Adult-FanFiction.org : Buffy

The Slayer	By : norwalker Category: BtVS AU/AR > FemmeSlash - Female/Female Views: 19613 -:- 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
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 15 of a multipart story.

Summary: What if Faith came first? If she were the slayer before Buffy( if Buffy even became a slayer)? Just my take on what might have happened. AU, of course.

Pairings: Not sure yet. You might be surprised.

Rating: M( R )

Disclaimer: Characters depicted in this story, except for original characters created by the author, are the sole property of Mutant Enemy, Fox and Joss Whedon.

A/N: Strap on the seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy ride!

1

Xander sighs softly, and remains quiet.

He knows interrupting Willow when she's on a tear is pointless.

He loves the sexy little red head to death. Her kisses make him melt, the way she feels in his arms is perfect, and the little teasing sex games she plays(God, I'm so crazy horny for her but she's not ready for the main event yet. But the appetizers are making me CRAZY!) keeps him on his toes. She's funny, and sweet, and has a big heart.

And stubborn. Mules aren't nearly as stubborn. You can reason with a stone wall easier.

When Willow decides something's so, it's so. There's no ' well, let's think about this' . There's no ' Well, we really should gather more facts, make sure it really happened that way'. There's not ' let's look at all sides of the question.' It's the way Will thinks it is, and if you disagree? Well, you're just wrong. It's ok if you have your own opinion, but I'm sorry, it's wrong!

And boy, this time, Willow was on the tear of all tears, utterly convinced of something that totally doesn't make a lick of sense.

" I'm telling you Xander, there's something going on between Faith and Cordelia!"

" Sure there is, Willow. It's called mutual contempt, " Xander puts in.

Willow gives Xander her patented ' poor, clueless Xander' look.

"What?" Xander asks, a little irritated by her condescending 'tude.

" Xander, Xander, Xander," Willow sighs. " I love you to pieces, but sometimes you can be so thick, honey."

" Willow, I've seen it with my own eyes. These two that look at you with such adoration and lusty feelings," Xander says, smiling. " Whenever they're together, I'm wanting to call the SPCA, the catfight is sooo rabid. They can't stand each other. How do you figure they're doing something. I mean, geeze, Will. Cordy almost killed her when she tripped her in the cafeteria. Think Faith's going to get all lovey-dovey with her after that?"

" Hey, love's funny. I mean, who'd figure we'd get together?"

" Ummm… half the junior class?"

"What does that mean, anyway? I mean, love can strike you without you even realizing it, you know?" Willow glosses right over that. " And sometimes, the ones that act the most hostile, get all crazy-crazy together when things break, see what I mean?"

" Willow? I have only two words to say to you. Luke Skywalker."

" Huh?" Willow blushes. She knows what's coming.

" Remember how convinced you were, after seeing Star Wars, that Obi wan was Luke's dad? You were surer of it than anything. Everything pointed at Vader, and you even dismissed it in " Return of the Empire" when everything was pointing that way. It wasn't until Darth Vader actually said " I'm your Father, Luke!" that you had to admit you were wrong. Then you wanted to believe that Vader was delusional, and it still was Obi wan that was Luke's father, and that it would be revealed later on. At the end of "Return" you still were holding onto that idea. Even when Vader gave his life for Luke, you were convinced Obi wan was Luke's Father. I bet secretly, you still believe it!"

" I so don't" Willow says, but her blush deepens.

" I love you Willow, I hope you know that. And I know you're like mega –smart. So smart sometimes it blows me away how smart you are. I'll never be half as smart as you are…"

" Xander, that's not true. You're smart. You just don't apply yourself."

" Please, Willow. You're like a genius. But sometimes…"

" Yes?" Willow gets an unhappy tone to her voice.

" Sometimes, you get an idea in your head, and you just won't let it go. You're like a terrier with a bone, facing down a pack of Rottweilers. You don't care what comes along, you're not giving up that bone."

" That's so not so!" Willow protests. " I'm not like that at all. I try to look at all sides of things."

Xander cocks his head, a disbelieving look on his face.

" Well, sometimes things are just so obvious, you can't ignore what's right in front of you," Willow says defensively. " I was there that day when I saw Cordelia sneaking… yes, sneaking… out of Faith's apartment. I mean, if it were all innocent and stuff, why was she sneaking? Why did she look guilty? Hmmm, Mr. Know it all?"

" Maybe she was embarrassed at being so scared? Cordelia comes off as fearless. Do you think she wants it to be known that she got scared? Oh, and with minds like yours? She probably was worried of what people would think if someone caught her coming out of Faith's apartment in the morning."

Willow stops suddenly. She looks at Xander with a withering look.

" Minds like mine?" Willow asks, her resolve voice coming to the fore. " What's that supposed to mean, Alexander Harris?"

Oh oh.

" Uh… ummm… I just meant, you see… it's just you… oh, hey, is that my name being called? I better go…" He starts to bolt, but Willow grabs his arm.

" Hold on Xander, that won't work. There's nobody around here," Willow says, firmly. " explain what you mean!"

" Well, gee, Will, you just seem so fascinated with Faith and her love life. First thinking she needs to socialize more, then trying to fix her up…"

" Can I help it almost every guy at Sunnydale high is wary about her? Parker spread it around school she's a man eater… and not in a good way, if you know what I mean!"

" Uh-huh. Now this. I'm kinda wondering if you might not be…"

" What?" Willow's face clouds over. " What're you saying, Alexander Lavelle Harris, jr.!"

Oh, crap. She added the middle name and the Jr. I'm so in trouble. Xander looks at her. Still…

" Well…gee… Will, you gotta admit, it looks kind of strange, all this interest you have in her…"

" She's my friend, MR. Harris," Willow withdraws her arm from his. " I care about my friends." Emphasizing she might shed one of them really soon.

" Still, Will, " Xander plows on, getting himself in deeper, " I think you might have the tiniest teeniest little crush on her…"

" Look who's got the stupid idea now!" Willow gets flustered." I've never heard anything so ridiculous in all my life!" She shakes her head violently. " Y-You don't know anything, Xander Harris, and now you're trying to make me look like some lovesick schoolgirl with a crush on an older girl that's just so stupid I've never heard anything dumber come out of that mouth of yours how could you even think that !"

Xander smiles a tiny smile. He might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he truly sees everything.

" Willow, it's ok if you're crushing a little on Faith. I don't mind. She's pretty awesome, I admit."

" Oh? Pretty awesome, huh? Who's doing the crushing around here, I wonder?"

" This isn't about me, Will, " Xander grows firm." You've got this ridiculous notion about Faith and Cordelia, and I'm thinking, maybe you're just a little jealous!"

" Am not!"

" Are too!"

"Not!"

" Too!"

" This is going nowhere with a layover in pointless," Willow says. She crosses her arms over her chest. " I know what I know!"

" Oh, then I guess you won't mind telling Faith what you know." Xander says simply.

" What?"

" Ask her, point blank." Xander says. " See what she says."

" I will not, that's rude!"

" You're scared! You know you're wrong, and you're scared!"

" I am NOT scared. MR. Harris!"

" You are too, MS. Rosenberg!"

Willow's eyes go wide. Xander's not backing off, and now she's stuck. If she doesn't confront Faith, she looks like she doesn't believe her own theory. If she does, and Faith dismisses it, she looks like a fool. And Xander isn't backing off!

Bad, bad puppy. You're not supposed to bark at your mistress! Huh?

" Ok, fine!" Willow says, sounding more confident than she feels. " We'll talk to her."

"Talk to her?" Xander replies.

" Ask her. Ask her. Ok, you satisfied, Mr. Smarty McFarty-pants?" Willow says, trying to sound indignant. And failing horribly.

Xander can't help but chuckle. Willow trying to be all forceful and indignant and righteous? It's just adorable.

" With you? Always, cutie-patootie!" He grins, his smile shining in his eyes.

Willow melts like an ice cube in a blast furnace. Her arm slips around Xander's waist, and she leans ah so nicely against him, snuggling close.

" Who's my Xander Bear?" She says softly in a little girl voice.

" I am!" Xander says. "GRRRR"

Willow giggles, and pats his butt.

They walk, arms around each other, up the steps to the school.

2

Harmony Kendall is standing with the other Cordettes, waiting for Cordelia to make her appearance.

She's in a bit of a quandary.

She's still not entirely sure about what she saw yesterday in the library, but she was smart enough to know this could be big. Really big.

Big enough to finally de-throne Cordelia Chase, and have her take over.

Hmmm… so what will I name the group? The Harmonettes? The Harmonies? Well, don't really matter right now. But I better start working on it. I'm thinking, the days of Cordelia Chase as Queen C might just be drawing to a close.

