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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.

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The Slayer

By Norwalker

Part 1 of a multipart story.

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

Pairings: Not sure yet

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.

Did you ever have one of those days?….

1

Faith sits on the headstone, looking up at the night sky.

So far, patrol has been quiet. Boring. Not one lousy vamp! Geeze, according to Giles, this is supposed to be like demon central, some Hellmouth or something that is… how did he put it? Oh yeah. " a central force of mystical energies that attract the forces of darkness." Well newsflash Giles, I think you're central whatchamacallit aint working so hot, because there hasn't been squat tonight!

It's Faith second night in Sunnydale, and so far nothing has convinced her coming here was a great idea. She misses Boston. At least in Boston, if things got dull, you could find something to do. Always something goin' on there. Here, geeze. You got one decent(and that’s only because it's the only) club. One crappy mall with the usual Gap and Starbucks and oh wow a food court… how original. Then there's the downtown. If you can call it that. Sheesh. Looks like something out of a 50's movie. Did you see the movie theater? I wonder if they show any first run movies in this berg, anyway? And what's the deal with all the churches? It looks like there's a church on every block! I stopped counting after 30…

Faith suddenly gets up and looks around. Damn! She feels like she's being watched. It's been like this all night. What's the deal, anyway? Are the vamps like shy around here? Despite her careful scrutiny, however, she sees nothing. Nerves, baby? Not like you. Maybe you're so bored, your starting to imagine things… hoping something will pop outta the bushes at you.

She shrugs in disgust, and decides to call it a night. Maybe I'll head over to the Bronze. See if the sitch is better over there. Maybe some social vamps are trying to pick up an easy meal or somethin'. Geeze, it can't be any duller than this.

She's heading for the gate when she hears something go snap behind her. Not stopping, she smirks. Getting careless, Fang. She starts moving around, trying to get the vamp to reveal itself. Finally, she ducks behind a tomb, waiting quietly for whatever's following her to catch up. She can hear footsteps now, and her smile grows broader. Wicked! Maybe there'll be something to do tonight after all. She crouches down to wait.

The footsteps start and stop, as if looking for something. Yeah, like me. C'mon Drac, I'm right here. Don't get all shy on me. Come a little closer… a little closer. There's a pause, when nothing's heard, then they seem to start walking away. Well, shit, I can't let that happen. She gets up and quietly moves to the corner of the tomb, peering out.

In the moonlight, all she can make out is a figure, back to her, seeming to scan the graveyard. Over here, you dork! Geeze. Where's that famous vamp sense of smell? Can't you smell dinner? Not very big, either. Hmmm… doesn't matter, not like fishing where I'd have to throw it back… Faith picks up a stone, and tosses it at a nearby grave marker. She retreats, hoping that the sound will attract the thing.

She hears the footsteps coming towards her. ' Bout time, you moron. Geeze, how'd you ever survive this long being so stupid? Pulling her stake, she gets ready to rush the vampire when it crosses into view. Her heart starts to pound, and she feels the adrenaline rush pumping through her veins. C'mon, baby, lets do this thing!

A figure appears at the corner of the tomb, and Faith is up, rushing at it full tilt. Before it can even turn, she's got it in a half nelson, her staking arm raised to deliver a dusting. Geeze, this is almost too easy, Faith thinks. She hears a squeak, and as her arm descends, she realizes something's wrong. Terribly wrong. The 'vamp' is warm…

She stops her arm just in time to keep the blow from hitting. Throwing the person away from her, Faith gets a glimpse of her face.

" Red?" is all she manages before she's blindsided by something coming from her right.

Faith is knocked off balance and thrown off her feet, as someone tries to pin her to the ground. She looks up into a slightly familiar face, but she can't seem to place the name. She brings her legs up, forcing him off and over her shoulders.

" Xander, get off her… oh…" Willow yells at Xander, just before he goes flying off Faith. She rushes over to where Xander lands.

Faith pushes herself off the ground and confronts her attackers.

" Just what the hell are you two doing?" Faith growls as she brushes herself off. "If I needed a comedy team, I would've booked professionals."

"Are you alright?" Willow asks Xander, ignoring Faith's comment. She helps him off the ground.

" Yeah," Xander mumbles, groaning a little bit. " Nothing a couple of aspirin and a body cast won't cure." He looks at Faith, " Where'd you learn to do that?"

" You idiots still didn't answer me. What are you doing out here, anyway?"

" We're not idiots!" Willow bristles, " we were just taking a walk, and then you go and attack me…"

" Gotcha. Taking a walk. Near midnight. In a cemetery. Don't you watch horror movies? That's almost cliché! Geeze, and what was with all the stealthy, anyway? I looked around a number of times and I didn't see you two. Kinda makes your nose twitch, don't it? Makes mine do it, anyway!"

" We got a right to walk wherever we want to!" Willow covers her embarrassment with hostility. " You don't own the place! And hey, why're you out there all alone anyway? And what's with almost plunging that thing in me?"

" Not that I gotta tell you jack, but I'm out here patrolling…"

" You're a security guard?" Xander asks, " you work for the cemetery? Gotta say, I love the uniform…"

Faith gives him a were you born this stupid ? look.

" No, Xander, I told you. She's a slayer… she hunts vampires…" Willow blushes almost as soon as the words are out of her mouth, realizing her goof.

" You told him?" Faith's eyebrow shoots up, " Ummm… last night, what part of ' secret, don't tell' didn't you get?"

"Well, it's your fault!" Willow crosses her arms over her chest.

" My fault?" Faith is taken aback by the logic.

" Well, if you didn't dress all slutty, Xander wouldn't have gotten all hormonal and go pumping me for information about you…"

" Pumping you for information?" Faith smirks.

" You know what I mean! He was asking all these questions, and I was still shook up from last night, and hey, why do I even care what you think because you treated me like poop, you know, but anyway he's all inquisitory and asking me about you and I didn’t know what to say and I got confused and he said how hot you were and I go yeah well you better be careful cuz she can defend herself she's a slayer and he says she's a what and I say a slayer and he asks oh like the band and I say no like in killing vampires and he says there's no such thing and I say oh yes there is and he says you're making fun of me and I say I am not and he says yes you are and I say I'll prove it and he says how and I see you slip out of the garage and I say c'mon and we followed you here…" Willow takes a giant breath, "… and if you hadn't been dressed like that he wouldn't have noticed and wouldn't have cared and none of this would've happened! So it's all your fault, see?"

Faith stands there slightly agape in the torrent of words. Then she starts to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Willow, flushing, demands.

" Is she always like that?" Faith addresses Xander.

" Pretty much," Xander grins and shrugs, " though, that was a pretty short one. Don't even get her going on frogs…"

Willow glares at him, burning holes through him with her stare. Xander grins sheepishly.

"Well, what I am is supposed to be a secret. Giles told you that last night, Red. But you blabbed it to … ummm… what was your name again?"

" Harris. Xander Harris," Xander tries to make an impression by doing his best Bond.

" … Xander here," Faith picks up, " I guess I've got no choice." Her face turns grim.

" No choice?" Willow sounds confused and a little anxious.

" What?" Xander sees her expression, and feels the butterflies starting in his stomach. " No choice?"

"Sorry, but …" She shrugs, pulling out her stake and twirling it like a six gun, "I'm gonna have to kill him, " She deadpans.

"WHAT?" The two shout in unison.

Faith stares at them, grim faced for a few more beats, then can't hold it anymore and starts laughing.

" Gotcha!" She chuckles, shaking her head, " are you two Abbot and Costello or what?" She turns away from them, dismissing them with an over the shoulder wave. " Go home." She starts to walk away.

" Hey… HEY!" Willow shouts after her, then runs and grabs her shoulder. "That's not funny!"

