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Change of Season	By : wright99 Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 8857 -:- 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
- 14
- 15
- 16
Change of Seasons, Chapter 14

1

"C'mon, c'mon," Faith says impatiently into the cell phone. "Answer the phone!"
Faith is waiting outside the Academic Committee room, waiting to be called to testify. Her nerves are not the best, and Joyce not answering her cell isn't helping matters.
She's not in her usual garb. Instead, she's wearing a tailored charcoal gray suit, with low heels and nylons. This alone is enough to make her itchy, but the fact that her academic career is on the line persuades her to dress more formally than normal. Her hair is tied back with a scrunchie, and her makeup is light and conservative. She's going for the "I'm serious here" look.
Who am I kidding with these rags, anyway? Faith thinks, looking at her outfit. I mean, really. Let's review the facts, ok? Jock Frat house presses charges against me for vandalism and assault. Jock's bring in the bucks in sports. I'm just what? Some scruffy kid from Southie. Yeah, She smirks, cynically, I'm dead, right? I mean, c'mon, where money's involved, you think they're going to do the right thing? Yeah, and I'm Princess Whatserface of Monaco, right? This is bogus, I should just�
"Hello?" A familiar and very welcome voice is heard on the line.
"Joyce?"
"Faith? Faith!"
"Hi, baby. I just� I really needed to hear your voice."
"Oh, honey, is it � what's happening? Is it bad?"
"I haven't gone in yet�"
"I should've come! I should be there with you. Damn this stupid art show. I should've let Taylor handle it. I can't concentrate on it, anyway. How are you? God, I should be with you right now, at your side�"
"Joyce, we talked about this. You couldn't do anything, anyway. I'm ok, I'm cool; I just wanted to hear your voice. It gives me a major happy, and it helps with the nerves."
"But�"
"No buts, Joyce. You know you can't afford being seen with me right now. I mean, with Hank and the divorce and all. Never mind your conservative clients. How happy would they be if they found out you were dating a twenty-one year old woman. Even if I'm smokin' hot!"
"Do you really think that matters? You're what matters to me honey."
"What about the girls, babe? What would they think about you and me?"
There's a slight pause at the other end. " You're assuming they'd be suspicious. I'm helping you out because you helped out Buffy�"
"They're not idiots, Joyce. They can put two and two together." Faith sighs; these words are killing her, "right now, with everything going on, it's not the time to come out about us."
Again, another slight pause. "I wish you'd let me send Buffy with you. It's not fair you facing this yourself. She should be there to testify for you�"
"Joyce, stop! I know you mean well, but just think a minute here. What good would it do? Buffy was majorly out of it that night. Her testimony wouldn't do anybody any good. And, she'd be spotlighted being at that party. It would probably cost her a spot on the cheerleading team. For what? Nothing. No, it's best this way. She's happy, and you yourself said she's doing better in school. Her not testifying is for the best�"
"What about you?" Joyce replies, full of concern. "What about your life? Don't you deserve to go to school? This is so unfair! How can they believe you were doing anything but trying to save Buffy, anyway? That's it. I'm coming over there. I don't care what happens. I'm going in that committee room, and give them a piece of my mind, and if they don't listen to me, I'm taking it to the Board of Regents. This isn't happening!"
"Joyce, Joyce! Cool down," Faith says softly into the phone. "God, I love you! But listen to me. It's ok, Joyce, no matter what happens. It's not, and I repeat, it's NOT the end of the world, ok? There are other schools, Joyce. There's the community college, or other schools I can try. It's going to be ok."
"This never should've happened. If I'd been a better�"
"Don't even go there, Joyce. That's beyond ridiculous. You can't watch the girls every minute of the day, especially now. You did your best."
"Then why do I feel like I failed?"
"Joyce, please. Don't get crazy before it happens, ok? It might go ok. Think that way, would ya? It might work out fine. We just gotta�"
"Ms. McKerrigan?" A young woman approaches Faith.
"Joyce, hold on a minute," Faith turns to the girl. "Yes?"
"You're wanted in the committee room now."
"Joyce, I gotta go. They're calling me now."
"Call me as soon as you find out anything."

"I will."

"Faith?"
"Yeah, Joyce?"
"I love you."
"I love you too. I gotta go. Bye."
Faith hangs up before Joyce can say another word. She was out of energy, and couldn't fake feeling confident anymore. Her face is grim as she turns to the girl waiting for her.
"Let's go," She says, standing up.

2

"C'mon, c'mon," Willow says, a little impatiently. She turns the dial on her locker, and when the handle doesn't go up, she pounds on it. "What's wrong with you, you bad locker?"
"It's the evil locker from hell!"
"Huh? What? Buffy!" Willow turns around, seeing the diminutive blonde standing at her shoulder, looking over. Where'd she come from? "Hey, Buffy. I just don't know, you know? I swear I open this locker every day without trouble, but today it's being bad." She slaps the locker with her open palm. "Bad, bad, locker. Oh, and ouch!"
Buffy laughs.
"I don't think hitting it will help. I told you, it's the evil locker from hell. It probably likes being hit."
"Buffy, that's just� ok, weird comes to mind�"
"Well, it's either that, or for jollies, Snyder goes around and selects lockers at random and changes one number on the combination, making it terribly confusing for everyone."
"Did I say weird? Crazy is beginning to sound better�"
"Hear me out. First day here, I got my locker combination. 36-22 -33. I remembered it because, hey, who wouldn't want that figure, right? So, all day, I'm using that combo, no problem right? So, next day, I come to school. Put in the locker combination, boom. Nothing, nada. Can't get it open. Dawn is laughing at me, saying I can't remember squat. Well, I know that was the combination. But finally, I had to go to the office to have it looked up. And damn, It's changed! The combination is 36-22-43! Somebody changed it! I swear. I mean, come on. Who'd want hippo hips, right?"
"Buffy, c'mon," Willow can barely suppress a laugh, "now you're sounding paranoid! Going around changing lockers. Snyder? Don't you think he has better things to do?"
"Like what? Do you really think there's a Mrs. Snyder in the mix? I mean what woman would be crazy enough to date him, much less marry him! No, I swear, he's some little troll of a man who never had a date in high school and now gets his revenge by �"
"What, Ms. Summers?"
Both girls heads whirl around to see Mr. Snyder, the school principal, standing next to them.
SNYDER! Both think simultaneously.
"May I ask why you two are out here lollygagging? Don't you have classes to be in? Now, I'm sure, Ms. Summers, you're feeling your oats, seeing how you got on the cheerleading squad, though how is a mystery. But even cheerleaders must attend class. Otherwise, well� I'm sure you know what the consequences are." He turns to Willow. "Now, you Ms. Rosenberg, I'm sure you could probably pass your classes without attending. Still, it might be nice if you actually show up and go through the formality of attending class. I'm sure your teachers would be most appreciative."
"She was helping me," Willow blurts out, pushing on her locker handle again. "My locker seems stuck�"
"Stuck?"
"You know, Principal Snyder. As in, won't open, can't get in, can't get her books, lock's jammed�"
"I know what stuck means, Ms. Summers. Some of us actually learned something in school." He glares at her. "That still doesn't excuse you from not being in class�"
"But� but I can't go to class. Not without Willow." Buffy stalls, thinking fast. "We're� we're working on a project together for class, and how would it look if I just merrily waltz in there, without my partner, la, la, la, la, la."
Snyder just glares at Buffy, while Willow turns, struggling again with her locker. She pounds on it, trying to get the handle to release.
"Ms. Rosenberg. That's school property. Please don't destroy it by pounding on it," Snyder makes an impatient noise. "here, let me."
Willow backs off, and Snyder, after making a little show of taking over, struggles with the stuck handle.
"Are you absolutely sure you're using the correct locker combination?" Snyder asks impatiently, still trying to get the handle to move.
"Same one I've had all year, Mr. Snyder." Willow looks at Buffy, who gives her a "See, told you" look.
"Ah, this is pointless." Snyder reaches in his pants pocket, bringing out a ring of keys. Looking through them, he finds the master key for the lockers. Holding it up, he shoves it into the slot in the locker's lock, and turns it. There's a satisfying click, and he turns to the girls.
"Now, see what you can do if you do things right?" He lectures them, turning around. "If you weren't habitually truant, making you late and having to rush, none of this would happen." With a flair, he pulls open the locker.
And almost falls on his butt when a big group of balloons rush out of the locker, surrounding him and confusing him. As it is, he has to bat a number away, sounding more than a little scared.
"WHAAAA????" Snyder cries, batting away the balloons from around him. He backs up, and slips, almost falling down. Willow rushes over, managing to keep him upright.
"Is this your idea of a joke, Mr. Rosenberg!" Snyder, red faced, says in a high, slightly hysterical voice. "I don't find this at all funny."
He shakes her off, trying to regain some small sense of dignity. He's loath for anyone to find out his fear of clowns and balloons.
"Principal Snyder? Are you all right? I assure you, I had no idea those were in there!" Willow takes one look at his face, and backs off.
" Very amusing, Ms. Rosenberg. I'm sure you and your partner in crime, Buffy Summers, will spend an amusing�"
"Principal Snyder! Principal Snyder!" A woman, in her mid forties, comes rushing down the hallway. She stops just in front of Snyder, panting.
"Yes, Louise? What is it?" Snyder is still keeping tabs on his two 'birds in hand'.
"Its Jeff Willoughby, Mr. Snyder. He's chained himself to the tree in the quad area. He says he's protesting the destruction of the rainforest, and says he won't unlock himself until he speaks to you about Sunnydale High's use of paper. He's threatening to call the media on his cell phone."
Principal Snyder lets out a sigh that speak volumes. He turns and looks at the two girls.
"Well, shouldn't you be in class already? The locker's open, get your books and go." He turns to Louise, who's waiting for him. "Willoughby, I know that name."

"Yes, his father is a senior partner in a major law firm. Jeff is threatening to call him to sue the High School over it's recycling practices."
"The little weasely troublemaker," Snyder says, starting down the hall with Louise. "No lawsuits. We'll have to figure a way to placate the monster. At least until we can get him unlocked from that tree�"
The two of them disappear around a corner.
"Whew, I think we ducked that one, " Buffy says, laughing. She jumps to get one of the balloons that have risen to the ceiling.
Snyder reappears at the end of the hallway.
"I haven't forgotten this. I'll deal with you two later!" He vanishes back down the hall.
Willow looks at the balloons floating around the ceiling, and with Buffy, attempts to collect them up.
"Oooo, look," Buffy cries out, bringing a balloon with a jewelry box attached to it. "Seems someone got a present!"
"Huh, what?" Willow looks a little consternated, as if this wasn't exactly a good thing. Oh god, Cordelia strikes again.
"somebody sent you something. Whoo hoo!" Buffy dances around Willow, excited. "Well, aren't you going to open it?"
"I dunno," Willow says, not exactly sharing Buffy's enthusiasm. "Frankly, I'd kinda like to get the balloons under control and get to class before the bell rings."
"Hey, present. In a pretty box! You've got to open it, there's a law or something�" Buffy frowns a little, seeing Willow's expression. "C'mon, gift getting girl, where's your sense of adventure?"
"Here, you open it," She hands the box to Buffy.
"I can't open this," Buffy pushes it back to Willow. "It's for you. What's going on? Why don't you want it? Aren't you the least bit curious? Not making lots of sense here, Willow."
"Ok, ok, I'll open it," Willow looks at the box, then pulls the ribbon and lifts the lid.
Inside are a pair of diamond stud earrings. A small smile comes to Willow's face.
"Whoa! They're�whoa," Buffy is looking over Willow's shoulder. She turns and whispers in Willow's ear. "I'm thinking, somebody's got a girlfriend. Big time!"
"What? No, no girlfriend," Willow shakes her head.
"C'mon, Will. This is me here. Those earrings got to be a carat each, and this coat�" She runs her hand over the sleeve of Willow's coat, "� soft as butter, and that's the good kind. The expensive kind. Someone is really jonesing after a little of Willow goodness, I'm thinking."
"Look, Buff� these are from someone I knew before, I mean� way before. At least, I thought I knew her." She stares at the earrings. "She knows that this� isn't what I really want, know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I guess," though in Buffyworld, questioning the giver of fine gifts is somewhere close to heresy,"�still, I'm thinking she's trying here, Willow. I mean, jeepers. No one gives earrings like that to just anyone�and � oh, look! A note!" She grabs at the box, but Willow pulls it away. She pulls out the note and turns away from Buffy.
"Hey, bud here!" Buffy says, hopping up and down trying to see the note.
"It's private, Buffy." Willow says, opening the paper.
Meet me after school? At the Espresso Pump? Ok? I'll be there around 5pm, ok? Please meet me.
C.
"What did it say?" Buffy still tries to get a glimpse. Willow crumples the note, and puts it in her jeans. "Aw, why'd you do that?"
"Buffy�"
Buffy slips her arms around Willow, laying her head on Willow's back. "I'll be your bestest bud ever. Promise! C'mon, give!" She squeezes Willow a little, and switches to Buffy adorable voice." C'mon, bestest bud ever. Please???"
Willow can't help chuckling a little. God, you just know how to lay it on thick, don't ya Buff?
"She wants to meet me at the Espresso Pump. Ok, happy?"
"You going?"
"Buffy, class. We should go," Willow pulls away, going to her locker to close it.
"Oh, pooh on class," Buffy pouts, just a little. "This is serious business we're talking here, girlfriend. I mean, this is your love life, you know?"
"Oh, really? And what about you, Ms. Summers. Or should I say�" Willow switches to teasing mode,"� Ms. Summers-Johnson?"
"What?" Buffy blushes a delightful pink. "Who?"
"Oh, don't EVEN, Ms. Thang," Willow turns the tables, "Brad Johnson. Kind of tall, muscle-y and wearing shorts a lot because he's on the basketball team? You know, the one you get all flustered and giggly over whenever he puts in an appearance?" Willow arches a brow. "I saw you wrapping him around your pinkie, little Ms. DeNile."
"Oh, him," Buffy waves her hand. Then she grins big time. "He's kind of full of adorableness, don�t you think?" She leans into Willow, wrapping her hands around her arm. "God, he's sooo cute in shorts."
"Well, I'm not a good judge, considering the gay thing. But I guess in a male way, he's definitely drool worthy. For a guy. If that's your thing."
Willow starts to make her way to class, Buffy following a long, holding onto her arm, looking a little dazed.
"He's definitely boyfriendly," Buffy sighs. "I think I'm in love. So, you're in favor of the hyphenated name, then?"
"Huh?"
"Summers-Johnson. You said it first. I think it's nice."
"I think you're a goofball." Willow chuckles. "Sweet, but definitely a goofball."
"What?"
"Oh, please. Buffy, you know every girl that isn't gay in this school like drools over him. What makes you think he's going to pick you?"
"Because he knows quality when he sees it?"
"Did I say goofball? I meant, Insane-o!"
"You're just jealous," Buffy says in a sing song voice. They reach a turn in the hall.
"Excuse me? Where did that come from?"
"I saw you checking out my butt! You love me!"
"You're so full of it. One, I don't hit on every girl I meet, and two, you're not my type."
"Oh, that a fact?" they disappear around the bend.
"Yeah, I don't like short blondes, "Willow's voice floats back.
"Then what is your type?" Buffy's voice floats back.
"You're impossible, you know that?" Willow voice sounds exasperated.
"Willow's got a girlfriend! Willow's got a girlfriend!"

