Title: Lovers and Friends

Author: Mel M/Misty

Email: SSailorUranuss@aol.com

Rendezvous

With a heavy sigh he benched another set then got up to head for the shower. Football season had crept up on him but Joshua Ford was ready. He'd been training all summer thanks to the coach and his friends. Brooke and Sugar had deserted him so he made new friends and focused most of his energy on football. These days he was eating, drinking, even sleeping football. That was where he had met his new friend.

That's what drove Josh to look good. He wanted to impress his love interest and be in shape.

"Josh, you joining me or what?" a muffled voice yelled from the shower.

Josh smirked as Brooke's words came back to him. She'd called him once and the only thing in that whole conversation that was worth remembering was when she'd said, "oh and I have something to tell you when I get back." He had something to tell her as well but he already knew that what he had to say would totally rock her world. She didn't have a clue. "Yeah, in a minute," the jock yelled back, standing before his full body mirror. He wiped his sweat drenched face with his shirt then flexed, examining himself closely.

"Baby, you look gorgeous. Now get your hot body in here before the water gets cold!" the muffled voice chuckled.

Josh blushed lightly, heading for the shower after tossing his sweat drenched shirt into the laundry basket.

Brooke pulled into the driveway, wondering for the first time that summer how everybody else was doing. Lily and Carmen had been dropped off and Nicole had decided to stay with Brooke for the day.

There were still a few days until school was to start so they had time to get back into the groove of things though Nicole seemed to be back to her old self again. They got out of the car and headed into the house.

"Welcome home girls!" Jane yelled from the kitchen.

"Thanks mom," Sam yelled back. "So what now?" she whispered to the other two teens.

"First we unpack then we have a rendezvous at the mall. It'll give us a chance to catch up with everybody," Nicole recommended, more to Brooke than anybody else.

"Sounds like a plan. You call Mary Cherry and I'll call Josh," Brooke replied.

Sam headed up the stairs silently.

"Hey Spam, you're going right? Invite the freak squad if you like." Ok, so maybe Nic wasn't completely back to normal but she was getting there.

"Yeah, I'm going Satan and I'll even bring my friends."

"Nic! Yer bahk! Of course ah'll be there! Can ah bring mah man?" the Southern Belle squealed with a sideways smile.

"Uh, ok." Nicole answered in shock. Apparently things had really changed. MC had a boyfriend. Scary. "Well I'll see you then I guess."

"Bah hun." Mary Cherry hung up the phone then dialed a number she knew by heart. "Hi sweet thang. Ah was wondrin if yah wanted tah go shoppin with meh an mah friends."

"I don't have any plans so I'd love to," the male voice on the other end replied.

"Hi Harrison."

"Oh, hey Sam. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to join Carm, Lil and myself at the mall around 2:30."

"Uh, I kinda have plans with my girlfriend. Sorry."

"Oh, um, sure. Maybe tomorrow?"

"I'm taking her to dinner," he replied nervously.

"Oh, well I guess I'll see you at school on Monday then."

"Yeah. Listen, I have to get ready so I'll call you later."

"Ok." Sam hung up and sighed heavily. Now she felt hollow and weak. She was a puddle of emotions when nobody was around. She thought about this rendezvous. Carmen and Lily would be there but they'd been fighting since they'd gotten back so they weren't the best company in the world and everybody else was "Popular" so she was royally screwed.

"Hey, you ready?" Brooke asked from the doorway.

Sam looked up with a sorrowful smile. "Yeah," she answered, crawling off of her bed and toward the door. Standing steadily she headed downstairs and to the car behind Brooke.

"Sam, you gonna be ok?"

Sam curled up in the back seat. "I'll live," she whispered, pulling out a small journal.

'Dear Journal,

I feel the darkness closing in upon me. Capturing me and squeezing tight. I close my eyes only to be haunted by vivid images of her body, frozen in time and the essence of her sweet smelling body spray. I was lost but she found me. Life feels so cold, so very cynical and psychotic that sanity id profound. I need to focus on living though I already feel I am dead and merely trapped in this realm as punishment for my sins. I fear she was just an illusion or that she may never return to me in the state I have left her in. If you set something free and it returns to you then it was truly yours to begin with is what they say but who are they to say love will not soon fade as a rose dies? The essence will always linger and the wounds never heal. Mending a broken heart is like sewing glass with blood. I hope our love will not fade and she will come to me soon.

I can feel her next to me, whispering haunting words through me ears. So mournful that I could cry. No, I can't cry. I could never cry. Only tears of blood come from my eyes.

