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Independence	By : norwalker Category: -Buffy the Vampire Slayer > FemmeSlash - Female/Female > Faith/Willow Views: 7379 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
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
- 20
- 21
- 22
Independence

By Norwalker

Part 21 of

Summary: What did Willow and Faith discuss in that little car trip from L.A. to Sunnydale in season 7? And what were the consequences? A Willow/ Faith story

Rating: R, Very R
Category: romance/drama/angst
Spoilers: Possible season 7 spoilers. Possible season 4 Angel spoilers. C'mon, you must have seen 'em by now!
Time Line: Mid season 7(after the return of Faith) and beyond
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon , Mutant Enemy and Fox own them.

Warnings: Adult themes, violence, sexual situations between members of the same gender. Please be aware, character death is always a distinct possibility. It can happen here, so don't say I didn't warn you!!! Any racist remarks are spoken by the characters, and are in no way shared by the author. This story is not meant for children.
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Buffy is staring out the lobby windows at the late afternoon sunlight. She's been sitting here for what feels like hours, waiting. Well, sitting, pacing, going out, and coming back, would be more accurate. But she keeps coming back; she can't help it. Her curiosity is piqued.
Who were those strangers. Kira said they were family, but what else did they do?

Why were they here?

Why did Kira go pale seeing them?

Why did Faith shut them all up in that little office?

How long were they going to be in there?

What the heck is going on here?
-Was this the ' trouble ' that Kira was seeing in her dreams?- Buffy had to wonder.- After all, why would Kira have such a strange reaction to seeing her sister and cousins? And Faith… she acts like they're the last people she wants to see. Then she herds them into that office, and it's been secret meeting time since. It's been going on all day. I'm not liking this. Something's going on around here, and I'm clueless … nothing new, I guess, but this isn't just casual.-
- Guess I should expect it, though. I mean, why tell the fuck-up anything? I mean, pretty much everybody figures I can't be trusted to do squat right. "Better not tell Buffy. She'll just screw it up", right?- Buffy feels her ire rising.- Hey, folks, if you forgot? Saved the world a few times here. Died twice doing it. Not exactly a rookie, you know?- Buffy frowns. – Well, I'm telling you, I'm gonna corner Kira when she comes out of that meeting, and I'm not letting her go until I get some answers. Not playing the dummy around here no more!-
" Hello, Buffy. I didn't expect to see you here. Where is everyone?" Giles voice floats into Buffy's consciousness, startling her.
" Giles? You're still here? I thought you made for the land of tweed and crumpets already." She can't help tweaking him a little, " What happened? Tired of the rain and damp? Want to soak up some rays before heading back?"
" Oh, absolutely. You know how much I adore this land of the weather that never changes, " Giles tweaks her back. Buffy's eyebrows shoot up.
" Giles… you made a joke!" Buffy laughs, clapping her hands.
" Yes, well, I try not to let it happen too often, " Giles , slightly blushing, retorts.
" Well, we must be feeling rather full of ourselves today, that's two in a row!"
" Very amusing, Buffy. Yes," Giles says, slightly testily, " actually, I have business with Faith. Have you seen her?"
" Oh yeah, she's in there, " Buffy points toward the office. She puts her finger to her lips. " Shhh… it's some hush-hush secret decoder-ring kinda meeting!" Buffy has a cynical smile on her face.
" Really? How odd. Who's she meeting with?" Giles inquires.
" Now, if I told you that, it wouldn't be a secret, would it?" Buffy teases him. She sees he doesn't get it. " Ok, ok, it's her, and Kira, and some of Kira's relatives from the old country, I guess. All very secret agenty, you know?"
" Hmmm. Wonder if this has something to do with…" Giles trails off, in thought.
" What? WHAT?" Buffy's itching for any information.
"Well, you realize that Faith has channeled some funds to the Council over the last year, yes?"
" Er… no."
" Really? I thought I … sorry, guess I forgot to tell you. Yes, she set up a renewable fund , giving the profits from the fund to the council as a contribution." Giles furrows his brows, " you're sure I didn't tell you this?"
" Oh, I'm sure. I know I'm not the sharpest thorn on the bush, Giles, but I think I'd remember that!"
" Buffy, you know I didn't mean that, " Giles chides her, " Well, she came to me a few months back. Called me actually. You know one of the biggest problems we've been having is finding and training all the potential slayers. The old system of one on one watcher to slayer simply wasn't feasible any longer. I fear we may have lost a significant number of … what? Slayer trainees, I guess, through the cracks. Anyway, she says she's gathered a group of girls and has been training them. On her own dime, a she so colorfully put it. But she wanted to inculcate them in their heritage, and that, of course, is the council's raison d'etre. " he sees Buffy's puzzled look. " Why there's a council, Buffy. Anyway, she proposed a kind of… well, Academy, I suppose, to train groups of slayers. Those girls I brought are to be the first ' class '. But there's still a lot to work out." Giles seems puzzled. " It's funny she didn't mention it to you."
" Oh yeah, I'm really splitting at the seams here, laughing Giles, " Buffy deadpans. She shrugs, " Well, I guess with the attitude about me around here, I shouldn't be too surprised, huh?"
" Attitude? I'm not following you, I fear, Buffy." Giles replies.
" Oh, you know. Buffy the weak sister, Buffy the troublemaker, Buffy the screw-up. Guess we gotta keep this stuff from me, might over tax the mind, you know what I mean?"
" Buffy, I believe you're being a little over-sensitive. No one, including Faith, thinks of you that way."
" Really? How come I'm the last to find out about this academy, then?" Buffy turns away from him, " I've got a pretty good idea why."
" Buffy, you're being a little childish, don't you think? I'm sure Faith is just waiting until everything is in place to tell you."
" Right. Another thing Buffy's too stupid to help with. Got it."
" Buffy, stop it!" Giles tone is stern. He softens it somewhat. " From what I understand, Faith wants to tap you to help run it."
" Really?" for a second, her tone is hopeful. Then cynicism sets in, " Really? Yeah, well, I'll believe it when …"
At that moment, the door to Faith's office opens, and the occupants spill out into the lobby. Judging from the expressions, no one is particularly happy. Faith looks especially upset. But she's making an attempt to hide it, and escorts the ' guests' to the front door.
" Are you sure you can't stay?" Faith asks, solicitously, " there's no shortage of rooms. And, I'd really like to discuss this further. A lot further, actually."
" No, sorry, Faith. I fear we have to be leaving tonight. There's other business on the agenda, and the board is meeting tomorrow again to take up where we left off. We only came to inform you of the board's decision, and to alert you to the fact that you'll need to be present at next month's meeting." Layne turns to Kira, and hugs her. " Well, little one, it was good seeing you again, even if so briefly. Sorry it couldn't have been under better times, eh?"
Kira dutifully returns the hug, but Buffy can see she's upset.
Layne looks over, and seeing Buffy sitting on the sofa, looks a little surprised.
" Well, Miss Summers. Are you still here?" She walks over, and offers her hand," I must say meeting you has been … interesting."
" Likewise, I'm sure, " Buffy looks at the outstretched hand briefly, then takes it, giving it a good squeeze. Layne winces.
" My, who would've believed such a wee one could have so much strength?" She smiles, and turns away. Buffy sticks out her tongue at her, briefly. Kira is the only one who seems to notice, and a small smile flits on her lips.
" Well, Kira, do be keeping out of trouble, won't you? And, are we going to be seeing you at next month's meeting?"
" Don't know, Layne. I might have to stay to keep things running smoothly."
" Ah, yes, perhaps so then." She looks at Kira with a sidelong glance. " I'll give everyone your regards then, shall I?"
" Yes, of course."
" Take care then, dear." Layne turns to Faith. " Will you accompany us to the car, Faith? I have one more thing to say, if you could."
" Yes, of course, " Faith replies. She, along with Layne, Peter, and Liam, leave the lobby.
Giles looks at his watch, and winces. " Oh, dear, I've got an appointment at the training center." He turns to Kira, " could you tell Faith I really need to see her? I'll call her in about an hour."
" Of course, Mr. Giles," Kira says, nodding absently.
Giles takes his leave, exiting through the garden.
Kira stands at the lobby entrance, looking as if she's deciding whether she wants to follow the others out, maybe do a little eavesdropping. Buffy sees her chance, and quick as a bunny, she is beside Kira, pulling her back into the lobby.
" What?" Kira says, feeling herself being pulled in roughly, " easy up, Buffy. What…?"
" You me, talk. Now!" Buffy says, pulling Kira towards the now empty office.
" Buffy, really. I don't have time for any of your games right now…"
" Oh, you're going to make time, Kira. I'm really sick of being left out of everything. I want some answers, now."
Kira finds herself dragged into the office, and Buffy turns, kicking the door shut. Not really hard, but the door banging has a pronounced effect on Kira's already jangled nerves.
" Damn, shit and damn," She says, shuddering.
Buffy looks at her, and is taken a little aback at the normally compliant and mild Kira swearing.

