3rd Person's POV

Sign-ups are being taken for the volunteer safety program for Halloween. Principal Snyder takes one of the clipboards and looks around the hall. He grabs a girl that walks nearby and pulls her aside.

"Hey!"

Snyder glares, "You're volunteering."

He holds out the clipboard and pen to her. Willow, Buffy and Xander come in from the other hall.

The girl frowns, "But I have to get to class."

Snyder just shrugs. The gang walks past him.

Willow huffs, "Snyder must be in charge of the volunteer safety program for Halloween this year."

Xander shakes his head smiling, "Note his interesting take on the volunteer concept."

Buffy shrugs looking at the two confused, "What's the deal?"

They've reached Willow's locker, and she works the combination.

"Oh, a bunch of little kids need people to take them trick-or- treating. Sign up and get your own pack of sugar-hyped little runts for the night."

Buffy looks at Xander and nods in understanding, "Yikes. I'll stick to vampires."

Snyder puts his hand on her shoulder, and she spins around to face him.

"Miss Summers. Just the juvenile delinquent I've been looking for."

"Principal Snyder!" Buffy smiles awkwardly.

"Halloween must be a big night for you. Tossing eggs, keying cars, bobbing for apples, one pathetic cry for help after another. Well..." He leads her to the sign-up table, "not this year, missy."

Willow and Xander come stand behind her.

Buffy thumps her forehead with a sheepish smile, "Gosh, I'd love to sign up, but I recently developed carpal tunnel syndrome, and can tragically no longer hold a flashlight."

Snyder holds up the clipboard and pen with a blank stare, "The program starts at four, the children have to be back at six."

Buffy groans in defeat as she reluctantly grabs the pen and clipboard and signs herself up. Xander thinks it's funny and smiles back at Willow who holds a concerned look on her face.

Just when Xander thought he could get away, Snyder holds pens out to him and Willow. They both look at him, begging not to be put through this. He continues to stare at them with no hint of emotion.

"Aw man..." Xander frowns as Willow gives in and takes the pen.

Snyder chuckles to himself with his chest firmly raised then he suddenly snaps his head to the left.

"You too Miss Rosenberg."

Laney freezes as she tries to hide behind a student. She shakes her head laughing lightly.

"Principal Snyder not that I wouldn't completely love spending my Halloween watching little monsters trick or treat, but I have this thing... a life. And I'd love to you know not have anything to do with children this weekend."

Snyder makes a hm sound before taking the clipboard from Xander and holding it out to a now frowning Laney.

"Dang it."

"Your life can continue on after six o'clock, Miss Rosenberg."

"Says you."

...

"I can't believe this. We have to get dressed up and the whole deal?"

Willow nods at the dramatic arm waving Xander, "Snyder said costumes were mandatory."

Buffy sighs with a light pout, "Great. I was gonna stay in and veg. The one night a year things are supposed to be quiet for me."

Laney looks up from her freshly painted red nails and raises an eyebrow at Buffy, "How so?"

Xander nods, "Yeah seriously... Halloween quiet? I figured it'd be a big old vamp scare-apalooza."

They walk into the lounge and sit down at the couch.

Buffy shakes her head smiling, "Not according to Giles. He swears that tomorrow night is, like, dead for the undead. They stay in."

Xander grins, "Those wacky vampires! That's why I love 'em! They just keep you guessing!"

Laney chuckles then pulls out her phone and answers a text from Colby.

Colby- Bubs
Laney- Sunshine

Bubs: We still on for
Halloween scary
movie marathon night?

Sunshine: 😔 no my evil
principal made me
sign up to watch
kiddies treat or treat

Bubs: like a chaperone? 😳

Sunshine: yup ☹️

Bubs: that's okay babe.
I'll help you watch them.

Sunshine: What? Really?

Bubs: Of course. I love
spending time with you.
I like kids. It's a win win.

Sunshine: You
absolutely sure?

Bubs: Most definitely
Lane... question?

Sunshine: answer...
hit me 🤔

Bubs: We are going all
out and dressing up right? 😅

Sunshine: 🙃
Is that even a question?
Of course we are

Bubs: hell yes!
This is why you're my person

Sunshine: 🥺💛😩
don't make me
miss you more than
I already do right now

Bubs: I don't think you
miss me, more than
I miss you. I'll pick you
up from school after my class

Sunshine: okay
see you then

Bubs: can't wait 💛

"Hello!"

Laney's head snaps up from her phone and sees Willow, Buffy, and Xander all staring at her.

"Huh?"

Willow smiles shaking her head, "We were talking about what we think our costumes should be."