Still, she couldn't be certain that what she saw was enough. Ok, I saw that skanky dyke kiss her. But I didn’t stick to see the finish. Watching two girls kiss? Gross! But still… this could be just what I need to knock old Cordy way down. Thing is, I didn't see how she reacted. Stupid, Harm. You could've stomached it a little longer. That would've been sweet. If Cordy had liked it, baby, she'd be toast. Damn me! Gotta think these things through better.

Oh! Oh! Here she comes. Well, maybe I can pump her a little, get some dirt. Ok, that just sounds really bad. But maybe I can dig up something. That would be sweet. Hmmm. Look at her. She doesn't look to be at her bitchy best this morning. Who picked out that outfit? So totally wrong for a power player. Wonder what she was thinking about? Or who? Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.

Cordelia starts up the steps to the school. If she'd been paying more attention, she would've noticed things were a little different with her coterie this morning. A little too much whispering and talking amongst the ranks as she approached. But her mind was still on Faith, and yesterday, so she wasn't tuned in as much as usual.

" Morning, guys!" Cordy says as she approaches the group.

" Morning Cordelia, " The group sings out in harmony.

" Hey, Cordy. Love your dress, " Harmony speaks up. "Kinda going for a retro look today?"

" Hmmm?" Cordy looks down at her dress. Well, it is kind of last month. She shrugs. "Was in kinda of a hurry this morning. Running late. I overslept." She gives Harmony a look. " Something wrong with it?"

" Oh, no, just wondering, " Harmony backs off. " Sooo, overslept? Up late? Studying?" I bet. Maybe thinking about Dyke Queen? That sure would explain those steamer trunks under your eyes, honey.

" Yeah, kinda. Have a test today. And I was working out a new routine for the squad. And some other stuff."

Groans go up from the group.

" A new routine?" Aurora complains. " We were just getting the old one down…"

" Hey, if we're going to be state champs, we've got to come up with a winning cheer program. You know that Aurora… unless you don't want us to win, " Cordy gives her the eye.

" Oh…no, no… I want us to win, for sure!" Aurora exclaims. " We want to win, don't we guys?"

" You bet!"

" Sure!"

" We're the best!"

" You know it!"

"Anyway, it's not totally new. Just some adjustments to what we're doing. It'll make it smokin' hot, you know?" Cordy looks around ." Nothing really hard, I promise."

" Cool"

"Cool"

"Cool"

"Cool!"

" So, what's the haps, guys?" Cordy smiles wickedly, "What's the new dirt floating around?"

"Well, actually, Cordy, we were wondering…" Harmony starts.

" Yeah?" Cordy looks at Harmony, and her antennae start to tingle. Harmony's being rather… bold this morning. What's the sitch with that? What's she up to? " You were wondering?" Cordy never really trusted Harmony. She's a Kendall, and they notorious social climbers.

" Well, Cordy, its just Homecoming is only a couple of days away, and there's still no word on who you're going with. You've been really playing it close, you know? Who's it going to be? Billy, or Jake?"

Cordy smiles a wicked little smile.

" Well… I like to keep them guessing," Cordy says, looking around the group," and anyway, Josh Logan has suddenly come on the market!"

" Josh Logan?" Amanda gapes. " Melinda Peters' Josh Logan?"

" The one and only, " Cordy snickers. " Seems Melinda did something that just got Josh all upset, and they broke up." She puts on a falsely sympathetic face. " Now, isn't that just a shame. Poor Melinda. She must be devastated!"

All the girls have a good laugh at that one. Melinda Peters is Cordy's main and most hated rival. Grrr.

" Now, that isn't fair," Harmony puts in, " I'm sure Josh had his reasons. I think somebody should go and have a talk with that boy. He might need a sympathetic ear." She smirks at Cordy, who returns the smirk.

" You're right, of course, Harmony," Cordy winks. " It's our sacred duty as cheerleaders to keep the moral of the team up. I'll get right on that."

"Of course you will, Cordy, if you can find the time, " Harmony says, her smirk remaining.

" What's that supposed to mean, Harm?" Cordy has a warning note in her tone.

" Oh, nothing," Harm does the ditz routine, " Just you're so busy these days. Student council, Prom committee, Cheerleading… I'm surprised you find time for anything these days. Especially boys. I mean, I haven't seen you on a date in awhile now…"

" I've been busy, Harm. Taking a lot of AP Honors classes for College…if I need to explain myself to you?" She gives Harmony a look, " same thing with the extra curricular stuff. Looks good on the transcript, and you know I have to get into an Ivy League. "

" Oh, sure, Cordy, " Harmony smiles brightly. Don't push it too hard, Harm. This could blow up on you." Just, we're sorta worried about you. All work and no play…"

Not all of us are airheads like you, Harm.

" Well, I have a name to keep up, Harm. I gotta work harder," Cordy puts in the little dig.

" Oh, sure, I get that," Harmony frowns, realizing there's an insult there, just not exactly sure what. " Just… you seem to spend a lot more time in the library these days."

"Again, I'm taking tougher classes this year. Takes a lot more time doing research."

Oh yeah, Cordy. Exactly what are you researching? Like those girls on the computer display?

" Is there a point to all of this, Harm?" Cordy's tone is getting just a taste frosty. What's the what, Harm? Looking to make a move. Careful, Girl. I got stuff on you… " I mean, you seem rather interested in my doings."

" Oh, sweetie. It's just we miss you. You hardly hang with us anymore, you know?" Harmony lays on the sugar." We're all jonesing for a good night out. Just the girls." She turns to the others. " Right, girls?"

" Right! We miss you Cordy, " They say in unison. Brown nosing is an art, not a science.

Cordy smiles, feeling a little relieved.

" Well, gee guys, just say something. Hey, not busy tonight! What say we head to the Bronze?"

"Perfect!"

"Excellent!"

" Great!"

" Love it!"

"So it's a date then? Girls night out? Lots of gossip, watch the herd, hit on the hotties?" Cordelia looks around.

" You got it, Cordy!" Again, in unison.

The bell rings for class.

" Well, that's our cue, girls. Better get to class," Cordy head off, followed by most of the others.

Harmony hangs back a little. She knows she's planted the seeds, now she just has to watch them grow.

I just love gardening.

A wicked little grin on her face, she enters the school.

3

Buffy sat at an outside table at the local BK, sipping on her soda.

Pretty much, that was all she had for today.

Ok. I really got to think these things out. When I run away, don't do it spur of the moment. No money, no place to sleep, no place to clean up, no clean clothes. Not smart. Buffy sips on her soda, looking around. Fighting with mom? Mega stupid!

Buffy really hated fighting with her mom. She'd never admit, certainly not to her mom, but she really admired how together her mom was, considering what was happening. Dad leaving, Buffy getting kicked out of school, Joyce had handled it better than could be expected.

Yeah, and she's going through all this, and a lot of it, ok, most of it, my fault. But she didn't have to get all Nazi on me, either. I screwed up, I know. But … gee, I love Billy. Things are crazy-crazy right now, and I need something to hang onto… and she gets all…darn it. She won't let me see him anymore! What did she think I was going to do? Just sit there and say " Yes, mommy"? I'm an adult, she doesn’t have to treat me like a kid! I'm not a kid! I'm a woman now!

Yeah, so why don't you act like an adult then, huh? You're such a big brat. You mess up ,and you don't want to deal with the consequences.

Why do we have to move? I'm so hating that! I want to be with Ford, I don't want to be in some stupid town called Sunnydale! God, could you get more hick? Who's the sheriff? Andy and Barney? Geeze.

Did I mention you're a brat? You're gonna be 2 hours away… not across the country. But no, you can't deal with that, you have a fit and tantrum and run out… gee, just like a kid.

A big, sleepy, stinky baby!

Buffy smells the scent of a warm burger and fries, and her tummy rumbles. And hungry. Don't forget hungry!

She looks up to see Ford looking down at her, and a hamburger and fries in front of her. He smiles.

" Thought you might be hungry?" He hears Buffy's tummy rumble again, and laughs. " yup, I'm thinking you're really hungry."

Buffy feels like the suns come out on her rainy-bluesy day. " Billy," she says, soft and happy.

" Hey, Summers, " Billy say, leaning over to kiss her forehead. His nose wrinkles. " Whew, you really are…ripe."

Buffy blushes, even her ears turning red. " I didn't get a chance to clean up after last night," She says, softly. However, her eyes are glued on the food, because she's really, really hungry. Slayer metabolisms burn like blast furnaces.

" I guess. Whew. We're going to have to call you Pepette Le Pew." He waves his hand, as if waving away her smell.

" Well, gee, " She pouts, lip out, " too stinky to sit with?"

