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Mirror	By : norwalker Category: -Buffy the Vampire Slayer > FemmeSlash - Female/Female > Buffy/Faith Views: 8848 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Mirror

By Norwalker

Part 13b

Disclaimer: Joss, Mutant Enemy, Inc. and Fox own the right to
the characters appearing in the TV show " BtVS". The other characters
are the authors, as is the story. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to
anyone living or dead is coincidental. Ok, Perry Mason. Happy?

1

Buffy nods her head, looking at the doorway that was going to be
her 'room' for the night.

Digging through her bag, she's kicking herself for being a total
moron. She pulls out the blanket she wraps herself in, then digs to get the
sweater and couple of blouses, and the sweat pants, to make herself warm enough
to sleep.

"You're pretty much a dope, Buffy," She grumbles,
donning her ' sleepwear'. " coulda had a cushy bunk. But no, not you.
You're so smart, you're sleeping in a doorway�again. Dimwit."

She lays out the blanket, then using her bag as a pillow,
settles down to try to get some sleep. Clutched in her hand is the mugger's
knife she recovered earlier this evening. Something to keep another moron from
trying to take her spot. Yeah, really hate to give up the deluxe room with
the ocean view, you know? She laughs, just a little bitterly.

Not like you really
deserve better, is it, moron?

Wrapping the blanket around her, shifting around a little, she
settles down to try to sleep.

But her rest, if that�s what you can call it, is uneasy. She
thrashes and moans during the night, as if fighting against someone or
something. Something only she can see and hear.

Her eyes open just before dawn breaks. She lays there, staring
into the lightening darkness. Her face is covered by a cold sweat. God, they're happening again. It's beginning
again. But why? I'm not a slayer anymore. This shouldn't be happening. Not now.
God, not now!

But she's having them
again. The dreams. She's fighting them again: the demons, the monsters and the
vampires. Not then, not as she was when she was the slayer. No, it seems so
immediate, so close. As if it's happening now.

And she has those
feelings again. The same she had in Sunnydale. That things aren't what they
look like; if you scratch the surface, you'll see more. See things that will
scare the hell out of you.

She's brought back to the here and now by the trash truck
banging bins in the alley. Grabbing her stuff, she scurries away quickly before
the business owner shows up. She really doesn't need that hassle. Moving down
the alley a bit, she removes the extra clothing she's wearing, and stows it
with the blanket in her bag. She takes a moment and stretches, feeling what
must be 400 kinks in her back and legs." Hmmm. Beauty Rest stone steps. I
gotta recommend them for that good night's sleep."

Grabbing up her bag, she throws it over her shoulder and strides
down the alley towards her favorite hustle spot.

Trotting up the steps to the convenience store, she actually
feels in the money. Not having to buy dinner last night, she actually has some
money for breakfast this morning. She walks in, and stops at the hot counter,
checking out the rather dubious breakfast burritos. Picking one up, she feels it's as hard as rock. Probably older
than Jesus' sandals, too. Dropping it quickly, she heads for the back.
Looking around, she grabs a bottle of orange juice. Then it's off to the bag o junk aisle, where she picks up a
package of cookies and some Ho-Ho's . Ah, the breakfast of champs and
ex-slayers, she grins as she heads
for the cashier.

" Well, princess, you musta done pretty good last night, if
you're actually buying breakfast today rather than sneak it out under your
coat, " The cashier sort of half grins, half leers at her." So what?
Get a little side action going?"

"Funny as a corpse as usual, dude," Buffy taunts him
back, " and hey, baby, if I did? And you were shittin' hundreds? You'd still not be invited." She digs a
couple of bills out of her jeans and slaps it on the counter. " So, dude,
my money's still green, right? Ring me up so I can get out of here and get into
a better smelling place, 'K?"

" Well, aren't we the touchy one this morning. What
happened? That doorway not all nice and comfy last night?"

" Well, at least I'm not as touchy as you, perv. God, you
really love copping a free feel every morning, don't ya? Too bad, outta luck
today."

This is the typical routine, and Buffy rather enjoys needling
Tim, the morning guy. At least he has a sense of humor. God, John is such a
stick. Both get a little pleasure out of the banter.

" Ah well, what can I say, princess? I just adore street
trash like you." Tim grins, " reminds me to get my shots every
year."

" Ah, what's wrong, baby? You're blow up girl friend
develop another hole? Well, if you weren't such a needle dick, " Buffy
shrugs, " Oh well, with the fab wages you make here, I'm sure any day now
you'll have money enough for Mistress
Lola, the deluxe model."

" Yeah, well at least I got a place to sleep at night,
" Tim leers, " Of course, I'd
always share�if the price was right."

" Yeah, but you're
mom would have a heart attack if you had a girlfriend that actually had a
heartbeat." Buffy retorts, "
and anyway, I'm not looking to catch dork disease."

Tim rings up her items. " Here ya go, princess." He
gives her the change." Buy yourself a bar of soap. You might enjoy the
change of scent."

" bye pizza face, ya loser" Buffy says on her way out

" bye, slutty." Tim calls after her. She loves me.
She just don't know it yet, he chuckles, as he walks over to check the
coffee beaker.

Buffy's next stop is the newspaper rack by the store. Even
though so far, the classifieds had yielded nil in the way of jobs, still, hope
springs eternal. Hope, and the strong desire not to have to dine on the crappy
food at this place anymore. Or hustle a lot of strangers for loose change so
she can afford it.

Walking to her favorite al fresco dining spot, also known as the
bus bench, she opens the orange juice and takes a swig. She tears off the end
of the Ho-Ho's, and shaking one out, takes a bite. Yummy. Chocolaty
goodness.

She turns to the back of the paper, planning on reading the want
ads. But her eye strays over to the birth and death announcements, then to the
obituaries. She notes there are a lot of deaths. More than would be normal in a
smallish town like Kent.

She flips back through the paper, and checks out the crime
pages. She reads the headline about murders being on the rise, and about the
mysterious deaths. People found dead, no apparent motives. Blood loss, strange neck wounds. No blood found around
the bodies, or at the crime scenes.

She sits on the bench for awhile, her face thoughtful. Her food
forgotten, she just stares into the air, her mind going over and over what she's read.

People found dead, no apparent motives. Blood loss, strange neck wounds. No blood found around
the bodies, or at the crime scenes.

" It's just a coincidence, " She tells herself, "
It doesn't mean anything. " She
starts to turn back to the want ads, and stops. She reads over the page again.