They sit next to me now, the lovers that may only love themselves. What am I saying, they are my friends. I love them and now I will leave this nightmare with a sober sigh and a playful grin for they know nothing of how my mind works nor do they know of my pain. They do not love each other, even I can see that but once more I say farewell and I will write again.'

Sam hid her journal in her bag. "Hey guys," she said cheerily.

Carmen and Lily stopped bickering to greet Sam then started arguing again. 'Such stupidity,' Sam thought.

Before they knew it they were in the mall, waiting for the others to arrive. Sam was the first to spot Josh and with a grin she nudged Brooke.

"Hey guys," Josh said softly, startling everyone but Sam.

Sam eyed the stranger next to him. He was tall and muscular with piercing silver blue eyes, pale skin, blood red feminine lips and charcoal black hair.

"This is my boyfriend Kain Grey," Josh announced barely above a whisper.

Before any of them could speak a word the stranger spoke, his voice rich, deep and faintly British. "Pleased to meet you. Josh has told me loads about you."

"Really? Like what?" Nicole demanded, untrusting of this handsome new guy.

Kain chuckled lightly. "You must be Nicole. Pleasure to meet you in the flesh and in a good mood I see."

Nicole scowled, glaring at him so intensely that had it been a cartoon he'd have been reduced to ashes.

"He's really only told me distinct features about you all. The journalist Sam McPherson, head cheerleader Brooke McQueen, psycho Southern Belle Mary Cherry, activist Lily Espasito, homecoming Queen Carmen Ferrera, skinny halfwit Harrison John and last but not least her majesty the cruel and heartless Queen Bitch of Kennedy High, Nicole Julian," Kain continued, flashing them his most charming smile.

Brooke glared at Josh as Sam stood and smiled. Offering her hand she said in a friendly tone, "I'm Sam." He shook her hand as she continued to speak and point out who was who with her other hand. "That's Lily, Carmen, Brooke and you've already met the Ice Queen."

The other girls waved sweetly as Nicole loosened her death glare. Kain and Josh sat together on the same bench Sam occupied. After a moment of silence Sam's curiosity got to her. "So, how'd you two meet and get together?" she finally asked aloud.

Josh smiled as everyone's attention turned to him. "This is all off the record right? We first met at the gym and we met again at football practice. He missed the first practice because he got lost so coach assigned him a guide. Me. He came here from England."

"We've been together for a month and two weeks," Kain added. "It was really an accident, us getting together. We went to this gay teen club called the Blood Moon to play some pool and have a little fun teasing the little people. My best friend's ex, Damien, started hitting on Josh and I stepped in."

"He said he was my boyfriend," Josh chuckled with a smile. "Anyway, that night we kissed and there was something so magical about it that neither of us could bear to let go. The next day we went out for dinner and a movie and I asked him to be my boyfriend. He accepted and that's where it all began."

Everyone else sat there in awe. They knew how it felt when they kissed their lovers, the magik they felt. It made all of them smile.

"Welcome to the popular crowd fudge boy," Nicole shot at Kain with an original Nicole Julian grin accommodating her snide welcome. "Thanks Queen B," he shot back with a grin of his own.

Brooke noticed the parting crowd and she knew it must be Mary Cherry. Apparently she was dragging somebody behind her as she rushed to the group. The others realized who was headed their way and an odd silence fell upon them.

Mary Cherry came to a screeching halt in front of the small group, her fingers entwined with the fingers of the person behind her. "Hey ya'll," she squeaked loudly.

The others focused on the blonde's hostage. He took a step forward. Nicole and Brooke attempted to hold back their laughter as Sam, Lily and Carmen all dropped jaw.

"Harrison?" Josh asked softly.

"Uh, hi guys," Harrison whispered, his ears turning red with embarrassment.

Mary Cherry caught site of a new fur shop and they were gone with lightning speed like Superman.

"Poor pathetic sot," Nicole gasped between laughs.

The whole group had a laugh-a-thon, only stopping when their sides hurt and their eyes were filled with tears.

After the laughter subsided, the remaining occupants of the table decided to grab a bite to eat and then shop.

"So what do you guys want on your pizza?"

"Pepperoni and olive," Josh, Brooke and Carmen chorused.

"Ok, I'll order one pepperoni and olive and one extra cheese and olive, ok?"

The others agreed and Kain ordered their food. They grabbed their drinks and sat down at a table near the shop window to wait for their food.

"So, what did you want to tell me?" Josh asked with a smile as Sam headed for the arcade games.