" Alright, Buffy, you got me here. Now, what do you want?" Kira's tone is level and even but with a definite don't fuck with me edge.
" I'm kinda jonesing for some answers here, " Buffy's own tone is no-nonsense, give it to me straight. " I wanna know what's going on around here."
" Nothing that concerns you, Buffy." Kira , out of habit, sits in the chair behind the desk, while Buffy paces back and forth in front of it.
" You don't think what happens to you concerns me?" Buffy stops pacing for a moment to glare at Kira. " You're all happy, pretty much one second, getting the big " O " from eating ice cream, talking about running off to the beach, then we come back in the hotel, and you're 'relatives', if that's who they really are…"
" They were my sister and cousins, Buffy," Kira exclaims.
" Yeah, whatever, so how come you go like 5 shade of pale seeing them? Oh, and then Faith comes down, and you spend the better part of the day locked up in this office with them. When you come out, they look cool as ice, and you and Faith look like you've been run through the wash cycle a few too many times. Something's going on, and I wanna know what!"
Kira looks tired, but she tries to couch it as softly as she can.
" Buffy, I know you care about Faith, and me, and everything, even if sometimes… well, you know. But this really is just internal stuff to Lehane. It's company business, and not privy to outsiders. I can't tell you more than that."
" Kira, I know you think I'm a fool…"
" That's so wrong, Buffy, I don't think anything of the kind!" Kira protests.
Buffy smiles, but the smile is a sad one, " C'mon, Kira, I'm not a fool. Really. I get it. But thing is, this … whatever happened, is bigger than just ' Company ' business. You don't come out looking like you two did… you both look like someone killed your last friend, AND took your last toy, to boot." Buffy tries a bluff. " Does this have to do with Faith's big plan?"
Kira starts just a little. She recovers quickly, but it's enough.
" Don't know what you mean, Buffy. There's no ' big plan' as far as I know, " Kira lies, " I told you, it was just about some internal company business."
" So, you're going to start lying to me now?" Buffy arches a brow.
" Not lying, Buffy. Don't know what's going through that brain of yours, but I'm telling you straight. There's no plan, big or small or otherwise."
" Uh-huh, " Buffy seems to be elsewhere. She tunes back on Kira. " I know about the foundation, Kira, that Faith set up. To fund the Council. I know about the " Academy" that Giles and Faith are putting together. I'm even hearing I might have a role to play in that… though, frankly, I'm doubting it. But here's what I'm hearing from you…" Buffy stands up before Kira, and does a wicked embodiment of a mall rat/ Valley girl. She thrusts out her hip, stands posed but 'casual' " Hey, like, I'm Buffy. I'm blonde, I'm kinda pretty, so of course I'm like an airhead, ya know? Anything you tell me goes in my ears and out my mouth. I'm just like, clueless, you know? My major skills are shopping, and gossiping, and being stylish. So like … ummm … you got some gum? Cuz I really might start having a thought, and hey, I can't think and chew gum at the same time, you know?" Buffy's voice is dripping acid by the time she finishes.
Kira turns red through Buffy's little monologue.
" That's so unfair," She hisses.
" Unfair? Maybe? I'm kinda getting that's what people think, though! " Buffy's expression is grim. " but maybe I've earned that, you know? Because maybe I don't like being a stick all the time, fitting into someone's neat little boxes. Ok, I've been doing some stupid stuff, lately. " Buffy turns to Kira, bright pink spots outlining her otherwise pale face. " Maybe I'm bored waiting around, being treated like a dumbass. Maybe I'm hoping someone will tell me exactly what's going on!" Buffy's expression changes, a tight smile spreading across her lips. " or maybe, while you were safe and sound, doing the college thing, I was out there putting my life on the line so there'd be somewhere for you to be. But, that doesn't count for shit, does it? You're only as good as last apocalypse, huh? Oh yeah, I managed to get us through that one, too. With some help from my friends. If I got any left, that is!"
" You've got friends, Buffy," Kira says quietly.
" Yeah, that's why their treating me like the 'tard cousin, right? You know… I'm not smart like you, Kira. I don't have the brains you got, or Will's got… but I'm not a moron, you know? And I'm tired of being treated like one."
" No one's treating you like a moron, Buffy, " Kira says, firmly, " though you've got to admit, some of your recent … forays, surely qualify you." Kira stands up, " but you know what? You can't be privy to every bit of what goes on around here. This isn't … what's the name of that place? Oh yeah, Sunnydale. This isn't your show Buffy, it's Faith's. She's in charge here. Right now, you're going to have to start acting like an adult, and a team player, and get onboard. Or don't. But that, for now, is it. If you don't like it, well… whatever, get over it."
Kira braces for an explosion. She's quite unprepared for Buffy's reaction. Buffy seems to relax, loosen up. She smiles. Kira relaxes, relieved. But either she doesn't notice, or doesn't want to see the look in Buffy's eyes.
" You know what? You're right," Buffy's voice is soft, deceptively calm, " this isn't my show. Doesn't really matter what I think, or what I know. Got it. I'm just one of the ' scoobies' here." She shakes her head, and shrugs. " Maybe I'm taking this way too seriously. Know what? Time for some fun. You look like you could use a shot of fun…" Buffy puts on the big smile. "Heck, you look like you could use a whole lotta shots of fun…"
" I'm sorry, Buffy, but I can't. I've got too much to do."
" Aw, c'mon, Kira. Don't be a stick. Just come out with me for a drink. One lousy drink, you know? Maybe dance a little. You'll come back, all relaxed, having a new perspective on things. You'll be recharged, do a better job."
Kira frowns. " C'mon yourself, Buffy. You know well as I do that if we go out, it's not gonna be one drink, cuz you start calling me a stick if I don't have ' just one more'. And we'll get in trouble, and Faith'll blow a gasket… "
" So, you've got to clear every little thing you do with Faith first, huh?" Buffy grins, " must be hell when you brush your teeth." Buffy leans over, getting right in Kira's face. " C'mon, be a little wild, girl. Tell you what? I'll buy you ice cream. Chocolate mocha fudge ripple… yummy." Buffy grins.
"Stop it, Buffy, " Kira says, crossly. She's tired of this. " I can't just go running off with you every time you get a whim. Some of us have responsibilities around here…". As soon as it leaves her mouth, Kira wishes she could take it back.
" Right, right you are,' Buffy gets up quickly, walking to the door. She turns back, and looks at Kira with a peculiar expression on her face. " Well, guess old bad Buffy'll just have to find her own fun, right? No big, trust me, I'm good at it. Know what though?" Buffy gestures around the room, " Look at this space, Kira. This is your cell… your little box where you keep your life, and your feelings, and all of it contained neatly and tidily and hey, tightly. This is it, baby. You're prison. Like Faith. She got out of prison, but she carries her cell around with her. She used to know how to have a good time… not now. Funny, you know? Sometimes, you're just like her." Buffy smirks at her. " So, stay burrowed in your little hole. Hope you like it. See ya later, doll." Buffy saunters out the door, and then slams it after herself.
Kira stares at the door, her face a palette of mixed emotions. She's conflicted in every which way, and sits there briefly. Then, coming to a decision, she jumps up, and opens the door, calling out.
" Buffy… wait…"
But it's too late. The lobby's deserted.
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It's nighttime in L.A., and Faith stands looking out over the city from the rooftop of the Hyperion Hotel.
L.A. takes on a wholly different character in night, transforming into a panorama of light and color. The seedy and ugly parts tend to recede into the shadows, and the million points of light tend to give it a wonderland feel. Its electric beauty hides the pervasive undercurrent of malevolence and wickedness, hiding in the gloom between the lights.
Faith looks out over the city, but her face doesn't reflect wonderment or enchantment. She's not fooled by the glittering lights, she's seen too much , knows too much. She knows right now that demons lurk in the dark corners, that vampires "pass" as human to lure victims to their demise. Even worse, she knows a greater, more remote evil pervades the city, directing the things that prey on innocent and ignorant humans. She knows that some, too many, will die tonight, or disappear, never to be seen by friends or loved ones again. Her face has a hard, cold cast to it; it hides the thousand wounds she feels. It hides the frustration and anger at being this close, so close, to doing something about it, and having it snatched away.
Faith turns from the edge of the roof, her fists balled in anger at the little 'chat' she had with Layne, Peter and Liam. She knew her plans were contentious within the clan; after all, for centuries the clan had forsworn direct action against the enemy. They had used influence, subterfuge and bureaucracy to accomplish their goals. They were all about politics and back room deals and nudging things towards the ultimate goal. Faith knew this, learned this early on. She knew she would face resistance to change; that's normal. What she didn't count on was such wide spread opposition.
- What's the point people? Why get in the game, if you're not gonna play? We're the white hats, folks, the one who're supposed to go out there and save the world from the … Wolfram and Hart's of this world… and other worlds. What good is power and wealth, if you don't use it? Think the bad guys are just sitting there, waiting for it to happen? No way, they're making it happen, and here we sit, watching. That's just…wrong!-
That wasn't the unkindest cut of all, however. Opposition she expected. She could fight that. What she couldn't fight were those she thought were on her side in this; the very people she trusted to watch her back. Layne, Peter, Liam; they were her friends on the board, the ones who supported her ideas.- Or do they really?- She has to wonder.- Am I just being paranoid?- She doesn't believe that. Not for a moment does she believe that.
This whole thing just smells wrong to her. Their sudden appearance, telling her that she's being questioned on many sides about her ideas, her determination to make the clan active and out front in the war on the dark. To join forces with the Watcher's council in battling evil directly, financing the training of new slayers, of creating their own ' army'. Of putting themselves in direct opposition to W&H, pushing back their influence, fighting them when needed.
There were also noises about her personal relationships; hanging out with a witch that not all that long ago nearly destroyed the world. Consulting with the head of the Watcher's council, long considered a weak, ineffectual organization by the clan. Paying homage and respecting the work of a vampire; true, a vampire with a soul, but nonetheless a vampire… one of 'their' creatures… who in the last year of his life ran the offices of the enemy! And that Buffy character; never mind what she's done in the past, look at her now! A liability, and become more so each and every day.
