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

Chapter List
- 19
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Mirror

By Norwalker

Part 19

Disclaimer: Under advice of counsel, I must advise you that the characters appearing in this story that appeared on " Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and " Angel" Television shows don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy , Inc. and Fox.( No kidding, is that a fact? Wow, and here we thought you owned them. We're shocked. Shocked I tell you!). Furthermore, this is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to anyone, living or dead, is purely coincidental.( Gosh, and I really thought you looked up my life, just to put it in this story. Now, I'm crushed!). Yeah. By the way? The author owns any original characters and the story. Yeah, as if anyone wants them. Hah!

1

"Good Morning!" Rose says, seeing Joyce appear in the kitchen. " You're up early."

" Sorry, can't really sleep much, " Joyce smiles apologetically. " I mean, everything is wonderful, and thanks for putting me up while…" Joyce trails off. Even after a week, it's hard to admit Buffy's still in the hospital, and still hasn't woken up.

Coma! She sighs. She's still having a hard time accepting all that's happened to her daughter. Why are you guys up there punishing her like this? It wasn't her fault. None of this was!

" Don't be silly, Joyce…it's ok if I call you Joyce?" Rose says.

" OF course, Mrs. Weiss. Please!" Joyce insists.

" And you'll call me Rose then?" She smiles. " I had the hardest time getting Buffy to… Oh, dear, I'm so sorry." She comes to Joyce, who's tearing up. " This has been so hard on you, dear. I couldn't see you staying at some impersonal hotel, worrying about Buffy. Anyway, there's plenty of room here."

" We descended on you like locusts, though, " Joyce says, " You've been very kind. I can't say how much I appreciate you looking after Buffy." Joyce shakes her head, " All this is just so hard to believe. You've been more than kind."

" Don't be foolish, Joyce. I love having a houseful of people around. It's nice to have someone to talk to in the mornings again," She sighs." Been a long time, my Hank passing 20 years back."

" Oh, I know what you mean. That's why I liked it when Buffy brought her friends around. It was nice having them around; made the house seem alive. When my husband left me… I know that was hard on Buffy and Dawn, too…"

" Dawn. Yes, her sister. The child you lost to the freak accident?"

" Freak accident?" Joyce looks at Rose with an odd expression." What has Willow told you about her and Buffy and life in Sunnydale, exactly?"

" Well, that she and Buffy are like best friends. Have been for…oh, goodness, nine years now, I guess. And that they've been through a lot together. Though, I have to admit, she hasn't been very clear on the details. And that a lot of times you've acted like a 'second' mother to her, which, considering my own daughter…" Rose makes an impatient noise, " I'm very glad you were there to help her, when she needed it. After Dawn died, Buffy was pretty broken up. Dropped out of school, and such…"

Joyce pours herself a cup of coffee. " So, I don't suppose she told you about the other thing ,then."

" Other thing?" Rose looks puzzled, and a little suspicious. " What other thing?"

Joyce looks at her, and nods. " I think we need to have a little talk, Rose. I need to catch you up on what's actually been happening to my daughter and you're granddaughter… and how Faith fits into all of this."

" Somehow, I think I'm going to be surprised, " Rose looks at Joyce. " Am I going to be surprised?"

" That may be an understatement," Joyce says, somewhat cautiously.

Rose moves to the stove, moving pans off the burners and turning them off. She turns to Joyce.

" I believe breakfast will be late this morning." She says, leading Joyce into the dining room to talk.

2

Faith slows to a walk as she approaches the Weiss house. She's just finished a 5 mile run, and is giving her muscles some cool down time before she hits the shower. She stops for a moment, at the driveway, just looking in.

This last week has been a strain on Faith. Every passing day that Buffy's in the hospital, and not waking up, only increases the guilt she feels. If only I'd listened to my gut, she'd probably be awake and ok now. She feels bad every time she sees Joyce, because though she says she doesn't blame her, Faith can't help but feel Joyce must be at the least disappointed in her. Something she never wanted to happen.

Willow's been a little remote. Faith chalks that up to Willow's feelings of guilt, which she's been trying her best to alleviate for Willow. How was she supposed to know what was going to happen? And there was the good chance that Buffy would've just bolted… making it worse. No, she did the right thing. Faith knows that isn't the only thing Willow feels guilty, about, however. She shares that guilt.

I know I shouldn't have let it happen. As soon as we started … I dunno, being together, I should've stopped it. And I'm thinking, Willow feels the same. But how can I feel it's wrong? Especially since Buffy was cheering us on from England… if she was even in England then. That doesn't make it right, however. Nor is finding comfort now from each other? Really an option. Not with Buffy lying… just say it… comatose in the hospital.

Also freaksome to her is the fact that Rose insisted she stay in the back house while Buffy was in the hospital. Ok, why is she doing that? I don't think she's suddenly come to the conclusion that I'm a pretty swell chick. So, why is she having me stay here? She can't help but think it's partly Willow's doing. Which, again, strange. Since Willow seems to want to keep away from me.

She's notice a shift in Rose's attitude towards her too. While not exactly asking her to join the family, she isn't treating her like something you pick up on your shoe unexpectedly, either. Faith can't figure the change out. It doesn't play; not with her past experience of how people react to her. Usually, it's all nice at first, then they get to know her, and boom! Get lost. I don't get why she's suddenly being nice. Faith shrugs, figuring it's one of those mysteries surrounding the scoobies that she'll never get.

Faith starts down the driveway, making it halfway before she spots someone waiting at her door. A red-headed someone that can make her heart start to pound faster and harder in her chest. Ok, she hasn't seen me yet. Maybe if I just turn around and … damn. Willow turns her head, and raises her arm in a small wave at Faith. Faith doesn't return the wave; she nods quickly to acknowledge it. Ok, why is she here now? I thought we were playing avoid each other. At least, that's what it's seemed like to me.

" Hey," Willow says, when Faith approaches the door.

" Hey, Red," Faith responds, taking out the key to open the door." What's up?"

Willow senses Faith's unease at her being here; but she just couldn't stay away anymore. She's been stand offish since we took Buffy to the hospital. As if…ok, no as if. We're ashamed of …shoot, I don't like this feeling of being ashamed of how I feel about her. No, I hate it, actually. And because she's been so … distant, I've played along. But damn… she's right here, and I see her come and go, and I want to… shoot, just chill.

"So, what's up, Red?" Faith asks a second time, since Willow didn't respond to the first query.

