High School Sweethearts and Second Chances spn/btvs ch 30
Title: High School Sweethearts and Second Chances (SPN/Btvs) Chapter 30
Author: Noturbaby
Fandoms: Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: None (eventual het sex between teens)
Pairings: Dean & Buffy Willow & Oz Most BtVS characters make an appearance.
Summary: Adds the Winchesters to Seasons 2 and 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy's a junior and Dean's a senior at Sunnydale High. At first, Dean doesn't know Buffy's a Slayer. Story deals with dating when part of life is fighting the supernatural.
Dean held Buffy’s hand as they walked to the library. “So, you’re gonna tell them, right?”
Buffy nodded curtly, “Yep. Just gonna go in there and ..” she paused. She looked up at him with a complete lack of confidence.
Dean squeezed her hand. “It’ll be okay, Buffy. You can make them understand.” He kissed her forehead. “Just give them that pout you use on me, and they’ll be eating out of your hand.” Buffy smiled slightly. Before she could go on, Dean’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, “It’s my dad,” he said with a smile, “I’ll see you later, ‘kay babe?”
Buffy nodded and took a deep fortifying breath before entering the library.
“Well, I don't think I can talk any slower, Wes. I want to leave,” Buffy said full of the confidence Dean told her she’d have.
Wesley’s face was a picture of disbelief. “What? Now?”
“No, not now. After I graduate, you know, go to college?”
“But, you're a Slayer,” Wesley was still in shock.
Buffy rolled her eyes, “Yeah, I'm also a person. You can't just define me by my Slayer-ness. That's ... something-ism.”
Giles listened from the door of his office. “Buffy, I know we've talked about you going away…”
Buffy grinned at him, “I got into Northwestern.”
“That's wonderful news. Good for you,” Giles smiled at her proudly.
Wesley looked from one to the other, “Alright, everyone. Monsters, demons, world in peril?”
“I bet they have all that stuff in Illinois,” Buffy added.
Wesley crossed his wrists over his heart. “You cannot leave Sunnydale. By the power invested in me by the Council, I forbid it.”
Buffy rolled her eyes and turned her back on Wesley. Giles raised a brow, “Ah yes, that should settle it.”
Wesley counted on his fingers, “Faith gone bad, and the Mayor's Ascension coming up, …”
Buffy nodded, “I know it's complicated. I'm aware that my graduation may be, among other things, posthumous, but... What if I stop the Ascension? What if I capture Faith?”
She looked at Wesley and then back to Giles. “If I do that, then all you guys have to do is keep the run of the mill unholy forces at bay through mid-terms and I'll be back in time for Homecoming, and every school break after that. Can we at least think about it?”
“Hey, Dad. Everything go smoothly in Minnesota?” Dean asked, obviously happy to finally hear from his father.
John cleared his throat. “Yeah, Dean, uh, everything was - fine. I’m with Bobby, now and he’s got some intel for you guys. One of his sources told him the Box of Gavrock was on its way to the hellmouth.” He began to pace in Bobby’s cluttered living room.
“The Box of Gavrock?” Dean hadn’t heard of it.
“Yeah, it’s something for an ascension. Sammy left a message that you guys were working on something like that?”
“Yeah, the mayor here is planning that for graduation day.”
John stopped his pacing, he looked at Bobby. “The mayor? On graduation?”
Dean nodded, “Yeah, that’s what we’ve got so far.” Dean heard Bobby say something in the background.
“Why haven’t you guys just taken him out?” John asked, relaying Bobby’s question.
“He did some invulnerable spell or something. Sammy found out the guy’s like over a hundred years old. He’s not going down by our usual methods.”
John took a breath then relayed that news to Bobby. “Dean, you and Sam haul ass out of there. Get up to Frisco or ..” John paused as Bobby began to speak again.
Dean took the pause as an opportunity. “No, sir. I’m not leaving. I can’t. I gotta do what I can to help. You would…”
“Fine,” John interrupted surprising Dean. “Bobby and I are on our way. I’d tell you to get Sam out of there, but I know the kid wouldn’t leave you behind. Shit,” John paused again. “Get us a couple of rooms by you. See you in a couple of days.”
