Disclaimers:
Legal Stuff: All of the familiar faces and names belong to the god that is Joss, Mutant Enemy, Fox, UPN and any one who has money enough for a lawyer. Which I don?t, so don?t sue.
Relationship stuff: There is a rather large possibility that there is mention of two women, who may not be in love, but very much in lust. There will also be love. Lots of it, in many varieties. So if lust, or love offends go elsewhere. And then have a soul search.
City Disclaimer: Most of this story takes place in San Francisco. I?ve ever been there. I just thought it would be a bit of a change, and less likely that our intrepid hero would bump into any ex?s of hers. That said, if you live in San Fran give me a bit of slack, I?ve tried to stay away from naming street names and the like, but if I have mangled something, sorry.
Final Plea: I?m new at this. In fact it?s my first long Buffy fic, so be gentle. I want to know what you think, so let me know. Oh and if you want it on your site just ask. I?ll say yes, unless you take first, then I might get mad? or something.
Spoilers: This is set about two years since the end of Season Five. So everything up till then is fair game. Everything after is my guess.
Archive: This and all my fic can be found at my site, Night?s Companion. http://www.angelfire.com/film/sophmelc/index.html
Special Thanks: Must of course go to Autonoe my wonderful beta reader.
Enjoy. I did.
* * * * * *
A figure split the thick gripping fog that was rolling in from the San Francisco harbour. At medium height and build, there was nothing all that remarkable about the girl as she pensively walked down the wharf. However there was a pent up power about her, a sense that the casual observer was sure she wasn?t even aware of. Yet by the way in which she was walking it was obvious that she was lost. Or perhaps she was looking for something. If that was the case she was unsure of what she was looking for, or even if she was looking for anything at all. The wharf was shrouded in mist that swirled around her feet as she walked,
?I feel so lost, so confused. I can see this fog all around me but I don?t know if its actually there, or if its in my mind. I feel like a ghost. Maybe I am??
The girl thought as she slowly progressed in her silent vigil. To anyone who bothered to stop and look she just seemed to be daydreaming, however the thoughts that were going on behind her dark eyes were more important than that.
?I have got to remember?there must be something of my past floating around in here?I?ve just got to remember??
Realising that this brief interlude was gaining her nothing the she turned and walked down the wharf quickly, as if finally having some purpose and disappearing into the night. Where her body had been there was now only mist, however there was another quiet figure on the wharf that night, and what he had seen made him very interested.
?Slayer.? The mysterious man snarled, ?No Watcher, no friends. Very interesting, very interesting indeed. Its nice to know that one of my wee investments has finally paid off. You will be mine girly?? As that final thought was drifting away he to turned and disappeared into the endless fog.
* * * * *
The girl sat in her dirty hotel room looking at the whole contents of her life. She still didn?t know why she was in this room, but when she had woken up here three days ago, not even remembering going to sleep, that was the least of her problems. Once again, as she had done countless times over the last few days she searched through her entire wallet trying to find something that would tell her who she was.
?I don?t even have a damn ID, or a driver?s license. Who walks around with no ID? Me I guess? this is my life,? she thought ?at least all of it that I have left. A picture, one half of a bus ticket and some cash. And what is with these pointed sticks. Was I making a miniature fence or something???
She stood up and looked around the small, grotty room. Pacing seemed to relieve some of the tension that she was feeling. Back and forth, back and forth. She continued to walk her mind going over and over all that she didn?t know. Always she came back to the debilitating fact that she didn?t know her own name. She stopped beside the wall nearest the window and looked out into the alley below. She felt a huge ball of frustration, anger and fear rise up and sit in the pit of her stomach. The sudden desire to hit something came upon her so fast she didn?t even realise that she was punching until her fist was connecting with the wall. With a crash her hand went straight through the thin wooden barrier. Behind the bed a cheap copy of a bad photograph crashed the floor, shaken lose by the impact. Spinning round the girl walked over to the bed to see if the picture was still intact. Underneath the bed, right at the back she noticed a piece of paper that she had never seen before. Reaching back to pick it up, she could hardly contain her excitement that maybe she would now have a vital clue to her identity. Turning the paper over she realised that it was the missing half of her pass ticket, the half with her name on it.
?Buffy Summers. Los Angeles to San Francisco, One Way. Economy Fare, $43. Buffy Summers??
