Disclaimer: The usual. Joss, 20th Century Fox, Mutant Enemy and a ton of other peeps that aren't me own these characters.
Summary: I'm not gonna tell you, nah nah boo boo ...
Rating: G (Yay, I wrote a G rated fic; I'm so proud!)

He appeared in front of him like a dangerous panther searching for its prey. The boy jerked back as if he'd been burned when he noticed the man standing in front of him, as if he'd appeared from the dark abyss.

"Hello, boy," the man said softly. "How are you this fine evening?"

"Just dandy sir," the boy said quickly, knowing instinctively that this was someone who could only be called "sir." He chuckled nervously. "Just dandy."

The man laughed as well, but it was a hollow sound, void of emotion. He turned away so that the boy couldn't see how hard it was for him to maintain his nonchalant, gruff composure. "I gave her to you," the man muttered flatly. "I sacrificed everything that made me feel at peace, my redemption for God's sake," He turned and met the boy's eyes. "All for little old *you*." He spat the word out as though it left a foul taste in his mouth.

"I-I don't understand, sir," the boy stuttered. The man's presence was quite intimidating. "You gave *who* to me?"

"You know exactly who," the man answered, bitingly. "The Slayer."

"The Slayer?" the boy asked blankly. "You mean B-"

"Don't say her name!" the man growled. "If you dare to say her name while I'm around, I will tear you limb from limb. Do you understand me?"

"Y-yeah," he replied quickly. "Perfectly."

The man took a deep breath and looked the boy up and down. "I love her with all my heart and all my soul. Contrary to what she said earlier, I do have a heart. One that actually beat once upon a time. But that's ... that's all over with now."

The boy tried to interrupt, but the man overrode his words.

"I only hope you can love her as much I do," he barked. "Take care of her, boy. Or you will pay the consequences. Pay them dearly."

"But?"

"Go," the man said, now weary.

"Sir, I-"

"GO!" he shouted. "Before I lose my temper!!"

The boy wasted no time in running as fast as his legs could carry him.

When he was safely alone, the man fell to his knees and wept.

After several hours of crouching there in the twilight, he sighed and rose.

Rose to meet the dawn.

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