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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
- 16
- 17
- 18
The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 17 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.

1

Faith walks quickly down the street, making her way towards Sunnydale High.

She is very, very happy that vampires can't come out in the sunlight. She's doing her best to avoid one particular tall, dark and hair gelled vamp.

Ok, embarrassing or what? God, cried like a little girl last night in his arms. Can you say-- where the hell did that come from?-- Man, I've so gotta avoid fang for oh… a couple of years at least. I can just see that knowing smirk on his face. Damn, why'd he have to show up just at that moment? I would've been fine if I'd had a couple of minutes to deal.

Faith is still a little freaked out about last night. Ok, what was that anyway? Was she there? God, I know what I felt. But Angel swears he only heard me talking to myself. I was standing in the middle of the fucking graveyard, yammering away at something that wasn't there. Maybe I'm stressing out too much over this shit coming down in SunnyD or something, but I swear… I saw her … I know I saw her… last night. But shit, that can't be. I don't believe in that voodoo hoodoo crapolla. I dunno, I must be wigging out or something. Fuck, just what I need now…

Yet for all her stressing out over what happened, she feels strangely… light this morning. As if something really heavy she's been carrying around has been taken away. Everything seems a little brighter, a little more colorful and real this morning. She can feel every muscle as she walked, in a good way. Every breath she takes tasted a little sweeter, kind of like the air after a rainstorm. She feels an unaccustomed energy around her, and her steps are light and purposeful. Ok, crap, let's not get Mary Poppins here, ok? I just had a good night's sleep. Something that aint been happening too much lately. Christ, don't make a deal about it.

She's feeling strange. Something she's really not used to. Something that's been missing for awhile.

She feels happy. Happy, and strangely peaceful.

Looking up, she sees Xander and Willow climbing the stairs to the school.

" Hey, guys, what's the haps?" She calls out, rushing to catch up.

They turn at their names, and get a slightly guilty look. They start hurrying up the stairs, trying to avoid a confrontation.

" Guys, wait up? What's going on?" Faith calls out, a little puzzled.

Xander and Willow freeze. Willow turns away, lightly blushing from embarrassment. Xander looks at her, but he has that " I hear someone calling me, gotta go " look on his face.

" Oh gosh," Willow whispers, feeling trapped. " I was so hoping we'd miss her." She glances briefly in Faith's direction, then looks away. " Does she look mad?"

" No, actually she doesn't," Xander feels bewildered. " I kinda expected her to take a bazooka to us after last night. But she seems… she's smiling."

"It's a trick, Xander. I'm telling you, it's a trick," Willow refuses to look at Faith." She'll get here, and then she'll pretend to be all cool. Then she'll capture us, and take us to a cave, and tie us up and torture us and then leave us for the vampires to pick clean."

" Over the top much, Will?" Xander looks at her, " Oh sure, she'll prolly be mad at us, and rip us a new one verbally…maybe even rough us up a little, but I don't think she'll kill us."

" Xander? Not helping," Willow glances over her shoulder." Oh gosh she's here. Maybe if we apologize…"

" We? What we?" Xander frowns." This was your deal, Will. Pure you."

" Hey, guys, you avoiding me?" Faith comes up to them. " Man, that was some fight last night, huh?" Faith grins broadly.

Willow and Xander look at each other, and gulp.

" Man, I'm beginning to think I should be training with the cheerleaders. That Cordy's got a fist on her…" Faith laughs, " Man, if I weren’t the slayer, that punch might've really hurt. Little sneak sucker punched me, can you believe it? Teach me to drop my guard. Good thing you stepped in, Xander, or I might've really done her some damage."

Willow closes her eyes, thinking what would've happened to Faith if she hadn't stopped. Prison comes to mind. Realizing that she put her in that position, she cringes a little

Xander, for his part, looks puzzled.

" You're not mad at us?" He asks, ready for the barrage.

Faith grins enigmatically. " You mean that fiasco at the Bronze? Yeah, well, woulda liked a heads up that Cordelia had her hooks in the dude, " Faith stares at them a second.

" We didn't know…" Willow withers under a look from Xander, " I didn't know…"

" Kinda figured that out, " She grins broader." Anyway it's no big."

"Really no big. Cordy dumped Josh," Xander adds.

" What?" Faith looks amazed. " She dumped him?"

"Yeah, she was really pissed that he was with you. She was yelling so loud you could hear it all over the Bronze. He slunk out of there, tail planted firmly between his legs."

Faith shakes her head like she can't believe it.

"She's nuts. I'm telling you, she's a loon. God, she gets all postal cuz I'm dancing with the guy, and then she turns around and dumps him." She mutters to herself. " I'll never figure her out."

" What?" Xander asks, looking at Faith with a curious expression. Why would she want to figure her out?

" Nothing," Faith waves it off. " Anyway, I'm just glad that's over."

" So…you're not mad at us… me?" Willow corrects herself.

" Shit, no, " Faith chuckles. Then stops and stares at Willow. " You don't have any more evil schemes about me and dates, do ya?"

"NO, NO!" Willow protests loudly. "No more, promise. Never again, nuh-uh, not this girl."

Why, oh why don't I buy that? Faith thinks, smirking at the flustered girl.

" Ok then, " She starts up the steps. She notices the bunting and decorations around the doors. " What's with the decorations?" She turns back to the duo. " Some kinda shindig I don't know about?"

" Homecoming dance is tomorrow. Game's tonight," Xander says. " Big deal here. Cross town rivalry and that kinda stuff."

" Really," Faith sounds … disinterested. "Jocks and Prom Princesses on parade. Sounds…" She fades off, an image of Cordelia in some hot looking, custom made dress looking… whoa, let's not go there…" … dull." She blows out air.

" It's ok," Xander says, " I mean, not really into the game, but the dance will be ok… I guess". He shrugs.

" You guess? C'mon, Xander, you big manly stud, aren't you taking your lil prom princess here?"

