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

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Mirror

By Norwalker

Part 15

Disclaimer: Joss, Mutant Enemy, Inc, and Fox own the characters that appeared on " Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Television show. Original characters, and the story, belong to the author. Any resemblance to any people living or dead is coincidental. That means, it's an accident. Ooops!

1

" I don't know about this," Faith looks skeptical.

Giles, Amy and Faith are at the entrance door to the club. Sitting near the door are two 5-gallon cans of gasoline. Giles and Amy are right by the door, Amy starting to mutter a spell under her breath.

" I don't see why you don't let me just bust the lock open," Faith says, looking at them from just a little bit back." It'd be faster."

" And noisier, " Giles says, " We have no idea what we're walking into. I'd prefer not to send out a klaxon call telling them we're here."

" Don't worry, Faith. This is an easy spell," Amy says, completing the incantation. " Open," she says, as she touches the knob.

A small click is heard, as if a bolt is thrown. Then Giles tries the door. It's open.

"See? Told you!" Amy smiles. She reaches in her purse, and pulls out two scrolls wrapped in red ribbon tied onto leather strings. She hands one to each of them.

Faith arches a brow, looking at the scroll. " Ok, what's this?"

" Protection charm. Wear it on your neck. It'll protect you from bad mojo and evil energy." She pulls hers out to show the others. " See?"

" Uh-huh, " Faith looks at the charm dubiously. " Ok, Glinda. We're not going against the Wicked Witch of the West. Thanks but no thanks." She hands it back to Amy.

Giles however, puts his on. " Thank you, Amy, " He catches Faith's look. " We're not all slayers here, Faith."

" Please Faith. I mean, what harm is there in wearing it, right?" Amy says. " It might help, right?"

" It's…" She stops, seeing Amy's face. Aw, what the fuck. " Ok, Amy, thanks." She ties it around her neck. " Great, now I feel like Lassie." She turns to Giles. " You got the crossbows?"

Giles hands her one, keeping one for himself.

" Don't I get one?" Amy asks. " I mean, for protection?"

Giles and Faith look at each other.

" No! Here, " Faith reaches in her jacket, and pulls out a bottle of holy water. " IF they come at you, throw it at 'em" She turns to Giles. " Ok, you ready? You know what to do?"

Giles nods.

" Tell me," Faith insists.

" We go in, we pour the petrol. We make a trail back to the door. We light it, we run. If any vamps come at us, shoot them." Giles looks a bit annoyed. "I think I can remember that…after repeating it ten times or so."

" Good. Let's do it."

"Faith, what if there are humans inside?" Giles asks.

" We went over this, Giles. Not likely anything living in there. Any humans are dead bodies, or being turned. Sorry, not stopping to try to drag out bodies."

" How can you be sure of that?" Giles insists.

" I can't, Ok? But anything in that club during the day? EVIL, Giles. Now, if you want, you can go in there and get killed trying to save idiots that want to be there. Fine. If you're getting squeamish, stay out here with Amy, and I'll do it myself. But don't get in my way." She glares at him. " Well?"

Giles sighs. " All right, very well. " He grabs a can of gasoline. " Let's just get this over with."

" That's the idea," Faith says, grabbing a can.

They move carefully down the entryway to the club Gallery. At first it seemed like they weren't going to meet any resistance.

" See? You were getting all nervy for nothing, Giles. No one's here."

" I don't know. I wouldn't call us no one," The vampire who seemed to float out of the shadows said. " What do say guys? We no one?" About 4 more vamps emerged from the shadows.

" So, what? They like take out?" One of them says, " don't remember ordering…oh…shit…" He crumbles to dust when the crossbow bolt hits him.

" Uh… get 'em" the first vampire shouts.

Which was the last thing he says, because another bolt from Giles' crossbow dusted him

" Nice, G, " Faith says, doing a twirl kick and knocking back one of the remaining vamps. She brings up an arm, stake in hand when one of the others grabs her arm, swinging her around. " What're doin' bitch? This is our club!" He hits her.

"Whoa. Now, that was just rude. No introductions, even. I’m Faith, " Faith does a kick-punch combo on the vamp, " and you're… ?" She brings the stake around, hitting him the heart. He crumbles to dust. " Well, gee, still rude."

The two remaining vamps converge on her. Giles hits one with a crossbow bolt in the shoulder. " Missed, Pops," He says. Then he looks down at the second bolt in his chest. " Whoa…dam…".

Faith in the meantime grabs the last vamp, and tosses him over her shoulder and on his back. She stakes him quickly.

" Did you see that?" Giles is all smiles. He comes over to Faith. " I got three of them!"

" Ya sure did, Giles. But…ummm…how 'bout those guys?" She points behind him.

He turns, and sees 4 more vamps approaching. " Damn."

Faith tears into the crowd of vamps while Giles reloads. She does a cross sweep kick, knocking back two. She looks down and sees the can of gas. She grabs it quickly, and pulling out the plug, soaks the other two with some gas. They back away, and she puts the gas down. She pulls out her lighter. " You know, the one thing I hated giving up smoking? Never getting to use my Zippo again. " She flicks it, and tosses it to one of the gas soaked vamps. " Here ya go. You boy's don't have to worry about the big C."

The flame catches the fumes rising off the two, and they become torches. They turn in panic, and run into the two behind them, setting their clothes on fire. The first two go crumble to dust. The other two run in a panic towards Faith, who just gets out of their way. They turn to dust before they can reach the door.