Faith halts, her body stiffening. She turns around, and her face is no longer amused. Her mouth is set in a grim line, and her eyes are flashing her anger. Willow backs up a step.

"You're lucky I don't kill the pair of you, " Faith says, her voice angry, "you're lucky, damned lucky it's a quiet night, and there's no vamps around looking for a snack… like you two!"

" Err… excuse me?" Xander says.

" Shut up, Xander" Faith hisses at him. " this isn't a game, Red. I've got a job to do, and you two are just getting in my way…"

" A job, what job? So far I haven't seen you do anything but walk around a creepy old graveyard in the middle of the night…"

" Excuse me!" Xander's tone becomes more insistent.

" Shut up, Xander!" Willow barks at him. She turns back on Faith, " for another thing, when did you become Queen of Sunnydale? I'm pretty sure Cordelia Chase would be interested to find out she's been deposed…" Willow glances over Faith's shoulder, and her eyes go wide, her face pale.

" WATCH OUT!" Xander yells.

Faith whirls around, just in time to duck a blow from the vampire that snuck up on her and Willow. She pushes Willow down, then turns to face the group of vampires behind her.

" What's wrong with you boys?" Faith quips as she throws a punch at the first vampire. " Can't you see we're having a discussion here?" She quickly follows the punch with a kick, knocking the vampire back.

" Three of them, " A rather large vampire comes to the fore, looking over them, " and they look fresh. Good, the Master will be pleased!" he turns to the other vampires. " You grab those two. I'll see if I can't handle this…" he looks at Faith, and grins, " … little girl."

" Like, I haven't heard that one before!" Faith throws a kick punch combo, knocking the big vampire back a little.

" Be careful, Luke. She's strong!" The first vampire, getting up, heads towards Willow. The other one heads towards Xander.

" C'mon, big boy. What's wrong? ' Fraid of lil old me?" Faith throws a kick.

Luke grabs her leg, stopping it. " You're strong!" He grabs and throws her away like a doll. " I'm stronger!"

No shit, Sherlock? Faith grumbles to herself from the ground. Leaping up, she faces the large vampire.

"Now, that really hurt. My feelings. I thought we were like getting along fine!" She dives, doing a heels over head kick, hitting Luke in the face. He reels back, "not nice throwing people around on the first date, you know." Following her momentum, she lands on her feet, facing Luke.

" Garbage!" Luke backhands her, sending her reeling back on her butt. " That's all humans are… a pollution on the earth." Luke jumps on her, pinning her down. He leans over and sniffs. " I can smell the fear on you. It's like a perfume. My Master desires an offering… won't you make a nice little morsel?" He vamps out, leaning over. " Maybe a little taste for myself…"

" Yeah, well, taste this blood breath," Faith manages to bring her knees up, hitting that one spot any guy, living or undead, is most vulnerable. Luke howls, and falls over, grabbing his crotch.

Stake, stake, where the fuck is my stake? Faith hears a scream, and realizes that the others … are still in trouble. Well, aint it just getting better and better? She stands up, kicking Luke in the head.

" Sorry honey, it's been a hoot and a half, but gotta go. Work calling, " She lands another blow, finally knocking out the oversized vamp.

She turns, and starts running towards the screams, when she realizes she's still shaking. That was just too damned close! Her heart beating a rapid tattoo in her chest, she rounds the corner in time to see the rest of the Fang Gang carrying off Xander and Willow.

" Hey, hold it!"

The vampires, surprised, stop for a moment.

" Let them go. I mean, they're kind of useless, but they're all I've got" Faith rushes towards the group.

" Oh, oh, now I'm scared!" one of the vampires mocks," Better run away I guess. No wait…don't think so!"

" Watch out, man, She's stronger than she looks." The other vamp, remembering how she hit, looks warily at Faith.

" Crap, she's a human… don't even… here" He shoves Xander at him, " Hold the meals, while I take care of this!"

He turns to square off against Faith, just as her flying kick hits him dead in the stomach. He goes flying back. She turns towards the other vampire.

He takes one look, and not liking the odds all of a sudden, flings Willow and Xander at Faith. They crash into her, and all three hit the ground in a pile, Faith on bottom.

" Dammit, get off me!" Faith yells, pushing the two off her, and struggling to get up.

The first vampire, recovered from her kick, leaps at her. She uses her legs and his momentum to kick him off and over her. She leaps up, but he's managed to almost fly off the ground. He starts towards her, and his companion, seeing his chance, starts in on her from the back.

" Faith watch out, one behind you!" Xander calls out. He runs towards the incoming vamp, hoping to at least tackle him, but the vamp strong arms him, knocking him down.

Faith in the meantime is trading blows with the vampire in front of her, all the while trying to reach the spare stake she keeps strapped to her leg. Every time she bends to get it, however, the vampire hits her. Finally, almost desperately, she leapfrogs over him, coming down behind him in a crouch. She gets the stake, and turns, shoving it through his back, into the heart… dusting him.

The other vampire, by this time is on her, and hits her side, knocking the stake out of her hand.

Faith starts trading blows with him. Still, she can't let her guard down enough to go for the stake, which has fallen a few yards away from her.

" STAKE… get me the STAKE!" She calls out, as she punches and kicks at the vampire.

Willow, getting up, still groggy, looks at her. Steak? What the heck does she want a steak for now? Then it hits her . She runs over, and looks around for Faith's wooden stake. Where is it? Where is it? Willow, panicking a little, runs around, almost tripping over it finally. She picks it up, and tosses it to Faith.

" Faith, catch!"

Faith turns towards Willow, and drops her guard for a second. The vampire hits her square on the side of the face, and she goes down, stunned.

The vampire grins, knowing the end is here, and that dinner is about to be served. He leaps on Faith , and pinning her arms, leans over to put the bite on.

At that moment, a red headed fury hits him on the side, knocking him off Faith and onto the ground.

" You leave her alone… you… you…" She starts to pummel him with her fists.

The vampire, almost laughing, slaps away her blows and throws her off. He goes to jump on her, but then something awful happens. At least from his perspective.

Faith has recovered, and taking the stake, drives it deep into him, dusting him. Willow, laying on the ground beneath him, is showered with vamp dust, and starts coughing.

Faith reaches out, giving her a hand up.

" You ok?" Faith asks, pounding Willow's back.

" Yeah, fine… just stop hitting me!" Willow starts to giggle nervously.

" What?" Faith doesn't get the joke.

" Nothing I just…hic…" Willow stops giggling, and looks distressed." Darn, I start to … hic … hiccup when I get scared!"

" It's ok, lets just get your boyfriend and get the hell outta here."

" He's not … hic… my boy… hic… friend…. He's a … hic… boy and…hic…"

Faith rolls her eyes. " Forget it. Lets just go!" She starts towards Xander.

" What … hic… happened to… hic… the other… hic… one?"

" Damn! I nearly forgot about him," Faith starts towards the tomb. " Get Xander and get outta here. I'll go take care of him…" She disappears around the side of the tomb.

" No, don't wait…hic… please… don't leave… hic… I'm really not …hic … darn, she's gone… hic…" Willow makes her way over to Xander, and shaking him, rouses him. " C'mon…get … hic… up!"

Xander looks up at her groggily, and starts to get up. " What happened?"

" You got knocked out… hic… and now we gotta.. hic…go!"

At that moment, Faith comes walking very quickly around the corner of the tomb. Her face looks a little pale.

" What…hic?" Willow, seeing her face, gets even more nervous.

" I left that big hunk of undead over there knocked out… and he's gone… and frankly? I don't know where. I don't want to be around when he comes back. Let's motor, peeps. Now!"

" You're running away?" Willow forgets to hiccup in her amazement.

" You bet, doll. First rule of slaying? Don't get killed. Lets go!"

" Sounds good to me!" Xander says, starting after her.

" But… but… oh hell…hic…" Willow takes off, running after them.