" Ummm… we're kind of fighting…" Xander trails off, looking away. Willow looks forlorn.

Faith, noting they're practically standing in each other's shoes, they're so close, shakes her head. God, even when they fight they hang out together. Must be love, or they just got no other friends.

" C'mon, fighting? You guys? What about?"

Almost by instinct, they look at each other, then away.

" What's up, you crazy kids? What's the beef?" She smirks. " What, did Xander like forget one of those cutesy anniversaries couples make up?"

" He still blames me for last night. He says I'm a nosy parker, and should keep my nose out of everybody's business, but I'm just caring about you cuz I never see you dating or nothing and well, that just isn't healthy and you should be out there and having fun because you've got this super hard job and oh god I'm rambling again, aren't I?"

Faith stands there for a second, then bursts out laughing. Xander and Willow look at her, surprised and a little miffed.

"You two are a hoot, ya know that? God!," She shakes her head. She walks over to Xander, and lays a hand on his arm. " Now you, I'm not mad about last night, ok? So get over whatever's bothering you, and make up with Red. Before she explodes or something." She moves to Willow, " And you," She shakes her head, " Xander's right. You got a real problem with sticking your nose in."

" Hey, it's only because I care about you and what's wrong with that…"

"STOP!" Faith covers her mouth. Willow stands there, wide eyed. " Just stop, ok?" Willow nods. " Ok, then, give us a kiss."

Willow suddenly gets a panicked look on her face. Her throat goes dry and her heart starts beating faster. Oh, no! She's going to kiss me? Here, now? In front of Xander? Wait, I don't want her to kiss me anywhere. What am I thinking ? Oh, this is bad, bad, bad.

Faith grabs her head, and cups it. She leans in, and kisses Willow on the forehead. She grins and turns away.

" Hey, Xan? Don't be a dope, " She says over her shoulder, climbing the stairs." Take your girlfriend to the Homecoming Dance… Prom… whatever." She gets to the top, then stops and turns again. " Oh, and guys? Wear something really comfy this afternoon. Got a real workout planned for ya." She turns and enters the school

" Oh, man," Xander complains, shaking his head." She's mad. Man, she's going to kill us by working us to death. See what your schemes did to us, Lucy?" Sighing, he walks up the stairs, not waiting for Willow.

Willow stands there a minute, thinking of Faith's lips pressed to her forehead. She feels a little strange. Then she blinks, shakes it off, and hurries up the steps after Xander.

***

" Shhh, quiet here she comes," Harmony says, looking around the group. She squeezes Cordelia's arm." The nerve. Can you believe it? Her showing up here, after what she did last night?"

"Yeah," Cordy nods, " Some people just don't know their place."

However, she's not really paying attention to Harmony Kendall. Her eyes are glued to Faith. She watches as Faith walks down the hall towards them, and can't help but notice the bounce in her walk, and the confident look on her face. What's her deal? How can she be so… so… after last night? It's not fair! She should be all… Grrr…I hate her!

Faith feels the stare, and glances over to see Cordelia, looking like she swallowed a live fish, boring holes in her with her eyes. A tiny, wicked thought comes to her mind. She stops dead in her tracks, and folds her arms over her chest. She just stands there, staring Cordelia down. She continues to stare at her until Cordy breaks, and looks away. A smirk planted firmly on her features, she turns and walks away, chuckling .

Cordelia's demeanor doesn't crack but inside she's dying just a little. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit! Why'd she do that?

" God, what a freak," Harmony declares, watching the retreating Faith. " what was that about, anyway? She stands there like a dummy, staring. Does she think we're like scared of her? Gimme a break!" She has a tight lipped – I just smelled something bad – look on her face.

" Yeah, can you believe it?" Aurora says, a pained, sympathetic look on her face," trying to take Josh Logan away from our Cordelia. What a total bitch."

"Yeah, a skanky total bitch, "Cindy adds.

" Really a loser, " Harmony agrees.

" I thought…" Amanda starts.

" What, Amanda?" Cordelia looks at her, with an arched brow. " You thought what?"

"Ummm…" Amanda, feeling the glare of the spotlight, suddenly feels shivery, " I thought… well, isn't she like a lesbian or something?"

" Well, yeah, " Harmony says, " Of course."

" Sure," Cindy puts in. " Totally dyke."

" A real flannel wearing, beer guzzling butch dyke," Aurora agrees.

" What's your point, Amanda?" Cordy asks.

" Well, like… she was with Josh Logan, right?" Amanda says, looking a little bewildered.

" Yeah, that's right." Cindy says. " Skanky bitch"

" She sure was, " Aurora says, frowning." Who does she think she is?"

"What're you saying Amanda?" Cordelia asks, looking at her hard.

" Well, she was with Josh Logan, right? I'm assuming they were cuddlesome…"

" HEY!"

" Shut up!"

" That's so… ick."

" Well, I thought, " Amanda, slightly emboldened, " Well, if she's a lezzy, er… well… ummm… she's like wanting girls. What's she doing stealing Josh?"

There's a silence in the group. They look at each other, a little uncertain. Finally Harmony speaks up.

" Just shows you what a skank she is. She even goes after guys, she's so totally a bitch." She turns to Cordy, full of sympathy. "That was too bad about Josh, Cordy. I mean, you can't go with him now, right?"

" Of course not, not after what happened," Cordy shrugs, " I mean, how would it look?" She half grins," Guess I'll just have to tap Billy Peters, after all."

" Well… ummm…." Amanda speaks up, " actually? Billy asked me. And you were going with Josh, so I kinda said yes…"

Cordy frowns, brow furrowed. " Well… I guess Jake Truman then…"

Cindy blushes. " He heard you were going with Josh, so he…" she smiles weakly.

Damn, this isn't good. I can't show up alone. That would be so…

" It would be a shame if you showed up stag, Cordy," Harmony seems to vocalize her thoughts. " I mean, what would people think?"