People found dead, no apparent motives. Blood loss, strange neck wounds. No blood found around
the bodies, or at the crime scenes�

Damn. Vampires. Damn.

She sits on the bench a
while longer, seeming to have an internal struggle going on. Finally, she comes
to a decision. She gets up off the bench, and grabbing her bag and the
newspaper, starts walking down the street.

She knows what she has
to do, and isn't liking it much.

Rose Weiss just
finishes vacuuming the front room carpet when she hears a knock at the door.
She gets a slightly vexed expression on her face. Why do these salespeople always call right when I'm in the middle of
things.? Letting out an impatient
sigh, she walks to the door. I hope it isn't kids selling candy or
subscriptions again. I'm already taking 3 papers, and I can't eat anymore
candy. I know they're little sharks in kid's clothing ,probably conning me, but
I can't seem to say no.

" I already have 3
newspaper subscriptions, so if�" She starts talking before the door is
fully open. Then the words die in her mouth.

Buffy, looking down at
her feet, is standing at the door. She has her stocking cap in hand, twirling
it nervously in her hands.

My! Is all Rose can think seeing her.

" Well, Anne, this
is a pleasant surprise, " Rose says, once she recovers from her surprise. "
I must say I didn't expect to see you again so soon, but please, come in."
Rose backs from the door, opening the screen. " I'm sure I can find
something for breakfast�"

Buffy looks up, but not
all the way up, avoiding eye contact. " Ummm�I'm not here to eat, Mrs. �
er � Rose. I was wondering� Ah, this is a stupid idea, I'll go�" she turns
away, starting down the porch.

Dumb, Buffy. You think
she'd want you around after you pretty much blew her off last night. You'll
just have to�

" Anne, dear? What
is it? Where are you going?" Rose calls after her. " Is there
something I can help you with?"

Buffy turns back, her
expression reflecting the conflicting feelings inside. Buffy is not one to ask
for help. Pride, pig-headedness, or whatever makes it extremely hard for her to
say " I need some help here." So coming here and having to apologize
about last night, and then ask if she can take Rose up on that offer from last
night is extremely difficult. She's always been a take charge, get it done, kind
of girl. Well, except in relationships, where that attitude pretty much just
falls apart. It's always been one of her strengths, and also one of her
weaknesses. For instance, right now; she needs help, but doesn't know how or
want to ask for it.

" Look, ummm� Mrs.
� Rose� Mrs. �Can I just call you Mrs. Weiss, please?" Buffy still avoids
eye contact, " not used to calling someone like you by their first
name."

" It's alright,
Anne. I was just trying to make it less formal, but if it's more
comfortable�" Rose can see the girl's really having a hard time of it
here, though she suspects she knows what she's come for.

" I was really
rude last night to you, Mrs. Weiss, and I wanted to apologize to you�"
Buffy mumbles, " I know you were just trying to help me out, and I appreciate
it and all, but I�"

" there's no need
to apologize, dear. I know you're a young girl, independent and all, and want
to be out on your own, " Rose can't help smiling, " I know for a fact
that when I was you're age it certainly wasn't my dream to live with some old
lady�"

" that's the deal,
look, I was stupid, ok? I'm� wondering if � well� ah, this is just stupid. I'm
sorry I bothered you again�"

"Anne, stop,"
Rose stops her before she can start to run away again," You're so close.
Just a little more, and I promise, it
won't hurt too much."

"Ok, I lied last
night, " Buffy opens the gates, letting the flood rush out, " I
didn't have anywhere to go, but I didn't want you to know that. I was ashamed,
ok? And I didn't want charity�I don't want
charity�but I really need a place to stay. I'll find a way to pay you, somehow.
You tell me how much you want, and I'll get the money. I promise. Really."

" Why don't you
come inside, Anne? I don't know about you, but I don't like to discuss
financial matters in the front yard."

Buffy trudges up the
steps of the porch, carrying her bag. Rose looks askance at the rather dirty,
ratty looking luggage. " Dear, why don't you leave that out here? I just
cleaned inside�" She sees Buffy's look. " Don't worry. No one will
steal it during the daytime."

Buffy reluctantly drops
the sack on the porch, and follows Rose inside.

" So dear,"
Rose says as they walk through the living room. " Are you hungry? Have you
had anything to eat today?"

" Oh yeah, I had
breakfast. No sweat." Buffy smiles.

" Really?
What?" Rose asks innocently.

" Well, I had
orange juice and.." Crap! I left my food on the bench. I'm a moron!"
� stuff. I'm full." Buffy pats her tummy.

" Uh-huh," Rose says knowingly, " So I guess , if
I just happened to have baked some fresh muffins, you wouldn't be interested
then?"

Buffy remembers the corn muffins from last night. How sweet they
tasted, how moist they were, how they seemed to melt in her mouth�

" Well, I guess I could eat one, I mean, to be polite, of
course."

" Of course," Rose agrees. She brings the pan of
muffins, along with two plates, and sets them on the table. " Would you
like something to drink? Milk, coffee, juice?

" Juice, please?" Buffy asks, her eyes riveted on the
muffins.

Rose goes to get the juice, and coffee for herself. She can
barely hold back from laughing, seeing the way her guest is staring at the
muffins. She shakes her head. Poor
dear, if she'd just learn to ask for help. She returns to the table, giving
Buffy her juice, and sitting opposite her.

" Well, Anne, please help yourself. They aren't going to
leap out of the pan onto your plate." Rose takes a muffin, and cuts it in
half, buttering it.

Three muffins later, Buffy looks up to see Rose looking at her,
eyes wide. She blushes.

" I did it again, didn't I?" Buffy says, wiping the
crumbs from her mouth, " I made a pig of myself again."

Rose can't hold back the laugh any longer," no dear, you
didn't. It's ok to be hungry. Believe me, no one's enjoyed my cooking so much
in years." She sobers up, and adds, " It's also alright to ask for
help, if you need it."

Buffy looks at her plate, then up at Rose. " Look, Mrs.
Weiss. I meant what I said in the yard. I'll find a way to pay for the
backhouse. I will. I don't need charity."

" I'm not giving you charity, Anne. That's not what this is
about. I'm just trying to give you a hand. I know you're proud, that's pretty
obvious. And I'm not planning on supporting you. but you have to learn
something. Giving help isn't just about the receiver, dear. Letting someone
help gives them a feeling of worth. That they can give something back, having
so much for themselves. You're kind of denying me that pleasure by refusing a
little help."