The three of them meet up on Willow's front lawn a few minutes later. Faith arrives last, having dropped back to be sure nothing was following them. She sees them leaning over, panting, as she runs up to them.

Faith, seeing them safe, feels the anger welling up in her. She walks over to them.

" Are you two done playing Nancy Drew meets the Hardy boys now? God, do you have any idea how close we got to being really dead tonight?" She looks at them with disgust. " What woulda happened if I hadn't been there to fight those vamps off? Two more dead bodies in the morgue, that's what. Or worse."

" Worse?" Xander, straightening up, looks puzzled, " What's worse than dead?"

"They could've turned you… made you like them. Want that?"

Xander, mumbling something, lowers his head.

"What? I didn't hear that."

" We were just curious, is all, " Xander mumbles. He sees the look Willow throws him, " I was just curious, I mean you're new here and I… thought maybe I'd find out more about you."

"What's to know? I'm a girl. Surely you've seen one before," Faith sighs, exasperated. " Look, there's one, right there!" She points at Willow. " Go follow her around for awhile, I'm sure she'd love it!"

" HEY!" Willow explodes, having heard enough, " quit picking on him! He was curious. What did you expect? You come here dressed like a slut bomb, and expect to blend? You act all superior, like your something special, and when people get curious you get all indignant and uppity. What's that about?"

" I am special, " Faith says, but her tone is quiet." I'm the slayer." There's a bitter note to her voice.

" Yeah, what's that about, anyway?" Xander asks eagerly," Do you got like super powers or something? I saw you taking on those guys, and that was like… wow!"

" Yeah, wow, " Faith sounds tired, " look, the less you know about me… you know me, period, the better we both are, ok? I gotta job to do here, and that's it. Just keep outta my way and don't pull anymore stunts like that."

Faith turns away, heading down the driveway towards her apartment. Willow stands there, watching her, feeling her own anger rising.

" Wait a minute, " She calls out, running after her. Faith doesn't stop, so Willow rushes in front of her, blocking her way. "What gives you the right to tell us what to do in our town? You're not the boss of us!"

"You got that right, Red, " Faith says, " I don't wanna fight anymore tonight, ok? Go ahead, do whatever you wanna do. Get killed, see if I give a crap. Just leave me alone." Faith starts away.

" Why don't you just leave then?"

" Because I can't, " Faith says over her shoulder. She stops and turns around. Her face reflects how weary she feels. " Think I wanna be here? Think I'm lovin' this place? Mayberry by the sea? Yeah, I'd like to leave. Go back to Boston. At least the people there are normal, kinda. Here… " She shakes her head and throws up her hands. " God, I hate it here! But I can't leave, cuz I got a job to do. My destiny. God, how I hate that phrase. But I don't gotta choice. I'm sent here cuz there's some dumb Hellmouth or something here, and I gotta be here to … whatever, god why'm I even wasting my breath on you? It goes in one ear and out the other with you. Like the fact you were supposed to keep who I was a secret. SECRET. The idea, we don't tip off the bad guys that I'm here. But I guess that concept went right over your head, didn't it? Who else did you tell about me, huh?"

" No one," Willow withers under the torrent.

" Well, thanks anyway for making my job, my fucked up life harder, ok? God I wish I'd never met you. I just saw you lookin' at me in the Bronze, and you had a really sweet face. I thought maybe here'd be someone I could talk to once in awhile when things got really rough. What a joke. Who knew you'd turn out to be such a bitch? You should carry a sign around, truth in advertising, you know? Shit. Just go away!" She turns and starts to storm off, then stops. She turns around, and comes back to Willow, getting right in her face.

" What?" Willow backs off a pace, getting really scared now.

" So, you wanna know what my life's about, right? Every morning I get up, knowing maybe this is my last day. Maybe today I fuck up, or slip, or be too slow, and some vampire, or who knows what, will kill me. While you're worrying about some test, or homework, or if Xander'll ever get his head out of his butt and look at you, me I get to train. And train, and then, train some more, hoping that I'll be just a little faster, a little smarter, a little stronger than the thing I gotta go up against today. I don't get breaks, I don't get time off, it's all one big gotta do it. Because some old guys long ago figured a girl's gotta go up against all the darkness in the world. Get it? Some old guys figured that one girl, and that's me now, has to do it. Not an army, just me. Until I die. And every day, that just might happen. How you like it? Wanna sign up? Sorry, you can't because YOU DON'T GET A CHOICE!!!! You get picked, like it or not. Tag your it I quit. You don't make friends because hey, they might get killed. You don't get close to nobody. You just fight til you die. Ok, so I like to fight. That doesn't mean I wanna die, you know? But that's my destiny. To fight til I die, then some other poor idiot gets chosen. So, Red, back off on the judging me, and how I dress and what I do. I gotta live every fucking day like it's my last because hey, it might be!"

Faith glares at her, looking for any sign of getting it. Seeing nothing, she sighs, and turns away.

Willow, however, does get it. She reaches out and touches Faith's shoulder.

" I'm sorry," She says softly, " I didn't know."

" Don't," Faith says, shrugging her off, " I don't want your pity. I just want you and hormone boy to stay the hell outta my way, and let me do my thing."

Faith hurries down the driveway, disappearing into the gloom.

" What a bitch," Xander says, coming up to Willow. " Where does she get off talking to you like that?" He hasn't really heard the conversation.

" Leave it alone, Xander," Willow says. She stares down the driveway.

" No way!" Xander starts down the driveway. " I don't care who she thinks she is. She's got no right to talk to you like that in your own house!"

" Go home, Xander," Willow says, walking towards her house.

"What?" Xander stops, turning towards her, " you're just going to take it? Let that stupid slut…"

" Shut up, Xander Harris!" Willow turns on him, face red. " You don't know anything! This is all your fault, you know!"

" My fault?" Xander's blown away.

" Oh yeah. She's right, you know. If you hadn't been all Horny Guy wanting to get in her pants, we'd never have followed her to the graveyard and almost gotten killed." Willow makes a frustrated noise. " God, it's my fault, because I let you talk me into it. Why'd I do that, anyway?" She hits her forehead with the palm of her hand, like she's just realized something." Cuz, I'm an idiot, too! I let you talk me into these stupid things because I …" She trails off, looking into Xander's blank expression. " … I don't know why, you know? Just … when're you ever gonna see what's right in front of you?" She looks again. Again, nothing registers with Xander. " Hopeless. Dumb and hopeless. Go home, Xander!" With that, she turns and enters the house, almost slamming the door behind her.

Xander stand in the driveway, mouth agape. He looks at her back door, then down the driveway towards the garage, then back again.

What just happened there? He ponders, not getting anything from what Willow said. How'd this all of a sudden become my fault, anyway?

He shakes his head in bewilderment.

Women!

He shrugs, and walks down the driveway towards the street.

" Well," The Master, staring at Luke, shakes his head, "I send you on one little errand, one easy little task, and you come back empty handed? Tsk, Tsk, Luke."

  I'm sorry, my Master," Luke, head hung in shame, mumbles." I don't understand it. I had her… she should've been easy pickings. But she was strong… stronger than a normal human…" he goes down on his knees," I offer my life up to you in penance, Master."

  As you should, " the master reaches out, striking Luke on the side of the head. He sighs, " but this … girl … has already cost me enough followers. I need everyone, even you, for the coming Harvest. However, this isn't over Luke. Once the Harvest has been achieved, we'll think on what your punishment will be."

  The Harvest! The time approaches quickly, Master."

  Really? I hadn't noticed, " The Master replies sardonically. " I've planned too carefully for this to have it ruined by anyone . I've been trapped in this place…" He puts up his hand, and an all but invisible barrier vibrates against it," … for 3 score and 10, and I won't allow any mistakes by you, or interference by anyone to ruin it for me. I've waited too long for this."