" They just get stupider, and stupider." She chuckles. She turns to Giles. " Well? C'mon guy, lets do this."

Giles come over to Faith, and she hands him a gas can. " You splash up the Gallery. I'm going down to get the main club." She starts towards the stairs. " When you're done, get outta here, got it?"

" What about you?"

" If I'm not out in 10, light it up." Faith says simply.

" Faith!"

" Not an option. If I'm not out in ten, I'm probably dead. So, just do it. I really don't need an argument. Go!" Faith, can in hand, trots down the stairs.

Giles starts to walk around the Gallery, splashing gas as he goes. He makes the circle, and returns to the stairs.

" Faith, are you almost finished?" He calls down. She doesn't answer. " FAITH!" He yells louder.

"Don't be such a granny, Giles. I'm just spreading the love down here. Get by the door. Don't want to wait to torch this place!" Faith calls up.

Giles, somewhat relieved, retreats to the entrance.

Downstairs, Faith splashes gas around, over the bar, on the dance floor, on some of the tables. Getting close to the end, she starts to pour a trail from below up the stairs. She gets about halfway up the stairs when something hits her hard in the back. She takes a tumble down the stairs, but manages to flip and land on her feet… then go down when she hits a puddle.

"What the fuck?" She looks up the stairs.

Linda, with the frizzy red hair, is looking down her. She's frowning , her hands on her hips.

" What the hell do you think you're doing to my club?"

" I dunno. Thought it kinda was stinky. So, I brought in some air freshener, you know?" Faith grins.

Suddenly, Linda's eyes go wide. " YOU!" She leaps off the stairs, landing close to Faith. She grabs Faith by the hair." You BITCH!"

She throws Faith against the bar. Faith bounces off, and groans. " Gee, baby, what's your deal?" She shakes it off. " Getting kinda cranky, aren't ya?" She runs at Linda, delivering a kick to her stomach. Linda falls back, and Faith just falls. She hit more gas. " Damn, this really sucks." She pushes off the floor.

Immediately, Linda is on her, punching, slapping and clawing at her.

" You fucking bitch. You ruined everything. She wanted to make you a god, and you … you stole her! You took her away from us… from ME!!" She starts punching Faith.

" SHIT!" Faith yells. She grabs Linda, and hurls her off her. She slips slides her way back to her feet. " You crazy vamp. What the hell are you talking about?"

" Buffy, you whore!" Linda screams at her. She runs at Faith, who dodges her. " You took her from me. My queen. My mistress. What did you do to her? Where is she? I'm gonna kill you, you … " She grabs Faith by the arm, and tosses her into some tables. " I'm gonna rip your throat out and bathe in your blood!"

Faith gets up, and is chuckling. She grabs a table, and hurls it at Linda, hitting her square on. She's driven back into the bar.

" You crazy fucking blood brain," Faith laughs at her. " God, with toadies like you, no wonder B wanted to get her ass outta here. Take a whiff, moron, " Faith starts for the stairs. " That's Eau d' Texaco you smelling. In a minute, this place is gonna be a fireball, and you're getting all bent because I 'stole' your girlfriend." Faith starts running up the stairs.

But Linda leaps at her, smashing her into the steps. " You're gonna die. No! Better, I’m gonna turn you , and make you my bitch" Linda vamps out. She grabs Faith by the hair, and pulls her head back, exposing her neck. She goes for the bite.

And meets Faith's fist nose on. Faith scrambles up, and kicks her down the stairs. Without looking, she turns and runs up the remaining stairs.

" Light it up, Giles. Light the fucking thing up!" She gets a couple of more steps.

Linda appears at the top of the stairs behind her, vamped out. She throws herself at Faith, knocking her down. The two of them roll on the floor, fighting.

Giles hesitates, seeing Faith down and fighting. He grabs up his crossbow, and tries to aim it at the red headed vampire. He fires, and misses, nearly hitting Faith.

" DAMMIT , GILES, You nearly hit ME with that!" Faith yells at him. She manages to throw Linda off her, kicking her as she goes. She scrambles up, and runs for the exit. " LIGHT IT THE FUCK UP NOW!"

Giles takes a match, and drops it on the trail of gas he laid down. It catches and burns.

Linda in the meantime , manages to grab the railing. She rights herself, and starts after Faith.

Starts, but never gets there. The trail of fire hits her, and with the gasoline on her, she starts to burn. She screams.

Faith is running towards the exit, and suddenly smells burning flesh… Oh… SHIT!

She bursts out of the club, her clothing on fire. Giles thinking quickly knocks her down and using his coat, manages to put out the fire burning her.

" FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!" Faith cries out, rolling on the ground. " Am I burning? SHIT!"

She stops when she realizes she's out… and not burnt. " What the…?" She inspects herself. " I'm not burning up? I swore I smelled myself burning."

" The vampire torched, Faith, " Giles says, coming to her. " I think that's… oh dear."

" Oh dear? What's with the ' oh , dear' ? What's wrong?"

" Faith… you're hair… " Giles says, backing away.

" My …" She touches her hair, and then reaches around back…and realizes that it's hot and smoky. Worse, her long locks in back have burned up to her collar. " DAMN!"

Amy approaches her, taking a look. " It's … ummm… not that bad. I'm pretty sure it can be… fixed."

Faith looks distressed. " How bad? How short?"

Amy hesitates. " Well… it's kind of at the collar." She winces.

" DAMN!!" Faith shouts. " It took me forever to get it just right… now it's…" She reaches around and touches it. " Shit!"