3

Bogus.
Faith sits , looking around at the other people seated opposite her at the table.
Not a familiar face, except one, she thinks to herself, stopping briefly at Dean Landis' place at the table. She notes the grim expressions on all the people sitting around here, and her heart sinks. This doesn't look very good.
"Ms. McKerrigan. Faith. I'm glad you could be here today, and on time," Dean Landis speaks up. "I hope we haven't kept you waiting too long?"
Only if you're sweating it out, like I am. "No, not at all Dean Landis."
"Good. Let me introduce some of the committee members to you." She turns and points to the far left. "The gentleman on the end is Chief Romero. He's head of Campus Security here at UC Sunnydale. Seated next to him is Dr. Cronenberg, dean of Academic Affairs. On my right is Dean Carpenter, dean of The school of Fine Arts, your school, and finally at the other end is Dr. Raimi, dean of Student affairs. I assume you know why you're here?"
"Yes, Dean Landis." Like, I'm going to forget?
"The committee would like to ask you some questions about the affair at Alpha Mu Fraternity house on �" She consults her notes,"� Saturday the 25th of last month."
"Fire away," Faith sits back in her seat. Despite her bravado, she's nervously plucking at her fingers under the table. Never let them see you sweat�or wring your hands. God, I hate this!
"Ms. McKerrigan," Chief Romero addresses her. "Could you briefly go over the statement you gave to Dr. Landis at your interview with her two weeks ago?"
"As I told Dean Landis," Faith leans forward a little, "I work for the University Pub. They often cater parties at the Fraternity houses, and I was told by Mike, my boss, that I would be working this one. Anyway, I mostly attended the portable bar we set up downstairs. I was kept busy most of the night down there. However, towards the end of the evening, when I was taking a break, one of the House members asked me to lug a keg upstairs for a private party they were having. I did that, and as I was leaving, I heard a ruckus in the room next door. It sounded like someone screaming, so I called the cops. Then I was gonna leave, but I heard more screaming. So I went and checked it out.
"When I got there, I found a young woman surrounded by a bunch of guys. They looked like they were getting rough with her. I mean, they were grabbing at her, and pushing her, and tearing her clothing. Well, I admit, maybe not the smartest move, but I busted up a table, and using the legs, kinda waded in, fending off the guys until I could get her out of there."

She stops for a moment, looking at the faces surrounding her.
"That's pretty much it. After that, I kinda got in a cab and sent her home."
"Does that match the story Ms. McKerrigan told you earlier, Dr. Landis?" Dean Raimi asks.
"Excuse me, sir. Not a story. That's the way it happened." Faith interjects.
"Yes, pretty much," Dean Landis says.
"Ms. McKerrigan, I'm sorry. But this is your version of the events. The Alpha Mu Fraternity has a differing view of the events."
"Is that a fact?" Faith says, a little irritated. "And just what to they say happened?"
"I don't believe you need that information at this time," Dr. Raimi replies.
"Excuse me? I understand I'm being brought up on charges. If I remember my class on the constitution correctly, I'm thinking I have to right to face my accusers. That would be you. And to hear the charges against me?" She looks around at the table. "Or don't we go by the constitution in this place?"
"I believe that will be enough, Ms. McKerrigan," Dr. Cronenberg says.
"Really? All I'm asking is what's been said about me, so I can dispute it, If I have to."
"I believe Ms. McKerrigan has a point," Dr. Landis looks at the others. She turns to Faith. "The representative for Alpha Mu says that you were witnessed drinking while on duty at the bar�"
"I wasn't drinking." Faith says, cutting in. "I don't drink while working."
"You were observed pouring and drinking something, Ms. McKerrigan. A number of witnesses testified to that fact."
"Club soda"
"I'm sorry."
"I drank club soda, Dean Landis. Nothing more than that."
"I see. Anyway, moving on, when you were approached by one the house members to set up a Keg upstairs, you replied in a rude, and surly manner�"
"Again, wrong, Dean Landis. I was on a break, and I politely pointed that out to the Fraternity brother that approached me. He was rude, ma'am, and he threatened to have me fired, and/or sue my boss if I didn't do as he asked. Rather than fight with him, I did it."
"They then say you went upstairs, and were muttering and cursing. When they asked you what the problem was, you told them to back off or you'd � how did they put it? Oh yes, rip them a new one�"
"That's simply a lie. I didn't even speak to anyone when I went upstairs. I just set up the keg, grabbed the old one, and left. Everyone seemed to be busy with each other, frankly."
"�and finally, when they asked you to leave, you blew up, and started attacking them. Broke an antique table, and used it to hit them with�."
"Well, I admitted to busting the table, though I didn't know it was antique or nothing. I just had like half a dozen guys looking for a fight." She stands up. "Not exactly the biggest girl in the world, as you can see. I just needed something to even the odds."
"You admit hitting a student? One� Riley Finn?" Dean Cronenberg looks at his report.
"Well, yeah. But he was gonna hit me. What should've I done? Sit there and let him give me some free plastic surgery courtesy his fist?"
"Perhaps you shouldn't have been involved at all," Dean Carpenter speaks up. "You said you called the police, why didn't you let them handle the situation?"
"As I said, Dean�?"
"Carpenter."
"Dean Carpenter. It sounded like the situation wasn't going to wait for the police to show up. If I hadn't done something, that girl might have been assaulted or raped�"
"Why didn't you call Campus security?" Chief Romero cuts in. "We're right on campus, and surely could've responded faster than the police."
"Well, I didn't have the number, and it didn't sound like I'd have time to ask for it�"
"You're a student here at the University, that's correct, Ms. McKerrigan?"
"Yes sir. Just started a couple of weeks ago."
"Do you have a student ID?"
"Er� yeah."
"The number for Campus security is printed on your student ID, Ms. McKerrigan."
"I didn't know that, Chief."
There is silence at the table.
"May I ask you another question, Ms. McKerrigan?"
"Sure, Chief."
"Have you ever worked in law enforcement or security?"
"Uhhh� no sir."
"So, you've never had any training in these fields, nor any experience?"
"No sir. I just said that."
"So, it's possible then that you might have misinterpreted the situation at the Alpha Mu house?"
"What?"
"Having no experience, is it possible that you misread the situation, and acted out of turn?"
"Again, I ask, what? They were tossing her around like a ball, and ripping at her clothes. She was screaming. How would you 'read the situation', Chief?"
"Well, according to the people we spoke with, it was a game. A prank. They admitted to getting a little rough, but they insist they never had any intention of hurting the young woman in question�"
"And you bought that?"
"Well, they all backed up the story," The Chief consults his notes. "There was even a young woman, a friend of the one you said was being assaulted. She backed up their story."
"Tall girl, brunette? Looked like she stepped off a fashion magazine?"
The Chief smiles. "That's a fairly accurate description. Her name is�well, she's a minor, so I can't reveal her name."
"Cordelia, right? Yeah, she was there, all right. Except she told me, when I showed up, that they were attacking BOTH of them. Funny how her story changed, don't you think, Chief?"
"She told you she was being attacked too?" The Chief checks his notes again. "That's not what she told us."
"Yeah, strange, isn't it?"
"So, did you believe her? About being attacked?"
"I didn't see anyone touching her, Chief. And well� frankly, I wasn't believing her."
"Why not?"
"Haven't you ever been told something by someone that just didn't wash? Know what I mean?"
The Chief stares at her a little, and a small grin appears on his face.
"Yes, I do." He nods.
"Ms. McKerrigan," Dr. Raimi from the other end speaks up. "I don't believe this hearing is about the veracity of one particular witness or not, but about the charges brought against you. Charges backed up by many witnesses."
"I believe, Dr. Raimi," Dr. Landis interrupts him, "This hearing is about hearing Ms. McKerrigan's version of the events that happened that night."
"Oh, please, Joan. It's pretty well known you're antipathy towards the Alpha Mu Fraternity. You're on a witch hunt here, trying to get them thrown off campus."
"Well, Sam, not being a former Alpha Mu alum, like yourself? Maybe I don't know them like you do. I mean, you seem to be in the thick of any investigation of the house, doing your best to ignore the facts when they're right in front of you." She smiles tightly. "But of course, the Alpha Mu boys couldn't be lying, could they?"
"All of them? They all corroborate the story given by Riley Finn and the others. Where are the witnesses for Ms. McKerrigan? I don't see anyone stepping forward on her behalf," Dr. Raimi smirks." Maybe if you weren't such a cold, man-hating lesbian�"
Faith stands there, trying her hardest to repress a grin. It's not easy work.
"You Neanderthal. I bet you still beat women over the head to �"
"I think that's MORE than enough!" Dean Carpenter, caught between the two, breaks in. " It would do for certain members of this board to put their particular prejudices aside and judge this case on it's merits. I believe the phrase is acting like adults?" He turns to Faith. "I apologize for my colleagues immature behavior."
Faith doesn't say anything, just waves her hand.
"Ms. McKerrigan. The girl. The one you say was being assaulted. Will she testify in your behalf." Dr. Carpenter asks gently.
"Well, that's the thing, Dr. Carpenter. I don't know her from eve, and well, I don't know her name or nothing. I didn't think to ask it� seeing how I thought I was doing the right thing here."
"You haven't been able to find her, Faith?" Dr. Landis looks concerned. "It would greatly aid your case if she would testify for you."
"Yes, or maybe, she doesn't want to have her testify," Dr. Raimi says.
"Pardon?"
"Well, after all, maybe the girl would say it was just a game. No harm, no foul, you know? She might even corroborate the Alpha Mu Fraternity's version of events. Maybe that's why Ms. McKerrigan doesn't have her come forward. Maybe she's lying�"
"That will be enough, Dr. Raimi!"
"I'm just saying�"

"That's enough, Sam!" Dr. Carpenter turns on him, red faced. "We've got your opinion, ok Sam? Shut it!"
Dr. Raimi subsides, but he can't help throwing Dr. Landis a rather nasty look.
Dr. Landis composes herself, then looks around the table.
"Does anyone else have any questions for Ms. McKerrigan?"
There is essentially silence at the table, punctuated by a no or two.
"Very well. Ms. McKerrigan. I'm sorry, Faith. Did you have anything you wanted to say before we begin our deliberations?"
"What's to say?" Faith looks around at them. "I told you the truth, now it's kinda up to you whether you believe me or not. Thing is, I'm kinda wondering what you're doing here. I hear lots about how your generation is all upset because they feel my generation doesn't seem to give a damn about anything except having a good time. We don't get involved, you say. Well, I got involved. I had to. And now, I'm put on trial, for doing the right thing here. Kinda makes you think, don't it?"
"Know what? No matter what comes down, I'm gonna be ok. There are other schools I can go to. Thing is, how you gonna deal with this. Sure, I'm gone, but what about those guys that did this? What happens next time when no one wants to get involved, and they actually rape an underage girl? How's that gonna look in the community?" she shrugs. "I'm just asking. You might wanna think about that one."
"I think we've heard enough," Dr. Raimi says, "We don't need to be lectured by a student on responsibility to the community."
Gee, why aren't I surprised you said that? Faith thinks to herself.
"Faith," Dr. Landis ignores Dr. Raimi. "We're finished with you. Thank you for appearing before the committee. If you'll wait outside while we discuss this, we'll give you our decision shortly."
Faith looks around at the people seated before her. Strangely enough, not one seems to be able to meet her eyes. Not saying another word, just smiling, she turns and walks out of the room.