" But I feel like a sponge, living here for free�"

" I didn't say it was free, dear," Rose says.

" Ah, ok. How much then?" Ah, man, I don't have a
clue where I'm going to get the money.

"Well, as I said, I would like to have someone around. It
gets kind of scary to live alone sometimes."

" That's not enough�"

" I'm not finished, dear. I'm getting up in years, and
doing the yard work is not much fun
anymore. So, part of your 'rent' would be keeping the yard up. And I might need
help with other things around the house. Think you can do that?"

Buffy nods." I'm looking for a job. When I get one, I'll
start paying money, too."

" Yes, well. About that. I have a friend who runs the
Victim's shelter over on Hobart St. I sometimes volunteer there. She needs
someone to do janitorial duties. It's not glamorous, and it doesn't pay much�
now, dear, it's not that bad." Rose rises and goes to Buffy, who's started
crying.

" Why're you being so nice to me?" Buffy gets out
between quiet sobs, "I don't deserve it. I'm a bad person. I've done awful
things. I've hurt lots of people. My friends, my family�. I don't deserve to be
treated so�I'm� an awful person." She looks up at Rose. " I've got to
make it up, make it right, don't you see? I can't go home 'til I've made it
right."

" Don't you think they'll forgive you, Anne?" Rose
asks gently. " Most families forgive. Did you give them a chance?"

" They forgave me, that's not it. I'm not worthy to be
around them, don't you get it? I've done so many bad things to them. How can I
look at them, knowing what I've done� tried to do? How can they� I just can't �
not until I can find a way to make it right again." Buffy sighs
heavily," they're better off without me. All of them. You too," Buffy
rises to leave. " You shouldn't be so nice to me. I'm an evil person. I
don't deserve it. I don't deserve anything."

" Maybe not,
Anne," Rose says, " but that's what forgiveness is about. Giving a
chance to someone who probably doesn't deserve it. Frankly, dear, you've got to
stop feeling sorry for yourself long enough to take a chance on someone who
wants to help you. You have to earn you're spot back, and that's going to be
hard. No shortcuts. But you won't, if you keep running away." She looks at
Buffy," Do you want to work your way back?"

Buffy closes her eyes
and nods.

" Good. If you didn't,
you wouldn't be the person I believe you to be," Rose says firmly, "
I think you're too harsh on yourself, Anne. I think you don't forgive yourself
nearly enough. If you saw yourself through the eyes of your loved ones, I don't
think you'd be so angry with yourself. You expect yourself to be perfect. Sorry
honey, no ones perfect. Well, I am, but that's just our secret, ok?"

Buffy smiles.

" That's better,
" Rose nods, " So, when was the last time you talked to your family,
Anne?"

Buffy shrugs, a little
embarrassed.

" I don't suppose
there'd be any chance they live in Ohio?"

" No," Buffy
says.

Rose sighs, " Of
course not. Where do they live?"

"
California," Buffy says quietly.

" Of course they
do, " Rose says, " Even so, I think it's important that you call
them. Let them know where you are, that you're safe�"

" No, I can't,
" Buffy says, " I can't do that!"

" Don't you think
they're worried about you?"

" No, they think
I'm still in therapy� in England."

Rose eyes widen, "
England? In therapy?" Rose cocks her head. " If you're supposed to be
in therapy, why are you�?"

" I left
early." Buffy puts up her hands. " Honest, I'm not crazy. I don't
like talk to plants or hear voices or nothing. I'm better, but I left� I told
the counselors I wanted to go home, I needed to. So they let me out�and�"

" You decided you
couldn't go home," Rose finishes. " What happens when you're supposed
to be back, and you don't show up? Did you think you're family's just wasn't
going to notice?"

" I don't know
what I thought, " Buffy says in a low voice, " I guess I hoped they'd
just give up on me�"

" You're family
sends you to England to have therapy�"

" It was� a
special case. I really can't explain it."

" Nevertheless,
they do that. I'm assuming you're family isn't rich�"

" Huh? No, not at
all�"

" So, they go to
the trouble and expense to send you to England, and you think they're just
going to give up on you?" Rose looks at her sternly, " Not giving
them much credit, are you?"

" I can't face
them, I can't. I'm sorry, but you don't know what I've done. You just don't,
and I can't tell you." Buffy moves away, heading for the front door.
" I'm sorry to have wasted your time, again."

" Anne,
stop!" Rose says, firmly," You can't keep running." She sighs,
and walks to Buffy. " I understand it's hard, but you're going to have to
tell them sometime. But maybe not today."
She pauses, thinking for a second." Still, I think you should call
you're folks. Let them know you're ok. I guess you can tell them you're still
in therapy, and maybe say you'll be a little longer than you thought. I don't
like to lie, but sometimes, I suppose, you have to."

Buffy starts to shake
her head no.

" You'll feel
better when you hear their voices, know they don't hate you, Anne." Rose
sighs. " I'm sorry, but this will be a deal breaker. Part of you're rent
is calling home every month. Of course, after this call, you'll be working and
paying for it. If you don't call �" Rose shrugs, " I guess we don't
have a deal."

"Alright,"
Buffy almost whispers.

" Ok, so let's
make that call, then we can start getting you settled in�"

" Do I have to do
it now? Can't it wait? Until I have the job and can pay for it?"

Rose gives her a stern
look.

" I guess not,
" Buffy swallows hard.

Rose leads her to the
phone, and watches as she dials.

" All right, I'll
give you some privacy. I'll be in the next room." Rose leaves.

2

Joyce Summers is just
pouring her first cup of coffee when the phone rings. She looks at the kitchen
clock and groans.

Who is that this early? I
hope it's not that agent for the Asian art collection again. I told him the
pieces he had just weren't the type of work
we sell. Some idiots never give up. And at 6 a.m. Ok, pal, I think the gloves are off now!

Joyce walks over to the
phone, and picks it up.

" Hello?" She
says, impatiently.

" Mom?" a
small sounding voice says, "It's me."

" Buffy?
Buffy?!?" Joyce almost spills her coffee. It's been so long since she's
heard her voice. Not since�" Baby? Are you ok? Is everything ok?"

" Everything's ok,
mom, " Buffy says, " I� I just called because� I wanted to see how
you are�"

" Buffy,"
Joyce starts breathing again. She closes her eyes to keep the tears back,"
I'm fine, honey. I � how are you? Are you� feeling better now�?"