"Oh, um. . . " Brooke fumbled nervously as she stared into her Cherry RC.

"Brookie and I are an item now," Nicole inserted, her fingertips caressing the top of Brooke's hand that was resting on the table.

"I'm happy for you both." Josh smiled. He could see how much they loved each other and he truly was happy for them.

Brooke tilted her head, whispering in Nic's ear, "Thanks."

Nicole only smiled. Brooke would thank her more later.

"Take that!" Sam shouted at Street Fighter 3. She really did love that game though she hadn't been able to play it much as of late. She stayed focused of whomping on Blanca with Chun Li. The screen suddenly flashed, informing Sam there was a challenger.

"Chun Li's a formidable opponent. I've never challenged her with Cammy before," Kain informed.

They went head to head, Kain choosing Cammy. The heated battle went on for a few minutes when Sam screamed, "Chun Li prevails!"

"You're pretty good," Kain complimented.

"Your not so bad yourself," Sam responded, looking at her opponent for the first time. Realizing it was Kain she smiled.

"So, what troubles you?"

"Do I really look that bad?"

"No comment."

"Well, I'm in love but I can't see this person."

"Is she too far away for comfort or is she just not interested?"

"She's the love of my life but the miles keep us apart."

"The miles will mean nothing when you are together again. Is this a fresh wound to your heart or have you been apart for far too long?"

"I left early today."

"Wow, you hold yourself very well for the first day."

"You sound like you've been there."

"I have. I was away from Josh for two weeks because I had to go back to London to get the rest of my stuff and say a long goodbye. It was hard being away from him. I love him but it's too soon to tell him. I think he'd freak."

"Probably. This is all very new to him."

"Well, what do you say to another game. Male characters this time."

"You're on!"

The night had fallen fast, blanketing the city. School would there before they knew it but this would be the most memorable year of all. It was Senior year, the last year to be together, to be free, to be seen or lost in the crowd. This was the high school finale, the last dance, the last chance to shine for some and what a year it would be.

Sam laid on her bed, writing in her metallic black journal that bore a red dragon she'd named Rayne and a blue fairy she'd deemed Magna.

'Dear Journal,

This year will be the hardest year I've ever had to live. I'm lost in fears and dreams, falling without anything to grasp. I know my dream is to write but what are her plans? I will do anything to be with her, even if that means sacrificing my dream. I know she wouldn't want that and I hope that this year will pass quick.'

Sam looked up, hearing the phone ring. "Hello?" she answered.

"Hey, it's Buffy. How you holding up?"

"Buffy? Hey. I've been better. And you?"

"Still breathing. Dawn made me call. She said I looked too depressed. I guess sitting on the couch watching LMN with a tub of "Death By Chocolate" isn't exactly healthy so I guess she had a right to inform me I needed some cheering up."

"Is that the only reason you called?" Sam teased.

"No! Sammy, I had to hear your voice. God, when you're not here I can still feel you with me. It's like torture. I can still feel your soft breathes on my neck. Sorry, I'm rambling."

"No, it's ok. I like your rambling. I know how you feel. If it weren't for Brooke and Satan I'd have been in my room all day."

"Sam, it's time for bed," Jane interrupted from another phone.

"Ok mom, I'll e off in a few." After Jane hung up Sam spoke again. "Well, I gotta go, I'll call you tomorrow."

"Sam. . ."

"Yeah."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Sleep well sweet angel and when you feel lonely, remember how much I love you and how crazy I'm going without you."

"I will my beautiful warrior. Sleep well and keep me in your dreams. Goodnight Buffy."

"Night Sam."

They hung up and Sam put her journal away. She turned out the light and settled under the covers. "I love you so much it hurts Buffy, more than you'll ever know."

Back To Kennedy

Sam sighed as she walked into her first class, Advanced Journalism.

"Samantha McPherson?"

"Here." Sam raised her hand.

"Have a seat next to Miss Foxx," Professor English, the new Journalism teacher, instructed, pointing to the redhead in the back.

Sam walked to the back of the classroom and sat next to the rather pale female that occupied the chair nearest the window.

The final bell rang and class began. "Good morning class. My name's Professor Brenda English but you can all call me Brenda. In this class we are going by casual names because it's a casual environment. Take a look at the person next to you. That's your partner. You will always work together, even on individual projects. Each person works at their own speed but if your partner needs help on something, take a little time and help them. Assignments are due on time, every time. Late work will not be accepted for any reason other than an absence. If you're absent, come in before or after school to get your assignment. I'm here until 5 o'clock so don't be shy. Any questions?"

