Dean.  You do realize this is a common law state?" she said a few minutes later.  He groaned.  "We'll figure it out."

"Thanks."  He let her snuggle in, feeling how thin she had gotten this time.  He was going to break her of this habit of running away.  Even he and Sammy had to learn how to trust someone.  Granted, they hadn't been betrayed like Xander was, but they had learned.  They'd help her learn.

***

Dean looked at Xander, who was slightly dressed up.  Jeans and a better than usual shirt.  He grinned.  "We're mostly in t-shirts if you want to change."

"I look more like a girlfriend."

"Be yourself, Xander.  They'll know if you lie.  Plenty of us do it to save our own asses."  She sighed but changed into a loose t-shirt.  He got out and she got out, letting him lock the car and walk around to walk into the scary group of people beside him.  "Relax."

"I am.  Can't you tell?"

"Xander," Sam said, rushing over to give her a hug.  "Come on.  We've got our own table with Bobby."  He drug her behind him, taking her over there.  "Now, apologize to each other."

"Didn't mean to upset you, Xander."

"Not a problem.  I should've warned, not threatened."

Bobby grinned.  "Sit down.  You look a bit better."

"Dean nags like an old wife."  She sat down while Sam laughed and Dean rolled his eyes.

"Only when you and Sam need me to."  He waved at a few people, ignoring the curious looks for now.  "Lunch on yet?"

"We knew you'd only come to eat," Jim said from behind him, getting a hug from the boys and Xander.  "Good to see you, Xander."

"Sorry, Jim."

"It's not a problem, dear.  Next time, come talk to me.  After all, not like I don't know and don't try to understand."  Xander nodded.  "Good girl."  He patted her on the head.  "Grill's that way, Dean.  Go stuff your face."  He grinned and went to do that while Jim sat next to her, Sam protectively on the other side.  "Sam, go eat," he said.  Sam gave him a stubborn look.

Xander patted him on the wrist.  "He'd never hurt me."

"Fine."  He went to help Dean gather food for all them.  "Don't hog all the food."  A few of the guys laughed at that.  "He is!"

"If I did, you'd be shorter than me," Dean told him, strolling back to the table.  Bobby tried to wave him off but he sat down on Xander's free side anyway.  He shoved one plate at Xander, getting a look.  "Eat.  Don't make me nag."

"I ate thirty minutes ago."

"Good, eat again.  Not like you're worried about getting fat or something.  You get more exercise than we do."  Xander sighed but nibbled on a chip, making Jim laugh.  He looked at Bobby.  "Did you tell him how there's a new ghost in the circle?  I know he was supposed to come visit but he said he only got to your place before he got stuck.  Haven't talked to him since February."

"Hadn't yet."  He looked at the pastor.  "Somehow, during the invasion in Sunnydale, John's ghost got brought back."  Jim nodded that he'd seen him.

"And Xander chewed him a new one," Sam said, sitting next to Bobby.   "He's decided she's going to give him grandbabies."

"I told him about the nightmare I was having."  Sam gave her an odd look.  "Yes, that one."

Sam looked at his brother.  "It wasn't mine and she swears it's not a vision."

"That's good.  I'd hate to have that future."  He gave him a look.  "If necessary, go ahead.  Then at least I'd still get cuddles."  Xander pinched him and he yelped.  A few of the guys laughed at that.  "Quit!" he yelled.  "Before I sic the new ghost on you!"

"If he shows up, he'll talk to them," Xander said.  "They might yell at him too."

"Yeah, more than one of them probably will," Bobby agreed.  "So, how was Sunnydale?"  A few guys in hearing backed up and gave them worried looks.  "The slayer out there called for help.  There was a small invasion of demons."

"It lasted about ten minutes," Sam told them.  "The people working to close the portal got it done fairly quickly so we only had about two hundred demons surging through into an alleyway and a lot of swords in their way.  Did we know that there's a demon hunting group out of the UN?  It's highly classified but some of them joined us too."  One guy choked.  "Hey, Bob.  Any relation to Riley?"

"I'm going to kill my nephew," he said.

Xander turned to look at him.  "You're related to Riley?  Did he always have bad taste or was it when he decided to date Buffy?  Sam seemed a bit passive for his former tastes as we saw it."

"You're from Sunnydale?"

Xander grinned and nodded.  "Born and bred actually."

"Are you human?"

"Very.  I grew up not three blocks from the hellmouth.  Helped with graduation too.  We had an ascension."  Most everyone shuddered.  She grinned. "Then Dean adopted me when I got sent to Jim by the Powers That Be."

Jim nodded.  "She was.  She's been very helpful to the boys."

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her," Sam agreed, grinning at her.  "Did you have to play wailing, angsty, country music to wake us up when we had the concussion?  Couldn't you have punched us instead?"

"Sometimes I like country music," she defended, making Bobby laugh.  "What?  It's my sad music."

"Which is why we listened to classic rock all the way here," Dean said before eating a bite of burger.

Jim patted her on the back, watching her tense up.  "You know very well I'm not going to hurt you, Xander."  She made herself relax.  "We'll talk if you want."  She shook her head.  "No?"

"I'm still having some adjustment issues."

"That's fine.  You have my number if you need to talk to me."

"Sam and I have been talking and Xander agreed with us.  We're going to cut back to spending some time in a place that's not a motel every month.  They gave her that little cabin so we can spend some time there.  Or maybe drop in on Bobby more often?"  Bobby shrugged at that.  "That way we can slow down because I'm starting to ache and all the bangs to the head are making my ears ring for longer each time."

"I used to bang mine into gravestones so I'm more used to head injuries," Xander said.  "At first I thought all this was one."

Dean looked at her.  "I'm much more fun than a concussion."

"You definitely are but if I ever get sick like I do with concussions, you're in deep shit and you're going to be swim team bait."

Dean snickered. "Sure.  If I ever make you puke like that I'll let you chop me up and feed me to your town's former swim team, Xander."  He ate another bite, shaking his head.  Then he realized what she had said.  "Without planning it in advance?"

"Depends on the day," she said blandly.  Sam burst out cackling and even Jim had to laugh at that.  Bobby gave her a clueless look.  "The nightmare I keep having over and over again is Sam having to reincarnate Dean by having someone bear him.  Namely me."  Bobby burst out in high-pitched giggles.  "If he *ever* makes me puke like that, I'm going to gut him."

"Works for us.  Let us know first in case he runs, Xander," Bobby said.  He grinned.  "I could learn to like you."

"Maybe," she said with a coy grin, making him laugh again.  "But, hey, I'm not Buffy."

"No, you're definitely not the pampered princess turned slayer," Sam agreed.  "You don't do couture clothes or manicures."

"Thank god," Dean muttered.  Xander gave him a look.  "I'm sorry, I can't imagine you being one of those flighty little girls like Buffy was.  Down to earth is nice.  That's why we all like Tara and you.  You're realistic, you're down to earth.  You don't simper, beg, and coo unless you're being the bait.  It's nice."

"It is," Xander agreed.  "Plus, I'm not like Anya."

"No, you're not.  I'm very glad of that.  I'd never wake up if you were."  Sam giggled, turning to laugh on Bobby's shoulder.  Bobby looked confused.  "She used to date Anyanka, over Women Scorned, when she lost her powers."

"I stepped on her power center and broke it," Xander told him.  "So we went to the prom together."  Bobby whimpered. "She was decent.  Liked sex.  Made me pay the bills but that was fine.  It was okay enough.  She's very blunt and she's back to work again."

"Very blunt is an understatement, dear," Jim said dryly.  "I had to help a young man who ran afoul of her recently.  She was nagging him about his lack of sexual knowledge."

"Yeah, I got that too.  But hey, I made her quit talking about the ones she tortured."

"Good job," Jim praised.

"She kept trying to set Sammy and Anya up.  I nearly spanked her for it," Dean told him.

Someone poked Xander on the back then retreated from the glare Sam sent his way.  "How did you come to meet the boys?"

"The Powers That Be sent me to them to help them with a few recent problems."  She looked at him.  "They sent me to Jim who called them.  I shot out the back tire of the Impala so they wouldn't crash and have broken ribs."

"Don't remind me," Dean told her.

"I replaced it and helped you change it."

"You did.  That was very nice and it saved your life at that point," Dean assured her dryly.  He ate another bite, nodding at Sam to explain it somehow.

"They sent her because she knew of a way to get Dean free and to kill the demon that got our mom.  She had her own problem that we helped her train for.  The Watcher/Slayer team out in Sunnydale wasn't doing much training of their normal people."

"You went there?" he demanded.

Dean swallowed and nodded.  "Yeah.  Since their former mayor died it's slowed down some.  Now they've got both slayers working on the hellmouth to keep it calm.  Xander helped take down a whole vampire frat house while we were out there."

"How are there two?" he asked, looking suspicious.

Xander looked at him again.  "Buffy died and I gave her CPR.  It was long enough to call Kendra, who came out and they figured it out together.  When Kendra died, Faith was called.  She's back out of prison and changed back to a good slayer again.  They've even got Spike helping since the Initiative chipped him."  That got a whimper from someone.  She looked at Riley's uncle, grinning a bit.  "Yes, that one.  He's helping Buffy.  She needed another good fighter and he is one."

"Where is my nephew?"

"We saw him right before solstice and then he went home for the holidays or something, then they went back on assignment."

"Must've went to his woman's family then.  You got his number?"

"Giles does.  Buffy might."

"Giles?"

"Rupert Giles, Watcher to the Slayer Buffy.  He runs a store called the Magic Box.  He has it; that's how we got hold of him for the invasion."

"How did John's ghost get called back?" someone demanded.

"One of the sorcerers closing the portal was Ethan Rayne.  It called for a white, a reformed, and a dark practitioner.  Ethan filled in for the dark spot.  It was his last move before he ran from Giles again."

"They couldn't use their own witch?" one demanded.

"Willow ended up with a small magic addiction.  Then she lost her soulmate."  They all shuddered.  "It caused a number of problems and they're helping her weed out her powers at the moment.  Fortunately we got Tara back so she's filling in."

"She's reborn?" one asked.

"No, Willow made the same sort of deal I did," Dean said honestly.  "Offering someone else's soul.  They've handled her, she's out of commission, she's being drained of all her magic.  She's safe, the town's safer.  Tara's a sweetheart and I want her to move closer so we can visit more often."

"They've got Sunnydale down to a ten percent homicide and disappearance rate this month," Xander told them.  "First time in nearly a hundred years, since normal people moved there."  That got some smiles.

"You helped," Dean reminded her.

"I know I did, but not this month."

"Good point."  He patted her on the head.  "Want the chips?"  She dug in, making him smile.  "So, what's been going on up your way, Jim?"

"Nothing much.  A boy who cheated on his pregnant girlfriend that I had to help save.  The usual spiritual crises.  Your father's dropped by a few times to complain about Xander and you boys hunting with her.  He thinks she should have stayed there and strung someone up.  Then he started to pout about lack of heirs.  Again."  Xander snickered, shaking her head.  "He told me you chewed him a new one."

"Of course I did.  He was being a dumbass."

"He could be," Bobby agreed.  "That's why I shot him the last time I saw him alive."

"Amused me to no end," Dean assured him, getting a laugh.  "Bobby, can you look at the new modification on her blazer later?  The guy who did it was a bit shady.  He picked her up in the bar."

"I can look.  What's wrong with it?"

"I'm not so sure he did it right.  It seems a bit weak to me."

"I'll look it over tonight.  You are coming for dinner tonight so he can pick up Sam?"  Xander nodded.  "Good."  He smiled.  "We've got a nice guest room.  You guys can figure that out however since I'm sure you've shard plenty of motel rooms."

"Yeah, but none of us have the hickeys anymore to show for it."  Sam groaned and put his head down.

Dean shook his and moaned.  "You did some of that too."

"Twice," she defended.

"Uh-huh.  That's still some."  He looked at Bobby.  "The last ten places have had six that only had a full size bed in the room and that was the only room left.  No couches in any of them.  Us nearly out of money."  Jim whimpered.  "So yes, they both suck in their sleep now and then.  She kicks.  Sam creeps.  It's been a bit strange this last nine months."

"Picked her up in a bar too?" one drunk guy sneered.

"No, she got sent to Jim for us to pick her up," Dean told him before eating a bite.

"I think she got sent to warp you two.  She's a demon whore," he said.  He took a swing at Xander but she caught his fist and calmly stood up, looking at him.  "You are, aren't you?"

"No.  Never have slept with a demon that I know of.  Anya was a former demon when I slept with her.  Cordy ascended long after we were over."  He gaped.  Xander stared at him.  "Your idea is very far fetched.  It probably goes with the fairies that make shoes and who milk your cows for you."  Sam spluttered.  "I'd like an apology."  He took another swing at her.  "Last warning, dear.  I'm not in the mood to fight but I'll kick your ass if you do it again."  He growled and took another swing so she knocked him down with a punch then stood in the middle of his chest, staring down at him.  "What was that?  Did I hear an apology?"

"Never gonna get it now," he sneered.

"Xander, let me," Dean ordered.

"No, I think I have this one.  If he thinks I am, let him prove the one I've slept with."

"You're too powerful to be a *girl*."

"That's because I'm a slayer, dipshit."  The man gaped and a few gasped.  "Yeah, Willow activated me for the invasion.  I'm still here too.  That's why I get to wander around.  Yay me."  She stared down at him, making him whimper.  "Now, you got any other problems?  I'm sure you can fix them.  Because if you *ever* take another swing at me again and I'm not possessed or something, I'm going to fuck up your life in a permanent fashion.  Got me here?"  He nodded quickly so she got off.  "Thank you."  She looked at the others.  "Yes, there's three of us thanks to Rosenburg.  Which is why she's under careful monitoring at the moment."  She looked at Dean.  "Keys?"

"Sit.  Eat."

"No.  And no."  Dean pulled her down next to him.  "Dean...."

"Anyone have a problem with Sammy and me hooking up with Xander beyond our dad whining for grandkids?"  They all shook their heads or shrugged and went back to what they had been chatting about.  He grinned.  "See?  We're pretty easy going.  That one needs his brain cleaned."

"And waxed," Xander offered.

"Could help," Sam agreed.  He got up and walked around to look at him.  "She's like my sister, Dave.  You're treading on very thin ice."

"She's dangerous.  She reports to them."

"No I don't.  The Watchers Council can blow me.  Travers knows that," Xander assured him.  "We've already had this talk.  Rupert started to do some minimal training.  Wesley Wyndham-Pryce finished it for me, both of which are *former* Watchers.  Neither one report to the council about *anything*.  Wes and I have been making plans to blow up something if they come back over to bother us.  Travers and I have an agreement.  They're very sorry Willow did it to me.  I'm on reserve, and I may be the last slayer ever called so they're leaving me alone.  Permanently.  So no, I don't answer to the Council or a Watcher.  Dean's as close as I'm getting to one and he's got more style and class than most of them.  I'd never catch him in tweed either."  Bobby snickered and nodded that was right.  "Any other remarks?"

"You're not natural."

"Willow," she said slowly and clearly. "Plus born and bred on the hellmouth.  That's one of the Council's worst nightmares.  Until Wes drained off some of my natural energy I was drawing demons from thirty miles to come eat me.  Fortunately that's been solved."

"Thankfully," Dean agreed.  He looked at the guy on the ground.  "Dave, let me put it simply.  Mine.  Our hunting partner.  Even Dad got that point eventually.  Dad?" he called.  He faded in.  "A hunter's picnic and Dave wanted to make sure you knew we're still hunting with Xander."

"I like your plans, boys.  It's good to think about the future."  He looked at Xander.  "If that nightmare becomes a vision..."

"Then I'm going to scream, rant, and cry and Sam'll probably have to tie me down a few times."

"I can accept that."  He smiled.  "Son, you might want to watch your lies when you're checking into a motel.  You already goofed up in a common law state."  The others laughed.  "Just a head's up, son."

"He wasn't going to let us stay if we didn't.  The next one was over three hours away."

"Uh-huh.  Just be careful, son.  Look at those laws and make sure you're good with them."  He looked at Xander again. "Not that I mind."

"I'm *so* not ready to settle down yet, John.  Thanks anyway."

He laughed, floating over to Dave.  "She's a great young woman.  Stood up to me every single time so far."

"Someone had to.  Your ego is bigger than your boy parts as Tara would say."

Dean choked and spluttered.  "Damn it, Xander."

"Sorry, Dean."  The others laughed and relaxed again.  It was clear the boys loved her, John loved her, so she would be good enough for them too.  Even if she was a bit strange and forceful.

***

Bobby watched as Xander came out of the bathroom nearly fully dressed.  "I've seen naked women before, Xander.  Get comfy."

"No offense, but I only do that when I need gas money."  Bobby gaped.  "They can't touch!  I'll get used to them looking but no one gets to touch."

"But us," Dean countered from the couch.

"Except them. And Sam's kinda confused.  He thinks girls look like chia pets."  She went to the bedroom.  "Night, all."

"Night," Sam called.  He looked at Dean, then at Bobby.  "Want me to take the couch?"

"Not like I care, Sam.  Whatever makes you comfortable.  Just don't keep me up."

"Not that loud," Dean muttered, making Sammy nod.  "I am not."

"Yeah you are."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"No, bitch, I'm not."

"Jerk, yes you are."

"Boys," Bobby said.

Xander came out and smacked them both on the head.  "Shut up or you're both sleeping on the couch. Or in the pink room when we get back to the cabin."  She went back to bed, leaving Bobby laughing.

Dean shook his head.  "Xander's a fun person to travel with.  We've had a blast this last nine months."

"So what happened?"

Dean looked at him.  "Let me check.  This goes a bit deeper than you think."  He got up and went to check on Xander, smiling at her.  "Want me to tell him?"

"I don't want it spread around."

"He won't."  She shrugged.  "Can I?"

"Sure."

He kissed her.  "We'll be in soon.  Or you could sit up with us."

"I'm tired."

"Okay."  He looked t her.  "You're back on the patch, right?"  She nodded, giving him a patient look.  "Good, then no jeans in bed unless it's an emergency.  I'll molest you later."  She laughed so he left, closing the door behind him.  He nodded and Bobby followed him outside.  "What did Jim tell you?"

"That she was a bit strange but she'd been hunting before whatever problem sent her to you boys for protection and help."

Dean sighed.  "This is going to sound bad but it's a tale of, basically, two witches."  He looked at his friend seeing the horrified look.  "She's not one.  Being born and bred in Sunnydale she's storing some energy.  Wes drained some when he first got to us because she was drawing every demon within thirty miles due to that and bleeding issues."

"Well, she's a girl."

"Now."  Bobby looked confused.  "Xander ....  What have you heard about the Sunnydale crew?"

"Not much.  Slayer's a bit strange but a strong girl.  Lasted a while now.  Watcher's in disgrace.  Powerful witch, redheaded girl.  Had a werewolf friend that chained himself up."

"Oz," he said.  "Xander said that he's in Tibet getting control of the wolf somehow.  I never did get her to tell me what that meant."  He shifted and let out a small sigh.  "They had another helper, Bobby."

"Yeah, some normal boy who jumped in, got possessed, all that stuff."

"Which would be Xander."

"Huh?"

"Xander jumped into Buffy, the slayer's, fight at sixteen or so.  Tenth grade."  Bobby nodded once, making go on motions.  "He brought with him the young woman who'd eventually turn out to be a very powerful witch, Willow."

"The redheaded one."

"Who was dating the werewolf during those years.  Anyway, Willow had to close the hellmouth.  She wasn't letting the Watcher teach her how to slowly build her magic so she went from floating things to closing hellmouths and sticking a soul back into a vampire when he lost it."

"Damn," Bobby said in awe.

Dean grimaced.  "Later on, Oz left for Tibet after something.  Willow found a young witch named Tara.  Loves her wholeheartedly.  Man, even we love Tara.  If she liked boys in the least I'd let her have Sammy and walk away so they could have their life together.  Xander loves Tara like her sister.  Then Tara got shot.  Tara died."  He looked at him.  "Willow was having a problem with a magic addiction.  She had found black magic.  She was funneling it for the power rush."  By Bobby's look his voice sounded a bit flat and cold.  "When Tara got shot, Willow lost what was basically her soulmate.  To say she freaked out was a big understatement."

Xander came out to give him a hug.  "Did you feel what was called a soul's shudder?" she asked quietly.  Bobby looked at her and nodded.  "Willow in her grief sucked up an extreme amount of black magic from some artifacts and books.  She went to skin the person who had shot Tara.  We found his body a few days later.  Then she went to raise this ancient shrine out there.  By raising it and calling on the Goddess it was to she was going to destroy the world so they all felt like she did.  I stopped her.  Giles was sending her for some healing time to England, to a coven over in Devon who agreed to help her.  Before he could finalize the arrangements, Willow got the bright idea to have her resurrected the same way Dean did.  Only she didn't offer *her* soul, she offered mine."

"Hell," Bobby moaned.

"When I protested and freaked out, she told me it'd be fine and I was good for this.  I would make the sacrifice so she could have Tara because no one had ever loved me that way and there was no way I could understand.  When I told Giles, Buffy stuck up for her about me not being able to understand the pain she'd been in.  You know, I'd only been staking the people I grew up with.  One of them being my best friend, even above Willow, who was my first one staked.  When I found out I could fight it from Giles, I started making plans on how to do that.  Buffy heard us.  She told Willow.  Willow decided to change me so I couldn't possibly fight effectively."

Dean gave her hand a squeeze.  "Tara protested, Bobby.  She protested the deal, she protested Willow changing him into a female so he couldn't fight.  All of it.  Tara is the victim in all this, so's Xander."

Xander let out a snort.  "But the great part was, when Willow changed me she screwed with the slayer spells by accident.  If I had been born female I would've been a potential slayer.  It cranked it so I'm the last slayer.  We know if I die before the month's leeway on the deal is up no more will ever be called.  She made it so the Powers talked to me because even they got pissed at Willow.  And the one really *great* thing is that no one can change me back.  I went to the highest of the high chaos sorcerers.  All he could do was bind it into me so it wasn't so screwed up.  So I got sent to them for my own protection.  A new, virgin slayer, one that's too old for the powers and too old to fight the way a young teenage girl can.  A high price on my soul that I might've paid if Willow had asked.  I had no idea what to do with my body.  The Powers sent me to the boys to help them with their problems, knowing that it'd give me a way to train myself for my fight.  We found out about the last slayer clause a few days before the invasion."  Dean pulled her around to give her a hug.

"So she's still pretty uneasy with anyone but us touching her and it took us a while.  Mostly through the training we were doing with her in that cabin.  Which is hers now.  They've got her on the reserve list."

"I'm not adjusting to not being myself very well," Xander admitted quietly.

"I'd have tried to off myself," Bobby admitted.

"Giles stopped me."  She looked at him.  "So that's why I don't want it to get around.  Actually, we didn't want it to get around that I'm a slayer.  Not that I won't help if someone needs it but I've been fighting for a long time and I'm screwed in my own head."

"Dean'll help you."

"He has, a lot."

Dean nodded.  "I do."

"How are you stripping?"

"I was using it to get used to people watching my body.  There wasn't any way for them to touch me without getting tossed out so it was safer than going to a club to do it.  The free drinks that were helping the thoughts calm down for a few hours."  Bobby nodded that was true.  "Plus really good gas money.  I make better money than he does hustling pool."

Bobby grinned.  "You take good care of those boys.  It's clear you love 'em."

"They're my new family, Bobby.  Buffy and I can barely stay in the same room for a few minutes.  Giles helped me.  Tara helped me.  They've got my undying support.  Willow's in a magically induced coma that's leeching her powers back into the hellmouth.  She might wake up some century."

"While we were there for the invasion she decided to try to invalidate the sacrifice by killing her," Dean said, giving her a squeeze.  "Kidnaped her, stabbed her, all that stuff.  Thankfully she had slayer healing and that deal protected her from dying until it was time."  He looked at her.  "Your vial of poison is still there."

"Yeah, I know."  She kissed him.  "You're a great man."  He grinned.  "But you're not getting sex from me tonight."  He laughed.  "Sorry, I'm still sore."

"That's fine, Xander.  Want a backrub?"

"You'll use it to get sex."

"I can be nice and hold off."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Go lay down, I'll be right in."  She nodded, giving Bobby a pat on the arm before leaving.  Dean waited until she was inside.  "So now you know."

"No wonder she's carrying pain."