Billy shrugs, and sits down. " I think I'm upwind here." He teases.

" You're mean" She says, but she's smiling, and has her cheeks puffed out with her bite of burger.

" And you stink. So ummm… I was thinking after you finish that, which looks to be in 5 seconds, we'd go back to my house and get cleaned up. Course, dad might want you to be hosed down out front first. Whew." He waves his hand again, chuckling.

" I'm hungry!" Buffy protests, taking another large bite out of the burger. " and you didn't seem to mind stinky old me last night too much," She teases him back. Then she frowns, and puts down the burger. The fight comes back to her, and her tummy starts to get acidy.

"So, you had a fight with your mom, huh?" He asks.

Buffy looks up at him, surprised.

" How'd you know?"

" She called me last night, wondering if you'd come there. I told her of course you hadn't, " Billy frowns a little. " Why didn't you come back to my place after that happened?"

" I didn't want to get you and your dad involved. " Buffy grimaces, remembering how bad it got. " I figured I'd just sneak back and get some stuff, then split."

" Oh, just split? And not tell me, or your mom?"

" I would've called you. And mom? Well, she's pretty much hating me anyway. Why would she care?"

" Now, Buffy. That's just dumb. You're mom loves you. She's been worried sick. I went out looking for you last night, but you weren't anywhere. Guess you found some new hiding places since we were 10 and ran away together huh?"

Buffy smiles at that. That was back when Billy's mom was still alive. They'd all been together for a backyard barbecue, and somehow Billy had gotten hold of the can of lighter fluid, Anyway, he said he wanted to show Buffy a neat trick, so he sprayed out lighter fluid and lit it. It made a really pretty arc in the air…till it hit a tree in the backyard and set it on fire.

Their parents managed to get it put out quickly, and there was no real damage. But both had been grounded forever( ok, 2 months). They managed somehow to sneak out to see each other( even then, gee), and decided to run away from home. Well, they got a couple of miles, then both got scared. They hid under an overhang in the old park, what they used to call their ' cave'. And they heard every night noise and got more and more frightened. Of course, neither would admit to being frightened, because that would make them babies. But they were. They stuck it out til morning. Went home, got hugged and kissed, then another 2 months added to their sentences.

Good times, Buffy giggles a little to herself. Then she looks at Ford, and realizes that he's been part of her life for as long as she can remember. That's what hurts so much about leaving. She's not only losing her boyfriend, she's losing her best friend. He won't be there all the time to cheer her up, or tease her into doing what she needs to do, or smile when she needs it, or hold her when she needs it or anything when she needs it.

" I hate this, Billy. I don't want to move. Why do we have to move?" Buffy pushes the burger away, her appetite gone. " this sucks."

" It's not forever, Buffy," Ford says, " Sunnydale isn't that far away. I can drive up on weekends to see you, and we can get together over vacation and the holidays. Dad says you're welcome any time you want. He'll even redecorate the guest room for you, make it more Buffy friendly."

" You're dad's the coolest. Why does my mom have to be so …so…"

" She loves you, Buff, and worries about you. And, she's more worried right now than mad."

" She didn't give you a hard time on the phone, did she?"

" A little. But I went over there this morning, after looking for the lost waif, " He half grins, " And we talked, and she's cool now. Still not real happy about the sex thing, but you can get that, right? Afraid you'll get pregnant and it'll ruin your life and all that. I assured her we're careful. Used protection. Like I said, she's cooled down now."

" I guess I gotta go home, huh?"

"Yeah, I think so. Once we decontaminate you," Ford grins.

Buffy throws a fry at him, which he expertly ducks.

" Some slayer. Can't even hit me with a French fry." Ford laughs.

" I really don't want to go home, Billy," Buffy says, sighing. " I don't want to move away. I don't suppose your dad would let me like stay with you guys. I'd get a job and pay rent and everything."

" Dad's not going to go for that. Sure, visits he doesn’t mind. He likes you. Thinks I'm lucky to have you. Wonder why?" Ford grins, " but he's not going to let you stay with us on a permanent basis. He's kinda mad about the sex thing too." He laughs. " Why do you think he wants to remodel the guest room? He plans on putting a lock on it."

Both of them laugh. Then Ford gets serious.

" Look, Buff. I know things are crappy right now for you. But you're mom? Well, you only get one. You really don't want to lose her. Let me tell you, that's no fun at all." He takes her hand. " I love my dad, but there are just things I can't talk to him about I could with mom. God, I really miss her."

Buffy reaches out, and touches his face. " Billy, I'm so sorry. You're mom was really nice," She strokes his cheek.

Ford smiles, a little embarrassed by his emotions. He makes a noise, and shoves the burger back at her.

" Go on and finish that. Then we'll get you scraped down and presentable. Get you back home."

" Oh, stop pretending to be noble, " Buffy rags on him. " You're not doing this for me or my mom. You just want to take a shower with me."

" Well, yeah. I think I got some reward coming for finding you and all, " Ford grins broadly.

" Pervert."

" So? That's why you love me!"

" Yeah," Buffy says, biting her burger. " I guess so."

***

A couple of hours later, a newly squeaky clean Buffy, still a little wrinkly in her day old clothing, stands in front of her mother's door. She stares at it nervously. Billy is with her to give her moral support.

" Do I gotta?" Buffy asks, wanting to run again.

" Yeah, Buff. You really do," Billy says, rubbing her back reassuringly. " It's going to be ok." He gently pushes her towards the door. " Go ahead Buffy."

Buffy gives him a worried look, then turns and knocks.

Joyce Summers answers the door, and looks at her daughter. Her face is a montage of mixed emotions.

" Buffy," Joyce says quietly.

" Mom," Buffy says, equally quiet.

For a moment neither moves or says anything. Then Joyce breaks, and pulls Buffy into a hug. Buffy hugs her mother tightly.

" I'm sooo sorry, mom,' Buffy says, starting to cry.

Joyce feels the sting of tears in her eyes. She was very worried that Buffy might be hurt or worse.

" Me, too, Baby. I'm just glad your home."

They hug, and as Joyce looks over Buffy's shoulder, she spots Billy standing back. She smiles at him, and mouths silently " Thank you, Billy"

Billy smiles, and giving her a little salute, turns and walks down the driveway.

He's glad Buffy's back home and safe. He has a warm feeling inside, like he's done something good.

He turns and walks down the street.

Across the street and a few houses up, Merrick watches the tableau unfolding. His expression, unlike the others, isn't happy or particularly pleasant.

Well, so Buffy's back home. Good. That's real good. I won't have to mention this to Mr. Chase. He shudders, thinking of Cornell's reaction.

But our Mr. Fordham is becoming something of a liability. We're simply going to have to take care of that.

Yes sir, we're going to have to put paid to that account. Paid in full.

Turning, he walks away.

4

Faith is just getting a few things together when the doors to the library open, and Willow and Xander walk in. She smiles at them.

" Hey guys, a little early for our training session, but hey, love the eagerness. So, ready to get sweaty?"

Willow and Xander look at each other, then whisper.

" You ask her," Willow says, sotto voce.

" No, you. This is your idea!" Xander comes back.

" Gee, she's not going to bite your head off, you know"

" Good, then you won't mind asking her."

Faith, watching the two of them, cuts in.

" So, private conversation, or can anyone just hop in?" She asks. She hefts her bag, and walks over. " What's up, guys? Why the enigma?"

" Ummm… well, we were talking, and getting to wonder , and…"

" Willow has something to ask you, " Xander, ever courageous, takes a step back, leaving Willow to Faith.

Grrr, Xander. See if you get any kisses in the near future, Willow burns.

" Ask me? Ask me what?" Faith says, looking at Willow.

" Uh… well… uh… oh, never mind. Lets go do some training," Willow chickens out.

"No, really, it's ok," Faith smiles." If you got something to ask, ask me. I won't bite." She gets a wicked smile. " Or is that it? Do you want me to bite?" She teases Willow, whose ears turn a bright red.

" NO!" Willow protests, still blushing," It's just… well… we never see you around the Bronze much, and well…you never seem to be with anyone, or on a date or nothing…"

" Do you and Cordelia have a thing?" Xander puts in from a safer distance.

Aw, crap!

"What? A …" She looks at the two of them, then bursts out laughing. " Me? And the Princess? Oh… c'mon… " She drops the bag, which makes a nice clunking sound, and laughs harder. " God, that's got to be…" She laughs harder, grabbing her tummy because it hurts. " God, where did you guys come up with THAT idea?"

" Hey, it's not that funny!"

Her gaze travels over Xander, and stops at Willow. Her laughing dies down, and she stares at the now guilty looking girl.