" Huh? Oh, sorry." Willow smiles a little, " guess my mind was a million miles away. Gram and Joyce are in the house, talking, and that's always worrisome," She shrugs. " Anyway, I just wanted to see how you're doing."

" I don't think that's all of it, is it? " Faith half smiles. " You're worried about Buffy. I get that. Me, too." She walks into the little house. " I guess I'm doing peaches, all considered." She turns, and looks at Willow. " Did you want to come in, Red?"

Shit. Buffy. Damn, I'm good… she's in the hospital, maybe never waking up again, and I'm all worried about my feelings. Darn. What kind of friend am I?

" May I? Should I? I mean… would it be right?" Willow looks conflicted.

" I'm not going to attack you, Red. And you can leave the door open, so everyone knows nothing's going on, ok?" Faith sounds a little impatient. " I know… never mind, don't want to go there. But aren't we friends? Or did we give that one up, too?" Faith sits on the bed, turning to look up at Willow in the doorway.

" Faith, that's really not fair," Willow says, coming over and grabbing a chair. Placing it away from the bed. " You think I wanted to leave? I hated it; I've hated it for every minute we've been apart. But what choice did I have, really? Hang around, wait for Buffy to come back? Have a messy breakup where you're all emotionally torn up? Me too. And what about Buffy? She'd be hurt and confused and not getting it."

" Buffy knew pretty much what the what was, Red. She pretty much told me it before she… " Faith shakes her head. " She said we belong together. Imagine that? She wanted me to 'find' you, make it up with you. Funny, huh? Little did I know she knew exactly where you were…" Faith gets a tight, funny little grin on her face. " A girl eight thousand miles away knew what was going on, and we didn't even really know what was going on. Now, you've got to admit, there's a laugh in there somewhere." Faith isn't laughing.

Neither is Willow. " Wish I could get the yuks, cuz I'm not seeing it, " Willow says. " Look, Faith, I came to say that maybe you should just concentrate on Buffy, and … well, we just got to forget an us ever really existed. I think it's best you're with Buffy… what's so funny?"

Faith is laughing bitterly. " You sound just like her. She said almost the same thing. " Forget me, Faith, go with Willow" … well, essentially. She's telling me how she missed me, and loved me, then drops that on me. Sorry, I just find it… actually, " Faith's face grows a little bleak, " I don't find it funny. Not a bit funny." She looks pointedly at Willow. " Sound kinda familiar?"

Willow stands looking at her, blushing. " It's not right, us… you and me."

" Yeah, it just keeps getting to be more like that Buffy conversation." Faith frowns. " I'm beginning to see the problem here."

Me too, Willow thinks. I love you, and I shouldn't love you, and it's wrong, and I still love you. "What… what's the problem."

" Me, " Faith says simply, " I'm the problem."

" Wait… no, that's … ok, that's just insane-o talk, " Willow says, standing up. She walks over to Faith. " How can you think you're the problem?" She sits next to her.

"How can I not think I'm the problem, Red?" Faith looks at her. " I have two girls who say they love me. I know I love both of them. Now, what's the deal here? How can I love you both? And, why do you keep trying to do ' the right thing' by shoving me back and forth towards each other. It's so noble, I want to puke. It sounds like a badly written story. I can't make up my mind with you two, and you two shoving me in opposite directions, not helping one bitty bit."

" Faith, I'm only trying to do the right thing here. Believe me, It's not matter of not wanting you. It's what's right. You and Buffy, you …"

" STOP! Right there, it's the same thing Buffy said. Almost. And I can't take it. Because, frankly, I guess I'm just too selfish. If I want something, I want it. I want it so much, it aches til I get it. But with you two, it's I want you, but go with her. And it's crazy. Don't you see that?" She looks at Willow, and sighs, " No, you don't see that. God, YOU two belong together. Of course, that could never happen, cuz you'd take 20 years to figure out if it was right or not! But you both care so much about each other, how the other feels, how can I come between that. And face it, no matter which I chose, that's what'd happen. Because there would be hurt feelings. Ok, and that sounds terribly conceited, but dammit, it's also true. Isn't it?"

Willow sits stunned under the tirade. She looks at Faith, and then away. That's crazy talk. Of course it's not true! How could that be… then the truth hits her, and she just shakes her head. Damn, it's true. It's really true!

" Faith," Willow almost whispers, " I don't know what to say…"

" There's nothing to say, Red. That's the point, and the problem," Faith turns away. " I'm the problem. I can't chose between you, because I love you both and don't want to hurt either of you. And you both don't want to hurt each other. So… no matter what, no matter who I chose, there'd always be a 900 pound gorilla in the corner. One blonde, one red-headed."

" I don't want to be a gorilla," Willow declares, " I mean, I don't want to … you know what I mean." She runs out of steam.

" Pretty sure, that's what Buffy would say, if she were talking."

That brings down the curtain of silence. Guilt is good for that.

Faith puts a hand on Willow's thigh. " Is there even a little jealousy in you over Buffy? She admitted she was a little jealous over you…"

Willow looks at her, and chuckles. Then it breaks into a laugh, and then she's falling over, laughing. Faith is looking at her like she's gone 'round the bend.

" What's so funny?" Faith isn't upset, more curious.

" A little jealous? Me? A little jealous? Over Buffy?" Willow keeps laughing, almost hysterically. She goes on for a couple more minutes, then finally gets it back in control. "you weren't here for the great Buffy-Willow fight. When I found out it was her living back here, we got into it. I told her she was treating you like crap, stringing you around, making you crazy, and that I wished she just really would disappear, so we could be happy. And she pretty much called me a slutty, backstabbing, girl-friend stealing whore of a friend. Oh, and then she slapped me!"

Faith misses the humor in it. " That's exactly what I don't want to cause between you two. See, I'm jealous too. I'd give my eyeteeth… shit, all my teeth, to have what you and B have."

" Huh? Did I miss something?" Willow looks bewildered. " Nothing going on between Buffy and me!"

" The hell there isn't. It's not moon, June and crooning romantic sweep you off your feet love, but Willow… it's love. Not sexual, not romantic, but it's deep and abiding. Hell, you two would probably still love each other when you're blue haired old ladies in adjoining rooms at the nursing home. You guys have got something so… rare and special, I'm so jealous I could spit. I'd love to have what you guys have. You just… mesh. You guys are so close, you can't see it. But it's so damned real. And you think I could break that up?" Faith smiles, sadly. " I'm the problem, Will. I love you both, and I can't have either of you without killing something precious."

Willow gets this cold feeling. It starts in her stomach, and works it's way up into her heart.

" What're you saying, Faith?" Willow looks at her, " what're you trying to tell me?"