Sam thought for a moment when she heard somebody else speak.

"How old are you?" the girl next to Sam blurted out.

Sam was wondering the same thing. Their teacher didn't look a day over 21. She was a beautiful woman. Tall, slim, tanned skin, turquoise eyes, blonde hair with a very vibrant smile.

"Miss Foxx, don't you know it's not polite to ask a woman her age? Well, since I know how old all of you are, I'll tell you. I'm 30, going on 18. Any other questions?"

Sam raised her hand.

"Miss McPherson."

"Are you liberal or conservative?"

Brenda smiled. This girl was very intelligent and it would definitely be great working with her. "I'm very liberal but in some cases I could be considered conservative, so I guess the answer is both. I am me. Questions?" Seeing no raised hands she continued. "I'm gonna take role again and then we'll get this show on the road. When I call your name raise your hand. If I mispronounce your name or you'd like to be called by a nickname, tell me so I'll know better next time."

As Professor English took role, Sam began to day dream. Something along the lines of being with Buffy.

"Samantha McPherson?"

Sam raised her hand, speaking clearly, "Call me Sam."

After role was called class really began. "Now that I know you all by names and faces I'd like you all to get to know each other better. Your first assignment is to write a biography on your partner. I want to know who this person is. Not just what they like on their pizza but what their views on controversial issues such as abortion are. Write interesting and distinctive facts or features about them. There will be three parts to the assignment. First part is a picture. Make sure it's clear so the whole class can see it and no black and white. Second part is the biography. Give me the basic facts like full name, DOB, etc., then tell me what you learned about them. The third part of this assignment is to present your findings to the class and write a one page report on how meeting this person has changed you. Even if that means they got you to try anchovies on your pizza."

The whole class laughed.

"First and second parts are due Wednesday and the report is due Friday."

The bell rang and the students flooded into the hallway. Sam smiled. One class she was enjoying already. Sam stopped walking when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, I'm Chris."

Sam turned to see her Advanced Journalism partner. "Uh, hey. My name's Sam."

"I know. I wanted to talk to you about the Journalism project. Maybe we could meet after school and go to my house to start it, if you don't have any plans."

"No plans at all. I'll meet you in the main parking lot."

And that's where it all began.

~ That Friday ~

Sam sat on the bleachers quietly with a smile. The first week of school had been great. Chris had showed her a whole other side to Kennedy High. She'd met more people that week than she had in the whole three years she'd been going there and the best part was that they liked her.

Now she had plans to attend a party with Chris and her girlfriend. Her social life was skyrocketing and she was loving every minute of it. So what if she was hanging out with the group known as the skaters and stoners, it wasn't like they were forcing drugs on her.

Lily, Brooke, Carmen and the others had abandoned her since school had started but she didn't care anymore. She had new friends and a social life. It was Friday and none of the other's would be out having fun, they'd be watching corny romance movies and having pitiful sleepovers, except for Nicole. She'd probably be seducing Brooke in the hot tub at her estate.

"Sam?"

Sam spun around to meet the beautiful, sparkling baby blue eyes that belonged to a gorgeous blonde that was standing behind her. She looked the girl over. She was a mirror image of Heather Graham, with a slightly different face and fashion sense.

"Shannon?"

"Hey girl! What's up?"

"Not much. It's nice to finally meet you!"

"Same to you sweetheart. Chris is running a little late. She has to do a few things before the party but she told me to take you to my house and she'll pick us up there."

"Sounds like a plan, let's go."

"Carm, just listen to me. This isn't working for either of us. I love you, I really do but it's not the kind of love I want to give to another woman. It's a friendship thing. Now what were you gonna tell me?"

"I'm sorry Lily, for everything. I love you too but you're right. It's only in a friendship way. I never meant to mislead you or force you into anything, I'm sorry."

"Carmen, we did it together. It's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault." Lily gave her best friend a hug.

"Lily?"

"Yeah."

"Can I kiss you one last time before you go?"

Lily swallowed hard. She had just broken her best friends heart and that was something she could never take back. "Can you forgive me?"

Carmen closed her eyes. Right now it hurt so much that she never wanted to let go. Forgive her? How could she not forgive the only woman who had made her feel so right, so whole, so beautiful? "I'll always forgive you Lily, always," she sniffled through her tears.

