3rd Person's POV

It's a dark quiet night. Buffy strolls through the neighborhood cemetery while keeping a careful watch. She spots a bracelet on the ground and bends down to pick it up.

"There's blood on it."

Buffy gets up startled and faces him, "Hi. It's nice to... Blood?"

Angel nods, "I can smell it."

"Oh..." Buffy looks at the bracelet and nods, "It's pretty thin. It probably belonged to a girl."

"Probably."

Buffy exhales looking around, trying not to make eye contact with Angel, "I-I was... just thinking, wouldn't it be funny some time to see each other when it wasn't a blood thing." She smiles briefly then frowns at the awkward silence, "Not funny ha, ha."

Angel almost scoffs in disbelief, "What are you sayin', you wanna have a date?"

"No."

"You don't wanna have a date?"

"Who said 'date'? I-I-I never said 'date'." Buffy stammers wishing she had duck tape for her motormouth.

Angel shrugs, "Right. You just wanna have coffee or somethin'."

Buffy gives off a hopeful look, "Coffee?"

Angel shakes his head baking away, "I knew this was gonna happen."

"What? What do you think is happening?"

"You're sixteen years old. I'm two hundred and forty-one."

Buffy frowns, "I've done the math."

"You don't know what you're doing, you don't know what you want..."

Feeling her heart break in two, Buffy starts to get defensive and backs away, "Oh. No, I, I think I do. I want out of this conversation."

She starts to walk past Angel but bumps into him as he moves to the side to stop her.

"Listen, if we date you and I both know one thing's gonna lead to another."

"One thing already has led to another. You think it's a little late to be reading me a warning label?"

"I'm just tryin' to protect you. This could get outta control."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?"

Angel grabs her by the shoulders and pulls her closer. She draws a startled breath.

"This isn't some fairy tale. When I kiss you, you don't wake up from a deep sleep and live happily ever after."

Shaking her head almost with tears in her eyes, Buffy pulls herself free from his grip, "No. When you kiss me I wanna die."

As Buffy spins around to get out of the uncomfortable moment, she freezes almost running into someone else.

"Laney? What the heck are you doing here?"

Laney scratches her head trying to come up with an answer but all she could think about was what she had just heard.

And no she wasn't eavesdropping.

Buffy and Angel were definitely yelling.

While she was around the corner of the nearby mausoleum with her ear on the wall.

"Uh sorry... awkward... I um j-just got here?"

Buffy raises an eyebrow, "You? Walked here?"

Laney peeks off to the side as she lies, "Yessss..."

"Why?..."

"I needed the fresh air?"

"Right... I'll be leaving now... you coming?"

Laney shakes her head, "No I think I'll just stay for a few minutes. Just scope out the place once more and make sure no creepy crawlies decide to rise from the dead."

Nodding, Buffy gives Laney a confused glance before hurrying off. Glancing once more over her shoulder, Buffy sees Laney punch Angel in the arm. And what she saw next made her heart shatter.

Angel gives a small teasing smile as he rubs his arm in pain jokingly, "Ouch..."

Laney rolls her eyes, "What's wrong with you?!"

Shrugging Angel crosses his arms over his chest, "I have no idea what you're talking about. Why'd you hit me?"

"Because you're an idiot. Why'd you kiss Buffy if you knew one or the both of you would catch feelings?"

Angel frowns feeling his mood worsen. He liked Buffy, he really did. But he also liked her alive. He wanted her safe. He knew she could protect herself. But he also knew that if feelings were in the way that she would be distracted. And maybe that one distraction would be her demise.

"I didn't mean to. I just lost control. It won't happen again- ow!"

Laney rubs her throbbing knuckles as she lets out a low chuckle, "And I'll do it again if you let another stupid ass statement like that come out of your mouth."

"What am I supposed to do? She's in high school, I'm almost 200 years old. Im a vampire. She's a vampire slayer."

"What's the difference between you having feelings for Buffy and taking her on a simple coffee date, and you coming to my house every night making sure that I'm okay? Both scenarios you care. Both scenarios you have a heart. I'm a trainee vampire slayer."

Angels scoffs, "But you don't want it to be more in the future. Buffy does. She wants a relationship... a normal relationship. I can't give her that."