===

As soon as Faith is out of the room, she slumps a little. She's no fool. She knows that really didn't go very well.
She finds a bench to sit on, and opens her phone. She's about to dial Joyce's number when she sees the icon indicating messages. She dials in to recover them.
"You have three new messages. First message" the robo-voice voice mail says to her.
"Hi, honey. Joyce. I know you're in the hearing, but I'm just calling to let you know I'm thinking about you. No matter what happens, it's going to be fine, ok? I just want you to know how proud I am of you."
"Next message"
"Hi, oh, I guess you must be in that hearing thingy. It's Dawn. I just wanted to call you and let you know I'm with you 100%. No, make that 150%. Oh, forget it, just make it 1000%. Anyway, I know you like really saved my sister's butt, and I'm not caring what a bunch of old dried up creeps think. I know you're like a hero and stuff. So, don't let 'em get to ya, ok? We're with you, all of us. Ok? Sorry, I really wanted to tell you that earlier. See you later."
"Next message"
" Faith! Hi, it's Buffy. Man, you must be in the hearing or something. Look, I know you said you didn't like want me involved. But, look, I screwed up, ok? And I don't think you should be like punished for it. Please, let me help, ok? Just call me, I'll come over and tell those morons anything. I'll say anything you tell me to say. I still don't remember that night well, but I'll make this right. Please, let me help you, ok? I mean, you saved my butt, I really need to do this. Please? Call me, ok?"
"There are no more messages."
Faith presses the end button, and just stares at her phone. She isn't the emotional type. She's been through a lot in her young life, and it takes a lot, a whole lot, to make her cry. She didn't cry when her parents booted her�Well, not much�. She didn't cry when she broke up with Tina, though that ripped her up pretty badly. She cried when she thought she lost Joyce, but she toughened up, and stopped it.
But right now, she can feel the flood of tears threatening to spill over. She bites her lip hard; she'll be damned if she lets those jerks inside see her crying. Even if it isn't for the reason they think it is.
Damn. Can I get luckier? I never thought I'd have like a family again, and this one has just crept up on me and � damn� stop the waterworks, Faith! She rubs at her eyes, the tears starting to flow. Getting up, she runs down to the bathroom.
Leaning on the counter, splashing some cold water on her face, she checks herself out in the mirror.
How do you deserve this, Faith? I mean, what did you do to get so lucky? You've been a fuck up all your life, and you finally step into gold, and it stays that way! I'm tellin you, Faith, you better work hard. Harder. These people � they believe in you, got it? You gotta make them proud. Hear me? I don't care what it takes! You make 'em proud!
She sits on the sink, and pulling out her phone, dials up Joyce.
"Hello?"
"Hey, babe, it's me," Faith says, putting on a cheery tone she's not really feeling.
"Faith!"
Joyce's tone, warm, full of love and concern, almost start Faith crying again. She bites really hard on her lip not to bawl like a baby.
"Hey, it's over. And I survived the racks and thumbscrews and everything," Faith jokes. "Now, I'm just waiting to be fitted for the noose."
"Faith, oh dear. I'm sorry. It didn't go well?"
"Aw, well, they weren't exactly throwing flowers and planning on throwing me a parade, no. But," She shrugs, "whatcha gonna do, right?"
"This is unfair. How can they even think of expelling you? You were just�"
"Joyce, hon. I know you know that life aint always fair," Faith chuckles," hell, it's hardly ever fair." She softens her tone. "Baby, I'm gonna be ok."
"Did I mention I love you to death? Or, that I'm so proud of you I could burst?"
"You better not, Joy. I'd be really pissed if I had to pick you off the walls of your office."
"You're incorrigible, you know that?" Joyce laughs. "God, what do I see in you?"
"Hmmm� let's see. Hot body, love you madly, pretty good with a hammer�?"
"Well besides that?" Joyce teases. "Oh right! Your tongue. I think I'm very much in love with your tongue, and how you use it!"
"Joyce! You naughty, naughty girl!" Faith grins. "but I must say, I like how you think." Her expression softens again." Got your message. Thanks, It made my day."
"Only the truth, honey," Joyce replies, smiling. "I'm a very lucky woman, meeting you."
"Oh, I'm luckier," Faith says.
"Well, I'm luckiest!" Joyce insists. Her tone grows serious. "I don't think I've ever been happier than with you."
"I know I haven't," Faith says softly. "Baby, you're the best!"
"Faith! You liar� but don't stop, I love it," Joyce giggles. "So, are we still on for Friday?"
"Friday? Oh, the celebration dinner. Well, it might not be a celebration�"
"Doesn't matter. I want to be out with my girl. If it � if those idiots � look, either way, I want to be with you, ok? If it goes well, we'll celebrate. If not, well, we'll have a grand pity party and grouse about what's wrong with the world."
"In a word?" Faith's lips tighten, thinking of Dr. Raimi, " Too many men!"
"Sometimes, I have to agree with you hon. But besides that, we're on, right?"
"Oh, you betcha. Out and about with my best girl? Wild warthogs couldn't keep me away."
"Well, thanks. I think."
"You know what I mean!"
"Yes, I do, honey. Friday it is, then."
"I better go, Joyce. I'm in the bathroom, and I'm pretty sure they're gonna want me soon."
"In the bathroom, eh?" Joyce puts on a sultry tone. "What're you wearing?"
"Joyce! Nice as that sounds, I don't think now is the time for that," Faith looks at herself in the mirror. Did I just say that? Who are you? And what did you do with Faith?
"My Faith? Not wanting sex? Ok, who is this really?" Joyce teases.
Faith laughs, and then they both laugh.
"I'll see you later, ok, babe?" Faith says, finally catching her breath. She needed that.
"Sure, tonight, supper. With the girls."
"Sounds like a plan to me."
"Bye honey. Good luck."
"Bye Joyce."
Faith closes her phone, and pockets it. Looking around the bathroom, still sitting on the counter, there's a smirk on her face.
Know what? I'm thinking, who really needs this place, anyway?
Shoving off the counter, she heads for the door.

===

"Hello, Ms. McKerrigan."
Faith stops in her tracks, startled. She's a little surprised to see Chief Romero standing outside the women's restroom, looking like he was waiting for her.
"Chief. Was there something I could do for you?"
"Well, actually, I need to speak to you, if you have a moment."
"I'd like to, Chief, but shouldn't you be in discussing my fate? I mean, would it be right, me talking to you? People might get the wrong idea�"
"We took a break, Ms. McKerrigan. And as for the other, well� I have an office in this building, if you'd follow me."
"You're not going to like arrest me or something?" Faith is only half kidding.
"No need for the dramatics, Ms. McKerrigan. Like I said, I just want to chat with you for awhile." He makes a gesture towards a door at the end of the hall. "If you'd be so kind?"
"Yeah, sure, Ok." Faith shrugs.
Faith has to admit she feels a little nervous. What's this all about? What did I do now? Or, better, what're they going to accuse me of now? God, can't I get a break? Faith sighs internally. They're already going to boot your butt, Faith. Figure, what more can they do?
The come to the door, and in plain lettering it reads. " Campus security. Knock before entering." The Chief pulls out a key, and unlocks the door. He gestures for Faith to enter.
The walk to a desk, and the Chief borrows a chair for her to sit in. she does, and takes a quick look around.
Unlike the Dean's office, this place is very utilitarian. There isn't much in the way of d�cor, except for the occasional plant and some posters on the wall. Everything is clean and neat, and the floors and desks are dusted. Overall, the impression is spare, to the point of Spartan.
"Would you like some water? Or, there's a soda machine�?"
"No, thank you Chief, I'm fine." Faith places her hands on the desk. "So, what's all this about?"
"Right to business. Good, I like that," Chief Romero sits opposite Faith. He leans back in his chair. "I listened carefully to your testimony, Ms. McKerrigan. I've had experience, listening to stories people tell me. Like you said, inside, I can usually tell pretty quickly if someone is lying, or telling me the truth." He brings his hand up to his chin, rubbing it. "I'm inclined to believe your story, Ms. McKerrigan."
Faith smiles. She feels an immediate liking for the man.
"Thank you, Chief. It's the truth."
"Well, yes, mostly, I believe that too. But, there is a problem."
Uh, oh. I'm thinking, I'm not going to like this next part.
"Problem?"
"It's kind of funny, you know? One of my men was by the Alpha Mu house the night of the incident. He remembers it well, because he ran into someone leaving the party rather suddenly." He pulls a pad out of his pocket, flips some pages. "Oh yes, here it is. Seems there was a brunette girl, about your size, carrying a smaller, blond girl over her shoulder. She was rather naked at the time."
"Right, right," Faith quickly agrees. "I was carrying Buffy away from the party. I then went and called a cab for her, put her in it, and she was off."
"Hmmm� interesting. He remembers the incident so well because he loaned you a coat to cover up � the girl. "
"Right, and I returned it to security the next day. You can ask him."
"Oh, I did. And he confirms your story. But seems he was still a little suspicious of you, so he kept an eye on you. He confirms you making a call, and waiting for a cab. He even confirmed you putting her into it. The part that doesn't quite gel with your description of events, however, is that he saw you get in the cab, close the door, and it pulled away."
"Well, sure. I needed a ride home. I had the cab take me home, and then gave him enough to get her home. So?"
"Well, it's funny. You're going to laugh. But I have this man, he's just crazy about motorcycles, know what I mean?"
Faith just stares at him.
"Anyway, while we're looking around after the commotion, he comes across this rebuilt Harley Sportster. It was rebuilt, but he was in love. It had the custom pipes, and mirrors, and the rest. He was drooling. Such a kid you know? He said he'd love to meet the mechanic that put it together."
Still no comment from Faith.
"So, we asked around a little, because he was worried it might get trashed or stolen. Funny thing, didn't belong to anyone at the house, or the party. Very strange, don't you think?" The Chief smiles," but more than one person said they saw the bartender� that would be you� drive up on a bike. Though they couldn't be sure that was the bike."
Faith doesn't say anything, and she really avoids looking at him.
"So, isn't it strange. By your own testimony, you weren't drinking. And here you have this sweet bike, just waiting to take you home. Yet, you took a cab home. I have to wonder, why was that?"
Faith can't help smiling. Nor liking the guy, even though he just blew holes in her story.
"Ok Sheriff," She puts up her hands. "You got me. Wanna slap on the cuffs now?"
"This really is very serious, Ms. McKerrigan. You could very well be expelled from the University. This girl could very well prove your case. Why don't you bring her forward?" Chief Romero's demeanor takes on a serious cast.
"I know it's serious, Chief. Pretty much, I figure I'm outta here anyway. No one in that room looked like they were believing me very much."
"They might if you brought the witness forward, Ms. McKerrigan." He pauses for a moment. "Would it be ok if I just called you Faith."
"Sure, why not? Everyone else does," She sighs. "Look, what would be the point. The girl was pretty out of it the night of the party. She wouldn't make a great witness. I've talked to her, and she remembers some things, but not all of it." She sees the Chief's look. "I'm not trying to screw you around here, Chief. I'm just saying, she wouldn't remember too much. And anyway, look, can I tell you something? Something you won't take back to the committee."
"Faith, I really can't guarantee that."
"Chief, it really doesn't have anything to do with the hearing. It's more why I don't want to put the girl through coming here and testifying."
"I'm bound by law to report a crime, Ms. McKerrigan," The Chief's tone is grim.
"What?" She's puzzled by the tone, then gets it. "No, god no, it's not like that. No, here's the deal. I know the people involved. I live with them, paying rent while I go to school. I've kinda gotten to know them, and they're real nice people. But they've been going through some rough times lately, especially the daughter. That's the girl that was involved, you see. Her mom and dad are divorcing, and she's been taking it hard, you know? I think what happened, really woke her up. She's doing better in school, and is less� well, less troubled, I guess. She's really trying hard to put herself back together now. And bringing her here, putting her through this? Wouldn't help me, and it would only make her life harder. I really can't see doing that to her. Do you get me?"
The Chief sits back, and looks at her for a moment. A small, very small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.
"Yes, I think I get you, as you put it, Faith. You really care for these people, don't you?"
"Yeah, I kinda do. They've been real good to me, like family. Really helped me out. Kinda feel I owe them back."
"You're a smart girl, Faith. I'm pretty sure you've picked up it's not going well for you in there, right?"
Faith nods.
"This girl's testimony could make a difference. You sure you don't want to change your mind?"
"No, sir, I really don't. I don't think anything she could say would make that much difference, and I can't see making things rough for her. Whatever happens, I'm gonna be ok. This girl� she's in a fragile place. I don't wanna ruin what progress she's made."
The Chief nods, satisfied. "Ok, I can't change your mind, and frankly, I don't think I want to. I have to say, I'm very impressed by what your doing. I don't see this level of concern often from students. My personal opinion, for what it's worth? I think you're doing the right thing here. I'm not going to tell the others about this little chat we had."
"Thank you Chief. I appreciate it." Faith stands up. "Is there anything else?"
"Do you mind if I ask what you plan on doing? If they rule against you?"
"I dunno. Probably look for another school to go to. I'm really wanting to do this."
"Well, good luck. Hope it works out for you, whatever happens." The Chief stands up, walking around the desk. He pauses next to Faith. "Tell you what. If you need a personal reference, let me know. I'm pretty good at sizing people up. I'm pretty sure you're one of the good ones."
"Thank you, sir," Faith smiles.
"Were it up to me, I'd pretty much let this drop. I figured you were doing a good thing that night. These Frat boys," He shakes his head, and lets out a disgusted sigh. "Lots of money and attitude, really short on brains. I can tell they're lying. My gut tells me that. But I got no proof. I know I'm going to vote in your favor."
"Thanks, that really means a lot, Chief."
The Chief looks at his watch. "I better get back. You ok?"
"Sure, I'm fine, sir." Faith nods.
As she follows him out, she realizes there's truth to that statement.
It feels good to have someone really believe you.