Immediately, Dean called Giles to give him the information about the Box.
At lunch, Willow and Buffy sat quietly together. “So Angel got the heart they needed to make the cure, huh?” Willow asked.
Buffy bit her bottom lip momentarily. “Yeah, he even risked daylight to bring the potion to me.”
Willow nodded with concern. “And, Dean, Dean was there the whole time,” her face brightening with that reminder.
Buffy sighed. “Yeah.” Buffy looked down at her hands.
Willow tilted her head as she studied Buffy. “What’s going on, Buffy? You have ‘but’ face.”
Buffy sat up straight and looked mildly insulted, “I have a butt face?”
“No, you’re making that face that means ‘all is good, but’ ….”
Buffy sighed, “Dean got a call from his dad today, usually means he’s leaving.” Willow nodded sadly. “Ever since Faith joined team Mayor McCrazy, Dean’s been a little, I don’t know, different. And Angel, well he’s been really -- ,” Buffy sighed again.
“Well, obviously, Angel still has feelings for you,” Buffy looked at Willow, praying she’d continue with a reason for Buffy to not care for Angel. “He really has tried to make up for the whole torturing us last spring, hasn’t he? I mean he’s saved us all a couple times now.”
Buffy’s shoulders slumped. She didn’t want more reasons to like Angel. She needed reasons to help her fight her feelings for him.
Willow read her friend’s expression, “Buffy, are you…. Do you have feelings for Angel, again?”
Buffy’s face betrayed her concern and mixed emotions. Her eyes pleaded with Willow for understanding.
Willow sighed. “Buffy, you’re my best friend, no matter what. But what about Dean? I mean you love him, don’t you? Angel’s done a lot. But you know what happens if you and Angel get all, well you know. And, Dean, he loves you. You know that right? I mean he would do anything for you.”
“Yeah, Dean loves me. And I love him,” she nodded attempting to be convincing. “It’s just that I didn’t realize how much Angel still cares about me.”
Willow smiled, but it wasn’t genuine. She was filled with worry that her best friend was headed towards heartache.
Dean enjoyed the view. Sure, he was dating one of the hottest girls in Sunnydale, but Cordelia Chase knew how to wear a miniskirt. She sent Dean’s mind right to the gutter. He wondered how the hell Xander allowed that to get away? The boy needed a lesson in begging forgiveness. Sure, Willow was awesome, but she belonged to Oz and Xander should never have gone there.
“Hey!” He called cheerfully as he jumped off his perch on the low wall near the strip mall.
Cordelia stumbled surprised, “Oh, hi, Dean. I didn’t see you there.”
He approached her, happy she appeared available to hang out for a minute. “You skipping out of class or something?
“No, I have enough credits that I only have a half day.” She looked him over. “What have you been up to?”
“Being bored off my ass ‘til I saw you.”
Cordelia laughed, “Ya wanna buy me a cappuccino?”
Dean grinned, “I live for it.” He held out his arm and escorted her to the java hut.
At the java hut, Cordelia asked, “So, how are things with Buffy? Still all with the true love forever garbage?”
Dean laughed. “I don’t know about that, but, yeah, right now we’re still together.”
“Doesn’t it bother you that she still hangs out with Angel?” Cordelia asked attempting not to sound catty.
Dean huffed, “Yeah, of course it bothers me. I hate that guy. But, it’s not like I have much choice in the matter.”
Cordelia nodded. “He is a pretty nice guy, usually, when he’s not all evil and trying to rid the earth of all humanity.”
Dean smirked, “Yeah, see, he has his moments.” They laughed.
“I suppose you’re taking Buffy to the prom.”
Dean leaned forward, “The what now?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know, Dean. The prom. THE big deal to all girls of high school age.”
“Uh, I don’t do prom.” Dean shrugged again. Buffy hadn’t mentioned prom and he hoped she wouldn’t.
“Brave enough to fight the bad guys but not enough for formal wear and dancing, huh?” She teased.
Dean chuckled, “Yeah, something like that.”
“That’s too bad. I bet you’d look way 007 in a tux.” She smiled sweetly.
