Friday Ethics Class, 8-10am

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara's eyes are shadowed as she greets the class, tension permeating her body.

"I'm sure you've all heard the announcement by now. Angelus has been accused of killing Kitty Pryde - which leaves us short one TA, but up an interesting Ethical question.

"Today we're going to discuss punishment for crimes done."

Comments

Emo Closet

[brambless.livejournal.com]

I know I'm going to need it.

Re: Emo Closet

[forlornslayer.livejournal.com]

When the discussions started, Buffy moved swiftly to the Emo Closet. She shut the door and then went to find a corner where she could huddle against it. She wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face in her arms, fighting the emotions that were shaking her.

Re: Emo Closet

[brambless.livejournal.com]

After a few minutes, Tara quietly opened the door and shut it behind her. "Hey," she said quietly. "What can I do?"

Re: Emo Closet

[forlornslayer.livejournal.com]

Buffy looked up, anguish in her eyes.

"Tell me that I didn't screw up again?"

Re: Emo Closet

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara knelt next to Buffy, stroking a hand over her golden hair.

"What? Buffy, no. Fandom high is a clean slate, remember? Until he did something wrong, he was no more blameworthy than you or I."

Re: Emo Closet

[forlornslayer.livejournal.com]

Buffy leaned her head on her friend. She had known Tara would understand.

"I don't know who I hurt more over...the girl he killed or him."

Tears welled in her eyes. "Some Slayer I am, huh? I'm torn up over the killer and..." Buffy looked down, not wanting to see disgust and disappointment in Tara's eyes. "I can't help hoping that he's not...that he's..."

She couldn't even get the words out.

Re: Emo Closet

[brambless.livejournal.com]

"That he's okay?" Tara finishes quietly.

"Buffy... trust me on this one. I know what it's like to have the person you love turn into someone you can't trust or understand. Your capacity to love is what makes you a Slayer, not a killer."

Re: Emo Closet

[forlornslayer.livejournal.com]

Buffy nodded. "I want to know he's okay...God I..." She closed her eyes. "I can't help feeling like part of me let this happen, Tara. I...I knew what Angelus was, knew what had happened before. I should have watched, should have been more alert."

Buffy's breath hitched on a sob. "But...but I wanted to believe that it would be different here." She squeezed her eyes shut. "I know he's not...not my Angel...but I feel that part of my Angel is still there and I hoped he wouldn't do this...not here. I was becoming complacent, thinking that Angelus liked what he had here, wouldn't risk it, but I should have known better."

Buffy shook her head. "I let worry about getting in trouble with the school keep me from keeping a better eye on him...this is the second time that I've let my feelings get in the way of what could happen..."