Laney frowns, "I get it. But don't lead her on either. It's either you really like her and are willing to try. Or you put your feelings to the side and truly on care about her health and helping take down the creatures of hellmouth."

Angel nods understandingly.

"Or you could do both... but you're just too scary to try..." Laney mutters as she plays with a strand of her hair.

Angel raises an eyebrow, "What?"

"What?"

Chuckling Angel shakes his head and points at Laney, "You're not home free either Rosenberg."

"What did I do?!"

"You lied to Buffy just now."

Laney opens her mouth then closes it before nodding slowly, "Yesssss... we'll what do you expect? Hey Buffy I know you were just fighting with Angel, the vampire you kissed that you were given prophecy to destroy like all other vampires, but here I am your good friend getting out of his car because he was just with me staking out at the park nearby! Yes Buffy I understand that I'm a terrible friend who is lying to you."

Angel frowns and pats Laney's shoulder as her eyes become teary, "You're not a bad friend. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you feel that way."

"I am though. Why did I lie to her? It makes me seem guilty. And we didn't do anything. We would never. Like ever. I'm like a billion years."

"Well that's kinda rude..."

"Oh sorry no offense to you. I just mean my friend likes you so that would be super wrong."

Angel nods then freezes, "Wait..."

Laney's eyes widen as she realizes what she just said, "I mean I still wouldn't if she didn't like you. I mean not cuz you're ugly. You're definitely not. You're quite good looking. I just... and we are just... never mind I'm gonna shut up now."

Angel chuckles, "I get it calm down, breathe..."

"Breathing."

"I understand why you're freaked out but there is no reason for Buffy to be upset with you. There is nothing going on between us. Never had been."

"Uh duh Angel... I know nothings going on. You know nothings going on. But she might think something is going on!

Well we can just talk to her-

Oh my gosh!

What?

You just said we. That sounds like something is going on!

Laney... nothing is going on. We're friends... why are you staring at me like that?

Laney pouts with puppy dog eyes, "You just admitted that we're friends. We've leveled up."

"Oh my god... I'm leaving."

"Wait! How am I getting home?"

"You like walking don't you?"

Laney gasps as Angel starts to walk away, "You monster."

Angel stops turns to her and rolls his eyes, "Really?"

Giggling Laney follows him, "I've always wanted to say that..."

Shaking his head Angel turns back forward and continues his path out the cemetery with Laney by his side.

"Seriously though are you giving me a ride back home or are you really making me walk?... Cuz I can cry on demand... I'll play heartbreak music..."

...

The sun pours into the full classroom as kids sit around looking ahead at the white board. The bell rings loudly letting everyone know that class is over. Students pack up and hurry out the classroom, as Buffy slowly gets up from her desk and gathers her things.

Cordelia comes into the room with a huge smile on her face as Laney slowly follows behind already shaking her head.

"Buffy! Did you lose weight? And your hair... Alright, I respect you too much to be dishonest. The hair's a little-"

Laney slaps Cordelia's arm making the girl shut up and giggle awkwardly.

"Well, that really isn't the point here, is it? The Zeta Kappas have to have a certain balance at their party, and Richard explained it all to me, but I was so busy really listening that I didn't hear much. Anyway, the deal is they need you to go. And if you don't go, we can't..."

Laney clears her throat giving Cordelia a slight glare.

Cordelia rolls her eyes, "Fine... Laney is still allowed to go because of her stupid little pledge crush. But I can't... And I'm talking about Richard Anderson, okay? As in Anderson Farms, Anderson Aeronautics..."

"Oh my gosh here she goes..." Laney takes a seat waiting for the oh so dramatic Cordelia to finish her final act.

Sobbing emotionally, Cordelia continues on as Buffy stands still slightly distracted, "and Anderson Cosmetics. Well, you see why I have to go. Buffy, these men are rich. And I am not being shallow. Think of all the poor people I could help with all my money!"

Buffy nods off in her own world, "I'll go."

Laney looks up from her nails shocked, "What did she just say?"

Cordelia leaps into the air surprised, "You'll go? Great! I'll drive."

"Oh my gosh we're gonna die."

Cordelia seats at Laney making her roll her eyes, "Oh, Buffy, it's like we're sisters!... With really different hair."

She turns to leave and can't believe she just said what she did. Buffy can't believe it either.