  This girl is a bug. Insignificant. I will crush her myself, Master."

" Luke!" The Master, exasperated, turns away from him. " Why do I surround myself with fools? Think, Luke. The strength, the speed, in a human. What does it tell you?"

Luke thinks for a moment, and the light comes on. " A slayer, Master?"

The Master smiles. " Very good Luke. Yes, she's a slayer. Obviously sent here to stop me… little chance of that. She will be an amusing distraction, but nothing more. See to it, Luke, that she doesn't interfere with the Harvest."

" Of course. I'll take care of her Master. I will rip her from limb to limb …"

" Like you did this evening, Luke?"

Luke hangs his head, ashamed.

" I'll deal with the Slayer in my own time, once I'm freed of this prison," The master punches at the invisible barrier." For now, just keep her distracted, off her balance. Nothing, nothing must interfere with the Harvest. Understand?"

" It will be as you wish."

" Good. Now, Luke, I'm still feeling puckish. Go out and find me something to eat. Try not to drop the ball this time. Think you can do that?"

Luke looks uncomfortable. He's not used to being in the Master's disfavor.

" Oh, and make it young, Luke. I'm in the mood for veal tonight…"

3

No one has a particularly good weekend.

Faith does her best to avoid any contact with Willow, leaving the backyard if Willow comes out, talking only in monosyllables and only when it can't be avoided. She's gone most of the time, figuring that's the best way not to run into the redhead.

Willow, for her part, tries to reach out to her, but can't really figure a way to do it. Every excuse she makes up to go to Faith's apartment only sounds lame, forced, or just stupid. She finally decides that her best option is to just let Faith alone, give her some space and look for an opening to approach her.

Xander, after Friday night, decides his best course is to avoid Willow, and especially Faith, the entire weekend.

That is his intention, anyway. He figured he'd look up Jesse, and they could hang out. He'd even let Jessie lie about his supposed girlfriend. Whatever, just so I can avoid being with Will this weekend.

No Jesse, anywhere. His parents are visiting relatives this weekend, and Jesse has the house to himself. Except Jesse is never home. Xander starts calling him Saturday morning, but all he gets is the answering machine. He calls what he thinks is every hour, and no Jesse.

C'mon, man, Xander says to himself as he listens to the answering machine for what must be the umpteenth time today, This is way beyond so not cool. Where are you, dude?

¨ Jesse, man if you're there, pick up. It's me Xander. You there? Where are you? If you get this message, give me a call back. "

Damn, where could he be? Xander clicks off the phone, and paces around his room. I don't care what he's got going on, he shoulda stopped at home sometime today. He must've gotten one of my 100 or so messages. Why doesn't he call me back? What's the sitch here?

Xander turns on the cordless again, and starts to dial Jesse's number. Then he clicks it off. That's just a waste of time. He's not gonna be there… again. He looks at the phone in his hand, as if making up his mind. Then he clicks it on, and starts dialing another number.

" Hello," Willow picks up the phone on her nightstand.

" Hey, Will," Xander's tone is a little uneasy.

" Xander… hey," Willow, a little surprised to hear from him, keeps her tone light. " What's up?"

" Up? Nothing's 'up' Willow. What, I can't just call up and say 'hey' to my bestest bud?"

" Mmmm- hmmm. So, now what do you really want, Xander?"

" Want? Nothing, I just wanted to see how you were doing…"

" I'm fine, Xander, " Willow isn't going to make this easy for him. " Was there anything else?"

" No. I guess not, " Xander is discouraged. " I'm guessing you're still mad at me."

" Mad? At you?" Willow's tone is lightly mocking, " why would I be mad at you, Alexander Lavelle Harris?"

Oh, boy, Xander groans to himself. " Will, I'm really sorry about last night…"

" Oh, did something happen last night?" Willow is enjoying this.

" C'mon, Will, I know I messed up, and I'm sorry."

" Because… ?"

" Because I never should've put you in danger by going to the cemetery last night…"

" Hmmm" Willow doesn't sound placated.

" Ok, ok, I shouldn't have gotten all hormonal over Faith, and put you in the hot seat about her, and gotten you to spill what you knew about her."

" Better," Willow acknowledges," … and… ?"

" And?" Xander is back in Bewildered County. He thinks about it, hard. " I'm sorry I upset you?"

I should've known he wouldn't get it. Willow changes the subject.

" So, Xander, why'd you call?"

" Why?" Xander thinks fast, " To apologize, and see how you were doing…"

"Uh-huh," Willow not having taken her imbecile pills, doesn't buy it, " Now? I mean after most of the day is gone? Gee, Xan, I'm flattered. What? Was I like 5^th on your list or something?"

" No, what? What's this about, Will?" Xander sounds puzzled, and a little irritated, " I said I'm sorry, what's with the 'tude?"

" Tude?" Willow holds the phone away from her face, wondering if it's going to bite her next, " Who's got the 'tude, Xander? I mean, what? You think I sit by the phone waiting for you to call?"

" You picked up on the second ring…"

" Coincidence, that's all, Xander. You're the one with 'tude, thinking you can just call me anytime and expect me to drop everything…"

" Didn't ask you to drop nothing, Will. I just called to see how you were."

" Right. And?"

" And nothing."

Willow doesn't respond, just waits.

" Ok, ok," Xander breaks, " I was going to ask you if you wanted to hang… go to the Bronze, or something."

" Ah HAH!!!"

" Huh?"

" See, I was right. You expect me to just drop everything, and hang out with you. As if I'm sitting here, with nothing to do but go to the Bronze with you, Xander Harris!"

" Ok, so what're you doing that's so important, Will?" Willow can almost hear the smile in Xander's voice, " Doing homework?"

" Never mind that!" Willow unconsciously covers the homework in front of her, " the point is, Xander, that you just can't expect me to be at your beck and call like some kind of…of… "

" What?"

" I don't know, but some kind of something. I deserve some respect too, Xander, and you can't just call at the last minute and expect me to just say ok. I mean, you had all day to call me Xander…"

" I've been trying to call Jesse all day…"

" So, I wasn't even your first choice, Xander?" Willow grins ruefully, " you sure know how to romance a girl, you know?"

" What? It's not like that Will. You know that. We're buds… not like…"

" I know, I know, " Willow says, keeping her feelings well hidden. Not like I haven't had lots of practice. " But if you're so hot to hang out with Jesse, well… go hang out with Jesse!"

" I … well, I can't find him."

" Can't find him?"

" I musta called his house a hundred times, and no one answers. I think his parentals were going away this weekend, but he wasn't. I know that. I don't know where he is…"

" That's weird, " Willow reflects Xander's worries, "but I'm sure it's just he's been out. I mean, he's supposed to have that new girlfriend… ok, Jesse, girlfriend… that just sounds … impossible. But, did you even go out? Look for him, try to find him? He's probably just hanging at the mall, or at the Bronze, or somewhere. Where do you get this idea everyone's hanging by the phone waiting for the royal summons by Xander Harris?"

" Uh, no I didn't… " Xander is puzzled by Willow's attitude. "Why're you being so harsh?"

" Harsh? Not even," Willow shakes her head, " You still don't get it, do you?"

" Get what? I mean, ok, I was totally mega stupid last night, I admit that. But didn't we like make up or something? It's not like it's the first time I've been dumb or anything."

" No, it's not." Willow sighs, realizing the fruitlessness of it. " Just, I reached the bottom of my patience well, you know? Nothing left, kinda dry."

" Why?"

Figure it out, Xander!" Willow snaps, " tired of explaining it to you."

" But, Will…"

" Just call me back when you get it, ok?" Willow ends the call.

Xander looks at the dead phone.