" There, there," Amy rubs her back, " It'll be fine.. with the right cut? Perfect!"

" No it won't, it'll look dorky!"

" Faith, you're lucky to be alive. You nearly burned up. And you're mourning over some hair?"

Faith and Amy both glare at him. He backs off.

They look at each other, and shrug.

" Men, they just don't get it, " Amy says, taking Faith by the arm. " Don't worry; I've got this great stylist! She can fix that, no prob!"

" I dunno, " Faith says, as the two of them start down the alley. " I like it long. Kind of frames the face right, you know?"

" You got a great face, Faith. God, I have such trouble with mine. Always too angular, you know? Hard to get my hair to look right with it. But , cut yours right… maybe leave it longer in front? Still get the same effect. Don't worry, Sami's a genius. She can do anything with a head of hair!"

" Really? It won't look dorky?" Faith sounds worried.

" Trust me, you'll love it!"

" So, what do you think? I was thinking, getting some highlights?"

" Naw, your hair's got great tone… I wouldn't…"

Giles brings up the rear. He collects up what he can of the supplies he brought along. His face is completely puzzled.

I wonder if I'll ever understand the female sense of priorities? He turns, trudging towards his car.

I seriously doubt it.

2

Buffy looks at herself in the mirror, a small grimace on her face. She turns this way, then that, then frowns. Why am I doing this again?

She turns again, looking over her shoulder at her back . Well, at least it isn't too low cut. Won't show much of the scarring. She sighs, wondering if she's really wanting to do this. Want or not, I gotta.

It seems like forever since she's worn a dress. Not since before… Ok, let's NOT think about that. She didn't even have a dress until she picked this one up at a discount store down by where she worked. The single dress she had with her had been ruined.

She looks at the dress critically. It's a simple white dress with a floral print to it. It has spaghetti straps and a slight scoop to the neckline. She adjusts herself so she'll fit the bodice better. Still, it looks… oh well, it'll do. She shrugs. I don’t even know why I gotta dress up. I mean, what's the big? Never dressed for dinner before. Not here, anyway. Why the sudden 'let's be pretty' party? Well… she turns again … that's not gonna be an issue here. I really look sucky in this. She sighs, walking away from the mirror.

All this was weird anyway. Rose just showed up at her door a couple of days back.

Buffy had been working out, just finishing with the punching back when a knock came at her door.

Damn, what? I thought we agreed. I respect her privacy, she respects mine. Oh chill, Buffy. She's been really nice to you. I think you can be nice back, don't you?

Buffy comes to the door, wearing sweats and a wife beater; with her wrists taped.

" Hey, Mrs. Weiss. What can I do you for?" Buffy asks. She blocks the doorway.

" May I come in, Anne? I'd like to talk to you, " Rose says.

Uh-oh, what'd I do?

" Uh… sure, " Buffy moves back. She's gonna have a Guernsey when she sees this place, Buffy groans internally.

Rose walks into the room, and indeed, she's taken by surprise. But she recovers quickly, and finds a chair that doesn't have a pile of stuff on it. She looks around, seeing the weights and boxing equipment, and the chin up bar.

" Well, hmmm… made yourself comfy, I see," Rose is still trying to figure it out. " So, should I call you Anne or Rocky?"

" Huh?"

Rose waves around at the equipment.

" Oh," Buffy says, quietly. " Ummm… I can get rid of it… "

" No honey, it's ok. Just, never figured you for a flyweight."

" I'm sorry?"

" Boxer, dear. You don't look… well, frankly, I just don't see it. You, in the ring boxing…?"

" No, no… no boxing, " Buffy waves her taped hand. " it's just to keep me fit." Maybe keep me from getting totally creamed on patrol…

" Fit? I see…" Rose didn't but decided her reticent tenant wasn't going to be forthcoming. " Actually I do have a reason to be here, other than snoop, of course, " She smiles.

" Mrs. Weiss, honestly, I meant to get the lawn last week. But the mower broke down…"

" Hmmm? No, dear that's not it. Though I'm glad you told me. I'll see it gets fixed." Rose hesitates, realizing how much Buffy doesn't like being around people. " I wanted to ask you to do me a favor."

Buffy pauses. Rose asking for a favor could go either way. Good, as in finishing left-overs( which strangely seem to be freshly made) or, on the other hand, about something Buffy really doesn't want to do… like cleaning the rain gutters or writing home, or some such. But, really, can I say no? I owe her… well, everything.

" Uh… sure, Mrs. Weiss," Buffy replies, smiling a small smile.

" Well, first, I suppose if I ask you yet again, you wouldn't call me Rose? Every time you call me Mrs. Weiss, I keep looking around for my mother-in-law… God rest her soul."

" Uh… ok, I'll try. Rose." Buffy smiles ruefully, " it's just, I wasn't taught that way. Supposed to use surnames on well… older people?" Buffy doesn't want to insult, either.

" Don't worry, dear. I know I'm older. My mirror reminds me every day," Rose chuckles," No, it's just… well, we're sort of friends now. I mean, do you want me to call you Ms. Saunders?"

" Of course not, that'd be silly…" Buffy gets a little pink. " I see. Got it. Ok, Rose, it is."

" Thank you, dear."

" But that's that not the favor, is it?" Buffy asks, hoping it might be.

" No, dear. I was wondering, are you busy say… this Sunday?"