"Not going to happen," Cordy says, " I'll find someone to take me."

" Of course"

" Sure"

" No doubt. Lots of guys want to go with you, Cordy," Harmony says. " This is a lock."

"Sure, " Cordy smiles, " anyway…gotta run." She breaks from the group, heading for class.

" Bye"

" Later Cordy"

" Seeya"

" Bye."

Harmony watches Cordelia go, a little smile on her face. Things were just seeming to fall into place. Enjoy it while you can, Cordy. I know I'm going to love taking it from you.

Cordy walks along, her tummy doing jumping jacks.

What was that about with Faith? Just standing there, staring at me? What … she's not gonna like jump me or something, is she? The thought of that makes Cordy shiver a little. Not entirely in a bad way. God, what's her deal? She was the one who couldn't commit, not me!

I gotta troll for a date. Can't show up tomorrow alone. God, I wish I hadn't blown Josh Logan off now. I mean, yeah he was like with Faith, but even so, he'd be better than nothing.

What am I worrying about? I'm Cordelia Chase. I'll find someone to take me to the dance. God!

She turns and sees Harmony coming towards the class. They have a few classes together, including first period.

Why do I get a feeling she's up to something? Cordy thinks, watching her. I just know she's up to something.

Cordy walks into class.

2

Rupert Giles sits at his desk, staring down at the papers before him. He has a puzzled, concerned look on his face.

Something is very not right with what he's reading. Something is very disturbing.

Feeling suddenly tired, he leans back in his chair, squeezing his eyes shut.

This wasn't what I was looking for, he thinks to himself, scanning over the pages. This is most unexpected.

This whole investigation into the strange happenings in Sunnydale has been very frustrating to Giles. He's looked at the events from every conceivable angle, and each lead he's had, every little promise of something more has run into a stone wall.

Perhaps out of boredom, or simply to clear his mind, he started to look into real estate purchases spanning over the last half century.

At first, it seemed like all the other investigations. There simply wasn't anything there. No patterns, nothing he could sink his teeth into.

Then he got to purchases made within the last 15 years or so, and he started seeing a pattern emerge. A group of specific real property had been purchased over time, either by an individual, or a company that individual was involved with. More interesting, the properties hadn't been bought in a single purchase or series of purchases, They had been bought, over time, in a somewhat random fashion. Still, when you connected it all together, it showed this person controlling a sizeable portion of the downtown area surrounding the new city hall.

All adjoining the Hellmouth located beneath.

Why those properties? Why there?

Even more troubling was who was buying up those properties.

Cornell Chase.

It might make sense if he were planning a major downtown renovation, encouraging business expansion and of course, driving the value of the property up.Kind of unethical, but not unknown, and not illegal

But nothing had been done with the properties. Most lie idle, either empty lots or containing dilapidated, condemned buildings. Why buy them, and just sit on them? What's the point of that? What aren't I seeing?

It had all started out as an idle investigation, something to clear the mind.

It's become more than that, however. More and more, his little harmless investigation points towards the main puzzle.

That worries him.

Why has Cornell bought up all the land surrounding the Hellmouth? Even worthless land, land no one else wanted, he's paid more than the going rate. What's he want with it? What's he planning to do with it? Even someone as rich as he is doesn't just buy worthless land. Why?

And his house? Why is it so well fortified? Strange, in such a small town, with little in the way of crime statistics, he would create such a fortress for him and his daughter. And try to hide it. It was extremely difficult to even get the extent to which he's protected his estate. Why? What is he protecting? What is he hiding?

Who is he? Not much is known about him before he showed up here, 18 years ago with his pregnant wife, Cecilia, in tow. On the surface everything checks out. Businessman, graduated Summa cum Laude from a prestigious school back east. Wealthy when he arrived, heir to a family fortune, he's increased it exponentially since he's been here. Yet, there's no real record of what he does. And, if you start looking below the surface, you run into dead ends. As if someone or ones were trying to hide something. And there are hints, only rumors, that he's been here before. Long before… nothing concrete, but …

He sighs, and stands up, walking to the heating ring where his teapot sits. Pouring himself some tea, he stands staring into space.

Other things he's learned are even more troubling. Purchases, seemingly random and eccentric, deals struck that on the surface seem to be disadvantageous, actions taken that alone make no sense.

Yet when you start putting them together, a pattern appears. It's not clear, not anything you can point to and go " ah HAH! That's IT!" But it's there, and the deeper he digs, the more defined it becomes.

And his gut, his instinct, his years of experience in this area all point to the strangeness going on in Sunnydale. It points back to the Master, his Harvest, and is subsequent disappearance. Why? What's in it for him? Why would he be involved? What's his game?

Maybe it's only my own foolishness. Maybe I'm seeing bogeymen where there's nothing. Maybe I'm letting my frustration over this whole business affect my judgment. Maybe.

Still, it's troubling. He wonders if he should inform Faith, let her in on what he suspects.

Yes, brilliant, Rupert. Do that. Tell her. And then she'll want to look into it, investigate it. Then what? What if she gets caught, or hurt, or thrown into jail? … and it turns out to be nothing? A foolish man's foolish nonsense? What then?

And what if I'm right in my suspicions about her and Cordelia? And this turns out to be nothing more than a tempest in a teapot? What would that do to them? How would she feel about me then? Would she, could she, ever trust me again?

No, I have to have something real, something I can show her… and figure out a way to fight it, before I let her in on it. It's too risky otherwise.

He won't, he can't risk her on his own speculations. Not until he's sure.

But he needs help. He needs a connection to the underground, someone that can float around, asking the right questions. Someone he can trust not to tell Faith.

He picks up the phone, and dials a number.

" Hello? Yes, I need to see you. This evening, yes. I have some clues as to what's going on, and I need to show you it. It's important. Yes, around sunset would be fine. Yes. Goodbye."