By reading it out loud Buffy felt that it made it all the more real.
? Wow, I finally have a name, Buffy. It feels?right somehow.?
Talking out loud in order to help her think, Buffy started to list everything she knew about her self.
? Ok, so my name is Buffy. I arrived in San Francisco four days ago, and three days ago I lost all my memory. I don?t know why, I have no marks or anything on me, so I think I?ll just leave that aside for now. I came from LA, does that mean I?m from there? Should I just look up the phone book and see if my name is there? Also there is that photo.?
By thinking of the photo Buffy turned round to look at it one more time. There were three smiling teens, about 15 or 16, two girls, one of them Buffy. The other had red hair and was laughing. The boy had short dark hair, and was also laughing.
? We all look so happy. I wonder who they are??
?Why can?t I remember?? Buffy shouted to the uncaring room.
? I?ve got to get a grip? I need a plan. I need to do something other than just sit around being all dark and broody.?
By deciding that action was the best form of defence, Buffy went and looked at her money supply. She had enough for a couple more nights.
?So I guess its job time. I wonder what skills I have??
With that decided Buffy put on her only other tee shirt and slipped into bed. Her last thought was of getting a newspaper first thing in the morning.
* * * * *
The next day, like all of the others dawned clear and warm. It seemed to Buffy that the weather was always like this in San Francisco. Rising from bed and getting ready to face the day as a named person seemed like a new and exciting experience. Throwing on her only clean clothes, a pair of pants and a shirt, that mercifully looked kinda good together, Buffy stepped out to meet the world.
? Well at least someone out there seems to be looking out for me. I may actually look like a sane person for my interview.?
Out side a brisk breeze caused Buffy to walk quickly down the street towards the local newspaper vendor. After buying a copy of the San Francisco Chronicle, Buffy decided to spend a couple dollars on a giant Mocha. Looking around she saw a place called ?Espresso Pump?, and made a B-line for it. Once she had ordered her giant, extra cream, extra shot mocha, for some reason they made here feel all at home, Buffy sauntered over to a corner booth to look at the vacancies. Flipping through the employment pages, Buffy was trying to decide what type of job she should get.
?I think I want to work with people. At least for a while? I mean all I want is to stop brooding, to actually feel as though I?m living. I should also go somewhere and make up a resume. Mustn?t make it too unbelievable. Ok, so read?.?
As Buffy scanned down the pages of the Job Vacancies she tried to move on from the thought that she had no idea what skills she did or did not have. She knew that she was fit, especially after the size of the hole she?d made in the wall. She also knew that she felt at home in the darkness and the night. She knew her name, and that was about it. Her face scrunched into a thoughtful frown Buffy continued to read, occasionally circling a job that looked promising. So wrapped up in her job hunt Buffy didn?t notice she was being watched until she felt a strange prickling sensation on the back of her neck. Slowly, so as to not attract attention, she looked around the quiet Espresso Pump. Trying not to look strange she looked outside, however out of the corner of her eyes, Buffy was looking at, and sizing up every other diner in the coffee shop.
There were two others drinking coffee with her, and one counter attendant making the drinks. One of her fellow patrons was a spiky haired teen sipping on a large cup of hot coffee. The second patron was a man about thirty who was reading from a newspaper and eating his breakfast. The counter attendant looked bored and was gazing mindlessly out the window, and occasionally looking at the clock.
Deciding that it was no one inside the shop with her, Buffy started to scan the outside. As she looked at the tumultuous mass of people rushing around the outside of the shop Buffy almost stopped her search. Just as she reached the street directly opposite the shop, and was about to stop looking the tingling on the back of her neck travelled all down her back, and it was all Buffy could do to stop her self jumping up and running across the road. Not stopping to question these instincts, Buffy carefully looked at the figure that she was sure was watching her. Tall, and well built the guy looked like a stereotyped thug from a ?B? grade action movie. Trying to look anonymous, and failing miserably the thug was obviously intimidating every person that walked past him. The moment he looked away Buffy stood up and silently crept out of the coffee shop. Oblivious to the strange look she received from the girl behind the counter Buffy left the shop and started to walk down the street. As soon as she was sure that the thug could no longer see her Buffy ducked into the nearest ally to think some things through.