" No," Buffy thinks quickly. Ok, can't be church. She goes to temple on Saturday… and not into conversion… so…Sunday… what does she do Sunday? Maybe it's safe, then? Unless… she's been looking at the shutters. Maybe she wants me to paint them? I suck at painting.

" I should tell you, I suck at painting." Buffy says out loud.

" I'm sorry?" Rose asks, confused." Painting?"

" Well, I noticed you noticing the shutters, and I thought…"

" No… no dear, not about the shutters. Actually, was thinking of getting locks installed on them. No, nothing like that, dear."

" Ah, ok, then," Buffy says relieved.

" Actually, if you're not busy, I'd appreciate it if you'd have dinner with me on Sunday."

" Aw, well… gee, Mrs. … Rose… see, I thought we agreed we…well… I'm not trying to be rude here, but you know, I like my…"

" Yes, Anne, I know. You like you're privacy. I understand. But do you think you could make an exception? This once?"

She's good. Real good. I should get mom with her… they'd be the guilt twins.

" Ok, I'm being like totally selfish here, right?" Buffy admit. " Sure, Rose, it'd be a pleasure." She smiles brightly.

" Oh, good, " Rose returns the smile, "It'll be nice to have you at the table again. I do so enjoy that you enjoy my cooking so much. Gives the old lady a nice feeling to be appreciated."

" I really do appreciate everything you've done for me, Mrs. … Rose. I hope you know that?"

" Yes, dear, I know. I really wasn't fishing there … well, maybe a little," Rose hesitates. " But I have to admit, there's a catch. About dinner, I mean."

Oh, boy.

" Catch?" Buffy asks, all innocence, wondering if she can suddenly find a way out of this.

" Two actually," Rose says, quietly. " First, well , my granddaughter is visiting me, and I love her to death, but she's got this idea in mind that you're possibly the next female Ted Bundy in training, so actually this dinner is show you off, let her know you're normal, not an axe murderer or anything…" She trails off and looks around the room.

" Don't worry, not doing a Travis Bickle, honest," Buffy says." Honestly."

" I'm sorry?" Rose looks at her.

" From ' Taxi Driver' … you know, the nutty taxi driver that starts pumping up and goes vigilante."

" Oh!" Rose says. " I wasn't worried." Much." Anyway, I guess that leads to my next request. It'd help if maybe you'd dress up a little bit for dinner. You know, I mean I'm ok with the jeans…" Rose hesitates, " But I'd prefer my granddaughter saw you in a dress. It'd put her at ease… and maybe she'd stop nagging me about you."

Buffy makes a face. " I'll wear my good jeans… the ones with no holes and not faded to white, but …" She shrugs. " Don't really have anything else."

" No dresses at all?" Rose looks at her. " Really?"

" Not much use for dresses living on the street… or in the nuthouse…"

" I really wish you wouldn't use that term, Anne. You were just troubled."

" I was a fruit loop, Mrs. … Rose, " Buffy smiles. " Not now, honest. But…ok… in the place where they pad the walls… better?"

"Not really… lets go on… ok, no dress. None?"

Buffy shakes her head sadly. " Guess I'll just have to skip dinner, " Buffy says, feeling a little relief. Not really feeling like meeting the fam, anyway.

" I sort of suspected that, never seeing you wear one, " Rose sighs. " But this is really important to me." She takes her purse, and opens it. She takes out some twenties." You take this, honey, and get something…"

Buffy stands up, backing away." No, I can't do that!" She says firmly." You've done enough for me already."

" But dear, with you paying me rent and all, I know you don't have much left over…"

" I've been saving… was going to get something else…A crossbow, but I can't exactly tell her that… I'm sure I have enough to get a dress…"

" No, dear. I insist," Rose says firmly, pressing the bills firmly in her hand. " I mean, you're doing this as a favor to me." She looks at Buffy. " Is that enough?"

Buffy counts out 6 twenty dollar bills. " Whew. Too much." She presses four back on Rose. " I'm sure I can get something decent for this." She looks at the money again." Two somethings if I shop carefully."

" Now, don't be silly, Anne, " Rose looks a little perturbed." A girl needs more than a dress. Shoes, nylons, a few other things… and wouldn't hurt if you picked up some make-up. Not saying you're not pretty dear, but … be nicer with a little lipstick and eye shadow…" She gives Buffy the money back." Maybe get your hair done?"

" I really can't…"

" Don't be silly, girl. You're doing me a favor. Anyway, I'd rather like to see you fixed up a little. You're such a pretty little thing. Shame to hide it under jeans and loose sweaters all the time. "

Buffy blushes. " Thank you," She says quietly. " Ummm…what time Sunday?"

" 5 p.m. sharp. Don't be late. We're having roast, and I hate to eat it cold."

" I'll be there," Buffy promises.

She looks at herself in the mirror again, sighing. " Well, it'll do. I just didn't want to spend a fortune," Buffy mutters. She looks again, and shrugs." It's not so bad, really."

She walks to her dresser, pulling out the money she has left over. She plans on leaving it at the house, somewhere.

She walks over, and hikes up her dress, pulling on a pair of thigh highs. She slips into some inexpensive flat sandals. She walks over and looks one more time in the mirror. Grabbing her brush, she gives her hair a couple of strokes. She checks her makeup.

Well, hi. Long time no see, She thinks to herself. I just hope her granddaughter isn't too much of a biotch. Oh well, it's only a couple of hours. Be on your best behavior, Buffy. Lay on the charm. Ok, lets do this.

Buffy does one final check, nods, then walks to the door of the backhouse and exits.