Lily couldn't take this. She had to go now or she'd be sucked back in by those pleading eyes and that tear stained face. She gently kissed the other girl on the lips and wiped her tears away. For a moment she could feel that love again. The love they had first shared so many moons ago but it faded as she opened her eyes. Now came the hardest part. Lily stood, her eyes baring tears she would cry later. Her heart was in her throat as she turned and left her best friend weeping on the floor.

Lily ran home as fast as she could. Reaching her house she rushed past her mother to her room, only taking the time to tell her mom she wasn't eating dinner before closing and locking her door. She threw herself onto her bed and the tears began to spill from her eyes. She didn't know if she was crying for herself or for Carmen but all she knew was that it hurt. Her heart, her soul and even her body hurt.

Once her tears subsided she picked up the phone and dialed quickly.

"Espasito? What do you want? And how the hell did you get my number?"

"I would like to speak with Brooke. I'm sorry if I interrupted something. I can call back if you want."

Nicole, who'd answered the phone, began to worry. Lily sounded horrible and her voice didn't have its usual edge. "Sure." She handed the phone to Brooke with a worried look in her wild eyes.

"Hello?"

"Brooke, I called to ask you something pretty serious. Do you mind?"

"No, tell me what's on your mind."

"You've been in serious relationships before, right?"

"Yeah."

"How do you stop the pain in your heart when you've broken some one else's?"

Brooke was still as a chill raced up her back. "Love. They say that time heals all wounds but it's really love that does. What happened?"

Lily swallowed hard. "If you want to know, tell Nic I did it and have her fill you in. I'm not capable of doing so. Thank you so much Brooke. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

"Ok Lil, bye." Brooke hung up and turned to look at Nicole. "Nic, she said she did it and that you'd fill me in. What's up?"

"Oh shit," Nicole grumbled with a frustrated and pained look on her face. "When we were in Sunnydale she told me her and Carmen were having problems. Apparently they just broke up."

Brooke bowed her head. This was not going well.

"So, what now?" Sam asked softly, her legs dangling from the roof of the shed.

Shannon took out a pipe and a lighter. "I'm getting baked," she said before lighting up.

For some odd reason it smelled amazing to Sam. It made her relax. Of course she'd never been around bud smokers before so she'd never had a contact high which was exactly what was making her feel so calm.

"Hey, you want a puff?"

Sam looked at the blonde like she was speaking to her in Hindu. "Huh?"

"Ever taken a drag off a smoke?"

"Once."

"Good. This is how you do it." Shannon gave her a visual and Sam nodded, too calm to realize what she was about to do.

Sam smiled and took a puff as Shannon lit it for her. As soon as the big drag of smoke entered her system she began to cough.

Shannon rubbed her back. "Whoa chic, slow down. Take smaller drags cause it's your first time."

Sam nodded, a little dizzy.

Ten minutes later. . .

"Whoa."

"You ok?"

"Is it normal to feel like you're floatin or walkin on wada?"

"Yup." Shannon looked Sam over and bit her bottom lip. "Are you feelin sexy yet sweet thang?" she purred into the intoxicated brunettes ear.

Sam shivered, the warm fuzzies tingling all over her body. "Oh yeah," she growled.

"You two seem to be getting along pretty well," a familiar voice interrupted from the doorway of Shannon's room.

Shannon pounced the female, screaming playfully, "Bout time you showed up. I was getting impatient Christina Marie Foxx."

"Sorry. I'm like two minutes late!" the redhead teased, gently pushing the smaller girl off and getting up. "Hey Sam," she waved with a smile.

Sam grinned dumbly and gave both girls a lopsided smile as she tilted her head, looking much like a puppy does when it's apparently dumbfounded.

"Dammit Shan, I told you to wait til I got here," Chris chided playfully.

"Sorry. Told you I got impatient," the blonde replied, sticking her tongue out defiantly.

"Put that thing away unless you plan on using it!" Chris teased.

Shannon blushed and her tongue retreated back into her mouth.

"Let's go."

"Sam, I want you to meet my best friend Mel," Chris whispered.

"Uh, hi. I'm Sam."

Mel smiled. "Pleased to meet you Sam."

The journalist looked the stranger over. She had hair that seemed to be darker than any black Sam had ever seen, strange hazel eyes that seemed to hypnotize your very soul and an impish grin that was so innocent it couldn't be healthy. Sam looked around to find everyone else had abandon her.

"I know I may look scary but Chris asked me to make sure you don't get yourself in trouble. She's pretty fond of you. Anyway, you'll be crashing at my place tonight so whenever you wanna go just tell me and we'll go."