Oh, sure they made all the right noises. They were sympathetic, saying they still believed in her and her mission. But something rang false to Faith's ear. Something just didn't jive. –Why did they wait so long to give me the skinny? It's at a critical juncture, everything is finally beginning to gel; now this! They were my 'eyes and ears' on the board… why am I learning all this now? Why not sooner? It can't have just come about, all this conflict. Where did the board get all its information about her, and her past? Oh yeah, that came out too… her wicked, wicked ways; including her stint in prison. Yeah, yeah, public record, I know. Funny how when I 'fulfilled' the prophecy, no one brought that up.- It doesn't make sense. She's already gone to the wall with this; she's faced the board, and the clan, over her proposals. She's worked hard, and made points. And she's won out, getting approval. So what happening?
Now, she's being called on the carpet, to explain herself. To justify, again, her course of action. Someone, or a group of someone's, are getting cold feet about her plans. Someone with power and influence. Someone with strong connections, and intimate knowledge of her actions. Someone trusted. Someone she's trusted nearly as much as Kira.
Layne.
Layne. Faith's liaison on the board. Faith's eyes and ears, the one she trusts to keep her interests in front of the board; the one she trusts to report back any problems. The one she hadn't heard from in the last few months. The one who assured her that everything was fine; that her plans were accepted and being acted on. The one who today came and told her there's trouble brewing. That she, Faith, is being called before the board. That her plans are unraveling. Now, after the fact.
She still doesn't want to believe it. She wants to trust Layne. Layne is Kira's sister, and she trusts Kira with her life. But she saw it; today in their conference, she saw it. – Maybe I am paranoid. Maybe it was that dream I had… but whatever, I know what I saw.- Something in the words or tone she used when telling her the news caught her ear. She looked up, and in that instant she saw the utter contempt in Layne's eyes. It was brief, she nearly didn't catch it. The look Layne gave her, when she thought Faith wasn't watching chilled Faith to her marrow. And Faith knew right then; if Layne isn't leading the opposition against her, she's heavily involved. Her heart doesn't want to believe it; her gut is telling her she better believe it. Either way she's sick about it.
-If Layne is against me, what about Kira? Where's she stand? The old saying is blood is thicker than water; is she playing up to me, trying to find out my weaknesses, and reporting back to Layne? God, I hate this!!! I'm getting all paranoid of a woman who's been nothing but oh say my best friend. She's been more than a friend… she's been like a sister to me. I've told her things… oh, god. Now, if she's against me, I'm really screwed. How can I be so stupid? But if I don't trust her, trust someone, I'll be inhabiting one of those nice cells at Insane-o central. God, I hate this! I hate this, I hate this, I really hate this!!!-
Faith looks heavenward, staring at the night sky above the light pollution of L.A. She sees the stars; it isn't like the desert where you can see what seemed like millions of stars in the night sky; here, only the brightest make it through. But she takes some comfort in them. Unlike the city lights, there's a purity to them. The darkness around them doesn't seem full of malevolence nibbling at the light; rather, it's a backdrop of cold clear velvet to highlight their cold, haughty beauty. For a moment her thoughts ease, as her mind reaches out to run amongst them.
" It's beautiful, isn't it?" A voice says softly behind her.
Faith is startled out of her reverie, turning to see Willow staring up at the night sky, a look of childish wonder on her face.
" I've looked at the stars too many times to count, you know? And it doesn't matter, each time, it's like new. Like they're new each night, for me, " Willow lowers her gaze to Faith, a small self-effacing grin coming to her lips. " Kinda dopey, huh?"
" No, kinda beautiful," Faith says, seeing the stars in Willow's eyes. She feels a soft glow inside herself, as if someone has turned on a light long unlit within her heart. She turns around, and looks down at the city lights. Even there the darkness seems a little less harsh, a little less threatening.
" Pretty, like a million jewels scattered over the city. I like the city at night, you know? I mean, from up here, looking down on it. All the lights seem to make the bad stuff fade into the shadows. It seems so… so" Somehow, Willow has insinuated herself under Faith's arm during her speech, and her arm is draped around Faith's waist. Faith turns to look at her, and she sees in that moment the woman a year ago, dancing with abandon under the stars in the desert sky. The warm feeling grows in her chest. Willow looks up at her, her olive eyes shining in the glow of the city lights. Faith smiles, and leans in to kiss her.
The kiss is warm and soft. When it's over, Willow lays her head on Faith's shoulder, breathing softly against her neck.
" I've missed you, Faith, " She says quietly, her arms pulling Faith closer.
"I've missed you too, Red, " Faith has a slight plaintive edge to her voice. Willow lifts her head from Faith's shoulder, and looks deep into her dark eyes.
" What's wrong, baby?" Willow murmurs softly, leaning in close to Faith.
" Nothing's wrong now, honey, " Faith replies, wrapping the witch in her arms. She kisses Willow's forehead.
" Tell me later?" Willow asks, her fingers stroking Faith's cheek. Faith nods almost imperceptively.
Their lips meet again, and this time the kiss is more insistent, deeper. Faith's tongue slips between Willow's lips, and Willow gently sucks it in, caressing it with her own. Fires flare in their breasts, fires long dimmed and banked, as their passion swells. Faith pulls Willow tight to her, feeling the tattoo of Willow's heart beating close to her own. Hands seem to slip knowingly and comfortably under clothing, and both women's breathing seems to become deeper, more ragged.
" Faith…" Willow pants.
" I know… we should stop…" Faith pants.
" Don't you dare!" Willow giggles, " I wanted to say, I love you… you know that, right?"
" Do I?" Faith teases, and then lifts Willow off the ground and into her arms. " Yes, " She breathes softly, " I know. I love you too, Willow."
" Good," Willow sighs happily. She notices Faith has started walking. " Where're we going?"
" Home."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Faith carries Willow down a flight of steps. They are laughing and kissing and making out like teenagers. Faith protests that Willow has grown fat, and weighs a ton. Willow punches her arm, and says Faith is just getting old and weak. They stop oh so many times to just kiss and make little happy noises. Finally they stop in at the bottom of the steps, in front of a large iron door.
" Rides over, Gorda" Faith teases, setting Willow on her feet. Willow in revenge pinches Faith's bottom. " HEY!" Faith protests, and pinches Willow back, and it degenerates into a tickle-pinch war, both going at it with gusto and giggles. Faith finally pins Willow against the door, and the giggles turn into soft moans as the kissing starts again. Lots and lots of hot, wet kisses happen. Faith's hands find their way under Willow's jeans, and Willow lets out a long low moan as Faith's hands squeeze her buttocks.
" Hey, " Willow says breathlessly, wiggling under Faith's touches, " are you gonna invite me in, or are we just gonna do it out here in the hall?"
Faith laughs, and withdraws her hands. Willow protests with a pout. " How'm I gonna open the door if my hands are on your ass, girl?" Faith asks logically, and kisses Willow's pouty lips. She turns and opens a panel by the door. Willow sneaks up behind her as she's keying in the code, and slides her hands down Faith's pants.
" Hmmm, " Willow murmurs appreciatively, " somebody's thinking naughty". She notices Faith's dampness.
" God, Willow, " Faith moans, " Keep that up and yeah, were so gonna do it in the hall." She leans against the wall , panting a little, but bravely keys in the code. There's a click, and a hiss, and the door lock is released.
" What?" Willow asks, wide eyed in innocence, as her fingers do nasty things to Faith.
" You know what, you lil red-headed witch, " Faith breathes heavily. It takes all her will, but she manages to pull Willow's hand out of her pants and turns around. She grabs Willow and pulls her close, " you sexy little witch." She kisses her deeply and passionately. Faith lifts Willow onto her hips, and carries her into her room.
After a round of deep hot kissing, after they have to break or stop breathing, Faith sets Willow down, and flicks a switch on the wall. She smiles and opens her arms in a wide sweeping gesture.
" So, whattya think?"
Willow, a little phased from hot kissing, takes a second or two to react. When she does, her eyes go wide and her jaw drops.
The ' room' is a 50' x 50' loft space, open flow with hardwood floors. The ceilings are 20 ft. high. On the back wall is a staircase leading up to a platform style second floor. The outer wall is made up of 8' high windows, with a killer view of the city. The inner walls are half covered with bookshelves reaching floor to ceiling, with chairs and tables arranged for comfortable reading. Another part is dominated by a large screen TV/stereo combination, with couches for comfy viewing. A kitchen area is floating somewhere in the center of the room, and back under the platform second story is a mini gym area. Finally, there is an office area with various desks, computers, and the regular office equipment. Throw rugs are strategically tossed across the space, and lighting is by various means… all soft, not too glaring; just right to give the space a warm feeling.
Willow turns to Faith. With an adorably amazed expression she asks, " This is yours?"
Faith smiles and replies, " Kinda hoping you might think of it as yours, too." Her expression turns hopeful, " that is, if you want to…"
Willow has a goofy, happy grin on her face, just kind of wandering around the space. " It's so… huge". She wanders over to the windows and looks out. She turns back to Faith, her expression having changed to a frown. " I… I just can't, Faith".
" I get it," Faith says, crestfallen, " It's still too soon…"
" No, silly, not that, " Willow smiles at her warmly, " I just… I have a business to run. At least, I think I do…I've been away too long already. I can't stay here…"
" C'mere, Red," Faith says, leading her over to the 'office' area. " All state of the art equipment. Including a T-3 connection, video conferencing, all the stuff you need to run the business remotely." She turns to Willow, " If you need anything else, just ask, it'll be here … I promise."
" Remote is all well and good…most of the time, Faith. But there's just times I have to be there…"
" There's a Lehane private jet at LAX standing by when needed. And where we were? It doubles as a landing pad for a helicopter. You can be in San Francisco in less than 2 hours if you need to be, Red."
" Faith, I'm building a life in San Francisco… I have friends and Wicca group I belong to, and …"
" And…?"
Willow looks away. " …other interests."
" Ahhh, right…" Faith walks to the window, looking out over the city, " … there's someone else…"
" I don't know…" Willow trails off.
" You don't know? You weren't present when it happened, then?" Faith's tone takes on an edge.
" Faith, sarcasm isn't helping here. I don't know how I feel…I mean, everything is happening so fast, and things are more than a little confused…"