3

Willow stands in the living room, addressing her grandmother, in the kitchen. She looks down at the skirt and blouse she's wearing. So not what I wanted to wear today.

" Why're we getting all dressed up again, Gram?" Willow says, tugging on her skirt.

" We're having company for dinner, dear. It's rather expected to be a bit more dressy when having company, " Rose says, walking into the dining room. She's wearing a blue dress, currently covered by an apron, low heels and pearls. She looks up and smiles. " You look very nice, Willow."

" But it's just Anne. Sheesh. She'll probably come over in a pair of jeans and t-shirt."

" Now, that's unfair, Willow. And just a little catty, dear. I do expect you'll be on better manners when she's actually here!" Rose sets down the roast. " I know for a fact that she'll be dressed up, so let's not be judgmental, shall we?"

" I'm sorry, Gram." Willow blushes. " When is she getting here, anyway?" Not that she's coming any great distance.

" Soon… I told her 5 p.m."

" It's almost that now," Willow says, just as the front doorbell rings. " Well, I guess that must be her now."

Rose comes in from the dining room." I'll get that, Willow. Would you get the vegetables, please?"

" But I'm right here, Gram," Willow says, almost to the door.

" Yes, and you'll probably scare her off. Just do as I ask, please?"

Willow sighs," Ok, Gram, " She retreats from the door towards the kitchen. God, this is silly. I'm not going to bite her.

Rose answers the door, and smiles.

" Hello, Anne. You look lovely, dear," She nods approvingly. She moves back. " Please come in."

" This old thing?" Buffy teases her, " I just threw it on." She smiles at Rose. " So, do you think she'll be convinced I'm not carrying a chainsaw in my purse?" She says sotto voce to Rose.

Rose chuckles." I'm sure she'll see you as I do, a decent young lady. Are you ready?"

" Are you kidding? I'll be ready in about a decade or so…"

Rose shakes her head in sympathy. " Don't worry, she won't bite."

Buffy sighs. " Ok, let's do this."

Rose walks further into the living room. " Willow honey, come on out and greet our guest."

Buffy suddenly gets a cold chill in her chest. Willow? No, it couldn't be. It's just a coincidence.

Willow enters the living room, smiling broadly. I'll show Gram I'm the better one here.

" Hello, you must be the infamous Anne I've heard…" the words die in her mouth, as she stands still in shock, her mouth open

Buffy? BUFFY? BUFFY!

" BUFFEEE!!!" Willow almost screams, running at her. She grabs Buffy into a huge hug.

Oh, no! No! No! NO!!! This isn't happening, this can't be happening.

Willow pushes her away. "Wait a minute, Buffy. What're you doing here?"

Buffy backs towards the front door. She has a frightened shocked look on her face.

" I'm confused," Rose looks at Willow, then at Buffy. " You know each other? You know Anne?"

" I… I can't… I'm sorry, I can't do this!" She turns, and runs out the front door.

" Anne?" Willow looks at her grandmother." That's not 'Anne', that's Buffy!"

" Buffy. Where've I heard that name…wait, you don't mean the Buffy you used to talk about all the time. THAT Buffy?"

" Yes… Buffy Summers…" Willow stops. Something clicks in her brain. Then another thing, and another. " That… that's Anne? Anne Saunders?" Willow hits her forehead. " God, why didn’t I see it?"

" I best retrieve her. She seemed… startled."

" No, Gram. I'll get her, " Willow smiles. It's a fixed smile.

" I don't understand… why would your friend tell me she's…"

" Anne's her middle name, Gram. Wait here. I'll take care of this."

Before her grandmother can say anything else, Willow is out the door after Buffy.

Rose moves to the front door, and watches as Willow rounds the corner of the house.

What was that all about, anyway?

And why did Buffy call herself Anne?

Maybe I should go after them? She remembers the expressions on each girl's face. Maybe not.

She smells something burning in the kitchen. The rolls. She runs to the kitchen, and opens the oven door. The rolls are burned. She sighs. Well, those are history.

As she's pulling the pan out of the oven, she thinks to herself. Probably doesn't matter.

I don't think anyone's going to be eating dinner soon tonight.

4

Willow is knocking loudly on the backhouse door.

" Buffy! Buffy! Open up, c'mon… open up!"

Silence. Not a sound from the inside.

" Buffy, I know you're in there. Open up."

More silence.

" Buffy. I'm not upset," Willow lies a little, " I'm just surprised. C'mon now, open please."

" Go 'way" A voice is heard from within.

" Buffy, don't do this. Don't act like a child. Let's talk about this."

" There's nothing to talk about, Will." Buffy says through the door, " Just go back inside."

" Buffy, " Willow swallows her impatience, " you're here, not where you're supposed to be. I'm wondering why."

The door opens. Buffy's head pops out.

" Why can't you just go away, Will?," Buffy says, sounding tired. " Never mind, I'll just go, ok?"

She pops her head back in, but before she can close the door, Willow forces her way in. She stands in the entryway.

" Buffy, I'm just trying to understand. Why're you here? Why aren't you in England?"

Buffy moves over to her bed, appearing to be putting stuff into a sack. She mumbles something.

" I didn't hear that, Buffy," Willow says, feeling her impatience rise.

" What does it really matter?" Buffy repeats.

"What does it really matter?" Willow repeats her words. " Well, everyone expects you to be there, getting well. You're mom thinks you're there. So does Giles and Faith. Until tonight, so did I!" Willow can feel her temper starting to rise. " It matters, because you've run out on treatment." She notices Buffy putting stuff in the bag. " What's this about?"