" I can't do it. I can't break you guys up," Faith says, quietly, " it'd be like… hell, I don't have a clever phrase for it, I just know it'd be wrong. Way more wrong than anything else. No matter how it went down, all three of us would be miserable. Me and you, or Buffy and me, doesn't matter. Someone's hurt, and the other two? Living with the gorilla. Eventually, it'd tear us apart. And that'd be way worse than me… just leaving." She shrugs." Soon as I know B's back on track, I'm leaving. I've got to."

" What if Buffy never gets ' back on track'?"

" Still doesn't work. Because the guilt? Would kill us."

" No. no. no. no." Willow shakes her head, not accepting this. " No. You're wrong. I know you're wrong. You cant' just… no, I don't accept it. I won't accept it. There's got to be a way… I just need to think. Think about it, figure it out. And I will. I won't accept this." She looks at Faith." You're precious to us, too. There's no way we want… either of us would want… you gone. I know if Buffy were here, she'd say the same damned thing. NO!" She shoots up off the bed, turning on Faith, " how can you be so cold? How can you just walk away from us? Don’t' we mean anything to you?"

Suddenly, Willow's on Faith's lap, She pushes her back on the bed. " Don't you love us?" She starts covering her face with kisses. " Don’t we make you happy?" More kisses. She crawls up on Faith, straddling her hips. " I don't care, Faith. I love you, I adore you! I don't need you all the time. I don't need to be selfish. I can share. Be with Buffy. Love Buffy. Be her girlfriend. Just sometimes, be with me. Love me. Care about me a little. Is that asking too damned much?" She starts pulling up Faith's sweatshirt." I love you, don't you see? That's why I didn't call Joyce back. Because then she'd come, and you with, and Buffy would go home with you…and I'd be left out… and I couldn't take that… not having you…even a little… It was wrong, I know that. I want you to have Buffy. But please, just love me a little… just a little bit. Please?"

"Stop it!" Faith grabs her wrists. As gently as she can, she moves Willow off of her, and sets her on the bed. " God, Willow, you're better than this. You don't need to do this. Not for me. I'm not worth it. Believe me, you can find better than me. You're young, attractive, sexy… " She stands up, going to a corner where she feel safer. " Why couldn't you two be like… one girl? Billow, or Wuffy… or something like that? This is killing me, because I love you both so damned much. But we just can't do this. You two have something too special together, and now I'm causing you to betray her this way? I can't do that; and I won't let you do this to yourself."

Faith goes over, and pulls Willow up. She turns her, and pushes her to the door. " Go back to the other house, Willow. This is over."

" You're so cold," Willow says, softly. Her eyes are sad beyond words. " You're so mean. How can you do this? All I want to do is love you. I don't want anything else." She turns, and walks out the door. " Why do I feel this way about you, and you… don't feel anything for me?" She walks away, not crying, just slumped.

Faith watches her go, and turns. She walks to where the speed bag is mounted on its stand. She hits it hard, once, sending it flying.

Because I'm so damned cold, Red.

She walks to the bathroom to shower.

3

Rose sits silently across from Joyce, a small frown on her face.

Joyce has just spent the last 2 hours telling her about life in Sunnydale. Her daughter's calling as a slayer. Willow being a very powerful Wicca, and Faith also being a slayer. What actually happened to Buffy.

Rose blinks, rises, then sits back down. She looks at Joyce, then cocks her head to the side.

" What you told me? Is rather fantastic. All right, beyond that. Almost unbelievable. " She gets a worried look on her face, " and disturbing."

" I know, " Joyce says, reaching out and patting the older woman's hand. " It's how I felt the first time I learned about it. Believe me, Buffy kept me in the dark over 2 years before I knew what was happening. I don't think she would've told me then, but she staked a vampire on my front porch that was trying to attack me."

" So, your daughter's this mystical warrior that fights the forces of evil? Vampires, demons, and things like that?" She looks at Joyce. " And Faith is one, too? Except she went bad, and they had her in prison?" Rose turns towards the back house. " Do you think it's safe for her to… I mean, be living here?" Rose looks worried.

" Faith's changed. Believe me, I knew her when she had problems, and now, after being in prison. She's changed a lot. A little rough, a little loud sometimes; getting her in a dress? Rather hard. But she's got a good heart. I trust her with my life. She lived with me for more than a year."

" Yes, I sensed she was… ok," Rose nods.

" Sensed?"

" Well, the Weiss family, especially the females, have always had an ability to … I don't know, sense the emotions and , well, I guess, character of others. I don't know how we got it, but my grandmother could tell what you were thinking just by looking at you." Rose chuckles. " That was scary, at times."

" I bet. Willow's very…gifted, you know, " Joyce says.

Rose's brow furrows, and she frowns.

" Is there something wrong?" Joyce asks.

" I'm not sure I'm happy about her being…so involved with Wicca," Rose says, " I mean, when she first started, I supported her. I knew her parents, Ira and my daughter, Sheila… were against it. But I thought it was harmless, and a good way to break from them. Willow's always been rather shy. But I had no idea she was so … advanced." Rose nods her head. " We're Jewish, you know. And while I'm not a fanatical orthodox like Ira, I'm still somewhat religious. Not sure that witchcraft and Judaism mixes very well. A lot of Jews got persecuted by early Christians because they were thought to be practicing the black arts." Rose shakes her head slowly. " No, I'm not sure I'm happy about this at all. I’m going to have to have a little talk to Willow about this."

" Please, don't be too hard on her, " Joyce says. " I know part of the reason she became involved with witchcraft was to help out Buffy fighting the bad things. She really has a good heart, Rose. You'd really be proud of her."

" Oh, I'm very proud of my granddaughter, Joyce," Rose smiles. " She's smart, funny, she's grown up a lot; she's a lot more confident about herself than she used to be. I attribute at least part of that to your daughter," She looks at Joyce and smiles, "and even when I didn't know who she was, I could tell her mother took good care in raising her."

Joyce blushes. " Thank you."

" And I'm not mad at Willow. I just…well, I'm concerned. She's dabbling in things that could be very harmful to her. I don't want her to get hurt."

" Might be a little late for that, Gram, " Willow says, walking into the room.

" Willow Danielle Rosenberg! Exactly how long have you been listening?" Rose asks, not all that proud of her granddaughter, the snoop.

" Just for a little bit, Gram," She turns to Joyce, " You didn't tell her about the addiction, did you?"

" I thought it best you told her that, honey." Joyce says.