" I must've gotten the wrong signals then, because it seemed things were heading towards something here." Faith doesn't look back at her, " just a few minutes ago, things were getting pretty heated. Was that gonna mean anything? Or…?"
" Oh, my god, of course it means something…" Willow comes over next to Faith, putting a hand on her shoulder, " I love you, you goof… but… it's not always easy, cut and dried… and our history together? Sucks big time, girlfriend, you gotta admit that. Kind of Tag and Run. Neither of us really trusting enough to commit." She holds up a hand when Faith begins to protest, " Not just you're fault, Faith. I was as guilty… maybe more so. I know, I should've been more understanding. But I'm human too, Faith, and I came off some pretty bad crap…"
" I'm not going to leave you, Red"
Willow looks at her questioningly.
" I've had a year to think it over, Red. A year to know what it's like not being with you. How empty that feels, " Faith turns to her, " do you think this…" She gestures around, " means anything… without you being part of it? Don't get me wrong, girl. I love the having money, living nicely, all that crap. But it's just that… crap… it's not necessary. " She stops, thinking how to phrase it. " I've got plans, Willow. Plans to really make life mean something for you and me. If I can keep this gig…" Faith expression changes, hardens, "… it'll be a lot easier. But whatever happens, I plan on doing what I'm gonna do…" She turns back to Willow once again, " but Red, you mean everything to me. If I had to choose… I choose you, over it all. Do you get that?"
Faith notes Willow's eyes are bright, overly bright, and her lower lip is trembling.
" Hey, hey," She says softly, chucking Willow under the chin," that's supposed to be a happy thing," she teases her gently.
Willow throws her arms around Faith's neck, and leans her head on Faith's shoulder. " How do you know exactly the right thing to say to me? How do you do that?"
" Maybe, " Faith says softly, " because it comes from my heart."
That did it. Willow just starts crying, but not sad tears. Happy tears. She hugs Faith tighter, wanting; no, needing to feel her body closer. Faith, touched deep in her heart, holds Willow, rubbing her back, trying to soothe her.
" Hey, hey, baby, it wasn't meant to make you sad," Faith coos, trying to calm Willow down.
" No…not sad tears, happy tears…" Willow pulls a little way, but still holds Faith. She looks deep into Faith's eyes. " I love you. I won't make you choose. I don't know exactly what you want to do, but I know it's important to you, and I won't make you choose over me. I love you." She kisses Faith on the cheek, " I love you" kisses her again, " I love you" she starts covering Faith's face with kisses." We'll make it work" Kiss, " I'll do what I need to do to make it work" Kiss, " I love you so much" Kiss, and kiss, and more kisses.
Faith, overwhelmed with love and desire and heat and lust for this woman, lifts her in her arms. For awhile they just stand there, kissing.
" Where're we going now?" Willow asks, trying to press her lips to ever little bit of Faith's face and neck.
" Upstairs," Faith says, hoarsely, on fire. She starts towards the stairs.
" What's upstairs?" Willow asks, feigning innocence.
" I'm hoping," Faith kisses her, then continues, " a little bit of heaven".
Still kissing and kissing and kissing, Faith carries Willow upstairs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Faith carries Willow to her bed, a large king size bed that dominates the upstairs room. She sets her down, but Willow won't let go of her neck, holding her and kissing her even more.
" C'mon, Red, let me go… wanna light some candles…I'll be right back… promise!" Faith laughs, finally prying Willows hands off her neck. She turns and starts walking around the bedroom, lighting candles, when she hears the bed springs squeaking and some girlish giggling. She turns to see Willow bouncing on the bed like a 10 year old.
" It's so big and comfy!" Willow declares, bouncing like a child, a big goofy smile on her face. Faith just laughs, charmed how this mature, thoughtful woman can transform into a child at the silliest of things. It just makes her love for the woman grow by 1000 times.
" C'mon, you're gonna break it, " Faith chides, really just teasing Willow.
" Am not!" Willow stops bouncing, and pouts. She looks around, and points. " Hey, what's that?"
On the dresser sits a portable TV/ VCR combo. It's seen better days, looking pretty beat up. Next to it is a pile of tapes, obviously watched many times.
" Oh, that," Faith blushes a little, " Nothing, really. I just like old movies, you know? The ones in black and white? Sometimes I kinda like watching them in bed… I kinda snuggle in… God, this thing is old" Faith looks at it critically, turning her back on Willow. " I should get rid of it… it's a piece of junk, doesn't work half the time. But I've had it forever…"
" Faith, c'mere" Willow's tone has a soft note, with a throaty quality to it. Faith turns around, and sees the expression on Willow's face. It's soft, full of love and desire.
" I gotta finish lighting the candles…" Faith lamely gets out.
" C'mere now, you" Willow commands, in a soft way, " I want you so much now…" She holds out her arms
- Fuck the candles- Faith thinks to herself as she's drawn to Willow's outstretched arms.
She sits on the bed next to Willow, who attacks her, kissing her face and neck and lips… oh the soft, warm kisses, they light a million fires in Faith. She leans back on her arms, allowing the tidal wave of kisses to take her.
Willow begins to fumble with Faith's buttons, not relenting on the kisses, but getting Faith's blouse open. She pushes it off Faith's shoulders, and breaks the kisses for a minute.
" Oooo… look… boobies, " Willow giggles. She playfully reaches out and squeezes Faith's breasts, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from Faith. She can feel Faith's nipples straining against the material of her bra. " mmmm… nice… but nicer without this." She slides the straps of Faith's bra down her shoulders, and expertly reaches around and unhooks Faith's bra.
" You've done this before," Faith chuckles, noting the expertness of Willow's actions. " I'm beginning to think I'm not you're first". She giggles in the spirit of it. Willow just smiles and licks her lips as Faith's breasts are revealed to her.
" Mmmm… such pretty boobies, " Willow murmurs, running her soft fingers over Faith's breasts. Faith leans back and lets out a little " ooo" sound at Willow's touch. Big tingles run through her. " I sometimes think there's some guy in me, I like boobies so much." Willow coos, as she leans over, capturing Faith's breast in her mouth. She suckles it greedily, flicking her tongue over the hardening nipple.
" Oooo… uhhh… no guys here, " Faith says, falling back. She reaches under Willow's blouse, cupping Willow's breasts. Willow wiggles and coos her happy response.
She attacks Faiths breasts, working from one to the other, licking her warm tongue over them, taking the nipples in her mouth, and gently biting them. Faith is on fire, the fire going straight to her ever dampening sex. Willow maneuvers herself over Faith, straddling her, still working diligently on Faith's breasts.
" Hmmmm… don't know which I like kissing more… your boobies" Willow sucks on Faith's breast, " Or your sweet soft lips" She moves up, and kisses Faith deeply, penetrating Faith's mouth with her darting tongue." Hmmmm… just don't know". Willow moves her lips from Faith's breasts to her mouth, then her breasts, then her mouth, making Faith more than just a little crazy. " Gosh, I guess I just love 'em both equally" she giggles.
Faith growls playfully, and with little effort, rips the blouse off Willow. Also having some expertise in this area, she quickly disposes of Willow's brassiere. Willow laughs.
" Hey, hey greedy, patience… oooof!" she cries as Faith pulls her down on her, capturing Willow's breast in her mouth. Willow arches her back and moans softly, loving the way Faith is greedily sucking on her breast. Faith bites gently on the nipple, and that makes Willow go just a little nuts.
" Oh, baby, yes… do that… bite it… harder…harder" She pants. Faith complies, sending shockwaves of pain and pleasure through Willow. Willow starts to grind her hips against Faith.
Abandoning Willow's breast for the moment, Faith pulls her into a fierce, wanton kiss, tongues slashing and fighting, and loving, caressing and playing. The kiss lingers on and on, as they roll side to side holding each other.
Willow, not to be distracted from her mission, no matter how good Faith's kisses are, breaks away and begins covering Faith's chest and breasts with kisses. Kisses and licks and bites. Faith is helpless, just giving into the sensations flowing through her, body squirming. Willow, ever diligent, slides her hand down towards Faith's sex, and encounters her jeans.
" Oh… no, no, no, this'll never do!" Willow declares. She hops off the bed and starts to remove Faith's boots.
" What're you doin'?" Faith, bleary brained from Willow's manipulations, asks.
" Getting you naked, girl" Willow says, taking off a boot and tossing it over the railing. " Ooops… hope it doesn't hit anything." She giggles. She gets off the other boot, and it joins the first. There's a crash downstairs. " Sorry!" Willow giggles.
" You're bad, girl" Faith growls, and with a supreme effort of will, crosses her legs. " Uh-uh. No naked Faith til I see a naked Willow!"
" Oh, really?" Willow says coyly. She thrusts out her hip, and shakes her butt at Faith, " You wanna see this naked?" She smiles, looking over her shoulder.
- God, she's making me insane! How can anybody be that sexy and live?-
" Get. Naked. Now!" Faith barks out. Her voice is hoarse with lust.
" 'K" Willow says, but she's not done teasing Faith. She starts a mini strip tease, taking her time lowering her jeans, wriggling her butt at Faith, rolling her hips, and cooing sexily. Faith is goggle eyed watching her.
Down to her panties, Willow hops on the bed, and stands over Faith. She starts to roll and rock her hips, giving Faith a very good show. She leans over, and whispers to Faith.
" If you want these off, you gotta take them off… with your teeth." She smiles.
Faith, breathing like a bellows, sits up, and reaches for the elastic of Willow's panties. Willow slaps her hands away.
" No, no, no!" She teases, thrust her hips towards Faith's face, " Mouth only, girl!" She gently rubs her crotch in Faith's face.
Faith uses her teeth and grabs the crotch of Willow's panties, pulling on them. She gets a taste of Willow's honey, and nearly goes wild, it's so sweet and musky. She pulls the panties lower, revealing Willow's flame colored bush. The hairs tickle Faith's nose, and she gently sneezes. The sight of Willow's sex, so close, so wet, overcomes Faith's willpower, and she grabs Willow by the buttocks, smooshing her face into Willow's mound.
Willow's head goes back, and she lets out a soft moan. Using every bit of her willpower, she pushes Faith away.
" N-n-not yet, b-baby" Willow stutters, her body shuddering, " goodies soon, but there's the matter of your nakedness."
Her knees feeling wobbly, Willow hops off the bed, and starts taking off Faith's socks. Revealing Faith's pretty feet, she leans over, and starts sucking on her toes. Giggles are heard from the other end of the bed.
" That tickles!" Faith giggles, wiggling on the bed. But she doesn't try to hide her feet as Willow sucks each toe in turn. Finally, Willow stops, and getting on the bed again, she moves up to Faith's hips. She loosens Faith's belt, and unbuttons her jeans. Reaching in, she gently caresses Faith's mound, which elicits a groan of pure pleasure from Faith.