" I'm leaving. Can't stay here now." Buffy says, pushing whatever she can fit in the bag.

" Leaving? Wait a minute. Leaving?" Willow's voice rises." What's that about? First you leave therapy, now you're leaving my grandmother's house? After all she's done for you? How grateful is that?"

" I'm very grateful to your grandmother, Will. I'm very fond of her. She's great."

" Well, this is a great way to show it, Buffy. Just ducking out. Don't suppose you were going to tell her, either."

" I can't stay here. Not now." Buffy turns towards the dresser.

Willow notices that Buffy hasn't looked at her once since she came in. " Buffy… what's up? What's going on…" She walks over, and gets in Buffy's way. " Look at me, Buffy Summers. Don't you turn your back on me when I'm talking to you."

" Will, just get out of my way. Why're you doing this? Just let me go!" Buffy tries to duck around Willow, but Willow grabs her arms, forcing Buffy to face her.

" I want some answers, Buffy. I think I deserve that, " Willow says, tightly, " Why're you here? Why aren't you in England where you're supposed to be?" Buffy struggles against her, turning her face this way and that way not to look at her. " Don't do that, Buffy. Look at me. Answer me!"

"Why won't you leave me alone?" Buffy cries at her, " All I want is to be left alone."

" No, I won't leave you alone. According to Gram, you've been here nearly 3 months… and you're supposed to be getting help. So, what's the deal, Buff?"

" Dammit, what can they do, anyway? There's nothing they could do. So I left."

" You left," Willow tries to hold onto her temper." You just up and left? What then? How'd you get here, then?"

" I told them I wanted to go home. So they put me on a plane."

" And… then you didn't bother to go home. You just…disappeared?" Willow shakes her head, then pushes Buffy away." I can't believe you! You… just take off. What about us, Buffy? Didn't you kind of figure we'd notice?"

" No one know so far, do they?" Buffy says, petulantly.

" Because you've been lying to them. THEY THINK YOU'RE IN ENGLAND!" Willow loses it. " What the HELL are you doing? Don't you get it? We're all worried about you, thinking you're going through hell… and you're here. Having a great old time while we don't know what's happening with you. Think that's fair?" Willow shakes her head. " I don't get you. When were you planning on … oh… coming home?"

Buffy stands there, staring at her. But no answer.

" When, Buffy? When were you planning on coming back?"

Still nothing. Willow frowns more.

" Were you planning on coming back?"

Buffy still doesn’t say anything. Willow comes over and grabs her again. " Were you ever coming back, Buffy?"

" No," Buffy almost whispers." I can't. I can't ever go back, Will."

"What the hell do you mean, you can't go home? That's … stupid talk! Of course you can go home. They WANT you to come home, Buffy. They're WAITING for you to come home. " Willow throws up her hands, walking away again." That's not making any sense at all."

" How can I face them… you? ANYONE, after what I did? Don't you see that? I can't… I just can't."

" So, what? Is this just another summer run away, Buffy? Like you did before? Oh, yeah, I remember. No one would've understood you then, either. Right, Buffy? Isn't that what you told us? We didn't know what you've gone through? Well, boo hoo, Buffy! We've all been through hell, one way or another, lately. You can't face it? Well, Buffy, that's life. You face the hard stuff and deal. You don't just run away." Willow shakes her head. " I'm just talking to the wall, aren't I? You're not going to listen. You're just going to do whatever you're going to do. No matter who you hurt, right Buffy?" She gets in Buffy's face. " So what happens this time, Buffy? You just do your own thing until you miss your family and friends, then show up one day? That the plan?"

" No."

" Then what, Buffy? What's the plan?"

" I'm not going back, Will. Didn't you listen? I'm not… all I want to do is disappear. Why can't you let me do that?"

" I see. So, then what about us, Buffy? Did you even consider us? What about your mom, Buffy? What happens when she finds out you're not coming back? What do you think she's going to feel? Think she's going to be happy? Do you even care?"

" Yes, I care!"

" Oh, really?" Willow's tone is sarcastic, " I'm kind of surprised. I am. I mean, doesn't sound like it. Sounds like you're afraid to face us, god knows WHY, but you're afraid, and you're just taking a powder so it's easier on YOU!"

" That's not true, " Buffy retorts, " You think this is easy for me?"

" Well, frankly? Yeah!"

" It's not, damn you, Will. It's killing me. I can't ever see anyone I love again. Think that's easy? Try it! I was separated from you guys for nearly a year, and all I have to look forward is not ever seeing you again. Oh yeah, I'm loving that, Will."

" Well, then WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?!?!? NO ONE, no one, wants you to do this. Except you."

" I can't go back, Willow. I screwed everything up, and I can't ever make it right. It's better I go, disappear. Everybody's gonna be better off!"

" Oh? Well, I'll be sure to tell you're mom that. I'm sure she'll just be so glad you're NEVER COMING BACK. OH, SHE'S JUST GONNA BE DANCING THROUGH THE FIELDS, TOSSING FLOWERS. Yeah, Buffy, she's gonna be doing cartwheels. And what about Giles, Buffy? Think he's going to be doing dances when he finds out you're just turning your back on us?"

" I'm not …."