" Wait? Addiction? You were doing drugs?" Rose looks shocked and upset.

" No, no Grams. Nothing like that. Magic addiction. Unfortunately, seeking a way to destroy Glory, and well, cure Tara? I played with things I shouldn't have…" She looks down. " I know I disappointed you, and I'm very sorry, Gram."

" Yes, I'm very disappointed, Willow," Rose sighs. " I thought at least I taught you better, even if your parents were less than there. I just thought I knew you better than I do." Rose sits silently, gazing at her.

" Gram, please, don't be angry with me. That's…over… I don't do dark arts … I worked hard, and with Buffy's help, I've managed to put it behind me. I'm hoping you can forgive me."

" Willow? What can I forgive? You made a choice. A bad choice, in my judgment, but you did it. You paid the price. I'm sure it wasn't easy, what you had to go through," Rose smiles sadly, " It's just it points out that I don't know you as well as I thought I did. That happens, I suppose, when you grow up Change is going to happen." Rose nods slowly," I think you're very lucky you had a friend like Buffy to be there when you needed her."

" I know, Gram," Willow's voice breaks. " I know." She squeezes her eyes tight to hold back the tears. " I've got to help her Gram… anyway I can."

" Willow," Rose says, giving her a sidelong glance, " I'm sure the doctors are doing all they can for her."

" I don't think the doctor's know what's causing her condition, Gram," Willow says simply. " they did an MRI on her, and found nothing? Is that right, Mrs. Summers?"

Joyce nods." They could find none of the physical trauma that usually indicates a coma, that's true, " Joyce agrees." They want to run further tests, but I'm not sure they'll find anything."

" I know you don't like… what I do, Gram," Willow says quietly. " But I have to do anything I can to help her. She's saved me too many times to not try everything I know."

" I really don't feel good about this, Willow," Rose says, " Magic can be dangerous. Do you have any idea what you might try?"

" Not yet, Gram," Willow lies, " I want to talk to Mr. Giles about it. And do some research. I want to do it right, Gram."

" I know I can't forbid you to do this, Willow. You're an adult. But I do think you need to think carefully about this. This could be dangerous for you, and your friend Buffy," Rose says firmly.

" Do you really think I'd do anything to hurt Buffy?" Willow snaps, everything piling up on her. " Buffy's my best friend. I'd rather hurt myself," She turns to Joyce, " I promise you, I'll be very careful with Buffy. I promise" She walks out of the room, not saying another word.

" Excuse me," Rose says, getting up.

" Don't be hard on her, please Rose. I know this has been very trying on her," Joyce says.

" It's been no picnic for you either, Joyce. I don't believe she has to be rude to make her point."

At that moment, Willow returns to the room. She walks back to the table. "I'm sorry. I lost my temper and shouldn't have. I know this is terrible for you, Mrs. Summers. I'm sorry if I was rude to you." She goes to her, giving her a hug. " I'm just worried about Buffy. "

Sometimes, they can still surprise you, Rose thinks. She walks to Willow, " Are you ok, honey?"

For a moment, Willow wants to just fall into her Gram's arms and pour out her heart. But she can't. She knows Gram wouldn't understand.

" I'm fine Gram, " Willow says softly. " I just need to do something upstairs. I'm sorry I was rude." She leaves again, and goes upstairs.

Rose follows her with her eyes. She realizes that something's happened, and can't help but regret that a small wall has come between her and Willow. She knew it had to happen someday; she just had hoped not today.

She walks back to the table.

" Can I get you another coffee, Joyce?"

" Actually, I need to be getting dressed. I need to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Giles has been there with Buffy all night, and I want to relieve him. Thank you, Rose, for the talk. I think it helped."

Joyce rises, returning her cup to the kitchen. She then heads upstairs to dress.

Rose picks up her cup, and heads towards the kitchen.

She can't remember when she's felt so alone.

4

Rupert Giles looks over at Buffy while she sleeps. He shakes his head.

She looks so young. Too young to be doing this. God, why is she doing this? She's not a slayer any longer. Why'd she risk her life to take on that demon?

" Buffy, this was your chance to be a normal girl; just like you always said you wanted," He murmurs softly. " Why don't you take it and run? Why're you still fighting."

He remembers all the times Buffy complained how she just wanted to do … how'd she put it, again? … Oh yes, girly stuff. He sighs. Now that you can be just a normal girl, you seem to be driven to be what you were. Why, Buffy? Why not relax now, find out what life has to offer. Instead of almost… He leans into his hand, feeling his eyes tearing up. It's Faith's turn now… let her have her turn.

He frowns, thinking how that's his biggest failure: Faith. He could've done so much more for her, and didn’t. She needed me, like Buffy needed me, but I wasn't there for her like she needed. I should've done more. Should've stood up to Wes when he was being such a prig to her. She needed so much, I didn't know how to deal with it. Or, maybe Giles, you didn't want to take the time to deal with it? You were a bit of a fool, and a bit of a prig yourself, Rupert. Too little, and too late, Giles. Crying over spilt milk doesn't get it back in the carton, does it?

He just hopes that Helen will work out for Faith. He pulled a lot of strings to get her assigned to Faith. But he knew Helen. Knew her parents before they were killed so young, and followed her career. He encouraged her to join the Watcher's Council, and did his best to see she wasn't shunted into a corner to rot, like so many had.

I think Helen can be a good friend to Faith, if she lets her be. Helen's a little stuffy at times, but she's got a good heart. I just hope Faith will let her in.

He reaches over, and strokes Buffy's hair. " And what are we going to do with you, Buffy? How are we going to help you?"

Giles leans back, and watches over her, like he's done for years.

5

"You ok?" Faith asks, coming over and sitting next to Willow. " You look stressed."

Everyone is at Rose's house, in the living room. Evening has fallen. Willow has called them together, saying she wanted to talk about Buffy. She hadn't been clear as to what this was about, and she was starting to think this might not go over well.

" Huh?" Willow looks up from nervously playing with her glass of water. " Oh yeah, I'm fine."

Willow looks around the room, at the expectant faces. Oh, there gonna hate this. This is a dumb idea. I know they're gonna think that. But what else can we do?

"Red, what's going on? You didn't say what you wanted to talk about. I think everyone's getting a little restless. You might want to say something." Faith whispers to Willow. She pats Willow's knee." It's gonna be ok, whatever it is, ok?" Faith smiles at her.

Easy for you to say. You don't have to try to convince them to let me do this. Damn.