?Ok, what the hell was that? Not only was there a guy who looked like he could eat me for breakfast stalking me, but I also knew how to spot him and get away with out even thinking about it. What the hell did I used to be? A secret agent or something? Damn is this going to be like that stupid Geena Davis movie? damn I hope not. She really didn?t suit being a blond? ok getting side tracked now. Maybe he was just some city psycho. Yeah that its, I?m just a bit jumpy? jumpy yeah.?
Still trying to shake the creeping feeling she had all over her skin, Buffy flipped open the paper to the ad for a cyber café she?d noticed in the job section. Ripping out the address she headed off in what seemed to be the right direction to get her joblessness under control.
* * * * * * *
Two hours, four passport photos and much help from the owner of the cyber café, later Buffy emerged from the Cyber Shack with ten copies of a brand new, totally made up resume. Buffy Summers, was according to its funky blue pages, twenty-one years old, a high school graduate who was taking time out from her university degree in order to get some real life experience. She made April 1st her birthday; she rather liked the irony, and New York as her previous place of residence. For references she convinced the guy at the computer place to stand in, and made up another. Brenda McCarthy, whose voice on the phone will sound strangely like Buffy putting on a posh accent. Feeling rather proud of her self, Buffy decided it was time to get the job she had just spent the majority of her remaining cash on securing. The first on her list was a bar that went by the name of ?Nosaferatu? in one of the trendier parts of town.
Upon walking in Buffy decided that even if she didn?t get the job, she just might like to come hang out here a bit. A long dark room, with plenty of booths and tables for the patrons to sit and enjoy the low, soulful sounds that were currently pumping out of the sound system. The woman?s voice wrapped around Buffy as she slowly made her way over to the bar in the centre of the room.
?Can I help you? We?re kinda closed.? a voice suddenly spoke from behind the low bar.
Buffy spun round to face the voice. It had come from a man in his late twenties with scruffy blond hair and smiling grey eyes. He was wearing baggy black pants, skate shoes and a semi tight black tee shirt with a gun and the word ?piece? written underneath it. Buffy thought he looked like the a-typical trendy young bar owner. He also looked nice.
?Um, yeah. Hi. My name is Buffy, and I?m here about the job? That is if it?s still available???
?Oh, hi Buffy. I?m Pax and I?m the only other bartender here. And as far as I know the job is still very available. The boss only placed the ad this morning. Um? she?s not in at the moment, but if you leave your resume and phone number I?m sure she?ll be in touch soon.? Pax smiled encouragingly at her.
Buffy felt a little lost. She had just expected to come in, talk to the boss and get a yes or no answer straight away. However she didn?t really know why she was that surprised. After all there had to be heaps of people needing a job in this town.
?Ok, well here it is,? Buffy hesitated for a minuet before reaching into her bag for a copy of her resume. ?Now there are only nine of them. I really hope I get a job by the time I run out.?
?And about the phone, I just moved to town and, man this is going to sound like such a sob story, well the other day I got home and my place had been broken into. Everything was gone. My cell, my id everything, so I moved, I just didn?t feel safe you know? And so I?m in between places at the moment, and hence no phone.? Buffy knew that she was babbling, but after spending an hour trying to come up with a cover story, this was the best she could come up with, and she didn?t want to screw it up now.
?Man that sucks, ok well if you come back at about 4, Jana should be here. Did you mention something about id??
?Yeah, wallet was snatched, along with the credit cards and all id. I was real bummed. Especially as I don?t have a passport and no birth certificate to get a new one.?
?Ok, well that could be a problem. ?Cause Jana is real strict about that kinda stuff. But if you promise not to tell, I could give you the number of a guy who makes real good ids. Not too expensive, only paying for the materials. What do ya say??
Buffy looked him up and down trying to work out what this was all about. When she?d come up with this she definitely didn?t expect the first person she came across to set her up with fake identification. ?But I gotta face it, I need some id. And this could be a blessing? I guess it?s a bit of a no brainer.?
?Ok, so who is this guy?? Buffy tried her hardest to keep the suspicion out of her voice. She guessed she had succeeded when Pax?s face lit up with pleasure.
?Oh, great. Well you see it?s actually me. I did this a few times when I was at college, and well you look like you could need a brake. Oh, and I wanted to have an excuse to give you my number.? His cheeky grin was infectious and for the first time in what felt like forever, Buffy felt her self start to smile.
