"Well," says Kaylee, twisting her hands together under the table, "I told him about wanting to become a doctor, and he thinks it's a really good idea."

"It is a good idea," her mom says, a little smugly.

Her dad chuckles.  "Well, I'm glad to hear he's so supportive."

"Actually he wanted us all to get together for a sort of - informal parent-teacher conference career counseling thing," she says. "He - I guess he used to be a guidance counselor, so he may have some advice for me, and for all of us."

"That sounds like a good idea!"

"I thought so," she says. "Are you both free this Tuesday?"

"Sure thing," her dad says.

"I can make it work," says her mom.

She smiles. "Okay, good. He wants us all to meet in the library right after school."

"Can do."

"Great."

She can't keep up the grin. Probably won't be able to keep up the dinner. It turns out she really hates lying to her parents.

She pushes her plate away. "Excuse me," she says, and stands up. "I think I'm finished with dinner."

" - Are you okay?" her dad says.

She nods, produces another smile. "I'm just full. I'm going to go study in my room, okay?"

"Of course," her mother says.  She's frowning a little.

She departs, hurriedly.

The next day, Gaara comes to peer at Tag when he leaves the school. She's not really in sight of other students, but it's maybe a close thing.

She catches his eye, and he nods in greeting.

She confirms there's no one near, then comes up. "You're Nausicaa's friend, Tag, aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"How do you know her?"

"Kaylee introduced us.  ...Do you go to," he pokes his thumb over his shoulder toward the campus, "Sunnydale High?"

"I don't go to school."

He frowns, but in a pensive rather than a particularly accusatory manner.  "Graduate already?  What're you doing lurking around campus?"

"I've never been to a school. Nausicaa thought I might want to talk to you, and also I heard some rumors about a Hellmouth here."

He glances around, as casually as he can.

"You're the girl who can turn into sand."

"I am."

He nods.  "Hellmouth sounds bad.  What's a Hellmouth."