" Hi, everybody. Glad you could come, " Willow stands up. " Yeah, ok, of course you're going to come. Where else you going to be, huh?" Oh, this is not good. Look at them. Yikes. " I wanted to talk about Buffy, and what we're going to do about her."

" Willow, I don't understand." Rose speaks up." Do about her? She's in a coma, dear. What can we do about her."

" That's just it, Gram. Giles has talked to the doctors, and so have Joyce and I." She paces around a little, nervously. " None of the doctors can find a physical cause for her being in a coma. There's no head trauma, no swelling. As far as they can tell, she shouldn't be asleep. She should've woken up already,"

"Well, they did say it could be some other reason they haven't discovered," Joyce says, " but it's true. So far, the doctors seem to be puzzled by her being unconscious. "

" I still don't understand, Willow. What can we do?" Rose asks.

" The thing is, " Willow leaps in with both feet, " I don't think it's a coma at all. I think Buffy's hiding out. She doesn't want to wake up."

" What?"

" That's rather absurd, Willow."

" Where did you get that idea?"

" Red, color me stupid, but I'm not getting that."

" I've seen her do something like this before…" Willow says, quietly.

" When?" Joyce asks, confused.

" You mean, when we were fighting Glory," Giles nods." Yes, I remember that."

" I'm sorry. No one told me about this?" Joyce looks at Willow and Giles. " When did this happen?"

" It was when Glory found out Dawn was the Key. We were going to make a run for it. We'd picked up a motor home, and were coming to get you when we were attacked. We ran, and holed up in an old abandoned service station on the outskirts of Sunnydale. Glory found us, and snatched Dawn. It was too much for Buffy. She … well, she went catatonic."

" But you…you told me … Buffy told me that Glory snatched Dawn, and you were going to get her back. But she was fine."

" That was later Joyce. After we brought her back."

" We didn't tell you Joyce, because we thought you had enough to worry about, " Giles adds in. " We thought it would be better…"

" Well, you thought wrong, Rupert," Joyce looks upset, " I'm not a child. If my … if Buffy is hurt, I want to know about it." That last remark is slightly pointed in Faith's direction. " Or if she's run away, I'd like to know." At Willow.

Both look a little crestfallen.

" I'm not angry," Joyce smoothes it over," I just wish I'd known."

" I know. I'm sorry, Mrs. Summers. I… look, the point is, I think after what's happened to Buffy, and everything, she might be hiding out again. She can't deal, and she felt she needed to withdraw." She looks at them all, " I’m not sure she'll wake up unless we find a way to get to her, bring her back out."

" All right, let's say you're right, Willow," Rose says, " I still don't understand what we can do. It's not as if we can go inside her head ."

" Well, actually, Gram…" Willow trails off.

" I'm sorry, I'm lost. Are you saying you can get inside Buffy's head?" Joyce asks, looking puzzled. " How?"

" Magic," Rose says, a note of disapproval in her voice.

" I go into her mind, Joyce. I try to find out why she's hiding. Hopefully, I can convince her to come back out," Willow says, ignoring her grandmother's somewhat disparaging remark.

" Sounds rather dangerous," Joyce doesn't sound convinced.

" It is dangerous," Giles says, not at all happy with this idea. " There's no telling where Willow will wind up. You might tap into a nightmare, or worse, Willow."

" This isn't right. Using magic like this," Rose shakes her head, " There's no telling what might happen. " She sees Willow's frown. " I'm sorry, but I don't think you've thought this through, Willow. I think you're being careless."

" I have to agree with you're grandmother, Willow. There are inherent risks in what you're proposing. To Buffy, and especially, to yourself." Giles leans back, " It's very possible you could become trapped in Buffy's mind. You very nearly did the last time you did this."

" That was the first time I'd ever done it, Giles, " Willow says, feeling herself being flanked, " I've done it since. I know how to be careful."

" Do you indeed?" Rose asks, taking a glance over at Faith. " It seems to me some of your recent choices have been a little impulsive." Rose sighs," I'm not saying you don't want to help your friend, Willow. I know you do. But I still believe that you're being somewhat rash about this. We're not even sure that Buffy isn’t seriously ill. There is still that possibility. I don't think you playing about in her mind will help that."

Faith rises. " I'm sorry, Mrs. Weiss. You've been very nice to me, allowing me to stay in the back house and all. But I can't stand by and watch you put down Willow like this, " Faith moves over to Willow. "I've known Willow for awhile now, and I know the one thing she doesn't do anything unless she's done a lot of thinking about it. God, she even organizes her coupons for expiration date and value. What does that tell you?" She looks at Rose," my point is, Willow wouldn't just rush in and do something that might harm Buffy. And Giles, Joyce and Willow have checked with the doctors. NO reason Buffy shouldn’t be awake, but she isn't . She's done this before, and I know for one, I trust her to do it right." She looks at the others. " Matter of fact, I want to go with. I think me being there? I can be like a backup, in case anything goes wrong. So, I trust her completely. And I think you should too."

" Faith, you don't have to do that. I can do this, no need for you to take the risk. I admit, there is some risk. But, I can handle it. I'll be fine." Willow says, looking at her.

" Nuh-uh. I don't think it's gonna be easy to get B to come out, and I figure, both of us doin' it? Be better than just you." She looks intently at Willow." If there's a risk, I'm not letting you take it alone, got it?"

The one getting it is Rose. She looks at Faith differently. Maybe I misjudged her. I saw how broken up she was about Buffy… and now she's running to Willow's defense. A very tiny smile breaks across her face.

" I still believe this is somewhat dangerous, " Giles says, " and I'm not convinced you should be putting yourself at such risk. Either of you."

" What then, Giles?" Faith looks at him. " I see everyone trying to shoot down Red's idea… but I'm not seeing much in the way of other ideas. Except to sit and wait. Well, I'm no doc, but I don't think Buffy hanging around in a coma is helping her any. I think she's pulling away farther every day. So, who's got another idea?"

No one says anything.

" Uh huh, kinda thought so, " Faith nods. She turns to Joyce, who's been silent. " I haven't heard from you, Joyce. What do you think?"

Joyce takes a second to answer. " I don't like the idea of putting you and Willow at risk," Joyce admits, " I'm fond of both of you." She turns to Willow. " Do you think this will really work?"

" I really do, Mrs. Summers."

" And you want to take the risk?"

" I've got to, Mrs. Summers. It's Buffy. How many times has she risked her life to save me?" She walks over to Joyce, and leans over. " I can't do nothing, Mrs. Summers. I have to try." Or I'll never be able to live with myself. Not after what I've done.