Dean nodded.  "We offered to burn Willow for her.  I *really* wanted to burn Willow for her.  I still really want to burn Willow for her.  The chaos sorcerer hid where he's got her in the coma so I can't burn her so Xander will feel better."  Bobby patted him on the shoulder.  "I'm hoping Tara decides to try boys and goes for Sam.  She's no featherweight as a witch but she's got a good soul.  She's got one of those pure souls that the dark won't taint."

"So's your girl."

Dean nodded.  "I know."  He grinned.  "I'm damn lucky.  We're still keeping it casual though because neither of us is ready to really settle down and do that sort of stuff."

"You're going to keep hunting?"

"Slowing down, not stopping yet.  I ache, Bobby.  The one we had to kill is gone."

"We all get to that point.  Go pamper your girl.  Anything I can do to help?"

"Now and then she backslides.  She'll drink a beer now and then with us but if she's hitting the heavy stuff there's a bad thing going on inside her head.  She dealt with it enough to get to the battle and through it.  Then she nearly collapsed from the strain of thinking."

"We'll watch out for her.  You know the network's like a family."

"I know.  What about Dave and his theory?"

"Jim took a good strip outta his hide when he woke up.  Nearly literally.  He thinks your girl's sweet."

"She is but she's a hellcat when you've pissed her off.  Night."  He went into the bedroom, finding Xander down to a t-shirt and a pair of his boxers.  "Mooch."

"I'll wash 'em."

"I know you will."  He took the t-shirt off her.  "Only Sammy's coming in and I think he's asleep on the couch."  He found some lotion and got to work on her shoulders, making her moan and go limp.  He smiled, working on all the aches and pains for her.  "Want to spar in the morning?"

"No thanks.  I kinda feel like the circus at the moment."

"Sure.  I get that."  He kissed the back of her head.  "Bobby's a good guy."

"I know.  If he wasn't he wouldn't let you two stay back here for so long."

"True."  He went back to what he was doing until she stiffened.  "What?"

"Demon dog."  She moaned and sat up, grabbing her pants once Dean got off her legs.  She took a kiss.  "Swords?"

"Same place they usually are."  She nodded, going to get one and find the stupid demon.  She found it sniffing around a car when he got out there with Bobby.  "What's up?"

"I think there's a body in this one."

"Just got it in today," Bobby admitted.  "I don't have the keys."

Xander used her sword to pry the trunk open then gagged and backed up.  The dog sat and howled.  "Oh, Gods, that's gross.   Even zombies are less gross."

Dean looked then nodded.  "Yeah."  He looked at the dog.  "STOP IT!"  It quit howling to stare at him. "Thanks for letting us know.  We'll send them to the right people.  You're not allowed here.  Go away."

Xander got down to look at the dog.  "You're very good at telling us about these things.  Go back to the master."  It nuzzled the car's bumper.  "Oh, that's your master.  Want sent home?"  It lapped her.  "Okay."  She took off her cross and put it onto his forehead, chanting quietly until the dog disappeared.  She put back on her cross.  "The person who summoned it.  Do we think their house is going to be filled with stuff that's got to be handled?"

"Probably," Dean agreed. "We'll deal with it after the cops do."

Xander looked at the body then at him.  "I'd be shocked if a demon didn't eat him."

"Me too.  Bobby?"

"Calling."  He found his cellphone and called the local cops.  "This is Bobby Singer.  Just popped a new car's trunk in the salvage yard and found a body.  No, chewed and mangled in the trunk, smells really gross.  Can't tell if it's a guy or not."

Xander looked then nodded.  "Guy's jeans, Bobby."

"We think it's a guy.  Sure, please.  We're back behind the barn."  He hung up and looked at it.  "That's just sick.  How're you gonna find out who?"

Xander stepped closer and reached in, making Dean gag.  "Quit."  She found a wallet and pulled it out to look at.  "Recognize him?"

Bobby looked then nodded.  "Yeah.  I know him.  He's one of the local ministers.  Pity.  Don't touch anything else. They might take fingerprints."

Xander nodded, backing away until the cop car got there.  "Hey," she said, walking over there.  "I didn't want to search the car for an ID but I did get his wallet out.  I'm the one who popped the trunk when the dog howled at it."  She handed it over.

"Did you touch anything else, ma'am?"

"Just his pocket, dude.  I'm good at that."  That got a nod so she led him back to the body, letting him wince and look away.

"Oh, that's sickening.  What's with the sword?"

"Couldn't find a pry bar and it worked," Xander said with a small grin.

"Oh, okay then."  He called it in.  "We need a wrecker at the salvage yard.  You can tell the state boys to meet us at the police garage.  No, not an issue.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Touch anywhere else?  Or you, Bobby?"

"I think I touched the driver's side door to check it and the hood.  They drove it in.  I had 'em park too."

"Okay.  We'll need reference prints probably," he said.  Xander nodded that was fine.  "Let me get something for that."  He went back to his car to take them from her and Bobby, ignoring the hovering boyfriend sort watching him.  The wrecker got there with one of the state police criminalists.  "The girl popped the trunk and got his wallet out to see who it was," he said, handing that over.  "Bobby owns the salvage yard and might've touched here and there.  I got reference prints."

"Okay.  The sword?"

"Said she couldn't find a crowbar.  There was a howling dog that told 'em there was a body."

"Even better."  They walked over to look and she looked sickened.  "Eww."

"Very," Xander agreed.  The criminalist gave her a look.  "Bobby thought he looked familiar.  That's why I found his wallet.  I only touched him there."

"Fine.  Thank you.  Bobby, we'll be pulling her out of here."

"Please.  Let me go find the receipt book."  He went to do that, coming back with it.  "Here, what I gave him.  He signed it."

"That'll help too."  She let the wrecker crew hitch up the car once she had tape sealed the trunk.  She got back into the wrecker and they left with the officer.

Dean looked at Xander.  "You still look hot with the sword," he offered with a grin.

"If the shower makes me less sore," she sighed, heading that way.  Bobby was laughing but oh well.

Dean smirked at him.  "That's why we like her so much."  He strolled back inside to help her with the shower.

"Don't take all the hot water, kids," Bobby called, heading back to the back porch so he wouldn't have to hear them playing.  They weren't in there long so he was safe to go back inside.  Sam was asleep on the couch.  He covered him up and went to his own room.  Dean was making her groan but it wasn't sexual.  It was a backrub groan.  Then Dean groaned a few minutes later so she apparently reciprocated.  "Super strength must be handy for that."

***

Dean woke up to a wonderful feeling.  Someone was teasing his cock with their tongue.  He could smell coffee and the start of breakfast.  He moaned, reaching down to stroke over the person's head, running into short hair.  "Morning, Sam.  Creep again?"  Sam moaned.  Dean looked, he was still asleep.  "Dude, we have *got* to fix that on you."  Xander came in and shut the door quickly.  "Um...."

"John already gave me that lecture and if that's what you two do, then it's not my place to say anything, Dean.  Remember, I'm realistic.  I'm sure you've picked up other girls since we're casual."

"Once."  He smacked Sam on the back of the head, making him wake up and whimper. "So, how do I taste?"

"A bit warm and like your sweat," Xander told him, making Sam whimper again and hide.  She looked under the sheet at him.  "It's not my place to say anything, Sam, but I'm not telling you how to do things.   If you want sex advice, ask Faith."  She let the sheet fall.  "Bobby's up.  Your dad got him up at five to talk."  Both boys groaned at that.  "So there's food in about ten minutes."

"You're not bothered...." Sam started.

Xander looked at him.  "Normally yes, but sometimes people are that close, Sam.  Especially when they've been raised without a lot of others around.  It would've surprised me more but the way he saved you means that he has to feel something for you that way.  It's written into the spell that only those who feel deep love can make that sort of deal.  Plus John's been harping on it to keep you safe."

"Is that why I've been having those dreams?"

"He said no when I asked," Dean offered.  Sam slumped. "C'mere, dickhead."  Sam gave him a hug.  He kissed the side of his head.  "We'll figure it out, Sammy."  He let him go.  "Get cleaned up."  Sam fled.  Dean smirked at Xander.  "Wanna help me out here?"

Xander smiled and leaned down to kiss him.  "Am I  into kinky threesomes?"  Dean pouted.  She kissed him again, sliding down next to him.  "We're not your harem."

"Bet me."  He poked her. "Please?  Even a hand job?"  He knew he could talk her into not leaving him hanging or having to do it himself.

Xander snickered.  "You pout very well.  Thankfully you trained me to be easy for you."  He laughed until she went down to finish the blowjob, making him gasp and moan.  Sam came back to get clothes and blushed, closing the door with him inside the room.  "Sorry, want it back?"

"No.  Please don't.  In my sleep is one thing; I can't, not in the light."

Xander nodded.  "I kinda figured that, Sam.  Like I said, we'll work it out.  None of us are the most normal of sorts."  She went back down on him and Dean hissed, arching up.

Bobby knocked on the door.  "Breakfast, boys."

"In a minute," Dean called.  Followed by a soft groan.  Xander was very good at this after he had taught her how to not use her teeth.  She still scraped a bit but it was good with him.  He came and she swallowed, coming up to kiss him.  "I'll get you back later, for a nap?" he asked with a content voice and a happy grin.

"If you want."  She took another kiss then stood up, kissing Sam.  Sam moaned.  "We'll figure it out, Sam.  After all, you can both be my bitches."  She smirked and went to brush her teeth before she sat down to eat.  Bobby gave her an odd look.  She just stared back and he snickered.  "Sorry they're running a bit late.  Sam was still asleep when I went in there."

"That's fine, Xander.  I remember being that age and if I had someone I loved I'd try to get it now and then too," he assured her, handing over some bacon.  "You really told John off?"  She smirked and nodded.  "Good on you, girl."  She snickered.  "Pissed you off?"

"To no end.  Then he started to hint about heirs."  She shook her head, grabbing the coffee to pour Dean a cup, handing it over before sitting down and going back to her breakfast.  "Thanks, Bobby."

"Welcome.  We'll figure out what the guy did to your blazer later on."  She nodded.   Sam came out trudging.  "Coffee's on, Sam."

"Thanks, Bobby."  He got a cup and settled into an empty chair to eat.  "Sorry Dad got you up at five."

"I've woken up early to worse reasons than him hovering like a mama cat over you three.  Oh, Xander, he said that leather stuff, you'd better not end up looking like Faith. Whoever she is."

"Um, the second natural slayer," Xander told him.  That got a nod and a small smirk.  "She's and Buffy both occasionally have this leather pants thing going on."

"I still want to know how she went on patrol in a stripper-looking short skirt," Dean said.  Sam grunted and nodded at that.

"And chunky heels," Xander said dryly.

"The Watcher lets her do that?" Bobby asked.  "She's gonna break her neck."

"Giles tried that argument.  She managed to beat him sparring in a backless shirt and heels.  He had to let it go.  She only ended up shirtless that once and she was with Willow and Angel.  Willow summoned a new shirt for her while Angel tried very hard not to stare."

"Did you get creepy feelings from Angel?" Sam asked.

"Since the day he first showed up saying cryptic things to Buffy from the shadows in the Bronze.  Still took her a few months to realize he was a vampire too.  Apparently the warning cramps we get weren't reaching her that day."  She looked at him.  "That's one f- ed up love story, Sam."

"How bad is it?" Bobby asked.

"He's a vampire with a soul that has an out clause if he gets too happy.  She's a slayer.  They tried really hard to keep it professional but he broke her in for her birthday one year and lost his soul.  Ended up sending him to hell because I lied to Buffy about Willow trying the spell.  It took right before he got sucked through.  It was necessary because he'd been terrorizing people for months and tried to end the world twice.  We stopped him doing it the second time with the sending him to hell stuff.  Then he comes back, Buffy hides him and nurses him back to sanity.  They keep it at kissing and mild groping so he can't get that happy again.  He decides it's too painful to not have her so he heads to LA, where he ends up working with a half-demon seer and my ex, Cordelia.  She mopes, getting some from the boy who likes to break in the freshman girls at the college, and then Riley Finn, commando boy from the Initiative.  And she calls *my* love life screwed up."

"Hers didn't try to kill her," Sam reminded her.  "Except when Angel lost it and went stalker."

"Well, no," she admitted.

"None of hers were giant bugs that wanted her to fertilize their eggs," Sam said with a small smirk.  "Or a renewed mummy that was sucking energy.  Or Anya."

"Actually, I think they did get drunk and Anya did get her once.  Not real sure there's tape though."  Dean choked and spluttered.  "You met Anya."

"Yeah, I did.  Was Cordy that mean when you dated?"

"More.  She'd cut me down, we'd grope in closets, then she'd cut me down again."

"We like you and Dean," Bobby said.

"Hey, Buffy flirted with Dracula and nearly became one of his bitches."

Bobby moaned.  "Sunnydale should be destroyed."

"Don't tempt me," Dean and Xander said together.

Xander stuck her tongue out. "I can do that."

"I'm sure you can but we'd get to help."

"Sure, we can find you two the fantasy cheerleader outfits and pompoms this time."  Sam let out a whimper. "Don't worry, Sam, I won't make you shave.  You can look like a Nirvana cheerleader."  She patted him on the back.  "Both of you can.  After all, Dean has male cheerleader hair."

"I'm spanking you later," Dean promised.

"You keep saying that," she said dryly.  Bobby snickered and choked, shaking his head.  "He does.  You should've seen his face the night Anya and I got together to have some fun.  Long before we were able to share a motel room together."

"You were both naked on the bed," Dean complained.  "Of course I looked.  You're both very pretty women, Xander."  Xander stared at him.  "She is too.  With the way you were laying and the way her fingers were still in you, I had one hell of a good view."  She blushed at that.  "So yes, I looked.  I'm a nice, normal guy.  You would've looked."

"I still look," Xander agreed.  "Speaking of, did you want to hit that concert in San Fran this year to deal with the poltergeist?  I tried a few years back; it came to watch me.  I had a lot of fun though.  Peeves and I got a lot of girls who thought it was cool he was hanging out with me."

"Sure, we'll hit that," Dean agreed.  "You still need to use that last giftcard you got from Giles for Christmas anyway."

"I do."  She looked at Sam.  "So you can help me pick out clothes, right?"

He looked at her, shaking his head.  "No!  Take Dean.  You're sleeping with him!"

"She has that same look whenever anyone makes her go shopping," Dean told Bobby, who laughed.

"Hey!  I got dragged behind Buffy and Willow when they went.  They used me shamelessly as a pack mule and driving person.  Hell, they even took me bra shopping.  I know a lot more about bras than I ever wanted to.  There's a reason both Wes and I looked traumatized at the thought of shopping trips.  You haven't seen scary until you've seen Buffy try on every shoe in the mall, twice.  Or had to answer the question 'does this push me up' to her bikini top a few dozen times in an hour.  Though you couldn't stare, leer, or seem like the breasts interested you.  And let's not even *go* into the 'will this hide demon blood and make me look cute' real clothes shopping.  Faith was simple, she stole half of hers, it was all jeans or leather and t-shirts.  She never made me watch her try on bathing suits for *six hours* in one long mall trip and only give me a hot pretzel.  Even Giles won't help Buffy shop."

"Now I know the Watchers didn't raise that girl," Bobby said dryly.

"No, we met one that the Watchers did.  Kendra was a great girl.  She had *one* outfit.  She yelled because Angel tore her only shirt.  Buffy introduced her to shopping too.  Pissed her Watcher off to no end.  He sent Giles a ranting, screaming telegram from the Carribean.  Giles threatened to send Willow down to torment him."  Dean laughed.  "She would've."

"I'm sure she would've," Dean agreed, getting them both more coffee.   "You do need to do some replacing.  You should see if Wes wants to go again."

"I haven't heard from Wes recently.  I left a message on his voicemail but I haven't heard back yet.  I'm guessing LA's about to break out into their quarterly apocalypse too.  But hey, we didn't lose Buffy during the invasion so no one would be raising her and we won't have to face the First Evil.  That means the Watcher's Council won't be blown up anytime soon unless Faith gets pissed at them again.  She's gotten very protective of Giles recently."

"That's probably a good idea," Bobby agreed.

Xander nodded.  "Probably."  She dug in again, stealing some of Dean's food.  He growled and smacked her hand, taking it back.  "Hey!"

"Get more, don't steal mine.  Steal Sam's.  He doesn't need that much food."

"Yes I do," Sam complained.  "You both eat more than your weight in food every day."  He looked at Bobby.  "Never take these two to an all-you-can-eat buffet.  We did that.  They finally kicked us out after five hours.  And then Dean looked at Xander and said 'ice cream' and she nodded so they went to get dessert."  Bobby cackled, slapping the table.  "At least it was cheap but still."

Dean looked at him.  "It was a good idea.  You should see the ones in Vegas."  He looked at Xander.  "We've got to get you a new ID."

"I know.  I need my birth certificate changed."

"We can get you a good fake one."

"Why?  Giles has," Xander said dryly.  "I have to pick it up and redo my license out there. I can do that on the trip to San Fran.  That way we can have Giles' spare room and dinner."

"Okay," he agreed, shrugging a bit.  "Sam?"

"Fine with me.  He was a good cook."  He grinned at Bobby.  "He basically adopted all the slayer crew as his kids."

"Travers is nagging Giles about kids again.  That's why Faith's so protective.  Travers threatened to knock him out and take a sperm sample."  Dean moaned.  "At least they're not suggesting he knock up Buffy or Faith anymore.  They started out on that one.  Buffy nearly flew to England to beat them.  Her mother was going to pay for airfare and everything."

Dean shook his head.  "That'd be some strange kids."

"Very," Xander agreed.  "Faith looked at Travers and told him Ethan was more his style and unless Ethan wanted to be a temporary or permanent girl they probably weren't getting any kids from him.  Giles walked off muttering 'dear lord' and cleaning his glasses again.  He was not a happy watcher.  Got really drunk that night according to her."

"Yeah, I'd do it too if those were my options," Dean said.  He shook his head.

"I want grandchildren some day," John's ghost called.

"You know, I know where we can get a capturing urn," Xander offered.  Sam snickered at that.

"Don't tempt me," Dean told her.  "Dad, lay off!  If Xander gets knocked up she'll kill me.  Give it a decade.  She's only twenty."

"One," Sam corrected.  "The day before her battle."

"And we didn't get to celebrate it because you were being a pain in the ass," Dean said, giving her a look.  "We should go have fun for your birthday."

Xander whimpered. "The sort of fun you're thinking about will land someone in jail."

"Not hardly."  He grinned.  "It'll be fine, Xander.  Heard anything else from out that way?"  He ate a bite of breakfast.

"I heard from Dru."  Dean choked.  She reached over to pat him on the back.  "She said to give you her greetings, she thinks you're cute, and her visions have shown her how cute we are together.  She ate my parents so they'd help take the bad, nasty man out of her head; the liquor helped but she can't stand to drink more than a glass of wine.  Eating drunks makes her drunk so it worked better.  She said thank you for giving Spike back her favorite velvet duster.  She said if I wanted to I could bring you two and you could be her kittens too.  She was *very* pleased with the mental visions she got of the three of us.  Oh, and she said that Spike was going to be a bad boy again.  He forwarded the letter to me."

Dean wheezed.  "Huh?"

"Dru, as in Spike's dark princess and vampire lover?" Sam asked.  Xander grinned and nodded.  "She wants you?"

"She used to want me badly.  Called me her kitten and kept trying to save me.  She did save me a few times.  She even told Angel he couldn't have me, I was hers.  The Stars had said so."

"She's sane?" Bobby asked.

"She was a latent seer until Angel broke her," Xander told him, shrugging a bit.  "He tortured her when he turned her until she broke and her powers came out.  She dumped Spike because he wanted Buffy and took up with a slime demon in Brazil.  No one even knew she was in town except maybe Spike.  He said he didn't but you can never tell with Spike."  She sipped her coffee.

Dean looked at her.  "If you should see her, point her out to me?  Please?"

"Spike would kill you if you staked Dru."

"Not if I don't tell him."

"She'll tell him.  She's linked to him somehow.  He'll know.  Angel will know.  Then we'd have to stake Angel when he complained and then have to deal with Buffy.  Which would make Giles and Tara sad."

"If she shows up, tell us anyway so we can protect each other."

"Sure.  Oh, she sent you maple syrup candy," Xander told Sam.  "It's back at the cabin."

"Forwarded through Spike?" Bobby asked, sounding hopeful.

"No, she ate a Watcher and he gave her the addy.  She hates the midwest, claims there's no one to eat around here.  It's all cows, ghosts and hellhounds."

Bobby sighed in relief.  "What's she look like?"

Xander frowned.  "Brunette, slim, long hair.  Wears Victorian clothes.  Hums and sings with her dolls.  She's pretty.  I'll look online to see if I can find a picture of her."

"Sure.  Thanks."  Xander nodded, getting up to get Sam's laptop and log on to go searching.  She came back with it to show him.  Bobby looked.  "That's Dave's new girl."  He rushed to the phone to call him and the ones around him.  "It's me.  That girl Dave's been dating, is her name Dru?"

"Druscilla," Xander supplied.

"Or Druscilla?"  He nodded.  "She's a vampire.  She's William the Bloody's mate.  No, she likes Xander, wants to keep her too.  Said she'd keep all three of 'em if they wanted.  Yeah, we're sure.  Well, check then."  He hung up on the complaining.  "Hopefully he'll be fine."

"Hopefully she won't find a way to take over his mind," Xander countered, giving him a look.  "She did it to Giles once."

He shuddered.  "You deal with some strange people."

"Yeah, but Spike has a chip in his head that keeps him from hunting or hurting humans.  Angel has a soul and is angst boy all the time.  He can lower the lights in a room by sitting and brooding.  Literally."  Sam snickered and nodded.  "I think Fred's stranger really."

"Not really.  I know there's been other humans that've been stolen and sent to a demon realm as a slave."

"Good point."  She shrugged.  "She's healing well.  She's not as clingy as she was.  She and Gunn are together according to the last email I got from her."  She finished her breakfast and leaned back.  "Thanks, Bobby."

"Welcome, Xander."  He smiled at her.  "She's a nice girl?"

"Very.  She's a physics brain too.  When they first got her back she was scribbling her diary on the walls of her room.  They called them cows there.  You know, that's where Lorne came from," Xander told Sam.

"Lorne's strange," Sam told him.  "Demon running a karaoke bar.  He can see into the future when you sing for him.  He holds a safe place with anti-violence charms so even we could go there.  That same realm doesn't have music so he emigrated."

"I heard his brother Numfar is kinda fun.  Can't speak so he dances everything.  Fred was telling us about Numfar and his dances of nearly everything."

Dean shook his head quickly.  "I don't want to think about the billions of demon realms out there, please?  Let that be a late night thought, not a breakfast one."  He stood up. "I'm going to look over her blazer.  Xander, come clean out the back so we can open the artillery compartment?"

"I don't think I put anything in it this time."  She shrugged and headed out with him, the boys following.  She grabbed the bag of books and her other bag out of the back, hauling them inside.  Sam brought in the gun case.  She got the sword case and they looked in the artillery compartment.  Xander frowned at the envelope in it.  "Who in the hell?"  She opened it and shook her head, handing the card to Dean.  "Like I said, Dru likes me."

Dean opened the happy birthday card, giving her the cash inside.  Then he snickered.  "Sure, we can do that for your birthday."  She looked over his arm and groaned at the suggestion they have good sex so she could have more happy mental pictures for her collection - put as the kitties should do more pouncing so the stars are happy and share some more.  The card got put into the glove box and Dean got in to pull up the new hidden area inside that one.  "See, weak."

"It's not sealed to the frame very well," Bobby said, getting underneath it to look.  "Yeah, only bolted in two spots.  Top and bottom."  He got out and looked at another area.  "Xander, what's on the other side?"

Xander checked then opened that compartment, frowning at it.  "I got it used," she said when she saw the box marked explosives.  "There was a terrorist training group that I knew through a contact and I got the truck off them."  She walked off shaking her head.  "They had a Feeb with them already."

Sam took out the box of explosives to look inside, blinking.  "Xander, it's not explosives!" he called.  She came back and they looked at the box of diamonds.  "Looks like it was their war fund."

"Oooh.  Cordy had a point about them being pretty."

"Very," Dean agreed.  He felt around the area, finding another small box.  It got brought out and another small bag.  The bag was looked in and handed to Bobby, the box he smirked at, holding up the six passports and fake ID's.  "I love these people."

Xander took one to look over.  "That's the old one for Cali.  It's been three years since it was changed."  She handed it back with a smirk.  "So within two that'll be no good."

"Think you could get us a new one?" Dean asked.