" Why, oh why do I think this is your idea, Red?" Faith stares at her as Willow grows redder, if that's possible.

" Hey, you, don't pick on her!" Xander comes over to protect Willow.

" Down, puppy, " Faith barks. Xander almost shrinks, tail planted firmly between his legs. " No one asked you."

" Hey, don't yell at Xander like that!" Willow hackles. Only I get to yell at him like that!

" It's not like we don't have reasons to think it, " Xander finds his voice. " I mean, Cordelia did spend the night with you."

" Yes, she did, " Faith looks at Willow, " And I explained to Red here exactly what happened!" she turns to Willow, " or did you forget that, Red?"

" No," Willow says, " but what about earlier, huh? What about that?"

" Earlier?" Faith looks confused. " What earlier?"

" When you came home from the hospital. Cordelia brought you home, and stayed most of the day with you. What was that about?"

Faith looks at Xander who shrugs. She turns to Willow.

" Yeah, she brought me home, and helped me upstairs, and stayed with me. Wanna know why? Because her daddy made her. Daddy big bucks wanted to be sure I didn't sue his ass over his daughter oh… nearly killing me. But, oh yeah, that's right. We got together and had hours of hot sweaty sex. Never mind I was recovering from a nice bonk on the head she put there. Or that I can't stand her. WE BOINKED OUR BRAINS OUT!" Faith is turning red, and not from embarrassment.

" Stop yelling at her, " Xander growls. " We have a right to know, you know. We're your friends!"

" Oh? I thought you were my friends too, but I'm kinda wondering now," Faith is not at all happy. Never mind they're way too close to the truth. " Me and the Prom Princess from hell, together? Me and the Queen of shallow? Could you think of a stupider idea? Is it possible? Are you like on drugs?"

" You don't have to get so hostile!" Willow exclaims. " We're just worried about you."

Faith, to shut down her anger, closes her eyes and balls her fists. God, I don't need Joe Hardy and Nancy Drew making things more complicated. Things are bad enough between me and Cordy. If this gets out, it's gonna be …

" Look, you guys, " Faith says, her voice more level." You're my friends, right? C'mon, think about it. Me and Cordy are like chlorine and Ammonia. Deadly combination. We get together, and 10 seconds later we're fighting. We can't stand each other. She's treated me like white trash since day one. Why would you think, in the craziest of possibilities, that we had a ' thing' for each other? It's just totally moronic!!!"

Xander and Willow look at each other, a little embarrassed. Still, they're not ready to give up the bone quite yet.

" Well, you never date, you're never out with anyone. Any time we see you with anyone at all, it seems to be Cordelia…"

" Yeah, like at the Bronze. I saw you upstairs on the catwalk, talking to her, " Xander adds.

Willow turns to him. " When was this? Why didn't you tell me?"

" A couple of weeks ago. I kinda forgot about it til now…" Xander blushes.

Willow turns to Faith. " What about that? Why were you talking to her at the Bronze?"

" A couple of weeks ago?" Faith looks confused. What? At the Bronze? Oh… wait… crap, I remember… " That? I remember that! She was the bar, talking some trash about you and Xander. How she was going to make you pay for something… she thought I was in on it… something about being tied to a pole in front of Sunnydale high school… naked, right? So , she goes upstairs, and I followed her, and I told her if she tried to make any trouble for you, I'd rearrange her face into a new and interesting pattern."

" Really?" Xander says, impressed.

But Willow isn't buying it. Nuh-uh. The last thing Cordy would do is make trouble for us. I've got the pictures. She knows I'd put them out there if she tried anything. She's lying, I'm sure of it! But she pretends to buy it.

" Gee… that Cordelia, she's a real biotch, " Willow says, " Ok, I guess… well, I guess we had it wrong."

" We?" Xander looks at her.

" Ok, I had it wrong," Willow says, " sorry."

Faith is relieved. God, they bought it! She goes over, and gives Willow a hug, eliciting a surprised, if pleased response. She pats Xander on the shoulder.No need to get Red seeing green.

" It's ok, guys, " Faith says, " I guess I shouldn't have gotten so upset. Just, the idea of being with Her Royal Pain in the ass? Really makes me shiver, you know?" She grins, " God, that's just an awful fate. I pity the poor guy that gets her!"

They all laugh at that.

" And I guess it's kinda cool you're worried about me, but don't, Ok? I don't date much because, well, I'm the Slayer. Not lots of time go out looking for guys, you know?"

" Yeah, well, about that…" Willow says.

" What?" Faith is immediately suspicious. Now what kind of crazy thing are they up to?

" Well… I know this guy… and he's been talking about you… said he'd like to meet you…"

Xander looks puzzled. " Who? I thought…"

" Shhh, Xander, " Willow says. She turns to Faith, " … so if you were interested…"

Oh, crap. A blind date? Are they kidding?

" Are you kidding? C'mon, Red. A blind date?"

" No…well, ok, yes, but it's not like… he's really nice… and he's sweet, and he has a nice personality…"

" And he wears horn rimmed glasses, has acne like moon craters, weighs 300 pounds…" Faith adds. " Nice personality? Really sweet? C'mon, code words for loser and geek."

" Hey! What's wrong with geeks?" Willow says." I'm a geek!"

" Oh, Red, that's not true. Your pretty and charming and… well, if I weren't straight, and you weren't in a relationship… well…" Try to set me up on a blind date, will ya? Scare the panties off you." You know, I might just reconsider the whole ' straight' thing if you dump Xan here…" Faith leans in close to Willow.

Willow is having a major nervous reaction.

" F-Faith, stop kidding around! I love Xander…!"

Faith laughs, and pokes Xander in the ribs." Look at her, she's gonna melt down." She chuckles. " I'm teasing you, Red. But you are pretty, girl. Gotta stop thinking of yourself as a geek. That's just a label, and doesn't begin to describe you."

Willow blushes. Xander wasn't wrong about that teeny tiny little crush.

" So, guys, thanks, but no thanks…"

" It's Josh Logan, " Willow blurts out, " He broke up with his girlfriend. And he's had his eye on you and he's majorly cute I mean cute as in Basketball player Captain of the Baseball team tall and muscle-y and kinda dreamy cute and I sorta promised him I'd ask you and he'll be so disappointed if you don't go so please go ok?"

" Josh Logan?" Xander asks, " That Josh Logan?" He turns to Faith. " She's right, he is cute, for a guy. Well if you like guys, that is, I don't but you know I can tell he's sorta cute and…" He knows he can't quite get that foot out of his mouth.

" Well, If I don't date him, sounds like either one of you wouldn't mind," Faith laughs." So, he's cute huh?"

Willow nods eagerly. Xander looks at her.

" Oh, not as cute as my Xander Bear," Willow says, appeasing his ego.

" Xander Bear?" Faith asks, tongue firmly in cheek. " How…sweet." She laughs.

Xander blushes.

" And, this cute guy, " She continues," Josh? He asked about me, huh?"

" Oh yeah. He asked me who's the new hottie in the library and I said that's Faith and he said well, I'm thinking I could use some more Faith right now and when I told him I was your friend he asked me to ask you if you'd like want to go out…"

" I see, " Faith grins. " He wants a little Faith, huh?" She grins. Well, why not? I mean, I'm no nun, and if Cordy's going to be a bitch, why not have a little groiny fun? Anyway, guys are easy and so easily disposable.

Faith leans in to Willow.

" So, " She whispers, " does he have like a cute butt?"

Willow nods, and holds out 10 fingers. " You can bounce a quarter off it." She says, conspiratorially.

Faith laughs, and sounds pleased.

" Well, hell, why not? Been awhile, sure, Red. I'll play. Set it up."

" Really?" Willow grins.

" Sure. I mean, can't be on duty all the time, right? All work and no play and all that crap. And if he's half what you say, it might be a real hoot." She stops and looks at Willow. " He's not like a deep thinker is he?"

" Uhhh… no… he's a jock. How deep can he think?" Willow asks.

" Whew. Looking for fun, not a philosophical discussion. Cool, this might be fun." Go ahead, Cor. Reject me, you little bitch. See if I need YOU!

" Great, that's just great. So… ummm… say tonight, at the Bronze?"

" Sure, sounds great."

" Ok, then, we'll go set it up," Willow says, grabbing Xander's arm.

" Uh, guys? Did you forget something?" Faith asks, smirking.

" Forget? " Willow asks.

" Forget? No, don't think so, " Xander adds.

" Training?" Faith smiles. " not getting out of it that easy."

" Aw, can't we skip? Just this once? Cute guy, gotta get him ready for you…" Willow says.

Faith folds her arms over her chest." You remember the deal we made."