4

Cordelia Chase sits at a table in the Espresso Pump, stirring her mocha restlessly. She looks out on the street, and then down at her watch for the time.
It's 5:20 pm.
Where is she? Did she forget? She better not forget. Where is she? Cordelia turns to the window again. Still not seeing what she wants to see, she looks back down at the table.
Is she even coming? She has to come. I mean, come on, we had a deal here. I've kept my part of the bargain. Now, she's got to keep hers.
Right. Like that's going to compel her to be here, right? Because of some 'deal' you made with her? Why should she come, after what you did to her? Why should she even care?
But� but I did everything she wanted, didn't I? I let Buffy on the team, I let her sister alone. I'm even nice to them. She has to come! She has to!
Stop whining! You're a Chase. Chases don't whine!
And suddenly, Cordelia is not in the Espresso pump, but on the porch of her Father's mansion. She's eleven years old, watching her parents preparing once again for another extended European 'tour'. Her mother is in a dither, waiting for her luggage to be loaded into the limousine. Her father is standing on the porch close to her, looking down on her.
"Why can't I go?" She asks quietly.
"Cordelia, we've talked about this many times. You know I have to travel in my business. It wouldn't work you coming along with us. You need a place where you can go to the same school, and not change every year. A place where you're not traveling here and there all the time. You're place is here, Cordelia." He kneels down next to her. "Do you understand that?"
"But I want to go. I never get to see you or mom. I'm always here. I'm not a child anymore, Dad. Why can't I go along?"
"Cordelia, you are still a child. You need a home, and a place to go to school. Your mother and I thought this would be for the best. We didn't want to send you to boarding school like we were. We wanted you to have a place you could come to every day where there were people to take care of you�"
"The servants? I know Frederick and Marie better than I know you and mother," Cordelia's tone turns sullen. "Why can't you stay home more? Why do you and mother always have to be off somewhere? I need you here!"
"Cordelia, that's enough," Her father takes her face roughly in his hand. "You're a chase. That means something! And it means, you don't whine, you don't cry, understand me? Chases don't do that!" He sighs heavily. "We have a position to maintain in this community, Cordelia, and that means I have to travel a lot. I'm sorry you don't understand that. Maybe when you grow up, and stop being a child, you will. But for now, I expect you to act like a chase." He stands up. "Stand up straight, and be proud of who you are! Stop slouching, and stop acting like this. I won't put up with it!"
Cordelia closes her eyes briefly, swallowing her anger. She stands straighter, almost rigidly.
"Better, now come along. It's time to say goodbye to your mother."
He takes her hand, and leads her to the limousine.
"Avery, I swear these servants are becoming more incompetent with each passing season," Amanda Chase, Cordelia's mother, shakes her head.
She is dressed in the perfect summer fashion. White sundress, strapless, with a single strand of pearls around her neck. On her feet are a pair of sandals that cost more than most people make in a week. Her hair is loose around her shoulders, but coiffed perfectly. She is wearing a large, floppy straw summer hat, and has on sunglasses.

"Hello, Cordelia, My, don't you look nice," Amanda says with all the sincerity of an actor in a bad dinner theater production. She waits a couple of beats, then continues. "Well?"
"You look nice too, mother," Cordelia says automatically.
"Well, dear, are you going to kiss your mother goodbye?"
Cordelia leans in; she turns to kiss her mother's cheek.
"Cordelia! No! Makeup!" Her mother laughs, not a pleasant sound. "Remember what I taught you."
Cordelia places her cheek close to her mother's , and they exchange an air kiss. Her mother smiles.
"Be good, dear. Don't give Frederick or Marie much trouble, ok? We'll be back in a few months," She turns to Avery. " did you get her placed in that Summer program I arranged for her?"
Avery Chase nods.
Cordelia frowns.
"Miss Barton's? Again? Why do I have to go there again?"
" You know very well why, young lady," Amanda says, "You're a Chase, and you will learn the proper way to behave. I won't be having it said that my daughter is anything less than the proper lady."
"I hate that place. It smells funny, and Miss Barton is a �"
"Cordelia Chase. You're life isn't always about what you want!" Amanda frowns. "Sometimes you have to do what you don't like. That's the price you pay for being in this family."
"I don't want to go there�"
"Cordelia," Her father looks at her sternly, "What did we discuss just now about that kind of behavior?"
For a moment, Cordelia looks into her father's eyes. Seeing the anger there, she lowers her own.
"Yes, sir," She says quietly.
"Good," He relents. "Now behave yourself, and we'll see you in a few months."
"Yes, sir," She says, stepping out of the limousine.
She turns, and starts walking up the steps. Outwardly calm, inside her emotions are roiling and boiling.
"Cordelia, wait. I need to tell you something."
She pretends she doesn't hear. Anything he has to say will only be about duty, or being a Chase, or something hurtful. She doesn't want to hear anything more.
"Cordelia! Cordelia! �"

"Cordelia!"
Cordelia looks up sharply to see Willow standing by her table, looking down on her. For a second, the image of Avery Chase in the same position sends a shiver down her spine. She tosses it off.
"Well, there you are," Willow says, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Was it nice where you were?"
"Hey," Cordelia ignores the whole incident, "you're late. I thought you weren't coming." She points at her watch. "I don't like waiting."
"I got held up. I'm sorry," Willow says, a little defensively, sitting down opposite Cordelia. She sets a package on the table. "I think these belong to you."
"What are these?" Cordelia opens the box. Inside are the coat and diamond earrings she gave Willow. She looks at Willow, perplexed.
"Didn't you like them?" She asks, "I can get you something else if you�"
"I liked them very much. They're very nice," Willow says, quietly. "That's not the point."
"I don't get it."
"Cordelia, you can't buy me back," Willow says gently. "I'm not for sale. You've got to earn me back. These things are nice�" She looks longingly at the leather coat,"� but I don't want them."
Cordelia just stares at Willow, and shakes her head. "I didn't get these to try to bribe you. I saw them, and I thought of you, and thought they'd look good on you." She looks down at the gifts, not looking up at Willow. "You really think I was trying to buy you?" She looks up, genuine hurt in her eyes.
Willow sees the hurt, and feels confused. Is she being real here? She really wasn't trying to impress me with this stuff? How can I believe that? I know her; she goes after what she wants. Why is she acting like this? Like I slapped her?
"I'm sorry, I thought�"
"I can't blame you, I guess," Cordelia sits there, feeling her stomach turning over and over, "I got that coming, after what I did. I just wanted� I mean, I just saw these, and I really wanted you to have them. I�" She puts the cover on the box, and pulls it off the table. "I really screwed up. Sorry." She sits there with the box on her lap, not really knowing what to do with it.
"Cor, I'm sorry, really. I just thought� oh man, it's just hard to know where you're coming from in there," Willow points at her head. "Sometimes you make me so mad because you can be so manipulative, and other times, you do these incredibly sweet things, and I just don't know what to think!"
"I don't know how this is going to work, if you don't trust me at all," Cordelia says mournfully. "I really want this to happen. Didn't I do what you asked? All of it?"
"Yeah, you did," Willow agrees," I gotta give you your props, Cor. You came through like you said you would, Willow looks at her. She shakes her head, " I just don't know what to think. I've seen you work, you know? And some of me, really, really wants to believe you. Believe that this is the real deal here. But other parts of me, remembers what happened the last time I trusted you." She looks a little angry and sorrowful at the same time. "You used me, when I just wanted to get closer. You did, and I can't forget that, Cor."
"I wasn't trying to use you. I was afraid I was going to lose you," Cordelia looks at Willow, trying to make her understand, "It wasn't about using you, it never was. I know you think I can just do anything I want, Will. But it's not like that, not at all. My family, my father, has certain ideas about me. About what I should do with my life, what I should become?"
"This isn't 1860 Cordelia. You're daddy doesn't own you. He can't tell you how to live your life. You have to chose for yourself."
"Easy for you to say, Willow. But in real life, MY life, it doesn't work that way. I was raised to 'fit in'. To be part of the social set. To marry well, and be set up for life. That's what expected of me, Willow. How I was raised."
"Then maybe that's what you should be doing," Willow raises to go.
Cordelia reaches out, grabbing her arm. "No, that's not what I want! Don't you get it? YOU! You're what I want! I want you! I love you!"
Willows stops moving, a little stunned. Love me? Did she just say the L word to me?
"Love me?" Willow looks more confused than ever.
"Yes, that's what this is all about, Willow. Don't you get that?" Cordelia pulls her back down. "I think I fell in love with you god, back almost the first day daddy hired you to tutor me. God, I was so god awful in everything. But you didn't think I was dumb or nothing. You just showed me ways to learn things. Made me see things differently. No one ever did that for me. " Cordelia gets a soft look in her face. "God, you got so happy when I'd show you a test I did well in. You made me want to learn stuff. Seeing you happy, hearing you praise me? God I ate it up like cake!" She leans in a little, "And when I didn't get stuff the first time, you didn't like get all huffy and mad and make me feel like a dope. You just kept at it, showing me other ways to look at the problem, helping me understand it. It was like � it was wonderful. You were wonderful." She leans in closer. "Don't you see? God how could I not love you!"
"You were lonely, Cordelia," Willow shakes her head, trying to hide her own roiling emotions. "You just wanted a friend. You just wanted someone to talk to without them making you feel stupid. I get that, but it isn't love, Cordelia."
"I wish! God, I wish that were true," Cordelia almost start crying." But if that were all it was, why did I miss you so much when you left? Why did I ache, yeah, ache, when you weren't there? Why did I start thinking about wanting to be with you. Before you, Willow, I never thought about girls in that way. NEVER! But I started fantasizing about you, wondering what it would be like to kiss you, and touch you, and do more stuff with you�"
"Cor, baby," Willow reaches out, touching her hand, "it's not abnormal to have a crush on someone you admire�"
"No!" Cordelia exclaims, "it's not like that. Oh, I'm not saying I didn't crush on you, I did. But it grew deeper, more meaningful. I really wanted to be with you, all the time. It was the first time I ever even thought of going against Daddy, don't you know what that means? I saw us together, in the future, being together, being a couple," She grabs Willow's hands, "It mattered to me what you thought about me, what you saw when you looked at me!"
Willow just stares at her wide eyed.
"When you told me about you, how you were gay and all, I was so jazzed. Not only about you telling me, but that it was possible I had a chance with you. You didn't even notice how I started dressing sexier for our 'tutoring' sessions after that, did you? I can't tell you how many ways I schemed to show off for you, hoping against hope you'd take the bait. God, and you just went along, pretending like I was a woolly mammoth or something."
"Not notice?" Willow looks surprised. "You really thought I didn't notice? I thought you were making fun of me, teasing me. God it was hard not to want to throw you on the bed and rip those sexy clothes off you!!!!! You have no idea how many times I went home with soaked panties. God, I lost a lot of very good pair of underwear over you, Mister!"
"Damn! Why didn't you? Why didn't you throw me on the bed and ravish me. I wanted it so bad, and when you ignored me, it hurt like hell! I thought you thought I was ugly or something!"
Willow laughs almost hysterically.
"It wasn't funny! God, I know I'm damned fine, and you're treating me like I'm a cow or something. It was � it really hurt. I thought you didn't give a shit about me � well, not until that night�" Cordy licks her lips at the memory. "I don't even know what changed, but suddenly we were kissing like crazy, then we fell on the bed, and you were tugging at my clothes, and I was doing my best to rip yours off�"
"That chemise."
"What?"
"That chemise you were wearing. The silk one? The one that barely covered your boobs. The very same boobs you saw fit NOT to wear a bra with. And then you came up behind me, and leaned over me, and I felt that silk, and those boobs, against my neck and head, and you reached around and god, I don't remember exactly why, but when you started rubbing against me it hit me like a ton of bricks. And god, I was so wet and wanting you I just lost all control�"
"THANK GOD AND HALLELUJAH THAT YOU FINALLY GOT I WANTED YOU!"
"Gee, Cor, think you could say that a little louder? I don't think they heard you in the back!" Willow is blushing.
The place has gone silent, and Cordelia looks around.
"Hey, don't you have better things to do than to listen to a private conversation?" Cordelia stares around the room, giving everyone the patented Queen C look. " Well?"
There's a pause, then conversation breaks out as things go back to normal.
I gotta give it to her, sometimes the Queen C thing? Really handy!
"That was embarrassing," Cordelia says in a low tone.
Willow seems to have regained her composure somewhat, and pulls a little away.
"Cordy, I'm not gonna say I don't have feelings for you. You know I do. And � look, I can see how you feel� felt about me, but why did you do that to me then? Didn't it occur to you I wouldn't like that?" She shakes her head, as if shaking off a dream. " You had to know it would hurt me, didn't you? There's no way you couldn't know."
"Weren't you listening to me? My dad�do you think he'd just accept his daughter being� well, feeling the way I felt? About you? Another girl? And not EVEN in the same social class. I'm sorry, but it's true. He'd� disown me, Will. He'd cut me off. Hell, he'd probably boot my ass to the curb. I know � I shouldn't�think of that� but I � you don't get it. I was raised with wealth, girl. I never knew anything else. I was scared. And worse? I was scared I was going to lose you, once the tutoring was over. I had to do something, something to keep you close. And If I thought if I got you in the popular crowd, my crowd in school, my dad would accept you hanging around. And that �was the only way� I didn't want to lose you, don't you get it?"
Willow lowers her head, trying to sort it out. Yeah, she already realized that Cordelia wasn't meaning to hurt her. Or at least, she bought that reason when Cordelia put it to her. But she didn't really believe that Cordelia could believe that what she was doing was for her benefit Not until this very moment. Not until Cordelia expressed how much she loved her.
She really believes it. She really thinks what she did was �
"Cor, I don't� I don't know how to make you understand how much that night hurt me. Strange as it is, I really believe you believe that you were doing me a favor, making me part of your group. And I can see you did it because you were scared, and were afraid to lose me. And in some sick way, that's almost sweet�" She shakes her head, "but, Cor, you took something precious from me that night. You took you away from me. Because up until that night, I really believed in you, I was willing to fight for you, I wanted to be with you so bad, I would've blown off my friends for you. You took the love I felt for you, and twisted it and cut it and hurt it so bad, it almost died. There were times, in the weeks after, I hated you so badly I wanted to kill you. It was so precious to me, so dear to me, so� " her tone grows angry and cold, "And you stomped on it and made it ugly. Don't you see that? Can't I make you see how bad what you did hurt me?"