" If you're asking
if I still have a close personal relationship with the doorknobs? No, mom, I'm not talking to myself anymore.
Or screaming� still having the dreams� and there are some bad days� but I'm
getting there�"

"I'm sorry hon, I
know I'm being all momish� I know that's gross� but I was worried about you� I
am worried about you, honey� I mean� when you left�"

" I know, mom. I
wish you hadn't seen that�" Buffy sighs, " I should've called sooner.
I know. But I � after what happened� after what I did to you� I just�"

" Buffy, that
doesn't matter. All that matters is that I love you, honey, and miss you. Are
you coming home soon? They said maybe it wouldn't be too much longer�?"

" Actually, mom, I
might be here awhile longer. I'm better, but I'm not really back to � me� yet.
I still have a lot of stuff to work through�"

" It's your
father, right? It's because he wasn't around, you didn't have a strong male
role model. I should've been after him more to visit�"

" Mom, this has
nothing to do with dad�or anything you think as guilty mom you might have done.
It's just after all that's happened, I still need time to work out more
stuff." Buffy pauses, " Anyway, I had a strong male role model.
Giles."

" Giles is hardly
you're father, Buffy�"

" I know
mom," Buffy decides to redirect the topic. " How is he? How's he
doing?"

" Your father? I
don't know. I haven't heard from �"

" Giles,
mom."

" Oh� he's ok,
he's still running the Magic Box. He was upset when you�"

" Could you tell
him I called, if you see him? Let him know I � miss you� I miss both of
you." Buffy's voice gets quavery.

" Oh, honey, we
miss you too."

" I� I love you,
mom�" Buffy starts to cry.

Joyce starts to cry,
too. " Oh, baby, I love you too. It's ok . Everything's ok, honey. Shhh�
don't cry."

" It's not ok,
mom� I did so many bad things� to you�to everyone� I'm sooo sorry�" Buffy
struggles to get under control. " God, I'm being such a baby." She
takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly. "Ok, better. That's better."

" Everything's ok
here, honey. Don't worry about us� we'll be fine. You just take what time you
need to get better."

" I'm sorry, mom.
I didn't mean to be so� " Buffy sighs, again. " How's Faith? Is she
ok? Is she there?"

Joyce hesitates. How do I tell her? Ok, just do it. Best she
just knows. " Honey, Faith�
well, Willow's been going through a bad time with Tara, and well�Faith's been
staying there with her� to give her help and support."

" Oh."
There's a long pause. " Oh, ok, that's good. Yes, that's what she should
do. Willow's a friend. Yes, that's good".

" Are you alright,
honey? " Joyce asks, hearing the weird tone in her voice.

" Oh, I'm ok, it's
fine mom. Just didn't expect it, but it's cool, " Buffy recovers, "
Tell Faith, when you see her? I miss her and love her."

" Ok,
sweetheart," Joyce says, " are you sure you're ok?"

" Yes, I'm fine
mom, really, " Buffy asserts. " Look, I better go. They're starting
to give me dirty looks here. Phone charges, way high in England, you
know."

" Alright, Buffy.
Just don't worry, everything's ok, here. We're fine. You just get better. We'll
see you soon?"

" It's going to be
a while, mom."

" Ok, just
concentrate on getting better, dear. I love you."

" I love you too,
mom. Bye."

" Bye,
honey."

Joyce sets down the
phone. Well, she sounded ok�
but�well, I guess they know best. And she was a little upset about Faith. Joyce shakes her head. I'll never understand any of this, will I?

Sighing, Joyce walks
over to read the morning paper.

Buffy stares at the
receiver for a moment, then hangs it up.

It's for the best, Buffy.
This is what you wanted. It's ok, it's ok. Just� chill. It's�gonna be ok now.
She'll be happy, and that's what's important. Remember that. It's good. It's
all good.

She walks into the next
room, a smile plastered on her face.

" So, is
everything ok? Everybody ok?"

" Yeah, it's all
good. You were right, that helped." Buffy says.

" Good, I'm glad
to hear it, Anne," Rose says, rising from her chair. " So, ready to
go see the guest house?"

" Yes,
please."

" Ok, well, it's
out the back door to the left. I'll be right with you, Anne. I just need to get
the key."

Buffy leaves, and Rose
goes to retrieve the key from the drawer in the kitchen.

I wonder why she's lying to me?

She gets the key, and
follows Buffy out the back door.

3

Willow hesitates at the
entrance to the Bronze.

It had been a month or
so since the little ' romantic' breakfast at Willow's, and the aftermath. Faith had decided to stay with her, help her
get through the decision she had to make about Tara. That had helped, but it
still had been a very difficult time for Willow. While they still shared a
closeness , Willow had felt a slight
withdrawal from Faith. Nothing specific, really, nothing she could point at and
go " ah-HAH!". But she felt a definite nervousness between them,
something that hadn't been there before. Maybe I shouldn't have done the sharing thing. Maybe that wigged her
out, just a little.

She couldn't just blame
this on Faith. She knew, when she was being honest with herself, that she also
felt a nervousness being with Faith these days. That was something they hadn't
had before. The one really nice thing about the 'casual' in their relationship?
It kept things lighter, easier. No messy
deep feelings, no commitments to fulfill. It was, " Well, we're here, lets
have a little fun together. What can it hurt?" And nobody wanted to talk
about the 900 pound blond gorilla lurking in the corner.

Willow looks around the
club, and spots Faith at a table. Their table. Oh god that�s not good. Not supposed to an ' our ' table. Not supposed
to be an ' our ' anything. Ok, Will. Just do it. Let's get this done.

Willow weaves her way
through the crowd, heading for the table Faith is sitting at. She stops a
couple of times to wait for couples who, for one reason or another, are
blocking her path. She could've gone around them but for some reason � Yeah, some reason � isn't in a hurry to get to the table.

When she arrives at the
table, she stops again, looking at Faith's back. This is going to be harder than I thought. She walks over and puts a hand
on Faith's shoulder.

" Hey, "
Willow leans over, kissing the top of Faith's head. She moves around and seats
herself.

" Hey, there you
are, " Faith smiles. She nods towards the half full beer bottle. "
Sorry, you were kinda late, so I got a beer. Wasn't sure you were coming,
" Faith is only half joking.