" Aw, ok," Xander says, sounding not too pleased. He's really not loving the every day after school sweaty." Let’s go get changed, Will."

"Anyway, " Faith says, " I thought you might be eager to start on the crossbow today…"

" Really? We get to play with the crossbow?" Willow sounds excited.

"Well, cool, why didn't you say so!" Xander says. " C'mon, Will. We gotta get ready." He starts to pull her along

Faith laughs. " They're so easy, " She picks up her bag and heads for the door.

" So, Josh Logan, huh?" Xander says, as they go towards the gyms to change. " You sound like you got a thing for him." He gives her a sidelong glance. " Should I be worried?"

" What? No, c'mon, Xander. That's silly!" Willow dismisses the idea. " Anyway, you were sounding pretty awed by him too, Mr. Xander Harris. Should I be worried?"

" What? Willow! God, no! I'm not… I don't… I mean, I'm not gay!" Xander is sweating. Hmmm.

" I'm teasing you, Xander," Willow says, slipping an arm around him. " Anyway, you're all mine. That nasty Josh just can't have you."

" You're such a …" But he stops talking when Willow reaches up for a kiss. "ok, this is much better." He kisses her.

''You better believe it, mister."

5

Whoa! Look at the crowd, Oz" Devon, the lead singer of the Dingoes says, looking out over the packed house.

" Yeah. For some reason, we seem to be popular, " Oz, a.k.a Daniel Osborne, the lead guitarist replies dryly during a small break in the set." Can't be the playing."

" Hey, think we can get a larger cut of the gate? Now that we're popular?" Devon looks eager.

" We work for a flat rate, Devon. Not a cut."

" Damn. Should've specified that in the contract."

" No contract." Oz says." Remember? You didn't want to commit."

" Oh yeah."

" We better get back to it," Oz says, scanning the crowd. " They're getting ugly."

" Not her, " Devon's eyes seem locked on a table at the rim of the dance floor." Check her out, man."

Oz glances over to where Devon is looking, and sees Willow, Xander and Faith sitting at the table, talking amongst themselves. " Which one? The redhead?"

"No man, the Brunette. Totally hot," Devon says, " I think I'm in love!"

" Hmmm" Oz grunts.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

" Out of your league, Dev. Looks like she could swallow you up, spit you out drained, and go back for seconds. Maybe thirds."

" C'mon, Oz. I'm a stud, I could handle her, " Though, he's not nearly as confident as he sounds.

" No, man. I think we'd have to look for a new lead singer after she was done with you. Stick with something a little easier…"

" the Redhead?"

" Naw, she's with Xander Harris. I think you just better keep looking."

Devon looks wistfully at Faith. " That sucks."

" Let's get this party started," Oz says, going into a riff.

The drummer picks up the cue, and the band goes back to work.

***

Cordelia enters the Bronze, and groans.

Packed, totally. How'm I supposed to get through this wall of sweaty bodies without looking like I just did a sauna with my clothes on? She sighs, and in her usually polite way, starts shoving people out of the way.

She's headed for the Royal Court. It's a spot on the catwalks, which by location has a great view of the stage, and of the rest of the Bronze, elevated above the ' common herd'. It's two tables shoved together to accommodate Cordelia and her coterie.

It's the only spot in the Bronze with a virtual standing reservation.

Actually, there is no reservation. It's just anyone knows that if Cordy and her group shows up, they better leave, pronto. Otherwise, it could get ugly.

Cordelia looks up, and smiles when she sees the Cordettes have already arrived.

She herself is running a little behind. Her last period teacher, Mr. Johnson, had her stay after class, writing an essay on what she found so fascinating to look at out the window during his lecture. Maybe if he actually said something interesting, I might pay attention. What a Loser. What's a moron like him teaching in Sunnydale, anyway? I'll have to talk to Principal Snyder about that…

Distracted, she almost runs into a tall, muscular back attached to a taller, muscular guy. Hmmm. Some people! Doesn't he know who I am?

" Excuse me, rude-o, people are trying to get through here!"

The back turns around to reveal a front attached to Josh Logan. The co-captain of the Basketball team, captain of the baseball team, and pretty much hunkiest guy in Sunnydale high.

Did we mention the Logan's are the second richest family in Sunnydale? Yes, indeed, the two are a match made in financial solidity

He looks a bit distracted himself, and a little guilty at seeing Cordelia.

" Hey, Cordy. What's up?"

" Josh," Cordy immediately switches to hunk magnet mode. " Just the guy I was looking for. Gosh, I heard about you and Melinda Peters. What a shame!"

" Yeah, Melinda was getting way too jealous of me. I mean, c'mon. Just because we're going out, doesn't mean I'm ready to marry her!"

Cordelia laughs her boy-friendly laugh.

" Well, you know Melinda. She's always been a little insecure about herself…" She leans in to Josh. " The nose? Not the one she was born with."

Josh smiles. " So, Cordy, I hear you haven't chosen someone to escort you to the Homecoming dance yet."

" True, sadly true. The pickings are so lean this year…" She puts on a sad face. " I mean, I have it narrowed down to a few candidates, but I'm rather holding out for the perfect date to ask me." Hint, hint!

" Well, I know for a fact Jake Truman is hoping you'll pick him…"

What does this hunk of beef need? A sign from above?

" Yes, Jake's a sweet boy… and definitely date worthy. Still… things have changed recently, opening up my horizons…" There, god! I hope I don't have to hit him with a sledge hammer after that big hint.

"Well, I'm rather finding myself dateless for the dance," Josh puts on the false modesty so well, " I don't suppose there'd be a chance you'd go with me?"

"Me?" Cordy touches his arm with one hand, her chest with the other, and throws in a hair flip for good measure. " Gee, Josh, this is so unexpected!" She adds in the perfect blush. " I'll have to think about it."

" Well, I can understand…"

"Ok." Cordy seals the deal before he can bolt. " Pick me up Saturday? Say…oh… seven-ish?"

" Really?" Josh looks pleased. Cordelia Chase will so up his points on the Popularity scale, especially after Melinda caught him cheating on her, and dumped him. " That'll be great."

" Seven it is, Josh, " Cordy leans in, and on tiptoes, gives Josh a little kiss on the cheek, close to the corner of his mouth. She rubs her hand affectionately along his arm. " See you then, gorgeous." She turns and, in her stately manner, pushes her way through the crowd.

Cordelia makes her way towards the catwalk, feeling like she's walking on air. Perfect, absolutely, utterly perfect. She knows dating Josh will consolidate her power base on campus, expanding her influence to all areas. Never mind he's rather cute and will look excellent on my arm. She snickers. See, Faith, I don't really need you, do I? I don't need you one bit You just make me weak. But I'm back now, and I'm strong. Stronger than ever. Oh yeah, Cordy's back, and she rules!

Despite her bravado, however, thinking of Faith, how she makes her feel, what she does to her, and losing her, really losing her, starts undermining her self confidence. Feeling rejected, hurting more than just a little … ok, tons … has really cut through her self esteem and steel reinforced shell, revealing her insecure, softer and lonely side. The idea of never being with her again, never feeling Faith's touch, her kisses, her mastery over her, makes Cordy feel… empty. Lost, and confused, and empty. All she has left, besides Faith, is her hold on power at Sunnydale high. If she ever lost that, too…

Stop it , Cordy. You're not going to lose your power. You rock, everyone else just walks. No trashy girl like her is gonna rob you of that… no one would dare! No, screw her. I don't need her. I'm a Chase. We never give in, we never give up. No one takes it from us.

Climbing the stairs to the catwalk, Cordelia pauses. She has a strong sense of Déjà vu. It was up here that it all started; now it seems it will be here where it all ends. Going back to who she is, who she always is.

It's best. It's for the best. This way I know who I am, and what I'm supposed to be. Being with her is scary and dangerous and never sure. Yeah, this is best. This is what I need.

She just wants to cry.

6

"I got it, dad," Ford yells back into the house.

He walks quickly to the front door, before the doorbell rings again. He takes a look at his watch.

Who could it be at this time of night?

He peeps through the small peephole in the door, then opens it quickly.

"Mr. Merrick?" Ford says, staring at the watcher standing on the porch.

"Billy Fordham. Good, I'm glad your home. I need your help. It's about Buffy."

"Buffy?" Ford asks, his brow creasing. "What about Buffy? Is she all right?" His voice gets anxious. "Did she get hurt?"

"No, no, nothing like that," Merrick reassures him, "She had another argument with her mother, and ran away again…"

" Oh, god!" Billy groans," Give me a second, I'll get my coat. We'll go look for her..."

"That won't be necessary. She came to my place this time. She unburdened herself to me. But I'm afraid she might run away again. She had a bag this time, and she was really upset." Merrick puts his hand on Ford's arm. "She wants to talk to you. Maybe you can talk her down, convince her to go home again."