"I think I have to renew mine at the moment," she admitted.  "It ran out on my birthday."  That got an evil smirk.  "So you can have the old one when I get the new one."

"Sure."  He searched for any other hidden compartments, finding one with bibles and a few other books.  "Books of Gideon?"

"Aren't they the ones who leave the bibles in motels?" Xander asked, looking confused.  Sam was still stroking the box with the diamonds.

"Yeah.  They are."  Dean emptied it out.  "That could come in handy.  Still magically hidden?"  Xander nodded.  "Cool."  He got out and let Bobby get ramps for the back wheels and a creeper so they could work on it together.  "Put the fake IDs into my glove box, Xander."

"Yes, oh great master," she said dryly, heading that way.  "What if I need one?"

"You'll ask."  He looked at her.  "Besides, we've already changed your picture on Dru's old passport.  It's in there too."  Xander grinned at that.  "You have a new ID with that name too.  I made it an address in LA."  Xander gave him a hug then went to look at those while she put the other ones up.  Dean smirked at Sam.  "They your new pet?"

"Yup."  He grinned, going to put them in a safe spot inside.  "Did the FBI bust them?"

"Six weeks after I was there," Xander said happily.  "When they made the final plans to blow up parts of San Jose."  Bobby snickered at that.  "They were.  Hell, the agent even asked why I needed the specially hidden truck and a few new guns.  I said Sunnydale and he backed off."  She shrugged and came over to watch what they were doing.  Dean gave her a look.  "I can barely change the oil, Dean."

"You did pretty good when you shot out my tire."

"Keep harping on it, sleep with Sam tonight."

"We probably will be anyway."  He kissed her.  "You could replace the other three since they're going bald."

"Didn't I just boost the keys to an Impala for you?  That way you could use it for parts?"

Bobby looked at her.  "That was boosted?"

"She can pickpocket the vampires while she's fighting them.  She got the keys to it from one of the vampire frat brothers in Sunnydale.  I took them for three grand playing pool and then she got them when they attacked.  You know, one senator was very pissed that his son was missing."

"Yeah but he gave up after a week of pouting on the news, especially since the high death rate in Sunnydale was pointed out repeatedly in the news.  They decided he's one of the strange casualties.  They even sent a news crew out there.  Fortunately they got eaten.  Faith told me she giggled when the reporter tried to beat one with the microphone.  Her cameraman lasted a day and she wasn't going to make it either.  Wearing stiletto shoes and a designer business suit outside at midnight in Sunnydale for dramatic effect with vampires all around her.  She stopped a few to talk to them even."  Dean snickered at that.  "Faith got there as he attacked and couldn't save her but she did laugh."

"Faith's got a dark streak," Dean said, making Bobby less worried.  "She had a fairly bad mother.  She's from up near Boston but doesn't have the accent."

"She only spent her teen years in Boston.  They were somewhere else with her mother picking up random men while drunk before then," Xander told them.  "Then she accidentally staked someone that Buffy shoved at her during a fight.  The mayor used the killing to get her onto his side.  He was good, very skillful at getting her to come over to his side willingly.  She went into a coma, woke up, came after Buffy and Wes, then ended up turning herself in when she realized how bad it was.  Everyone used to push Buffy back in her face like Sam gets about not being you, Dean."

"That's enough to make anyone snap," Sam said from beside the blazer.  "When did she try to choke you?"

"After she staked someone the mayor was working on her, becoming a good daddy figure and all that.  I went to talk to her to help her and me get back with the group better.  She got me then.  Angel ended up saving my ass."

Dean looked at her, staring at her.  "She did what she did the first time?"

"Don't know, I was unconscious."

Dean shuddered.  "Angel?"

"Don't know, I was unconscious.  He delivered me back to them and didn't say more than I had been with Faith."

"Can I really not like Angel?"

"Yeah, I don't," Xander said with a small shrug.  "He's got a worse case of denial than I do.  Then he pushes his brooding off onto everyone. A soul doesn't make you not a killer.  There's plenty of them in prison who have one too.  He doesn't want to go past the 'I have a soul, I can't kill now, it's wrong' thought.  He got worse after he got back from Hell.  Which was partially my fault.  I did lie to Buffy about Willow trying the soul spell again but Buffy hadn't been able to beat him and he was going around killing people around the group.  He killed a teacher Giles was interested in and dating.  He was stalking the girls.  He was stalking me.  Buffy hadn't been able to but she finally got herself worked up to the point where she could.  If I hadn't, she probably would've died by taking it easy on him."

"They're still giving longing looks to each other," Dean agreed.

"That's Buffy's one hope for an everlasting love.  Her first one.  They're suitable if you don't take into account the whole slayer/vampire issue and his soul's clause.  It's rare to find someone who understands the duty.  He helped her with it.  Though why he was jealous of me for a while I'm not really sure.  He said it was because I could play in the sun with her."  Dean kissed her.  She smiled.  "What's that one for?"

"Just because."  He went back to work on the hidden compartments, ignoring Bobby's look at him.  "Did you try to call Wes again?"

"Yeah, still no answer."

"Damn.  Think we should head that way?" Dean asked.

"No.  I think if Angel needed help he'd call.  Fred definitely would and so would Gunn.  Gunn would go behind Angel's back to call us and the Sunnydale crew if they needed that much help."  Bobby gave him a confused look.  "Gunn used to run a street gang that was fighting vampires in LA after some of them got taken.  It was a group of kids that got kicked out or ran away.  One of them runs a runaway shelter.  Gunn's little sister was taken but the whole gang is behind Angel if he needs it."

"Interesting."  He shook his head.  "I didn't think there were other networks."

"Oh, yeah.  Watchers are all over.  There's always been those who jumped in.  Just not jumped into the slayer's duty.  They were usually taken out by the Watcher if someone did.  Giles didn't like it but he let us help.  That's why Buffy's still around."

Dean nodded.  "She's a bit of a smartass too.  She quips as she slays, Bobby.  Smartass one-liners and all that."

"That's how we rolled," Xander quipped, grinning at him when she got a horrified look. "Buffy's walked into cemeteries going 'here vampy vampy vampy' until a fledge came and attacked her.  We had nightly patrols out there.  Even though she did skip a few of them for things like dates."  She let out a small squeal.  "Did you guys get to hear about the cheerleader witches?"

Dean gave her a horrified look, partially for that girlish squeal.  When had she gotten chocolate?  "Cheerleader witches?  Regular ones aren't enough?  You guys had to have the happiness patrol be witches too?"

"Yeah, Amy Madison and her mom.  Her mom was *the* top cheerleader in the state in her days.  Her daughter didn't want to do that so she switched their bodies.  Buffy wanted to go back to being a cheerleader.  Amy's mom didn't want the competition so she was doing things like blinding the other cheerleaders so she'd be on the squad.  She tried it on Buffy and Cordy both.  Got Cordy and blinded her.  Buffy ended up solving it and trapped Amy's mother in a statue.  I wonder if it released her when the statue blew up or not?" she said thoughtfully.  She shrugged.  "Later on, during the MOO incident, Amy turned herself into a rat and Willow never managed to change her back.  Tara's trying right now."

Dean shook his head quickly.  "Go make us some more coffee, Xander?"  She nodded, wiggling out to do that.  He looked at Bobby, who was giving him a horrified look.  "Sunnydale was odd.  You knew that."

He nodded.  "Putting it mildly, son."  He got back to work, shaking his head quickly.  "The slayer's a cheerleader?"

"Yup.  Perky too," Dean quipped.  "Blonde, fashionable, petite.  Likes to do all these fancy moves while she's fighting.  Anyone with a simple, straightforward rushing style would've gotten her down.  Burns a lot of energy doing all the fancy stuff instead of just getting in there and getting it done.  Faith does it the way we would.  She's a bit of a klepto when she needs stuff."

Bobby sighed.  "The world's going to go to hell soon."

"Nah, they manage to make sure it doesn't about every six months."  Bobby gave him a horrified look.  "Really.  The Initiative had a super soldier they were going to unleash.  The ascension was about six months before that.  This one was about eight months after they finished off the Initiative."

"They need more hunters."

"No one there pays any attention to it.  Riley's guys were creeping around town with open weapons.  The cops and residents smiled and waved and welcomed them to town with cookies.  Did the same thing to us.  Creeped me the hell out, Bobby.  It was like pod people with a blind spot."

Xander came back with two sealed mugs and straws.  "They've always been that way.  Even when we had a fifty percent homicide rate."  She snuggled back down to watch what they were doing.  "Still creeped out by the fudge nut cookies from my fifth grade teacher?"

"Yes."

Xander laughed.  "She was being nice.  Even when the town is going to hell they ignore things."  She patted him on the stomach.  "It could be much worse.  They could be real pod people.  I wouldn't put it past Sunnydale to be hiding aliens."

"Go do something, Xander," Bobby ordered.  "I don't need that thought."

"Fine."  She wiggled out and made Sam help her find something to do.

Bobby looked at Dean.  "We'll make sure you're sane anytime you have to go visiting out there."

"Thanks, man.  I think I'll need it."

"I heard that," Xander called.  "Want me to change your oil, Dean?"

"Do *NOT* touch the Impala, Xander.  That's my baby!" he yelled.

"Fine.  Meany."  She and Sam went to look at other things to do.

Bobby nudged him.  "If she makes you happy you can help her find sanity."

Dean gave him a look.  "Promise?"

"Your Ma did your Dad."

"Then there's hope yet."  He sipped his coffee, holding the box where Bobby needed it to go.  They both heard the squeal and groaned.  "I don't want to know," Dean decided.

"Me either," Bobby agreed.

"Bobby, did you know you have a mother cat and kittens?" Sam yelled.

"That's fine," Bobby agreed. "They stay outside, kids."

"Yes, Bobby."  He went back to helping Xander pet the kitties.  They'd have to find something for Xander to do before she drove everyone nuts.  "We need to do something."

"We do."

Sam looked at her.  "Nothing that'll get me in trouble, Xander.  Dean will yell if we get into trouble."

"I'm not going to get into trouble."

"Uh-huh."  He handed her a kitten with a smile.  "Here you go."

"Thanks."  She petted the small black cat, cooing at it.  "You're very pretty.  Too bad I can't travel with a cat."

"No, it's really hard to travel with an animal.  Most motels won't let animals stay."

"I know.  It sucks."  She put the kitten down, watching it wobble off.  "We need to figure out how to change out the diamonds."

"We need to see if they're real first."

"Good point."  She grimaced.  "An inheritance?  Found it in grandma's attic?  We came to see Bobby because he might have a clue what to do about it?"

"Could work," Sam agreed. "If we were somewhere like LA we could take them to a good jewelry store and tell them it was Grandma's investment fund."  That got a nod.  "How are you doing on money anyway?"

"Eeehhh.  I've got about three hundred at the moment."

"Hmm.  We've got less than that.  Sounds like it's a pool night in town."

Xander shrugged.  "Maybe."  She stood up and stretched.  "I didn't get to see the town.  Want to?"

Sammy shrugged.  He had to go inside to grab the Impala's keys from Dean's jacket pocket.  "We're going to look at the town and sightsee," Sam called as he slid into the driver's seat.  The door closed before Dean could yell.  Xander's too.  They were getting good at that.

Dean looked at Bobby.  "You have handcuffs, right?"

"Two or three sets.  Sedatives too."

"Thanks.  I might need them later."

***

Sam was laughing as he came back into the old house, grinning at the two staring people.  "What?"

"Xander?" Dean asked plainly.

"Behind me.  Bit tipsy."  He laughed, heading for the bedroom to crash.  "She drove, I'm too drunk."

"I can see that," Dean called after him.  He walked out onto the front porch, finding Xander counting money.  "That bored?"

Xander grinned at him.  "They're having an open pole competition for the regional finals.  I came in second.  Made two grand in tips too," she said proudly.  Dean gave her a look.  "What?"

"Tipsy?"

"One beer!"

"One?" he asked, snorting a bit.  "You don't get tipsy on one beer, Xander."

"Well, might've had something in it.  Tasted a bit off."  She shrugged.  "I'm still straight.  I used the bar's breathalyzer on the way out.  No funny colors or anything.  I know not to scratch your baby."  Dean hauled her up and took the money, walking her back to the bedroom to put her down.  "Hey!"

"Sleep, Xander.  Now."  He walked out, going to put the money with the other stuff.

Xander took it from him.  "Mine.  If you're that broke, go hustle pool."  She went back to the bedroom, making Bobby laugh.  "He can.  Night.  Dean's getting pushy so I'm going to snuggle up with Sam and his sucking problem."  She wiggled her fingers, shutting the door and locking it.

"That won't keep me out," Dean reminded her.  He heard something be shoved under the doorknob and shook his head.  He sat down to go back to cards with Bobby.  "Why?" he asked him.

"Who we like isn't something we can control.  Your girl's fun.  You could use more fun, kiddo."

Dean looked at him.  "Most of the time it's okay.  It's when she gets into these manic fun moods that worries me."

Bobby nodded.  "Me too.  She'll settle down some year."  He put down a card and the rest of his hand.  "Gin."

"Crap."  He totaled their points.  "You're still losing."

Xander came out to look over his shoulder.  "I can't play gin."

"We can teach you if you put back on pants," Bobby offered, not looking at what had to be Dean's boxers.  She went to do that and came back out.  They taught her how to play.  Sam wobbled out and it turned into poker.  They found out Xander could count cards.  Dean stared at her in horror.

She grinned.  "Drunk parents, Dean.  Had to make money somehow when I was too young to work."

He sighed and shook his head.  "We're so going to Vegas sometime soon."

"If we do, you have to leave your dad somewhere else."

"Yeah, not a problem," Dean assured her.  "I don't want him hinting about wedding chapels either."  He dealt them another hand and Xander didn't win this time but she killed them on the next round.  The boys all shook their heads.  Yes, Xander was very fun when she was happy.

***

Xander blinked awake, looking at the man leaning over her.  "What?" she asked quietly.  They were back at the cabin, had been for a few days, and Dean was smirking a bit evilly.  "Too tired for sex."

"No you're not but not why I'm grinning."  He kissed her.  "Sammy and I just got a call.  One of the other hunters needs us.  Wanna head?"  She slowly shook her head.  "No?"

"No, sleep.  Sleeping nice."

"It is."  He kissed her again.  "It'll only be a week or so.  You sure?"

"Yeah.  Don't take all the money."

"Not a problem."  He stroked over her hair, getting nipped on the hand.  "Fine.  You sleep.  Want me to leave a note so you remember?

"Not that 'sleep," she said through a yawn.  He took a deeper kiss and she moaned.  "It's the middle of the night."

"I know.  Sorry.  We need to get there by tomorrow night and it's an eighteen hour drive."  He took one last kiss and straightened up.  "We'll see you in a week.  Call us if you go on a hunt?  That way we can meet up somewhere?"  She nodded.  "Okay.  See you then."  He left, heading out to the Impala.  He slid in to drive.  "She knows."  He backed down the driveway, heading for the interstate.  It had been a nice vacation but he was restless.

"Think she'll be okay while we're gone?"

"She's back to handling things again.  It'll be fine," Dean promised.  He grinned at his little brother.  "Did you remember to send Tara stuff from the local colleges?"

"Yup.  Here and Kansas."  That got a grin and Dean sped up once he hit the main road.  "Did we take all her cash?"

"I left her a few hundred.  She said she wasn't going to do anything."

"Okay."  He settled in to read while Dean drove.  It was their usual thing and it was comfortable after so long hunting together.

***

Xander got up the next morning, staring at her severely diminished stash.  Then she glared at the driveway.  "I'll spank later."  She went to find her hidden stash, one that Dean didn't know about.  It was another few hundred dollars.  She looked in the hideous bedroom, shuddering some.  Then she decided to hit town.  There had been a hardware store.  She got dressed and headed out, going to find it.  She saw a Fantastic Sam's ahead and smiled, parking there first and going inside.  "I need something done with this mop. It's *way* too long," she told the girl taking appointments.  "I don't care if they're blind and using a weed whacker."  She laughed, motioning one of the empty people over.  "Please do my hair?  Shorter, easy to upkeep but can be a bit more fun and flirty?  I do a lot of working out and traveling."

"Sure.  I'm Sue."

"Alex."  She let herself be led to a chair.  The cape was put around her and Sue ran her fingers through her hair.  "Sorry, just got up.  I'm tired of brushing."

"Hmm."  She got a book and brought it back.  "How about something like this, Alex?  It's shorter, easy to upkeep, but if you want you can use gel to spike it a bit."

She looked then at her.  "No mullets."  That got a nod and she changed it, finding something closer to a military-style haircut for women, only with a spikey top.  "I could like that."  She tapped the picture and Sue nodded, coming over to start the snipping.  She even gelled it for her.  Xander tipped her and paid, heading over to the hardware store since it was up the road.  She walked in and inhaled.  "I miss my construction job," she sighed.  The guy behind the counter smiled.  "I can't do it anymore.  I've got to redecorate.  The cabin Donny gave me has a *hideous* pink bedroom with a twin sized bed.  The girl who used to live there had a thing for Disney princesses."

"Sure.  We've got paint."  He led her to the paint area, letting her pick out a color.  "That's pretty dark."

"I like that blue/purple/gray color that you see at dawn, when the sun's just starting to come up."  He found it and showed her.  She nodded and pointed at the lighter sample.  "That one."

"How big's the room and what sort of surface?"

"There's wallboard on top of the studs."  That got a nod.  "A few stickers I'll steam off.  So I'll probably need gesso or something too."

"That's fine.  We've got some basecoat."  He let her pick out what she needed while he mixed her three gallons of the paint color she wanted.  "If you need more, bring in a lid so we can get it exact," he told her.  She smiled and nodded, letting him help her carry stuff out to the blazer.  "That's a nice, old car."

She grinned.  "I got it from some acquaintances in LA.  Changed from my sedan because it wasn't always practical."

"Not with our winters," he agreed.  He grinned.  "So, you a new Watcher?"

"I'm actually the spare slayer.  Why, is there a problem?" she asked quietly.  He shook his head.  "Well, if there is, I'm in and out up there, off handling things.  Let me know?"  He nodded.  She wrote down her phone number.  "That's me and it'll hit me wherever."  He grinned.  "Have a good day.  Furniture stuff?"

"Next town over has a Value City furniture.  Thrift shop too."

She beamed. "Killer, thanks."  She got into the blazer and drove off. A few light groceries to go with the staples they had stocked the last time they were in, and she went to steam the stickers off so she could paint over the hideous pink paint.

***

Dean came in a few days later, watching Xander drink on the porch.  "Bad day?"  He sat beside her, taking the bottle to take a drink, then handing it back.  "Xander?" he asked when she didn't answer.

"Wes died."  She took another drink, handing it to Sam when he walked up to them.  "Wes died in the last battle in LA.  About two weeks ago.  Everyone thought Giles had told us."

"Damn," Sam said, shaking his head.  "They okay?"

"They're in a series of battles.  Cordy came to tell me and hinted that she might be seeing Fred soon on her side too.  I asked, I'm not allowed to go help.  It'll make their fight last longer."  Sam took a drink and handed the bottle back, sitting on her other side.

"Funeral?" Sam asked.

"Nope.  Cremated and spread."  She took another drink, looking at Dean, who was staring at his feet.  She nudged him with her shoulder, handing over the bottle.  "He's probably nagging Giles too.  Or researching in the really big library they have in heaven."  Dean grinned at that.  "I figured a few drinks in his honor wouldn't be a problem."

"No, not one," he agreed.  He took a drink and handed it to Sam behind her back, giving her a hug.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, this is body ten thousand or so for me."  She looked at him.  "I'm tired of losing people."

"Even normal people lose their friends and family," Sam said.  She nodded, putting her head on Dean's shoulder.  He smiled.  "I'll let you two talk."  He got up and headed inside, smelling the new paint smell.  He checked the spare room and grinned.  "Hey, Dean, the pink bedroom's fixed.  It's a sunset."

"Cool.  Sleep in there.  I'm tired of you drooling on me."  Sam laughed, heading to get their stuff and put his in there.  He looked at her.  "You okay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, she said I had to go deal with his lawyers over the will.  They won't release his book collection to Angel until I do.  So I'm taking off in the morning."

"We, Xander, we," Dean reminded her.  "Or Sam can stay here and do some more painting if you want."  She looked at him.  "Are you or are you not my bitch?" he teased.  "That means I can go with you."  She kissed him and he kept it gentle, stroking over her hair.  He looked at it.  "You chopped it off."

"Hell yes.  It was bothering me."

"Looks okay," he said, kissing her quickly.  "Want dinner with our remembrance drinking?"

"Probably should."  He went into the kitchen and she followed, smiling when he found the stew she had started.  "Thrift shop had a crock pot and a *real* coffeemaker."  She pointed at the deluxe coffeemaker in the corner of the counter.  Dean gave it a look then her.  "What?"

"I didn't know you drank Buffy coffee."

"I grew up in southern California in the nineties, Dean.  I was raised on Starbucks."  He giggled, nodding that was probably true.  "Plus it'll make good whipped cream for Sam's cocoa habit."  She kissed Sam when he came in.  "See, real coffee maker and toaster so we don't have to use the broiler anymore."

"So I saw."  He gave her a hug.  "The spare room's great, Xander."  She beamed.  "All thrift store stuff?"  She nodded, grinning at him.  "Good job."   He found bowls for them, handing Dean the biggest one.  They dished up the stew and took it back outside to eat on the porch.  The sunset was beautiful out here, even if there was a demon lumbering up the driveway.  "Is that harmless or not?  I can't tell?" he asked.

She looked then shrugged. "It'll tell us."  She ate another bite, waving when it showed up. "Hey."

"Slayer," it said in its language, bowing to her.  "We wish to breed here."

"Are you going to eat the people?" she asked in English.  It shook its head.  "Are you going to cause me problems or them problems?"  It shook its head again.  "Then why would I care?"  The demon grinned.  "Just make sure you don't hurt the people around here.  I only go after the hunters."

"What sort of demon are you?" Dean asked.

"We live in trash mounds and nest in them," he said, letting Xander translate.  "Your kind make us many nests these days."

"Do you help the recycling process?" Sam asked.  It shrugged.  "Then I don't care either.  Dean?"

"Fine with me.  Just don't hurt the people around here in any way or else we'll have to step in."  It nodded and walked off.  He looked at Xander.  "You speak demon languages?"  She nodded.  "Since you were called or before?"

"We had to help research.  I learned a bit of a lot of them actually."  She shrugged and finished her dinner, putting the bowl behind her.  "Why?"

"Wondering if you were smarter than Sammy."  Sam hit him on the arm.  "Stop it, Sammy."  He grinned at his woman.  "Well?"

"Matter of opinion.  I test sucky."  She stood up.  "I'm going to swim in the pond."  They followed once their bowls were inside and the door was closed.  No one cared they were going to skinnydip.  No one could see.  The nearest neighbor was over seven miles away.  "We need to find out how far the land for the cabin goes."

"It's on the deed," Sam told her.  "We can look at it."  She dove in but he didn't watch.  Dean smirked at him.  "What?"

"Woose."  He dove in too, swimming out to splash Xander.  "So, swim team?"  She smirked and nodded.  "Any good?"

"Some."  She took off.  "Race you to the left and then to the right edge."  He took off after her.  It was good to play with him.  This was an environment the slayer strength wouldn't help with.  They almost tied, Dean had longer arms so he barely hit the bank before she did.

Dean laughed.  "Beat you."

"Yeah, well, you have chimp arms," she teased, taking a kiss before swimming off again.  He followed.  "I can go...."

He dunked her.  "Shut up, Xander.  We're going with you.  Sam, did you want to hit LA with us or not?"

"I'll go say hi to Fred then visit Tara to check on her," he called.  "Are there fish in here?  Something nibbling on my kneecap."

Xander dove down, coming up with the plant.  "It's probably not carnivorous."  That got a smirk and he dunked her then swam off.  She dove under the water and pulled him under when she got close to him, making him splutter when he came up.  She smirked.  "You need better breath control."  She swam off, hiding behind Dean.

He looked at her.  "Don't put me in the middle of this one."  He got out of the way when Sam splashed them.  "See?"  He swam off, letting them handle it.  She would make sure Sam didn't drown.  It felt good to play.

***

"I can't believe you wanted me to flirt with the cop so you could get out of a warning ticket because the demon broke the taillight," Sam complained as they walked into the Hyperion hotel.  Angel gave them a weak smile.  "Dean's slightly warped today, sorry."

Xander looked at Angel then smacked him on the side of the head.  "Call me yourself, Angel.  That's why I have a cellphone!"