Laney smiles at her sister, "Oh sorry. I don't know. I think I have an idea for mine. Well mine and-"

Xander scoffs, "Can she go one day without saying his name?"

Laney rolls her eyes, "I'm happy Alex. Let me be happy."

Willow nods agreeing as Buffy sits silently trying not to roll her eyes.

"Yeah Xander. I don't think I've ever seen Laney smile this much."

Xander nods holding his hands up in surrender, "Fine sorry. I just gotta get used to yet another person entering our close circle."

Laney smiles, "Thank you. I appreciate you trying. I know you still don't fully trust him and his intentions, but I assure you if anything is wrong I won't be the one hurt."

Xander stares at Laney with a scared awkward smile as she gives him an evil smirk, "Sometimes you scare me. I'm gonna go get something to drink. You girls want something?"

The girls all shake their head and watch as
he puts his satchel down on the table and heads over to the soda vending machine.

Xander puts in his coins and hits a button.

Nothing.

He hits another one.

Still nothing.

He hits the machine in the front and on the side. Larry comes up to him and puts his hand on Xander's shoulder.

"Harris!"

Xander nods, "Hey, Lar. You're lookin' Cro-Mag as usual. What can I do you for?"

Larry grins, "You and Buffy, you're just friends, right?"

Xander shrugs, "I like to think of it less as a friendship and more as a solid foundation for future bliss."

"So, she, she's not your girlfriend?"

Xander shakes his head, "Alas, no."

Larry looks over at Buffy as he walks around Xander, "Do you think she'd go out with me?"

He turns to face Xander with Buffy to his back now.

Xander laughs before becoming serious, "Well, Lar, that's a tough question to... No. Not a chance."

Larry frowns, "Why not? I heard some guys say she was fast."

Xander freezes then glares intensely at Larry, "I hope you mean like the wind."

Larry laughs slapping Xander on the shoulder, "Yeah, you know what I mean."

Xander starts to get really angry, "That's my friend that you're talkin' about!"

Larry scoffs, "Oh, yeah? Well, what're you gonna do about it? "

"I'm gonna do what any man would do about it," Xander grabs Larry by the shirt, "I'm gonna do somethin' damn manly."

Larry smiles and laughs. He knocks Xander's hands away and grabs him by the shirt with his right hand. He balls his left hand into a fist and draws back for a punch.

Out of nowhere, Buffy shows up and grabs his wrist, pulling it behind his back before slamming his head into the vending machine.

A Diet Dr Pepper rolls into the slot.

Buffy glares at Larry pointing behind her, "Get gone."

She pulls Larry back from the machine and shoves him away. She notices the soda can.

"Ooo! Diet!" Buffy grabs the can and smiles at Xander who was looking at her angrily.

"Do you know what you just did?"

Buffy shrugs, "Saved you a dollar?"

"No, but Larry was about to pummel me!"

"Oh, that? Forget about it!" She heads back to the table as Xander follows her.

"Oh, I'll forget about it. In maybe fifteen, twenty years when my rep for being a sissy man finally fades!"

Buffy stops and faces him, "Xander, don't you think you're-"

Xander interrupts, "A black eye heals, Buffy, but cowardice has an unlimited shelf life. Oh, thanks! Thanks a lot for your help."

He grabs his bag from the table and walks off in a huff. Buffy moans and sits back down with Willow and Laney.

"I think I just violated the guy code big time."

Laney shakes her head, "You hurt his boy ego."

Willow nods, "Poor Xander. Boys are so fragile. Speaking of..."

Willow freezes for a moment as Laney stares at her with wide eyes while waving her hands frantically mouthing 'Don't!'

Confused by her sister, Willow continues on making Laney throw up her hands as if saying screw it.

"...how was your date last night?"

Buffy groans, "Misfire. I was late due to unscheduled slayage..."

Laney rolls her eyes as Buffy looks over at her, "I said I was sorry. You were fine... I look away for one minute and see my boyfriend-"

"Boyfriend? It's official official now?"

Laney smiles at her sister, "Yes! He asked after we carved pumpkins! Well he carved the question into a pumpkin. How sweet is that?"

Willow pouts, "You two are perfect for each other."

Laney grins, "I know righ-"

"Hi hello... teen slayer with no love life. Back to my struggle please."

"Right sorry..."

Willow chuckles shaking her head, "So what happened?"

"Showed up looking trashed."

"Was he mad?"

Buffy shakes her head, "Actually he was pretty unmad. Which probably had something to do with the fact that Cordelia was drooling in his cappuccino."

"Oh, Buffy. Angel would never fall for her act."

Laney shrugs, "He could..."

Willow shakes her head, glaring lightly as Buffy stares at her with incredulous eyes.