"Ok, I'll try," Billy says, turning back inside. "Let me get my coat, I'll just be a minute."

Merrick waits patiently until Ford reappears at the door. Ford turns and yells back into the house.

"Dad? Gotta go out. I'll be back soon!" Billy steps out the door, closes it and follows Merrick down the walk.

"Billy?" A voice calls from the rear of the house. "where are you going?"

"So what happened this time, Mr. Merrick?" Ford asks as they reach the car. Merrick unlocks the door for Ford.

"She wasn't really clear. I think it had to do with the move again. I really believe she's panicking badly, fearing she'll lose you. I think that's why she wants to talk to you."

"Poor Buffy. God, can you blame her? Her parents split up and her dad takes off. The last thing she needs right now is someone else walking out on her." He slides into the car, and turns to Merrick. " I'd never to that to her. I'd never leave her."

" I know, my boy," Merrick smiles at him." You’re a good lad, a good boyfriend to her." He frowns slightly. "That's why this really hurts me so."

"I'm sorry? I don't understand?" Billy grows a little suspicious.

Before he can do anything, however, Merrick has the Taser in his hand, and presses it to Ford's neck. Ford flops around a little, then passes out.

Merrick stares down at Ford's prone body. He isn't smiling.

"I'm afraid your loyalty is just too costly, Mr. Fordham."

Putting the car in gear, he drives away quickly.

The door to Billy's house opens, and Mr. Fordham pops his head out.

" Billy? Billy! God, where did that boy get to?"

Shaking his head, a slightly worried look on his face, Mr. Fordham closes the door.

7

"Cordelia!"

"Hi, Cordy!"

"Hey Cordelia!"

"What's the word, girl?"

"Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. Old man Johnson kept me after class. He was all put out because he caught me staring out the window, you know?" She grins, " If the guy ever said anything halfway interesting, I might pay attention…"

" Right. Johnson is such a bore!"

" An old fart. God, why doesn't he retire?"

"You said it, Aurora," Amanda adds in, " That jerk gave me a C last semester. Can you believe that? ME? With a C? God!"

"Well, I don't think we'll have to worry about old man Johnson too much longer," Cordelia adds," I'm going to talk to Snyder on Monday. See if there isn't someway he could be ' encouraged' to retire. IF you know what I mean?" She chortles.

"Really Cordy?" Cindy asks. "That would be so cool. I'm supposed to get him next semester!"

"I don't think you gotta worry, Cin. I'm pretty sure once I talk to Principal Snyder, Johnson won't be teaching history, he'll be history."

The Cordettes all laugh.

"God, can someone do something about Coach Williams? I swear I caught the guy looking up my tennis dress the other day. He's such a perv!" Aurora makes a face. And the bastard is only gonna give me a B. Even after I slept with him!

"Really?" Cordy asks. "You think he's like…" She trails off.

"Oh, yeah. Half the girls in his tennis class complain about him." Aurora exclaims. "Wouldn't surprise me if he hasn't slept with a couple of the skankier ones… god, no one with any standards would sleep with that…" She makes a face.

"Hey, don't worry. Can't have that kind of trash in this school," Cordelia pats Aurora's arm. "Looks like I have two teachers to talk to Principal Snyder about."

" Really? You'd do that?"

"Sure, Aurora. I take care of my girls." Cordy smiles.

She notices Harmony staring at her again, and feels a little wigged by it. What's her problem? What's she staring at?

"What?" Cordelia says, a little impatiently. "Why're you staring at me, Harm? Is there something on my dress?"

"Huh? Oh, no… I just love that dress, Cordy. I was wondering where you got it. I wanted to get one for myself."

"It's an original, Harm. Not off the rack," Cordy says. Yeah, sure, Harm. Like this would look good on you? Her antennae start to buzz, however. Going to have to keep an eye on her. She's acting a little too… too… still, let's play along.

"Tell you what, Harm," Cordy continues, smiling brightly at her. " One of these weekends, well take a little trip down to L.A. Go to Neiman's , shop til we drop, make a day of it. What do you say?"

"Really?" Harmony gets that patented goofy-happy look on her face, "That would be great, Cordy."

"It's been awhile, and we could even stop off at Spago's for dinner."

"That would so totally rock, Cordy," Harmony exclaims." Be nice to get out of this one Starbuck's town for awhile."

"I'm with you there, Harm, " Cordy nods.

"Hey, Cordy, any news yet on the Josh Logan front?" Harmony, however, isn't so easily bought off. "Don't want to wait too long… Homecoming's this weekend."

"I so know, Harm, " Cordy says, "And I so told that to Josh when we were talking about Melinda. Can you imagine, that bitch getting so jealous he has to dump her before Homecoming. I mean, really." She shakes her head.

"Oh wow, you've talked to him?" Harmony says. She looks out over the crowd." Here?"

"Oh sure, just a little while ago," Cordy goes on, basking in the glow of her Cordettes awe. She doesn't notice Harmony still staring down at the crowd. "The poor boy, he was broken up. But I'll fix him up, really good. We're going to Homecoming on Saturday night."

"That's so cool, Cordy. Taking it upon yourself to help out poor Josh," Amanda says. She, Cindy and Aurora giggle. " And he's so cute." The three sigh.

"Well, it's really my duty as captain of the cheerleader to be sure… what're you staring at, Harm?" Cordy notices Harmony's fixation, finally.

Harmony looks up, trying to hide her obvious smirk behind a worried look.

"Gee, Cordy, didn't you just say Josh was taking you to Homecoming on Saturday?"

"Well, yeah, if you'd been paying attention, you would've heard that." Cordy looks at her. " What?"

"I was just wondering. Why is he down there with those losers then?"

"What?"

"Look for yourself, " Harmony points down towards the dance floor.

Cordelia gets up and leans over the catwalk railing, looking down. "Where?"

Harmony joins her, and points. "There."

The other Cordettes, curious, flank the two girls.

Cordelia follows Harmony's finger, and stares at the tables near the dance floor.

What the … She feels a flush creeping up her neck.

Down near the dance floor, she sees Josh Logan, talking with Willow, Xander… and Faith! What … how… oh, this isn't good at all… he's hitting on Faith! God, I know it. He wouldn't be there for Mousy Rosenberg. Why is he… oh my god they seem to be getting along great… are they…what're they doing?

" Gee, Cor, " Harmony says, " looks like Josh and that skanky lesbo of a library assistant are getting on real good. Think he might be like a Dyke tyke or something? Or maybe, she really swings both ways."

"Shut up, Harm!" Cordy says, irritated. She stares down as Faith and Josh both get up. " I'm sure there's a good explanation for what's going on!"

Josh and Faith make their way to the dance floor.

" Uh, huh, " Harmony says," Looks like they're gonna dance, Cordy." There's almost a gloat in her voice.

Cordy feels her cheeks burn, and the anger well up in her chest. She stares down at the couple as they dance.

" So, Cordy, what're you gonna do about it?" Harmony asks, pretending innocence. " You're not going to let her get away with that, are you?"

" Oh, you can bet your Gucci's I'm not," Cordy says, her anger growing. " I'm going to take care of this now!"

She storms off towards the catwalk stairs, steaming. Harmony watches her, a little smirk on her face.

So, let's see what she does. Wonder if she'll really go up against her. If she backs off, well, then I just gotta figure there's something going on between them. Harmony's smirk grows broader as she contemplates the possibilities. Like Master Card. Cordy's designer dress? !800 dollars. Her Prada handbag? 1300 dollars. Getting knocked down a few pegs? Priceless.

" So… ummm… you're from Boston then?" Josh Logan, never the big conversationalist, tries to make small talk. Chicks dig that. Who knows why?

" Yeah… South Boston. Southie, as we call it back there." Faith smiles, loving to see them sweat. Don't these guys get it? They're beef stick … if they're good, maybe my new chew toy for the evening. What's with the talking? If I wanna talk deep or something, I'll go chat up Giles.

" That must be cool. So why're you in Sunnydale, anyway? I mean, this has gotta be a little bit like Mayberry for you," Josh smiles.

" Yeah, well, I'm a researcher. I go where the work is. The work happened to be here." C'mon, guy, I didn't go out with you for the banter. Lose the conversation. Wiggle that cute ass of yours. Faith dances closer, giving Josh some reason to perspire.

" Researcher, huh?" Josh feels his throat go dry. God, is this babe hot or what? He starts moving back against her, getting all sorts of really exciting feelings." What do you research?"

" Oh, this and that and… you know what, are you really interested?" Faith asks? " Go ahead, be honest."