"Did they put an extra shot of expression in your coffee this morning?"

As Laney leaves to follow Cordelia, Buffy lightly grabs her arm. Laney freezes and turns to Buffy with a smile.

"What's up?"

"Um did you and... talk about anything... like anything we had just talked about? It would be super embarrassing-"

"No! Of course not. I just told him he's an idiot of course. But that's nothing new."

Buffy chuckles, "Thanks."

"Of course. You know that we're just friends right?"

"You and him?"

"Yes he who shall not be named."

"Yeah of course. I'm not worried."

Laney smiles in relief, "Okay good. Glad everything is settled. I can't wait for tonight!"

Buffy watches Laney run out the classroom and frowns, "Me neither."

...

Birds chirp and fly by a large mansion with Greek letters. Inside the rooms are empty downstairs and the house is quiet.

Up on the second floor, a door swings open and slams shut as a figure runs down the hallway. Colby skips down the stairs and walks past the dining room whistling. Just as he's about to walk out the frat house, the front door swings open.

One of the pledges, Mike, nods to Colby, "What's up dude?"

"Nothing much. About to head to class. Hey congrats on becoming official. Good luck tonight."

Mike smiles, "Thanks man. Just a few more days for you, my brother."

Colby nods and fist bumps Mike, "Can't wait for this all to be over. What do you think will happen?"

"No idea. I tried asking my pops but he legit can remember any of his college years. You asked yours?"

"Mine died a few years back. Just trying to make him proud."

"I'm sure he will be." Mike smiles.

Colby nods cleaning his throat, "Yeah... You know the oath yet?"

Mike shakes his head, "Nah not yet. I'm about to have orientation then it's oath time baby!"

"Well have fun dude. I'll see you later."

Colby walks out the house leaving Mike to himself in the living room. After almost ten minutes, Richard walks in and starts talking over the history of Delta Zeta Kappa. Mike seems a little confused at first but finally nods in understanding, then follows Richard to the basement.

"I pledge my life and my death..." Richard states.

"I pledge my life and my death..." Mike repeats.

"To the Delta Zeta Kappas, and to Machida whom we serve..."

"To the Delta Zeta Kappas, and to Machida whom we serve..."

"On my oath before my assembled brethren..."

Richard starts to carve a symbol into the pledge's naked chest with the tip of a sword.

Mike grunts ignoring the pain, "On my oath before my assembled brethren..."

"I promise to keep our secret from this day until my death."

"I promise to keep our secret from this day until my death."

Richard finishes carving and lowers the sword, "In blood I was baptized. In blood I shall reign. In his name."

"In blood I was baptized, and in blood I shall reign. In his name."

Richard stands tall with a serious gaze, "You are now one of us."

Mike nods, "In his name!"

All the Fraternity brothers stand tall, "In his name."

Richard puts the sword aside and shakes the pledge's hand before letting out a huge grin, "Brewski time!"

A brother tosses him a beer. As he opens it he walks over to Callie, who is shackled to the wall.

Richard smirks, "So what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"

"Let me go..." Callie begs.

"Let you go?" Richard teases, "Okay, let me think. Um, no!"

He laughs walking away drinking his beer, "God, I love high school girls. Mm!"He

Callie lowers her head and weeps.

...

Giles comes out of his office carrying a sword behind his back and looks around. Seeing there's no one there he starts practicing a few thrusts to his front and back. He spins around and thrusts again.

"Will you be ready if a vampire's behind you?"

He thrusts the sword behind him, pretending he just jabbed one. He raises the sword above his head to stab his pretend fallen victim.

Buffy, Willow, Laney, and Xander come in through the door and see him. He hears the door and looks back. When he sees it's them he tries to make like nothing's going on.

"I didn't see you three... creeping about."

He tosses the sword through the open cage door and kicks the door shut.

Laney snorts walking forward, "We definitely weren't creeping."

Giles clears his throat, "Um, how did it go last night?"

Buffy frowns giving him a bracelet, "Found this."

Giles reads the inscription, "E-N-T."

Willow sits down beside Laney who had her feet up on the table. She quickly smacks Laney's converse off and looks back at Giles, "I've seen something like that before."

Buffy sighs, "It's broken in two. I don't know what the rest of the letters might have spelled. And there's blood on it."