Joyce takes a second, and looks deeply into Willow's eyes. Willow feels uncomfortable about it, but doesn't flinch.

" Ok, Willow, I trust you. If you think it'll help, I'm behind you," Joyce nods.

" I think that settles it. I think Joyce has the biggest vote here, " Faith says. She smiles at Willow, " anyway, it's 3 to 2 now."

" I still think you're playing with fire, Willow," Rose says, " I don't want to see any of you hurt. Please, really think about this, dear. Don't rush into it."

" Gram, I love you," Willow comes over, and kneels by her side. " I know you're just trying to protect me. I love you for that. But you've gotta trust me. I know what I'm doing here. I'm going to be very careful. Believe me, the last thing I want is Buffy or myself harmed."

" I'm hoping you're including me in that no harm stuff?" Faith arches a brow.

" Faith, I can't let you do this. It's risky enough for me. I don't want…"

" Forget it, Red. You don't let me go, I'm pulling my vote," Faith walks close to, but not next to Willow. " Look, kiddo, I'm just there to provide the muscle, ok? I'm not gonna interfere unless it gets dicey. I just want to help. I really need to, Red."

" I'd feel a lot better if you included Faith in this, Willow," Rose says. " I think she'd provide good backup for you." She smiles a small but warm smile at Faith. " I can see she cares about you."

" Ok, ok, I get it, " Willow sighs. " If you really want to, you can go with. Just, let me be in charge, ok?"

" Deal, Red"

" I suppose that makes me the last hold out, then, " Giles sighs. " Willow, I'm not trying to be an obstructionist. I just fear for your safety. I don't want anyone else to get hurt."

" I'd like you to be onboard with this, Giles, " Willow says, her tone resolved. " but with you, or without you, this is going to happen."

" I know," Giles says quietly, " and despite my reservations, I'm onboard."

Willow gets up, and walks over to Giles, encircling his neck with her arms. " Thank you, it really means a lot." She hugs him.

" Yes, well, " Giles says, a little embarrassed by the display of affection, " I best return to the hospital. I'm sure there are things you wish to prepare before you performing this ritual." He stands up, and walks towards the front door.

" I think I'll join you, Rupert," Joyce says, grabbing her purse and coat, " I'd like a spend a little time with Buffy tonight."

The two of them exit out the front door.

" Well, I better get the stuff I need together, and I think it's important we be rested before we start. We'll do this tomorrow. That ok with you, Faith?"

" That's peaches here, Red," Faith nods, " I'm gonna do a patrol, check how things are. I’ll seeya guys later, " Faith walks out the front door.

Willow begins to gather up the cups and glasses silently. Rose watches, noting that Willow seems to be avoiding talking to her. She frowns, realizing that by the day, they seem to be pulling apart.

" Willow, dear, are you upset with me?" Rose asks, joining her in the kitchen.

" No, Gram," Willow says quietly, setting the dishes in the sink. She looks out the window rather than at her grandmother. " I just wish you trusted me more." She starts to run water in the sink.

" Willow, it's not that I don't trust you, dear. I know you'll do your best. You always do. It's just that what I've learned about your life is rather surprising to me. I had no idea you were so advanced into witchcraft, nor did I know about Buffy and Faith. It's a lot to take in over a day or two. You have to give me some time to sort it all out."

" Aw, Gram. I probably should've told you about everything," Willow turns to her, her expression soft, " I wasn't trying to lie to you so much, as protect you. I didn't want you to worry about me. You do enough of that already, just me being Willow. I think you're the only one in the fam that does," Willow comes over to her, hands still wet, and hugs her. She chuckles. " Sorry, should've dried off first." She starts to break the hug, but Rose pulls her back into it.

" I very proud of you, Willow. I am. " Rose hugs her tightly. " I just want you to know that. I might not agree with what you're doing, but I know you have a good heart, dear. And that's more important than anything else. You're very special to me, and I'm sorry I'm such a worry wart, sometimes. I just want you to be safe."

" Aw, Gram," Willow sounds impatient, but the smile and her eyes belie her tone of voice. She pulls away from Rose a little. " I love you too, " She kisses her Gram on the cheek. " Now, let me get this done before it turns midnight, ok?" She grins, and turns back to the sink.

" Ok, sweetie, " Rose says, " but you will have a piece of apple pie with me after, right?"

" As if you could stop me, " Willow giggles, " you know I love your apple pie, Gram."

Rose walks into the living room, and retrieves the last of the glasses. She stands still for a moment, looking out through the curtains into the night.

Please, God. If you can, watch over her. Keep her from harm. She's very special to me.

She picks up the glasses and heads for the kitchen.

6

Faith returns from her morning run the next day to find Willow standing at her door, waiting. She sees a bag sitting on the ground next to her. With a questioning look, she unlocks the door to the back house and enters, waving Willow to follow her in.

" Hey, " Faith says, " you're kinda early, aren't you? I was hoping to shower and have breakfast before we left."

" Oh… yeah, well, I do want to get going early, but I just came to thank you. You know, about last night. The support and stuff."

" No, don't. I mean, I gotta admit, I think the whole thing you're planning? A little on the screwball side. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you."

"Wait, wait a minute, " Willow says, " You think it's screwball? I don't get that. Why'd you volunteer to … well, go along, then?"

" Cuz, you needed the support. I mean, would look kinda bad if I said, " Hey, let her do it, " Then chicken out doing it myself, " Faith goes to the dresser, getting some underwear and other clothing. " But frankly, Red, all this hocus-pocus abracadabra stuff? Gives me a major case of the wigs." She walks to the bathroom. " Beside which, I gotta wonder, are we doing the right thing?" With that, she enters the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

" Whoa! Hold on, " Willow follows her into the bathroom.

" HEY! Red! A little privacy?" The half dressed Faith makes moves to cover herself.

" Oh, for Goddesses sake, it's not like I haven't seen you naked before, Faith!"

" Yeah, and we know how that works out, " Faith says, ruefully. " Could you turn around, please?"

Willow sighs, and complies. " Ok, you're modesty is safe!"

Faith finishes undressing, and hops in the shower, " So, ok, what was so important you had to follow me in here?"

Beside the chance to see you naked? Ok, bad thoughts Not the day for Bad thoughts.

" It's just what you said outside. About this being the right thing to do," Willow says, raising her voice to be heard over the water from the shower spray. " Why'd you say that?"

" Huh?"

" RIGHT THING TO DO? WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT?" Willow shouts.