" Ummm… no… I just thought chicks liked to talk about themselves." Josh admits.

" Well, babe, I'm not out here to talk, I'm out here to dance, so, lose the talk, ok?" Faith moves in closer, slipping under his arms and rubbing her butt against him. She smirks, feeling his growing excitement." Yeah, now that's better, baby." Faith smiles at him.

No way! A girl, that doesn't want to talk my ears off? Thank you, thank you! There IS a God! Thank…

" What do you think you're doing?"

Cordelia suddenly appears out of the crowd, confronting Faith and Josh. She stands right in front of them, glaring, hands on hips.

Aw ,man! Josh thinks, I thought she left!

Aw, crap, Faith thinks, just what I need! What the hell is she doing?

" I dunno, I think we're dancing," Faith pipes up, sarcastically.

" No one was asking you, slutty!" Cordelia focuses on Faith, " but since you stuck your Doc Martens in it, what're you doing with my boyfriend?" How can you act like that, with him? Goddamn you!

" You're boyfriend?" Faith turns around, and starts looking under Josh's collar and shirt. " Nope, not here." She turns back to Cordy, smirking

" What're you doing!" Cordy glares at him.

" Looking for your name, Princess. Not there, " She winks at Cordy. " Gee… guess he's open domain, then."

" Josh! Tell her!" Cordelia says, angrily.

" Uhhh… tell her what?" Josh asks. Ok when did this happen? And where was I?

" You're my boyfriend!" Cordy spits out.

" Uhhh… Cordy, we're just going to the Homecoming Dance…" Josh looks flustered.

" Yeah, well, would you rather go with …" She nods her head towards Faith, a little sneer on her face"… her. I mean, you'd make a darling couple. The jock and his hooker…"

" Oh, bite me, you stupid spoiled bitch. We're dancing here, not mating. So tired of the crap coming out of your mouth, " Faith gives Cordy a shove, " just get your fucking lopsided skanky ass outta here!" Why is she being such a fucking bitch over tall, dark and stupid here?

" Don't touch me, sleaze-o," Cordy shoves her back, " and have you watched you dance? It should be on the Spice Channel. Do you know how to do anything but rub up against guys?"

" Maybe not, but at least I'm with a guy, " She glances up at the Cordettes, " funny how I don't ever see you with one!"

" Maybe I don't got anything to prove, Lesbo!"

" Quit calling me names, you stupid COW!" Faith, losing it for a second, shoves Cordy hard. She stumbles into the crowd, almost falling. The group of people put her on her feet, then shove her back in.

" Fight, fight, fight!"

"What's going on?" Willow says, trying to jump up and see over the tall guys blocking her way.

" It's Cordy… and Faith. They're fighting!" Xander says, watching the action from his advantage of height.

" What? Well, go stop it, Xander!"

" What?" Xander looks at her like she's gone insane. " No way. I'll get killed!"

" Just DO it, Xander," Willow shoves him towards the floor. " Faith'll kill her!"

" That's bad how…?"

" Xander, GO!"

This is sooo wrong, Xander thinks, as he walks to the dance floor.

Cordy, upset, jealous that Faith is with someone else, and that Josh Logan is the someone else, loses it. She runs towards Faith, and before Faith can stop her, hops on her, pulling her hair.

" Why don't you go, you stupid bitch? Why don't you leave? NO ONE WANTS YOU HERE!"

" Stop it!" Faith cries out, " Let go of my hair. LET GO OF MY HAIR!" She whirls around, flinging Cordelia off of her. Cordelia crashes into a couple of people, who set her right.

Cordelia shrugs them off, and really boiling now, rushes at Faith, nails out.

" I'm going to rip your face off, whore!" Cordelia snarls, reason gone. All she knows she wants to hurt Faith. Hurt her bad, like she hurt Cordelia.

" You and whose army?" Faith grabs her arms, holding Cordelia in place. " Just who do you think you are, bitch?"

" Faith, let her go," Xander says, managing to get to the two fighting women.

" Xander, go away," Faith says, a little irritated, " I'm not going to hurt her… much."

" Go away, loser, find your geek of a girlfriend and get lost." Cordy hisses at him.

" You're hurting her already, Faith!" He pulls at one of her arms, " let her go!"

Faith looks at Cordy, and sees her face. God, what the hell am I doing? What the hell are we doing? She shoves Cordelia back.

Xander walks over to Faith, putting a hand on her arm. " C'mon, Faith. Let's go before…"

Cordy, still angry, rushes Faith, cocks her fist and hits her in the face. As soon as her fist connects, she knows she's made a very, very bad mistake.

Faith, not expecting the blow, takes a step back, her hand flying to her face.

" Ow… ow, ow , ow," Cordelia says, shaking her hand. " God, is your head made of granite?" She rubs her now sore hand.

"Oh, you're so gonna pay for that, Princess," Faith touches her cheek, and winces a little. " I'm so gonna…" She cocks her fist, and heads towards Cordelia.

Xander steps in the way, trying to hold her back.

" Faith, no, no, don't!"

" Xander, get out of my way!"

" Faith, wait, think! Stop!" He puts his hands on her shoulders. " Think. Is she worth it? Really?"

Faith stops. She suddenly realizes the place has gone eerily quiet. She looks around, and everyone, even the band, is watching her. She turns back to Cordelia, who looks pale and frightened. She looks over at Josh, who seems to be unaffected by it all. She lowers her fist, slowly. God, what the hell am I gonna do?

" You're right, I guess," She grumbles, rubbing her cheek. She looks at Cordelia, and then at Josh. She makes a sudden lunge at Cordelia, who frightened, runs over towards Josh.

Faith laughs.

" God, whatta bunch of jerks." She shakes her head, " I'm outta here. You can have her, Beef boy. You deserve each other." Taking one final look, she turns and strides quickly towards the back entrance.

Willow, having managed to push through the crowd, comes to Xander.

" What happened?" She looks at Xander, and then at Cordy, who's giving Josh some grief.

" Faith was going to hit her, but I stopped it, " Xander says, " Not before Cordy punched Faith, though."

" Cordy punched Faith?" Willow looks amazed. She looks over at Cordy, who's tapping Josh Logan in the chest with her index finger. " God, who would… geeze." She turns to Xander. " Is she ok?"

" Cordy? Yeah, I don't think she broke her…"

" No, Xander, Faith. Is she ok?" She looks around, " Where is she?"

" She stormed out." He points towards the back exit.

Willow grabs him, and starts pulling.

" What?"

" We gotta find her, Xan. She might need to talk," Willow says, trying to pull him along.

" Whoa… WHOA! I think we've interfered enough, don't you?" He stands his ground.

" She's our friend, Xan. We should be there for her."

" What? It was a fight. She…"

" Xander Harris, " She drops his arm. " I'm going , whether you come or not!"

Willow turns, and starts out.

Fine, go ahead! Xander says, a little miffed

He sees Willow continuing on, not looking back.

Oh, hell!

He quickly follows her .

" Did I tell you?" Oz, onstage watching the fight, turns to Devon. He has that trademark detached, ' it's all cool' look.

" Geeze, she's scary," Devon agrees. He looks down at Cordelia, who's making her way to the catwalk, obviously in a huff. Josh Logan is right behind her.

" Do you think she'd date me?" Devon says, indicating Cordelia.

Oz looks at Devon like he's lost his mind. It's hard to tell with Oz. More a raised eyebrow than anything.

" Do you got a death wish?" He asks, casually. He's not getting it. " Give it up, Dev, ok?"

Oz turns and signals to the band. " Crank it up, guys. Let's get this place rockin' "

They start the next song in their set.

***

God, what the hell happened in there? Faith reaches into her coat pocket, pulling out a pack of smokes. Why the hell did Cordy go ballistic? And god, she was sooo jealous. Of me? Or Josh? Man, I swear I'll never figure that bitch out, not if I live to be a thousand.

She shakily pulls out a cig, and putting it her lips, digs for her lighter. Finding it, she lights the cigarette, and takes a deep drag. Better, She sighs, leaning against the wall.

" Those'll kill you, you know," Willow says as she comes up to Faith.

" Yeah, right. Like slaying won't, " Faith mutters, taking another hit.

Xander walks up, and stops next to Willow.

" Hey, are you ok?" He asks, looking at her.

" She punched me. My cheek hurts," Faith says. She shrugs. " Yeah, I'm fine." She looks away.

" Well, ummm… on the bright side?" Willow pipes up.

" There's a bright side?" Faith looks at her.

" We're absolutely positive that there's nothing going on between you and Cordelia."

" You weren't sure before?" Faith shakes her head. " Convinced now, are ya? Well good. There's nothing going on between me and Cordelia. No, wait, yes there is. Mutual dislike. Ok?" Very nice lie there, Faith. I'd almost buy it.