Cordelia's eyes blink rapidly, and Willow can see her lip tremble.
"I didn't mean to, " Cordy's dark eyes fill with tears. "I didn't want to. I didn't know what else to do�."
And as hard hearted as she wanted to be, as cold as she feels she needs to be, she can't help feeling her heart soften a little. She reaches out, cupping Cordelia's face with her hands.
"Don't, don't cry, Cor," Willow says softly. "I know you weren't out to hurt me. I can't tell you how much that means� really."
"I'm evil! I'm sooo evil!" Cordelia crunches over, not wanting anyone to see her weep. "I don't want to be evil. I only want to love you�"
"Ah, Cor, I wish it were that easy, I really do," Willow says mournfully. "But � what am I to think when you start showering me with gifts? It's like you're trying to buy back what you threw away."
"I wasn't trying to buy you," Cordelia insists stubbornly, through her tears. "I wasn't. I just� you made me feel I had a chance with you, and I wanted to show you how much that meant."
"Gifts won't do it, Cor, don't you know that?" Willow says softly. " You can't buy my affections; you have to earn them."
"I'm trying. I really am," Cordy sniffles, pulling herself together. "The only way I know how."
"But it cheapens me. Like I'm some kind of whore, for sale if you buy me what I want�"
Cordelia looks at her horrified.
"God, no! Oh my god, no! That's not what I feel at all."
"Then, rather than buy me gifts, why not just tell me what you feel. Honestly, without the glitter?"
Cordelia looks at her as if she just said the sun is really the moon, and day is night.
"Why would you want me if I didn't do something for you?"
Now it's Willow's turn to feel stunned. Oh my god, does she really believe that? Does she think so little of herself that she needs her money to get me? Or anyone?
"Cordy, what if I just loved you, for you?"
For the briefest moment, there's a tiny glimmer in Cordelia's eyes. It's quickly extinguished in an ocean of cynicism.
"Oh sure," Cordelia says, the bitter edge to her voice plain, "You just love me for me. Yeah, like my parents love me for me, right? Or my friends at school. I mean, if I were poor and pimply and had bad hair, they'd adore me? Sure, Willow. Nice Fairytale. I'm so gonna believe that one."
Willow feels a big huge ache in her heart for this girl who's so bitter so young.
"That's the thing, Cor. If I love you, it's because I love YOU. Not what you can do for me, not what you can give me, but just because you're you. You have to believe that's what it's all about."
"Why should I? Why should I take that risk?" Cordelia complains. "Why should I put my heart out there, with nothing else, only for you to decide one day you changed your mind, and you don't want me anymore."

"That's a risk you have to take, Cor," Willow says softly. "You've got to trust that I'm going to be there, without bribes and favors and stuff. I'm not going to be your next play toy. I won't be your next Harmony."
Cordelia pulls away, looking surprised and offended.
"What about Harmony? She's just my friend! There's nothing�"
"Cor? Lying? Not a good way to build trust. It's pretty much an open secret about you and her. Neither of you are good at the subtle." Willow smiles.
"That's� absurd! Me and Harmony�" Cordelia waves it off like a bad smell.
"Really? What about those designer sweaters she's always wearing? She can't afford those. Or that necklace, the diamond drop; there's now way she could buy that herself. But even more than that? Is the almost bulldog devotion she shows you. Anyone gets close to you, and they can almost see the green seeping out of her pores. The way she looks at you when she thinks no one's looking. Don't tell me there's nothing there."
"How? How do you�"
"Please, Cor. Do you think you're the only girl into girls on your squad? I've dated a couple of them. And they love to gossip."
"On my team, you mean�?"

"Oh yeah. Geeze, two are madly in lust with you. They're just waiting for you to dump Harm to step up to the plate, so to speak."
"Damn!" Cordelia laughs. "But why hasn't anyone said anything?"
"Oh come on, you're the Queen C. Think anyone's gonna put it in your face? They know they'd live til the end of the school day. Maybe. If they were lucky."
Cordelia chuckles in wonder. Then she stops, and frowns. Her face hardens a little.
"So, you want me to give her up, right? On the chance maybe you'll be with me?" Cordelia frowns. "How's that fair?"
"How's it fair what you did to me, Cor?" Willow responds. "I don't care if you keep Harmony as a friend. Why you would, I can't fathom. But I don't share. I told you that all along. I don't share. If you want to be with me, you stop sleeping with her. That's a deal breaker."
"Why're you being so mean?" Cordelia whines a little. Stop it! Chases don�t whine! "Why should I have to do this?"
"Mean?"
"You don�t take my gifts, you say I have to give up Harmony, you won't promise to be with me, you expect me to give up everything just to be with you!"
"Cor, it's your decision. I'm not forcing you to do anything. You can walk away from here, and we'll forget this ever happened," Willow says, quietly but firmly, "but if you want me, you have to take me as I am. Not as a clone of you, not as one of the 'right' crowd. Just me. And, I'll take you just as you are. I won't ask you to come out for me, not yet. I won't make you stop being Queen C. At least, not in public. But I'm not loving Queen C, and when were alone together, I want Cordelia� Cordy, the girl I fell in love with. Not the image you've created." She pats Cordelia's hand. "It's up to you, Cor."
"I'm scared," Cordelia admits in a very low voice, almost a whisper. "I don't know what to do. I always know what to do, but I don't know what to do. It's scary, not knowing. I don't know what to feel, or even what you feel." She looks into Willow's eyes. "Do you love me?"
"I told you, Cordy, I have feelings for you," Willow says, "If you'd asked me that before that party, I would've told you yes without hesitation. Now, it's different. But I have feelings for you. Where they're going to go, I don't know. I can't promise. But like I said, you have to take the risk. I did, now it's your turn."
"I need something, Will," Cordelia looks like she's going to break. "At least, tell me this. Do you think you could love me again? Someday?"
Willow smiles, her eyes soft and warm.
"Let me answer that with this."
Before Cordelia can pull away, Willow cups her face. She leans up and over the table, and lowers her lips to Cordelia's, kissing her warmly and softly. Cordelia at first struggles a little, then sighs, her hands running up over Willow's arms and around her neck. The kiss lingers, and when they break, their foreheads are touching, and they're looking deeply into each other's eyes.
"Wow," Cordelia sighs.
Willow smiles, and kisses the tip of her nose. Cordelia giggles.
"Do you think maybe we could go out sometime?" Cordelia eyes are almost begging Willow.
"I'd like that. A lot," Willow smiles.
"When?" Cordelia asks, "Friday?"
"Don't you have a game Friday?"
"Not this Friday I don't" Cordelia grins.
"Cor? Won't it, I mean, I know you have your social thing to worry about. Won't going out with me kind of �"
"Oh," Cordelia frowns.
"I know a place, where no one's going to care."
"Really?"
"Yeah, trust me. It�s not the Bronze. You won't see your gang there. It's nice little place, out of the way, really romantic�" Willow looks at her .
"That sounds lovely�" Cordelia suddenly snaps back. Hold on here! Don't get too eager, and blow the deal! "I mean, that sounds ok, you know?"
Willow just smiles at her.
"Ok," Cordelia says softly, biting her bottom lip. "Friday? Around 8?"
"Sure, sounds good to me," Willow smiles. She stands up, ready to leave.
"What about this stuff?" Cordelia looks at the box in her lap. "I mean, what am I gonna do with this stuff?"
"Uhhh�" Willow looks in the box, and falls in love with the leather coat again. God, it's soft as butter and feels so nice� "� you really bought it cuz you thought I'd like it? No strings."
"No strings," Cordy assures her, getting some confidence back. "C'mon, at least put on the coat. Let me see if it looks as good as I thought it would when I bought it for you."

"Well, I really shouldn't," Translation: God, I really want to!
" Come on, please? For me?"
"Well, I guess it can't hurt to just wear it once," Willow blurts out, "I mean�"
"Sure, here. Let me help you!" Cordelia is up, holding the coat.
Willow slips it on. God it feels better than I remember�
"Oh, man, Will. It's so you!" Cordelia gushes. "I mean, even if I hadn't bought it, it's just you!"
"You really think so?" Willow twirls this way, then that, showing it off. "It doesn't make me look � you know?"
"It's perfect! Trust me, Will. When it comes to clothes, I'm like the expert," Cordelia shakes her head. "It's too bad you're not going to keep it. I mean, it would be perfect on our date Friday night�"
"You know, you're right. And you just bought it cuz you thought I'd like it, right?"
"Of course, baby. And you know what'll go perfect with that?" She holds out the box with the diamond stud earrings. "I mean, you know I'm right, right?"
I shouldn't, I shouldn't, Willow struggles, then reaches for the box, Ok, I'm weak. I'm a girl, I like looking good, shoot me!
Cordelia smiles, feeling 'in control' again. You can almost see the cat in her as she sidles over to Willow, and slips an arm around her shoulder.
"You look so hot in that�" Cordelia breathes. Before Willow can stop her, she lays a long, wet kiss on her.
Willow stands there, at first her hands shaking a little, as if they want to push Cordelia away. Then she gives into the kiss, letting Cordelia kiss her. Then, she kisses back, quite warmly.
"Ok, Wow," Willow says, her eyes still closed, her lips wanting another kiss. Her eyes flutter open.
Cordelia smiles, feeling the shift in power. Then she does something entirely not like her. She doesn't take advantage of it.
"Hey, gotta love the kisses. You're some kisser," Cordelia smiles and winks at her. She changes the subject. "So, what's the name of this place we're going to Friday night?"
"It's called The Butterfly Heart."
I've heard that name before. But where?
"Don�t I know that place?" Cordelia looks unsure.
"I kind of doubt it, Cor," Willow can't help chuckling.
"What?"
"There's a catch, Cor. It's a lesbian bar."
"Oh� OH!" Cordelia's eyes go wide. "I don't know, I mean, I�"
"Cordy? It's ok, no one will hit on you. You'll be with me," Willow has to bite her lip to keep from laughing. "Don't worry. I'll protect you from the mean old lesbians."
"Kinda dumb, huh?" Cordelia feels almost as foolish as her words. She's blushing lightly.
God, she's so beautiful when she doesn't try to be the "Queen" so hard, Willow thinks.
"Yeah, kinda dumb," Willow agrees. "Look, it's not like a really rowdy place. The women are pretty middle class in there. And ummm� it's kinda nice to go somewhere where you don't have to worry about some guy hitting on you all night, don't you think? Especially when all you want to do is dance?"
"I guess," Cordelia says doubtfully. She likes being the center of attention.
"Don't worry, baby," Willow strokes her cheek, which causes Cordelia a major tingle storm. "Pretty as you are? All eyes are going to be on you." It's as if Willow read her mind. "They'll be all lusty, but they won't do anything� and they won't tell."
Cordelia's hand unconsciously goes to her hair. She thinks I'm beautiful? I'm hoping there are some lusty feelings behind that! Oh heck, I'll take lusty feelings. Lusty is good, right?
"Well, if you think it's cool, then I guess it's cool," Cordelia says agreeably.
"It's cool, trust me."
"I do," Cordy smiles. She looks at her watch. "Oh my god! Look at the time! I gotta get home, Daddy will be furious�"
Still , she lingers a little, looking at Willow in the coat, and lusting a little. She runs her fingertips lightly up and down her arm.
"So, eight-ish then?"
"Uh huh."
Cool, well� bye, gotta motor." Cordelia starts off, then stops. She looks over her shoulder. "You know, taking me there might be a mistake, you know."
"What?"
"Well, I'll only have eyes for you. But I can't help where other eyes might be looking." She does a quick hip check." I mean, I can't keep other women from flirting with me, you know." She starts to walk out, then stops. " you can't hate me for being beautiful. Ta Ta now." She walks out, getting a little of her own back.
Willow just stands there, watching her go.
How does she do that?