Dean shook his head at her, “No, I’d look like an idiot.” Dean looked around. “Something wrong with your car?” Dean asked as they left the coffee shop and walked towards the shops
“Uh, why?“ Cordelia was a little off guard.
“I’m just asking ‘cause normally you’d drive. But if something’s wrong with it I’d be happy to look at it if you want.” Dean’s offer made Cordelia sigh. “Right, you probably have your own mechanic. Just thought I’d offer.”
Cordelia put her arm through his. “Thanks, Dean, that’s really sweet, but there’s nothing wrong with my car.” Dean nodded and they walked on.
As they approached a dress shop, Cordelia slowed down. “You should reconsider prom, Dean.” Dean tensed at her side. “We’re not friends or anything, but I know Buffy wants to go.”
Dean looked down. “Yeah, she probably does.” He looked at the formal wear in the shop window, noticing the prices tags. He rolled his eyes. “There’s no way I could afford to take her. I don’t have that kind of money.” Instantly, he regretted admitting to that and felt the color rise in his cheeks
Cordelia stared at him, stunned at his confession. Her stare made Dean even more uncomfortable. “Maybe Xander can take her if she wants to go so bad,” he shrugged. “Well, I guess I’ll let you destroy your credit card. Have fun shopping.” He released her arm and began to walk away.
“Dean, wait,” Cordelia called after him.
Dean stopped and turned. “Yeah?”
She just blinked a few times. “I don’t have a car anymore.” Dean gave her a confused look. “I have nothing. No dresses. No cell phone. No car. Everything's been taken away because Daddy made a little mistake on his taxes. For the last twelve years. I'm broke. I can't go to any of the colleges that accepted me. And I can't stay home because we no longer have one.” Cordelia looked like she was on the verge of breaking down. “I’m not here to shop. I work at this store.”
Dean stood in awe for a second. “Cordy, geez, I’m sorry.” He hugged her for a minute. “I don’t even know what to say. I feel like an ass. Buffy never told me.”
Cordelia wiped at her eyes. “She doesn’t know. No one does.” She shrugged. “I just --. I mean I guess I can relate to the whole not being able to afford prom.”
Dean gave her a half smile, “Yeah, but you’d look gorgeous in clothes like these.” He pointed to the store front window. “Me? I’d look like the hired help.”
Cordelia let out a quick laugh, “Stop it. You’d look hot and you know it.” She kissed his cheek. “Don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“Course not, babe.” He held her face in his hands for a moment wiping her tears with his thumbs. “You’ll be fine, Cord.”
“Thanks, Dean.”
That night, in a graveyard Dean and Buffy fought a pair of demons. Buffy tripped her opponent into Dean’s legs.
“Sorry, honey!” Buffy called as she realized what had happened.
“Don’t worry about it,” Dean replied as he rolled and staked the one he was fighting. He rose and dusted himself off.
Buffy dusted her vamp and looked at Dean, “Want to do another sweep?”
“It's what I live for. Sad to say,” Dean replied with a twirl of his stake.
“You too tired?” Buffy asked taking his hand.
“No, I’m good. If you’re tired, we can…”
Buffy shook her head, “No. It's just... Do you get the feeling that we're kind of in a rut?”
“A rut?” Dean stopped walking and looked at her.
Buffy sighed heavily, “Never mind.” She twirled her stake, then examined her nails. “So your dad called.”
Dean noticed her sullen attitude. “Yeah.”
“So, when are you leaving?” Buffy asked barely looking at him.
“Do you want me to leave?” Dean teased.
“No, but you always do,” Buffy muttered and kicked at some dirt.
Dean let a small smile form on his face. “Well, I’m not leaving. In fact, my dad is coming here.”
Buffy’s face brightened. “Really? You’re not leaving?” Buffy turned to face him.
Dean smirked, “Not ‘til we kick the mayor’s ass.”
Buffy grabbed him by his shirt front to pull him in for a kiss.
After coming up for air, Dean put his arm around her as they walked back to his car. “So, how’d the watchers take the “Buffy goes to college” speech?”
“Mm, not so well,” Buffy grimaced. “They didn‘t really approve of the idea.”
“Dang, that sucks. I was hoping you were moving to Illinois.”
Buffy was surprised, “You were?”