What's her deal? Geeze, not like she's never made a mistake! Why's she being so crabby, anyway? Aw, forget it, I'll look for Jesse myself. You'd think she'd want to help. Jesse's been her friend for like… forever. Nope, guess not. Up to Xander to do it. So, where would he be? Xander thinks for 2 seconds, It's Saturday night, Xander. Where would anybody be? Anybody with a life…

Xander grabs his coat and leaves.

4

Willow tries to get back to her homework. She stares at the book in front of her, face in hands, brow furrowed. Gonna do this, get this done. Not going to let anyone distract me. But her eyes, as if having a mind of their own, keep wandering back to the phone. No! I'm busy! Don't have time for that!!! She looks back at her desk, and redoubles her efforts. Again, trying to read the text on the page is going nowhere; the words don't seem to make sense to her.

I need a break, is all.

She gets up, and walks to the window, looking out. She notes the sun is nearly down. When did that happen? Glancing over, she sees the door to Faith's apartment open, and Faith step out on the stairway. She must be going out to patrol. Maybe if I hurry, I can catch her and… oh, no, don't! She made it pretty clear last night, and today, she's not looking to talk. Cripes, how'd I get this all messed up anyway?

Willow withdraws from the window, and goes to sit back down. Fussily, she starts organizing her desk, getting everything lined up the way she likes it. Pens on the left, highlighters on the right, pencils sharpened and in cup. She starts to study the text again, and it doesn't take long for her mind to wander. To Xander. How annoying he is. How frustratingly thick he can be. How his mouth does this amazingly cute thing when he's worried… oh god, no… don't go there! No weakening now. He had it coming! But he can't help it. It's not like he's trying to be dense. He can be so sweet sometimes… and so selfish! And hey, what's with the going for the new girl, anyway? Ok, so she's got that hot and slutty look going, but doesn't he see that's just … ARRRGHH!!! What am I doing? God, I swore I wouldn't let Mr. Xander Harris do this to me. I got studying to do… on a Saturday night. You're sitting here, cooped up in your room, when anyone with a life… or even a sorta life… would be out doing something!! NERD, GEEK, NERD!!!

Willow shoves away from the desk, and stands up. Well, I'm just going to fix that one! Not going to sit here all alone studying on Saturday night. Uh-uh. Done with this, going out now. She stands up, and looks down at her clothing. Ok, going out after I change into something a little less comfortable.

Willow, heads for the bathroom to freshen up. So, what about Xander? What was that he was saying about Jesse? Not being able to find him? Maybe I should call him… Willow shakes her head. No, no way. He can do what he wants. Me, I'm going to the Bronze. Maybe a little dancing will get me out of this funk. Something, anyway. She splashes some cold water on her face, and then applies a little makeup. Combing her hair, she stares at herself critically in the mirror. Hmmm she makes a little face, and sighs, it'll do.

She heads for her closet, and starts going through her clothes, eyeing them critically, possibly for the first time in her life.

" No…. no… god, no!" She mutters to herself, going through her wardrobe. " Don't I have anything that doesn't make me look like I'm 12?" She mutters to herself. She finally settles on a maroon sweater and jeans, figuring it's the best she's got.

Why am I even doing this again? Oh yeah, to get out of the house and not be a geek, right? And that matters… because? To that question, she doesn't even have an answer. It's never been an issue before. So, why now? After dressing, she walks over to the mirror and checks herself out. She sighs. Well, at least I don't look 12… maybe 14… the little happy sun face on the front of the sweater wasn't helping. She turned this way, then that, and fussed and fiddled, but nothing really changed.

Grrr. Just GO!

Grabbing her purse, she turns out the lights, and leaves.

5

Faith walks down the dusky street, muttering to herself.

She hates muttering to herself. It makes her feel crazier than she already feels. As if being in this place didn't already make me feel totally whack.

She was still mad, however, and muttering was a way to vent.

Mad. Mostly at herself.

" How could I be so stupid, anyway? I'm the slayer, right? I should've figured it was those two following me. I mean, I've got this slayer sense thing, right? How come I didn't figure out it wasn't a vamp? Oh, and not chasing the hell off right away? Hello, dumb. Nearly got them killed, and me killed. The clincher? I let them throw me, god nearly fucked up royal. Shoulda taken out that big old vamp no problem. But nearly kissed dirt on that one. That dude was wicked strong, gotta admit. Still…"

it was then that what the vamp had said came back to her. " What was that about humans being some kind of pollution? And the Master? What's that about? Wanting an offering? I gotta talk to Giles about that. Must be something to do with that dark thing rising up. Oh yeah, loving the voodoo aspects of the job. Did I mention that one? Hellmouth and Bogeymen and mystical crapolla. God, no wonder I feel like a loony tune. Vampires are real? That's enough to send for the guys in white jackets. It's all bogus."

Faith finds herself standing in the downtown section of Sunnydale. Seeing people actually walking around, she decides to clam up before they start calling the cops on her. Wouldn't that be swell? Taken into jail for being a raving loony walking the streets talking to herself about monsters. Oh yeah.

Guess I should go see Giles and tell him about this Master dude. But fuck me, don't feel like talking to Mr. Belvedere right now. Not like the world's gonna end tomorrow, right? I'll get to him tomorrow… ruin his Sunday, ya know? Shit, not like they don't ruin my every day of my life! Anyway, thinking Giles not really all that fond of me. Probably thinks I'm not serious enough, not proper enough. Wonder where he gets that, huh?

She looks around, and sighs. Too early for patrol yet. And hey, not really anxious to run into Mr. Mountain of a Vampire quite yet anyway. Not going back home… if I look at those walls any longer, gonna really be bugshit, you know? Never mind little Ms. Snoopy lives right across the yard. Really not wanting to deal with her, either. All day she's been giving me the calf eyes, like she wants to share. Spare me, PLEASE!!!

Faith feels a tingle down her spine, and looks around. She sees what looks like Willow walking down the street behind her. Well, fuck me dead! Speak of the she devil! Faith gets a wicked smile and fades back in to the shadows. So, let's see how little Ms. Snoopy feels about surprises huh?

Willow walks down the street, her mind going in a thousand directions.

Why am I doing this again? Somebody remind me? I was perfectly happy at home, reading. Why did I decide to go to the Bronze? Because I didn't want to be geek? Why? I'm a geek, I've always been a geek. Heck, geek is cool pretty much now. So, why am I going to the Bronze? Maybe because I'm hoping I run into Xander? Oh yeah, subtle, Will. Real subtle. He's gonna know you almost followed him there. IF he's there! And if he's not, what then? Oh yeah, just hang out til he comes? Desperate, much? Shoot, I should just turn around and go home. I mean, I can be bored at home as easily as at the Bronze, right? And I don't have to fight for a table at home, right? Oh yeah, and that's just what SHE would expect, right? Chicken out, right? " Can't you go anywhere by yourself, Red? Do you gotta have Xander along?" Well, who cares what SHE thinks, anyway? Not like she's a friend… hell, she's nothing. And she wants to keep it that way? Well, fine by me! Who needs her, anyway? Things were just find before she…

Willow's thoughts are interrupted, however, when she feels herself being pulled roughly into the shadows. She lets out a squeak, and is about to scream when a hand closes over her mouth. She starts to struggle, hoping for a miracle that she can break away, and run like hell… back home where it's safe and things don't grab you in the dark.

It's hopeless, however. Whoever (or whatever!) has her is too strong. She feels herself pushed up against a wall. The scene from two night ago plays in her head, and her mind screams Vampire! I'm dead. I'm so dead. Oh god, I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die! I don't wanna die! I'm too young to die! In desperation, her struggles increase, and she manages to get an arm free, clawing back at whatever is holding her.

" Whoa, whoa Red, chill. Time out!" She hears a familiar voice chuckle behind her. " Well, there's some tiger in the mouse, after all!" She feels herself being released.