5

"Faith, can I see you in the office, please?"
Faith, who had barely tied on her apron, starting her shift, looks down at the end of the bar. There she sees Mike, looking a little grim.
Well, that doesn't look good? What's up with him?

"Yeah, moment, Mike. Just got here. Let me get out this drink order�"
"Ok, five minutes. Jack will cover for you."
Faith poured the order, all the time what was up. Not like I'm late. I was supposed to be off today, they called me in�
Her mind goes back to the hearing, and she winces thinking about standing there like an idiot, as they read their decision.
It hadn't been good. She'd been expelled. By a vote of 3 to 2. Gee, I wonder who voted against me? NOT! She hadn't stuck around to hear more than their decision; she'd been in no mood for lectures from that bunch of losers.
Making her way to her bike, Faith thought about what she was going to say to the others.
Man, not loving this. Yeah, we all knew that this was probably going to happen, but now that it's happened, it's different. I really don't want to see 'the look' on their faces. That look you get when someone you care about gets run over by the bus called life. I really hate that look.
"Hey, guys, well, it didn't go well, but I'm gonna be great, you know?" She says out loud as she's walking along. "Oh, no, who cares, I mean, really? There are other schools. I'll just get into another. No big. Sure, sure, I'm fine, really�"
She was interrupted in her practice when her cell rang.
"Hello? Oh, Jack�what's up? What? Tonight? But, I had� I see� yeah� sorry to hear about Bill. Is he ok? Broke his arm. That musta been a nasty accident�yeah, I get it� sure, I'll fill in for tonight. When? Oh� well, I was�no, never mind�I'll be there� sure�no prob. Seeya soon."
Faith stood there a moment, staring into space.
Maybe this is a good thing, going to work. Really wasn�t looking forward to just dropping the news on them. At least I can chill out a little, before I gotta go home and tell them the news for real. I just couldn't ruin it for them. Not yet, anyway.
Faith pushed the speed dial button on her phone for Joyce.
"Hey, babe."
"Faith! Hi! How're you doing? How'd it go? When're you going to be home."
"That's the thing," Faith evades the other questions. "I just got a call from Jack. One of the other bartenders had an accident, and he needs someone to cover� so, I won't be home tonight like planned�"
"Oh? The girls are going to be so disappointed," Joyce said, somewhat disappointed herself. "Couldn't they get anyone else? I mean, the girls really planned a nice dinner for you. They were even going to actually cook things. I know, it's radical, but still. They were really looking forward to this�"
"I know, I'm sorry. But can't be helped. Maybe we could do it another time or something."
"Faith, is everything ok? You sound a little off."
"Ok, well, I gotta spend my evening serving up drunks, instead of being with my honey. Yeah, I'm feeling a little off."
"Nothing more?" Joyce had a feeling.
"Nope, nothing�"
"Did they tell you anything? Do you know?"
Faith paused a fraction of a second. God, I can't tell her like this, over the phone!
"No, nothing. Not yet. Soon."

"Ok, honey," Joyce's tone was a little subdued. "When can we expect you?"
"Dunno. Late. Don't wait up, ok?"
"Don't you want me to �"
"It's cool. No need to wait up. I'll be tired after a shift at that place."
"Ok, baby. Well, if I'm up, I'm up. I'll see you later."
"Yeah, later."
"Love you, Faith."
"Love you too," Faith said. Yeah, and so honest with her too. Nice one, Faith.
"Bye, hon."
"Bye," Faith hung up.
Sighing a little, feeling like she just lied to Joyce, she made her way to the bar.

Finishing the order, Faith sees Jack Connor come behind the bar. He, along with Mike, co-owns the University Pub.
He heads for the sink, to wash some glasses.
"Hey, Jack," Faith smiles.
"Faith, how are ya?" Jack asks, drying the glasses. "Hear from the school yet?"
Faith shrugs. "Yeah. Got good new and bad news . Which you want first?"
"I'm guessing, probably the bad new, Faith." Jack isn't smiling.
"Got my ass booted. They decided today. Guess that's the end of that."
"Ok� so, what's the good news?"
"Well, remember that day shift you had problems covering. Guess I can take that one now."
Jack chuckles, and turns, bringing the glasses to the front. "You're something, Irish. But I'm thinking I'll be keeping you on nights. Better tips, and the customers love ya."
"Yeah, except the Alpha Mu boys."

"Well, they're pretty much a spoiled lot of rich kids with too much money and too few brains. Frankly, I say good riddance to the lot."
"Yeah, but what does Mike say?" She hits her head. "Mike! Dammit, he wanted to talk to me. Any idea what's that about?"
"Ah, it's Mike. Always got a bug up that rear of his. Who knows?"
"He's not mad about that party still, is he?"
"No, heck no. I straightened him out on that."
"Ok, cool. Are the checks in?"
"Better be. Picked them up from the bank myself."
"Great, I can use the money."
"Yeah, well, there's still that offer open, girlie," Jack winks.
"Yeah, and if I were straight, I might take you up on that," She punches him lightly on the arm.
He of course makes a melodrama of it. " You're gonna kill me one of these days, girl!" He moans as if she belted him.
"You wuss. God, and you want me to do the horizontal bop with you? I'd kill you." She laughs, walking out from behind the bar.
"Yeah, but I'd be smilin' in my coffin."
Faith, still chuckling, makes her way to the office. It's in the back, a converted bit of the storeroom. She knocks, and Mike, on the phone, waves her in.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But it's a one time thing. I promise you, it's not gonna happen again." He shakes his head. "No, it'll be someone else. Yes, I promise." He looks at Faith, and indicates she should take a seat. " A discount? How? I'm already giving you cost on the liquor� no, I understand, yes, I know that� ok, ok, we'll work something out. Yes. Do we have a deal? What? What do you mean you have to put it to the committee. We've� ok, I get it. Ok� right� bye." He hangs up the phone, none too pleased. "Yes, what can I do for you, Faith?"
"Ok, Mike, what's the joke?" Faith half grins. "You asked me to come back here?"

"I did?" He looks puzzled for a second, then a frown appears on his face. He's still thinking about the call. "Yeah, I need to talk to you, Faith. Sorry, just, that call is killing me. A long time catering client is threatening to drop us. Have any idea why?" He looks at her, head cocked.

"He joined AA?" Faith jokes, shrugging.
"Not hardly. Thing is, a lot of customers are doing that, lately, ever since that little incident at the Alpha Mu house�"
"Hey, wait. Mike, now I explained that to you. I couldn't just walk away and let them�"
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know," Mike says, but he doesn't seem to be believing his own words. "They were attacking the girl, and you had to rush to the rescue. Just wondering, why couldn't you have waited for the cops to show up?"
"Oh, right, and the girl gets gang banged in the meantime?" Faith says, a little steamed. "This wasn't some horny college guy, Mike. It was a group, and I don't think they wanted to play cards with her."
"Still, you're there to work, Faith, not make with the heroics. Unfortunately, with that, and the Alpha Mu's dropping us, word has spread around campus. No one seems to want us anymore. Well, unless I give them a discount I wouldn't give my mother. And even then, it's " Well, maybe�"
"I'm sorry, Mike, but the situation didn't leave me with a lot of choices. I couldn't let that happen, " She looks at Mike, "What if it had been your daughter, Mike. What then?"
"My daughter wouldn't get herself in that position like some common�"
"Don't finish that sentence, Mike. Really, just don't."
Mike stares at her for a moment, then stands out of his chair. He starts to pace behind his desk.
"Well, Faith, you said you didn't have a lot of choices, and you haven't left me a lot, either. The business, well, we could make that up, somewhere else. And the fact the portable, custom built bar got ripped off� that's insured, " he turns to her,"� but that isn't the end of it. The Fraternity is threatening to sue us. They National Chapter had their local legal muscle give us a call, tell us they weren't happy with the damage caused by one of our employees�" He looks at Faith, frowning,"� that that the Fraternity is ready to file suit."
"That's bogus, Jack. I'll go into court and testify as to what the 'little darlings' were up to. I'm pretty sure they�"
"Ah, that�s just it, it's not going to court. I'm settling out of court."
"Why? They were the bad guys, not you �"
"Faith, we do ok here, but we're not making money hand over fist. I can't afford the legal fees, much less the loss of business and the rest that'll come if this suit goes to trial. I got them to reduce the amount they want, and it's over."
Faith is getting a funny feeling. Really funny. Funny as if she looked behind her, she'd see a shiv sticking out of her back.
"Why're you telling me all this, Mike?" She asks, suspiciously.
"Well, there's the problem, you see, Faith. Part of the deal is that I have to let you go�"
"WHAT?"
"� otherwise, they're taking this to court, and damn, they could win this. I could lose the bar�"
"So, you're firing me? For doing the right thing?" Faith wonders why this feeling of nausea in her stomach feels so familiar. OH yeah, same feeling I had when they kicked me out of school.
"I have no choice. I can't afford a lawsuit, and I can't afford to lose this bar. I like you, Faith, I really do, but this business has to come first. You have to see that."
"Oh yeah," Faith says, voice less than honey, "I see that. That, and the big yellow stripe runnin' down your back. God, we did nothing wrong, and yet some rich bitch spoiled brats can come along, almost rape someone, and when someone stops them? They cry foul, and screw everyone around them, " She feels her Irish rising. "So, did Jack know about this?"
"He knows about out troubles, yeah," Mike counters.
"You�" She just shakes her head. Bastard is too sweet a name to call the prick standing in front of her.
"I have your final check here� and I'll be happy to give you a reference�"
Faith strides over to Mike, and rips the check out of his hand.
"I'll take that, I earned it and then some�" She glares at him. "As for the reference� you know where you can stuff that one, asshole!"
Without another word, she storms out of the office, slamming the door behind her.
Stupid, fat weasely prick. But he's not the worst. Oh no, Jack that prick bastard. Acting like my friend. Acting like he wasn't gonna fire my ass�
Faith stands in the hall, fuming. The longer she stands there, the hotter she gets.
Fuck. Just get me outta this shit hole� yesterday!
Faith strides angrily out through the curtains.
Jack is quick to realize something is wrong with Faith.
"Faith, where you going? I thought you were tending bar tonight�"
Faith stops, and turns to him, staring him down.
"Faith?"
She walks over to the bar, and leans on it, almost seeming casual.
"Nice one, Jack. You had me really convinced, ya know?" Her eyes narrow dangerously. "Really pisses me off, thinking how I considered you were a friend."
"Faith, what're you talking about?"
"Gimme a break, ok, Jack? Don't stand there and pretend you don't know what's going on, you back stabbing bastard! I trusted you, and � oh, screw you!"
She looks at the bar, seeing a line of drinks sitting there, waiting for service. She sweeps her arm across the bar, tossing them back against the rear wall of the bar.
"Faith, what the hell? Why'd you do that?" Jack looks shocked and upset.
"Jam it, asshole," Faith growls at him. She reaches in her pocket, and pulls out the check Mike gave her. "Here, take it outta this."
She flings the check at him, and turns to go.
"Faith, stop," Jack puts his hand on her arm. "Don't leave�"
Faith shakes her arm, and growls.
"I don't work for you anymore, prick. So keep your fat, hairy hands off my arm."
Without another word, she strides out of the bar, pushing people out of her way as she exits.
"Doesn't work for�" Jack looks at the mess behind the bar, then at the door Faith just exited, then back at the back.
"MIKE!" He roars, " GET YOUR FAT ASS OUT HERE!"