He turns from the phone, and retrieving his cup, he carries it over to the desk. Sitting down, he searches for and finds the Pergamum Codex Angel brought for him. He opens it to a well studied page. What's written there disturbs him most. It prompts him to push things along, find out the truth faster. More than anything else, this motivates him to action.

And lo, in those days, those day signaling the end of days,

There will be a sign of the coming of the Apocalypse.

For in that time it will come to pass,

That the Slayer shall die, and the Master will rise,

To unleash chaos upon the Earth.

***

"… That the Slayer shall die, and the Master will rise, to unleash chaos upon the Earth, " Cornell reads, smiling.

He closes his copy of the Codex, and pressing a button, reveals a hidden safe. Placing the text carefully within, he closes the safe. Turning, he returns to his desk, sitting with his feet up on the desk.

Cornell was feeling his oats. Things were breaking better than he expected.

Despite Merrick's foul up, allowing Buffy to be 'taken' by that …boy, things had turned in even better direction. Her grief will fuel her anger. With the right direction, that anger will become hatred. Hatred of a certain brunette slayer. Enough to kill her, and bring about the prophecy. He closes his eyes in the mere pleasure of the thought.

Count your days, Slayer. Enjoy my daughter while you can. Soon, my dear, you will play the role you were born for.

To bring hell on Earth.

My hell.

My Earth.

Sweet.

Cornell grabs the remote control, and pointed it at the large flat panel TV hanging on the wall. Pressing the button, he smiles as the theme to his favorite TV show came on. Passions.

He just has to know if Timmy got out of that well.

3

Faith pushes her way through the library doors, still snickering a little over Cordy's reaction to her joke.

Oh yeah, she thinks I didn't see it, but I saw the mask slip. Oh yeah I did. What a hoot!

She stops for a moment, thinking about it. Is it a hoot? Is that what we're back to now? Competing with each other to see who can make the other more miserable? Is that what I really want? She frowns. The little joke is a little less funny now.

Her frown deepens when she looks around. On her ' desk', the main reading table, is a large stack of books. God, I'm so beginning to hate this cover job. Would you look at that stack? Get a clue, Giles. We're not all bookworms. Old books really don't do it for this girl. At least you could throw in a few trashy gossip magazines. You know, for giggles.

She walks over to the desk, slings down her bag, and grabs the top book off the stack. Sighing heavily, as if the burden of taking notes were onerous, she sits, grabbing a legal pad to begin writing.

God, why couldn't the council have come up with a better cover? I'm thinking, hot sexy party model. You know, spend all day having my picture taken, pampered madly, and by night? Going out and slaying the baddies. I mean geeze, I'm risking my life here. Should there be some perks to this job? This is so bogus. I mean, really. What does the world need with another book on oogly-booglies for, anyway? And hey, the supposed author of this tome of dullness? Notice he's MIA? That's totally unfair…

"Where's Jeeves, anyway? Off having tea with the queen?" She mutters aloud, not realizing she's not alone.

" Faith!" Giles calls from upstairs.

Faith looks up, feeling a little embarrassed. Ok, smooth. He can't read minds, can he? God, I hope not.

" Heya, Giles, " Faith smiles." See, here I am, working like a mad fool. On time and everything. Pretty sweet, huh?"

" Yes, so very prompt of you. I'm thrilled, " Giles says with some irony. " I guess we'll just overlook those … oh… every other day when you just wander in when you feel like it."

"Geeze…someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, and took his grumpy pill to boot," Faith frowns, noticing for the first time Giles' rather disheveled appearance. "Gee, late night, Jeeves? Was she hot?" She teases him. " Do British babes get hot?"

" Hmmm… very amusing," Giles says, dryly, " Very amusing. I've been working all night. Some of us have a dedication to their calling. Some of us. Others, it seems, would rather get into bar fights…" He looks stern. "Know anyone like that?"

Faith feels an embarrassed flush creep up her neck. Damn, hoping he wouldn’t hear about that. I think a certain vampire needs to be reminded of what the pointed end of a stake will do to him.

" Giles, that wasn't my fault," Faith protests loudly, " I was attacked. Rather viciously, I gotta say. I was just defending myself."

" Yes, from a high school girl. I can see the danger there."

" Cordelia hit me, Giles. Right here!" Points at her cheek. " pretty clear you've never been attacked by a jealous cheerleader. They're mean, and tough!" She rubs her face, fishing for a little sympathy.

" Yes. Well, despite Ms. Chase's pugilistic skills, I hardly doubt your life was seriously threatened. I believe in the future it would behoove you to walk away from such… conflicts." Giles is finding it hard to suppress a grin threatening to break out on his face. The situation is just so absurd. "What started this brawl in the first place?" he looks at her sternly. " Exactly what did you do?

" Me? I didn't do anything. She attacked ME Giles, remember? I was just dancing? How was I supposed to know that Josh was like Cordelia's latest boy toy? It wasn't like her name was written on him or nothing." She shrugs. "Red and Xander set it up…"

"Willow and Xander?" Giles frowns. "they set it up? What do you mean?"

"Uh…well," Faith is a little embarrassed, "it was a blind date."

" A blind date?" Giles fights back a grin.

" Yeah, ok, you really don't need to remind me," Faith makes a face." I wouldn't have done it except Red and Xander were all over me about not dating and stuff, and I was a little … never mind, anyway, I figured, what the hell? If he turned out to be a barker, I'd just get through it and forget it. He was kind of cute, actually…"

" I see."

" But nothing was worth getting Cordelia all pissy and bitchy. God, that girl just makes me crazy! What is her problem, anyway? Always giving me a ration of crap."

" Well, you did mention that Ms. Chase believed that Josh was her boyfriend… maybe she felt you were moving in on him?"

" What? We were dancing, Giles. God, just dancing. Does that give her the right to go all fatal attraction and start acting like we were humping on the dance floor or something?"

" Faith, I could really do without your colorful imagery," Giles coughs.