" OH… look… you gotta understand about slayers. We're kind of fatalistic in our outlook on life. Hell, we gotta be, Red, " Faith shouts over the shower, " Thing is? We know we're not going to live forever. Me and Buff? Had a pretty long run on it. Hardly any slayer survives to her 25^th birthday. They're rare as hens teeth. " The shower goes off, and an arm sticks out. " Gimme a towel, please?"

Willow walks over, and grabs a towel. She hands it to the arm.

" Ok, I know about that, " Willow says, " But you and Buffy are … well, special, you know? I mean, first of all… just the two of you existing as slayer at the same time. Well, Buffy's not a real slayer anymore, I guess, but you know what I mean. It's just the rules are already broken. Why shouldn't you both live past 25?"

Faith steps out of the shower, wrapped in the towel, much to Willow's secret regret.

" Look, thing is, our destiny is to fight. We do that, cuz we're warriors. I don't expect to live much longer, and B's already on borrowed time ever since she died fighting the master. She's had a better run that most," Faith walks to the sink, grabbing a brush and starting on her hair. " Did you ever think maybe this is just her time, Red?" She turns around, and looks at Willow. " Maybe she's not supposed to come out of this."

" I can't believe this, Faith!" Willow sounds angry, " I can't believe you're even thinking we should just leave her like that. God, I thought you loved her!"

Faith turns fully around, staring at Willow. " I do love her, Red. I love her enough not to try to bring her back if she's going to be like Tara. Think she'd love that, Red? Not knowing you, me, her mom… anyone? Being trapped in some hell of insanity, never getting out? Or worse, being brain dead, lying there, her body breathing, her mind nothing? I love Buffy for who she is, and who she can be. And, I love her enough to let her go."

" No, no, " Willow shakes her head, backing out of the bathroom. " No I won't buy that. You've got no way of knowing what's happening to her. What if she's stuck in a nightmare, reliving something awful from her past, never able to break free. Is that what you want? To condemn her to that? How could you?"

" And what's to say we could even pull her out? What if we get trapped right along with her?"

" That's it, isn't it?" Willow says, " It's scaring you, the idea of being in Buffy's mind. You're afraid something's going to go wrong, and you're going to be trapped, aren't you?"

" Well, have you even thought of that? That we could get stuck, and not get out? I know this sounds selfish. Ok, it is selfish, but I'm really not ready to have my brain permanently linked with Buffy's, living in her nightmare."

" Faith, I told you, you don't have to do this," Willow looks at her, and feels massive guilt that right now she wants to forget Buffy, and just rip the towel off of Faith. " But I've got to. I've got to try to bring her out." Otherwise, how could I even think of being with you? Willow thinks, It'd never be right, she'd always be right there! " I've got to do this, Faith. She's my best friend, and I won't just let her slip away from me. I do, you don't. So why don't you just stay here?"

" No," Faith says, " not happening. I'm not going to let you go in to her mind, and be trapped forever, not alone. I'm not gonna let you get into some permanent mind fuck she might do to you, and not be there to pull you back."

" Faith…" Willow reaches out to her.

" Go on, go on. Let me get dressed so we can do this, if we're going to do this," Faith says, anger born from fear, " Just go in the other room, ok?"

Willow doesn't speak a word, she just goes into the front room, hearing the bathroom door shut behind her.

She walks over to the punching bag, and gives it a punch. She pulls back her hand, and waves it. " Ow, that hurts" She mutters.

Damn. Buffy is always going to be there, no matter what,. No matter what happens, Even if she were to… god, don't think that, Will. But even if, she'd be there, haunting us, sitting looking at us. There can't be an us, because … forget it. I'll get her out, somehow, then I’m backing off. This will be my gift to Buffy, to make up for what I did with Faith. Give her Faith back. Move on, find someone for myself. Yeah, settle for a Ford when I've had a Mercedes. That's so gonna be easy. Uhhh. Just lets get this done…

" Well, ok, " Faith says, walking out of the bathroom, " just let me throw on some shoes, and we're outta here," Faith wanders around the room, looking for her boots.

" Look, Faith, I'd just as soon as you don't come along. Really. I can handle this without you."

Faith looks up, holding one of her boots in her hand. " Get real, Red. Not going to happen. I said I was going with you, and that hasn't changed. So, knock it off, and help me find my other boot, ok?"

"Faith, I appreciate what you did. Supporting me in there. But if you're not onboard with this? … you're only going to get in my way. So, I'd rather you didn't go with me."

" I'm. Not. Going. To. Get. In. Your. Way." Faith says, irritation growing," And if you think you're doing it without me, you got another think comin', girl. Now, quit acting like a dope, and help me find my shoe."

" I'm not acting like a dope, " Willow bends over, seeing Faith's boot. She picks it up, and throws it at her. " You're acting like a moron."

" Hey!" Faith catches the boot, and looks at Willow angrily. " Are you trying to bean me?" She shakes her head, and sits on the bed, putting on her boot.

"God, you're always like this, " Willow says, her own temper rising. " Always thinking you know everything. You've got all the answers. Well, Faith, if you've got all the answers, tell me, please. Just give it to me, and we'll forget the whole thing."

" And you're being an idiot, not even being a little afraid, " Faith says, standing up. " I remember what happened when you ' accessed' Buffy the last time. Gave me your memories, remember? You almost didn't get out. But you're acting like it's a walk in the park. What the hell is wrong with you? Why aren't you even a little bit afraid?"

" Maybe I am afraid, Faith. Maybe I am. But there's someone I care about, in trouble, and I'm gonna damn well do everything I can to help her," Willow comes over to Faith, getting in her face. " Do you even give a damn about her?"

" How can you even…" Faith trails off, anger building. " Yes, if you need an answer to that stupid question, yes, Yes, YES! I care about Buffy. But she might be brain dead for all we know, and going in might just get you killed, or worse, you're in a permanent brain swamp with Buffy. Then what? Then what do I do?"

" Leave us, just like you're going to anyway!" Willow yells at her.

Faith feels an urge to slap her, but holds it back.

" You think I WANT to leave? You think it's not killing me, knowing I have to give you both up? Shit, you must think I'm a fucking ice cube. But tell me, Willow, you're so damned smart. I mean, you know every goddamn thing, including what I feel. Tell me Oh Ms. Smarty pants I know every goddamn thing worth knowing, tell me, who do I chose? Who do I chose, without all three of winding up miserable? Goddamn you!" Faith storms away. " I can't … I can't be with you right now. I meet you at the hospital. " Faith turns, and storms out the door.