===

"I'm a fucking idiot!"
Faith is sitting across the saddle of her bike, parked in front and to the side of the Tastee-Mart. On the saddle next to her are the remains of the six-pack she bought. At her feet, crushed, are the two beers she already drank.
She downs another large swallow of beer, and leans back, letting out a long, hard breath.
"Why the fuck did I get so fucking mad back there? Gawd, I know it wasn't Mike's fault. Or Jack's. Shit, just burn your bridges even before you get there to cross 'em, eh, Faith? Gawd, your so smart, right? That's why you're in college. Oh, wait, no! You're NOT in college! Right!"
She takes another long pull on the can, and realizing it's empty, crushes it and drops it by the bike. She sits there, slumped over a little.
"Well, now what, stupid? No school, no job. Really sweet. And Ya know Jack and Mike are gonna be singing your praises, way you left," She shakes her head, frowning. "Gawd, do you even use the brains you were born with, Faith McKerrigan? Ya mighta gotten them to give you a recommend or something, if you hadn't let your stupid Southie Irish temper get the better of ya. Fine fat lotta good you are, ya dumb ass!"
She reaches over, and grabbing another can off the ring tree, pops it and takes a swallow.
"What a fucking, fucked up day! First, getting my ass booted from school. Man, and worse, the looks on the faces of the pansy, Cronenberg, and his little partner in crime, Raimi. Gawd, I would've loved to put my fist in those smirks they gave me. And that other prick� whatsisface? Oh yeah, Carpenter, all full of the phony assed sympathy. But I know that prick was the deciding vote against me. I know Chief Romero and Dean Landis voted for me. Gawd� I'd like to take those three prissy pansies, and shove a nightstick up their collective asses, you betcha. See how they like being raped. Shit�" She takes another swallow. "� shit, they probably woulda loved it. Begged for more, I'm bettin'. The pricks."
She thrusts out her foot, to kick at the cans lying by the bike, and nearly slips off her saddle. She laughs at herself.
"That's it, grace. Fall off the horse, you stupid drunken bitch. Fuck, I only had what� " she counts the cans on the ground, and shakes the one in her hand. "� 3 � beers. Fuck, that shouldn't be hittin' me so � aw, screw it, who cares� Hey, Joyce, baby? Aren't ya glad ya hooked up with me now, huh? Look at me! Kicked outta school, ass fired and half drunk. Aint I swell to have around, babe?" She slumps back on the saddle, her heel kicking against the tailpipe. "Loser, babe. Look it up, you'll see you're truly starin' back at ya. Loser. No good for nothing� never was�" she pounds her fist down on her seat. "Not fucking fair, baby. They ganged up on me. Those fucking never did a day's work in their lives frat brats, those stupid professors, all them� not fucking FAIR!"
"Hey!"
The Manager of the Tastee-Mart sticks his head out of the door, frowning.
"What you want?" Faith glares at him.
"What's your problem? Why're you making a ruckus out here. You're not supposed to be drinking out here. Get lost, or I'm gonna �"

"I'm going, asshole. Don't have a Angus, ok?"
"You get outta here! I don't need your kind hanging around here, messing up the place. You hear me! Get outta here!"
Faith stares at him, then she takes the half empty can of beer, and chucks it at his head. The manager turns pale, and only gets his back inside just before the can hits the door.
Faith laughs, swinging her leg over her bike.
"Did you hear me, moron? I said, I'm leaving."
She guns the bike, just as the manager ducks his head out again.
"Go on, go! I've called the police, you crazy person! Don't ever come back here, understand?"
"Wasn't planning on comin' back here, dumb ass!" She laughs, turning the bike out. She rides to the street, and stops to look, before pulling out.
"Whatta joke. Big, Fat, stupid joke!"
She roars out of the lot, turning left and disappearing down the street.

6

Faith cuts the motor to her bike before reaching home, hoping the momentum will carry her up the drive quietly.
She doesn't want to face anyone inside right now. She just wants to slip in and quietly slip into bed. Fall asleep and let this day go away.
She guides the bike up beside Joyce's SUV, and quietly parks it, slipping off and ducking around the truck. She looks into the front windows.
Whew, no lights. Everybody's asleep. I might just pull this off, after all.

She walks up the walk towards the front door. Pulling her keys, she brings them up to open the front door, only to have them slip out of her fingers, and go flying against the door. They clatter down the screen and hit the porch, bouncing away.
Oh, very nice, Faith. Clumsy much? Shit!
Getting down on her hands and knees, she looks around by the door. She finally spots them under the window planter box. Great going, Faith. I think you better get a day job. This burglary thing isn't working out so well for you!
Standing up, she opens the door and quietly slips inside, shutting the door silently behind her.
She stands in the vestibule for a moment, listening. Whew, no one heard that. Thank god!
Ok, almost there. Just a few more feet, and you've reached the door and viola, you're safe. She walks through the dining room, making her way to the kitchen. She doesn't even see the figure sitting at the table, in the shadows, waiting.
"Faith?" the voice is quiet, but jars her to a sudden stop.
The lights in the dining room go on, and Joyce is standing there, looking concerned.
"Hey, baby," Faith plasters on a smile. Ok, just act normal, don't let her see how weave, girl. "Hi ! How come you're not in bed? I mean, it's kinda late, right?"
"It's �" Joyce looks at her watch,"� 2:36 in the morning. Where've you been?" Joyce walks towards her. "I've been very worried about you."
"Huh? What? I've been working. I called you, remember?" Faith steps back a bit, not wanting Joyce to smell her breath. "Long night, sorry."
Joyce just stands there, looking at her. She's frowning.
"What?"
"I had a phone call earlier. From a Jack Connor. Says he owns the bar where you work. He was looking for you, and was worried. He said you left suddenly, really upset. This was about 8 p.m. or so."
Shit, those guys never quit screwin' me, do they?
"Look, Joyce, it's not a big, just � I'm really too tired to go over this tonight, can we do it in the morning?"
"It is the morning, Faith. I've been sitting here over 6 hours, worried to death about you. I can't even call the police, because I don't want the girls to worry too. I told them you were working late, so I could get them to go to bed. They really care about you too, Faith. You can't just go off by yourself when you feel like, don't you see that?"
"Hey! I didn't ask them to care! I'm just the friendly boarder here, Joyce, remember?" Faith moves towards the kitchen. "I'm paying rent; I don't have to account to no one where I am or what I'm doing." She waves a hand. "This is pointless, you know? I'm going to bed�"
"What about me? I love you, or did you forget that? Don't you think I'm going to be worried when you disappear for hours? How do I know you didn't get hurt or in an accident or something. Don't you think I care about that?"
"Well, maybe you shouldn't, Joyce," Faith walks to the cellar door.
Joyce strides over to the door, blocking Faith's way. " Oh no you don't! You don't just walk away from this after making me crazy with worry. Just who do you think you are? Where have you been? What have you been doing? You're not going anywhere til I get some answers!"
"I told ya, Joyce, I don't want to talk about this, so move."

"Have you been drinking?" Joyce asks, catching a whiff of her breath. "Have you been at some club or something getting drunk? Or maybe�?"
"What?" Faith asks, not liking that implication. "What?"
"Maybe you've been with someone else," Joyce tries to smell Faith, see if she can smell the scent of another woman on her. "Maybe you're tired of me, or don't want to be tied down, or something. Maybe you're scared I'm going to dump all my problems on you. Maybe I'm too goddamn old for you�"
"Ok, that's totally nuts, Joyce," Faith stares at her like she's gone crazy.
"Is it? Is it really? How do I know that? You're young, you're attractive. My god, your hotter than a firecracker. It's natural you want some sexy girl with you. Not some old mom with sagging breasts and stretch marks and too much butt � ummmmphhhh!"
Faith pins Joyce to the door, covering her mouth with her own, forcing her tongue into Joyce's. Her hands roam over Joyce, touching and squeezing.
Joyce struggles a little at first, then the heat overtakes her and she goes quiet, giving into the feelings Faith is building in her.
"Does that feel like I want someone else, you idiot?" Faith says huskily, her own libido revving like a race car. "I crossed the country to be with you. Why the hell would I want or need anyone else?"
"I'm sorry, I'm just� when you just went missing, without a word, I didn't know what to think. I was just worried about you. Then you walked in, acting like everything is normal, and � I got scared." She feels Faith pull away a little, and uses the opportunity to slip out from under. Joyce straightens herself up, trying to rescue any dignity she has left. "After the last couple of weeks, with everything going on and the tension� I just panicked a little�"
She feels a hand on her shoulder, pulling her back a bit. Then an arm slips around her waist. Faith lays her head on her shoulder, her cheek touching Joyce's.
"You're what I want. All that I want," Faith says softly, turning her head a little and pressing the edge of her lips against Joyce's cheek. Her hand gently rubs over Joyce's tummy. "Don't ever forget that." She releases Joyce, then turns to go downstairs. "I just needed a little time alone," she frowns a little. "I didn't think it out, and I'm sorry I scared you. Really."
"It's ok," Joyce says, "I just was worried something bad happened to you, that you might be hurt or �"
"I promise, I won't do it again. Ok?"
"Yes, ok." Joyce looks at her face, trying to suss out her mood. "If something was bothering you, I just wish you'd come home and talked to me about it, is all, rather than running off�"
"Look, Joyce. Can we talk about this tomorrow? It's been a crappy day, I've had a beer or two, and I'd really rather just sleep�"
"Faith, please, we need to talk. You sounded so odd on the phone. Something happened, didn't it? Something you're not telling me," Joyce lays her hand on Faith's arm. "How can I help you if you don't tell me what's going on, Faith?"
"Can't this wait, Joyce, until the morning� I really need to get some sleep�"
"Ok, I understand," Joyce says, walking over towards the dining room. "I'll just wait up all night. I mean, going to bed would be a waste of time. I'll be too worried to go to sleep. Might as well sit up and have some tea while I'm thinking up all sorts of absurd scenarios about what made you do it�"
"You're not going to let this go, are you?" Faith sighs deeply.
"Sorry, guess it's the mom in me coming out. When someone I love hurts, I can't just pretend like it isn't happening."