" Somebody's nasty" Willow says, leaning over and kissing Faith's mound through her panties. Faith groans deeper, thrusting Against Willow's mouth. Willow looks up, an evil grin on her face. She rubs her fingers over Faith's panties. Then she waggles a finger at Faith. " Naughty, naughty… somebody's all damp. Gonna have to clean that up!" She licks her lips.
"You're such… a… tease!" Faith groans, as Willow grabs her jeans and panties, and starts sliding them down over Faith's hips. Faith lifts her butt up, to help the process along, and soon Willow has Faith just where she wants her. On the bed, on her back, and naked.
Willow takes a second to look at the naked Faith, and her heart thumps in her chest. –God, she's so beautiful. So sexy and naked and beautiful. I wanna eat every little bit of her up- She giggles to herself.- I think I just might!-
Straddling Faith again, she slides her way up, until she is face to face with Faith, lying on top of her.
" Hi there, beautiful, " Willow whispers, and she kisses Faith deeply.
Faith responds, opening her mouth, sucking Willow's tongue into her mouth. Her hands wander over Willows soft, naked body, caressing her and holding her. Their bodies smoosh together, as the kiss, fiery and hot, lingers on. Both women coo and moan in pleasure. Willow finally breaks the kiss.
" Playtime," She giggles. Pushing herself up, she reverses herself, and slowly starts to kiss her way down Faith's body. As she moves lower, she thrusts her hips closer to Faith's face, giving Faith a very tempting view of her ass and mound. Faith, enjoying the view, wants a closer look, so she grabs Willows hips and pulls her closer to her face. Burying her face between Willow's legs, her tongue shoots out, caressing Willow's wet slit. Willow's hips wriggle, and she moans her pleasure.
Willow is no slacker, however, and is now face to mound with Faith. Sliding her arms under Faiths hips, she lowers her mouth to Faith's sex, giving it tiny, nasty kisses, the tip of her tongue sliding along the groove of her slit. She is rewarded with a generous taste of Faith's honey, sweet and musky and addicting. Soon, she needs more, much more, and starts thrusting her tongue into her sexy, tasty lover.
Neither one will relent, neither gives an inch. Both are remorseless and relentless in their attentions, finding new and nasty ways to thrust their lover into the stratosphere. The stimulation each gives to the other only drives them on, and soon they are a tangle of heads and arms and legs and tongues. The fire, the all consuming fire is beginning between them, and they are as one, wriggling and searching, going ever higher and higher and higher… and almost simultaneously, they leap off the orgasmic cliff together, floating in space through the stars as their bodies come, and come, and come again. For awhile they are lost, just floating, as one.
Neither one knows who moved first, nor do they care. Later they just find themselves wrapped in each other's arms, kissing, tasting each other off their faces. Giggling and laughing, caressing and pinching, but mostly, just holding each other, hearing each other's heart beating. They know this isn't the end of the night; it's barely begun, and more nasty, passionate and heated things will happen. But for now, they just hold each other, basking in the glow, drowsing sleepily.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Buffy sits in the tree, watching the window across the street. She smiles as the light comes on.
She's been staking out the house for a couple of nights, getting used to the occupants' patterns. She had to strike when the opportunity was just perfect. If the timing is just a little off, everything could blow up in your face.
She's learned well the lessons of sneaking out of the house.
She scampers along the tree limb in to the roof. She quietly as possible lands on the roof, and makes her way to the window she's been observing. Staying down so the occupant won't see her, she peers in over the sill.
Sitting at his desk, Connor is studying … or at least, he's making the pretense of studying. Actually, his mind is wandering elsewhere. He's feeling itchy. He likes school well enough, first year in college and all, he's pulling down decent grades. But he can't help remembering what he used to be; a demon hunter. Sure, he also remembers he was raised in a hell dimension( or at least, there's the knowledge in his brain. He can't really remember the experience in his blood). He 'knows' he's the son of two vampires, can you say, totally impossible? Yet, he feels the pull of his 'adopted' parents, more so than any loyalty or fealty he feels, or felt, towards Angel. But he also knows he owes his current happiness to Angel, who gave him up so he could have a 'normal' life.- Sometimes, it's all just too confusing to process.- The pull of blood, however, is strong. He's a hunter. He hunts and kills demons. He can't deny that, and right now, as the text of the History book he's trying to study swims before his eyes, he really doesn't want to.
And if he wants to be honest with himself, he's thinking about Buffy. He can't remember the last time he had so much time as they had when they went after those vamps who broke up his dad's memorial. – Yeah, ok, I know she thinks I lied to her about the vamps, but I didn't. I really did sense them. Just, they got away, somehow. I think she was pretty pissed at me, though she didn't say that. Brought me home, stood and took the bawling out my parents gave her. I really like her. And, ok, she's a little hottie. Older, yeah, but just makes her hotter. God, I'd so like …- His reverie is interrupted by a tapping at his window. Puzzled, he turns towards it, but doesn’t see anything there. Sighing, he turns back to his book, trying to make sense out of the paragraph he just read. Again. For the fifth time. He's just starting to settle in again, when the tapping starts up. – Dammit, what's going on here?- He gets up and walks to the window, looking out. But he doesn't see anything, and sighing impatiently, he returns to his desk. He's just sitting down when the tapping starts again, and now he's pissed. – Ok, that's it. Gonna find who's playing games with me. Probably my little sister. So gonna give her grief!!!- He walks over to the window, and opens it. Sticking his head out, he starts to say, " Ok, Melinda, if that's you, I'm so gonna…" but he's interrupted… by a hand that grabs him, and pulls him out of the window. He's about to cry out when another hand covers his mouth. He struggles, but whoever's got him is strong… really strong. Even so, he manages to get an arm free, and elbows whoever's holding him. He hears an " Ooof " and suddenly he's free. He whirls around, only to be staring at Buffy, sitting on her butt on the roof, smiling at him. She winks.
" Connor? You ok? I heard a noise up there!" Connor's dad calls out.
Connor quickly reenters his room, and calls back down " I'm ok, Dad. I just kinda leaned back too far and fell out of my chair. I'm good!"
" Ok, son. Just be more careful. You know how your mother worries!" His dad calls up.
" Sure dad, I'll be careful!"
He turns around, and sees Buffy sitting on his windowsill, smiling at him. He walks over to her, a frown on his face.
" What're you doing here? You scared the hell out of me, grabbing me like that!"
" I'm sorry, Connor, I didn't mean to scare you. Just playing with you, " Buffy beams at him. " You ok?"
" Yeah, I guess," Connor grouses a little. Still a little humiliated that Buffy got the drop on him. "You still didn't say why you're here."
" Oh, guess I wanted to drop by and check up on you. Haven't seen you since Angel's memorial. And ummm… kinda wanted to apologize. Sorry for getting you in trouble. You know?" She looks around him, into his room. " So, cutie, whatcha doing?"
" Studying. History. Kinda boring, " Connor admits.
Buffy shudders. " Me, history… we don't get along too well," Buffy laughs, " my heart goes out to you." She stands up, " Well, I guess I better shove off. Just wanted to see if you're ok." She turns and starts to leave.
" Wait… Buffy!" Connor calls out, " is that the only reason you came by?"
Buffy, her back to Connor, smiles a little smile to herself. – Hooks in. Now, just carefully reel him in…-
" Actually, " She shrugs as she turns around, " I was gonna see if you wanted to do some vampire hunting. But, if you're busy…" she makes a little ' sorry to bug you ' gesture, and backs away.
Connor hesitates for a brief second. – I should study. I should study. Uh, huh…and I'm letting her get away. Am I a moron?-
" Buffy… wait! Let me get my coat!" Connor says, ducking back inside.
Buffy just smiles like the cat that's eaten the canary. She wriggles . – I'm good, oh, man, I'm really good-
Connor comes out of the window, and closes it quietly behind him. Looking around, he makes sure he's not spotted, then joins Buffy on the edge of the roof.
" So, where are we gonna find vamps to fight ? Not around here. I could smell them!" Connor says, looking at Buffy for leadership.
" Oh, they're not gonna hang here. Not in the Valley. We're going downtown. My cars down there, " She points.
" Cool. But ummm… can't be out too late… don't want my parents to find me gone, " Connor says.
" Don't worry, Connor. It'll be cool," Buffy takes his hand, and leads him across the tree limb. " I'll get you home in plenty of time."
" Ok," He puts his trust in Buffy.
Buffy smiles to herself, glad to have someone with her on her adventure. A playmate.
- Mmm… playtime- she giggles to herself, as they head off into the night.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
" Buffy, I'm telling you, there's no vampires around here!" Connor says, looking a little bored.
" Damn, where ARE they?" Buffy pouts, standing outside the club. This is the third club they've been to, and still no vampires. " What happened? Did they all get religion, or something?" She looks discouraged.
Connor looks at his watch, " Buffy, I really should be getting home…"
" No, no, wait… wait, " Buffy says, stalling.
This little hunt has turned out to be a major bust. Every club they've been to have been vampire free. Not a demon in sight. Not even a mugger. But Buffy is itchy, and she needs to get some action. And Connor is getting antsy. – Damn, this is so not how I pictured it. Gotta think fast.-
It's then that the idea comes to her. She looks at Connor, trying to size him up. – Wonder if he's up for it? Ah well, he can only say no.- She walks over to him, and faces him.
" Look, Connor, I know a place. Guaranteed to have all sorts of demons and vamps. But… umm , it could get a little hairy, you know? So, gonna give you the choice. Wanna go?"
" Yeah, sure!" Connor puffs himself up, " I'm not afraid. Lets do it!"
- That's my boy!- Buffy thinks, as she smiles at him. " It's not far from here, so we can walk. Ummm… got that axe I gave you?"
Connor nods.
" Good, here, take this too, you might need it." Buffy reaches into her coat, and extracts a wicked looking knife. She hands it to Connor." You ready, eddy?" Buffy asks, taking his hand.
" You bet!' Connor says.
About 30 minutes later, after going through a series of winding alleys, they end up in front of a steel door. There's a sign over the door, saying simply " Hell's Bells". Buffy stops, and turns to Connor.
" Ok, now just follow my lead, ok? " Buffy says, quietly. Connor nods, and looks around.
" What is this place, anyway? Looks like a real dive. Kinda out of the way."
" Demon bar. They're not big on the décor, you know? And ummm… not really into advertising their existence, " She giggles. " We'll probably be the only humans in the place… "
" Cool "
" Ok, lets do it!" Buffy says, leading the way.