" No you don't, goddamn you. No you don't!" Willow runs to the door. Seeing Faith nearing the end of the driveway, she casts a quick spell, ending by pointing at Faith and saying " Thicken!"

Fait stops suddenly, as if crashing into a wall.

"What the hell?" She touches the air in front of her…and can't push her hand forward. She turns and sees Willow standing there. " You. Figured it had to be you!" She storms back towards Willow and hits another invisible wall. " Oh great, what? What's your problem, Red? Drop this shit…NOW!"

Willow is up by her now, and she raises her hand, mumbling some phrases under her breath.

Faith reaches out, and touches the air. No wall.

" Good. Now, can I go?"

" NO!" Willow says. She gets right up into Faith, and stares at her. " Not 'til I've had my say!"

" Fine," Faith crosses her arms. She waits. Willow just stares at her. " Well, what?"

And suddenly as that, Willow just grabs her and puts her in a major lip lock. Faith is taken by surprise, and doesn't react for a second. Then she pushes Willow away.

" What the hell???" She's angry and confused. More confused than angry. Ok, maybe just confused.

" There, that's why. Now I've said it. I'll see you at the hospital!" Willow says, going around her, walking away.

Faith stands there, watching her go.

Crazy, they're all fucking insane!

She makes an impatiently angry noise, and follows Willow.

7

What the hell is she doing? Is she pulling another spell on me?

Faith is almost running, yet for some reason can't seem to catch up with the red-headed Wiccan. Somehow, she manages to keep a block or two ahead, and is even now widening the gap between them. Faith kicks in some speed when she sees her turn a corner, but only finds her even further along when she gets there.

" Well, screw this then," Faith mutters, slowing down. Let her have her goddamn 'alone time' then. Faith starts to saunter towards the hospital, in no real hurry to get there. Not like B's going anywhere.

Faith is in no big hurry to get to this particular ' battle'. In her own mind, her feelings about bringing back Buffy are conflicted. Yeah, I love her. There's something about her that just does that to me. But on the other hand, there's Willow. How can I just turn my back on her? I've had a lot more time with her. What I've seen? I like. A lot. I haven't had that time with Buffy. If it really came to a choice, how would I choose? I can't, really. That's why, no matter how this turns out, I lose. I can't be with either. Not and have it turn out happy ever after. Someone loses, someone's hurt, and in the end, we all lose. Sucky to the max.

Faith reaches the hospital. First surprise. Willow isn't already inside, but waiting for her at the front entrance. Second surprise? She doesn't look mad; more sad and regretful.

" So, what? Re-thinking the whole mind walk thing, Red?" Faith asks as she approaches her.

" No, just… I really hate this being mad at each other. Can't we not not do this?" Willow moves closer to Faith, laying her hand on her arm. Faith doesn't try to remove it. " I'm scared too, Faith. When I was up there, telling the others what I wanted to do, I was scared silly. I know things can go wrong. That's why I didn't want you along. I don't want anything to happen to you. but you being here, doing this? Makes it better, easier for me. I feel braver with you with. Does that make sense? All I want to say is… I'm glad you're here. "

" Yeah, well, we better just get up there. Sooner we do this, sooner it's over, " Faith says, a little brusquely, to hide her own conflicting feelings and worry. Then she blows it all out of the water. "I'm sorry, I'm scared too. I'm glad you're here with. " How can you be mad at her? It's like tossing kittens. It's just wrong. Oh, shit. Now I'm channeling B. That's never good!

They go inside, go up the elevators, and walk down the hall to Buffy's private room, all in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The enter the room, and see Joyce and Giles already there with Buffy.

" Hi, guys. Sorry to be rude, but get out, " Faith says.

" I'm sorry?" Giles says a little affronted.

" She just means, we're going to do something that requires intense concentration. You being here?… not helpful." Willow smiles apologetically, " Sorry."

" You'll be careful?" Joyce says, looking at the two women.

" Oh yeah, Joyce. Not gonna get myself brain fried."

" That's comforting, " Joyce half smiles. " We'll be outside."

Taking Rupert by the arm, she walks out of the private room.

Willow puts down the bag, taking out some candles and putting them around them in a circular fashion. She lights the candles, saying a small prayer each time. Finally, she pulls out a small incense burner, and puts something in it, lighting it. It has a pleasant scent, not too heavy.

She grabs two chairs, and places them close to Buffy's bed, but not too close. She hands something to Faith.

" What's this? Oooo… a necklace!" Faith smiles. " And I didn't get you anything!" Faith needles Willow a little.

Willow is all business." Put it on , Faith. It's important. If for some reason we get lost from each other, hold onto the amulet, and think of me. I'll be able to find you that way." She puts one on herself.

" And visa versa" Faith says, putting hers on.

Willow nods, and takes Faith's hand. She laces her fingers with Faith's.

" Geeze, Red, I didn't know you wanted to get personal," Faith cracks, obviously nervous.

" We need to be in contact, so I can lead you in," Willow says, ignoring the joke. " Close you're eyes, and think about Buffy. Try to clear your mind of other thoughts."

Yeah, and holding your hand? That's making it sooo easy. Faith closes her eyes, and concentrates on the blonde one.

She hears Willow murmuring something in some foreign language under her breath. The image in her mind starts to waver, so she concentrates harder. Images float by her, and swirl around and around, almost as if caught in a whirlpool. In the center of the whirlpool is a small bright light. It grows brighter, and larger, soon drowning out everything else. She begins to feel uncomfortable, as if the light is making her nervous.

" You can open your eyes now, " She hears Willow say softly. Faith does.

" WHOA!"

They're standing in front of Buffy's house on Revello drive. It's a warm sunny California day, the sun caressing her skin. The street around them, everything seems perfect…except, nothings going on. There's no traffic, no people, nothing. Everything is still and calm.

" How the hell…?"

" We're in Buffy's mind. This is a gateway." Willow nods towards the house.

" Swell," Faith says, still awed, bewildered and feeling a little uneasy. " Now what?"

" I guess we go into the house," Willow says, pulling her along after. Their hands are still linked together.

" You guess?" Faith holds up the parade, digging in. " You GUESS? You don't KNOW?"

" Faith, it's different each time. Depending on what the person's thinking and feeling. Last time I entered Buffy's mind, I was inside her home in L.A. and Buffy was 6 years old, playing with a doll. I'm hoping this will be a bit different."

Oh, it's different, all right. What the hell have I gotten myself into? MOMMY!I

The two girls, one very reluctantly, climb the steps to the porch, and opening the door, enter the house.

" HOLY SHIT!"

To be continued
- 19
- 20
- 21
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