"Well, excuse me. But she was the one acting like I was being some big old slut dancing with Josh. She's the one that got all crazy jealous, attacking me and stuff. And later, I hear, she just blew the guy off. It's so … stupid. Why get so worked up, and then dump him? She's crazy, Giles, I'm telling you. Totally nuts."

Why indeed? Giles speculates silently. You'd have to wonder exactly who she was jealous of.

"Well, I can see your side of it, I suppose. Still, I think it would've been better to have just apologized and walked away."

" I didn't do anything wrong!" Faith exclaims.

" You didn't need to fight, and you did. You could've walked away."

" But she didn't… oh, forget it. Fine. I should've walked away, ok." Faith shakes her head in disgust. "Thanks for the support, Jeeves. Means a lot."

Faith turns away, opening the book in front of her.

" Faith…"

" Forget it Giles, I get it. I'm kind of busy now. The boss gets kind of huffy about me not getting my work done." She sits staring at the book, face turned away from him.

" Are you sure there's nothing else?" Giles asks, trying to open a door." Anything at all?"

" No, I'm cool," Faith says, toying with her pencil.

" Very well," Giles sighs. " I'll be over at the checkout desk if you require something." I wish she'd just trust me a little more.

Giles starts towards the desk.

" God, I just wish she'd make up her mind," Faith grumbles out loud.

"I'm sorry?" Giles turns, looking at her,

" Nothing," Faith mutters, " I wasn't talking to you."

" Ah, yes. Right, " Giles says, retreating.

For awhile, neither said a thing. Giles busied himself organizing the check out counter, helping the occasional student that walked in. He'd glance over at Faith once in awhile, noting she was studying window above the stacks more than the book in front of her.

Faith for her part is conflicted. On one hand, she would've liked Giles to be on her side on this. It wasn't her fault, in her mind, what happened at the Bronze.Why does he always have to be so… damn, never mind. What am I thinking? It's Giles, he's always…like that.

But she really needs someone to talk to. This whole thing with Cordelia bothers her, and she can’t figure out how to make it better. Never mind Cor's a total whack job, and doesn’t know what the hell she wants. What was the deal with her and Josh? I mean, did what we have… had… mean so fucking little to her? I thought we had something? Why'd she have to go and make it all crazy with conditions and crap? Why can't she just accept I care for her? Ah, pointless, totally pointless. Figuring out the meaning of life would be easier than getting her.

Faith looks over at Giles, and sighing a little, stands up, walking over to the desk.

" Giles," She says, perhaps a little sharply, judging how his head snaps up.

" Faith? Can I do something for you?" Giles puts down his pen.

"Look, I'm sorry I got bitchy earlier, ok?" Faith shrugs, "Just, you believing in me is kind of important. I mean, you're my watcher. I need you to watch my back, you know. Kinda hurt you just figured what happened was my fault."

" I'm rather sorry myself, Faith. You're right, I should've listened to your side of things," Giles says," I guess my patience is a bit short these days."

" Hey, you got a big bad to find, right? Can't be easy," Faith smiles. " I know you'll get it, don't sweat it, ok?"

I wish it were that simple, Faith. God I do.

" So, Faith, what did you want…?" Giles changes the subject.

" I hate to ask, I mean, I know you're kind of busy…"

" Faith, please. I'm your watcher. If you need something, I'm here to help you…"

" Do you think we can talk. I mean… about non slayer stuff?"

Giles is touched. He knows how hard it is for Faith, even now, to open up.

" Sure Faith, give me a minute to finish up here?" Giles asks.

" Sure guy. Ummm… at the table when you're ready." She turns and walks back to the table.

Giles turns around, quickly finishing up his work. Then he walks around the counter and over to the table, and sits, placing his hands in front of himself

"What do you wish to talk about, Faith?"

Faith hesitates a moment. Despite her growing trust of Giles, she still feels strange opening up to him. It's not easy for her to share her problems. She needs to talk to someone however.

"Ah, crap, this is never easy, is it?" Faith looks at Giles sitting across from her. " You remember that person I was talking about before? The one I … was afraid I lost control with?" Faith looks down at the table.

"Yes, I do. I remember how worried you were about it. Was she upset about the … well, what happened?"

"No," Faith says softly," We … hooked up again, and well… that was ok… but I think… no, I know, she's like wanting more…" Faith looks at him, head tilted to the side. " Know what I mean?"

"I can't say I'm sure I do," Giles replies, a little bewildered. "More?"

"Yeah, you know, more," Faith repeats, "rather like, well, she wants to have some kind of relationship or something…"

"Oh, I see. She's interested in more than one time? She wants something more lasting?" Giles frowns a little, " that could be problematic, given your circumstance."

"Yeah, right, problems," Faith nods," I'm like the slayer, right? I can't be having like… relationships." She says the word like she's never heard it before.

Giles wonders if it's being the slayer, or just being Faith, that is giving her problems with being in a relationship.

"I didn't exactly say that," Giles points out," I said it was problematic. For one thing, you'd have to reveal what you are…"

"Oh. That's not an issue, she knows," Faith says casually.

"Faith! You didn't tell her, did you? To impress her? I mean, your identity has to remain confidential. For your safety, and the safety of others around you," Giles sounds somewhat annoyed. "You didn't tell anyone else I hope?"

"Of course not!" Faith says defensively, " I didn't tell her, exactly. She figured it out. I just didn't exactly deny it."

" I see," Giles says," so, she knows. There's nothing to be done about that, I suppose. However, she could be in some danger."

" How do you figure, Giles?"

" Well, let's say it got out that this person had a personal connection with you. I'm sure there would be more than one monster that might want to get to you through her. That would certainly put this person's life at risk."

" Giles, trust me, this … woman… barely admits I exist, publicly. I think she'd rather have a root canal without pain killers than admit she knows me a little more intimately than people think. Ya get me?"