" THE HELL YOU'RE NOT!" Willow yells at her. " WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK IT IS? Never mind, I don't want to hear what you think. You listen to ME, Buffy Summers. You listen!" Willow starts to wind up. " You're mom's been a wreck since you've been gone. She gets through the days, but you can see it's wearing on her. And Giles? You think this has been easy for him? You know how he feels about you, and it's killing him to know how much you've been suffering. Well, IF you've been suffering! Oh… and Faith. What about her? Just going to forget about her? Think she's just going to go skipping along la. la. la .la . la? Do you have any idea how this has hurt her? How miserable she's been without you? Do you even give a damn, Buffy?"

Buffy is silent.

" Do you have any ideas how many nights she cried over you? You know, Faith? The one who never cries? How many nights I've held her while she cried, broken hearted? Afraid she was going to lose you? Do you think she's just going to forget you, Buffy? Do you?"

" I wish she would. She should. Forget me, move on." Buffy says, quietly.

" Right, she's just going to turn off her feelings, just like that, huh? Maybe YOU can do that, but the rest of us? Not so easy." Willow paces. " So, Buffy, if that's really how you feel, tell her. Don't keep her hanging. Tell her to move on!"

" I did… just a few days ago, when I talked to her. I told her she should move on."

" On the phone. While she's thinking your in England, getting help. Smooth, Buffy, and real easy. How 'bout having some guts, girl, and actually facing her and telling her?" She notes Buffy looking away. " Yeah, didn't think so!" Willow turns to her. " Do you even give a damn about her? I'm thinking… no."

" Don't tell me what I'm feeling. What I care about, Willow. You've got no idea what I feel, what I've been through. You don't know, so don't you tell me what I'm feeling!"

" If you cared, would you even think of doing what you're planning on doing? Just up and leaving her, dumping her by default, just walking away, without a word?" She looks at Buffy, then turns her back." I never thought I'd hear myself say this. But you disgust me, Buffy Summers. God, how can you be such a cold, selfish bitch?" She turns back. "How can you treat her that way?"

" Me?" Buffy looks at Willow, " what about you? If you're such a good friend. If you know she needs support, why aren't you there, Willow? Why aren't YOU in Sunnydale? With her?"

" Don't even try to divert this on me, Buffy. You're her supposed love, her supposed girlfriend. But you're just walking away from her, when she needs you most. Yeah, I'd love to be there for her, Buffy. But I can't. Remember Tara? I spent nearly the last year trying to separate myself from her. With help from Faith. Because I needed to. I had to get away, it was too damned painful, being there. So, don't try to make this about me. You don't know. You just don't know, or don't care!"

" Don't know huh?" Buffy moves towards her. " don’t care, huh? Think I don't know what was going on? How you and she were living together. Think I'm stupid, Will? Do you? You're sitting here lecturing me about doing the right thing. Well, gee… that's real nice, considering what you were doing. Real nice."

" What the hell are you talking about, Buffy?"

" I'm talking about you… how do you want to euphemize it, Willow? … comforting her… while I was away."

" God, Faith was right about you. How the hell can we tell what you want, Buffy? On one hand, you're pushing us together. Then, IF we do take some comfort in each other, you get all bent. What's that about, Buffy? God, how dare you insinuate that what we did was … god…you're one piece of work, Buffy. You're rare. You get all out of shape because of something YOU DID YOURSELF! I doubt we would've gotten together, if you hadn't pushed it. YOU did that Buffy. And when we get together one time, you're nuts. You go crazy. Shit."

" One time? Is that your story, Will? You got together once?" Buffy cocks her head.

" Before you went over the deep end, Yeah, Buffy. ONCE!"

" Really. And after. How 'bout that. You know…after I went… off the deep end, as you put it. Which by the way? Had a lot to your spell giving me back my soul. So, while I'm talking to the plants., or doing time in the rubber room . How many times then?" She waits, but Willow doesn't respond. "What's wrong, Ms. Moral high ground? Cat got your tongue? Or, maybe it's another name for cat eh?" She sneers.

" You make it sound dirty. It wasn't dirty, damn you!" Willow shoves her. " Yeah, we slept together, Buffy. Because we both were hurting. She was dying because of what was happening to you, and I was dead because of Tara. We comforted each other, Buffy, because we needed it. We're not all cold, selfish heartless bitches like you!"

" Really?" Buffy says," that why you left her, then? I mean, if everything was so good, why'd you leave? If it was comfort, why'd you leave her to twist, Will? Tell me, huh? Cold? I'm cold? Give me a break. That's ice, baby, what you did. Just walk out on her!"

" It wasn't like that! You have no idea what it was about!"

" Then inform me, Will. Why'd you leave her? Get tired of her? Like you did Tara? Was that it?"

" I LOVE HER!" Willow screamed " I LOVE HER. Happy? I fell for her, hard. And you know what? She fell for me too. How's that, Buffy? That what you wanted to hear? No? Too fucking bad, you bitch! Because, it's because of YOU I left. Because of you. Even when we were together, you were there , the 900 pound gorilla lurking in the corner, sitting on the table. Between us. She loves you, Buffy. She does. And she can't give that up. Even though I'd walk through hell to make her happy. And the only thing YOU want to do is shit on her!" Willow turns red with anger. " I wish you would disappear. I wish you'd just vanish. Maybe then we could be happy, if you were gone!"

" YOU FUCKING WHORE!" Buffy screams at her

SLAP!!!!

Willow reels back from Buffy's slap, holding her face. She stares at her with wide, hurt eyes.

" Oh… oh God, Will.. shit… Will…I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

But Willow is gone. She turns and runs back toward the main house. Buffy runs after her.