" Sorry,"
Willow smiles ruefully, " just seems like a million things hit last minute
today. I got stuck at work an extra hour."

"Yeah, kinda figured.
That seems to be happening a lot lately, " Faith cocks her head, "
I'm thinking they take advantage of you� you know, you being so good and all
."

" It's not just
me, Faith. Everybody works over some. They're not picking on me, or
anything."

" Ok," Faith
puts up her hands in surrender, " just seems they're taking a little
advantage. Just my opinion. Not a big."

" Kind of needing
the job, Faith, you know? I'm saving for school, remember?" Willow stands
up. " Think I'll get a beer, be right back ok?" Before Faith can stop
her she's headed towards the bar.

Faith watches her go,
and frowns.

Smooth, Faith, smooth. You
know she's working hard, and it's been rough on her. Now you're playing brat.
You sure you don't got some of Blondie in you? Maybe when you made love, she
like passed it to you. Oh right, good. Blame Buffy now too.

This last month hasn't
been easy on her. She's felt all itchy and scratchy, and she knows why. But she
can't tell Willow�you know, the one she talks to about these things. She can't
tell mom� that would be mega-disaster. And Giles? Oh, please! Worst thing� one
of the worst things, anyway, is that she has to hide it deep, pretend it isn't
happening. Oh, and she knows it's affecting her relationship with Willow, even
if she doesn't know about it. Because Faith's been all itchy and scratchy all
month.

" You're kinda
broody tonight," Willow says, returning to the table, beer in hand, "
Everything alright?"

" Hmmm? Oh yeah,
fine." Faith says. She points at her head, " just doin a little
thinking. I'm not a big brain like you, Red. Takes me a little longer."

"Faith, stop
that," Willow says, a little irritated. " I hate when you put
yourself down like that. You're very smart, and you know you're very smart. All
this " I'm dumb" stuff is really annoying, you know?" Willow
takes a sip of her beer.

"Geeze, we're
kinda touchy tonight, aren't we?" Faith asks, a little defensively, "
I was only joking."

" I wish that were
true, Faith, but we both know it's not. Everybody's told you all your life
you're not smart, you're stupid, and you believe them. Well, I saw your ' light
reading' Kierkegaard? Nietzche? Helvetius? Not exactly what I'd call romance
novels."

" Yeah, well, I
only look at 'em for the pictures. Never read the articles, you know?"
Faith deadpans.

Willow snorts. "
You nut, " She shakes her head, and can't help smiling. " How do you
do that? always making me laugh. " Willow
reaches out, touching Faith's hand. " Sorry for getting so bitchy.
Just a weird day I guess."

" Oh?" Faith
asks.

" Just� got this
today in the mail, " Willow pulls an envelop out of her purse, and hands
it to Faith. Faith opens it, starts to read the letter, and grimaces."
More lawyer speak. What's it about, Red?"

Willow briefly rolls
her eyes, " It's a letter confirming that Tara's been made a ward of the
court." She frowns.

" You ok,
Red?" Faith takes her hand and squeezes it. " I know that wasn't easy
to do."

" No, it wasn't,
" Willow sounds little distant, " but I had to do it. I know that.
Things weren't going to change until I did."

Faith scoots her stool
around closer to Willow. She puts her arm around her. " Still, that
doesn't make it any less tough. Is there anything I can do? To help?"

Willow looks into
Faith's deep brown eyes, and she feels herself become all jelly inside. God, this is going to be murder. Damn! She reaches out , and touches Faith's face.

" You've already
helped. A lot." She says softly. She smiles

Faith, however, can see
the sadness behind the smile. " What? What aren't you telling me, Red?
What else is bothering you?"

Willow scans Faith's
face. " Kiss me?" She asks, almost a whisper. Faith leans in, and
they kiss. It�s a tender kiss, emotional but not passionate. It breaks quickly.

" I guess, I need
to show you this, too, " Willow pulls out another envelope from her purse.
She hands it to Faith.

Faith opens it, and
pulls out a folder. Inside is a ticket to Cleveland, Ohio.

" Where's the
other part?" Faith asks, looking in the folder.

" Other
part?"

" The return ticket?"

Willow is silent. Faith
looks at her, and feels a tiny stab of ice in her stomach.

" Willow? Where's
the return ticket? There is a
return ticket, isn't there?"

Willow shakes her head.
She's afraid to speak.

" Willow, I don't
get it. What's this mean? What's going on?" Faith looks like she wants to
bolt.

" I'm leaving
Sunnydale, Faith, " Willow says softly, " I'm going to Kent State to
get my Master's in education. It's a good opportunity, and my grandmother lives
close by. I can stay there while I complete my degree."

" I don't get it.
Why now? Why're you leaving now?" Faith is stunned.

" Faith, I really
have to. I need to get away from here. Too many bad things have happened in
Sunnydale. Too many bad memories. Everything is still too close, too fresh. I
need time to separate myself from what's happened here. Do you
understand?"

" Yeah, "
Faith says automatically, " no, wait�I don't. I don't understand. Is this
about Tara?"

" Tara,
"Willow nods, " and Buffy."

" Buffy?"
Faith gets a strange look on her face.

" Yeah. Faith,
honey, did you think like Buffy would come home, and we'd be all one big happy
family, Three's Company style? Did you think we were going to keep doing what
we do after she returned?" Willow frowns. " It's going to be awkward
enough, between you two, her being gone so long, without what we're about being
in the way." Willow smiles at her, patting her hand. She sees the look on
Faith's face. " Don't worry, baby. I'm ok about it. I know I was just a placeholder. Buffy will
be home soon, and you two will get
together, and it's going to be all good, you'll see. It'll be easier if I'm not
here."

Faith shakes her head,
as if trying to clear out a bad dream.

" Buffy's not
coming home, " Faith says simply.

" What?"
Willow looks shocked.

" Not right away, anyway. She called
mom, oh I guess it was a few weeks ago. I just ran into mom at the store the
other day. She told me about the call. That Buffy told her she was extending
her stay in England. No specific time frame as to when she's coming back. Or IF she's coming back." Faith waves her
hand, " ok, I think she's coming back. Just, the when? Real up in the
air."

" Faith, there's
got to be a mistake. Joyce must've made a mistake."

" No mistake, Red.
She told mom she had things to ' work out' yet. I kinda thinking, I'm one of
those things."

" That's crazy
talk, Faith," Willow says, " Sorry. I mean, she loves you. She's not
trying to dump you."