" I'm rather at a loss, Faith," Giles admits." You say she wants to have a relationship, yet on the other hand, she doesn't want to acknowledge your existence. It seems rather contradictory."

" Yeah, tell me about it, Giles," Faith says, frowning." Look, I'm pretty simple, ya know?"

Giles doesn't comment, but Faith reads his look.

" Hey, I am. Pretty much, what you see? That's what you're gonna get. I'm not playing games here, Giles, and I don't like games played on me, ya know? I just can't figure this girl out. She's all over the map. I mean, she wants me to make a commitment to her, but how can I when she's not even clear on what she wants from me?" she frowns, adding, "or even if she wants me around."

Giles considers for a moment before answering.

" I really don't know how I can help you, Faith. Not knowing who you're speaking about rather leaves me at a loss as to how to proceed. All I can offer is some general advice."

" Well, she doesn't want it known, ya know?" Faith grins ruefully. " I guess it's too horrible for her to be associated with me, ya know?" She laughs, but there's a softly bitter undertone to it.

" Well, all I can tell you is to sit down with this girl, and talk with her. Put your feelings about her to her honestly. Maybe all she's looking for is that you're really in this with her. Maybe she thinks you really don't want more than … oh, a casual tumble in the hay, so to speak. Maybe if you make it clear that you're interested more, she'll be less afraid to risk being with you. Do you see what I mean?"

" Yeah talk, great," Faith shakes her head, "that's all I get ya know. Don’t wanna do this, won't call you that, go over here, damn, don't wanna be seen with you. God, she even wants me to say the L word, and how can I do that?"

" L word?" Giles looks bemused.

" Love. Damn, she's wanting to say I love her. But I don't know her that well, Giles. How can I say that, know what I mean? I'm not gonna lie to her. That's just… well, I'm not gonna do it. I try to be honest with her, let her know I'm thinking there's more here, and she's wanting " Well, tell me the fucking L word" and it's bogus, you know? I don't know if it's that. God, how can I?"

" Do you want that, Faith? Is that what you're looking for?"

" I dunno, God, Giles, I just don't know, " Faith sighs. " let's be real here. I'm the slayer Giles. I'm kinda living on borrowed time. Any night I go out there, I stand an good chance of not comin' back…"

" Faith," Giles reaches out, patting her arm.

" It's the reality Giles, not looking for a sob session about it. I'm just saying, considering that, really, do I want to like fall in love? Have her love me, knowing it might not last very long? Is that fair? Never mind the rest, is it fair to say " I love you" when maybe it might just be " I really need you right now, and I can't think about tomorrow or the next day?" Yeah, maybe I want it, but can't always get what ya want, right? Didn't someone say that?"

" Yes. Mick Jagger… I think he was talking about something else though…" Giles takes off his glasses, cleaning them. " Frankly, this is why the council doesn't encourage the slayer having a social life. All this … emotional quandary… tends to take the edge off. Makes you lose concentration and focus…"

" Great, so what? We live like nuns til we die?"

" That's the council's position. Not necessarily mine, Faith. If you really care for this person, maybe then you have to decide is she worth it? Is the one you're looking to be with? Frankly, having someone who could support you and love you is probably the best thing for you. Make you think more about what you do, take less foolish risks…"

" So what is it, Giles? Yes or no? You're clear as mud here."

" Maybe."

" That really helps, Giles. Thanks," Faith says sarcastically.

" What I'm saying, Faith, is whoever this person is, she would have to be an extraordinary person to be able to deal with what you are, and the risks you have to take."

" Maybe she is, " Faith murmurs, realizing that there might be more to Cordy than she thought. Then she shakes her head. " Doesn't matter. She broke it off. God, I just wish she'd make up her mind…"

Giles ears perk up. He looks at Faith intently.

" What?" Faith sees his look, and it's giving her a wiggins. " What?"

" It's very strange, Faith. You just used that same phrase when referring to Ms. Chase, not 5 minutes ago…"

" What're you talking about, Giles?" Faith gives him a disgusted look. "What's the psycho cheerleader from hell got to do with this?"

"I didn't understand why you'd say it. I mean, obviously, according to you she attacked you for being with this Josh chap. So, why would you wonder why she couldn't make up her mind? Seems odd…"

" Well consider the source, British guy. This is Cordelia. Odd is her middle name. Along with Loony Screwball." Faith shrugs. " I mean she fights like a wildcat over a guy, then she goes and dumps him. Go figure." She makes a rude noise.

" Yes, perhaps, " Giles says, " I just wonder why you would care?"

" What? What're you saying, Giles?" Faith goes on the defensive. " I don't care… whoa… WHOA! Don’t' even… are you thinking… me and … that nut job?" She looks at Giles in disbelief. CRAP! " What're you putting in that tea, Giles? I think it's making you delusional!"

Giles doesn’t say anything. He just steeples his fingers under his chin, and looks at her.

" Ok, Giles, that's just crazy you know? Me and her? That… that’s against the laws of nature. We're like oil and water. We just don't get together, get it?" She shakes her head violently. " You're way off base here, Giles. Way off."

" Very well, what's her name then? This mystery woman?"

" That's your business…how? I told you, she doesn't want it blabbed all over about … well… her being with me."

" Faith, I promise you, I wouldn't… blab… it to anyone," Giles fights a grin. "I can be the very soul of discretion."

"Hmmm… how do I know that?" Faith grins wickedly, "Tell you what, Giles. I gotta mole on my thigh just below my left butt cheek. No one knows that but you, ok? If I like, haven't heard about in oh, say a month, we'll talk again about Mystery girl."

" Faith! Really!" Giles blushes lightly. "that little detail was certainly more than I ever wished to know about you." He frowns severely to cover some embarrassment. "I really don't understand why you're so hesitant to name her. She must be an extraordinary woman to rate this much attention from you."

" God. Would you get off this Cordelia trip, Giles? So not the one."

Giles merely sits there, hands folded, staring at her.