Sam blushed. This girl seemed to read her mind like Carmen always did. She missed that but now was not the time to go all mushy and crying. "Cool. You're only scary at first, but I that's a stereotype I suppose you get all the time, huh?"

"Yeah. I don't know why though. I'm 5'2 and people who are like 6'3 cower in fear, it's horrible. Do you know how hard it is to get a date when people desperately try to stay out of your way and avoid you? Well, you couldn't really know cause you're gorgeous and have a soft aura but that's not the point. Ok, I'll stop rambling. Want a drink?"

"Long Island Ice Tea."

"Coming right up."

Mel left but was back in a flash.

Sam took her drink then eyed the green liquid in her friends glass. "What in god's name is that?"

"A Grasshopper. It's very minty. Trust me, don't mix it with that."

"Sam's out with her friends on a Friday night at a party? Carmen and Lily really don't go out," Brooke questioned, thinking, 'especially when Lil sounded like shit and Carm couldn't be much better.'

"She's with Christina and Shannon," Jane replied.

"Who?" Brooke looked like somebody had hit her with a very big stupid stick.

"They're her new friends. Since school started you guys have been doing your own thing like teens do but those things didn't include Sam so she went out and found some more friends."

The phone rang and Jane picked it up. "Hello."

"Hello, this is Shelley Magers. May I speak with Jane McPherson?"

"This is she."

"This is Melanie's mom. I called to let you know that Christina went to spend the night at Shannon's house and Mel invited Sam over here. She was pretty tired and they're in bed right now but I thought you might want to know she was safe."

"Thanks Shelley. Maybe you could come over tomorrow and have dinner with us or something."

"Well, I've already made plans for what I'm gonna cook tomorrow so why don't you and your family join us here at our house."

"That sounds great. I'll call you tomorrow afternoon to get directions." Jane hung up and smiled. "We're going over to Shelley and Mel's house tomorrow evening for dinner."

"Mel?"

"One of Sam's new friends."

Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Back

"Where am I?" Sam groaned, waking in a bed that was not her own or Buffy's.

"Chill out chic. It's me, Mel. You passed out on my bed last night so I crashed on the floor. Here, I brought you some anti-hangover meds. Take the Tylenol and drink the OJ first. It'll get your appetite going."

"Thanks," Sam mumbled, popping a few Tylenol then sipping the OJ.

"Oh, your family's joining us for dinner."

"What?" Sam screamed, nearly spitting her juice all over Mel.

"My ma called yours last night to tell her you were ok and invited your whole family here for dinner. They should be here in about half an hour."

"WHAT?" Sam set her glass down. "What time is it?"

"Three thirty."

"Shit!" Sam grabbed her overnight bag and zoomed into the bathroom at lightning speed.

Mel chuckled, laying back on her bed. She sighed. Meeting Sam's family would be cool but it would also give her parents the impression that all of her friends were like this. By thinking that she meant responsible and rational. Most of the people she knew weren't half a rational as Sam and herself or even a forth as responsible. Sam, as far as she could tell, was pretty rational and fairly responsible which she liked. Another person just like her yet different. Most people she knew had less than half a brain or didn't give a fuck whether they themselves or anybody else lived or died. That included Shannon and Christina.

Sure Chris cared, if it benefited her and she couldn't even comprehend the meaning of the word rational. Shannon was just as bad. She cared about somebody for a little while, screwed them, screwed them over then dumped them somewhere between purgatory and hell. She usually made them crack addicts, junkies or suicide victims. Thankfully she hadn't gotten that far with Mel.

"Ready!"

Mel's attention snapped toward the brunette that stood in the bathroom doorway looking proud at her record timing.

"Ok Speedy Gonzalez. We still have about ten minutes."

"Oh. What do we do til then?"

"We wait downstairs in case they show early."

"I thought you had a date with Brooke."

"Mandatory family thing," Nicole replied with a shutter.

"Ah."

"And what about you? Aren't you and Josh suppose to be at the gym?"

"Yeah but he too is stuck at a mandatory family event," Kain answered and shuttered the same way Nicole had.

"Well, looks like it's just you and me. What do you say we go to the arcade and harass some low life Kennedy High students?"

"Ooh, you really know how to get a guys attention."

"It's not hard when he's almost as evil as me."

"Brooke, we have to leave in about fifteen minutes!" Mike yelled from his bathroom.

"I'm waiting for you guys," Brooke yelled back, more concentrated on the big old book she was reading. 'Bide the Wiccan law ye must. In perfect love and perfect trust,' she began to recite in her mind. 'Kinda catchy,' she thought with a grin then began to read again.