"Sorry, Xander.  I didn't even think about it," he said quietly, glancing at the boys.  "You might want to sit."

She sighed, slumping some.  "Cordy said that Fred might be joining her soon."

"No....  Fred?"  Xander nodded.  "I'll see if Lorne can figure that out later.  No, Wes left you some stuff."

"I figured there was something if I had to meet with the lawyers."  She stared at him.  "Everyone else okay?"  Angel nodded.  "Even the Sunnydale crew?"

"Yeah, they're fine," he assured him.  Sam smiled.  "Fred's in the kitchen, Sam."  He went that way while he pulled Xander back to the office.  Dean followed even when he got a dirty look.  He shut the door.  "Wes technically left you most everything.  Including his books.  He left me some of them."

"Why?"

"I don't know.  The lawyer wouldn't say more than that."  He called the number.  "It's Angel."  He put them on speaker.  "Xander's here."

"Good evening, Miss Harris.  When would be a good time to meet about Wesley's estate?"

"I'm in town now so pick sometime tomorrow, early evening?"

"I can do that.  Say five, Angel?  There?"

"That's fine," Angel agreed.  "Thanks."  He hung up.  He looked at Xander.  "I wanted to ask about keeping the books."

Xander shrugged.  "Depends on what's in there.  If they're work related I only need a few I don't have."  Angel smiled at that.  "Not like Dean's a Watcher and we can call."

"Good point."  He smiled at Dean.  He should probably get to like the guy with how much of Xander's scent was on him.  "Are you two....."

"Casual," Dean said.  That got another nod.  "Neither of us are ready to settle down yet."

"I can understand that," Angel agreed.  He looked at Xander.  "You're going to end up dealing with his father."

"Then I'll kick his ass."  She shrugged.  "I don't like his dad.  His dad's an idiot with control issues.  I was going to kick his ass for Wes's birthday."  Angel laughed.  "What am I walking into?"

"Not much.  I know there was a statement in there that he didn't want to look in on you and find you stripping again."

Xander shrugged. "It makes good gas money, Angel."

"Fine.  Go find a room and settle in."  They nodded, going to do that.  He walked out, going to talk to Fred.  Then he remembered to call Lorne and see if he could tell what was going to be coming after their geeky female friend.

Dean looked at the room they found empty.  "Did Cordelia decorate?  It's fancy."

"It was a grand hotel during the Art Deco era," Xander said.  "She's a grand old lady, Dean.  It's probably original."  She ran a hand over the wall.  "It's a shame Cordy's ghost couldn't come here after she died.  Dennis must be bored at the apartment."  Dean gave him a horrified look.  "Dennis' mother killed him and hid him in the walls.  Then she killed herself.  Cordy and the guys here banished the mother but Dennis stayed around to help her.  He couldn't physically manifest much but if she wanted tea a cup would float out.  He loved her.  He's got to be lonely there by himself."

"I'm sure if he likes the new renter he'll help them too," Dean said.  "Want a hug?"

"No, I'm good."  She smiled.  "A bit emo but I'll be fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine.  I'll be fine.  Are we going hunting tonight?"

Dean shrugged.  "We can if you want.  Sam's not heading to see Tara until tomorrow."  She nodded at that.  "Then get some rest and shower.  We'll go hunting."  She smiled, laying down to do that.  He went back downstairs, running into Gunn.  "Hey."

"Hey.  Heard you guys came in."  He shook his hand.  "How's Xander?"

"Resting.   She suggested we go hunt tonight."

"It's dangerous right now.  Wolfram and Hart are real active."

"So we'll stick to vampires."

"They've got them covered too," Gunn warned.  "They've even been reaching into Sunnydale.  Giles sent Faith to make them stop or else it was going to be both slayers.  Faith destroyed the one guy's office and got the point across.  They're back to trying to be subtle up that way."

"There's that demon swap meet tonight," Angel said.  "Should be safe if Xander needs to blow off steam."

"Sure.  I think she's fidgeting," Dean told him.

"You know, you and your brother would make good Watchers."

"Yeah but I can't be that big of an asshole," he said dryly, cracking Gunn up.  "They are!  We had to fix the kitchen when we got back after Christmas so it was all at adult height.  Whoever it belonged to before expected the slayer he was training to do it."

"They're like that," Gunn agreed.  "You should meet Wes's father.  Pure asshole."

"Xander said she was going to kick his ass for Wes's birthday," Sam said as he came out of the library reading.  "Angel, when's this going to happen?" he asked, letting him see.  "The time code's screwy."

He looked.  "Xander's tenth grade year."  He looked at him.  "That was the Harvest to raise the Master.  When Buffy died the first time."

"Oh.  So nothing we need to worry about?"

"No, she turned his bones into ashes," Xander said as she came down the stairs.  "So, who wants to go blow Wolfram and Hart?"

"Xander," Angel sighed.

"The Powers just called."  Angel stiffened, staring at him.  Xander stared back.  "They're going to try to raise Darla, Angel.  Cordelia's going to descend and things will get *very* bad when the sun stops coming up if we don't stop them.  She's the key to let it into the world.  Like raising Buffy would've let the First Evil in."

"Hell," Gunn said.  "We can't just barge in."

"So we'll sneak in," Sam said with a small shrug.  "Even if they're demons, how hard would it be?"

Xander smirked at Dean, who gave her a worried look.  She stared into his eyes and he laughed, shaking his head.  "Oh, come on!"

"Fine.  It'll have to be one of us.  They know all them."

"Sure.  We can do that."  She looked at Angel, then at Fred. "Get me something so they can get in when I get in there."  She nodded, going to find her what she needed.  "I need to raid the files anyway.  There's a Master who's going up and down the area we're hunting in taking out strippers and college girls."  Sam growled at that.  "He is!"

"Yay!" Sam complained.  "You can't track him without going back."

"And?  If that's how you get him, that's how you get him.  Unless you guys want to just visit.  That's an expensive hobby.  He's constantly traveling."  She came off the bottom stair, looking at Angel.  "Heard of Merres?"   He shuddered but nodded.  "Can I get intel?"

"He's the same age Lothos is.  He's his line, brother basically.  Lothos was the one who killed Buffy's first Watcher, Xander.  They're very strong."

"Like Master strong?"

"Merres is about five hundred.  He's also *very* skilled with weapons.  You'll have to use subterfuge to get near him and he's got special senses about slayers."

Xander concentrated and the shield Wesley had put on her came down.  "Can you tell?"  He shook his head, frowning a bit.  "Wes did it when he trained me, linked it into the Sunnydale taint I carry.  All you can feel is 'has some power bred into her line and medium', right?"  He nodded faster.  "Then...."

"Merres isn't one for power like that but you might intrigue him.  He has in the past."

Xander nodded.  "Then I've got to stop on the way home to pick up the blazer since we brought the Impala and the guys are heading to Michigan after we get home."

"Which is natural anyway.  We'll hit the cabin, do laundry, repack, and head," Dean agreed.  Sam nodded at that.  Xander nodded too.  "Thanks for the washer by the way."

"Welcome.  I needed it."  She looked at Fred when she came back.  "How do I use it?"

"It's a smoke grenade.  Best we can do, Xander."

She smiled and kissed her on the cheek.  "I love toys."  She went to change, coming down wearing that black velvet dress without the collar.  The grenade was on a long velvet cord around her neck.  "Come on, guys."  Dean hurried to change, coming down looking like he was a club bouncer.  "Give us thirty, Angel.  Watch for the smoke."  They headed out, Sam could stay or go with them.  They drove over there, Xander going over the probable reasons in her mind.  She kissed Dean before getting out.  "Don't die."

"Don't plan on it," he assured her.  They walked into the lobby.  "Someone called for an escort?"

"You're...."

"Her bodyguard.  They wanted someone with some potential."  Xander let a bit of the Sunnydale taint out and the receptionist moaned, nodding, calling upstairs to the head office.  It was probably them.  A guard came over to look at them, staring at the necklace.  Xander cooed and teased him to take his mind off it.  He let them into the elevator.  Dean looked at her, lounging against the wall.  "You good?"  She nodded, giving him a small smirk back.  "You sure?"

"Very."  They got off and she strolled off on his arm, walking into the office with the door open.  "You called for me?"

"No but I think we can use you, young lady."  He looked her over.  She was pretty, tallish for a woman.  She was clearly tainted.  He got up to walk around her, sniffing some, her bodyguard moving a few steps away at his look.  "Sunnydale?"

"I was born there," she said with a grin.  "I even went to school there until I couldn't take it anymore."  She blinked at him.  "So, what was the game we wanted to play tonight?"  She moved closer to him, sniffing.  "Hmm. Unique cologne."  She smiled at him.  "What did you want tonight, sir?"

"I was thinking bloodplay."  He pulled a knife and moved it so she could see it.  She didn't flinch.  "That wouldn't bother you."

"That depends on how you play."  He brought it closer so she could examine it.  Then she looked at him.  "It's very sharp.  Sanitized?"

"Of course," he lied.  Dean left them alone. "You can send him back to the office."

"No, he'll escort me back.  We've heard things about you guys and your desires."  She stared into his eyes.  Then she took the knife to look at again, licking it.  Nothing on it.  She stabbed him in the heart, making him die.  "Stupid to keep a knife with what you're allergic to in reach."  She got into his computer, putting the thing Sam had given her onto it so they could download the whole system.  She started it running then walked out, handing Dean the knife.  "Happy birthday."

He looked at it. "Thanks.  Silver."  He grinned.  "You give great presents."

"I try."  They headed down to the level where the rites were done.  She felt around, finding the most demons in one area.  She checked it, a meeting area.  They walked past it and headed to another room.  There was a higher demon there.  Xander set off the smoke grenade in front of the meeting area and they headed in when the demon ran out to check on the alarms.  She looked at the sarcophagus, running a hand over it.  "Shame to destroy it."

"It is."  He opened it and looked inside at the body partially formed.  He pulled out the vial of salt and poured it over the body, watching it deflate.  "Xander?"

She poured in holy water.  Then they lit it and got out of there.  She looked then came back and kicked an edge, breaking off one of the symbols on it.  She carried the piece off.  "That way the spell's incomplete."  That got a nod and they snuck back out.  She ran into Angel in the subbasement, holding up the chunk.  "Past their meeting room, in a marble vault."  He nodded, heading that way.  She looked at Dean and they skipped out.  The others met them outside.  She leaned against the Impala's hood, looking back at Sam.  "We get anything good?"

"We're getting everything good.  Fred had a larger harddrive so I'm storing on it.  I'll do a search and download what we need later on from their copy."  He finished the copying, letting Fred lean over to type in passwords until it broke another encryption.  It asked if they were doing a backup and she typed yes, then the download started to go backward.  He flipped a switch and did something else, and it started to draw again.  They got it finished.  He isolated the harddrive immediately.  "We're heading to do this," Sam said.

"Decent.  We're going to go clubbing since she's all dressed up," Dean said.  Sam nodded, letting Fred help him back to the convertible Angel drove.  He watched Sam go back to helping Fred hack things and looked at her.  "If you want that is?"

"Sure, I could use some stress relief."  He grinned and they got into the Impala, heading off.

Angel came out last, looking around.  "Xander and Dean?" he asked Sam.

"Clubbing," he said without looking up.  "She's going to tease him by teasing vampires with some booty shaking dancing.  It'll make Dean growl and pounce later."

"Whatever," Angel said.  "More than I needed to know. "   He got in to drive.  "Do we have their information, Fred?"

"Yes but they might try to download a virus as part of it.  It didn't like us saying we were doing a backup.  We'll find out in a few hours.  If not, we can start it again.  Dean broke into another office and put another one on a different computer for us while Xander was distracting him.  We really could use a hacker though."

"Oz is back in Sunnydale," Sam said as he typed.  "Tara said he showed up to see what happened to Willow when a rumor of her going into a meltdown hit him in Tibet.  She said they talked and made peace with each other."  He looked up.  "He's a hacker, or so she said."

"He is," Angel agreed.  "Gunn?"

"I'll call Giles."  He did that.  "Giles, Gunn.  Can we borrow Oz?  We just managed to tap into W&H's database."  He grinned.  "Thanks.  No, she's out with Dean at the moment blowing off steam.  Clubbing.  Yeah, that's what Sam said.  He'll be up tomorrow, Giles.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Giles said hello and stop in for tea, Sam."

"I can do that."  He grinned at Fred.  "My father's been nagging Buffy about her clothes for months."  She giggled, leaning on his arm.  He grinned back and got back to work.  He wouldn't even wonder what Dean and Xander were getting into, not unless one of them called for bail money.  Xander loved to make Dean pounce.  "Did we get the sarcophagus?"

"Xander broke some of the mystical writing on it," Angel said.  "They set the body on fire.  Is your brother a pyro?"

"It's how we roll," Sam quipped.  "Salt and burn."

Gunn shook his head.  "You two are insane."

"But Xander loves us," he shot back with a grin.

"Yeah, says a lot about her too," Gunn joked.

Sam shrugged.  "It's all love."  He finished up and let her have his laptop.  "Please don't break it."

"I won't."  They got back to the hotel and Oz got there an hour later - apparently he had been close by.  She and Sam sat down with him to go over what they had and the second download.  He simply nodded and dug in to type and hack.

Xander came in giggling, leaning on Dean's shoulder.  "Oh, that's so bad."

"I know but it was funny how he pouted at me when I said I wasn't for sale."  He looked at the new guy.  "Hey."

"Dean, this is Oz," Sam said.

"Oz," Xander squealed, hugging him.

Oz looked at her.  "Xander?"  She smirked and nodded.  "Huh."  He gave her a pinch on the arm.  "From Faith.  How's things?"

"Going good."  She looked over his shoulder, whispering something.  "Try that.  One of their people was at the club we went to and it was in his pocket."   He typed it in and it was an admin level passcode.  She grinned at him.  "Welcome.  Talk tomorrow?"

"Sure."  He watched her go, nodding when Dean followed then Sam.  "Interesting."  He got back to work, looking at Angel.  "Story?"

"Long one, ask him, her," Angel said, shaking his head.  "Sometimes it's hard to see her as a girl."

"Not really," Gunn said.  "When I first saw her I realized I had seen her stripping for gas money and liquor to make it all better.  She's *all* girl."  Fred pinched him, making him yelp.  "It was my boy's bachelor party!" he defended.

She scowled.  "I don't like that profession."

"Fine.  Whatever.  She said she makes good gas money."  He shrugged but got out of pinching range.  "Anything we can use?"

"You mean like the corporate flowchart?" Oz asked, handing it over once he had printed it.  It had the names of all the people in the company and what sort of being they were.  He opened up another window and typed something in, sending it to a friend online.  "I know people who want to know."  He got back to work, making sure everything was open and there were no hidden viruses.  Around dawn he was done.  He looked up and found Angel still sitting nearby.  "Done."  Angel came over to browse the files.  "Room?"

"Pick one, Oz.  We've got plenty."  The younger man nodded and went to crash on a bed.  He went back to reading.  That way he could sleep when Xander and Oz got together to talk.

***

Xander smiled at the lawyer, shaking her hand.  "Hi."

"Xander?"  She nodded.  "Wesley wasn't sure if you'd change anything since the last time he saw you."

"Only my hair.  I got tired of having long hair."  She sat down and watched her pull out folders and pencils.  "So, I figured he left me a letter or something?  Angel said he thinks books."

"Most everything actually."  She opened a folder.  "This is what he owned when he made his last will.  There's a few things that aren't on there and one book that's mysteriously disappeared, probably into Angel's custody.  By the way, I do know.  He told me."  Xander nodded.  "I handle the stuff for another Watcher as well."  That got another nod from her.  "Do you know these two mentioned?"  She underlined names.

"Sam!  You and Dean are needed!" she yelled.  They came in.  "Wes left you guys something."

"He left them a few things actually.  Mostly archaic weapons."  She smiled at them.  "I do know, boys.  I handle another Watcher as well."  She got back to letting Xander see things.  "He said you're not local very often."

"No, I'm living in South Dakota."

"Interesting.  Is that a small cabin?"  Xander nodded.  "That's what he said but he wasn't sure if you were going to stay there."

"On and off, when I'm not hunting."

"That's fine then."  She handed over something.  "That's his bank account's remains.  His books were worth a good bit if you wanted to sell them to Angel."

"I only probably need a few of them."  She looked at the book list, starring some.  She found one last one she hesitated over then starred it too.  "It'll be nice to have."  She handed it back.  "I don't want to bankrupt Angel."

"I'm sure you don't."  She put that aside.  "All right, that leaves his motorcycle, which he left to Charles Gunn.  The things he left to your friends, and what he left to Winifred and Angel."  She looked at her.  "Someone will want a birth certificate for you, most likely the judge.  Just to make sure you're real."  Xander tossed over her passport.  She looked then nodded, making note of that and photocopies.  That took a birth certificate to get.  It was handed back and they went over the paperwork.  Xander outright refused to sign one and she knew why so that was fine with her.  "His father," she said quietly.

"I was going to kick his ass for Wes's amusement," Xander told her.

"He's in town."

"I can handle that minor issue then."  She smiled.  "Anything else?"  She shook her head. "Then let me go talk to Wes's father.  I'm sure traditionally the Watchers took back their people's stuff."  She got up.  "Anything else?"

"You might want to look at the check.  He did have some investments and the like."  She looked.

Dean looked over her shoulder.  "Sweet.  Lots and lots of gas money."  Xander pinched him and he grinned. "Want help?"

"No."  She smiled and handed him the check.  "Put it up for me?"

"Sure.  I won't even think about cashing it."  He walked off happier.

The lawyer looked at Sam.  "Angel can take you boys over tonight to get what he left you."  She handed him a list.  "I had it broken down by person."

"Thanks."  He took the book list too, kissing Xander on the cheek.  "You sure?"

"Oh, yeah."  She strolled out, taking a cab to the hotel the Watchers usually stayed at when they were in town.  She smiled at the guard who gave her an odd look.  "I need to see Mr. Wyndham-Pryce.  He called for me."  She pushed the button.  The lawyer had the address on one of the forms.  She got off on the right floor and walked down the quiet hall to the suite, tapping gently, arms crossing over her chest when it was answered. "Morning."  She pushed past the enforcer, looking at Travers.  "I thought the dickhead sperm donor was going to be here."

"I sent him home with his tail between his legs, Xander."  The head of the Watchers Council looked her over.  "You're looking more healthy."

"I'm starting to be forced to accept the changes.  Why call the meeting through the lawyer?"

"I thought we should talk."  He pointed at a chair.  "Soda?"

"Travers, I know very well you tried to wet works me my senior year," she said bluntly.  He coughed but shrugged.  "So no, I'm not going to trust you.  What do you want?"

"There's some things that Wesley left in my possession, Xander.  He apparently decided you could be like a daughter to him."

"I liked Wes.  He was a good man once he got the Watchery broomstick pulled out."  She checked the chair before sitting down.  "You're not going to try that crucitaneum stuff, right?"

"No, Xander.  You're too old."  He looked at her.  "That last slayer business is solved?"

"I have no clue.  I left that research up to Giles."

"He said he thinks it's solved."

"The only way to know for sure is if Faith dies."  That got a nod.  "I know he was doing something to transfer the gift back to Faith so she'd be The Slayer instead of a slayer."  That got another nod.  "Did it work?"

"He reported it did.  Which does put us at an odd place."

"I'm still hunting, Travers.  I've slowed down but I'm about to go after Merres since he's in my territory."

"Which is a good thing," he agreed.  "What about children?"

She gave him an odd look. "Travers, do you know how much my period fucked with my head?" she said bluntly.

"Wesley said you got drunk."

"Very.  I would've kept getting drunk without Dean stealing the bottle and Wes putting me on medicine that ended it."

"That's fine.  Some day?"

"I only tell the future when the Powers send me something," she reminded him.

"That's fine then."  He stared at her.  "You're not like the other girls."

"No, the three of us presently called aren't.  Then again, I'm pretty sure I figured out more of the bad things you've done in the past than Buffy has.  Faith knows you're all bad.  I know why you're bad."  She stared him down.  "And it won't work on me."

"That's fine.  You're content to do some minor hunting and live in the cabin the rest of the time?"  She nodded.  "Not exposing us?  Nothing like that?"

"The other hunters in the Winchester's network know I'm a slayer."

"They do the same work, Xander.  I'm talking about going on a talk show."

"Why would I want to do that?"

"Gas money," he said bluntly.

"No, I make gas money when I need it.  Wes left me some money too because he didn't like how I was making gas money.  Did me pickpocketing the vamps I stake bother someone else?"

"No, the stripping did."  Xander shrugged.  "Isn't that a bit of a mixed signal?"

"No.  It allows me to get used to people staring at my body without being able to touch.  I've still got a real bad problem with people touching me.  I broke a cop's wrist for trying to grope."

"I hadn't heard about that."

"He decided I had maliciously attacked the man at the bar who tried to grope because I was a lesbian.  I warned him.  I did it again when I freaked out because he tried it with his partner in the room and a camera on.  They let me go."

"Good."  He stared at her.  "What about these boys of yours?"

"They've helped me accept a lot of stuff.  You touch them and it'd be like you touching Tara.  We'll have a midnight talk and only one of us will be walking at the end."

"I'm not going to harm them, Xander.  Do you think they'd take a position as your official Watcher?"

"You'd have to ask them but they know what assholes some Watchers are.  The cabin was set up so the slayer in training could do all the work."

"Some of us are assholes," he agreed bluntly.

"Wes said he enjoyed shooting them."

"So do the rest of us.  I'm not like that."  Xander gave him a look.  "I do what's necessary for the cause, the same as you do, Xander."

"I know that but your methods make others have nightmares.  Including me."  She stood up.  "Anything else of importance?"

"Can we talk to them?"

"They're at the Hyperion.  They came in to talk to Tara and Fred."

"Oh.  Not with you?"

"We're buddies, Travers.  Yes, they're the only men I can stand to have touch me..."  The guard touched her shoulder so she turned and broke his arm next to his shoulder and kicked him in the ribs.  "That wasn't an invitation."  She took a calming breath and looked at him again.  "Not cute."

"His idea, Xander.  I know what sort of problems you've been having.  The drinking was reported to us by a few of us who saw you."

"Sorry, but hey, a lot to adjust to."

"I know.  Sit.  Please."  Xander sat again.  "We're going to put you on stipend.  Buffy and Faith are doing good and so are you.  Theirs is going to Giles.  Buffy convinced us to hire him back."  That got a nod.  "That would solve your gas dilemma?"

"Probably most of the time.  In return you want what?"

"I want you to consider having a child some year.  I want you to continue working when you can.  We don't have a Watcher where you are right now and no one in that network to tell us when something's going on.  I don't expect you to tell us everything but if there's a major uprising, something like that.  Anything you'd need to call Rupert for backup for basically."  That got a nod.  "We want you to continue to work, Xander.  You got a very raw deal out of this thing with Willow.  The fact you helped defeat two higher demons and one mid-level one within two months was very good to us."

"I'm not going to run into them very often."

"We know that.  Your generation has had more than their fair share.  It's been too much for even an exceptional slayer, which Buffy is.  She would've died without you."  Xander nodded, she knew that.  "She and Faith are working well for the moment.  If not, I'm going to have Faith moved here to help the champion, even though we do not trust him.  Do you?"

"Angel and I have our history, Travers.  We tolerate each other for the most part.  We respect each other.  I also know if he loses his soul again, Faith and I will draw straws."  That got a nod.  "Any other demands?"

"No, just those.  We would like to talk to the boys about taking over the official duties for you.  They seem to do it anyway and it would give them a small paycheck as well."  Xander stared at him and he knew he had slipped up.  "I know I'm being generous."

"Why?"

"There's a prophecy that something terrible is going to be raised in the next two years.  We need all the help we can get.  A lot of the potentials have had slayer dreams.  Have you?"

"Not really.  A few of that creeping in the dark thing.  I thought we mitigated the big, bad evil when Buffy didn't die."

"We thought so too but there was another one mentioned.  We're not sure why it was pushed back or if it was pushed back.  If it wasn't this millennium for some reason.  We know that there's another person who's going to try to ascend in another year and a half. Frankly, we're down on recruiting and the girls aren't being born as often since some of them have lived so long.  A lot of that credit belongs to you."  She smiled a bit at that, tipping her head barely to say he was welcome.  "We hope it's a trend that continues after  you three pass on."

"We hope they get to live their own lives and have friends who jump in if they want to too," Xander agreed.  "That's what made Buffy so special."

"Good point."  He stared at her.  "Would you consider taking up magical studies?"