" Mom told her I was living at your
place, Willow. She says she recovered quickly, but was rather surprised. I'm
thinking mom left out the " upset as hell " part. Maybe."

" Oh," Willow
says, then grimaces. " Oh. Not good." She drums her fingers on the
table. " Do you think Buffy is really mad enough to leave you though,
Faith? "

" With Buffy? God,
I haven't a clue. Mom was saying after the first bit of shock, she was all
" Well, that's good. She should be there, comforting Willow" Or
something like that. On one hand, the girl shoves us together, then on the
other, gets all bent when we're together. Or I sense she does. She never says
it, but I can like feel it. Or felt it. Oh, I'm just so fucking confused!"
Faith lifts her beer and takes a long swallow. " Now, I'm finding ,
instead of having a friend here, and a girlfriend there, I have a friend
leaving, and looking like she's not coming back, and my girlfriend looks like
she's not coming back. I think the 900 pound gorilla just punched me in the
face."

"Faith, hon,
" Willow reaches out to Faith, but Faith scoots away. " It's going to
be better with me gone. Buffy' will
cool off, and once you tell her that I'm gone, and we were only casual, it
didn't mean anything, then� she'll come around."

" Like she came
around for Riley?" Faith looks at her, " you forgot you gave me all
those memories. She didn't exactly understand when she thought Riley was
running around on her�"

" Is that what you
think we did? Cheat on her?" Willow looks hurt.

" No, I know it
wasn't like that. You know that. But is Buffy going to get that?"

" Buffy was kicking
herself about 10 seconds after Riley left. She realized it was her fault, not
his. I don't think she's going to be making that mistake again. Not with
you."

" She might not
see this the same way. This involves her best friend. She might� ahhh, I don't know."
Faith looks away.

" Faith, it's
going to be ok, I promise you� I'll talk to her, make her understand�"

" I gotta go,
" Faith stands up suddenly.

" Faith, wait,
" Willow stands up, " don't leave like this. Please."

" No, Red,
vampire" Faith points towards the exit. " Gotta go dust him. I'll be
back." She hurries away from the table.

I don't see a
vampire, Willow looks towards the exit. Hold on, fake out. Oh no you don't, mister! Willow starts
towards the exit after Faith.

The vampire has his victim pinned against the wall. She screams.

" Oh , c'mon, baby. Just hold still. It won't hurt a
bit." The vampire morphs to his demon form.

" That's really romantic, guy. I know it made me all weak
in the knees, " Faith says from behind the vamp. She grabs him, and
turning him around, punches him. He falls back a ways.

" Slayer?" The vampire says, wiping his mouth.

" You can go now, " Faith says to the girl, who runs
off. She turns just in time to see the vampire sneaking off himself. " Not
you, moron." She grabs him and slams him against the wall. "We
haven't even had our dance yet, baby." She throws a kick, but the vamp
blocks it, scooting out of the way.

" Gee, Slayer, you seem a little distracted," the
vampire mocks her, "course, I guess I can get that." He throws a
punch, hitting Faith and knocking her back.

"What the hell are you talking about, blood brain?"
Faith does a twirling kick, knocking the vampire into the wall.

" You're girlfriend there. Dumping you. Leaving town. Gotta
smart, " The vampire blocks her next kick, then tries to grab her. Faith
blocks his arm, and knees him in the
stomach. " Ooof!" The vampire falls back, " I can see it pissed
you off."

" You were listening to our conversation?" She sweep
kicks him, but he jumps her leg, throwing a flying kick of his own. She falls
back." What are you, a perv too?"

" You're the slayer. I'm a vampire. What you do interests
me, you know? So I listened in. Gotta love the vamp hearing"

Faith does a combo kick punch, knocking him up against the wall.
She drives her elbow into his chest.

" Gotta say, must be rough, two of 'em dumping you. One by
phone yet. That's harsh. Ow!"

Faith punches him in the solar plexus. He staggers a little,
then comes back, throwing a kick punch at her. She ducks it, and he goes
flying.

" Nobody dumped me moron, get it? Anyway, we're just
friends." She kicks him in the ribs. He grabs her foot, and shoves her up,
back and off her feet. She lands on her butt. The vampire jumps up.

" Just friends? Really? I don't know. When Red there told
you she was leaving, sure looked like you wanted to cry. Vamp sight? Pretty
cool too. Anyway, I'm thinking there's more than friendship there. At least on
your part." He tries to kick her head, but she grabs his foot and shoves
him off� he staggers back and falls. Faith jumps up, and pulls her stake.

" Oh great. Who are you? Dr. Phil for the undead?" She
jumps on him, straddling him.

" Look, Slayer, none of my biz, I know. Well, used to be. I
was a therapist before I became undead and evil, but hey � did you talk to her
about it?"

"Talk about what?" She punches him.

" Like, ow! That hurt!" The vampire pushes her off,
and gets up, " Geeze, so angry. Anyway, did you tell her how you
feel?"

Faith rushes him, driving him across the alley into the opposite
building. She starts punching him.

"How I feel?" Punch. " She's my friend."
Punch. " I feel friendly" Punch, punch.

" Uh-huh, " The vampire head butts her, then swing
kicks her away. " Well, I think someone's in denial land, myself." He
rushes her, and she steps out the way.
He goes flying, landing on his face. He pushes up, and faces her. " Truth
be told, I think you love her."

" Truth be told, " She mocks him, " I think
you're a moron." She does a combo
sweep kick, and knocks him against some trash cans. " I think you've been
eating way too many diseased idiots. It's gone to your head, Dr. Phil" She
kicks him in the chest.

" Really? Then why all the anger? I mean, you're the
slayer. You could've finished me off by now" He grabs her leg, and tosses
her aside, and stands. " But looks like you're taking your anger out on
me. I saw how you looked when she told you. You looked like someone kicked you
in the stomach. Ok, maybe, real off chance, that was surprise. But did you react
like a friend? No, you got angry, and told her how you felt you were being
abandoned. Well, not in so many words, but it was all there in the body
language!"

" Body language, my ass," She drives him into the
wall, arm across his neck. " Lets see how your body likes this
language" She drives the stake into his chest.

" Aw� shi�" He
says, before he crumbles to dust.

" Whatta dope," She says, dusting off her hands. She
turns and sees Willow standing behind her, staring at her. She almost jumps out
of her skin. " Red, what the hell are you doing here?"