"Sorry I mean he's totally crazy about you Buffy, so he wouldn't. But I just mean, Cordy isn't that bad. The real Cordy is actually super cool and super sweet."

Buffy scoffs, "I'll believe it when I see it."

Laney frowns tuning the two out. She was slowly becoming tired of everyone talking down her best friend. Cordelia was actually a really great person. She may have been caught up in the popular act but like Cordy, Laney had also been that way. The Scooby gang liked Laney, so why not give Cordy an actual chance.

"Act?... You mean that 'actually showing up, wearing a stunning outfit, embracing personal hygiene' act?"

Willow shakes her head, "You know what I mean. Uh, she's not his type."

"Are you sure? I mean, I don't know what his type is. I've known him less than a year, and if you haven't noticed, he's not exactly one to over share."

Willow frowns, "True..." She glances over at Laney who was once again texting on her phone. Just as she opens her mouth to ask her sister about any secrets Angel had, Laney holds up a finger.

"Don't even think about it... I'm not telling you jack."

Willow pouts, "Why not?"

"Whatever pouty vamp shares with me is our secret to keep. Friendship policy, sorry."

Buffy sighs, "What are you two besties now?"

Laney shrugs, "Maybe..."

Willow looks at her sister smiling before glancing at Buffy, "It's too bad we can't sneak a look at the Watcher diaries and read up on Angel. I'm sure it's full of fun facts to know and tell."

"Yeah. It's too bad. That stuff is private."

Willow nods, "Also Giles keeps them in his office. In his personal files."

Buffy nods as well, "Most importantly, it would be wrong."

"So we're doing what I think we're doing right?"

...

Laney, Willow, and Buffy look in through the round door window. They don't see Giles and give one other a look. Buffy quietly opens the door and goes in. She looks back at Willow, who gives her encouragement.

The door closes and Willow looks in through the glass. Buffy quietly makes her way up to the counter and looks around again for Giles. Satisfied that he's not there she heads for his office.

"Buffy!"

She spins around and sees him in the cage getting some old books.

"Excellent!"

"Nothing!"

Laney slaps her forehead.

"Hi!"

Giles smiles lightly confused, "Yes, I-I just wanted to talk to you about tomorrow night. As it should be, uh, calm, you might work on some new battle techniques.

Buffy sighs, "You're beginning to scare me, Giles. You need to have some fun."

She waves to Willow to come in as he's looking down at his books. Willow shakes her head and mouths 'no'. Buffy groans inwardly and does the same motion to Laney who nods.

Giles looks up, and Buffy pulls her hand back and pretends she was scratching her head.

"You know, there's this place you can go, right, and you sit in the dark, and there are these moving pictures, right, and the pictures tell a story."

Giles nods, "Yes, yes, ha, ha, very droll."

Laney quietly comes in.

"I'll have you know that I have very, uh, many relaxing hobbies."

Buffy nods at Giles to continue, "Such as?"

"Well, um..."

Buffy mouths something to Laney to goad her on.

"I enjoy cross-referencing."

"Do you stuff your own shirts, or do you send them out?" Buffy grabs a book from the stack he's about to take to his office and walks around him to draw his view away from his office door.

"So! How come Halloween is such a big yawner? I mean, do the demons just hate how commercial it's become?" She leafs through the book.

Giles puts his books down and gives her a weird stare, "Um, it's interesting, ac... Not, I suspect, to you." He takes the book from her, "What is it you're after?"

Laney has made it to the office door.

"Of course, it's of interest to me! I'm the Slayer. I need to know these things. You can't keep me in the dark any longer."

Laney opens the door and starts in. Giles grabs the stack of books again and starts to turn to his office.

"Look at me when I talk to you!"

Willow looks at them anxiously through the window as Laney hurries into the office.

Giles sighs, "I really don't have time for these games."

Buffy groans, "Ms. Calendar!... She said you were a babe."

Laney sticks her head out the office door and makes a throwing up gesture as Buffy gives her crazy eyes, as if saying 'Hurry up!'

Giles face flushes at the mere thought of Ms. Calendar, "She said what?"

Buffy grins meekly, "Well, she said that you were a... h-hunk of burning... something or other. So," Buffy exhales, "whadaya think of that?"

Giles exhales shaking his head, taking off his glasses to clean them nervously.

"Uh, I... I don't, um, uh... A burning hunk of what?"

"Look. You know how disgusting it is for me to even contemplate you grownups having smoochies," Buffy sees Laney come out of the office with a diary, "but I think you should go for it."

Giles frowns confused, "Buffy, I appreciate your interest, but..."