" Will… god, Willow, please, stop. Please I'm sorry… please…"

Willow disappears through the back door. Buffy tries to follow, but Rose stops her.

" Please. Mrs. Weiss. I've got to talk to her. Please!" Buffy tries to duck around her, but Rose isn't having any of it.

" Stop! Right there… Anne…or Buffy… or whatever the hell your name is. STOP!"

Buffy stops.

" All right, what happened?" Rose asks, tone neutral. " I hear shouting all the way in here, Willow comes in her, holding her face and crying, and you're chasing her. What happened?"

Buffy briefly explains what occurred in the backhouse. Rose's face goes grim.

" You hit my granddaughter?" Rose asks, sternly.

Buffy nods. "But, I … I just lost my temper…I didn't mean to…I've got to …"

" I think you better stay out, Ms. Summers." Rose says angrily." I don't like people hitting my family. I think you better go back to the guest house." Buffy doesn't move. " Now would be good, Ms. Summers."

Buffy backs off, and starts towards the guest house.

" Oh, and Ms. Summers?"

Buffy turns back towards Rose.

" You might want to look for another place to live." Rose closes the door on her.

Buffy seems to collapse. Her whole body seems to lose any energy. She turns, and walks back towards the guest house.

Rose turns around, and Willow is standing there, looking at her.

" Are you all right, Willow ?" She asks." Let me see your face."

Willow moves her hand. There's a red mark where Buffy slapped her. Gingerly, Rose inspects Willow's cheek and jaw. She sighs. "Well, she didn't break skin. I don't think you'll bruise. You'll probably want some ice for that, though."

" I'm ok, Gram," Willow says. " What did you say to her?"

" Who? Ms. Summers?"

" Yeah, Buffy. What did you say to her?"

" Just that she wasn't welcome in here. That she should go back to the guest house, " Rose said, quietly, " and I guess you're right. I asked her to leave. I'm sorry. I never should've…"

" No, Gram, don't. Don't kick her out. Please?"

" Willow, I can't have her here. Not if she's going to be beating up on my granddaughter. You're family, honey. I can't risk you getting hurt."

" It's not all her fault, Gram. We said some pretty terrible things to each other…"

" I know, dear. I could hear you up here…"

" Oh, god," Willow blanches. " I'm… so sorry, Gram…"

" I don't understand this, Willow. I'm not going to pretend I do," Rose looks at her." I'm not really happy that she hit you."

" I said something…I wish I hadn't… please, Gram. She doesn't have anywhere to go… not now, anyway."

" Seems like you don't exactly hate her." Rose closes her eyes. She shakes her head. " Ok, if you don't want me to, I won't ask her to leave. But, I don't think she should come to the main house anymore."

" Thank you, Gram, " Willow says quietly

" I'm really confused, Willow. I remember how you used to talk about her. I used to think you had a crush on her. The way you described her, she could do no wrong. Now…? What happened between you two?"

" I… really don't want to talk about it Gram."

Rose sighs. " Ok, dear. I can't force you. I think you should go to bed. Well… maybe get something to eat first, then bed." She shakes her head.

Willow leaves the kitchen.

I don't even want to know what happened. I'll never understand this. She walks towards the back door. I'm too old for this.

Buffy carefully hangs up her dress. Maybe I can return it. Get her money back. She removes the sandals, and starts to put on jeans and a top when a knock comes at her door. She walks over, and opens the door.

" Ummm… I know I can't say anything to change what happened, Mrs. Weiss, " Buffy says, seeing who it is, " But I do want you to know that I'm very sorry. As soon as I can find a place, I'll be out. I promise." Buffy reaches into her jeans, pulling out some money. " I meant to give this to you earlier. The money I had left over… wait." She goes to her dresser, opens a drawer, and lifts out a small box. She opens it. It's her cache of savings. She pulls it out, and counts it. She walks back to the front door. " Sorry, I don't have quite enough, but I'll get the rest to you as soon as I can."

Rose puts up her hand, refusing the money. " I don't want the money, Anne… Buffy… what do I call you now?"

" Anne is fine, Mrs. Weiss." Buffy hands her the money. " I can't keep this."

" Look Anne. Willow doesn't want you to move. So, you can stay if you wish. I just think that maybe it best you don't come to the main house anymore, and at least for awhile, stay away from my granddaughter. OK?"

" No. I can't live here anymore, Mrs. Weiss. Thank you, but I can't." Buffy looks around. "I'll find somewhere to go…and I'll get rid of the stuff before I leave." Buffy puts the cash in Rose's hand." Now , please take this. I'll see if I can return the dress tomorrow, and I'll give you the rest then."

" Anne, please? Don't go. I was just upset. I'd like you to stay."

" Thanks, but I really do have to go. I … lost my best friend tonight. I can't really live here anymore. Not while she's living here. Anyway, I should've gone a while ago." Buffy pauses, feeling drained. " Thank you for giving me a chance. Good night, Mrs. Weiss."

" I wish you'd think about it, Anne."

" Good night, Mrs. Weiss, " Buffy shuts the door on her.

Rose stands for a few moments, looking at the door. Then she turns back to the main house.

She's at a loss, out of her depth here. She can't really understand how two friends as close as these were could get so … separated. But she has a sneaking suspicion it has to do with someone else. Someone neither is mentioning.

I think I'd like to meet this person. Maybe give them a piece of my mind.

Tired from the day's drama, she walks towards her home.

To be continued.
- 15
- 16
- 17
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