?Ha. Very smooth. Only other problem is that I?m also real low on cash. So how about I make a deal?? Buffy didn?t know how serious he was, but she did know that she wanted to move on and get back to business.
?Deal huh? What type of deal??
?Well, if I get this job, I?ll give you what I owe you straight from my pay check, and when I get a number, you can have it. How does that sound??
?The pay check thing is cool, Jana always pays a couple weeks in advance if you need it. But why would I want your number hun? I?m sure most guys would, don?t get me wrong. Its just your not really my type. Ya get me?? Pax looked like he was about it burst from holding in his laughter by the time Buffy finally got his meaning.
?Oh? Oh. God, sorry I didn?t mean? it?s just that you said? oh?? Buffy could feel her cheeks getting redder and redder the longer she stood there.
?I?m so sorry.? She finally said as her embarrassment receded.
?Na, it?s ok. I shouldn?t have teased. After all I don?t even know you yet.?
?Right, now that?s out of the way, what time should I be back?? Buffy suddenly noticed that it was a lot later than she thought it was, and needed to get going if she was to get to the bank and open an account.
"Um, be back here at 3.30 and I should have the id. Oh, do you have a photo with you??
?Yeah, I thought they might be useful to have. Thanks for all your help. See you in a few hours.? With that she handed over a not very good photo of her self and turned to leave the bar.
?You don?t be any chance know of someone who is look for a room mate do you??
?I?ll make some phone calls.?
?Again thanks.?
With that final comment Buffy walked out of the bar feeling a whole lot more positive about life than when she had walked in.
* * * *
When Buffy finally made her way back to the bar at 3.35, she felt like a new person. Not only did she have a good chance at three jobs, two in the day, and the Nosferatu at night, but she also had a bank account. Admittedly said account had only $20 in it, and she had only $15 in her pocket, but she did feel more like a real person.
Stepping back down onto the steps of the bar Buffy once again felt the prickly sensation down her neck. Stopping and looking around, she almost missed the tall, broad shouldered figure in the shadows.
?Looks like thug boy is paying me a visit. What is his deal??
Deciding to ignore it for now Buffy hurried down the remainder of the steps until she reached the door of the bar. However unlike last time, it was locked. Banging loudly on the door, Buffy waited for about ten minutes before deciding that no one must be there. Just as she was turning to walk back up the stairs the door swung open behind you.
?You must be Buffy.? A low, feminine voice stated from behind her.
Slowly turning, Buffy took a moment to size up her addresser before answering. A little taller than Buffy with long dark hair and incredibly fine features, the woman was one of the most beautiful people Buffy had ever seen. She held herself with an assured grace that Buffy could only admire. Dressed in lose fitting black trousers and a dark blue shirt, she oozed feminine charm and appeal.
?Yes, I am. And are you Jana?? Buffy was very impressed that she didn?t stutter in the face of all this personality.
?Yes. Yes I am. I?m assuming you met Pax. He isn?t back yet, but he left your resume and a note saying you?d be back by 4. Your early, I like that. Come in.? With that Jana turned and swept back into the room, leaving Buffy to follow.
?Wow. She is something else.? Buffy muttered under her breath as she entered the bar. Taking a brief look around, Buffy noticed that the only thing different was that the chairs were now set up around the tables, as opposed to on top of them. Jana was leaning against the bar with Buffy?s resume in one hand, and a glass of clear and obviously very cold liquid in the other.
?Glass of water?? Jana offered.
?Hummm? Oh, thank you I?m fine. So have you had time to read through my resume?? Buffy wanted to get on with this; the other woman seemed to be having a major effect on Buffy that she didn?t like. She felt that while she could probably trust her, she couldn?t feel at ease.
?Read? Well, I skimmed. I always ask for a resume, it roots out those who are actually keen, and those who are looking for a short-term thing. I prefer to go on personal appearance. When can you start?? Jana looked up from the pieces of paper in her hand and stared at Buffy, waiting for an answer.
Buffy couldn?t tear herself away from those eyes. Deep chocolate brown they held a sense of age and wisdom. They seemed to be telling Buffy to trust her, to accept this woman?s help at all costs. Something seemed to be tugging at her memory, but the more she tried to work out what it was the less she knew. Blowing out a frustrated breath, Buffy suddenly remembered that Jana was waiting for her to answer.