"Enough to shield me, do protections, and those things.  Nothing further.  I have those books coming from Wes's stash.  Sam's separating them out and negotiating with Angel for the others."

"That's fine then.  Do you think they'd talk to me?"

"You'd have to ask them."

"Fine.   Do you have any questions?"

"What do slayers do when we get arthritis?"

"No one's ever lived that long, Xander.  Are you?"

"Sore knees now and then.  Even if I retire I'm still going to be handling the odd thing now and then.  That probably won't be until I'm at least late twenties."

"That's reasonable.  Thank you for not blowing us up."

"Don't give me a reason."  She stood up.  "What did Wes leave with you?"

"A few things.  Including his trust fund."  He handed over an envelope.  "That's yours.  It'll come to the local bank, where we've set up an account in your name, every month.  In there's the card that goes to it.  It's in a money market fund so it'll earn interest for you.  If you need help I'm sure Anya could help you."

"Probably."  She grinned.  "Anything else, like letters?"

"His journals were in his apartment but I believe he left those to Angel.  He didn't have much since his father disowned him."

"For you guys sending him into a situation he was too young and inexperienced to handle, Travers. Wes's father is one of those you should enjoy shooting."

"His father does know that his son thought he was an asshole.  Wesley made sure of it recently.  He's one of the few who knows how to use the computer system.  That's why we keep him around."

"Then recruit from colleges."

"We've started doing that.  It's going to take some time."  He stood up and shook her hand.  "Good hunting, Xander.  Do what you can and remember you're still mortal."

Xander nodded.  "I will.  Thank you."  She walked over the guard and out of the hotel, going back to the Hyperion.  She found Sam walking and reading.  "Hey.  Travers wants to talk to you and Dean."

"Dean just left to talk to him," he said absently.  "I know he can tell him to screw himself for me."   He grinned at her.  "What did he want?"

"They're down Watchers and wanted you two to take over the official duties for me.  Including a paycheck."  Sam blinked at that, opening his mouth.  She held up a hand.  "In the next two years we have another possible ascension somewhere else, a possible world endage prophecy, and a few other things.  They don't want you to spy on your friends, only tell them when things are so bad we're all whining at Angel or Giles for backup.  To be blunt they've started to recruit from colleges so it'll take a few years.  They've lost too many who tried to think for themselves."

"Oh."  He shook his head quickly.  "It depends on what he offers.  Dean'll tell me."  He grinned.  "What did Wes's father have?"

"A kick in the ass from Travers.  Travers was waiting on me, he sent his father home hobbling from the foot up the ass."

"Good."  He smirked.  "Anything else?"

"Apparently there was a trust fund, it'll come with my stipend to the bank back at home, and I've got the card on me."  She smiled and headed to hide it with the other check.  While up there she decided to lay down for a while.  Dean woke her up when he slammed the door.  "Saw the note.  Only pimps get fifty percent and if you think you are, I'm going to kick your ass," she said, still half asleep.

Dean smirked at her.  "I didn't want half but you can buy breakfast now and then.  Did you know what he was going to ask?"

"He told me."  She sat up, blinking at him.  "Pissed you off?"

"A bit.  Dad thought it was a good idea.  I told him Sammy and I would talk."  He kissed her.  "That would mean I'd get to nag."

"Don't you already have nagging rights?"

"Well,  yeah."  He kissed her again.  "We'll see."

"Means less hustling pool."

"I know."  He laid down next to her, getting comfortable when she curled up in front of him.  "Sam's coming in."

"Like I care."  She yawned and he kissed her again.  "Hmm."  She smiled.  "Tired?"

"Not really.  Wound up."  She shifted, reaching in to play with his cock, making him moan.  "You always know when I need it."

"It's a need like your stomach, Dean, always waiting to be filled."  She grinned.  "You horny slut you."

"Only for some people," he teased back.  He got up and stripped down to his boxers.  "Did you steal another pair?"  She grinned and nodded.  "I'm going to spank."

"You keep saying that," she teased, pulling him back down to tease him some more before Sam could interrupt them.  He came with a groan, getting another kiss.  "Better?"

"Much."  He let her cuddle, leaving the mess there.  He'd clean it up later, when he wasn't tired.  Sam knocked then came in.  "They're being honest and they're behind in recruitment."

"That's what she said."  He sniffed then shook his head.  "At least I missed the sex."  He laid down behind Dean, cuddling up to him.  "And?"

"Paycheck.  Nagging rights when she slacks off.  Little oversight.  You keep a journal anyway so that's that requirement out of the way."  He yawned.  "We don't have to nark on the network unless it's something that'll require backup from the army."

"The downside?"

"If there's an emergency you can be drafted to help," Xander told him.  "The same as I can."  That got a nod.  "There's at least two possible problems in the next two years and a lot of the potentials have been having slayer dreams about another one.  Did you get those books?"

"I did.  Why did you want magic books?"

"I can do enough to do protection spells and ward a room without turning into Willow."

"True," Dean agreed.  "Could help us too."  She nodded at that.  "Nothing further?"

"Nope.  Banishing, warding, protection stuff.  Maybe lock spells?"  He shrugged and so did Sam.  "Plus it'll help with my shielding issues."

"That's fine with us," Sam agreed, giving Dean a squeeze.  "Any other downsides, Dean?"

"Travers is someone who does what's necessary in his view," Xander said.  "Including having some older slayers removed from the lineage.  He said he's not going to do it with me.  They've had a downswing in the amount of girls born in the last decade due to Buffy and Faith lasting so long."  That got a single nod from Dean.  "But if he feels it's necessary, he tried to wet works Faith when she woke up.  He tried to stop me from jumping in.  He's got a very narrow viewpoint of the right way to do things."

"But we'll have very little oversight.  He said he was going to consider us outside contractors hired for a specific job, which is Xander."  That got a nod from both of them.  "But it's a paycheck and it's not a hard job.  We'd still do what we're doing before."

"I got the feeling that Travers saw us being together that way as his own version of romantic," Xander said quietly a moment later.  "Like the knight that rescues his damsel and they fall in love.  I think that was his version of sweet and nice."  Both boys snickered.  "It was!"  She looked at Sam.  "He did want me to consider pushing out a kid sometime in the far future.  We think the last slayer curse got put onto Faith but it'll be fine because Giles said he had countered it already with her.  We did that already.  He wants me to stay in our area because no one but you guys are there.  Besides, they're behind on recruiting."

Dean considered it.  "I asked if we had to wear uptight clothes.  He said that's why he was going to be considering us subcontractors.  That way he didn't have to see us or help us unless we called for it, but we could handle all the things we wanted to and he'd send us information when we needed it.  Plus paychecks for gas.  Apparently you stripping really freaked him out, Xander."

"Yeah, I guess so," Xander said dryly.  She took a kiss.  "Wes too."  He grinned at that.  "Did the guard at least medical attention by then?"

"Yeah, his bodyguard was switching out so the one on the floor could quit crying."

"He wouldn't cry in front of me.  I told him not to touch me."  He smirked at her for that.  "He did it even after I said I had a bad problem with it."  She shrugged.  "Pity."  She teased his chest.  "So, up to you guys.  I still get my stipend and Wes left me a small trust.  It's in a money market account according to him."

"We'll talk tomorrow," Dean said.  "Even though Dad said it was a good deal I'm not so sure there's not hidden strings."

"That would depend on who came after Travers and what they wanted," Xander pointed out dryly.

"Good point," Sam agreed, yawning into his brother's hair.  "Sorry.  Tired."

"Sleep, Sam.  We'll talk tomorrow," Xander said, reaching over to stroke over his hair. He smiled as he fell asleep, letting her tease Dean again.  "Think you could sleep too?"

"Hmm.  Yeah, probably."  She smiled and snuggled in.  "Want some reciprocation?" he asked gently.

"Tomorrow.  Then before we split up again.  Unless you feel the need to pounce me again," she offered with a cheeky grin.

He snickered.  "You teased me.  Of course I pounced.  That little boy at the club was not going to have you."  He took a kiss and let her snuggle into his shoulder.  It was nice to be this warm again.

***

Dean woke up happy.  Very happy.  He looked down at Sam, then checked to make sure Xander was still asleep.  "Dude, again?" he whispered.  Sam did something with his tongue that felt incredible and he came a few minutes later.  "Okay."  He patted his brother on the head until he woke up.  "Do I taste good?"  Sam eeped.  "Feel better?"

"Yeah, a bit," he admitted sheepishly.  "Less unsettled."

"That's fine then.  Go do the morning stuff.  I'll wake her up and we'll go out to breakfast."  Sam nodded, sliding out of the bed to go do that.  Dean shook his head.  His brother was wrong somewhere in his head.  He turned to kiss Xander, waking her up the old fashioned way, with a finger to her clit and her getting hot.  "Morning," he said against her lips.  She purred and gave his shoulders a nudge.  "You sure?"

"It's your fault I had dirty dreams all night."

"Now I'm dream walking?" he teased, moving to suck on a nipple.

"Um-huh.  Lots and lots."  She whimpered and arched up against his hand.  "Dean!  Teasing is bad."

"I'm not teasing.  I'm paying you back for last night since that's why you had dirty dreams all night."  He went to lick her, making her a happy woman.  A very loud, happy woman.  Sam snuck out and it was fine with him.  He was finally starting to get hard again and Xander was making those pretty needy noises he loved.  As soon as he could he surged up and planted himself, riding her hard until she came and let him come.  He kissed her again.  "See, not teasing."

"Hmm.  Good."  She pulled him down for another lazy kiss.  "Nap?"

He laughed.  "Breakfast then a nap?"

"That means I have to move and I'm kinda boneless."

"Then let me shower and you nap until I get out."  She nodded, curling up on her side while he went to take a long, hot shower.  It was a good way to wake up.  A wonderful way to wake up.  Even though he was going to end up smacking Sam around someday soon.  And their father since he knew somehow he was prompting it even if he wouldn't admit it.

***

Dean watched the news the night they got back to the cabin, frowning at the disappearance of young women.  "Xander, your vampire's working overtime."

She came to lean on his shoulder while she watched.  "That's not him.  He's been hitting strip clubs."  She shrugged.  "I'll figure that one out too I guess."  She kissed him on the head.  "Your clothes are in the dryer so I could have the washer."

"Thanks."  He grinned.  This was fairly domestic.  Usually it'd make him cringe but it was only for one night.  He looked at Sam as he came out with the new books to shelve.  "We're not bringing any with us?"

"We don't have a whole lot that'll need it," Sam pointed out.  "It's a standard demon."  He finished shelving and looked at the small collection.  "It seems like we're missing some."

"My duffle bag, Sam."

"Oh, yeah."  He went to get those, nearly dragging the bag back in.  Dean got up to help him lift it onto a table for easy sorting.  That filled up the rest of the bookshelf and a few places on the mantle.  Xander came out with two bags and a backpack.  "Are you sure you want to do it that way, Xander?  Wes didn't like it."

"If he's hunting in strip clubs where else am I going to track him?" she countered, looking at him.  "I'll be safe.  If you guys get done sooner, meet up with me somewhere.  Not like you can't text to see where I am.  The same as I can you."  She tossed a few things in the back of the blazer.  Then she came to open up the weapons cabinet and look at what she had.  Two short swords and a short katana, a few daggers, and a few handguns got put into the carrying cases. The cabinet was closed and those got hiked out to the car as well.  They were locked into their special compartments, the spell over them hiding them as soon as the flap over them was closed.  She went back inside to pack the first aid kit, making Dean happier.  "Need me to pack you one too?"

"We've got a good supply in the car," Dean reminded her.  He put in a tube of muscle rub, getting a grin for that. "You might want the peppermint lotion too."  She tossed in a bottle of that too then it got put into the back of the blazer with the small box of emergency supplies: flares, road blankets, flashers, police scanner.  The blazer was locked and he checked the Impala's supplies, coming in to get some more bandages and a tube of muscle rub of his own.  They got put into their gear box and they were set.  "We need to stop and get bullets, Sammy."

"Quit calling me that," he said while he read something.

"Awwwww.  Does that mean I get to call you that?" she said, kissing him on the forehead.

Sam looked at her.  "No.  He's not even supposed to call me that."  She grinned and pinched him on the nose.  He huffed and scowled.  She grinned brighter.  He pouted.  "Xander!" he complained.

"Poor boy.  Picked on by his big brother, having to put up with his anti-book thing."  Sam snickered at that.  "And now I'm going to steal him into the bedroom so put yourself to bed, Sammy.  Oh, his clothes are in the dryer. Start your own.  I'm not your maid."

"Sure."  He went to do that, ignoring the noises from the bedroom.  The door thumping as he pushed her into it.  His squeal when she bit him for teasing her.  Her cackle when he spanked for it this time.  The bed springs being abused by Dean's very strong thigh muscles.  He slapped himself for that last thought.  She finally squealed and his grunting got quiet suddenly too, then he heard pleased sighs.  He smiled.  Someday he'd have that again.

***

Xander found her mark and watched how he was working.  He wasn't compelling them.  He was convincing them to go with him.  The guy she was having a drink with said something smart so she looked at him.  "He's a bit dangerous, dear.  We have to watch out for him."

"Then why don't you kick him out?"

She pointed at the bottle.  "That's a five hundred dollar bottle of wine.  The owner likes him."  The guy grumbled so she teased his hand, smiling at him.  "I'm worried about the other girls.  That's all.  Forgive me?"

"I guess," he said. "Want to do a hottub?"

"Um, nope.  It'll make it harder for me to dance later on, take out all the stretching I did earlier.  But Gwen," she said, pointing, "or Candy, they like the hottub."  He beamed at that and went to talk to the one coming off the stage.  She finished her drink and got up, strolling back toward the changing area.  The owner cornered her.  "What?"

"I know you're new but to give up your client...."

Xander turned him around and patted him on the cheek.  "What did I say when I came in?"

"You're here looking for someone in particular.  Something about a missing friend.  That you're not going to put yourself in a compromising position."  He grimaced.  "I guess they'll appreciate the extra cash."

"Exactly and I don't need the money, dear.  So therefore I'm watching the expensive guy out there who my friend went with."  He started to look sweaty.  "Come on, we'll talk."  She walked him back to his office, mostly by force, and closed the door.  "You know him?"

"I do.  He's a good tipper.  I can set you up with him for a private dance.  I don't want to lose him though."

Xander stared at him.  That was too easy.  "We'll see.  He hasn't twigged to me yet."

"Good point.  I can suggest it since you're new."

"No, I can draw my own attention."  She left, heading back there to change, putting on a wig as well.  She came out in the thigh-high boots, leopard print wrap dress and red wig.  She made sure it was hitched then selected her music before getting up to do her turn on the stage.  One of the girls said something about her and pointed, then giggled.  She seemingly ignored the table and teased the guys near the stage.  She was very good at this act.  She glanced over, winking at the next girl who was finding what she wanted to dance to.  Then went back to teasing a little tipper so he'd go up from the dollars.  He wouldn't so she moved on.  The guy pouted and she got down to the bikini.  It was a topless club, not full monty, so she was fine with that.  She jiggled her breasts and the guys drooled and wanted to lap.  She got some more tips and shook her butt in one big tipper's face, making him tip her more, then she smiled and strolled off the stage once her last song was done.  She headed into the back to take off the wig and shake her hair out.  It was sweaty.  One of the other girls gave her an odd look.  "Wigs make your hair sweaty."

"That's why most of us grow ours, Alex."

"I hate hair.  Too much hair makes me itch."  She scrunched it a few times then put back on clothes, heading out to sell some more drinks.  The girl from that table invited her over so she walked over, making sure her shield was firm.  "Hi.  Alex," she said, shaking his hand.  "You?"

"Dillan Merres.  You're very good."

"Thank you."

"Did I see you in Los Angeles perhaps?"

"Perhaps.  I did a few nights there when I was stranded.  Blowing off steam mostly."  She crossed her legs, sipping her drink.  "In town on business?"

"Pleasure," he said, staring at her.  "You are very pretty."

"Thank you."

"Do you do privates?"

"Dances yes, anything else no."

"Pity."

"Sorry but I'm rather...tied up by someone."  He swallowed at that and the other girls pouted.  "I'll gladly share the private with another girl if you wanted, Dillan."  She took another sip, then pulled out the cherry to suck on, dipping it back into the drink to suck it off again.  "Up to you."

"Hmm.  Not tonight.  Perhaps tomorrow?"

"I'll be here," she agreed smoothly, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek.  "I think I see one of my regulars.  I should go tease him.  I'll see you tomorrow."  She took her drink over there, teasing Sam's neck with a fingernail.  "Long time no see."

"Hmm.  Car broke down."  He grinned at her.  "Dean's off fixing it."

"Pity."  She winked and headed over to the bar, him following.  She hip nudged him.  "So why come in to visit me tonight?"

"Wanted to talk.  Think we could do a private?"  That's what Dean had told him to do.  He had tried to avoid strip clubs unless someone else was paying or he was *really* drunk.

"I can do that but I'm not going to be naughty."

"That's not expected from me.  You know that."  He paid for it and let her lead the way up there.  "Cameras," he said, looking at one.  "Interesting."

"They want to make sure we're not doing dirty things, Sam."  She smirked.  "So, broken?"

"Blew the radiator somehow."  He looked at her.  "Dean said to come talk to you."

"'Bout what?"  She came closer and he blushed.  She leaned down next to his ear.  "Relax, Sam.  It'll look odd if I don't."

He nodded.  "Fine.  Whatever.  He said we needed to talk about your guy."

"My guy?  The pouting one?"

"The one downstairs," he said.  He stared, blinking at what she was doing.  He didn't often get lap dances and most of the time they were fairly lackluster.  This one....  He was about to make an ass of himself with his brother's girlfriend.  He swallowed, staring at her face.  "He says he's dangerous, Alex."

She kissed him on the forehead.  "He might be but we've got to know."

"Good point."  The song ended and she stood up, letting him pant and huff until he could finally control himself again.  "So, since your guy's local, wanna come over?"  Someone knocked.

"Occupied."  The boss came in.  "Hi, bossman.  This is my boyfriend's little brother.  Their car broke down."

"It happens."  He looked at him.  "She's still not allowed to touch you, kid."

"My brother would kick my ass."  He stood up, walking around her.  "We're at the Regent."

"I'm in 221."  He nodded, heading out.  "What's up?"

"Caught the kiss, Alex."  He stared at her.  "You're not the normal stripper."

"You'd be surprised."  She smiled.  "Why?"

"Fine, he said he'd do the private with you tonight as long as you did it with Mercy."

"Isn't she out tonight?"

"She's coming in specially.  He likes leather."

"I can do leather.  I have a killer catsuit."  That got a smirk.  "I do."  She strolled off to put it on and get ready for later.  She needed to stretch a bit.  Her arms were sore.  Her hands were sore.  She saw Mercy come in and waved.  "Hey."

"Hey.  Dillan's back?"  She nodded.  "Wow."  She got dressed in a hurry in a leather bustier and short skirt.  "Can you actually get out of that?"

"Yeah, not that hard."  She stood up and showed the zipper.  "See?"

"If it works for you."  She saw the shoes she stepped into.  "Those are nice."  Alex let her see closer while one was buckled.  "How much did you pay for those?"

"Two hundred."  She finished the other one and stood up, fluffing back out her hair.  She put on a black wig to go with the dark blue leather.  "Come on."  They headed up together, letting her tease one of the guys.  They made it into the room and she leaned against the door while Mercy and he kissed.  She knew this room had a non-working camera.  It's the one the girls who gave the cheap blows used.  She strolled over.  "Hi again."

"Alex."  He looked her over, blinking.  "That shows everything and yet nothing."

"Doesn't it?" she teased, sitting next to him, Mercy getting the other side.  "So, what sort of private did you want, Dillan?"

"Hmm.  You two to dance together?"

"I can do that."  She stood up and pulled Mercy up, letting them do some club dancing and grinding together, stripping each other for his pleasure.  Mercy was purring at her and she felt something.  The shield blocked the warning cramps.  Huh.  She didn't know that.  She gracefully moved out of the top of her catsuit, letting it wiggle its way down her hips until she could step out of it.  He was groaning and teasing himself.  "Naughty you," she said.  He laughed and patted his lap.  Mercy came over to do a lap dance while Xander danced against the pole.  Two vamps and her without a sword, great. Stake yes, sword no.

"Alex, you can join us," he offered.

She strolled over, stepping over the shed clothes.  "I'm still a good girl, Dillan."  She wiggled next to him to dance beside him.  It was as close as she was getting.  Mercy groaned, kissing her.  She kissed back then smiled when the gameface came out.  "Ooh, scary," she said dryly.  Mercy pulled back, giving her a horrified look.  "I saw plenty of you in my hometown, Mercy.  I'm not dinner."

"You do smell very good," Dillan offered, sniffing her neck.  He went for a bite and she slammed her shoulder into his jaw, making him scramble away.  "What are you?"

She stood up and pulled out the very slim stake from her bra holder.  "Special."  She staked Mercy then him.  She waved.  "Bye.  No more eating us."  She got back into her outfit and made sure she was able to move.  The stake went up a sleeve, hitched into the elastic strap she had sewn in there for that purpose.  She strolled out.  "They decided to sneak out, boss."

He looked at her.  "Who are you really, Alex?" he asked.  He moved closer, pushing her into a wall.  "You're not normal."

"I'm from Sunnydale, boss.  Why would I be normal?"  He reared back and she staked him too.  She walked off, heading into the back area, grabbing her bag.  She had the short katana in there.  She smiled at the other girls, one of who hissed.  She stared back.  "Oh, please!  Goddess, girls.  I'm from Sunnydale."  A few ran and she heard metal and bone connect.  She shrugged and headed out the front door, right into an ambush.  The vampires apparently had a large family.  She pulled the sword and waved a hand, dropping the bag.  "Come on then."  A few rushed her and she dusted them, the stake hitting the one who got under her sword's guard.  The rest rushed and some of the people inside.  She got most of them.  A few ran away after a bit.  She felt someone hit her back and glanced back.  "Hi, Sammy."

"Don't call me that!"

"Sorry, dear.  Dean still bored?"

"No.  Not anymore."  He got another one and they finished the club's patrons within a half hour.  He was panting, looking at her.  "That's harder than it looks.  How are you doing it in three-inch heels?"

"Practice."  She looked him over.  "You okay?"

"One tried to bite, I staked him."  He touched his neck.  "I'll be fine."  She grabbed her bag and they headed together.  They went to where Dean was working, finding him shooting wooden bullets, something Riley had given him to test, at a lot of vampires.  She stepped in and Sam followed to guard the doors.  It was a bad fight.  A good half the town showed up to guard their master's lair.  Sam growled and got the last one, turning to find Dean and Xander kissing and one vampire trying to move.  "You missed one."  Xander took the gun and shot without looking, dusting it.  He smiled, shaking his head.  "Guys, let's blow this pop stand?"

Dean looked over at him. "Liked the lap dance?"

"Too much.  Now, can we go before the rest of the town shows up as dead?"  Xander shrugged and they headed off together.  The rooms were quickly packed and gotten out.  They met again at the car.  "Didn't you realize so many of them were dead?"

"The shield that keeps them from feeling me keeps me from feeling them."

"We'll have to work on that," Dean said.

"Car working?"

"Car's being towed back to Bobby's so can we get a ride?"

"Sure, but I'm driving."

"As long as you change shoes," Dean said, getting in to drive.  She shoved him over and got in too.  Sam got into the backseat.  He knew better than to complain.  "Sam, laptop?"  He got that bag from the stairs.  Dean looked at him.  "Did you get bitten?" he demanded.

"Just a bit!"

"My neosporin has holy water," Xander said as she backed out, heading for a safer place.  She pulled off her wig and ran a hand through the sweaty hair.  "Now that I've had my workout for the month," she said dryly.  "Any chance we got caught on camera?"

"I took out the ones at the lair.  At the club?"

"They had some but with so many vamps...."  She backtracked and went to get the tapes, having to kiss the cop that was guarding them.  She snuck off again and smiled at Dean.  He took them to wreck, shaking his head.  "Sorry, lost track."

"You sleep last night?" Sam asked.

"Not really.  I had some funky slayer dreams again.  Mostly about oceans for some reason."  She shrugged, hitting the interstate.  They found a new motel and Dean checked them in.  Xander came in and changed clothes.  Dean gave her a look since she had stolen another pair of his boxers.  "Wes wouldn't let me buy any."

"I can fix that too," he assured her.  He pulled her down to kiss her.  "How did he turn half a town?"