“Hell, yeah. It’s in the middle of everywhere. I’d get to see you way more.” They had reached the Impala. Dean pinned her against the door with a kiss that made Buffy moan and left her breathless. He stepped back, “Course if you don’t want me to see you often…”
Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck. “I never said that,” she said against his lips as they kissed again.
In their attention to one another, they never noticed that they were being watched.
Next day
Sam slid lower in his seat when Principal Snyder walked into his history class. He wished for invisibility when it looked like Snyder was looking at him.
“Mr. Winchester? May I speak to you a minute?” the principal asked with a sneer that was the closest thing he had to a smile.
Sam cleared his throat, “Me?”
“Yes, Sam. Your essay won the Sunnydale Young Writer’s Award,” Mrs. Thompson said with a grin. “And Principal Snyder needs to talk to you about the ceremony.”
Principal Snyder gave the teacher an irritated look, if she was going to say all that, he was hardly needed. “Yes, well, grab your things Winchester, we need to get going.”
“Yes, sir.” Sam nodded, grabbed his pack and followed the man into the hall. “Well, you’re certainly an improvement over that brother of yours.” Snyder snarled as they walked to the front of the school. “He never did amount to much, did he?”
Sam clenched his jaw. He knew better than to respond to the jibe, but it bothered him just the same. When they walked out the front doors of the school, Sam looked confused, “Aren’t we going to your office?”
Snyder put a hand on Sam’s shoulder and began to lead him down the steps to a waiting limousine. “No, the Mayor is looking forward to hearing your essay.”
Faith and two very large men stepped from the limo. “Hi, Sammy,” Faith said with a smile plastered on her face. “Ever been in a limo before?”
Sam began to back pedal but the two large men each took one of his arms and forced him into the back of the car.
Dean met Buffy and the gang for lunch in the park across the street from the school. They sat under some trees with bag lunches. Dean was looking through a small box of cassette tapes Oz had made for him.
“Well, did the almighty Wesley watcher change his mind about you going to Northwestern?” Willow asked once they were settled. Dean looked up from the tapes to see how Buffy would answer.
She sighed, “He’s made it pretty clear that I can't go away. Faith's turn to the dark side of the Force pretty much put the proverbial kibosh on any away plans for me. UC Sunnydale - at least I got in. You! I mean I can't believe you got into Oxford!” Buffy hoped putting the focus on Willow would lesson the awful feeling she had.
Willow beamed, “It's pretty exciting.”
Oz nodded, “That's some deep academia there.” He reached into her bag and snagged a couple carrots.
“That's where they make Gileses,” Buffy added with a smile.
“I know! I could learn and, and have scones. Although I-I don't know how I feel about going to school in a foreign country,” Willow confessed. She handed Oz the rest of her sandwich.
Xander sat with Dean. They both tossed peanut M&M’s into their mouths, Xander missing every third one. Xander picked up the book he had with him. “Everything in life is foreign territory. Kerouac. He's my teacher. The open road is my school,” Xander said attempting to affect an air of coolness. He fist bumped Dean.
“Making the open dumpster your cafeteria?” Buffy teased. Dean stared at her in mild shock, feeling slightly insulted.
“Go ahead, mock me,” Xander replied.
“I think she just did,” Oz grinned.
“We Bohemian anti-establishment types have always been persecuted,” Xander stated feeling indignant. He and Dean tapped soda cans.
“Well, sure. You're all so weird,” Buffy ribbed. But, again Dean felt stung by her words.
Willow noticed some tension in Dean’s face. “I think it's neat, you doing the backpack, trail mix, happy wanderer thing.”
“Dude, you’re not seriously backpacking are you?” Dean asked. Just then, Cordelia walked by on her way to work. She threw Dean a small smile.
“No, I got a van,” he replied to Dean. Then he turned to the others, “I'm aware it scores kinda high on the hokey-meter, but I think it will be good for me. You know, help me to find myself.”
“And help us to lose you. Everyone's a winner,” Cordelia added.
“Well, look who just popped open a fresh can of venom. Hey, did you hear about Willow getting into Oxnard? “ Xander asked with a slight bitter tone.
“Oxford,” Willow corrected.