?Um, sorry. Just a bit stunned that you made up your mind so fast. Tonight I guess, but I?ve never worked behind the bar, only as a glass cleaner. Is that what you?ll be having me do??
?Nope, you do everything round here. Mix drinks, clean. Maybe even cook if you?re any good. The pay is $9 an hour and tips are??
Her new boss continued to talk about the pay, what details she would need, and what Buffy?s starting duties would be, however Buffy was only half following. Her mind was reeling that she actually had a job. And that she had finally had memory flash, a brief and very frustrating one, but a memory flash none the less. Life was getting better and better.
?Now I don?t expect you to get all of this straight away. But both Pax and I will always be around if you need any help. And remember, if you don?t know ask. No one can fault you that way. Oh, and talking of Pax, here he is now. So nice of you to join us.?
Pax grinned sheepishly at the sarcastic reprimand, but continued to bounce down the remaining stairs. Buffy thought he looked a lot younger than he had earlier in the day.
?Hummm, I wonder why? Must have just been that I thought that he owned the bar. Oops, on my part.? Swallowing her internal grimace Buffy turned to greet her new work mate, and partner in fraud.
?Hi again Pax. I arrived a little earlier than you said, but luckily Jana was here to let me in.?
?Oh, cool. So she in boss?? Pax turned to Jana with yet another, and different, grin plastered onto his face.
?Yes Pax, Buffy is the newest member of the Nosferatu clan. I?ve got some paper work to do out back. Show her where everything is would you??
?Sure thing boss. She?ll know the ropes in no time? With that Pax linked arms with a somewhat bewildered Buffy and dragged her over to the bar.
As they walked Pax slid a hard, plastic card into Buffy?s hand, and whispered,
?Here it is. And if I do say so myself the good State of California could not have done a better job.?
Looking down into her palm Buffy saw her own grim face stare back at her. Also on the card was the logo of the California State transport division, Buffy?s assumed date of birth, height and other vital statistics.
?You made me an organ donor!?? Buffy hissed to her companion.
?Well yes. I thought an upstanding member of the community would want to give a little back in the case of her untimely demise. I can change it if you want.? All this was said in a perfectly straight face, ad it was only the slight mocking in his voice that alerted Buffy to the fact that she was once again being teased.
?Do you ever stop teasing people?? she sighed.
?Nah. It?s a sign of affection. Come on I?ll show where everything is. The first regulars should arrive in a couple hours, and by then you won?t even remember your other jobs. Oh and about the house situation. I have a friend who is about to move out of her one bedroom place in China town. It?s not great, but it has a view and the rent is cheap. What do ya say??
?Sounds great! When can I move in??
?Two days, I?ll give you the address and her phone number later. Now, onto the mops and buckets! You are going to love these.?
With that Pax proceeded to show Buffy the ins and outs of the Nosferatu. So that by the time that the first customers arrived at 7, Buffy actually felt she had a chance at surviving.
* * * *
After a week of working at the bar, Buffy could hardly remember a time when she had not been there. Pax, for all of his annoying teasing was still a really wonderful person, and Jana was a hard but fair boss, who Buffy was learning to respect more and more. Not only was she finally getting the hang of the mops and buckets but she was actually starting to come to terms with her life. She no longer felt as lost and adrift as she had when she had woken up in the hotel room. ?It?s the job. I actually feel like I have a sense of purpose. I wonder if had one before. Huh. I haven?t thought about that for a while. And guess I?ve got no one all that interested any way. After all its been nearly two weeks since I? well you would think that someone would at least have come looking for me, that is if they cared??
?Buffy, did you just hear a single word I said?? Pax was looking at Buffy with an exasperated look in his eye.
?Huh, oh sorry. I vagued out there for a bit there huh? What did you ask?? Buffy gently shook her head to clear it of her musings.
?Well, now that I have your attention? how are things at the apartment? Is it hard living on your own??
Buffy gave him a hard look. Trying to work out what was going on here.
?The apartment is really good, I enjoy living alone. I mean its not like I?m there all that much. And when I?m there I enjoy the quiet, it give me time to think.?
?And that my dear is what I wanted to talk to you about. You have been a prized member of this fine establishment for a whole week now. This weekend we are going to party. Myself ad a select few are going to take you out and show you the meaning of a good time, San Fran style!! So what do you say B??