"He was over five hundred.  Plus all the girls he got while traveling around."

"Damn.  That's kinda old," Sam said.  He laid down on Dean's other side.

Xander looked at him.  "Remember, you're my harem, we're not Dean's."  Sam cracked a smile, shaking his head.  "So, how was my lapdance?"

"Not bad," Sam offered with a grin.  "Got me going. Usually the girls don't stare at you that way.  That's gotta be fun for submissive personalities.  Not that I am...."  Dean smacked him on the head.  "Hey!"

"Quit," Xander said before the usual fight could start. "You okay, Dean?"

"I'm just fine.  I tossed in a holy water grenade Riley gave me to test.  You were the one with a sword and a stake."  He looked her over, finding a few cuts and scratches, one bite mark on her shoulder but it wasn't very deep.  A few good bruises coming up.  Sam got the same look over.  He was about the same.  The neosporin got spread around to make sure nothing settled in the bites.  She found one on Dean's ankle so she spread the cream over it. "Good, we're all good."  He turned on the news, letting them watch about the other town.  "We have today and tomorrow here."  They nodded. "Then we've got to do the demon."

"You're not taking the blazer."

"You can go pick up the Impala," Dean offered.  "It'll take a few days for Bobby to put in the new radiator."  He grinned at her.  "Please?"  Xander gave him a look.  "You can drive it to where we are and trade back."

She shook her head.  "My car.  I'll go take care of the demon.  You go wait on the car.  It'll go faster if you help him anyway, Dean."  She kissed him when he started to protest.  "There's the new Rakshasa up north.  Though how an Indian demon got here I'm not sure."

"There's a large immigrant population up there," Sam told her.  "It probably came over with some.  I can't find much that's not myths on them."  Dean looked at him.  "Shape shifters, sometimes human, sometimes not.  Animal heads, pot bellies.  Depends on the type as to whether or not they eat humans. A few types are carrion eaters.  We'd have to find out more about how they're manifesting.  I thought Caleb was going up there."

"They can appear as redheads," Xander said dryly.  They both moaned.  "Yeah, so he's suspicious.  Since they appear as either married husbands or beautiful women, sounds like you two are the better choice."

Dean spanked her gently.  "Fine, we'll do that.  You go do our demon.  We'll meet up somewhere after that?"  She nodded, grinning at him.  "Good, go brush your teeth.  You taste like stale coffee."

"Had to kiss the cop guarding the tapes to get them."  She got up to do that, then came back to cuddle up again.  "Better?" she asked after a new kiss.

"Much," Dean agreed.  They watched a news special coming on.

"In Tableworth there's a massive fire going on," the reporter said, panting slightly from the scene.  "There appears to be three different areas with fires.  One's a warehouse that was converted to living space according to the neighbors.  One was a strip club where a mysterious woman earlier took out a client who had done something wrong.  The other is a fire at the local firehouse itself.  We're on scene."  He got out of the way so they could see the lair going up.  "This is the residential building that went up.  All we know so far is that the town has had a series of disappearances recently and these fires may be related to them.  As to the mysterious stripper at the club earlier no one's sure if she's part of that.  One of the remaining clients seemed to think she was protecting herself."  It cut to the interview with the drunk man saying she was uptight about people touching her and the guy probably did that.  Then back to the reporter.  "We do ask that anyone who has any information on any of these issues call the Tableworth PD at the number flashing on your screen.  Now, back to your regular program.  We'll keep you updated as things happen out here."

Dean turned down the volume.  "Good idea on the wig," he said quietly.  "We'll make sure they don't twig to you."  She nodded, snuggling in.  "We didn't start those fires."

"I know.  Which means the vampires did it to cover something up," Xander said quietly.  "What did I miss?"

"They were probably mad and did it to point at you instead of them," Sam offered.

She shook her head.  "That would've been the lair and the club, maybe.  Not the firehouse."

Dean looked at her.  "Maybe they were involved in the vamp thing?"

"Maybe.  Or maybe they were doing other things."  Another special report came on, basically repeating the same thing.  "Should we call the tip line?"

"No, better not," Dean said.  "They can trace it."  He stroked her back until she unwillingly fell asleep against his shoulder.  He looked at Sam.  "Monitor that and wake me before you fall asleep?"  He nodded, settling in to monitor the news.  It was strange but no one wanted her to worry.

***

Dean looked at the shelf of hair dye, grimacing.  A sales clerk came over to him.  "I think it's great when men decide to cover their gray hairs but there's special stuff just for men, sir."

He gave her a dirty look.  "My sister's being a jerk."

"Oh!  What color is she going?"

"Something other than black."

She giggled.  "What's her skin complexion like?"

"Lightly tanned.  She's got brown eyes if it helps."

"Hmm.  You know that woman on the tv...."

"I know, that's why she's being a jerk.  They think she's her.  Twice now because we're on a post-graduation road trip."

"Ah.  Well, is her hair dark dark black or just over the edge of brown black?"  He gave her another odd look.  "Like yours?"  He nodded.  She picked up a box.  "If she uses this one it'll turn her dark brown with reddish highlights probably."  She showed him the box.  "That's how it changes down.  Does she have long hair?"

"Short and spiky."

"Then it'll grow out looking like sun bleaching within a few months."

He grinned.  "Thanks."  He took the box up to the counter and got her a candybar too.  Xander was being a miserable prick and annoying the hell out of him.  If he got her chocolate she'd let him have sex again and it'd be nicer.  He took the bag out to the blazer and got in, heading back to the motel.  He tapped before walking in, making Sam look at him.  "More cops?"

"No, the last one apparently got the point across."  Dean closed the door.  "Did you get plates?"

"Already done and changed on the blazer," he said, going to hand Xander the bag.  "Here."  He came back to watch the news.  Only one person's body had been found in the fire, at the firehouse itself.  Then the investigating Feds had come in and found the drug lab.  He frowned at that, sitting up.  "Drug lab?"

"Drug lab," Sam agreed.  "Huge drug lab."  He smirked at him.  "They're not looking for her anymore.  They think she found out and ran after having to protect herself.   The rest of the town was in on it and they're the ones who set the fires after some major falling out that resulted in half the town dead."  Xander came out with smelly stuff in her hair.  "Eww."

"Tough."  She sat down on the bed.  "Thank you, Dean."

"Welcome.  She said that should grow out like sun highlights, whatever those are."

She held up a strand of his hair.  "That's where the sun bleaches you down a few shades."

"Yeah, well, she suggested I was buying one to cover gray hair."

She looked.  "I don't see any yet."

"Thank God," he muttered, laying down again.  "That stuff stinks, Xander."

"Sorry."  She got up and went to sit in the other chair.  "Twenty minutes," she said at Sam's dirty look.

He shook his head.  "How do women do this all the time?"

"Buffy said she puts a few packs of sweet and low into the bleach she uses to keep her hair from being fried."  Sam gaped.  Dean gaped.  "You guys thought she's a natural blonde?"  They nodded.  "No.  She's about the middle picture on the box naturally."  She got it to show them.  "She's a Cali princess so of course she's a blonde now."

Dean shook his head.  "I'm horrible at spotting the good dye jobs.  She had real boobs, right?"  Xander nodded.  "Well, at least I didn't miss on those."

"I don't see how you can tell."

"Some are *really* bad," she told him.  "I've seen so many bad boob jobs in the clubs.  I hear Vegas is fake tit central."  She sat down again.  The box went beside her so she could read the warning label.  "As long as I'm not bald after this."

"Why can't they make the stuff not stink?" Sam asked.

"They make herbal stuff without ammonia.  It doesn't work as well according to Buffy.  This stuff stinks but it's permanent."  Dean shook his head quickly.  "With the way my hair grows out it'll be back by winter."

"As long as you're not bald.  I'd never let you do anything then."

Xander looked at him and his smug look.  "One candy bar does not make me a happy Xander.  Two candy bars...."  He sighed and got her one of the granola bars.  He got kissed.  "After I wash the gunk out.  That way I'm all squeaky clean."

"I could like that," he agreed more happily.  She nibbled on the granola bar.  "I called Bobby on the way to the store.  He got the Impala.  He said someone shot the radiator.  He pulled the bullet for us."  Sam shook his head, going back to his reading.  "What are you reading now?"  He held up the book.  "I can't see it that far away, bitch."

"Jerk," he muttered.  "Dante's Inferno."

"The first layer is LA in the summer," Xander said dryly.  "That's why all the demons leave for somewhere less hot."  Both boys laughed.  "Even we had a slow down during the summer because they all left to escape the heat.  Even the vamps.  Apparently they headed north.  The plant demons headed this way.  The other ones headed for Texas."

"I knew they had a surge," Dean complained.

Xander looked at him.  "I was doing some research into other areas that have hellmouths.  Did you know there was one in Cleveland?"

"Cleveland?" Sam asked.  "Who goes to Cleveland?"  She shrugged.  "Any others in the US?"

"One just south of the Texas border in Mexico.  It's tiny and barely collecting any power.  They don't think it'll ever open.  The one in Cleveland apparently shut some few centuries back and then the Sunnydale one opened.  So they're not sure if it'll open again some year."

"Yeah, that'll be a huge loss," Dean said, shaking his head.

"It's a semi-major city," Xander pointed out.  "If we had to evac Sunnydale it'd take us more than a day.  Look at how long it takes to evac a city like Miami for hurricane season.  It could be a lot of lost lives."

"Yeah but no one's going to go to Cleveland and open one," Dean complained.  "There hasn't even been trouble there."

"There's a good ghost culture," Sam said, turning the page on his book.  "There's also an underground art and music scene but it's fairly small."

"In *Cleveland*?"

"Yeah, the ones who got tired of rain in Seattle moved there," Xander told him.  Dean shook his head quickly and went back to the news.

"Hasn't it been twenty minutes yet?" Sam complained.

"It hasn't even been five yet, Sam," Xander said, finishing her granola bar.  "Oh, there is one in Canada.  It's more likely to open.  Second highest on the list after Cleveland.  It's up near the Arctic Circle."

"Way too much snow for the Impala," Dean muttered.  "Even in the summer probably."

"The natives keep it closed?" Sam asked.

"No but they have the Council's number if it starts to activate.  Giles was telling Buffy that when I called.  Buffy said she's afraid of snow after our nightmare snow.  Faith said she hates snow after living in Boston.  So I got nominated if that happened."

"Have fun," both boys said in unison, Sam waving a bit.  She swatted him.

Dean shook his head.  "Are you sure it has to be twenty minutes?"

"It should be forty," she said bluntly.  "I have short hair so it said I can test a strand at twenty."  They both groaned and got up, heading out to do something.  That way the stink wouldn't kill them.  She shook her head, going to get a soda from the machine.  She came back sipping it, weathering the odd looks.  "Breakfast."   The old lady just snorted and huffed off.  She locked the room's door behind her, smiling at the keys sitting on the table.  Well.  That was great.  They'd have to knock and she could make them get dinner too.  When her watch beeped she went to test a strand, then grimaced and had to let it sit for another few minutes.  She hated the smell as much as they did but she couldn't escape it.

***

Dean got out of the cab, paying the driver as soon as he had his bags.  "Thanks, dude."  He headed up to the porch then out to the garage.  "Xander's a brat."

"I heard about that town."

"Full of vamps," he said dryly.  "She took Sam to do the demon while I do the Rakshasa up north.  She refused to let me change cars."

Bobby laughed.  "Some girls are possessive of what's theirs.  You okay?"

"I'm fine.  I hate greyhound."  That got a nod and Bobby let him see what he had done to his baby so far.  "Any idea who shot at me?"

"No.  Not yet."  He patted him on the back.  "Dave's going to be all right.  He's awake now."

"That's good.  Is he babbling at the stars?"

"Yup.  Then again, for Dave that's almost normal.  Jim's been helping him when he can.  They moved him nearer to where he is.  The whole town?"

"Yeah, all but about five residents were vamps.  A lot of them were running a drug lab, had been for over a decade.  The Feds were not impressed and they don't want Xander anymore.  She's still got her hair different."  That got a nod.  "Anyway," he sighed.  "Let me help?"

"Of course, boy."  He gave him a wrench.  "Do the bolts over there."  Dean nodded, getting under the hood to get those bolts.  That way they could take out the damaged radiator.  "How's her blazer running?"

"Crappy.  Her timing sounds off.  I pointed that out and she gave me this very confused look.  She can change the tires and oil but the rest of the car's structure goes past her."

"You'll teach her."

Dean looked at him.  "Am I in this for the long haul?"

"Could you pick up waitresses on the way here?"

"Not taking the bus."

"Dean."

He sighed, shaking his head.  "No," he muttered.  "And she's the one who said to keep it casual.  She promised not to get clingy and then it's me who breaks that."

"A guy in love is a force of nature.  Look at all the songs written about you guys."

"Don't remind me.  Sam was joking and reading parts of _Romeo and Juliet_.   I had to keep reminding him I wasn't going to drink poison and we weren't going to sneak off to get married.  Our families didn't mind.  Then Dad showed up and said he didn't mind either."  He shook his head at the laughter.  "Xander found the capturing urn she had bought and opened it next to him.  He fled back to bother Buffy for a while.  Did you know she's not a natural blonde?"

"If it's skillful the only way to tell is the bikini line," Bobby reminded him.

"No, you can dye that too," Dean said dryly.  Bobby burst out laughing.  "We caught Xander doing hers so it'd match.  Honestly.  Eyebrows too.  Sam was *so* embarrassed.  He went to sleep in the blazer that night."

"You get any?" he asked with a smirk.

"She ended up shaving instead so yes."  That got another laugh.  "I'm so screwed, aren't I?"

"Nah, she ain't here."

Dean punched him on the arm.  "I don't need it that often."

"Uh-huh.  Sure you don't."

"I don't!"  He got the last bolt undone and put it aside, helping him lift out the radiator.  "Scrap metal or do you think it can be fixed?"

"I think I can weld it shut if you wanted me to.  Or we can strip the other Impala of a part."

"Let's try to fix it first," Dean decided.  "It's an original part."  That got a nod and Bobby went to get the welding gear.  He patted his poor car.  It'd be better soon.  Then they'd be on the road so he could take care of the funky shape-changing demon.  Then he could chase his family.  Because Xander had heard something about an incubus that was playing around and wanted to go see if they were real.  "Xander and Sam were talking about other hellmouths," he said when Bobby came back.

"Why?"

"Did you know there was one in Cleveland?"

"Why?"

"I don't know.  There's one up by the Arctic Circle in Canada.  One just below the Texas/Mexico border too.  Why anyone would want to take over Cleveland I'm not sure."

"Maybe they like the teams?" Bobby suggested.

"Maybe.  I don't."  He got down to hold the radiator steady while Bobby got to work fixing it.  It was going to be a long few days.

***

Dean finally found his brother and Xander at a dance club a week later.  He tapped Sammy on the shoulder, giving him a look.  He got a hug for it.  "Long week?" he said over the music.  Sammy nodded, dragging him over to where Xander was dancing.  He slid through the people, walking up behind her to get her back, glaring at the man who was trying.  The guy backed off because that was a possessive look.  He moved with her, making her stiffen.  "Morning."

"It's dark out, were you turned?" she joked over the music.  "I'd hate to have a replay of Buffy's love life."

"You know better than that," he assured her, letting her turn around to hug him.  He grinned at the guy over her shoulder.  "Old friends."  She hissed something in his ear and he sighed.  "You sure?"  She nodded, looking at him.  "Fine."  He smirked at her.  "Naughty you," he mouthed.  She shrugged and went back to dancing with him, making him dance too.  He checked but Sammy was being hit on by a few cute coeds of the sorority sister persuasion.   He shrugged it off and put a tracker on her, letting her go play with the incubus across the club.  He went to get a beer, it was going to be a fun night.  A light hunt, then some fun with Xander and then napping and seeing if Sammy's strange dreams were gone.  He watched as the incubus enthralled Xander, subtly following them out.  The small warehouse wasn't unexpected since demons seemed to like them so he climbed up onto an overlook.

He got a good view when the incubus led her back to where he was hiding the other women.  They were having an all-female orgy apparently.  Dean blinked a few times, smiling at the video camera.  Well, some people were going to have fun but he'd be taking the tape.  A few were begging the incubus for another infusion.  He knew that meant that the demon was tainting them through his seed.  Soon they'd either die or turn into succuba.  Xander was still enthralled and playing with the other girls.  It was very hot.  The pack of them were writhing, touching, lapping, begging for more.  He was getting hard just watching it.  He pulled something out of his pocket.  He had wondered why Tara sent him this.  He set it off and the demon froze.  The women didn't.  Dean strolled down there, smirking at him.  "Hi, how are you?"

"I'll get you.  They came willingly."

"I doubt the slayer did."  He stared at him, then felt a form against his back, looking back at Xander.  "Hi."

"Hi."  She grinned and handed him something.  "It has a binding on it."  Dean looked at the small leather band with a snap on it.  She huffed and put the cockring on him herself, making the demon howl.  She smirked at him.  "You know why they're tainted?"

"They're virgins and without the touch of seed of a mortal man they'll turn," Dean said.  He looked around.  He had heard he had ten, which meant probably six-to-eight usually in reality.  This time he had thirteen.  "Mystical even."  He kissed Xander and she broke free.  "Help me?"

"Call Sammy?"

"Calling Sammy," he agreed, calling him.  One of the women made a grab for him.  "Let me make a call and there'll be another one here."  She mouthed his cock though his jeans and he let her.  It was all good to him and Xander didn't mind.  She was playing with a girl who was saying she needed the incubus' seed.  "Sammy, me.  Trace the thing I put on Xander.  Mortal women with an incubus.  About to be turned.  Yeah."  He hung up and let himself be pulled down.  They'd still need more.  "Hmm, how to touch you?" he said, sounding happy.  It was almost two in the morning. There was no way he could come ten times by sunrise.  Xander leaned over to kiss him.  "Spraying work?"

"As long as it's on them, in them, or infecting them."

"So...  We can let them share."  He let the girls have him.  Sammy walked in and a few ran over to grab him and pull him down too.  "Make sure they're all hit, Sammy."  He moaned and whimpered but the girls were insistent.  One was on the incubus anyway, begging for more.  "He can't."  The demon started to get loose but Xander muttered something and he froze again.  Dean did his best.  There were still a few who hadn't been sprayed with any seed yet so his last one he let them share.  Xander let a few lap it out of the other girls.  The demon came free about five but the woman on him was still begging.  Magical cock rings - he'd have to be wary of those in the future.  "Xander?"

"She's fully gone over, Dean.  I don't know."  She came over to kiss him, letting him tease her.  "Hey!  Tired."

He smirked.  "Me too.  Sammy?"  He heard a weak moan and looked over.  One still was begging for it.  He pointed her at one of the girls, letting her go lap some off her.  As the sun came up those who were anointed fell asleep.  The demon broke free one last time.

Xander reached over to unsnap the cock ring and let him come for a second then snapped it again, making him howl.  "Have fun."  He and the girl disappeared.  She'd be back and they'd take care of it then.  She flopped down on Dean's thigh, looking at him.  "I'm exhausted."

"Yeah."  He looked at his little brother. "Sammy, you alive?"  He got a weaker moan.  He and Xander made themselves get up and check on him.  One of the girls was still trying to suck him.  "Let him sleep for an hour, ladies.  He'll be fine then."  He stroked her until she came and went limp across Sammy's chest.  Then they grabbed their clothes and headed out.  Dean looked at her boxers, well his boxers, and walked her to over to a store.  "I don't care what Wesley said.  Go buy your own."  He shoved her inside and waited until she came out with a bag.  Then they walked back to the hotel together.  He flopped down face first on the bed.  "I'm never doing it that way again.  I'll save up some beforehand and anoint that way."

She yawned.   "It was nearly as good as the first time Anya got any in twelve hundred years."  She laid down next to him.  "Sam knows where we are."  He nodded at that.  She yawned again.  "I swear, when she got it for the first time she didn't stop for a day.  I nearly died.  She did a stamina enhancing spell on me.  Thank God it grew since then."  He chuckled weakly.  She kissed him on the ear. "Aren't you glad I'm not that horrible?"  He nodded slowly, falling asleep right there.  She got up long enough to switch the new boxers for his old ones then laid back down and went to sleep.  It had been a while since she'd had that much sex.  She almost felt like Anya at the moment.

***

Dean woke up in bed alone.  "Don't tell me she went for a run," he muttered. He grabbed his bag and headed for the shower, coming out to get dressed.  He saw the boxers carefully folded on top and pulled one up.  Mickey Mouse.  The next was Brainy Smurf.  The one after that was Smurfette.  The other pair in there was Kermit and Miss Piggy.  He sighed and decided commando was a good choice for today until he could steal his back from his girlfriend.  It was definitely time to look into spanking her.  He checked her bag but no boxers in it.  He glared at the doorway.  "I'll get her yet."  Sammy wobbled in and collapsed on the bed. "You're just now getting back?"  Sammy nodded, thumping his head on the bed. "Get more?"

"Shut up," he croaked.  "I'm never playing with a sex demon again.  Or Anya."

Dean laughed.  "Where is Xander?"

"Gone.  She drove me back and said she'd meet us at the cabin.  If she forgot anything to bring it with us."  He looked at Dean.  "Usually I can see your boxers in those.  Don't tell me you're going commando."  Dean handed over the Smurfette boxers.  "Never mind.  She's mean to you.  Let me sleep?"

"Yeah, you can sleep, Sammy."  He needed a nap too and there were two beds this time, it was a miracle.  He laid down on the other one and fell asleep that way.  It was a long drive back to the cabin.  He needed his rest for spanking.

***

Dean got out of the car, looking around.  No Xander.  The blazer was there but no music, no Xander, no sign of Xander.  He dropped her bag inside and still no Xander. So he went to the next likely place, the pond.  She was swimming around.  He stripped down and dove in, swimming over to where she was.  He pulled her against him and spanked her good three times.  "My boxers?"

She grinned.  "I got told all girls borrowed.

"You didn't borrow, you stole, Xander."

"Nah-uh, I replaced them."

"With cartoons.  Do I really look like a guy who wears cartoon boxers?"  She nodded, beaming a bit.  She dove down and pinched him on the thigh before swimming off.  "That won't save you."  She climbed out the other side and he got out the nearest spot he could.  "I want them back, Xander."

"I gave you new ones!" she called.  He started to move.  She moved the opposite direction.  He stared at her.  "I think you'd look cute in Miss Piggy.  I always thought she was sweet on Fozzy really instead of Kermit.  Denied longing and all that."

"Did the incubus take some sanity?"  He moved and she moved the opposite direction.  "Xander," he growled.  She giggled.  He ran and she ran faster.  He changed direction and so did she.  "Sam!"  He came out to watch, shaking his head and walking off.  "You're my brother, help me here please!  Unless you want me to go commando for the rest of the year?"

"No comment," Sam called back, waving over his shoulder as he went inside to start dinner.  He heard a splash but Xander was back in the pond and Dean was diving in after her.  She got out and ran for the woods.  "Nymphs," Sam muttered, going back to cooking.  She ran through the house but Dean was out front so she ran back through, heading out the back and back into the woods.  He took off after her, Sam still cooking and laughing.  She yelped.  "Guess he caught her."  She yelped again and he laughed.  "Finally, a good spanking."  Dean yelped.  "Or not."  She came back out of the woods, picking burrs as she ran.  Sam laughed.  That was too funny.  He needed video of this.  He'd have to photoshop clothes on them but Tara would love this.  Dean picked off the last burr as he ran after her, dodging around the cars.  He tried to sneak around but she dove and rolled under the blazer and came out the other side, heading into the woods on that side of the driveway.  Dean chased her, having less to make up this time.  He still wasn't catching her.

"Get out of that tree before I chop it down, Xander!" Dean shouted.  Sam burst out laughing, leaning on the stove while he cackled.  No, Dean wasn't about to climb a tree naked.  Dean stomped up the porch stairs and Sam pointed when he saw Xander take off again.  Dean growled, heading after her.  This time he caught her on the equipment and pounced, ramming her into one. A shift to make her lean over it with her feet off the ground.  A good spanking until her butt was pink.  Then he slid inside her to teach her better.  "Do not take my clothes.  Or give me cartoon boxers," he said as he thrust, spanking her a few more times.  She was making whimpering noises.  "Are we clear?"

"I think they're cute.  I would've worn them," she defended.  He spanked her again and shifted how he was thrusting into her, making her tense up and try to get him deeper.  "Dean!"

He came and pulled out, pulling her down to look at her.  "I should leave you hanging.  I had to go commando for three states, Xander."  She kissed him and moved his hand down.  "Ah!"  She pouted.  "Never again, right?"