Willow turns around and stares into the smiling, if somewhat mischievously, face of Faith. She feels her fright boil over into anger.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??!!!" Willow screams at her. Her anger explodes, and she hauls off and throws a punch at Faith, which is easily blocked.

" Chill, Red. Just yanking your chain, girl!" Faith chuckles.

" You could've scared me to death!" Willow is not at all mollified. She swings with her other hand, and Faith, not expecting it, gets a nice slap up side her face.

"Wow!' Faith rubs her face, smiling. " Nice slap. Didn't think you had it in you!"

" You… you… imbecile!" Willow starts pushing Faith, her reason out the window in her rage. " You could've given me a heart attack. Do you know that? Do you even care? Stop LAUGHING At me!" Frustrated, she kicks Faith in the shin.

" Ow… ow… hey!" Faith stops laughing, grabbing her leg. " that really hurt!"

" Serves you right, scaring me like that!" Willow scolds her. " What the hell were you thinking?"

" Really?" Faith's voice goes quiet. Too quiet. All of a sudden, Willow finds herself pushed up against the wall again, two very strong arms pinning her arms to the wall. Faith's face is inches from hers.

" Maybe, cupcake, you'll think twice next time before sneaking up on people!" She glares at Willow.

" I wasn't sneaking up on you! I wasn't sneaking up on anybody!" Willow feels genuine fright from Faith's expression. " I was just going to the Bronze. Until you jumped out and attacked me!"

" Be glad I wasn't a vampire. You'd be dead by now!" Faith, disgusted, lets Red loose. She pushes her away, back towards the street. " So, go! Go to the Bronze. Get lost." Faith leans against one wall of the alley, staring at the other wall.

" No!"

" What?" Faith sounds irritated.

" I said no! Not leaving until I find out why the heck you're so mad at me. What'd I do?"

" What did you do?" Faith turns to her, contempt written plainly on her face. " Oh, let me count the ways. You treat me like I've got a disease, then you get all jealous of me for no reason, then you nearly get me killed, what? A couple of times, because you act like a moron. Do I need to go on?" She spits on the ground. " What the hell did I ever do to you, except come to this little crappy town, anyway?"

" And act all superior! And treat us like a bunch of slack jawed yokels. " Oh, Boston this. Boston that!" Well, go back to Boston then, please!" Willow fumes. " and how do you expect to be treated, dressed like that? Geeze, get real!"

" What the fuck's wrong with the way I'm dressed? Sure, I look good, and I like to show it off. But nothing's hangin' out. What, I should dress like you? Like Mommy dressed me?"

" I don't!"

" Oh yeah, right. You picked that out for yourself?" She waves disparagingly at Willow's ensemble. " I bet you still go shopping with her, don't you?"

" It was a present," Willow indicates the sweater," and what if I do?"

" Mommy's girl!"

" I'm not!"

" You so are! No wonder you're jealous. You're such a guy magnet with crap like that!"

" Not Jealous! Just because I don't dress like the village slut…"

Faith slaps her. Not hard, but enough to knock her over.

" Oh shit, I'm sorry," Faith comes over, kneeling by her. " I didn't mean…"

" Fuck YOU!" Willow, enraged, hauls off and punches Faith, hard as she can. Faith falls back, more surprised than anything. She brings her hand up to her face. She sits on her butt, across from Willow, staring at her.

Both girls sit there for awhile, just staring at each other. Finally, Willow makes a whimpering noise, and shakes her hand.

" I think your rock head broke my hand!" She moans, shaking it.

" Let me see," Faith is up, approaching Willow.

Willow scoots back, away from her.

" Don't I'm ok, just leave me alone!"

" Don’t' be a baby, let me see!" Faith insists. She grabs Willow's hand, and spreading it out, feels the bones. " Nope, nothing broken. Just probably bruising up a little. You should go home, get some ice on that."

" Don't tell me what to do!"

" Fine, whatever. Have a swollen hand, see if I give a crap".

Faith walks away, rubbing her jaw. " Nice one, Red. Think it's gonna bruise. Happy now?"

" No," Willow grumbles, " you started it!"

" Great, go all schoolyard on me. Whatever." Faith sits down, rubbing her jaw. " Man I hate this place."

" Newsflash, Faith. Not really a newsflash, ok?" Willow rubs her hand, whimpering a little.

"What the fuck does it matter, anyway? One place is as crappy as the next."

" What about your precious Boston?" Willow mocks.

Faith looks up at her, the expression on her face bleak. " I aint got nothin' there. I aint got nothin' nowhere."

" What're you talking about?"

" Do you need a chart? Nothin'. As in no friends, no family, nada, zilch, empty, ok? No home, nothing. Just me. Living in one rat hole motel to the next. Shit, you're parent's garage is like … ah, fuck it, it doesn't matter. Once I'm done doing whatever I'm supposed to do here, they'll just ship me to some other crap hole."

" Faith, I…."

" I told you last night, Red. Really not looking for your pity. Just telling you like it is."

" Why do you do that?"

" What?"

" Whenever I try to reach out to you, you shove me away. You say you don't have any friends. Well, think that might be a reason?"

" Gimme a break, ok? You don't want to be my friend, and hey, I'm not saying I blame you. Just, please. You're feeling all superior, and reaching out the white trash girl? Just your good deed for the month."

" Let me know when you get that boulder off your shoulder, ok? I was only trying to … well, like you care. Whatever, I'm outta here."

Willow stands up, and walks to the end of the alley. She looks out, and stops.

"What? Forget where home is, Red?" Faith says sarcastically.

" Don't want to go home." She stands looking out at the night." Tired of being there all the time alone." She touches her throbbing hand. " Ow."

" Well, you better figure something out, Red. That hand's gonna swell up to twice it size if you don't ice it down soon." She sighs, and stands up, walking over to Willow. " C'mon then, Ms. Independence. We'll go to the Bronze, see if we can con them out of some ice or something."

" I don't need your help," Willow says petulantly.

" Maybe not, but you got it anyway, " Faith says, " Look, I'm proposing a truce here. Like it or not, we're stuck living across from each other. Don't know 'bout you, but I'm tired of sniping at each other."

Willow looks at her suspiciously. " You wanna be friends?"

" Did I say that?" Faith glares at her. " No, not looking for a buddy pic here, getting into wacky scrapes together and finding the meaning of life, and all that garbage. I'm just saying, don't want to fight anymore."

" Ok, deal," Willow rubs her hand. " I'd shake , but…"

" Yeah, so what? Back to your house, or the Bronze?"

Willow looks at her hand. Doesn't hurt that much.

" Bronze."

" Bronze it is, then"

The two leave the alley.

6

Xander leans on the bar , wondering if he hasn't made a big mistake.

He's been at the Bronze for half an hour, and hasn't seen a sign of Jesse.

" Well, duh, " He mumbles to himself," just because we come here all the time, doesn't mean he'd come here with a date… if that's what he's doing."

That's what bothering him. No Jesse, anywhere. That's not at all like him. Date or no, Jesse would've called him by now, bragging about his 'conquest', or making up details about something that never happened. Either way, he would've talked to Xander by now. Not just go into hiding. That wasn't Jesse. Jesse might be a geek, but he was an out there and in your face kind of geek. Not the shy, retiring kind at all. That was what Xander both liked and disliked about him.

So what's the sitch, anyway? I mean, the date couldn't have lasted 24 or more hours. Why didn't he call, or something? Or at least, be at home to take my calls? If he got some, he'd be all over me, crowing about it, rubbing my face in it. Especially after Will and I almost called him a liar about it. Even if he didn't, he'd either lie, or make up some excuse why he 'dumped' her. He wouldn't just hide out. The boy's got guts, even if a little short in the smarts department.