" Is it true? What he said?" Willow stands staring at
her.

" What? Oh please, you mean the Dr. Phil wannabe?"
Faith looks disgusted. " Of course not. He's just trying blow smoke up my
ass, distract me. I've heard lame stuff before, but�" She starts to move
around Willow, but Willow gets aggressive, driving her back into the wall.
" Hey, what the hell?"

" Is it true? What he said?" Willow uses her body to
block Faith.

" Red, I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'd suggest
you move." Faith tries to duck around her, but Willow moves with her.
" I'm warning you. I don't want to hurt you." She tries a feint, then
ducking the other way, but Willow doesn't fall for it. She pushes Faith back
against the wall, using her arm across
Faith's chest.

" You didn't answer me. Is what he said the truth?"

" What do you care?" Faith asks. Willow pushes harder
against her chest. " Ok, of course not. It's a fairy tale, ok?"
Faith, getting angry, picks up Willow, and moves her to the side, as gently as
possible. " So who cares, anyway, right? You're outta here, so what's the
deal?" Faith starts to walk away.

" You don't care that I'm leaving?" Willow calls after
her.

Faith stops, and half turns around. Her face is set in a smirk.
"What's your deal, Red? It was all casual, right? A nice slap and tickle.
So what's the third degree about?" She turns, waves her hand dismissively,
and starts away.

" Why're you dodging my questions? Why aren't you answering
me straight?"

Faith stops dead. For a second, she just stands there, back to
Willow. Then she turns, and starts striding towards her, fast. It looks as if
she's going to run her over.

" So, you want straight answers, huh, Red?" Faith
pushes Red up against the wall, holding her forearm across her neck. "
This straight enough for ya? Fine. Ok. Question one. Do I love you? NO! Do I
give a crap if you leave town? NO! That clear?" She leans in, her face
inches from Willow's " Remember, Red, these were your rules. It's all
casual. We're only comforting each
other. It doesn't mean jack, and we part friends. No strings, no ties,
no heartaches. Remember that?"

" Faith, please� you're hurting me." Willow chokes
out.

Faith drops her arm, and backs away. Willow goes to her knees.

" I don't get you, Red. What did you expect me to say?
" Hey, babe, lets blow this burg? I'll take you someplace far away. We'll
forget everything but you and me. I'll make you so happy, so fucking horny,
you'll pee your pants?" That what you want to hear? Faith notices Willow
still on her knees. Concerned, she goes over and kneels by her. " You
ok?"

"No," Willow moans." You hurt me." She
touches her neck.

" Ah, man, Red, I got too rough. I'm sorry�" Faith
reaches to help her up. " Let me get you to the doctor, have a look at
that."

" No, Dumbass, not there!" Willow growls at her.
" Here!" She hits her chest.

Faith looks confused.

Willow hauls herself up, then lashes out, knocking Faith over on
her butt. She walks away

" Red, what the hell?" Faith calls out, angrily.

Willow whirls around, red faced. " Fuck you, Faith Lehane!
I've seen lots of sides of you but never straight up cruel before." She
starts to turn away again, but then is back around facing faith. She marches
over, and slaps her face! " No, you don't just get to get away with it,
screw that ! God, how can you be so fucking cold?" She stands over Faith,
glowering down at her.

" I� I don't get it," Faith says, " This what you
said you wanted. Casual, nothing more. Why're you getting so fucking nuclear?"

Willow shakes her head, as if she can't believe it.

" I was wrong before. You ARE stupid! Can't you put one and
one together Faith, and come up with two? What do I have to do, spell it out
for you? Fine. I will. Why do you think I want to get outta Sunnydale so badly?
Why do you think I'm moving so far away? Why do you think I went to my Father,
and lied to him, telling him I wasn't gay anymore, so he'd give me money for
college? Think that was fun? Lying to him, watching him get all happy and sing
praises to God that his daughter came to her senses. Did ya notice, I'm still
gay? But I lied, so I could get the money to get away from here. Why do you
think that?"

" Because of Tara?"

" EEEHHHHH !!!! Wrongo, so wrongo it's almost funny. No,
it's not Tara, Faith. I still love her, and in some way, always will. But I
know she's gone, she's not coming back, and I've accepted that. I've done the
moving on. Real recently. Remember? You were there, holding my hand, holding me while I nearly broke apart. No,
it's not Tara Faith. Try again."

Faith starts to get up. " I don't want to play this game
anymore." Willow shoves her back down. " Hey!"

" I said, try again!"

Faith looks up and almost freaks. She would swear Willow's
green eyes are totally black. Gotta be the light.

" I don't get this, Red. Why're you being so damned angry?
What the fuck did I do?"

" I said, TRY AGAIN!" Willow shout at her. She comes
over and slaps Faith again, hard. " Quit stalling!"

" Jesus, damn, " Faith touches her reddening
cheek." Quit the fuck with the hitting. Fine. I play your stupid game. Is
it Buffy? Is that what's got you so pissed off?"

"You're half right, " Willow kneels down. "
Buffy's part of it." Willow's voice is calmer. Almost coldly calm. "
It's not just Buffy. It's you and
Buffy."

" Me and Buffy?" Faith looks at her. " Me and
Buffy?"

" Don't you understand? Can't you see? Are you really that
blind, Faith?" Willow looks in her face, trying to get beneath the
bravado. " You really don't, do you?" She stands up. She wonders if it's even worth saying. I'll be
gone, and she'll move on to Buffy. I'll just be a pleasant memory. Just leave
it, just let it go.

She suddenly aware that Faith is standing next to her. She looks
up.

" What about Me and Buffy? What does that mean?"

" Faith, just drop it, ok? It's not important. Let it
go." Willow starts to walk away.

" No, dammit," Faith gets around her, blocking her.
" You don't just start something, and then say, " forget it."
What is this about? What about me and Buffy? What's that supposed to
mean?"

Willow feels trapped. She looks this way and that, and can't
find a way out.

" Don't, please Faith. Just don't"

" Answer me!" Faith growls at her.

" Fine!" Willow loses it. " I'm jealous, ok? I so
fucking jealous I � "

" Of me and Buffy?"

" Of Buffy having you! I'm jealous of my best friend,
because SHE HAS YOU!"

" What?" Faith steps back, shaking her head. "
This� this isn't supposed� to �"

" No, it's not supposed to. It's never supposed to . Well,
it did. I know I made the rules, Faith.
I know that. I know I said, casual, no strings, it's all good. We're just
supposed to get each other through the night. Well, fuck me, I fucked up. I
didn't figure I'd fall head over heels in love with you!"