"Brooke, are you ready to go?"

Brooke frowned, closing the book. "Yeah, just let me put this away." She went into her room and hid the book under her bed.

"Alright, let's go!"

"Dinner was marvelous Shelley."

"Thank you Mike. So, what kind of work do you and your wife do?"

"Mom, may we be excused?" Mel asked, referring to the three younger members at the table.

"Sure."

The parents began to chit chat as Mel led Sam and Brooke to her room. "Welcome to my lair Miss McQueen," she sneered. She never really liked Brooke, but then again she never really knew her. "Have a seat."

Brooke glared at Mel and defiantly sat on her bed. "Thanks," she growled back.

Sam cringed. This wasn't good. Mixing her new stoner/skater friend with her soon to be step sister cheerleader. This would be like being in a war zone.

"So, how's your little whore Miss Julian and that quack you call a friend Mary Cherry?" Mel taunted.

"Nic's great, like you even care and she's not a WHORE! Unlike little Miss Painter and her playtoy girlfriend. How is the slut and the crack whore?" Brooke shot back with a glare.

"Shannon and Chris are just fine, like you care. By the way, I think you need to bleach again, your roots are showing!" Mel growled defensively.

"Hey, guys, chill out. This isn't a war zone."

"You're right Sam. This is my turf," Mel replied, hissing at Brooke.

"Brooke, we're leaving!" they heard Mike yell from downstairs.

"Thank god," Brooke grumbled under her breathe.

They all went downstairs, Brooke getting out the door as fast as she could.

"Mom, can I stay with Mel til tomorrow evening?" Sam begged.

"If you have some clean clothes you can stay til Monday," Jane offered.

"I'll pick some up tomorrow."

"Ok." Jane waved a goodbye and left.

"Now what?"

"We retreat to my room."

Mel led Sam to her room and laid on the bed to gaze out the window.

"Can I ask you something?" Sam whispered, laying beside the other brunette.

"Sure. Fire away."

"Um. . .do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?"

"Nope. Haven't had a girlfriend in two years," Mel replied somberly, trying to hide her pain.

Sam cringed. 'Sam, remember, she's not as tough as she looks.' "Sorry."

"S'ok. Tender subject."

"Do you mind if I ask why? It helps if you talk about it." 'Sam, shut up already!'

"I knew that question was coming. Well, the gist of it is that I fell in love, got my heart ripped open and to this day I haven't found a girl that's as serious about a relationship as I am. To most teen lesbians, in my opinion, it's all about sex and partying. I figured, if you can't beat them, join them. So I did. The past two years all I've done is go to school, work and party. It's the only way to keep the loneliness under wraps."

"You mean it's all about sex and partying to all the lesbians you've met, right?"

"Aside from you, yeah."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I can tell you have somebody special in your life but you're hurting cause she's too far away. I'm a natural witch so I can sense these thing with some people. I can sometimes see auras too but most people consider me a freak if I mention it. I learned to keep my mouth shut a long time ago."

"I think your powers are cool."

"Thanks."

"Who was she? Your first love I mean."

"Shannon."

Sam felt her stomach turn to pudding as chills raced up her spine.

"We dated for most of our freshman year but it didn't work for more than one reason. She moved away shortly after that but came back junior year. No surprise that she didn't want me back but she'd changed and believe it or not, so had I."

"I have to get you a girlfriend."

"Good luck."

"Have confidence in yourself," Sam whispered sweetly.

"Ok, enough about me. Now it's my turn to ask questions. What's her name?"

"Buffy. Buffy Summers."

"I've heard of her. Met her once. She saved my ass from a vamp. That was ages ago though. That nigh was the night I decided to start reading up on magik and really getting into it."

"Have you done any spells?"

"A few. They were small though. Protections and such."

The phone interrupted them and Mel picked it up. After a brief conversation Mel hung up and turned to Sam. "There's a rave tonight, you game?"

"Sure."

"Buffy, this demon is dangerous."

"I know Will but I don't want you using your magik to track him down. We need to find out what or who he wants. He's pretty strong too," the slayer replied, holding an ice pack to her head.

"Well, unlike most demons he's not after the slayer."

"Xander's got a point. Maybe he's after a special person or somebody who hurt him," Tara proposed.

"You're all that bloody clueless? He's after witches. Met the bloke some time back and I know this much, he drains witches of their powers and leaves them dead," Spike informed.

"So he drinks their powers the same way vampires drink blood?" Willow asked nervously.

