A Different Normal

The last chapter of Scenario B, an AO3 Deadly Premonition fanfic, talks about how it's cool that finally here's a character who's not neurotypical and is still allowed to be more than just not dangerous, but is, in fact, the hero of the story.  It hadn't really occurred to me, but you know, mellostopheles (fic author) had a point.  I had to play with that idea and the idea of Normal Again (still a very controversial episode that, yes, I've played with twice--here in this 'verse and in Self-Made Hero: The Infinity Mirror).  Every human being is different, so there's no such thing as a universal 'normal'.
I also love playing around with Buffy/Xander friend!ship, because friend!ships are just as important as the ship!ships and as me experimenting with the Self-Made Hero 'verse shows, emphasizing their friendship fixes so much.
~Dreamer~

Main Points:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer AU
Summary: Xander is an FBI Agent.  Universe is vaguely based on Normal Again.
Word Count: 310
Rating: Gen

         “I’m sorry,” the girl whispers into the warm summer night, and Alex turns to look at her quizzically. 
         “I’m sorry, what?” he asks politely, purposefully speaking more like Xander would.
         “No, that’s my line,” she responds with half a smile.  “I just…I’m sorry.  Last time I freaked you out by telling you I knew you, and I’m sorry about that.”
         “Schizophrenic, right?” he asks suddenly, and watches her jump a little at the accent.  “Difficulties telling the difference between real life and hallucinations.”
         He’s trying to put her at ease, but he’s only managed to make her act like a wary cat.  “I—”
         “I’m telling you, because I have Multiple Personality.  Though these days, they call it Dissociative Identity.  At least, that’s what my therapist said.  I’m usually co-conscious, meaning we’re both aware of everything that’s happening, but sometimes we just have to handle things on our own.  They tried to put me on meds when I was a teen, and it silenced…there was only one of us, for a while, but it made me suicidally depressive, so they took us off it again.  And…” he sighs, “…I’ve seen a lot of weird things in my time at the Bureau.  You’ve probably just been seeing through the Veil of Consciousness, only you don’t know what you’re seeing so your mind’s trying to interpret it.”
         “I’m glad I didn’t manage to drive you off,” she responds desperately, and he grins.
         “No, it’s fine.  Just remember, it’s not your fault and there’s nothing wrong with you.  But it is good to be able to function in society, too.”  His eyes crinkle a bit with his smile.  “Honestly, without each other there are a lot of cases I wouldn’t have solved.  Some I wouldn’t have survived.”
         “Wow,” she whispers, and for the first time in a while there’s hope in her eyes.