' Dive' is a charitable word for this place. It's dark, dank and smells strongly of Yak urine, goat entrails and pigs blood. The only light comes from the shaded lamps over the pool tables, the neon and lighted signs behind the bar, and the candles at each of the tables. The music in the background is a mixture of Rockabilly, country, and old standards. The floor is sticky with you don't want to know what, and probably hasn't seen a mop in months. The odor of tobacco and old stale vomit is prevalent, just beneath the surface. Conversations, as such, vary from muted to loud bellowing roars.
The bartender is human… well, he looks human, anyway. He's small, pale, of indeterminate age. From his over oily demeanor and obsequious ways, ' rat bastard' or ' snitch' would be proper nicknames for him. Somehow, someway, Willy managed to get out of Sunnydale before it became a big hole in the ground. He moved to L.A. and took over this 'establishment' from the previous owner, a Torka demon tired of the trade. He's currently wiping the counters with a rag that is in desperate need of washing. He hears a hush come over the crowd, and looks up to see an old familiar face. One that he's not all that happy to see.
" Hiya, honey, I'm home, " Buffy booms out, greeting Willy with a cheeriness she really doesn't feel, " And I brought a friend."
"Slayer!" Willy greets her, half false bonhomie, half warning to the clientele, " What brings you here? What can I getcha?"
" Nothing for me, Willy. I just heard you slithered into town, and I had to come by and welcome you personally, " Buffy says with a mocking tone, " so, how's business? Still serving up Yak urine to the dregs of the earth, I see."
" Now, slayer, " Willy grins unctuously, " I'm running a clean joint here. Not doing any of the old snitch stuff, you know?" this last is more for his patrons than for Buffy, who knows it's a lie," I don't want no trouble, ok?"
" Awww, Willy, it's really no trouble!" Buffy says, reaching over and slapping his cheek." Always glad to drop in on a … er…whatever."
" Slayer, we don't want your kind in here" A tall, three horned one eyed demon stands up, facing the slayer.
Connor starts to move towards the demon, but Buffy holds him back. "Not yet" she says, sotto voce.
" My kind?? Geeze I thought I added a little class to the place, Cyclops boy" Buffy sneers, " and anyway, I don't smell like last weeks dung heap."
Connor starts to move again, but Buffy again holds him back. " Wait" She says, quietly.
" Sorry, my friend here is a little antsy. I think he really doesn't like horns." Buffy addresses the demon.
" Get out, slayer, before I throw you out!" The demon threatens, taking a step closer.
" Really, blowhard? You and who's army?" Three large demons stand up, backing up the first demon. " Oh, that army."
She calls out over her shoulder. " NOW!"
And the fight is joined. Buffy and Connor lay into the demons, kicking, punching and using weapons to subdue them. Some of the less hostile demons and vampires make a quick exit, but the majority stay put. They, like the slayer, love a good fight, and it's been a long time. Soon the fight spills over, and it's no longer Slayer and Connor vs. demons, but rather demon vs. demon vs. slayer et al. Chairs are flying through the air, tables are tossed about, and a general melee breaks out. Connor, in fine form, lifts one demon and throws him over the bar, smashing the mirror and several rows of bottles. Buffy, using her sword, sends more than one demon head flying through the air. The fight lasts about an hour, and at the end of it, the only people in the place left standing are Connor, Buffy, and Willy the bartender, who wisely at the beginning of the fight ran to the back room to hide out. The other demons are either lying on the floor, dead, or have fled.
Buffy and Connor are leaning against the bar. Both have sustained some cuts and bruises, but on the whole seem to be in pretty good shape. Buffy is casually surveying the damage with a self satisfied smile on her face. Connor looks flushed and excited, and is grinning from ear to ear.
" That was… great!" Connor exclaims, pushing off the bar and kicking a headless demon.
" Yeah, it was kinda fun," Buffy agrees, nonchalantly. She looks at the demon head she's holding, and tosses it over her shoulder, breaking some more bottles. She laughs. " What a hoot. Did you see Willy take off like a scared rabbit?"
" Yeah, he's not much in the spine department, is …" Connor is cut off by the sound of a double pump shotgun.
Buffy looks up, and sees Willy standing in the doorway of the back room, holding a shotgun… aimed at her.
" Now, Willy, put that down before you hurt yourself," Buffy says, casually.
" Slayer!" Willy shouts, shakily, the gun also shaking in his hands, " I'm tired of you coming into my place any time you need to knock some heads together. Who's gonna clean up this place, huh? Who's gonna pay for the dam…"
Willy is cut off by Connor, who quicker than Willy can think , is on him, grabbing the gun out of his hands. He carefully throws it to Buffy, who catches it.
" Now, Willy. Don't you know? These things never help, " She breaks open the stock, and looks down the barrel. " Geeze, Willy, you didn't even load it." She shakes her head.
" I… I don't want no trouble!" Willy reverts to form. " I called the cops…"
At that moment, the wail of a police siren can be heard.
" You what?" Buffy says, excitedly. She glowers at Willy.
" Yeah, and they're coming, so you better…" But Connor, at Buffy's gesture, decks Willy, leaving him in a heap by the wall.
" C'mon, Connor, we better get the hell outta here," Buffy says, waving Connor to follow her.
" Hey, we're just fighting a bunch of demons… what can they do?" Connor protests. He's still revved up.
" Umm… sweetie, do you really want to explain this to a bunch of polyester wearing donut eating cops?" Buffy says, surveying the place.
" Let's go," Connor sees her point, and makes for the exit. Buffy follows quickly behind him.
They run for ten minutes down various twisting alleys, finally winding up god knows where … but they seem to have lost the cops. Both of them are tired from the fight and running, and lean against the wall, panting.
They stand silently, listening for cops, standing close together, really close together. Almost as if on cue, they look at each other, and Buffy's post slay reaction kicks in. She moves closer to Connor, and leans in on him, putting a hand on his chest.
" You did real good back there, " Buffy says, breathlessly. Not from exertion. " You're dad would be proud of you." She leans in a little closer.
" Really?" Connor says, feeling the heat Buffy's giving off. He feels excited and nervous at the same time.
" Yeah… I do. I think, " Buffy says, sliding her hand around his neck, " I think," Looking up into his eyes, " I think you deserve a little reward, don't you?" She leans in very, very closely, sliding her other arm around his neck. Her lips are scant inches from his.
" Really?" Connor repeats, in a whisper. Gulp!
" Oh yeah, " Buffy says, pulling his head down, she kisses him. Warmly. Very, very warmly. Not at all sisterly like. Connor slides his arms around Buffy, and returns her kiss. The kiss lingers on, then she finally pulls away.
" mmmm… that was nice, " She says, softly, " but I can think of something even nicer." She brings her hands down, and begins to unbutton his shirt, one button at a time, planting a soft kiss where each button she opens was.
" B-B- Buffy, what're you doing?" Connor says, nervous and excited.
"Giving you your reward, cutie" Buffy says, kneeling down before him. She strums her finger over his crotch, feeling his excitement. " I see I'm not the only one that gets all hot and bothered after a good fight". She smiles up at him.
- This can't be happening. It's got to be a dream. Oh god, it's happening. Don't, please don't let it be a dream!-
Buffy starts tugging at Connor's belt. At that moment, a bright light shines on the two of them.
" Hold it right there, Miss. I need to ask you and your boyfriend a few questions about a bar fight a few blocks over". The cop approaches them, hand on his holster.
- Awww, shit!!!- Buffy thinks as she stands up.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Faith, half asleep, sighs contentedly. She glances at the mop of red hair attached to the head lying peacefully on her breast, snoozing lightly. She gently strokes Willow's back, holding her close, so close. Willow, reacting in her sleep, cuddles even closer.
Faith is supremely happy. She's happier… hell, she can't ever remember being this happy. They've made love so many times, Faith has lost count. – If you look up insatiable in the dictionary, a certain red-haired witch's picture is going to be there. I can't… god, I've never been with anyone that just … oh my. God, Angel, I get it now. I so get it. Perfect happiness… no wonder it was so hard to give it up… I can see you losing your soul over this… hell, I think I'm losing my mind…- . All Faith knows is she feels near sated… -well, close anyway. I mean, if Red wakes up and wants to go again, who am I to deny her, huh?- Faith feels giggly and silly… and is loving it.
Faith shifts in the bed, snuggling deeper into the covers, letting herself start to drift off. She never has been so exhausted in her life. Never felt so… right. So perfect. This moment is perfect. Her happiness is complete. – Nothing can ruin it now…nothing…- she thinks, as she starts to drift off.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< BBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
- Nothing except maybe that!- Faith's eyes fly open, her irritation growing.- Who the hell could be here at this time of night?- For a moment, she considers ignoring it. She settles back down, trying to let sleep claim her again…

