Storm Warning
Monday afternoon, August 28, 2000
Xander surreptitiously observed two girls walking across the U. C. Sunnydale
campus quad. He was seated a stone bench, with his feet stretched out in front
of him and a pair of wraparound mirrored sunglasses on his nose. A hot gust of
wind ruffled his dark shaggy hair, and he could feel the electricity of a
thunderstorm thrumming in the air.
The bright late summer sun beat down on the top of his head, but Xander
didn't feel the heat. His muscular, tanned body was dressed in a white tank, a
light blue buttoned shirt, and a pair of tan khakis. Battered gym shoes adorned
his feet, sporting black burn marks and holes from constant wear. He looked no
different than any of the other college students traversing the campus on the
first day of classes, and that's the way he wanted it.
The blond and redhead were met by another blond female and a tall, blondish
male. Xander watched with interest as hands were interlinked and kisses were
exchanged between the redhead and the new blond female.
The quartet continued on their way across the quad, passing a short distance
away from where Xander sat. Xander's lips curled into a smile when the familiar
female voices came within hearing distance.
"I don't think I like Dr. Phillips."
"Why not? He's one of the foremost experts in his field."
"He looks like a troll. It reminds me of Principal Snyder, pre-demon
munchage."
"Buffy!"
"Oh, come on, Will. Don't tell me you didn't see the resemblance."
"Okay, maybe there was a slight case of looking like Principal Snyder... may
he rest in peace... or pieces, since he did get eaten by the Mayor, and we blew
up the Mayor..."
Willow's sentence dissipated in another gust of hot wind. Xander raised his
eyes to the clear blue sky, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Yes, he
thought. A storm was coming.
He stood, stuck his hands in his pockets and followed his old friends.
End
