cuddletalk | audio; UN: forthedefense

I really don't think I'm qualified to be a fireman in the end. Thank you for having faith in me.

[That was the last job he had ever wished to have that wasn't a lawyer or a...well, alternative means of serving justice.

Matt warmly laughs on the line.]

Ah! You remembered!

[And in kind, he owes her something surely.]

How are you, Buffunkle?

Okay, but clearly doing good is the take away from that. Lawyer, fireman... Something where you help many people?

[ Honestly, she's clueless as to how close to the mark she is. She's just not picturing red leather.

That earned him a giggle-snort. ]

Of course I remembered, how could I not? And seriously, that was most definitely a first for nicknames. You get the gold star.

Well, I'm actually pretty good. Busy seducing Spanish Cowboys and getting better at mixing drinks.

Aside from the job crisis, are you good?

Helping the well being of people in their best interest.

[Which can be here or there sometimes.]

You've given me great opportunity.

[To his delight and amusement.]

That sounds very specific. Can I take a wild guess that said cowboy is...in dire need of getting with the times?

[Just one way to put it.]

I'm doing good. Very good.

Maybe you could just become the equivalent of a guidance counselor? Surely it's easier telling other people what they should do.

Or, you know, just accept that the law is your true calling and you cannot escape Lady Justice.

Or! [ When she gets on a roll, she gets on a roll. ] What about a law professor? Is that a thing here? Because it should be. Surely there's classes for people wanting to train in new professions.

[ She's still sounding more than a little amused by the lasted nickname. Xander would be proud. ]

Well, I do what I can. And yes, that would be the same cowboy. I maybe traumatised him just a little but not enough to scare him away, so. If no one has warned you yet about the drinks here outside of the bars... just be careful.

I'm glad to know the homesickness didn't get too bad and affect your time here.

Guidance counselor. I never thought about that. While I feel like I can give a good word now and again, I'm not entirely sure that I'm that in touch with the youth.

[He laughs softly.]

Woah, woah, wait. I mean, I'm experienced but I'm not qualified.

[Ego won't let him enjoy that for long. It is flattering all the same.]

I'm going to have to hear the story in it's entirety... Because all I have is questions.

Being in touch with the youth is overrated anyway. I mean, considering the youth could come from any time and any place, I don't think there's any hard or fast rules. I met someone who is only two years younger but makes me feel like a grandma thanks to coming from different years.

Agony Aunt for a radio station?

[ She's still just going to keep throwing out ideas. Sometimes it works to keep listing things even if they're not what you want. Helps to shake the real ideas loose. ]

Do I have to? I mean, it's embarrassing. Did you hear about METAMalt opening?

How on earth are you a grandma? ....how old are you anyway?

[Because really, it's impossible to tell with voices and personalities.]

A radio show. Hm. Well, I do like the medium.

[That would really be something he could thrive in.]

We can trade embarrassing stories.

Metaphorically? Or something. Just trust me. She didn't even know Ghostbusters. And I'm twenty, but a lot older in Slayer years. I mean when I died it was 2001. Hello, brave new world.

[ It was a joke. Sort of. She certainly felt a lot older than her years. Especially now that she was thrust into a future she had no idea about. ]

See? Spitball enough ideas and something sticks. I think you'd be great. I'd listen. You have one of those voices.

[ She cleared her throat as she considered whether or not she was really going to tell hers. And then does something to make the conversation more private.]

You still didn't answer my question about METAMalt. Anyway, it's a new shop that sells these magical drinks. And I'm not kidding, there's something funky in them. They either make your clothes disappear, or they make you feel things.

Buffula.

[What can he really say? She is from a really different world.]

Are you alive right now though?

[And this Slaying stuff is still settling in.]

...I'm older than you. Much older. Great-grandpa.

[Ten plus some years on her twenty. Kids these days. He laughs a little.]

I'll have to think it all over a bit more. You've inspired me.

[And variety is the spice of life.]

All of that just sounds awful. I don't want drugs in my food or drink any more than necessary.

I vaaant to suuuck your blood!

[ Honestly, he was asking for it with a nickname like that. And she was definitely kidding about Slayer years. ]

I think so? I mean, you're talking to me. There's been no signs of feeling undead. It's like nothing really happened.

[ She may have snorted out a laugh. Just slightly. ]

You don't sound like a great-grandpa if that helps? And I know you think I'm being silly, but seriously. I feel old next to her. It's rude.

[ And she says that knowing she's dating a guy close to Matt's age if not the same. ]

It's what I do. I come and inspire and then I disappear.

[ He couldn't see the way her nose scrunched up but there was a definite note of disapproval in her voice. ]

Right? I mean, I was dumb enough to sign up for a test but it's all part of the try something new and different motto I got going on right now. Anyway, not even the worst part. The worst part happened at The Deviant when Vasquez found me on the dance floor.

Right, that's true. I mean. Nothing about you comes across like dead but.... I don't associate with the deceased regularly.

[At least they don't ever talk back. What on earth is this conversation?]

Thirty isn't what it used to be. Maybe twenty is the same.

[That's his version of giving her the benefit of the doubt.]

...Dare I ask what happened next from there?

Well, generally it depends on the death. Or how you come back. I know I'm not a vampire or a zombie.

[ It's way too normal for where she's from. ]

Isn't there some saying about only being as young as you feel?

[ She appreciates it. Really. ]

Probably not. The drink just made me really, really enthusiastic about being close to another person.

[ And that's as much detail as she's going to get into. She's still embarrassed about it, and not just because Vasquez is the kind of guy that likes his modesty when it comes to clothing. ]

...what are you then?

[In case there is something aside from what he knows. She is definitely a special lady.]

Okay, okay.

[Matt laughs and it takes a minute to get with it.]

Has it compromised your prospects or this will be great when you can look back and laugh at it?

Buffy?

[ It was the only answer she had. As far as she was concerned she seemed to be whole and complete in this place. ]

Happy to keep reminding you. I'll add it to the list with the yelling.

[ She laughed herself, glad to have the opportunity to joke around with someone.

And then it faded and she just let out a sigh. ]

I thought it had, but not so much. I think I might still need some more time before being able to laugh about it. He still went with me to that ball. Everything seems pretty peachy. I'm glad I managed not to put my foot in it. That he saw past the, ah, not quite me moment.

You mean to tell me that you are honestly in a class all of your own there?

[To put it plainly. While she has seemed to be very unique person can it be true? Always about the questions, Murdock.]

We all have "not quite me" moments as you put it. I'm glad that he seems to have sense there. And largely does he treat you well? Even in his own handful of moments?

Well, I'm human. Mostly. I didn't realise there was maybe a part of me that wasn't until recently. Slayers have some enhancements, you know? Like... supernatural puberty. Hey, you've been picked to fight evil have some powers. But I don't think I've changed anymore being here and not back in Sunnydale.

[ Hey, at least he picked someone who liked to talk. She was still wrapping her head around it all but there was no denying that the first Slayer had it a lot rougher. ]

Well, we're only really just getting started, but yeah. He does. I mean, there's the language thing. The whole different eras... Clothing is still a hurdle but it's kinda endearing.

audio; UN: forthedefense

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