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< BBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

-SHIT!-. Faith struggles to get up, as gently as possible, not to disturb Willow. But it's too late, because Willow's eyes are open, looking at her.
"Whazz that?" Willow says, half asleep. Her eyes are so heavy, she can barely keep them open.

Faith smiles. – God, she's so cute-. She starts to get up, gently letting Willow down back onto her side of the bed.

" It's ok, baby. It's just the buzzer. I'll see who it is . " Faith sits up, swinging her legs out of bed. " You go back to sleep."

" No, no… I'll get up," Willow yawns, trying to sit up. She makes it about half way, then falls back onto the bed. " Or, maybe I'll just stay here and keep the bed warm. That's good too, right?"

" You betcha it is , sweet thing, " Faith leans over and gives Willow a peck on the lips. " I'll be right back, promise."

Groaning a little, Faith hauls herself out of bed, and stumbles around, searching for her robe. – Cold, cold… god, cold.- She finally finds it, and wraps it around herself. – I probably look like I've gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson. How'm I gonna explain that one?. Uh… who gives a rat's ass?- Muttering to herself, she pads downstairs.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< BBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

-Stop it already, I'm getting there as fast as I can- Faith grumbles, reaching the front door. Hitting a button on the inside of the door, she releases the lock. She grabs the door and swings it open quickly, startling Kira, who's ready to press the buzzer again.

" Faith!" Kira exclaims.

" Well, yes, this is my place, so kinda makes sense I'd be answering the door, don't you think?" Faith growls at her.

"Oh… yes, of course, I mean I… well, I just was startled… I mean… I didn't expect… god…"

" Kira, do you have a clue as to what time it is ?" Faith grumbles.

" I'm sorry, Faith. I know it's late, and I didn't want to disturb you, but…"

" Faith? What's going on, baby? Who is it?" Willow calls out as she appears next to Faith. She puts her arm around Faith's waist, and leans against her.

" Willow?" Kira says, looking at Willow, then at Faith, then back to Willow again. " Willow?" She breaks into a huge grin.

" Hi, Kira, " Willow smile sleepily, " Whazzup?"

" You two… you and Faith… I mean… does this mean… I … you're … I …" Kira gets to stumbling over her words in her excitement.

Willow smiles, and hugs Faith tighter. " Uh-huh" she says, breaking into a big grin herself.

" This… this is … this is so… oh god, this is wonderful!" Kira finally gets it out. Impulsively, she rushes over the threshold and hugs Faith and Willow, nearly knocking them over in her enthusiasm." This is just… oh, my god!"

Faith, despite her irritation, can't help laughing at Kira's antics. " Whoa, down girl. You're gonna kill us here!"

" Oh…sorry… but…but… but…" Kira is beside herself.

" Ok, ok, enough buts here, ok?" Faith says, amused. Then she frowns. " Ok, now, what's so important that you're waking us up at …" she looks at the clock near the door,"… 2 am ?" It's then that she notices that Kira is fully dressed. She gets suspicious. " Ok… what's going on? Why're you dressed? You should be in bed…"

Kira remembers why she's here, and her face falls. She goes a little pale.

" Uh…now… don't get mad, Faith, ok?" Kira pleads with her.

Willow's expression gets somber. She's beginning to get worried.

" Kira, honey, what is it?" Willow asks, gently.

" Kira, just tell us, " Faith says, trying to hide her impatience, but not doing a great job of it.

" Faith, please, promise… ok?" Kira appeals to Faith.

" Alright, Kira… I promise," Faith tries to calm her voice. " Now, tell me."

" Ok," Kira pauses, then continues. " It's Buffy…"

" Oh, boy!" Faith says, sounding defeated.- What NOW?-

" She's with Connor…"

" Uh-oh, " Willow says, not liking how this is going.

Kira hesitates. She knows what's coming.

" Kira?" Faith looks at her impatiently.

" … in Jail " Kira ducks.

" BITE ME!"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

4 a.m., Lobby of the Hyperion Hotel. Los Angeles, CA.
Buffy walks into the lobby of the Hyperion hotel, staring at the ground, looking, if it's possible, repentant and defiant at the same time. Her expression is grim, her fists are balled up. She walks to the center of the lobby and plops down on the guest sofa.
Following quickly on her heels is Faith. Her face is pale; she has bright pink spots on her cheeks. Her lips are tightly compressed into a straight line cutting across her face, and her eyes are narrowed. She looks like she's ready to explode.

Flanking Faith is Willow, trying to calm her down. She's doing her best to act as mediator between the two slayers. She's not succeeding too well.

Following in the rear are Kira and Giles. Both have worried expressions on their faces. They know this is bad, really bad.

Faith quickly closes the distance between her and Buffy, and grabs her by the shoulders, lifting her to her feet. She starts to shove her towards the lobby office.

" You. In the office. NOW!" Faith snarls, shoving the blonde slayer before her. Buffy stops and turns, shoving Faith back.

" Knock it off, Faith! I'm not a child, don't EVEN try to treat me like one!" Buffy sets her jaw, and her body, right where it is .

" Then stop acting like a brat, B. Get in my office!" Faith gets right in her face. She glares at Buffy, doing her damnedest not to hit her.

" No! If you've got something to say to me, F, say it to me here and now!" Buffy sits down again, arms folded across her chest.

Willow, trying to head off another fight, sits down beside Buffy. " Buffy, please. Don't be stubborn. Just go in the office with Faith, ok?"

" Et tu, Will? No! If she wants to say something to me, let her say it here. In front of everybody."

Faith looks at Buffy, at the attitude she's taken. She sees a defiant child, caught stealing candy, trying to bluff her way out of it. She shakes her head, and her expression turns to one of contempt.

"What's the point, Buffy?" Faith asks, her voice calm, " Why should I waste my breath? You're not gonna change. You'll act sorry, you might even go a night or two without getting up to something. But as sure as vamps suck on Type-O, you'll be up to some stupid stunt again, sooner or later… and my money's on sooner."

" What's the big deal, anyway?" Buffy says, petulantly, " So I trashed a demon bar. Big whoop! I mean, I probably did the world a favor, slaying some demons."

" What's the big deal?" Faith shakes her head in amazement, " You trashed that bar. Like it or not, it's a legit place. The bar's owner is pressing charges. And you took Connor, a minor, in a bar. Not legal in this state, girl. And his parents are hopping mad… so mad, their talking lawsuit. Do you get that? Their gonna sue. They're already getting an injunction against not ONLY you, but all of us. We're not to get within 100 feet of him again, or we go to jail. Plus, and this just really icks me, you tried to… you were about inches away from giving Connor a blow job, literally." She looks at Buffy, who's giving her a blank expression. " Is ANY of this getting through that thick skull of yours?"
Buffy sits there, tight lipped, not saying a word. Faith glares at her. She glares at Faith.
" Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Faith barks, "or are you going to sit there like a spoiled child and sulk?"
" What's the point, Faith?" Buffy mocks, " I mean, you just said it yourself, I'm just a spoiled, bratty child. What does it matter what I think, anyway?"
" Don't you get it, B? I got you out of jail on bail. You're charged with a crime. A Felony, you nitwit. You're damned lucky Connor's 18, or you'd be in a whole bigger world of hurt. Do you have a clue what's going to happen to you?"
Buffy sits silent as a rock.
" You'll go to trial. With all the evidence, you're probably looking at a conviction. That means, a fine, or jail, or both. A criminal record, a felony conviction. That just doesn’t go away. I know, Buffy. I've been there. It's not fun time, believe me." Faith starts pacing, " Oh yeah, I got lawyers, probably could get you off with a slap on the wrist, or a fine. But you know what? I'm thinking, why should I?"
" Faith!" Willow speaks up, " you don't mean that. You can't let Buffy go to jail."
" Why not? How's she going to learn, Will, if she doesn't take responsibility for her actions? If I keep bailing her out of these messes, how am I helping her? She'll just figure it'll go on forever. I can't be playing babysitter and den mother to her forever."
" You know she's been having problems, Faith, " Willow says, " And with Angel's death…"

