Xander grinned as he walked along the street. His graduation present to himself was a road trip across America, or at least until he got tired of driving. Now, he was in New York, enjoying the fresh air. Okay, the not so fresh air, but it wasnt home sweet hellmouth. Somewhere around here, the had to be a Laundromat, though, he was now the proud owner of a whole suitcase of dirty clothing.
That was when someone screamed. Scooby instincts kicking in, he ran towards the screams, hoping that it was something that he could help with. A dark haired woman was cornered by three guys, one of whom had a knife. All of them seemed human, and it looked like a mugging. He barely had time to think this is a dumb idea before he charged in.
Naturally, he got cut by the knife, his shirt ripped and cut, ending up completely ruined. But by far the most embarrassing damage was a shallow slice along his abdomen that had left a little cut on him, and completely sliced his belt apart. The belt that was holding up his pants.
Xander made a desperate grab for the pants as they tried to drop, and kicked the last mugger down. He half glanced at the woman, asking Are you alright?
Yeah, thanks. She was smiling, her dark eyes filled with amusement and gratitude. Im Beth Maza.
Im Xander Harris. He managed to smile, and to resist the urge to ask for something to put him out of his humiliation.
I appreciate the rescue. She leaned in, enabling Xander to smell the faint hint of some perfume clinging to her. Maybe I can let you borrow a belt before my sister shows up and gets the wrong idea?
Hed barely got the borrowed belt on, which made the shallow slice sting in protest, when another woman, this one a bit harder looking and wearing a red jacket showed up.
Beth? What why are there three guys on the ground? She was looking at the fallen muggers, one eyebrow raised.
Elisa, I can explain everything. Beths words were almost convincing.
Why is that guy wearing your belt? Elisas question left them both stammering, trying to explain with no success.