"But they're cute."

"I'm not a cartoon guy."

She pouted.  "Not even for me?"

"No, not even for you."  She pouted worse.  "Tell me you didn't replace the ones here?" he begged.  She nodded slowly, giving him the puppy eyes.  He growled.  "Xander!"  She got free and headed inside, locking herself in the bigger bedroom.  He stomped that way, pounding on the door.  "Give them back!"

"No!  They're mine now!"

Dean pounded again then he heard her moaning and whimpering noises.  "You still can't do it yourself, Xander."  He heard her come and sighed, leaning his head on the door.

"Cartoon boxers aren't *that* bad or evil," Sam said, patting him on the back.  "Put on clothes.  Xander, dinner's in about ten minutes."   She let out a loud squeal.  "Never mind, I'll try to defend you some from Dean's stomach."  He went back to the kitchen.  "Dean, clothes?"

"I can't wear Smurf boxers!"  A pair was slid under the door.  Scoobie Doo.  "Not much better.  That was your team, not mine!"  His answer was a pant and begging whimper from inside the bedroom.  He went to get his jeans and t-shirt from the pond and put them on once he was on the porch.  Without the boxers.  He was not wearing cartoon boxers.  Not even when Xander slid out a note saying he wasn't getting sex again until he did.  He could do without.  Even if three days later he was crawling the walls without having any.   He was getting soft in his old age.  That's the reason he was going insane without sex.  It had to be.  Either that or Xander was ruining him.  Even Sammy wasn't doing his usual sleep groping thing.  He was frustrated and snarling.  His father got growled at when his ghost showed up.  Sammy got growled at and nearly cried earlier that morning because they were out of coffee.  At least that had been easily fixed.  He pinned Xander against the fridge, kissing her.  "I don't like cartoons."

"I do.  I think they're cute."

"I'm not cute, Xander.  I'm manly, I'm macho, I'm a stud.  I'm not cute."  He took another kiss but she pushed him off.  "Oh, come on!"

"Nope.  I want you to wear them."  She pouted.  "Other guys do stupid things and it's not like anyone's going to see them."

"I will!"

"Who cares what you're wearing on your ass, Dean?"

"I do."  He stared at her.  She huffed.  He glared.  Then he turned and walked out.  "Fine, I'll be getting supplies.  You clearly need midol or something."  He slammed the front door.  She must've been talking to Faith or someone again.  Or reading Cosmo.  The last time she had done that he had to take it and throw it out before she tried one of those positions that would've killed their backs.  He calmed down enough to drive and get groceries, coming back to find the blazer gone and Sam sitting on the front porch.  He got out.  "What?  She changed the locks?"

"Drove off in a snit.  Good going.  I'd apologize.  Soon.  Wear whatever she wants.  Women have this habit of making you prove things when they get insecure, Dean."  He stood up and came down to look at his brother.  "I know you've never had a long term thing but Xander wants some sort of proof that you're not just in it for the sex at the moment.  I don't know what got into her.  She wouldn't tell me yesterday or today."

"Probably Cosmo," he said grimly, glaring at the driveway.  "Where did she go?"

"I have no clue.  She threw a bag into the blazer and headed out."  Dean groaned.  "Do you still have the GPS chip on it?"  He nodded, taking the spoilable things inside to put up and then coming out with the monitor and a bag for each of them, tossing Sam his.  "Did you have to complain?"

"It's embarrassing!"

"It's boxers, dude.  Unless you're going to start playing around again, who's going to care?"  Dean glared at him.  "Listen," he said, leaning on the hood.  "You haven't picked up anyone in months.  She hasn't picked up anyone in months.  Outside of that incubus episode, you've been monogamous.  I know it's a shock but you have been."  Dean slumped.  "For some reason she wanted a harmless bit of proof that you could joke with her as well as make her squeal in pleasure. The fact that she hasn't looked into that rite because she's scared of what *you'll* think says something to me, big brother."

"Yeah, you need laid."

"I've had sex recently.  Remember, I've actually lived with a woman before. You haven't.  Take the advice.  When we find her, wear them."  He slid into the car.  Dean grumbled but slid in too.  He turned on the monitor.  "She's headed west."

"Probably headed to see Tara then."  He backed the car down the driveway and headed west too.  They could push themselves faster than she would.  Especially since the blazer had an engine that was about to explode by what he'd heard the last time she'd started it.  "How's her engine?"

"Weak," Sam said honestly.  "Bobby wouldn't let her drive it without someone looking at it."

"Wonderful.  We'll know if she breaks down at least."  He pulled onto the main road and sped up but a set of flashing lights went off behind him.  "What now?"  He stopped and rolled down the window.  "I know I was speeding already.  She ran off and we're chasing her."

"That's fine.  We need someone to come talk to the trash demons.  They're annoying people."

"Fine, sure, we can do that," Dean agreed, heading that way.  She had scouted where they were nesting.  He pulled into the trash compactor area, finding them off to the side.  He got out and walked over there.  "You're annoying people."  The demon frowned at him.  "Don't even, I know you understand English even if you can't speak it.  Remember, the deal was no annoying people.  One of the locals said you were?"  The demon shrugged a bit, pointing at a younger one that was presently humping an old abandoned car.  Dean groaned.  "Well make him stop!"  He looked at the trash guy.  "Take the car and crush it if there's nothing inside."

Sammy came out and pulled him off, going to talk to the demon humping the car.  A few minutes later it stopped and trudged back to the rest of the family.  He came over to talk to the mother looking one.  She was breastfeeding a young one, he'd consider her female.  She nodded at what he said and said something to the males, who all huffed but they moved farther away from the trash compactor area and further into the trees.  They took some of the trash with them but no one was going to complain.  He looked at the humans.  "Better?"

"What did you say?"

"That humans were squeamish about some things.  Including sex and feeding babies.  That they did it under cover of dark, out of public, and never let anyone watch unless there was something wrong with them.  That upsetting you guys meant that they'd have to find a new nest.  I suggested moving it to where you guys couldn't see it.  That good?"

"That's fine," one said, grinning at him.  "Where's Alex?"

"She and Dean had a fight so she ran off," he said sotto voice.  That got a nod.  "So we're going to find her now."

Dean glared at him.  "It's not my fault she went strange suddenly."

"Dean, it's only cartoon boxers," he complained.

One guy nodded.  "My wife did that to me.  I ended up proposing to make her realize I did love her.  Yours probably just needs a nudge though.  Mine's a shrew."

"Mine's strange.  Very strange."  Dean got into the Impala with a wave.  "Let us know if there's more problems."  The juvenile one came out to grab the car and drag it off to the woods.  He sighed, shaking his head.  The other guys just shrugged it off and went back to work.  They could handle that as long as they didn't have to see it.  They got back onto the interstate.  "Did you have to tell them that?" he asked finally.

"Yes.  That way everyone knows why we're chasing her and they'll help by calling us if they hear from her."

"Whatever," Dean muttered.  He sped up.  It was going to be a long drive and Sam could take over when he was tired.

***

Xander showed up at Tara's dorm room, sniffling.  "I suck.  I managed to make him pissed at me."

She gave her a hug.  "No you don't suck," she assured her.  She pulled her inside.  "I have a final in ten minutes."

"You go.  I'll veg."  She nodded, taking what she needed to take her test.  Xander laid down on her bed, getting comfortable with her bear.  She heard someone come near the door and knock politely on it.  She ignored it.  She wasn't talking to Sam.  Someone pounded.  Or Dean.  There was quiet for a minute and then the knob rattled.  She snuck over to put on the chain then went back to laying down with the teddybear.  Obviously one of them heard because they stomped off.  Xander pulled over the spell she had Tara research, reading what she had gotten so far.  She heard someone with a key an hour later and got up to check, letting her inside. "Sorry."

"Not a problem."  She closed the door and put on the chain, looking at her buddy.  "What happened?"

"I gave him cartoon boxers.  He'd rather go naked than wear them.  He spanked me."  Tara got that scary look.  "It was fun."

"I don't care.  I'll talk to him."  She looked at the reading material.  "There's a hitch."

Xander shrugged.  "He doesn't seem to give a damn so why would it matter if I'm male or female?"

"You'd only be male on the full moon.  All three days."

"So I'd be a weremale?" she asked, cracking a smile.  Tara nodded.  "But I'd have my full body back?"  She nodded.  "Would I still be a slayer those three days?"

"I don't know.  Giles didn't either."  She sat down next to her and cuddled.  "It'll be okay. You didn't really screw it up.  If he dumps you because you tried to make him wear cartoon boxers he's not worth it."  Xander shook her head.  "Here, you pout with my bear.  I've got to pack for the summer."  She got up to help her pack, even hefting the boxes down to the blazer so she could help her move.  Tara left her at her summer apartment then went to see Giles, finding the boys there.  She swatted Dean.  "If you break up for such a stupid reason I'm going to spank you back!"  He scowled.  She glared back, tapping a foot.  "You hurt her!  She thinks you don't like her at all!"  She stomped off, going to talk to Giles.  "We're going over the spell later."  He smiled and nodded.  "Did the idiots tell you what this was about?"  He smirked and nodded.  "Did Ethan give them stupid candy?"

"No, I'm afraid this a young man's bane, Tara.  We're all confused when these things happen.  I nearly ended up married trying to prove I loved my former girlfriend when she tried to get me to do other things for her."  She rolled her eyes.  "Perhaps you should explain it to them?  It might help."

She stomped back out there, finding Dean looking miserable.  She swatted him again, getting a yelp.  "Sometimes girls need reassurance you're not just there for the sex, Dean.  Even Xander.  Especially since she's considering doing the spell that would make her a guy for three days a month.  You made her cry."

"Where do women get these ideas?"

"They occur to all of us when we have doubts.  It's not like you guys usually say what you're thinking and the tougher the guy the less you say it.  We have to find out somehow.  Like making you wait during a date, why bother with the guy who won't?"

"I knew she got this from Cosmo."

She swatted him again.  "No, she didn't.  They're cartoons!  How harmful is it?  Is it going to sap your macho strength?  All she wanted was once."

"She would've laughed."

"Happy laughter, Dean.  Not laughing at you.  Dumbass."  She covered her mouth.  "I shouldn't say those words."

Sammy got up and walked her off.  "I understand. I was living with Jess when she died.  She kept trying to fuss me into a suit now and then."

"She probably wanted to go out somewhere."

"She did.  What do cartoon boxers mean?"

She smiled.  "That you can have fun with her.  More than...bedroom fun."  He nodded at that.  "He really hurt her.  She said it didn't matter if she did the spell or not."

"We'll talk to her.  Or I'll lock them in a closet or something."  He looked back but his brother was gone.  "She at your dorm?"

"I moved to my summer place."

"Huh."  He texted that to Dean, getting back nothing.  "I guess he saw."  He shrugged and grinned at her.  "Need more help?  I remember moving every other semester unfondly."

"Xander helped me.  She's curled up with my teddy bear thinking about the spell."

"You have teddy bear?" he asked with a grin.

She nodded, looking serious.  "Willow gave it to me.  He helped her pick it out."

"Oh."  He texted that as well, getting back a 'stay there'.  He shook his head.  "Come on, I'll help you clean at least."  She nodded, going with him.  The other two could deal with each other.  If they ended up in jail for the fight, someone would bail them out.  Probably.  They might laugh but probably.

***

Dean saw the blazer and walked into the building, up to where he could hear nothing.  The other apartments were clearly occupied.  He tapped on the door.  "Xander?"  He knocked again. "Xander?"  She was hiding and that was a bad thing.

A young woman leaned out from across the hall.  "There's a girl named Tara moving in there, buddy."

"I know, Xander's her friend and was helping her move.  She's napping."

"I heard movement.  Don't wake up the landlord, he's a grouch and might evict Tara.  She seemed sweet."

"I won't.  Thanks."  She nodded, pulling back inside.  He looked around then pulled out his bootknife, using it to open the door.  He walked in and shut it, looking around the apartment.  His father faded in.  "Butt out, Dad."

"Don't touch the bear, son.  It's the last thing Tara has of Willow."  He faded out.  His son had to figure this one out for himself.  Women were more complicated than demons, not less.  It had taken him time too.  Though his wife kept trying to get him to buy her weapons.

Dean headed back to the bedroom, finding Xander asleep on the bed.  He grimaced, trying to move the bear to safety.  She clutched it.  "Fine, I won't touch the bear."  He sat behind her, poking her until she looked at him.  "If you *ever* get a stupid idea out of Cosmo again I'm going on a six month trip."

"You don't want to do more than have sex anyway.  Why would it matter?"

He huffed  "I do want more than that, Xander.  Though I could've sworn we said *casual*."  Xander waved a hand at him.  "I don't understand that version of sign language."  She flipped him off.  "That one I understand."  He stared at her.  "Either flip over and talk to me or I'm walking out."  She waved her hand again.  "Fine."  He stood up and headed for the door.  Nothing.  He took a deep breath.  She wasn't going to stop him. "Why is it so damn important?" he demanded, turning to look at her.  He was trying to keep his voice down.

"Even Anya could laugh with me and appreciate some of my sense of humor.  More than my ass."  She curled up a bit tighter.

"I usually like your sense of humor," he complained, coming back in there.  He stared down at her, arms crossed over his chest, feet spread slightly apart.  "We laugh at the same shows.  I get your jokes.  Why is this one thing so important?"

She looked at him.  "Do I wear stuff for you?"

"I hardly ever ask. You took every single pair of boxers I owned, Xander."

"So buy more."  She flipped in the other direction.  She was still hugging the bear.

He stared at it.  "Let me have the bear.  Tara threatened my life if it got hurt."

"I'm not hurting it."

"I want to talk to you and not it."

"Am I holding it up so you're only talking to it?"

"No," he said calmly.  "If you were doing that I'd come back in an hour once you had calmed down."

"That would be one of those times you walk out and don't come back," Xander said firmly.

"Okay, got that."  He sat behind her, staring out the window.  "I don't like cartoons.  I think they're silly.  I didn't watch them all that often when I was a kid.  Sam did and I had to watch him watch them."

Xander looked at him.  "That's screwed up."

"You knew Dad did it strangely when you met us, Xander.  The same as I know your parents did."

"It was a good babysitter.  Kept me quiet and out of the way."

"Which is still screwed up."  He leaned closer.  "Can I please put the bear somewhere safe?"  She shook her head.  "Please?  You're disturbing me by cuddling the stuffed animal."

"It's a teddybear."

"Again, something I haven't had."

Xander glared at him.  "I did."

"Are we sure we don't need an exorcism or something?"  He stood up and walked around to look at her.  "You're in a bad mood and this time you didn't drink.  I'm happy you didn't, but if you don't talk to me I can't help."  Xander shrugged.  "Fine, you know what?  I'll be at Giles' place.  Whenever you're ready to talk, come find me."

"I've already said it, Dean.  You weren't listening."

"Obviously this is a female to male translation error," he said sarcastically, staring at her.  "What did you do when Anya made this sort of demand to you?"

"It wasn't a demand."

"It was.  You took them all."

"And you didn't buy any more."

"I didn't want to shop."  He sat down in front of her.  "What did you do when Anya did this?"

"She didn't.  That's how I know she wasn't going to last with me."

"Oh."  He grimaced.  "Well, I'd like to but right now you're creeping me out."  Xander kicked him.  "Ow!"  He glared.  "No slayer strength in bed, Xander."  She stuck her tongue out.  "Are you regressing?  I can't handle you being a toddler."  She kicked him again.  "Fine.  Come find me at the store."

"Bye."

Dean stared at her.  "That's it?"

She sat up.  "I've already told you.  You weren't listening."  She stared at him.  "You can't blame me for you not listening."  She laid back down, curling up in a little ball in the other direction, still hugging the teddy bear.  He huffed off.  She sniffled and squeezed the bear tighter.  "He'll never understand me if he won't now."

Dean stomped out of the building and paused, glaring up at the window for Tara's place.  He wanted to go back up there.  His instincts were screaming that if he left they were done for.  He hesitated.

His father faded in.  "The instinct is correct, son," he said patiently.  "If you leave now, you're never going to see her again.  No one will.  She'll go into real hiding.  She'll hide the cabin with magic, and no one will ever find her."

"Did Mom do this to you?"

"Twice.  The first time you came about.  The second Sam did."  Dean groaned, rubbing his forehead.  "She wants to know that you appreciate her and like her, not just that the sex is good.  Which you didn't hear, son."

"We laugh at the same things!"

"Which is great, but that's not really a base for a relationship."

"We're not like that!"

"Son, she gave you what you wanted.  She's asking for a bit of reassurance that you'd be willing to do things for her too.  In this case, be a bit silly so she has some humor in her eternal fight."  He floated closer.  "You've hurt her.  A lot.  It was good between you.  Did you really want to lose that and go back to only having Sammy?"

"No," he said, sounding miserable.  "How do I fix this?"

"The instinct to go back up there is right.  She's miserable.  It's not like she was asking you to declare your intentions with a ring.  She was asking you to do something slightly silly to make her laugh and share a good thing with her.  Not just the hunting or the sex.  Though, the incubus?  If you *ever* let your brother do that again I will seeing you on this side sooner than you think and you won't like the asskicking you'll get, son."

Dean looked at him.  "You'd rather we lost them?  They'd come back to get us."

"I'd rather you had gotten any random guy off the street than let him do that."

"Fine."  He turned and found Faith and Buffy there.  "What!" he demanded.  He was getting frustrated again.

"What did you do?" Buffy asked patiently.

"Cartoon boxers," John said.

Faith nodded once then pointed.  "Get your skinny ass back up there and apologize, Dean Winchester.  Or else I'll let you go meet your daddy so he can kick your ass after I'm done with it."  He still looked confused.  "Xander has a sense of humor, even in the worst things," she pointed out.  "Any random apocalypse that she's been in there's been some jokes during the prep and afterward.  Humor helps relieve her tension.  Even I know that."  Buffy nodded.  "See?  She thinks that you can't put up with that and it's one of the few things that's always been a Xander trait.  So get up there and apologize or whatever."

"I do get her sense of humor."

"Apparently not," Buffy said.  "Otherwise you wouldn't be having this macho crisis over cute undies.  If you gave her a funny shirt, do you think she'd wear it?"

"She doesn't care about her clothes."

"Well, she does somewhat," Buffy admitted.  "Or else they'd all be stained and stuff."  He slumped.  "Go back up there and talk to her.  Because if you make her cry I'm going to help Faith remove you from life.  Got it?"  He nodded, trudging back up there.  "And don't tell her!  It'll only make it worse!"  She looked at the ghost.  "He gets that from you, right?  Because I know you were clueless.  How Sam came from you I'm not sure."

"He's a lot like his mother," John told her.  "She was sweet and nice.  The only time she was in those moods we had the boys."  He floated off.  "Going on patrol?"

"Dinner," Faith said.  "It's not even dark yet."  She rolled her eyes, heading off to the Magic Box to hang with Tara and Sam.

Dean broke into the apartment again, closing and locking the door behind himself.  "Xander?"  He heard a sniffle.  "Don't do that.  Faith'll kick my ass if you're crying."  He walked that way, sitting next to her hips.  "You know I like you as a friend and all that.  More than the sex.  Right?"  She shrugged.  "Then why do you need me to wear goofy, stupid looking boxers."

"I like them."

"Then you wear them."  He looked at her.  "You could wear them.  I'm sure whoever designed them for girlfriends to wear."

"I'm not your girlfriend."

"You are."

"No I'm not."

"Then what would you call it?  I live with you.  My brother lives with you.  Hell, we've lied and told people we're married and they believed it."  He looked down at her.  "What happened to the bear?"  It was missing.  Tara was going to kill him.  She pointed at where it was safely laying.  He sighed, laying down to cuddle her.  "I have no idea what's going through your head, Xander.  I like your sense of humor as long as I don't wake up with red hair again."  She snorted.  "I do.  I have.  I laugh with you all the time when we're watching movies.  We laugh when I teach you how to play pool better and you teach me how to count cards.  We laugh with and without my little brother.  I don't see what the problem is."

"Do you actually consider me your girlfriend?"

"Yes.  Otherwise I would've picked up the waitress that was flirting with me last night."

"Why didn't you?"

"I don't know," he admitted.  "We agreed on casual stuff and it seemed to creep up on us."  He gave her a squeeze.  "If I gave you something totally goofy and odd to wear, would you?"  She nodded.  "You would?"

"Just once."

"Why?"

"Because you asked."

"Oh."  He considered it.  "If it was anything but cartoons.  Or even more manly cartoons.  GI Joe.  Those cartoons."

"One was Thundercats," she said quietly.

"I didn't see them.  I saw Kermit and Miss Piggy.  I saw smurfs.  I saw Scoobie Doo."

"See, guy cartoon."

"Unisex cartoon," he argued.  "Too many girl moments and Shaggy was clearly trannie and smoking weed."

Xander looked at him.  "I'll give you the weed but trannie?"

"Yeah.  Probably mid transition with the way his t-shirts fit him.  He was always doing girly things.  Then again, I always thought Fred was gay and denying it.  Dad did too."  Xander shook her head and put it back down.  "You didn't?"

"No.  Former football player that couldn't find anything outside of the sport he wasn't good enough to play pro in.  He had to do something to take out his aggression."

"Possibly.  I can see that viewpoint."  He gave her a squeeze.  "See, I do get the way you think and your sense of humor."

"Then wear one."

"It's embarrassing."

"I'm not asking you to strip down to them in public, Dean.  Most guys would've done it because it would've given them a way to strip down and get sex."

"I get all that I need in that area, Xander.  You don't need more, right?"  She shook her head.  He relaxed.  "Thank you.  I don't think I could keep up with it if you turned into your ex."  He nuzzled the back of her neck.  "You wouldn't rather have me commando?" he asked in a teasing voice.

"No.  Then you can get a rash from irritating clothes."

"Yeah, had that two days ago," he admitted. "Boxers like that are made so girlfriends can steal them."

"Actually they're monogamy insurance."

He snickered.  "Definitely.  Any other woman seeing them would know I was taken or strange."  He kissed the back of her neck.  "Is that why you wanted me to wear them?"

"No, I wanted to see you in some of my favorite cartoons.  You're old enough so we watched different cartoons growing up."

"Yeah, I guess we did.  Even though I got a lot of Sam watching cartoons."  He sighed.  "Fine.  You win.  Get me another pair and I'll wear them.  Even though two were in the wrong size."  She looked back at him.  "I thought about it after the rash."

"Laundry detergent build up.  You use too much."  She snuggled again.  "This is nice."

"Yeah, this is nice.  A little bit boring."

"It's the quiet times that make the harder ones more meaningful and easier to deal with."

"Cosmo?"

"No.  Personal experience.  I don't read Cosmo.  Buffy suggested that I read a few articles because I complained about the kinky things one day when I was sore."

"That's fine.  Don't start reading it, all right?"  She nodded.  "Good.  Thank you.  Especially those stupid quizzes."

"The last one I did said that we were perfectly suited."

"Hey, one got it right," he said dryly.  He reached over to stroke down her cheek.  "I didn't want to make you cry."

"You didn't."

"Bull."

"I don't cry unless something's broken."

"If you say so."  He snuggled in harder.  It was boring but nice.  It was comforting.   "We've got to hunt together more often.  I hate when we're apart.  You always find some way to make me horny when I show back up," he said quietly.

"I'm not having sex on Tara's bed."

"Not suggesting it.  I was thinking the dance club and then the incubus."

"You enjoyed it."

"I got the tape too," Dean said dryly.  She gave him a dirty look.  "He was going to put it on the internet or something.  I'm not going to show anyone."

"What would the other girls think?"

"They were stupid for letting him suck them in."

"They were probably all virgins or near virgins when he got to them, Dean.  Not everyone's worldly.  Hell, I've only had you and his sales pitch was pretty damn good.  If I didn't have you I might've went with him."

He felt his stomach tighten and hissed in air through his nose, letting it out slowly through his mouth.  "Don't ever make me hunt you, Xander," he said quietly.  "Please?"

She turned over to look at him.  "I won't if I can help it."  He nodded.  "You too?"

"If I have to off myself to keep you and Sammy from hunting me I will.  I don't even want to think about that."  She hugged him, helping him calm down.  He put it into that perspective.  What did cartoon boxers matter really when they could both die and have to hunt each other some day soon?  He gave her a hard squeeze.  "We should reappear before they come hunting for us."

"Who kicked your ass verbally?"