Buffy looked at him with a start.
?What did you just call me?? Buffy growled, pinning Pax with a look that if it could kill, would have done some serious damage. For some reason she couldn?t explain, Buffy had a sudden urge to hit something.
?Buffy? Look I?m sorry, I?ll never call you that again. Just don?t hit me.? Pax made a nervous sound that Buffy thought was meant to be a laugh, but that sounded more like a strangled cat.
?Sorry. Just bad memories associated with that particular nickname. I?ve got mopping to do.?
With that Buffy stalked over to the closet to get her cleaning stuff. ?Wow. What got me so worked up? I said it was a bad memory? and it is! What the hell?? Buffy closed her eyes and tried to remember what it was about the nickname ?B? that got her so worked up. Taking a deep breath and centring her thoughts on that one letter. She took another breath, and another. But nothing, all she could think about was Pax?s smiling face, and unreasonable reaction. Suppressing a frustrated sigh Buffy picked up her mob ad bucket and began her nightly ritual of cleaning the floors before yet another bar full of patrons came and messed it up again. ?Oh. the things we do to give our lives meaning.? Stopping another sigh, Buffy started the mopping. Wondering, as had become her habit, whether her life was this exciting before.
Standing up and turning around as she heard Pax walk up beside her.
?Hey Pax, I just wanted to say I?m sorry about the way I over reacted before. I don?t know what got in to me. So what are the plans for the weekend? I?m working Friday and Saturday nights.?
?Hey no problem doll, I?ll just make a mental note not to call you that again. So your going to come, great! The girls and me will show you what living in San Fran is all about. I?ve talked to Jana, and she?s agreed, Saturday night we close early and spend all of our hard earned cash on a good time.?
?Jana said we could close early? Cool. So what kinda places do kids go to have fun in this town??
Buffy continued her mopping as Pax detailed the types of places that he and his friends usually frequented.
?Wait a minute Pax, are these places, well, are they kinda trendy? I mean it?s just that I don?t really have anything to wear, and I have NO money. As we both know. So what am I going to do? I have exactly two pairs of pants, and one of them is a heinous pair of jeans, that will never be seen in polite company, let alone in a trendy San Francisco club. Not really a wardrobe that inspires confidence.?
?Ok, well let me look at you,? Pax walked around Buffy as she patiently stood with arms outstretched form him to get a good look.
?Hummm, well there might be something we can work with here. Just kidding just kidding!? Pax started to back away with his hands in mock supplication.
?Honestly Buffy, you?re gorgeous. I could find you a paper bag and you?d blow most of the guys and a good portion of the girls in this town away. But I can do much better than a paper bag. What colour??
Buffy paused for a minute, trying to think. ?What colour? God I have no idea what my favourite colour is. Hmmm??
?Ok Pax. I want something black and red. Real vampy. You know?? Buffy did her best seductive vamp look to show him what she meant.
?I get ya babe. I get ya. How about I come by your place tomorrow. I know this great bargain fabric place and??
?Fabric? Pax I have no idea how to sew. I think we should go back to the paper bag idea.?
?Hey, trust me ok. I?ve been in this town a long time. I have a few favours that need pulling in, and well I don?t need them. So don?t argue, ok??
?Why are you doing this Pax? You hardly even know me.? Buffy looked at him trying to work out why he was doing this.
?Hun, its just what I do. And any way, I think your kind of special. Come on lets go get those tables ready huh??
With that Pax and Buffy continued on with the mundane work of getting the bar ready for the night. They were both so preoccupied with their thoughts and jobs that they didn?t notice a large figure standing by the window looking in. Watching their ever move, especially intent on Buffy?s movements. After about twenty minutes of silent watching he disappeared into the shadows with an ease that seemed at odds with his size.
?Was there just someone over there?? Buffy looked over to the window that the man had only just vacated.
?Nope. I didn?t see any one. Just your hair trigger instincts going off again I guess.?
?Come on Buffster, we got work to do.?
?Yeah, yeah. What are you a slave driver?? Buffy was walking away as she said this and didn?t hear the quietly whispered reply.
?You?d be surprised.? Pax continued to watch where Buffy had stood for a long while even after she had gone.
* * * * ** * * ** *
TBC.. if you liked it that is.......