Giles frowns scrutinizing the bracelet more, "Uh, I didn't see any."

Buffy stammers, "A-Angel showed up. He could smell it."

Xander raises an eyebrow, "The blood? There's a guy you wanna party with."

Laney slaps the back of Xander's head.

"Ow."

Giles frowns, "Blood."

"In Sunnydale. What a surprise." Laney replies sarcastically.

Xander stands up, "Okay, here's what we're gonna do. Buffy should probably make the rounds again tonight, and we should try to figure out who that bracelet belongs to.

Giles nods, "Yes, good idea, yes. She'll patrol, and, and we'll reconvene..."

Buffy frowns interrupting, "Uh, hello? She's standing right here? And she's not available."

"Why not?"

Xander shakes his head, "Buffy, this is a little more important than- pff.."

Xander let's out a painful groan as he doubles over after being elbowed in the gut.

Laney smirks now standing beside the doubled over Xander, "Sorry continue..."

Buffy gives Laney a grateful nods, "I've got a mountain of homework to do, and, um... my mom's not really feeling well, and she could probably use my help, and, um, to be truthful I'm not really feeling all that well myself."

Willow can't believe what she's hearing and stares at Buffy.

Giles pauses then nods frantically, "Oh, w-w-well, um, sorry, of course. If-if-if you're not well."

"Oh, I'll take an early pass this evening, and, um, one later on, but for the bulk of the evening..."

Giles shakes his head waving his hand, "Oh, you should stay home with your mother."

"Great let's go now."

Laney struts out the library pulling Xander by the ear and Willow by the arm. Buffy smiles weakly at a confused Giles before following after them.

...

The four teens walk out the library and through the halls as no one speaks a single word. Xander gives Buffy a stern look.

Buffy scoffs, "Well, say it."

Xander shakes his head, "I'm not gonna say it."

Willow blurts out, "You lied to Giles!"

"'Cause she will."

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Look, I wasn't lying. I was just... protecting him from information that he wouldn't be able to... digest properly."

Xander nods, "Like a corn dog."

Willow frowns, "Like you don't have a sick mother, but you'd rather go to a frat party where there's gonna be drinking and older guys and probably an orgy."

Laney rolls her eyes as Xander's head snaps to the side.

"Whoa! Whoa-ho-ho, rewind. Since when do they have orgies, and why aren't I on the mailing list?"

Buffy frowns, "There's no orgies!"

Laney smirks, "There's definitely orgies."

Willow's eyes widen as she gasps, making Laney laugh and Buffy growl angrily, slapping her arm.

"There's NO orgies."

Willow stammers, "I heard a lot of wild things go on at frat parties. And how would you know Buffy? Laney's been to more parties than you. At least I think so.... wait Laney you've been to an orgy?!"

Buffy stops in the middle of the hallway holding up her hands, making everyone shut up, "Okay, you know what? Look, seven days a week I am busy saving the world. Once in a great while, I wanna have some fun. And that's what I'm gonna have tonight. Fun!"

"Yeah and you two are not ruining this for her! Let the girl live a little!" Laney rants as she glares at Xander and Willow.

"Come on Buffy you've got a 1 o'clock meeting with Cordelia."

Buffy frowns glancing over at Laney as she pulls her down the hallway, "Meeting?"

...

In the lounge by the lunchroom, Buffy, Laney, and Cordelia are sitting at a table, going over the plan for the night.

"This isn't about fun. This is about duty, your duty, to help me achieve permanent prosperity. Okay? Do's and dont's... Laney if you would please."

Laney chuckles before becoming serious, "Don't wear black, silk, chiffon or spandex. These are Cordy and my trademarks. Oh and don't do that weird thing with your hair."

Buffy frowns grabbing a strand of her hair, "What weird thing with my..."

Cordelia slaps Buffy's hand away, "Don't interrupt."

Laney gives Cordelia a thankful nod before continuing, "Do be interested if someone should speak to you. It may or may not happen, but do be polite. Unless they are rude... in that case you can shove you foot up their-"

"Laney!"

Laney pouts, "Sorry... Do laugh at the appropriate intervals." Holding her chest smiling gleefully, Laney demonstrates the perfect laugh, "Do lie to your mom about where we're going. It's a fraternity, and there will be drinking."

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