A silence develops as Faith sits there, not speaking, staring back at him. They continue like that for awhile, Faith becoming increasingly nervous.

"Well, aren't ya gonna say nothin'?" She finally speaks up. "Quit looking at me, ok? It's creeping me out." She twists her hands in her lap. "Ok, ok, quit with the third degree. It's Cordelia, ok?" she sighs heavily. "God what was next? Thumbscrews?"

Giles smiles slightly. Underneath, he feels his stomach churning. He hides it well.

" I'm glad you told me this, Faith. It does make it somewhat easier for me, though frankly, it might be harder for you…"

" Not following that one, Giles."

" Ms. Chase, being the daughter of the wealthiest man in Sunnydale… has certain social obligations. I believe one of the reasons she was with Josh Logan is because it's rather expected of her, considering he's the scion of the second richest family in Sunnydale. It's an advantageous pairing for both families."

" That's just… perverted, Giles. An arranged marriage? God, what next? Foot bindings?""

" Grow up, Faith. Not all relationships are based on romance. Oft times other considerations come into play."

" So, you're telling me, forget it?" Faith smiles tightly. " I'm just not good enough for her?"

" Hardly, Faith. I'm just giving you perspective. Ms. Chase impresses me as rather a hot headed, self willed girl. Used to getting her own way. She pretty much is prepared to fight for what she wants…if she thinks it's worth it." He looks at her. " That's the situation, Faith. She needs more to make it worth it. Do you see?" He leans in, " you're asking her to give up a lot. She wants some assurances in return."

" But what can I give her? I mean, damn, Giles, I can't promise something I just can't do. I mean… I don't know how it's going to break. She can't ask me to be like…a fortune teller."

" Of course not. But she wants to know that you're in it too, I think. I believe that's why she wants… how did you put it? … oh yes, the L word. She's got a lot to lose. Not only are you asking her to give up social standing, you're asking her to enter into a relationship that sadly, is still frowned upon by many. Being perceived to be gay isn't going to be easy for her."

"What, you think this is easy for me? I mean, everybody looking at me funny and calling me names and shit? Just because I work out and dress a little butch? Why does everybody assume I'm some kinda dyke? I do this," she waves at her clothing,"…because of my job. It's a lot more comfortable for me, you know? Just because I don't wear dresses much, doesn't mean I don't like being a girl. Shit." She frowns and puts her face in her hands. "This is kinda new to me too… I've only ever loved one other girl before, and that…" She breaks of, blushing. "Why does everybody just assume shit?"

Giles realizes they've hit an important juncture. He reaches out, patting her arm.

" This other girl. The one you loved," He discreetly leaves out that Faith just rather admitted she loved Cordelia, "That didn't work out?"

"I'd have to say no," Faith says quietly, "she died."

"Faith," he says softly, squeezing her arm.

"Why, Giles? Why does she have to have me say those words? Can't she just tell I care about her, really care about her?" Faith pulls away her arm "Why do I have to tell her that? Say those words?"

Feeling boxed in, cornered, Faith stands up, walking away from the table. She turns her back to Giles.

" Why do I have to say that, Giles? Why does it all have to be about that?"

Giles gets up, going to her. He puts his hands on her upper arms.

"Maybe she's scared, Faith. Maybe she's afraid you'll just use her then walk away. Maybe she needs to know you feel more."

"I'm scared too, Giles. Doesn't that count?" Faith cries, "I mean, she's not the only one scared here. I don't want to be hurt either. I … just can't say it to her. I can't go and tell her that without meaning it. And I'm…scared to mean it." She faces Giles. Her face has gone red. " I care about her, really care about her Giles. I do. I'm just scared too!"

Giles, seeing how young she looks at that moment, how alone, gently pulls her into a hug. Faith resists for a moment, then gives in, clinging to him tightly. She lays her face on his chest, taking the comfort he offers her.

" Maybe all you need to do, Faith, is talk to her. Tell her how you feel. Maybe that's all she needs; to know you're in it too, that you're not going to just use her." He looks down at her ." Think you can do that?"

Faith breaks the embrace, pulling away. Giles can sense she's embarrassed by her display of emotion, and diplomatically moves away to give her space.

" Yeah, I can do that," Faith says quietly. "I'll figure a way."

"Well, perhaps you'll find a moment at the Homecoming dance tomorrow."

" Oh yeah. She'd love that, " Faith shakes her head," Besides which, I'm not going. I don't go to school here, remember?" She smirks at him. "I think we need to cut back your tea ration, Giles. I think it's affecting your mind."

" Yes, well, about that. You see, I need to ask you a small favor."

" Favor?" Faith has a strong feeling she's not going to like this.

" Yes, well," Giles cleans his glasses, not looking at her, "It seems one of the chaperones for the Homecoming dance has come down with a rather nasty case of the flu. Odd how that just popped suddenly, don't you think?" Giles arches a brow, "almost as strange as every other teacher on staff seeming to have prior, unbreakable commitments that night. Well, I'm not about to herd a bunch of unruly school children myself, so, I'm hoping you will stand with me against the horde, so to speak."

" Huh?" Faith feigns ignorance.

" I need you to help me chaperone the dance, Faith," Giles replies.

" Ummm… well, you see, I have to patrol. My sacred duty, right? And then, I have this really nasty stain on my carpet I just have to get out…" God, just what I need. Riding herd on a bunch of pimply faced hormone bombs.

" It is also your sacred duty to do as your Watcher tells you," Giles folds his arms over his chest. " And I'm ordering you to be at the Homecoming Dance tomorrow night at 7 p.m. to assist me in chaperoning. I suspect there might be a vampire attack on the school."

Yeah. And I think there might be a vampire attack on the local garlic factory. Not gonna happen, Giles.