Xander nodded, “Oxford. And M.I.T. and Yale and every other college on the face of the planet. As in your face I rub it.”
Cordelia narrowed her eyes, “Oxford? Whoopee! Four years in tea-bag central. Sounds thrilling. And M.I.T. is a Clearasil ad with housing. And Yale is a dumping ground for those who didn't get into Harvard.”
“I got into Harvard,” Willow shrugged.
“Any clue on what college you might be attending so we can start calculating minimum safe distance?” Xander asked.
Cordelia huffed, “None of your business. Certainly nowhere near you losers!” Dean sat up feeling stunned at Cordelia’s anger.
“Okay, you guys, don't forget to breathe between insults,” Buffy attempted to smooth things.
Cordelia spun to face her. “I'm sorry Buffy. This conversation is reserved for people who actually have a future.” As she began to walk off, Dean caught her eye and she looked down ashamed.
Oz shook his head, “Angry young woman.”
Dean watched Cordelia walk away. When his gaze fell back on the group, he noticed Buffy looking at him with a displeased expression. He turned to Xander, “You should let me check out your van.”
Xander nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah, definitely. And as ’King of the Road’, I bow to your expertise. You should totally help me plan out a route.”
Dean nodded, “Sure, man.”
In the Mayor’s office, Faith planted Sam in a chair. She stood behind him with her hands on his shoulders preventing him from moving.
Mayor Wilkins smiled at Sam from where he stood behind his desk. “Sam Winchester, it is such a pleasure to meet you.”
“Wish I could say the same,” Sam muttered earning a harsh squeeze from Faith.
Mayor shook a finger at him, “Now, now, no reason to be rude.” He sat down, and lifted a plate of cookies from his desk. “Cookie?” Sam shook his head with a disgusted look. “Suit yourself. Faith? Cookie?”
“Thank you,” Faith smile and happily took the cookie. “See, they’re fine.”
“Now, I’m sure you’re wondering what you’re doing here,” the Mayor smiled at Sam. “Don’t worry, little buddy, you’re just an insurance policy.” When he saw Sam’s confused look, he continued. “I’m expecting a rather important package. With your father on his way to my little burg, I wanted some assurance that the package would reach me.”
“My father’s coming?” Sam asked surprised the Mayor knew before he did.
Mayor Wilkins shook his head. “See, that’s what’s wrong with the world today. Families just don’t communicate the way they should.” He looked at Faith then back at Sam. “You’re upset, I don’t blame you. I’m sure Faith would be upset if I kept her out of my plans.” He smiled at Faith, “Don’t worry, dear, that’s never going to happen.” Faith returned his smile, then sat next to Sam. “Sam, fathers would do anything for their children.”
Sam raised his brows and shook his head slightly. Not John Winchester, he thought.
The Mayor pointed at him again. “See, you don’t believe that and, gosh, that’s just awful.” He gave Sam a sympathetic look. “Don’t worry, son, your father won’t let any harm come to you.”
Dean looked up at Buffy, as she gathered garbage to throw away. She met his eyes, but still had a sullen expression.
The small glare down between them ended with Dean’s phone ringing. He checked the ID and was surprised. “Hey, kid. What’s up?”
“Hello, young Mr. Winchester. --”
“Who the hell is this?” Dean demanded before the unfamiliar voice went on.
“No need for rudeness, young man. This is Mayor Wilkins and before you interrupt me again, let me say that I am sitting here with your charming brother, Sam.”
Dean’s voice was low when he spoke, “What are you doing with Sam?” His tone attracted Buffy’s attention.
“Oh, Sam’s fine, just fine,” the mayor reassured. “He’ll remain that way as long as you agree to do me a little favor.”
Dean wiped a hand over his mouth. “What do you want?”
“First, when is your father expected to arrive?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Excellent, that will give you plenty of time to accomplish this little task for me,” the mayor leaned back in his chair and gave Sam and Faith a thumbs up. Faith grinned and punched Sam on the shoulder lightly. “Tonight, I’d like you to come to my office and pick up Faith. The two of you will retrieve a very special package I’m expecting.”
Dean sighed, “Fine, sure, I’ll be there. Can I talk to my brother?”