" Gosh, we really messed this up," Willow says, " We had no idea about Cordy and Josh…"

" We?" Xander says.

" Xander?" Willow hears the note of disbelief in his voice.

" There was no we, Will. This was your idea, start to finish. I got roped into it, but I'm not sharing the blame for this one!"

" You went along with it. You helped!"

" Yeah, well, sometimes, I do stupid things." Xander says, " maybe because I think I want to please you."

"Xander!" Willow sounds hurt. Oh god, he's mad. I've pissed him off, too!

" Hey, guys, guys," Faith says, putting up her hands. " It's ok, really. I mean, I know you meant well." Yeah, and hey, never mind if you were honest, and actually admitted your thing with Cor, this wouldn't have happened. God, hypocrite much? " Just do me a favor, guys, ok? Don't… and I repeat, DON'T… fix me up no more." She touches her cheek." I'm really doing better on my own."

" It won't happen," Xander looks at Willow, a little darkly, " WE promise. Don't we?"

" Xander, I…" Willow turns to Faith. " Sorry, really. We promise."

Faith grins and winces, just a little. " God, the Princess has a pretty good right hook, " Faith shakes her head. " I'm goin', guys. Think I'm gonna take care of this before it gets real pretty." Faith shoves off the wall, and walks down the alley.

Smooth there, Faithy, real smooth. Nice way to make 'em feel guilty. Good friend you are.

Oh, shut up.

" Ok, you got it now, Will? Do you need a diagram? Faith plus Cordelia equals bad news. There's nothing going on, so knock it off now, ok?"

" Xander, I'm really sorry, I really thought…"

" Don't, please? I'm tired, and I almost got punched by Faith," Xander says, frowning. " Just no more schemes, ok?" He shakes his head, and his expression isn't loving at the moment. " I'll see you inside."

Before she can stop him, Xander goes back into the Bronze.

" Xander, wait!" Willow calls out. She sees the door of the Bronze shut, and she's alone in the alley.

Oh god, stupid. Real nice work. Xander's mad at you, Faith probably doesn’t EVER want to talk to you again, and for what? Cordelia was mega jealous of Faith being with Josh.

But was she jealous of Faith? Or Josh?

Stop it, Stop it NOW! Xander's pissed, fix that one. God, stop this idiocy.

She's hiding something. I don't care what she says, she's hiding something.

Just go find Xander. Oh, and you better be ready for some crawling.

Yikes!

Willow runs over, pulls open the door, and disappears into the Bronze

But she's not convinced. She still thinks something's going on. And she's going to find out what, even if it kills her.

Like Xander says, when she gets an idea, she just won't let go of that bone.

8

Ford opens his eyes, feeling dazed and achy.

He looks around , not really understanding where he is. He starts to move, then realizes two things.

One: He's chained up to a post.

Two: He's gagged.

A door opens, and Merrick walks in, carrying something in his hand. He's dressed in a surgeons gown, including the cap and shoe covers. He walks over to Ford and nods.

" Ah, I see you're awake, Mr. Fordham. Good."

Ford tries to speak through his gag, but can't. He stares at Merrick.

" I know, I know, it's all very confusing, " Merrick says. " You wonder what's going on? Why you're here, and bound up and all, right?"

Ford nods.

" Well, you see, Billy… you don't mind me calling you Billy, I hope. Anyway, the thing is? Buffy's special," Merrick smiles, and turns towards Ford, " But I'm sure you realize that. She has a special destiny. Something she has to fulfill. Unfortunately, she fell in love with you, " Merrick nods, "Unfortunate for her, and for you. See, you're little ' love' is interfering with what she has to do, and I'm afraid, I just can't allow that. Understand?"'

Ford shakes his head.

" You're messing up the works, boy," Merrick growls. " And now, I'm afraid I'm going to have to deal with it." He softens his tone. " Don’t worry, lad. You can still be helpful… help her achieve her destiny. That's why you're here!" He smiles. " Don't you want to help her?"

Ford just stares at him.

" Kids!" He sighs," Only thinking of themselves. Well, that won't be a problem for you much longer."

Merrick pulls the sheath off the ice pick in his hand. He shows it to Ford.

Ford's eyes become saucers.

" I'm sorry. It would've been better if you just left her alone, " Merrick sighs. " But you just had to get yourself some, didn't you, Billy? Now she's got you on the brain, and that's no good, no good at all. But we can fix it," Merrick nods." We just make it look like a vampire killed you, and viola, she's back to where she needs to be."

Despite his gag, Ford gasps. He struggles against his chains.

" Now, now… I'll try to be quick. Sorry, can't drug you, might show up on an autopsy. Oh, well, " Merrick shrugs.

He pulls up the face mask and covers his mouth and nose.

" Now hold still. This is going to hurt… a lot"

Merrick plunges the ice pick into Ford's neck

Ford screams. His blood and his life start to spurt out of his neck.

Merrick grins.

" It's for the greater good, boy."

***

Cornell Chase walks down a tunnel, whistling a merry tune. He's carrying a rolled rug on his shoulder.

Well, at least the boyfriend problem has been resolved. He sighs. I just wish Merrick could follow my directions. Ah, well, it's done. He comes to a locked steel door, and fishing in his pocket, pulls out the key. Opening the door, he steps inside, closing it after.

He sets down the rug, and walks over to the cell in the corner of the room. He taps on the bars.

Cell might be too generous. Actually, it's a 10x10 cage, triple reinforced titanium alloy cage. Inside, there's a bunk. On the bunk lies the Master, staring at the ceiling. He starts at the noise, and sits up. Seeing who it is, his look becomes malevolent.

" Why hello, Aurelius. I do hope they've been treating you well?"

Aurelius picks up an empty glass container from the floor, and hurls it at the bars, shattering it.

" Pig's blood! You're giving me PIG'S BLOOD! In 4000 years, I've never eaten… animals." Aurelius yells. " This is intolerable!"

Cornell backs away from the flying glass, and frowns. He pulls a small wand like device from his pocket. He presses the single button on its side.

Aurelius screams, and grabs his head. He sits heavily on his bunk.

" Temper, temper , Aurelius. Do I need to remind you who the master is here?" Cornell slides his finger over the button.

" NO! Don't!" Aurelius holds up his hands." I'm sorry, Master," Aurelius looks like he just swallowed extract of garlic.

" That's better. I'm sorry you're unhappy with your diet, but really, it's better than nothing," Cornell says, " Sometimes, I get a new pet, and I forget about it. Poor thing starves." Cornell looks pained. " Do you know how long it takes for a vampire to starve to death?" He shakes his head, " and frankly? After 50years, it's really not a pretty sight."

" Are you here just to torture me?" the Master spits at him, " Just kill me and be done with it. Or go away. I don't care which."

" No, you misunderstand me. I'm not here to torture you," Cornell presses the button, watching Aurelius writhe in pain," that's just a bonus. No, I have a job for you."

" A job?" The Master looks at Cornell with disdain, " I'm not a … FUCCCKKKKK"

Cornell hits the button again.

" You keep being stubborn, and it just gives me the giggles to fire off that chip I had put in your head, " Cornell chuckles. " So much fun. And I didn't get you anything. Oh, wait, yes I did!"

Cornell goes over, and unrolls the rug. Inside is a young girl, mid teens. She is quiescent, her eyes closed in a drugged slumber.

"Bah, she's dead…" The Master turns away, " no good to me."

" No, not dead, just asleep." Cornell smiles. He strokes the sleeping girls cheek. " She's young and tender… just like you like them." Cornell loosens her collar, revealing her neck. " Look at that neck. Long, pale, so full of rich vibrant young blood." He turns to the Master. " All you have to do is agree the job, and she's yours."

" So… what? What do I have to do?" The Master stares at the young girl. He's starving for sweet, young human blood.

" Simple. And you'll like doing it, I promise you."

" I doubt that."

" Oh, you don't want to get vengeance on Angel then?" Cornell shrugs. " Silly me."

" Vengeance? On Angel?" the Master is suspicious. " How?"

"Oh, I have an idea. Interested?"

" Yessss," the Master hisses. The other bad thing about being in here? Is the knowledge Angelus roams free while he, HE, the master is trapped like an animal.

" Well… back up, Aurelius" Cornell holds the wand up. " you know the rules."

The Master backs up, almost snake like in his movements.

Cornell opens the cage, and places the young, sleeping girl inside. He closes and tightly locks the cage.

" Now, why don't you have a little snack, then we'll discuss my proposition."

Cornell smiles as the Master, almost salivating, approaches his gift.

To be continued.
- 14
- 15
- 16
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Slayer