Faith feels like the wind's been knocked out of her. She
staggers back and sits down on an
overturned trash can. She puts her face in her hands.

" God, is it that awful for you?" Willow looks at her.
" It's hell for me. I didn't want
this, I didn't expect this. I figured I could just get some touch, be ok, and
move on. Find someone who loves me, wants me, needs me. But damn you, Faith
Lehane, what have you done to me? I can't stop thinking about you. I feel like
a junkie needing her fix when you're not around. God, I've never felt like this
before. Even with Tara. That was so different from this. I don't want you, I
crave you. The way you hold me, touch me, make me feel so � so� goddamn good.
You're kisses light fires in me. And if that isn't bad enough, you do these incredible
things to me and for me. Without me even asking, you start coming with me to
see Tara. When I'm losing it, because I know I have to let her go, you hold me
til the tears stop. You take me
dancing, you take me to dinner, you make me the most romantic breakfast , you
do so many goddamn things I can't count them. And you do them like they're
nothing. But they're something. All of it, every bit of it is something.
Something special. And I look at you, and I see you, and I know you want Buffy.
Not me, Buffy. And I think about that, you being with her, the both of you so
cute and in love and doing couple-y things together, and loving together and
eating together and fighting together and I want to just die. Because it's not
me. I want to be her so bad right now , to have you look at me the way you look
at her�" Willow catches her breath. " You made fun of me back there
with the thing about running away. But If you asked me, really asked me that,
I'd do it. I'd give up everything I am, everything I know, everything, to be
with you. I wouldn't care about anything except being with you. I'd be your
slave, anything to be with you." Willow shakes her head. " What does
that mean, what kind of person am I? Fuck I don't care, if it's with you!"

She walks away, leaning against the wall. All her passion is
drained. She says, quietly, " It doesn't matter, though. Because you don't
feel that way about me. You love Buffy, and that's that. So, you see, I can't
stay here. I can't watch you and Buffy be together. I can't do it, Faith. I
can't die by inches. And that's what would happen. I'd die. I gotta go, I gotta
get away from you. Try to forget you. Don't you see? Can't you understand
that?"

She waits for an answer. Getting none, she pushes off the wall.

" I guess not." She starts to walk away. She stops.
" Look, I can't be near you anymore, ok? I don't want you to come back to
my place tonight. Come tomorrow, when I'm at work, get your stuff. Leave the
key on the kitchen table. I can't �
just don't let me see you." She starts to walk away, and stops when
she hears laughter. It's a bitter laugh.

" What? She turns back, eyes brimming with tears. "
This is funny? I amuse you? why're you laughing at me." She strides over
to Faith, who's still has her face in her hands. " Look at me, damn
you! How can you be so cruel to laugh
at me?" She stares down at Faith.

When Faith looks up, Willow sees her eyes are wet with tears.
Her face is so sad, it breaks Willow's heart.

" What?"

" It's true."

" I � what's true?" Willow looks confused.

" The vampire, what
he said? What you asked? It's true." Faith looks forlorn. " It's not
supposed to be like this. This isn't supposed to happen. It was all supposed to be casual, no one
hurt. Well, guess what? You're not the only one hurting here. When you told me
you were leaving, I thought a mule kicked me, it hurt so fucking bad."
Faith stands up suddenly, almost ramming into Willow. She walks away from her,
up the alley. She stops.

" I'm not like you,
Red. Don't got the words to say what I'm feeling. All I know is what I�m
feeling, and I hate it and love it at
the same time. It's not supposed to be like this. Even a dummy like me knows
I'm not supposed to feel like this about you, not when I feel like this about
Buffy too." She turns to Willow.
" You got it rough, sure, but what about me? I got two women I adore, and
I can't have either of them. One wants to run away and leave me, and the other
one probably will never come back to me. So, what the fuck do I get? Just twice
the pain," Faith kicks a trash can, sending it flying into a wall.

" God, all I wanted
was someone to love me. Love me so I could love them. Is that so fucking
horrible? And then I fell for Buffy, and I'm hoping she fell for me, and I
thought great, this is exactly what I want. And she's got to go nuts on me,
right? Ok fuck me that's selfish, but it's what happened. I know she's
suffering, but dammit so was I! So I took a little comfort from you thinking
hey, what can it hurt? We give each other a happy . At the end, we walk away.
Boom. Easy.

" But then you gotta be you, right? Amazing, wonderful,
sexy god you make me crazy you! I'm with you, and each time it's like new. I
keep peeling layers of you back and
damn , there's more there to see. And I know I'm not supposed to, but I fall
for you. Because � shit, how do you explain falling in love, for god's sake? I
just did, dammit. And I hate it, because I love Buffy, and feel like a creep.
And I love it, because � well, there you are!" Faith sits down heavily, as if her knees were cut out from under
her. " I can't figure it, I don't know what to do. I only know, it's
real, and I'm stuck. I'm in love with
both of you. I love you, and I love her. This isn't supposed to happen. It's
supposed to be ' get in, get some, and get out.' Damn it, now I don't want to
get out! " She sits staring at her hands. " I don't know what to do.
I'm so confused, and I'm in so much trouble."

Willow stands looking at her, tears rolling down her cheeks. She
walks, she stumbles over to Faith, and sits next to her. She puts an arm around
her, and leans her head on her shoulder.

" Not just you,
honey, not just you, " Willow says, sounding hopeless.." It's
we, we're both in trouble."

They sit there for awhile. Not speaking. Not having to.

"What do we do now?" Faith finally breaks the
silence." You're the smart one. What happens now?"

Willow says the words that break both their hearts.

" I have to leave. And you have to let me go."

" I don't want to." Faith feels her heart start to
crack.

" I don't want to, either, Faith, " Willow's heart
cracks right along. " But you know we have to."

The look at each other, and kiss. It's a soft gentle touch of
the lips. Nothing more.

Willow stands up, looking down at Faith. She has a thousand, no, a million things she
wants to say to her. But finally, she just says the two cruelest words in the
world.

" Goodbye, Faith."
Willow says. She turns and walks away.

Faith is silent. She watches her go, until she can't see her
anymore. Then she just hauls herself up, and walks.

Goodbye, Red. She thinks as she walks into the night.

To be continued.
- 13
- 14
- 15
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