"Ok, ok," Faith gives up, knowing she's lost. "Is there any coffee?"
Upstairs, Buffy is lying awake in her bed. Her eyes are wide open, and she's staring at the moonlight coming in through her window.
She's been hearing the voices downstairs, and is worried. She can't make out the words, but the tones don't sound right.
It sounds like her mother and Faith are arguing. Just like her dad and mom used to argue.
She feels that awful sick feeling in her stomach; just like when her dad and mom argued.
It's about that night. At the college. I know it is. Faith's been worried for the last two weeks about that hearing, and it happened today. Oh god, it must not be good, they don't sound happy at all. God, why? Why couldn't you give her a break? Me a break? I know this is all my fault.
Mom's been so relaxed, ever since Faith moved in. Maybe they're really becoming friends. That would be so cool. Mom needs something like that, and that would mean Faith might stick around.. That would be totally cool. But�
She listens some more, hearing the voices raise up at times.
They're fighting. And it's probably about me. Damn!
Buffy sits up. She's debating on going downstairs to eavesdrop. No, I shouldn't. It's private, right? I should� wait a minute, it's about me. I should know� I have to know� I gotta fix this, and I won't know how unless I know�
Slipping out of her bed, she quietly makes her way across her room, being very careful not to make any noise. She looks out her door, and seeing the coast clear, heads down the hall.
She quietly tip- toes down the stair, being careful of the third step down, which squeaks. She moves behind the stairs, squatting by the small phone table there. She doesn't want to be seen, in case someone comes out of the dining room.
She settles down to listen.
A gloom has settled over the two women, each sitting at an end of the dining room table. Faith is staring down at her coffee; Joyce, slightly pale, is looking at her.
"They expelled you?" Joyce sounds almost offended. "How could they do that? Don't you have any rights?"
"I guess when the Fraternity can field a bunch of 'witnesses' , while I can't even come up with one, they figure I'm probably guilty." Faith shrugs, still staring at her coffee. "I'm just a student, they're like a national organization. Who do you believe, huh?"
" I don't understand that. Don't they even care that a girl might've gotten raped? What kind of school is that, anyway?"
"They, I mean, the Frat boys? � they didn't put it that way. They said it was all innocent fun, that the girl was playing along, and I just went off like some psycho on them. They even hinted that it was because I didn't want to haul up a keg of beer to the room next door. In short, they made it look like I just busted in on their little party, and went off on them for no reason."
"That's absurd! Didn't they see how absurd that is? Why would they even think that?"
"Well, Joyce, I wasn't exactly able to walk right in and walk out with Buffy. I had to get her away from them, and they didn't like that one bit. I had to knock a few heads around� and they just spun that into me being some kind of crazy bitch."
"You never told me you had to fight a bunch of guys! My god, Faith, you could've been killed. Did they hurt you?"
"Those pansies? Hell no� well, one was trying to get all brave and stuff, but I kind of � ok, I decked him. But I didn't start it, Joyce, honest. I was just trying to get me and Buffy out in one piece, is all." She frowns a little. "Maybe I didn't do my best thinking, you know? Maybe I shoulda tried to stall them somehow til the police showed up. But� I didn't want to take a chance on their good behavior, if you follow me."
"That sounds like self defense. Didn't you explain it to them, what happened?"
"God yes, Joyce!" Faith snaps, irritably. Then she sighs, and shakes her head. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. But I tried that. It fell on deaf ears, mostly."
"Still, I can't see them expelling you. I mean, surely they could've done something else�"
"I dunno, Joyce. I suspect once those Frat boys smelled blood� my blood, they wanted to really stick it to me. I suspect they had their legal eagles write the university threatening some kind of lawsuit or something if they didn't get rid of me. I know they pulled that stunt elsewhere."
"What're you talking about?"
"The bar, Joyce. That's why I stormed out of the bar. They fired me. Well, to be exact, Mike fired me. But Jack had to know. They called me in, and fired me! Because those lousy creeps at Alpha Mu threatened to sue them." Faith grins cynically. "It was me, or the lawsuit goes forward. Guess which they chose."
"Oh Faith," Joyce has a pained expression on her face.
"Yeah, Joyce. When I screw up? I don't do it halfsies. I do it right." Faith waves her hand, as if to say what else do you expect?
"Faith. Don't even. You can't think this is your fault�"
"Isn't it, Joyce? Let's review my life, shall we? Faith gives a damn, Faith sticks her nose in, Faith screws it up. I oughta know by now to not get myself in this shit, but I keep doing it. I'm a dumb asshole, Joyce, who just don't know no better, ya know? Who the hell do I think I am, that I can fix peoples problems? Dr. Phil? Oprah? I'm a fuck up, Joyce. Always been, always will be. You got stuck with a real lemon here."
"Faith McKerrigan, that's rubbish."
"It's not rubbish, Joyce! I can't get my life on track. I try, and I think I'm gonna really make something of it this time, but every goddamn time it blows up in my face. I don't know what to do. I been trying to make something of myself, do something with myself, ever since my parents kicked my ass to the curb. Every time , I pick the stupid choice, and I keep falling further and further in the hole. I'm hopeless, Joyce, a born fuck up!"
"Faith! I won't listen to that kind of nonsense!"
"Well, you better damn well listen, Joyce, because this concerns you too. What do you think it's gonna be like, with me around here? I mean, come on, lets get real here! I can't do shit, I can't even keep a lousy bartending job! What's so hard about that? Mix the drinks, serve the customer, and take his money. Occasionally, listen to the crap they spew out. Not a big deal, but I can't even do that right! I can't do anything right!"
"You saved my daughter. Was that wrong? I don't think so! She could've been scarred for life, " Joyce's voice rises, "Do you think most people would've done what you did? I know they wouldn't. Most would've turned their back, figuring it wasn't any of their business. But you threw yourself into it, getting her out of there, and keeping her safe. And you didn't even know it was MY daughter. You didn't care. You just thought of not letting those creeps hurt her, and you didn't care what happened to you!" There are tears standing in Joyce's eyes. "How proud do you think that makes me? Never mind for a moment it was Buffy, you cared enough to risk your life for another person. That makes you a hero in my book, Faith McKerrigan!"
"That and 4 bucks will get you a large latte at Starbuck's, Joyce," Faith shakes her head. "I was a fool."
"What?" Joyce is a little shocked.
"Not about what I did. That was the right thing to do. No, I mean, after. I shoulda been smarter. I shoulda know those brat boys would come after me. I shoulda never trusted those � morons at school. I really thought Dean Landis was pulling for me. I thought she'd keep my ass from getting fried. I'm a total dope for trusting them, figuring they'd believe me. I mean, Dean Landis even told me they'd been in trouble before. I figured, hooray, they'll boot them off campus. Instead, I got the boot, and they�re sitting there on their fat asses laughing at the stupid monkey girl!"
"Do you really think that, Faith?"
"God, I don't have a clue what to think. I mean, I'm a kid, Joyce, let's face it. I'm trying to be a grown up , and I'm just a dumb, know nothing kid. What am I even DOING here, anyway? What do I know about shit? I'm acting like an adult, and I'm totally lost here. God, I'm pretending like I got it wrapped, and all the time I'm balancing on some high wire, just ready to fall on my fat ass, know what I mean? I mean, look at Buffy and Dawn. They look up to me, thinking I got all the answers for them, and I'm nothing but a big fraud." Faith puts her head in her hands. "A big stupid fraud."
Joyce gets up, and quietly comes over, sitting down next to Faith. She puts her arms around her, gently stroking her back and hair.
"Faith, honey, it's ok. Believe me. Grown up here, and I'm gonna let you in on a secret."
"What?" Faith sounds defeated.
"I've been doing this for nearly 20 years, and I still don't got a clue, Faith. Every day it's I do something, and I hope I haven't messed everything up by doing it."
"Oh, c'mon, I've seen you in action. You were born a mom, I swear. You handle the girls like a pro."
"Give me a break, Faith. God, don't you remember how me and Buffy were at each other's throat just a couple of weeks ago? I sure do. And then that turned around." She looks into Faith's face. "Now, I wonder, who had a big something to do with that?" She makes as if to think about it. "Oh, that's right, it was YOU!"
Faith can't help but grin a little at that. Not so much the idea, but the obvious love and respect Joyce put behind it. But then she frowns.
"Joyce, I just � this is all so hard. I don't even know if I'm � I don't know if I can do this. Be a grown up. I mean� I'm not ready for this stuff. This being responsible stuff. I can't do this. I'm a total loser at this stuff."
Joyce chuckles knowingly, all the while trying to soothe Faith.
"Well, hate to tell you, but you don't have lots of choices here. You can't stay a kid forever. You're going to be a grownup, like it or not. It's just what happens."
"I can't. I just can't do this!" Faith stands up suddenly. "I'm not ready for this. I can't handle this. I'm sorry, but I �"
There's a crash in the next room, and both women's head turn towards the noise. Joyce starts towards the noise, but Faith stops her.
"Wait�" She puts a restraining hand on Joyce.
"Oh no, if you think I'm going to let you�"
"Shhh!"
Faith cautiously walks towards the living room, where the noise came from. She stops in the doorway, standing there, looking down. She waves at Joyce.
"C'mere, Joyce, you gotta see this!" There's a hint of amusement in Faith's voice.
Joyce rushes over, to be greeted by the sight of her eldest daughter, standing by the stairs, head down. Next to her is the phone table, which was upset when she stood up suddenly. On the floor is the vase which used to sit on the phone table, broken into a couple of large pieces.
Joyce goes to her, looking concerned.
"Buffy? Are you all right? What happened?"
"I think Buffy was crouched by the phone table, listening in. Isn't that so, princess?"
Buffy blushes.
"Is that true, Buffy? Were you eavesdropping?"
"Mom, I'm sorry," Buffy says quietly, "but I heard you upstairs, and it sounded like you were fighting, and I had to know." She turns to Faith, her eyes wide. "Don't leave, please? Don't leave! It's all my fault, I know that, but we � we really like you being here. We need you here! Don't go!"
Joyce and Faith look at each other, perplexed.
"Go?" Faith asks, puzzled.
"Please, let me fix it, ok? I'll go to that committee! I'll tell them anything you say. They've go to listen to me, right? They'll change their minds, right? If I tell them I was being raped? They'll take it back. I know they will�" She looks at her mom. "Don't let her go, please mom! Things have been good around here, right? I'm really trying. I am, but � I don't want to mess things up for you. I mean, you two are like good friends, and I think that's great and I think you need her as a friend. I need her as a friend. Don't let her go, mom!"
"Buffy, what are you talking about?" Faith asks, shaking her head. "Why do you think I'm gonna leave?"
"You� you said you couldn't take it anymore, you couldn't do this anymore. Just like dad did, before he bugged out. Mom, please� Faith, I know I screwed up. This is my fault, all my fault. But if you stay, I'll fix it, I'll make it right. Please, just�" She starts to cry. "Please, don't hate me! Don't go away, I need � I� " She turns to her mother. "Mom, I know you guys like each other. Really like each other. Please, don't hate me, ok? I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to m-mess it u-up�" Without thought, she clings to her mother, crying.
"Buffy, Buffy, shhh�" Joyce strokes her eldest daughter's hair, trying to comfort her. "Don't, baby. It's ok, everything's ok."
Buffy pulls back a little, sniffling. She looks at her mom, her eyes still shiny with tears. "She's going to leave, isn't she? She's disgusted with me, because I screwed up everything for her. She's leaving, and then you'll be angry, because I drove her away. God, I'm so �"
"Buffy, stop it, "Faith says, coming over and putting a comforting arm around her. She pulls her gently away from Joyce, and turns her to face her. "Listen to me, ok?"
Buffy sniffles, and sobs, and nods.
"Listen real close. I'm not leaving, ok?"
Buffy sniffs.
"I'm not, honest, " Faith sighs, " Look, I was just blowing off steam. I � I'm not going to lie, you heard everything, I'm sure, Ms. Ears. It's been a pretty crappy day for me. But hell, I'm not giving up over one stupid set back. There are other schools I can go to , and other jobs I can get. I just got so upset because, well, I felt rejected. Like I'd done something bad, when I know I hadn't."
"B-But if n-not for m-me, you wouldn't h-have been kicked out."
"That's a load of hooey, Buffy. I got kicked out cuz I was stupid. I shoulda known better, and fought harder to stay. I didn't, and it came back to bite me on the butt. Know what?" Faith says, grinning just a little.

"What?"
"Didn't help. Still got a big butt, ya know?"
Buffy, despite feeling guilty, can't help but giggle a little at that.
"That's better. Look at me, Buffy. Doesn't matter what they did. I woulda done the same thing. I wasn't about to let you, or anyone get hurt by a bunch of creeps like that. If I got my lumps after, oh well. I'll just get up and get back in there. That's your only choice, right? Unless you wanna run away and live in a cave somewhere in Tibet. I mean, you live in this world, you're gonna get blown over once in awhile."
"But I shoulda been there. I shoulda helped you!"
"How, Buffy? We went over this, girl. You don't remember that night too well. If you'd gone there and told them you remembered everything, that woulda been a lie. That never works. Trust me, I know from experience. That woulda just made it look worse. It coulda been worse."
"How?"
"They coulda maybe turned me over to the cops, had my butt in jail. At least for awhile. Now, that woulda sucked. As I see it, I got off ok. I mean, I'm still free, I'm still here, and hell, I'm still a hottie," Faith grins.
Buffy laughs.
"So, stop worrying, ok? It's all gonna be good," She turns to Joyce, "Right Joyce? I mean, you're not gonna kick me out cuz I might be behind on the rent a couple of weeks til I get another job, will ya?"
"Oh, I think we can manage that." Joyce nods her head, smiling.
"So, there you are. Happy ending, kid. Frankly�" She leans in�" I wasn't all that crazy about that bar, anyway. Snotty kids and bad tips. I can do better."
"You promise. You're not gonna leave, right?"
"Not until your mom gets tired of waiting for me to pay the rent." She grins crookedly. "Anyway, if I leave, who am I gonna have around to ruin my life, huh?"
Buffy looks a little stricken.
"Kidding. Gotcha!" Faith pulls Buffy into a hug. "Now, Ms. Snoopy, I think you should get your butt back to bed."
"I agree, "Joyce says, coming over to Buffy. "Maybe this will teach you to eavesdrop, young lady. You get all the wrong ideas. Next time, if you want to know something, ask."
"You're not mad at me?" She looks at both of them.
"I'm not mad. Are you mad, Joyce?"
"No, I'm not mad. But I might get a bit upset if you don't get back to bed, young lady. Tomorrow is a school day."
"I'm going, I'm going," Buffy puts up her hands. She starts up the stairs, then turns around. "I'll pay for the vase, mom. Honest." She starts up a couple more, then turns again. "I love you guys" She turns, and disappears upstairs.
They watch her go, standing together at the base of the stairs. Then Faith turns to Joyce.
"Well, I see it runs in the family."
"What're you talking about?" Joyce says, as she goes over to clean up the shards of the vase.
Faith comes over, and kneels next to her, helping.
"The getting of the crazy ideas in the head that have no basis in reality." Faith smirks at Joyce, who suddenly is very interested in the vase she's picking up. "So far, I haven't seen it in Dawn yet. But I suspect that's just a matter of time�"
"Would you stop?" Joyce says, picking up the last piece. She starts towards the kitchen.
No good at this, my Aunt Fanny, Joyce thinks to herself, dumping the pieces in the trash. She handled Buffy perfectly. And she thinks she can't deal. God, she's good. And it doesn't hurt she's damn sexy, either.
"So, are you feeling better now?" Joyce calls out from the kitchen. She turns, and Faith is standing right there. She's steps back a pace. "Whew, warn a girl when you're going to sneak up on her, ok?"
"What fun would that be?" Faith smirks, noticing the blush rising in Joyce's face. "So, we're done now? Can I go to bed now?"
"I guess," Joyce pouts just a little, "You don't like being with me?"
"There you go again with that crazy talk," Faith starts pinching her a little, causing Joyce to giggle. "But I think tonight, after everything, I just need to sleep. Funny how that never happens when you're there." She looks at Joyce with just a glimmer of lust in her eye.
"We don't have to do anything. We could just cuddle" Joyce insists.
"Yeah, sure. That's so gonna happen."
"Hey, I have self control. I'm not a sex fiend."
"Sure, sure, Joy. Just keep telling yourself that."

Upstairs, Buffy shuffles across her floor. She reaches her bed, and flops down in it.
Despite their reassurances, Buffy isn't particularly reassured.
Her parents reassured her the same way. She knows how that turned out.
She turns on her side, and curls up into a ball.
They hate me, I know they do. They say they don't, but I know they do
And I deserve it. I'm nothing but a waste.
A big fat good for nothing waste.

===

To be continued
- 14
- 15
- 16
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