"Faith and Buffy both yelled at me.  Sam tried really hard and Tara threatened to torture me."  He felt the smile.  "Even Dad yelled at me."  She gave him a look.  "Really.  Tara *swore*.  Sammy had to calm her down because she called me a dumbass."  She nodded, grinning a bit.  "Fine, I'm stupid.  This time.  Usually I'm always right but even I have to blow the curve sometime."  She nodded, putting her head back down.  "Thanks for giving me back my ego."

"It's bigger than your dick, it needed deflated."

He pinched her on the side.  "I may be that big but my ego wasn't, Xander."  She nodded. "No it wasn't."

"Yes it was."  She looked at him.  "It really was."

"Fine, it was as big as my dick is."  He kissed her.  "What's up with this spell to turn you back?"

"You....  You wouldn't care?"

"I would care but it wouldn't matter to this stuff.  It'd make you happier now and then."

"Three days a month.  I'd be a weremale."

Dean gave him an odd look.  "You're joking?"  She shook her head.  "Well, three days.  Do you want to try it?"  She shrugged.  "I can't do more than hold you and let you talk it out, Xander."

"If you had walked we would've done it tonight."

He hummed, kissing her on the forehead.  "If it'll make you happy do it.  I won't care.  It won't stop me when I want some.  We'll have to plan the hunts more carefully now and then but I won't care."

"You wouldn't care about sex with a guy?"

Dean looked at him.  "Do I have to remind you about the groping one?"

"No, but that's different."

"Not really.  You'd still be taking it," he said with a grin.

"What if I wanted to slip it to you?"

"Then we'd see how I felt that night.  It's *real* rare that I've tried that in the past.  I've done guys to get some stress relief but I've only caught a few times."

"So you think?"

"Would it make you feel happier as a woman the rest of the month?"

"I don't know.  I'm finally coming to terms with it."

"Then we'll talk with Tara, see what it entails.  If it's too painful it might not be worth it."  She nodded, snuggling in again. "Did you drive straight through?"  She nodded.  "No sleep at all?"  She shook her head.  "It wasn't an emergency, Xander.  We could've had this talk somewhere else, like a motel."

Someone pounded on the door so she sighed and got up.  "Yes?" she asked the man on the other side.

"I don't rent to you."

"I was helping Tara move and I needed a nap so she's letting me borrow her bed for a few hours."

"Oh."  He grimaced.  "Where is Tara?"

"The Magic Box.  If she's not here, she's probably there."  That got a nod.  "Was there a problem?"

"I heard a male voice and a fight."

"The boyfriend was helping us and got here late.  I was chewing him a new one."

"Oh.  You're one of those."  He gave her a look.  "Pity."  Dean came out already scowling.  "You put up with her being a shrew?"

"She only does it when I'm stupid.  The rest of the time she's great and wonderful.  Every guy should have what I have.  But I will break bones if you try to take mine."  The landlord backed off.  "Anything else?  We were going to make Tara dinner."  He stomped off.  Dean slammed the door.  "Jackass."

"I ...could've...."

"Shut up, Xander.  He had no right to say that to you.  You're not a shrew.  I wouldn't be friends with you if you were a shrew."  He looked down at her.  He noticed her confused look.  "What?"

"We're friends too?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

He nodded, looking a bit confused himself.  "Yeah, what did you expect?"

"Anya and I weren't friends.  Cordy and I were but we had a strange relationship."

He pulled her closer and kissed her.  "I'm going to kick their asses for not appreciating you and screwing you up.  I wouldn't sleep with someone long-term like I do you if we weren't friends.  You're more than a fuckbuddy, Xander.  You have been for nearly a year."  She nodded, resting against his chest.  He kissed her on the head.  "I'm going to screw up their lives for treating you badly."

"It's done and gone."

"It still hurts you."

"So does your dad."

"Good point.  Fine, we'll protect each other and Sammy."  She nodded, smiling a bit, he could feel it against his shoulder.  He kissed her on the head.  "Want to go eat and bring her back dinner?"  She laughed, poking him on the side.  "What?"

"You're still not wearing boxers."

"Yeah, I noticed that.  Where are mine?"

"My drawer."

"I'll get them later."

She looked up.  "You could wear the new ones."

"I could but they're still silly looking."

"Who's going to see except me and Sammy?"

He sighed, nodding a bit.  "Fine."  He went down to the car, coming back with something to put on.  His shirt was stained and sweaty anyway.  He changed and let her see before he zipped up his pants, getting a deep kiss that pushed him against the doorframe. "Hmm.  Pouncing?" he teased.

"No.  Not yet."  She smiled.  "Tara would mind."

"She probably would."  He took her hand and she beamed at him.  "I know, it's high school.  I need to make sure nothing here attacks you or me."  They walked out together, going to get pizza and bring it to the Magic Box.  They kept one for themselves but the others could share the second one.  Their family would understand; they were both bottomless pits now and then.  He looked at Tara.  "This spell, how painful?"

"Not really.  A little bit for a few minutes.  Then the three days of the full moon she'd be back to himself again.  I'm more worried about adjusting every month."

Xander shook her head.  "No, it'll be great to get into my own body," she assured her.  "Please?  I don't care if I end up in a coma for a day."  Dean smacked her on the side of the head.  Faith got him for her.

"I don't want her in that much pain," he said, staring the slayer down.  Faith giggled and patted him like he was a dog.  "Want me to bark?"

"If you want."

Xander looked at her.  "I have at least three knives on me plus a stake, Faith."

"Gotcha.  No more casual.  Okay then."

Sam giggled.  "That's okay, we've had to lie a few times about motel rooms when there wasn't more than one open."

"Oh, dear lord tell me you didn't sign in as married?" Giles demanded.

"No, in those states one of us signs in, not both of us.  We may say it but not sign it."  Giles sighed and smiled at that.  "You do know Travers wants Sammy and I to be her Watcher?"

"I thought it was his idea of romantic," Xander told him.

Giles smirked and nodded.  "Just about.  He rescued his wife from a burning building.  They married six weeks later after two dates."

"Good thing we said yes then," Sam said.  Dean nodded.  Giles patted them both on the back.  "It's a nice paycheck when we're traveling."

"It is," Dean agreed.  "Did you want the tape of how we saved those women from the incubus?"

"Hell.  No."  Sam scowled at him.  "I don't want any photographic proof, Dean.  Do you really need it?"

"Well, no," he said.  "Just making sure."

"Incubus?" Giles asked.

"Gathering a harem and changing them to succuba.  Apparently they're behind in hiring too."  Xander grinned at Buffy.  "Because you and Faith have lived so long, there's less slayers being born at the moment.  Therefore you really can't get dead."

"Hmm.  System changing?" Faith asked.

"They're having to recruit from colleges."

Faith smirked.  "Hey, something for people with a liberal arts degree to do.  Buffy, there's a job for you."  Buffy smacked her on the shoulder.  "It is!"

"I don't want to work for Travers.  Eww!  Nasty thoughts!  Sam, hit her for me!"

"She might pounce, Buffy.  Sorry, I only like sweet girls and women."  Tara blushed.

Faith looked at Tara.  "If you wanted to try it, he'd be a good one."

Dean nodded.  "If he retires to be your guy, then I'll probably leave him alone," he told her.  She blushed brighter.  "We might even be able to add onto the cabin so you guys can have a real room of your own."

"I still like girl parts," she said shyly, blushing so warmly Faith could feel it from her seat.

"Well, if you want to consider it, let us know and I'll give Sammy time off."  Sam got up and huffed off.  "Get me some more water while you're up," he called.  He kissed Xander.  "We really have got to add another room onto the cabin, Xander.  The kitchen's cramped and so's the living room."

"It was meant as a vacation place, not a permanent place."

"I know that.  It's nice that Travers had someone put in a hot water heater."  Buffy and Faith both shuddered.  "There's a big tub you can pull out and warm water for," Dean assured them.  "The pond leads to the water supply so we can't use soap in it."

"But it's great to swim in and I've got all sorts of jungle gym equipment set up," Xander said dryly.

Dean nodded.  "She can even use it drunk."  Buffy gave him a horrified look.  "We got up there the day her first cycle started.  She and the vodka were becoming friendly.  She did okay with it in her system.  We sparred and everything."

"Damn," Faith said.  "Mine made me cry."

"I was old enough to drink, you weren't," Xander said dryly, giving her a look.  "Cordy came to nag too."

Buffy shuddered.  "I don't want to know.  My mother cried.  I cried.  It was enough."  She went to help Sam get Dean some water.  She even gave him a hug.  "If you do end up together, I'll even help her move," she said gently, smiling at him.  "She's too nice to stay here forever and ever, Sam."  She patted him on the back and got Dean the water, bringing it out.  "Here, he forgot."

"Thanks, Buffy.  So, Dad still nagging you?"

"He's been trying to get me up at dawn for PT.  Whatever that is."

"Physical training," Giles told her.  "He was a Marine, Buffy."

"Yeah, well, dawn's *way* early when you don't get to bed until three.  Plus, I'm still apparently supposed to have homework?"  Everyone nodded.  "Why?  It's *college*; homework was elementary school."

"Sammy used to complain about his too, but he had ten page papers due about every other week."  She shuddered, shaking her head and whimpering.

"I don't think she likes to write papers," Faith said.

"Buffy, college, construction work, or fast food," Xander said simply.

She looked at Giles.  "Can I join Willow in her coma?"

"No," he said.  "Quit going to visit her.  We don't want something to follow you and kill her."

"Yes, Giles.  I was only talking to her.  They said on tv it's good for people in a coma."

"If you want them to wake up faster," Sam said as he came out.  "We want her to sleep until she's drained at least most of the way down.  That way she can't wake up and retaliate against Tara or Xander, Buffy."

"I know but it sucks!  She's my friend."

"She was mine too," Xander agreed quietly, making her look down.  "You know she's not really lost.  Some day, your kids may wake her up to ask her about how cool you were in high school."

"Yeah, but that requires me having kids."

"Talk to the man," Faith said, waving a hand at Giles.  "But you'd have to give birth in the summer slowdown so we wouldn't be short."

"A kid between her and Giles would be bad," Dean told her.  He would not shudder, he'd make himself not shudder at that thought.

"I meant to ask for permission, not to get knocked up by him.  Mind out of the gutter, Dean."

"And bring hers with it," Xander quipped, getting a kick from Faith and a swat from Dean.  "Like it didn't go there."

"Well, yeah," she said with a grin.  "What about you, X?  You feel like the knocked up shuffle?"

"I can't even handle having a period, Faith!  No, not yet.  Maybe in ten years or so."

"Fine, spoil my fun being an auntie that corrupts."

"Nah, you'd give the baby weapons like I would," Dean said with a grin.  She laughed at that.  Xander rolled her eyes.  "She'd just give it swords and stuff."

"I do use a gun now and then.  Swords are more practical."  She looked at Faith.  "When I first got to the cabin there was a demon there that was about as tall as the cabin was who wanted to claim me as a sex toy."  Faith gaped then burst out in high-pitched giggles.  "Yeah.  One of those.  Thank you, guys, if I never said it."

"Welcome," they said together, both eating another bite of pizza.

"Way to Doublemint, guys," Buffy quipped.

"It happens and it's freaky," Xander told her.  "Sometimes they even dress alike and then it gets bad when they come home late."

"You guys all share the same bed?" Faith asked.

"Half the motels we stay at only have single bed rooms," Dean said.  "If we're lucky there's a couch.  Yes, before you ask, Sammy does cuddle."  Sam punched him on the arm.  "And so does Xander."  She pinched him.  "So usually I let them cuddle up together and try to sleep on my little corner of the bed but then they creep and they pounce and I get used as a pillow.  The first few times were very creepy.  I had to shower off a lot of drool from those nights."

Faith shook her head.  "Sorry, my mind went places it shouldn't go."

"Let's not forget the nights when there's no motel for *hours* of driving and we're all exhausted," Xander said dryly.  "Those night it's sleeping in the car.  The blazer if we're together since they can stretch out, or the Impala if they're not."

"I get the backseat," Sam said happily.  "Less problems from the steering wheel and gear shift."

"You might try to drive and then I'd have to spank you," Dean said seriously.  "You can't drive unless I have a hangover or I'm injured.  And please, Xander, the next time I have a concussion and we have to live in the back of the blazer, wake us up by poking, not by country music."  Xander cackled at that.  "Five days from her last battle to a friend's house for some recuperation time because she's injured and driving slow to baby it.  Every few hours there was loud country music to wake us up so she didn't have to quit driving."  He looked at his girlfriend.  "I promise I won't get a concussion like that again where you have to baby it if you poke me next time."

"Fine."

"Thanks."  He blew a kiss and went back to eating, making Sammy shake his head.  "What?"

"You're insane," Sam told him.  "I don't know what got you but you're insane."

"You're the one who bites," Dean shot back.

"Actually, I'm the one who bites and only when you try to wake me up at an ungodly hour," Xander reminded him.  "Sam sucks in his sleep."

"Oh, I didn't forget.  You bit me recently too."  He looked at her.  "Now and then I don't mind.  Do not make a habit of it, Xander."

She just grinned.  "But you taste so good."

Dean finished that last piece of pizza, his water, then got up and pulled Xander with him.  "Be back," he said.  "Tara, we won't be at your place."

"Use my dorm room," she called, waving weakly after them.  She looked at Sam.  "Are they always like that?"

"Dean seems to like to pounce her.  Often.  Then again she likes to tease him by teasing others and that makes him pounce.  They've gotten very good at baiting the vampires in the clubs.  Then he'll pounce when she's done."

"I need on that incentive plan," Faith sighed.

"Yeah, me too," Buffy complained with a small sigh too.  "Giles, can we date?"

"Only if you date someone benign, girls."

"I dated Riley last time, I'm getting better," Buffy pointed out helpfully.  "He was alive."

"I said benign, Buffy.  Dating a commando is not benign."

"Shoot.  So I have to date someone nice instead of someone who'll understand the job?"

He considered it.  "Ask Xander if she knows any other nice boys."  They both smiled at that thought.

Sam shook his head.  "Not too many young ones in our circle, sorry, girls."  They both sighed and slumped a bit. "But I'll ask around.  Maybe someone's got a nephew or a son we don't know about."   They grinned.  His phone beeped so he looked at the text message.  "Tara, they said your RA is mean and he's got a broken nose because he tried to grab Xander by the breast.  He's going to the ER.  Dean said you're not in trouble and he explained as they're helping you finish moving stuff so they're going to pack."  She nodded at that.  "Sorry."

"No, he's a mean boy.  He picks on me too."

"Is that the one I tripped and laughed at?" Faith asked.

Buffy nodded.  "Yeah, I knocked him off a ladder for laughing at her dress one day too."  She sipped her water, smiling at Sam.  "Are you sure there aren't any you know of?"

"I'll call Bobby tonight and ask.  He'd know."  She beamed at that.  "Or ask Gunn if he knows anyone."

"I might.  I'm not sure Mom would accept it if I did the interracial dating thing though."

"He might know some nice boys your mother would approve of," Giles told her.  "And no, she wouldn't care.  She wants you to settle down with someone decent who'll understand you."

Sam got up and walked outside.  "Hey, Bobby.  Sunnydale.  Why?"  He smiled.  "Actually, no.  Dean and Xander are making out in Tara's dorm room while we're having dinner at the Magic Box.  Sure, I can ask."  He opened the door.  "Giles, is Bobby's order shipped yet?"

"I'm waiting on something to come in.  I'm going to ship it out tomorrow if it isn't in and do that separately without charging him extra."

Sam smiled.  "Thanks."  He closed the door.  "Heard that?  Something isn't in yet.  If it's not in tomorrow he'll ship what he has and then the last thing without charging you more.  No, Dean and Xander had a fight so Xander came to pout at Tara.  We chased Xander.  Cartoon boxers if you can believe it."  Their friend laughed.  "Yeah, one of those things.  It's settled.  They're all hand-holding and looking cute again.  Well, we're doing a spell tonight to let Xander be male at least during the full moon.  No, there was another reason.  Buffy and Faith are both looking for boyfriends who might have a clue what they're doing.  Which means either a hunter or the kid of one.  I figured if there were any young ones, you'd know.  Both of them.  They're both single.  Yeah, might have to but it's quiet most of the time.  Two of them keep it down for the most part."

A vampire went to game face and rushed him so he staked it and moved off while the dust drifted down.  "Yeah, that was Xander.  A vampire named Merres.  He was basically running the whole town.  She didn't realize it because the shield she has blocks their warning system cramps.  Yeah, turns out most of the town was.  We basically fought our way out of parts of it then they set it on fire themselves.  Sure, I'm here.  Nah, I'm fine."  He frowned and staked another one staring at him oddly.  "What?  No, vampire.  Nothing unusual.  No, they're good again.  I had to explain it.  The girls had to explain it.  Dad had to explain.  Finally Dean went back inside and talked to her.  No, she stole his old ones."  He grinned. "He might like that.  I'm assuming he is but I'm not undressing him.  Thanks, Bobby.  Sure, when we leave town I'll call again.  That way you can make sure you don't have to hunt us down or anything.  Miss you too, man.  Later."  He hung up and looked at the vampire standing beside him.  "Hi.  Do I know you?"  She wasn't attacking so he'd give her the benefit of the doubt for the moment.

"The stars sing about the blood bond between you and the third slayer," she said, moving closer to stare into his eyes.  "Such pretty pictures of kittens the stars do paint in my head."  She smiled.  "Such a pretty little puppy dog who licks.  The kitties hiss at him when he does but they give him belly pets before making him into a good boy again."

Sam gave her a look.  He knew who this was now.  "Do other seers get the same cracked out visions you do?"

She laughed.  "The stars tell me many things, Samuel.  Many pretty things and many horrible things.  Sometimes together so they have to fight.  All pretty and dancing and with tea."  She smiled, stroking his cheek.  "The blood does tell.  Even with the unnecessary one."  She moved closer.  "I would love to see you dance for Miss Edith."

"I don't know Miss Edith."

"She's my friend.  She's naughty sometimes and I have to poke her eyes out, but she understands and lets me punish her."

Buffy came out.  "Dru, get away from Sam.  He's Tara's."  She pulled Sam back inside.  "Go be a strange vampire somewhere else.  Spike's in Shady Rest."  She slammed the door and looked at him.  "Ignore her.  She is a seer but unless she gave you something a bit more concrete you'll never understand it without Spike interpreting."

"She said the pretty and the horrible things have to fight and dance for her pleasure."

"Aw, man!  Another apocalypse?" Buffy complained, stomping back to the books.  "Giles, a bit of warning?"

"Xander said Travers heard something," Sam offered, shrugging a bit.  He texted Dean to be careful, Dru was in town then went back to the pizza.  One didn't waste food.

***

Dean looked at his phone.  "I swear I'm kicking his ass," he muttered, pulling off of Xander to read it.  "Oh, Dru's in town."

"We'll find her later.  Spike's in Shady Rest."  She pulled him back down, taking control of his mouth.  "Mine?"

"I guess I am," he said with a grin.  "So I'm hoping to say the same?"

She licked up his throat.  "Of course I am."

"No more incubuses?"

"Not unless you're there too."

"Good."  He grinned.  "That was kinda hot."  She nodded. "Feel better?"

"I know how Anya felt."  She kissed him again, making him moan and arch back into her body.  She suddenly sat up.  "What day is it?"

"Um, thursday, why?"

"Didn't replace my patch yesterday."

"I've got a condom," Dean said.  "Just in case."  She looked at him.  "I always use one when I'm not with you."  She relaxed and smiled at that.  "You're replacing it tomorrow?"

"I didn't bring any."

"We can pick some up, Xander."  He found it and ripped it open with his teeth then rolled it down.  Then he could get back to what he had been doing.  There was no way there'd be any knocking up this month.  "Emergency pills?"

"I know where to get 'em."

"Good girl."  He kissed her again and moved harder and faster.  It was good.  Very, very good.  Room shaking good.  Then he realized it was a small earthquake and it was good for his rhythm anyway.  So apparently God agreed they were good together too.

***

Xander watched the moon rise the next night.  Tara had done the spell as they had planned.  He looked down at himself, beaming happily.  "Look, boy parts!" he squealed, hugging her.  She hugged back and let him go hug Dean, who gave him a tight squeeze.  "Are you sure?"

"Means I can pounce you harder," he teased.  Xander hugged him again and gave him a kiss.  "No offense, but shave."  Xander laughed, nodding a bit as he hugged Sam.

"So this is what you look like," Sam teased.  He grinned at his buddy.  "Good.  Now, go do something about the ugly shirt?"

"I like my shirt," he complained.

Dean looked then shook his head.  "No way are you hunting with us in that shirt, Xander.  It'll draw attention.  Maybe as a distraction while I play pool but I might have to stare too.  So, no.  Get new shirts tomorrow."  He walked him off, taking him back to the store, Buffy and Sam guarding Tara.  "Thanks, Tara."

"You're welcome."  She smiled at Buffy.  "That was good."

"That was very good."  She winked at Sam.  "Feel a vamp.  Go on ahead, I'll be right behind you."

He nodded, walking off with Tara, letting her set the pace.  She wrapped an arm around his and he grinned at her, getting one back.  She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek and he turned, kissing her for real.

"That way you know," he said gently, making her blush but giggle and nod.

Dean looked over at Xander.  "We should do a patrol to make sure the slayer skills stayed and to make sure you didn't lose any of your former conditioning."

"Okay."  He led the way to the new cemetery, letting Dean finally walk next to him.  He pulled a stake out of his back pocket, gripping it tightly.  A few vampires started to rush then stopped, heads cocked to the side while they sniffed.  "What?"

"You smell like a slayer, but not, and you're a guy," one of them complained.  "What are you?"

"A Xander," he said, lunging to stake him.

Dean hung back to watch, shaking his head.  "Don't make me train you in this body too, Xander.  I'll have to rant at Giles for not teaching you how to use your strength."  He staked the one that came at him.  Dean moved closer, getting back to the training they had started with.  Really, how could he expect to slay and hunt without any proper training?  And hey, it'd lead to sex later, it usually did these days.

John watched his boys and his...son-in-law at the moment, shaking his head.  They were going to have some hard times ahead but it'd be mostly fun.  Dean would eventually retire.  Xander would retire with him when Dean came in and said he was through, he was too tired and sore to do it anymore while sitting in her lap.  Sam would show that he had been

taking online classes for a law degree for a while now and Xander would gladly let him stay.  Every now and then a hunt would pull all three out, but maybe only twice a year.  Then Xander would have a problem with a patch and not put one on for a few days.  Dean would forget the condom; Xander would think it was all right until the morning sickness freaked her out.  Dean would get her calmed down within a day when he figured out she had run to Bobby for help.

Then they'd actually do the real wedding since Dean didn't realize that he didn't have to sign them in.  He had told an officer they were married in a common law state.  It had went into a report.  It was on the books.  To the government they were married.  Sam would stay with them, not finding any girl able to put up with his darker moods.  He'd eventually go back to his nighttime creeping and Dean would let him because it was fine with him and Xander.  Xander would introduce him to a nice lesbian that had a clue about the hunting, the slayer that came after Faith.  She'd bear him heirs with her girlfriend, who ended up being her Watcher.  Dean and Xander would become the ones people called first for research so it gave them something to do when their son was fussy.  The whole network would dote on little Wesley Jonathan.  Bobby would make silly faces at him then deny it.  Xander would talk Dean into another one a few years later and he'd pretend to give in.  She was smart though, she knew his weakness and Sammy was a good uncle to babysit.

She'd get him so jealous he'd pounce her and take her there in the club, like when they were young and in their twenties.  A few months later he'd complain but he wasn't unhappy and their daughter would be perfectly smart, and a smartass.  Not a slayer either.  The kids would grow up with the knowledge but not the need to hunt his boys had.  Then a third one would come along mysteriously but Dean stayed mute on the cause since he was fixed after little Tara, named after her favorite aunt, was born.  He was a strong boy.  One who'd probably carry on the family hunting tradition.  The cabin would get added onto.  Little Bobby James would be adorably stupid about most things but hiding how smart he was.  They'd have to put up with a new pink room for Tara but it happened.  They would stop Wesley when he wanted one.  They'd die after Bobby had graduated, more than enough time to see the world change and they'd go together, or nearly so, when a demon came for them.  They'd kill it but die from it.  Then Bobby and Tara would take up the slack while Wesley did the research stuff and ended up joining the Watchers as the watcher for the newest slayer sent to Sunnydale, his cousin Danielle.  Then the family's drama would start all over again.

Or least that's what John saw of the future and who knows if he was right or not.

The End.