"Sorry, Giles, but patrolling takes…"

" Faith, need I remind you I'm your watcher? And I determine what and where you will patrol? Tomorrow night, between the hours of 7 to midnight, you will patrol the Sunnydale High gymnasium. And you will wear the appropriate dress to blend into the crowd." Giles puts on a stern expression. " Otherwise, I fear I will need to report this bar fighting incident to the council, embellishing it perhaps and perhaps stretching the truth to indicate this isn't the first time. I'm sure the council would take exception to your rather… violent extracurricular activities."

" Uh… so what? They're in England, I'm here. So what?"

" They can be here in a day, and I'm sure you wouldn't care to explain your actions to the council in front of a tribunal, would you?"

" What?" Faith is shocked. " You wouldn't!"

" Oh, wouldn't I?" Giles gives her a sidelong glance.

" That's blackmail, Giles!"

" Yes. A harsh word, but accurate I fear." He's smiling, knowing he's won.

" You're kind of a …" Faith trails off, " Fine, I'll be there. Tomorrow, at 7."

" In appropriate garb, I expect."

" Oh for god's sakes, Giles. I'm not gonna wear like a bustier and leather skirt." Faith storms off towards the door.

" Where are you going Faith?" Giles looks at the stacks of books on the table. " You have work to do."

" I'm going to work out. Elsewhere. I need something to hit," She glares at Giles, and pushing her way through the library doors, leaves.

Giles watches the doors swing back and forth, evidence of her anger. Frowning a little to himself, he turns to make his way upstairs.

He hopes, for Faith sake, that they can make it work out.

But knowing what he knows, he has a bad feeling.

4

Xander and Willow are on their hands and knees, on the grassy field, panting heavily.

" I told you, I told you," Willow gasps out, hold the stitch in her side. "She's still angry about the Bronze, and is getting revenge."

" Yeah, but why me?" Xander pants in time. "That so wasn't my idea. I told her that. YOU told her that."

" Guilt by association. You're an accessory after the fact." Willow wheezes.

" Wait, I was there… I'm just an accessory," Xander sits, trying to get a deep breath." This isn't fair. I didn't do nothin', your honor".

" Hey guys," Faith comes trotting up, "Don't quit on me now. We still got a few laps." She trots in place around the disheartened duo.

"Are you trying to kill us?" Xander speaks up. "We're sorry, don't you get that? Just shoot us with the crossbow. It's be so much quicker…"

"Please, Faith," Willow gulps air, hiccupping," at least spare Xander. He's innocent. It's all my fault. Don't hurt him anymore."

"Yeah, what she said," Xander agrees, hopefully.'

" Xander! You're supposed to stick by me!" Willow hits his arm, hard.

" Ow!" He looks at her with an injured expression.

" Guys, guys," Faith shakes her head, squatting down to their level. "Are you still on that? I'm not mad about that. This isn't revenge for that, ok?" She grins.Well, not entirely, anyway. Heh." It's just, I'm trying to keep you from getting killed out there, you know? I've got to build up your endurance. Lots of times, it'll be all about the running away. Won't do any good if you poop out after a couple of blocks. So… you need to work out some." She looks at them, with a slightly mocking look on her face." This is what you wanted, right? I mean, to be trained?"

" Yeah, I guess," Xander doesn't sound all that convinced.

"We kinda thought it would involve more like… training with weapons and how to like… you know… Huuuuh … Uhhh…" Willow waves her arms around wildly." Fight. You know. Chop socky kinda stuff? But it seems all we're doing is jumping jacks and push-ups and sit-ups and god, running. When do … I mean, when does the fun stuff start?"

"Well, if you guys worked out a little more when you have Gym, I wouldn't have so much to do to get you ready." She smiles. " Look, I'll talk to Giles, and see if I can't get some gym time after school. We can start on some gymnastics, tumbling and stuff. Ok?"

Groans all around.

" It'll be more fun, I promise," Faith bounces up. " Now, come on. Don't lie there. Get up and walk it off, or your muscles are gonna bunch up and get wonky. We'll take the next part slow. Just trot the next couple of laps."

Xander and Willow have on their ' pitiful' faces, both looking tortured beyond belief.

" C'mon guys. Two more laps, at a trot… and I brought crossbows." She grins, wiggling the carrot in front of their noses. " And set up targets… and cleared the field of any living being… huh? Huh? That'll be fun, right?" She smiles.

They grin bravely, and get up, groaning. They start to walk around, stretching out their muscles.

" Hey, Faith," Xander say, limping around," We thought maybe after the game tonight… well, not sure we're actually going, but after… we could meet at the Bronze? You know, maybe make up for last night?"

" You two aren't like planning any more surprise 'dates' for me, are you?" She gives them a slightly stern look.

" No…nothing like that, we absolutely promise never again pinkie swear," Willow puts in quickly, "we just thought, kind of the three of us. We don't hang out much these days, thought it be nice. And the Dingoes are playing, and I know you like them. Hunky guys will be present. Ones we don’t know …what do you say?"

Faith chuckles. " Guys, sounds tempting. But I gotta patrol tonight. You know, sacred duty yada, yada, yada. But thanks for asking."

" Aw c'mon, Faith, it's going to be a hoot," Xander grins. "Really… we can make fun of jocks and cheerleaders and everything."

" Sorry guys. But especially now, with all the weirdness… gotta be out there."

" Hey, we could come along, back you up!" Willow says, brightly.

" NO!" Faith says sharply, then softens her speech. " Guys, really. You're making progress, but you're not ready yet. Ok? So, you go to the Bronze. Have a mocha and have some fun, Ok? I'll be cool. Maybe if it's not tooo late, I'll drop by."

" Ok, well, just thought we'd ask," Xander shrugs.

" Ok, well, breaks over. C'mon guys, lets move it. Faster we get these laps done, sooner you get to the crossbows. God help anyone passing nearby."

Faith takes off, and the Xander and Willow follow gamely behind.

Faith? Blow off the Bronze? For patrolling? Hmmm… Willow has that little gleam of suspicion in her eye. I wonder…

To be continued.
- 16
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- 18
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The Slayer