Laney hurries past the counter as Buffy stammers, "But I've overstepped my bounds. It's none of my business, you know. What was I thinking? My God! Shame."

Laney goes out the door without Giles noticing.

Buffy shakes her head, "Again I say...shame. I gotta go."

She quickly walks out leaving a confused Giles who was not sure what to make of the entire situation.

"A babe?" He smirks, "I can live with that."

...

A few minutes later, Buffy, Laney, and Willow are sitting on the sinks in the girls bathroom. They stare at a drawing of a noble woman with a tiny waist wearing a billowy gown.

Laney nods slowly admiring the gown, "That is a beautiful masterpiece."

Buffy sighs dreamily, "Man, look at her."

She had long flowing brunette hair and green eyes. If anything the girl resembled Laney.

Willow frowns, "Who is she?"

Buffy shrugs, "It doesn't say, but the entry's dated 1775."

"Angel was eighteen. And still human."

Buffy holds a thumb up sarcastically, "So that's the kinda girl he hung around? She's pretty coiffed."

Willow groans, "She looks like a noble woman or something. Which means being beautiful is sort of her job."

Buffy nods, "And clearly this girl was a workaholic. I'll never be like this."

Laney shrugs but doesn't say anything buffy could be whatever and whoever she wanted. She could easily command the attention of a room. She could easily have Angel at her feet, wrapped around her finger even. But she was so insecure with people that didn't even matter that she, Buffy herself, might be her own downfall.

"C'mon! She's not that pretty. I mean, look at her. She's got a funny... uh, waist. Look how tiny that is."

Laney laughs, "Willow!"

Buffy smirks sarcastically, "Thank you. Now I feel better."

Willow exhales, "No. She's like a freak. A circus freak. Yuck."

"Must have been wonderful. Put on some fantabulous gown and go to a ball like a princess, and have horses and servants, and yet more gowns."

Willow nods, "Yeah. Still, I think I prefer being able to vote." Buffy raises her brows and smiles, "Or I will when I can."

Cordelia comes into the bathroom and smiles at Laney looking her up and down. She looks at her heart spray painted pants and nods.

"Ohhhh that's super adorbs Lane."

Laney grins whipping out a tube of lip gloss, "Thanks they're from that cute boutique that you didn't want to go in last weekend. The one where I literally had to beg you to stand outside and wait for me to finish shopping in."

Cordelia nods slowly in understanding, "Ah that boutique. It looked sketchy... not my fault. They should add a little color, a little more decor..."

Buffy and Willow glance at one another and giggle before looking back at the two brunette besties.

As Cordelia stares at her reflection in the mirror, she finally realizes that Buffy was also there.

"So, Buffy. You ran off last night and left poor little Angel all by his lonesome. But I did everything I could to comfort him."

Lane shakes her head, rolling her eyes. She was sure they all knew that Angel went home. There was no way he would stay with Cordelia after Buffy left in an embarrassed hurry.

Buffy shrugs, "I'll bet."

Cordelia gets out her blush, "So, what's his story anyway? I mean, I never see him around."

Willow bites the inside of her cheek, "Not during the day, anyway."

Cordelia scoffs, "Oh, please. Don't tell me he still lives at home. Like, he has to wait for his dad to get back before he can take the car?"

She puts the blush away making Buffy look at the makeup and frown. Almost as if she was reminiscing.

"Cordelia, I think his parents have been dead for a couple of hundred years."

Cordelia pursued her lips and touches up her lip gloss, "Oh, good. I mean..." o faces them, "What?"

Laney slaps her forehead, "Cordy please don't tell me you're this clueless..."

Buffy sighs, "Angel's a vampire. I thought you knew."

Cordelia makes a psh sound before turning back to the mirror, "Oh, he's a vampire. Of course! But the cuddly kind. Like a Carebear with fangs?"

Laney frowns, "Carebear?"

"It's true."

Cordelia raises an eyebrow at Willow before crossing her arms over and chest and taking a step over to them, "You know what I think? I just think you're trying to scare me off 'cause you're afraid of the competition."

"Oh shit..."

"Look, Buffy, you may be hot stuff when it comes to demonology or whatever, but when it comes to dating, I'm the Slayer."

Cordelia gives Buffy a smirk before walking out. Buffy just watches her go.

Laney whistles, "Dang... you gotta admit, that was a good one."

She shrugs at Buffy's frown then skips to catch up with Cordelia.

Laney and Colby? 🥺💛

Laney and Xander? 😂

Laney and Cordelia? 😗😉

What do you think Laney and Colby's Halloween costume will be

Future predictions?

Any special requests...

JUST FOR FUN
Laney's Nails and Outfit