What do I do now? Go over to his house? Oh yeah, and if by some chance, he's there with the hottie, and their macking out, that'd be so totally cool. But what if something happened to him? Who'd know? His parents are out of town. There'd be no one to call. He could've been in a car accident, lying somewhere bleeding and dying. Or at home, sick, too sick to answer the phone, have some weird disease that eats your flesh and… Oh, stop it! When did you become his mother, for god's sake. He's not sick, or nothing. But I wish I were sure…

"Damn, I wish Will were here. She'd know what to do!"

Xander looks up, and sees Willow, with Faith, making a beeline for the bar. He almost drops his mocha.

" Xander, move!" Willow barks at him, trying to get to the bar.

" I wish I had a million dollars!"

" What the heck are you talking about?" Willow gives him a strange look as she and Faith belly up to the bar.

" Just testing" Xander still is a little awed by the coincidence.

" Ice… need some ice here" Faith calls out to the bartender.

Xander notices Willow massaging her hand for the first time, and the fact that it looked bruised and swelling.

" What happened?"

" Long story," Willow replies, shaking out her hand.

" We had a fight. She got mad and hit me, hurting her hand," Faith says, turning towards the bartender when he arrives. " Need some ice in a towel… she hurt her hand."

" Well, then there's the abridged version," Willow says, feeling a little foolish.

Faith, getting the ice and towel, starts to wrap it around Willow's hand.

" You two fought?" Xander says, noticing the bruise starting to form on Faith's face. " You hit her?"

" Something like that, " Faith says rubbing her jaw, " your girlfriend really can hit, when she wants to."

" She's not my girlfriend" " I'm not his girlfriend" Willow and Xander say almost in unison. They look at each other.

"Whatever" Faith feels her face. " Man, it's swelling up. Great."

" Like hitting a rock, " Willow says, nursing her hand. She looks at Xander. " What're you doing here, anyway?"

" Yeah, trolling for babes?" Faith cracks, feeling Willow glaring at her. " I mean, since Red here isn't your girlfriend?"

Willow reddens, and Faith can't help chuckling a little.

" No… I mean… no, " Xander says, scanning the crowd. " Thought I might find Jesse here."

" Jesse?" Faith queries.

" Xander's friend. Can't seem to find him, " Willow abbreviates for Faith. She turns to Xander. " You know, that whole date thing might've just been a lie. He was embarrassed maybe having to go out of town with the parentals, and decided to make up a cover story."

" Maybe," Xander sounds doubtful.

" Or maybe, " Faith interjects, " He's hiding out, because his 'date' fell through, and he's too embarrassed to face you? I mean, being your friend and all, it's not outside the possible, you know."

Xander straightens up, looking offended. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Or maybe," Willow says, looking at the doorway, " he's just arrived with a bunch of other people I've never seen before in my life."

Faith and Xander look where Willow is looking, and see Jesse, standing with three other people. They all seem to be scanning the crowd, as if looking for someone or something.

The weird thing about the tableau is, Jesse seems to be dressed more stylishly than he's ever been. Instead of the usual jeans and t-shirt and basketball shoes, he's wearing a really nice pair of slacks, a cool shirt, and a leather jacket. One would almost mistake him for being cool.

" Jesse, hey man… over here!" Xander calls out over the crowd.

Jesse turns towards the group, and stares at them a second. It's as if he doesn't recognize them. Then a smile comes to his face, and he raises a hand. Still, something gives Xander the chills, though he can't figure what's bothering him.

" Xander! Buddy!" Jesse motions to the others to follow him as he weaves his way over to the bar. The four of them cut through the crowd, forming a semi-circle around Xander, Faith and Willow. Jesse glances at Xander's companions, and smiles.

" Well, Xan-man, I gotta give you props. Not one girl, but two. Well, one and a half, considering Rosenberg is one of them."

" Hey!" Willow protests, stung.

" Chill, Will. I was just yanking your chain," Jesse grins, and turns to Xander. " So, gonna intro me to the hottie?"

Xander hesitates. Something's not right here. Something about Jesse, and his 'friends' is giving him major butterflies.

" Ummm… this is Faith."

" Really? Well, Hey, Faith, " Jesse almost leers at her. " Never been much for religion, ya know? But wouldn't mind getting a little Faith right now."

Faith is strangely quiet. Her expression is grim, almost hostile.

" Back off, Bozo, " Faith's tone is quiet, and chilly.

" Kind of nasty, isn't she?" one of Jesse's group, a little blond, says. " What bugs up your butt, honey?"

" Don't think you should worry too much about my butt, honey" Faith is definitely into hostile land.

" Geeze, kinda rude, aint she Xander?" Jesse frowns. " Why's that?" he notices the swelling on Faith's face. " Maybe you should hit her again, get her in line."

" I don't hit girls, you know that, Jesse, " Xander definitely feels a chill in her gut.

" Maybe you should start. Maybe then they'd stop walking all over you!"

" Wanna hit me, bud?" Faith pipes up, " Take your best shot."

Jesse's eyes narrow, and he feints a punch, that is well shy of the mark. He laughs.

" Naw, I don't hit skanky ho's like you. Who knows what you'll pick up these days."

Xander's had enough. He pushes Jesse back. Jesse looks at him, frowning.

"What's that about, Harris? Getting all macho now? That's a change!"

" What the hell's wrong with you, Jesse? You're not acting like yourself."

" Really? Cuz I'm not slobbering all over her like I usually would?" Jesse shakes his head. " That's the old Jesse, Harris. I'm a new man… can't you tell?"

Willow mutters something under her breath.

"What's that, Rosenberg? Didn't hear you. Still having problems with the speaking?"

" I said," Willow's tone is slightly hostile, " it may be new, but it's definitely not improved."

" Awww, did I hurt your lil feelings?" Jesse mocks her.

" What's with the 'tude, dude?" Xander interrupts. " We're your buds."

Jesse laughs, and the others with him laugh with him.

" You're kidding, right Xander? Gimme a break. Why would I be buds with a bunch of fashion victims like you?" He shakes his head. " God, Xander, you look like you pick your clothes up at the goodwill, and Will?" He waves at her, " She dresses like she's ten years old. Only reason I even came over was because of her." He points at Faith. " She looked interesting, but hey, no truth in advertising here. Frankly, I don't hang with a bunch of losers. Not anymore."

" What's your trauma, Jess? We've been friends forever."'

" Trauma?" Jesse laughs, " No 'trauma', Xander. I feel great, better than I've ever felt. I feel strong, powerful. Wanna know why?"

" Sure, Jesse. Tell me why, " Xander's tone is dripping acid.

" Cuz I finally wised up, Xander. I finally realized that I was a lose because I was hanging with a bunch of losers like you," The sneer on Jesse's face is almost visible, " God, think I didn't get those pathetic messages of yours? ' Where are you, Jesse? Are you ok, Jesse? Call me , Jesse'. Geeze, Xander, you sounded like an old lady. Yeah, I got 'em Xander, but I didn't call you. Why should I? You're not my friends, You're just anchors around my legs, dragging me down to your geeky level!"

Xander just stands there, mouth open. He can't believe what he's hearing.

Willow, on the other hand, is angry. She gets up and makes to slap Jesse. " You lousy…"

Jesse grabs her hand. " Uh-uh. None of that, bitch. Or maybe I should just break it?" He twists a little on Willow's hand, eliciting a yelp.

Xander, seeming to wake up, gets in Jesse's face. " I think you better get outta here."

" Oooo, look at you! All manly, " Jesse mocks him. He tweaks Willow's wrist again, and she moans. " Who's gonna make me, Harris?"

Jesse feels his wrist grabbed, and turns to see Faith glaring at him. He feels the strength in her grip, but it's the look in her eyes that causes him to back off.

He pushes Willow away. " God, Harris, you're such a wuss. Gotta have your women fight for you." He pushes on Xander's chest, pushing him into the bar. He turns to his group. " Lets get outta here. I'm bored."