The mayor smiled, “Of course. Sam, your brother would like to say ‘hi’.” He handed the phone to Sam.
Sam swallowed hard, “Dean, hey, I’m fine.”
Dean closed his eyes in relief, “Thank god, kid. How’d this happen?”
“Snyder said because I won an award for an essay I wrote in history class about this funky town, I got to meet the mayor,” Sam hoped his brother would catch on.
As his brother spoke, Dean noticed that Buffy and her friends were watching him with concern. As his eyes met Buffy’s for a brief moment, she could see the anxiety in them. “Sam, don’t worry, I’ve got this. It’s gonna be okay.”
The mayor took the phone back. “See, I told you he was fine. Now go pack your things and I’ll call you later with the time you’ll need to pick up my Faith.”
As he closed his phone, Buffy reached for his arm, “Dean, what’s going on?”
Dean began to look around for someone watching them. “The mayor has Sam. I’m supposed to run an errand for him later and then I get Sam back.”
“Okay,” Buffy huffed switching directly into Slayer mode. “We go tell Giles and get …”
“No,” Dean said firmly enough to stop Buffy. “I got this. It’s no biggie, just don‘t worry about it, okay?”
Xander and the rest exchanged looks, “Dean, we don’t work that way. We’re gonna get Sam back. Now, Buffy, what were you---”
“No, guys. Just, no,” Dean sighed. “Not that I don’t appreciate your help but --”
Buffy looked annoyed, “Dean, we’re gonna help.”
“Buffy, don’t you think the mayor is expecting that?” Dean looked at them and shook his head. “Sam said it’s a trap, Buffy. Listen, he took Sam to get me. He probably thinks that having me and Sam benches my dad.” He sighed, “From your track record, the mayor thinks that you and the super friends here are going to get involved and try to save us.” He looked into Buffy’s eyes. “If you do, it takes out everyone that stands in his way. Take a page from my dad’s play book. Stay focused on the mayor. Don’t worry about losing a game piece, think of the big picture.” Buffy looked down. Dean put his hands on her arms and ducked down to move into her eye line again. “Babe, c’mon, you know we’ll be fine. Just don’t go doin’ exactly what Mayor McCheese expects, ‘kay?” Dean gave her a wink and small smirk.
Buffy nodded but her face was covered with worry.
“Good,” Dean’s shell of confidence returned. Then he turned to Willow, “Willow, Sam said something about an essay he wrote. I’m not sure, but if he mentioned it, I think it might be important. Maybe you could get it somehow?”
Willow nodded still too stunned to speak. “Got his laptop?” Oz asked in her place.
“Yeah, it’s probably back at our room.” The bell rang indicating it was time for lunch to end. “I’m supposed to pack up, I’ll leave the laptop behind so you guys can get it.” He glanced back at Buffy, then walked away.
They stood there stunned before Xander broke the silence. “When he said lose a game piece, what did he mean?” He looked at Buffy and the others. “No, tell me he didn’t mean.. Buffy?”
Buffy was determined. “I don’t lose game pieces. Oz, you and Xander go get the laptop, see if the essay is important. Willow, you and me are checking with Giles and finding out what we can about the Mayor’s offices. I’m sure Dean will call his dad. Once we’ve got everything in order, then we make our move.”
Dean braced himself and made the call he was dreading. “Dad? Hey, how soon do you think you’ll be getting here?”
Recognizing the tone in his son’s voice, John asked, “What’s happened?”
“The mayor’s got Sam, yanked him from school. He told me I’ve got to run an errand for him then I’ll get Sammy back.”
John took a long moment to process what Dean had said. “Shit,” he muttered.
“He told me to pack and that he would call me later with instructions.”
“All right,” John took a second to think. “Do what the guy says, for now. Bobby and I’ll get there by dawn. If there’s any way to get us or Mr. Giles a message, do it.”
“Yes, sir.” Dean packed as they spoke. When he picked up the laptop, he was nearly overcome with regret. “I’m sorry, Dad. I shoulda done better watchin’ out for him.”
John was quiet, thinking Dean couldn’t have known the mayor would go after Sam at school. Dean mistook the quiet for blame. “We’ll get him back.”
Chapter 31