"Yeah and he's lookin for the one who summoned him. Knowin that bugger he's just passin through the Hellmouth to find her. He only kills female witches."

"So how do we track him and kill him?"

"Don't know."

"Yes, well, do you know his name? We may be able to find some useful information in the books."

"Right. Name's Cirlous, better known as Cirrus."

Toy Soldiers 1

~ Step by step
Heart to heart
Left right left
We all fall down
Like Toy Soldiers ~

It was the day before Halloween and all were making last minute arrangements for the next day. Sam had been hanging out with her friends nearly 24/7. She'd been with them so much Jane knew them by name, cell phone number and license plate number. She usually hung out with Mel but partied with Chris, Shannon, Levi and Redwing. It was non stop fun and her mom couldn't protest because she was getting straight A's. Ever since that rave so many moons ago Sam had been different.

Sam couldn't wait for night to fall and the next day to arrive because she was going to attend the mother of all raves. She was currently in Levi's apartment smoking a blunt.

"Sammy, slow down sweetcheeks."

"Huh?"

"After this I think you should slow down. Never mix too many drugs."

"Alright, I slow down Shan. I'm still fucked up from the x I dropped. This is all I need."

"Good."

"I serve only you mistress."

"So you're like my mystical slave?"

"Yes mistress."

"Ok, stop calling me mistress or I'll have Nic hurt you. Just call me Brooke."

"Brooke? Brooke McQueen?"

"How did you know that?"

The man stood tall and pushed his hood back.

"CJ! OMG!" Brooke screamed, hugging him tight. "Are you back for good? Why didn't you tell me were a demon?"

"It's not exactly something you bring up over coffee Brooke. I'm only here until my deeds are done."

"What would those be?"

"You summoned me and I'm a vengeance demon of sorts. You tell me who to hurt and who to avoid hurting. The only part of my task that I won't carry out is my last command."

"Which is?"

"I have the option of killing the witch who summoned me."

"Oh. About this vengeance thing, I don't want revenge on anyone. I'm happy, although that sick bitch Melanie has been pissing me off."

"Mel?" he growled.

Brooke smirked, Nicole's evil streak now appearing on her. "Yeah, Mel. What do you say we have a little fun with her? Not kill her or physically hurt her too bad but get her back for what she did to you. No hurting Sam though."

"Sounds like a plan," he agreed with daggers in his smile.

"Hey, you there already?"

"Yeah. Listen B, it's gonna be kinda hard to watch over them when I can't even walk in the sunlight."

"I know Faith but Giles can keep guard during the day. He also tends to strike at night. As long as you keep an eye on them everything will be ok. If you spot him, call us ASAP."

"K, talk to you tomorrow." Faith hung up and sighed. Throwing the cloaks hood back over her head she walked toward Nicole's house. Knocking on the door she sighed.

"May I help you?" the butler asked politely.

"I'm here to see Nicole."

"Step right this way."

"Willow," Tara gasped, doubling over.

"Tara, what's wrong?"

"Something b-bad's gonna happen. Soon Willow. I can feel it."

"Buffy, we have to do something!"

"Faith and Giles can take care of it. I just wish I could have gone instead."

"You heard what Giles said. You, Will and Tara can't because you're key targets. You know, the whole power sucking death thing."

"Xander, I handle vampires daily, what's different about his guy?"

"He's a super energized power sucker. Giles has no special powers to drain and Faith's immune cause she's a vamp. It's better than sending me and say. . .Spike!"

"Good point."

~ It wasn't my intention to mislead you
It never should have been this way.
What can I say?
It's true, I did extend the invitation.
I never knew how long you'd stay ~

Mel sung the words softly to the sky. She was worried to death about Sam but she had no idea how to stop this snowball effect. It would only get worse and she knew it. She had to tell her, it was the only way.

"Honey, you ok?"

"Yeah ma, I'm fine."

"If you wanna talk. . ."

"Not right now ma."

"When you're ready you know where I'll be."

"Thanks ma." Mel smiled as Shelley walked out of the room. She really did have the coolest mom in the world. Well at least she thought so.

Sam laid on her bed and fished a small leather pouch out of her pocket. "Thank you Tech," she whispered referring to her current dealer. She pulled the needle from the pouch and set it next to her bed. She went about finding a vein with a grin.

~ When you hear temptation call
It's your heart that take, takes a fall
Won't you come out and play with me ~

Sam slid the needle in and let the liquid travel though her veins. She slowly took it out and disposed of it. Feeling a cool rush she laid down on her bed and thankfully fell fast asleep.