The little blond with him protests. " I'm hungry," She looks at Xander, Willow and Faith in turn. " I want some snacks."

" Forget it, Darla. We can do better than this."

" The master won't be pleased, " Darla, looking at the three, frowns.

" Don't worry, D. We'll find something nice for him." Jesse turns back to the group. " This isn't done, Harris. We'll chat again when you don't got your women around to protect you."

Turning away, Jesse hustles the others away.

Xander, seeing red, pushes off the bar, as if to follow him. He's stopped by a strong grip on his arm.

" Don't" Faith says to him." That's not your friend."

" Darned right that's not my friend. Not anymore. I'm gonna go pound his face in the sand." He looks at Faith, " let me go!"

" Xander…" Willow says, realizing what Faith is trying to say.

" Chill out, Xander," Faith says, pushing him back. " That's not your friend. That's not Jesse."

" What the hell? That's Jesse … I've known Jesse all my life…"

" Xander, she's saying that's not Jesse like you remember Jesse."

" What the heck are you babbling, Will?"

" Jesse's been made a vampire."

" Huh?"

7

" Either you two have gone nuts, or I have," Xander protests as they're walking down the street. " Jesse's a vampire? C'mon, what're you gonna tell me next? Willow here's a witch?"

" Don't be a moron, Xander, " Willow says, " What do you think happened last night? Do you remember last night?"

" Well, duh. Not like I get in fights in the cemetery every night, you know. But those were just guys… really strong guys… with weird facial problems…"

" And they had rabies, right guy?" Faith says, leading the pack, " That's why they wanted to bite you? Oh, and when they turned to dust? Just a trick of the light. They just ran away really fast, right?"

" I don't care what you guys say, Jesse's not a vampire… or whatever."

" You're right," Faith halts. The other two nearly run into her. " That… isn't Jesse. I tried to tell you that. it looks like him, walks around in Jesse's body, has Jesse's memories and personality, but that's not Jesse. That's the thing that killed Jesse. Jesse's dead."

" No way. I just talked to him. Sure, he's acting like an asshole, but I just talked to him. He's not dead…"

" He's dead, Xander, " Faith walks over to him. " You're friend's gone. He's not coming back. Whatever made up your friend, those vamps killed. Get it?"

Xander looks at her, resentfully. " Why're you even here? None of this happened until you showed up."

" Go home, Xander, " Faith says, turning away.

" No, I want some answers. Nothing like this happened until you showed up. What're you doing to my friends? To me? What kind of monster are you?"

Faith shakes him off. " Are you blind? Nothing like this happened before? What about the ' mysterious deaths'? How 'bout the 'missing people'? What about all the weirdness that happens? Did I do that? Why does a small town like Sunnydale have 12 cemeteries? Did you ever try to figure that one out?" She shakes her head, angrily. " Evil's happening all around you, and you walk around blindly, ignoring it. And then it touches you, and you blame me. Go home, Xander," She looks at both of them, " You're just going to get yourselves killed. Both of you, go home." She starts to walk away.

" Faith, wait!" Willow runs up to her. " Where are you going?"

" To find the vamps, and kill them."

" Where?"

" I dunno. I'll find them," Faith starts off.

" Wait, I can help… we can help," She turns to Xander, " can't we?"

" Yeah. I mean… if this … if … that's a vampire, then I gotta help." Xander walks up.

" You guys… I know you want to get back at it for Jesse, but you can't help. You'll only get yourselves killed, or me killed with you. Best thing you can do is to go home."

" But… but we'd know where he'd go. Where he'd hang out."

" Like where?" Faith says, feeling tired. Not getting rid of them until they feel they've helped. Damn.

" He'd probably go home…" Xander puts in.

" No, Xander, he can't. He can't enter his house," Willow says, "A vampire can't enter a place unless he's invited in. Isn't that right?"

Faith nods.

" But it's his house!"

" No, it's his parents house. And they're gone for the weekend, remember? He told us last week."

Xander's brow furrows. " But…that doesn't make any sense. He got my messages. He said he heard them. How could he, if he wasn't there?"

Willow turns to Faith. " I thought you said…" but she stops when she sees Faith's face. " What?"

" The only other way a vampire can enter a house is if the owner is dead…"

" But that's… impossible… his parents are gone…"

" Did you see them leave?"

" Of course not…" Xander trails off.

" Where is it? Where does he live?"

" 325 Adams. Close to the corner of Revello." Willow answers.

" Ok, no more arguments. You two go home. I'll take care of this."

" No, no way, " Xander says. " I'm going."

" You're not going!" Faith growls at him, " This is my job. I'm the slayer, this is what I do. I don't need you there getting yourself killed. Or me killed, for that matter."

" Jesse is… was my friend. I'm going. Either with you, or alone. But I'm going!"

Faith looks at him, and realizes there's no arguing with him… without killing him. " Ok, ok, fine. Just stay back. And do whatever I tell you, or I'll kill you myself!"

" Ok, ok!" Xander puts up his hands.

They start off. Faith stops, realizing Willow is behind them.

" Go home!"

" Alone? No way! I know what's out there!" Willow protests. " I'm going with you."

Faith rolls her eyes. " Fine. Just stay back, and out of the way."

God, why me? Faith asks as they head down the street.

They move along the streets, taking turns when Xander tells them too. Finally they come to a house, and Xander reaches out, stopping Faith.

" This is it, " He whispers, pointing at the house.

" Ok, you two stay here. I'll go in and check it out. And for god's sake, stay quiet. Vampires can here like nobody's business."

Faith moves cautiously up the sidewalk. She crouches, and heads for the door, being as silent as possible. She tries the door, and finds it unlocked. She silently slips in.

Xander and Willow look at each other, then Xander starts up the walk.

" Where're you going?" Willow rushes up to him. " She said, stay here."

" No way. I'm going in," Xander whispers. " You wait here."

" By myself? No way!"

" Ok, then come. But be quiet!"

" Ok, " Willow whispers. " You too!"

They move quietly up the porch, and looking around, open the door. Slipping inside, they close it behind them.

" Ouch!"

" Be quiet."

" It's dark in here. I can't see anything."

At that moment, hands reach out and cup their mouths. Both of them nearly faint.

" I told you two to wait outside!" Faith hisses at them. " Gee, why don't you just send up flares?"

" Mmmm hzzz fult" Willow mumbles.

" Never mind, I think we caught a break. I don't sense them here. We can look around. But be quiet!"

Faith lets them go.

" Follow me."

Once their eyes adjust to the dim light, they move through the first floor, avoiding running into anything. They make it to the kitchen, and Faith shuts the door behind them.

" Ok, I don't think they can see the light in here from the front. Gonna turn it on briefly to get our bearings."

She moves across the kitchen, but then slips on something. " What the fu…" She goes down, hitting the table, knocking stuff off.

" Oh smooth," Xander whispers. He walks over, and turns on the lights.

Then wishes he hadn't

On the floor are the bodies of Jesse's parents. They are lying spread out, arms and legs akimbo. Worse, blood seems to be everywhere.

Xander feels his gorge rise, and barely keeps from vomiting.

Willow, not so lucky, rushes to the sink, losing dinner.

Faith just stands there, looking and feeling sick. She looks at Xander, and sees his horror.

" Sorry, Xander. I told you to wait outside." She walks over to the corpses, kneeling down. She touches their skin." They're cold. They've been dead for awhile."

Xander can't hold it any longer, and joins Willow at the sink.

" C'mon, we gotta get outta here. No telling when they'll… "

" Now, why'd you want to do that? I mean, you break into my house, and leave without so much as saying " boo"?"

Faith whirls, seeing Jesse standing in the doorway. She can make out the other vampires behind him.

" Surprise!"

To be continued
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- 3
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The Slayer