" Does she have a world exclusive on caring about Angel's death?" Faith spits out, then thinks better of it. She turns to Buffy, " B, I know … you loved him. You loved him a lot. I know that. And his dying… it was especially hard on you. But god, do you think he'd be happy with the way you're acting?"
Buffy just frowns and stares at the floor.
"Why am I talking? Why am I even trying here?" Faith throws up her hands. She walks to another side of the circular couch, and sits down, facing away from Buffy.
Willow comes over and sits next to Buffy. She puts her hand on Buffy's . Buffy shakes it off. Willow's brow furrows, but she lets it pass.
" Buffy, we've been friends forever. Right?" Buffy nods." Won't you tell me what's going on? Why you're acting this way?"
" Acting what way, Will? I know… ok, tonight was really… stupid, I know that. But damn, I'm just trying to let off some steam.. crap, what'm I supposed to do? Sit around here like a nun and stare at the walls?"
" Buffy, c'mon. You've been acting wild. You've been all over the place, getting kicked out of this place, breaking up that place, getting Kira drunk, getting Connor in trouble… I swear, you're acting like…" Willow trails off.
" Like what?" Buffy arches a brow, " Like… ummm… Faith?"
" Whoa. What the hell ? Yeah, ok, I was wild… not gonna say I wasn't… but I was a teenager… remember, B? Seventeen? Way over? You're acting way over the top."
" Wasn’t gonna say that, " Willow mumbles.
" Really doesn't matter. Cuz everybody's acting like a stick around here, " Buffy grumbles. " God, have you all so ' grown up' that you've become like mini- Giles or something?"

" Excuse me?" Giles puts in, testily, " just because I don't go around busting up bars or getting thrown in jail, doesn't mean I'm a stick, thank you."
" Give it up , Giles, " Buffy says, " You have your shirts custom stuffed"
" One doesn't have to act like a prattering burke to have fun, you know" Giles says." I don't know what's happened to you, Buffy, but this 'new' you isn't very much fun to be around, frankly."
Buffy mutters something to herself.
" I'm sorry, I didn't hear that, " Giles says, pointedly.
" I said, you wouldn't know fun if it came up and bit you on the arse, " Buffy smirks. No one laughs.
" I see. Well, we could sit here and trade insults all night, Buffy, but that wouldn't really get to the heart of the matter, would it?" Giles comes over and stands over her, looking down on her. " You're acting like a bloody fool, and this is not acceptable. You're not a child anymore, Buffy, as you so wisely pointed out to me back in Sunnydale," Giles' jaw tightens, " So why are you acting like one?" Giles shakes his head, " frankly, you're current behavior is disappointing. Prior to your recent actions, you've always managed to act responsibly without losing your sense of humor or sense of fun. Now, you're simply acting like a sullen brat. To put it in your vernacular, exactly what IS your trauma, Buffy?"
" Oh, gee, daddy, I've been such a bad girl. Gosh, are you gonna put me over your knee and spank me now?" Buffy gives Giles a look, " betcha you'd like that, huh?"
" Buffy!" Willow says, shocked. She's never heard Buffy talk to Giles like that.
" Oh, grow up, Will, " Buffy shakes her head, " I mean, an adult hangs out with teenagers … kinda suggestive, don't ya think?"
" Buffy, that's just plain sick, " Willow looks disgusted, " Giles had reason to 'hang out' with us. You were the slayer, remember? He was your watcher. God" Willow gets up, wanting to get away from Buffy.
" Gee, Will… any sicker than going all dark and veiny and trying to kill all your friends… that is, before you decided you'd rather destroy the world…"
" That knife cuts both ways, Buffy. Seems I remember you tying up all your friends in your basement and trying to kill them, because you thought you were some crazy girl in an asylum in L.A." Willow glares at her.
" Yeah, well, I was under the influence of some demon drug…" Buffy smirks," What was your excuse? Oh yeah… Tara… well, gee, seems you got over losing the love of your life pretty well, wouldn't you say, Willow?"
" Buffy, that's enough!" Giles exclaims.
" Oh for god sakes, Giles. What're you gonna do? Bore me to death with more of your arcane and useless knowledge?"
Buffy doesn't see the punch coming, and finds herself flying across the room, ramming up against the reception desk… where she slides to the floor onto her butt. She puts a hand to her mouth, looking at it. Her lip is cut and bleeding. She grins and looks at Faith.
" Well, well. That's the Faith I know. When reason fails, just punch it out." She stands up, a little dizzy. She leans against the desk. " Nice one, Faith."
" I've heard enough of your crap, B. You're beef's with me. So leave Willow and Giles out of it, before you lose what few friends you got left."
" Yeah, friends, swell," Buffy laughs , " sweet". She leans on the desk, wiping her mouth.
" You know, B, I just don't get it. You used to be top of your game. Now…?" Faith shrugs.
" Know what, F? You never got me, ok? So don't start trying now." Buffy frowns.
" Oh, I get you, B, better than you think," Faith's tone changes, softens, " I get it real good. You used to be the one, B. The only one. You used to be in the spotlight, the leader of your little " gang ". It all revolved around you. Now, that's over. You and Willow made every potential a slayer, and you're not special anymore. The spotlight's gone. You feel left out, bypassed. Nobody wants you, nobody admires you anymore. You're on the outside now, looking in. Wanting desperately to be accepted. To be part of it, to feel the light shine on you again. Oh baby, I know that one too well, " Faith walks over to her , facing her. " Now you got a small clue how I felt when I came to SunnyD. I know it hurts, to feel rejected." She leans closer, leaning on the desk, " thing is, Buffy, I don't want that for you. I want you to be part of it. I've got plans, B, something we can do to make our lives mean something. I want you with me, B. You can shine again, Buffy. But not like this… not acting like this." She leans in so her face is nearly in Buffy's face, " I care about you; I do. We all do."
Buffy stares at her, then a small sneer comes on her face.
" Fuck you, Faith. You don't give a rat's ass. You're doing this because Will asked you to. That's all. Don't try to snow me, girl." Buffy shoves off the desk, turning her back to Faith. She starts towards the stairs.
" You're a moron, B, if you don't realize I care. But then, I guess it's true… nice girl, not too bright. So, where you going, B?"
" Anywhere but here. Don't think I can take much more of the ' love ' in this room, " Buffy says, starting up the stairs.
" Ah, well, Buffy," Willow calls out, " So, when the going gets tough, Buffy gets going… gonna run away, again?" Willow is still stinging from Buffy's earlier remarks.
Buffy turns, an angry expression on her face. " Does it really matter, Will? You won."
" Won?" Willow looks and is puzzled," What're you talking about?"
" You got her, Will. She's yours. So, how 'bout being a gracious winner and backing off."
" B, what the hell are you talking about?" Faith gets a strange look on her face, " You're talking crazy. Won? What the hell does that mean?"
" You still don't get it, do you?" Buffy looks at Faith with a sad smile." You still think you know me, Faith?" She descends the stairs, but stops at the bottom," You don't have a clue about me. Do you?"
" Buffy, I don't understand…" Faith turns to Willow, " Red, do you know what she's babbling about?"
" You don't see me, Faith. You look right through me. Like you always have." She starts walking slowly towards Faith. "I'm invisible to you, aren't I?"
" B, what the hell's wrong with you?" Faith asks, taking a step back. This is creeping her out.
" Are you afraid of me, Faith? Is that it?" Buffy stops, looking at Faith," What's wrong with me Faith? What makes me…" She stops, looking lost and confused.
"Buffy? Are you ok?" Willow sound concerned. Maybe a little wigged.
" Will? " Buffy looks at her as if she sees her for the first time. " You're still here?"
" Buffy!" Now Willow is major wigged.
" B, let Red alone. This is about you and me," Faith moves over towards Willow protectively.
" You and me?" Buffy starts to laugh. It's not a happy laugh, " You and me? There is no ' you and me', Faith. You… you never even wanted to be ' you and me'."
Faith, thinking Buffy's hysterical, walks over and slaps her. Buffy stares at her, and touches her cheek where Faith hit her.
" Do it again, Faith, " Buffy whispers. " Please?"
" NO! God, Buffy, " Faith backs off. This is getting way too twilight zone for her.
" Please, hit me again, Faith. So I know you see me?" Buffy gets on her knees. " Please."
Kira, who's been watching this as if it's a very bad Television soap, seems to come alive.
" Buffy, what're you doing? Stand up!"
" Kira?" Buffy turns to her, and smiles. It's a sweet, soft smile, " Hi !" She stands up, and faces Kira. " She doesn't see me, you know… right? I mean… she's never seen me, you know?"
" She sees you, Buffy. I know she does."
" No, I mean, really see me, Kira, " Buffy seems to have forgotten anyone else is here, " She … she's like a force of Nature. I mean, the first time I met her, she was… awesome…do you understand? I'd never seen anyone like her before… not really… and she was a slayer… like me… you know?" Buffy pauses for acknowledgement from Kira, who nods. Faith and Willow and Giles are staring at her," She was…beautiful, and strong, and free… so free, Kira. She was… what I wanted to be… and here she was… just there. I was … overwhelmed. I never felt anything like that before." She stops, looking confused. " Angel… I loved Angel… I still love Angel… but … she was… more, so much more!" Buffy turns and points at Faith, " Look at her, Kira… look… she's … she's beautiful… she's a goddess…" She turns back to Kira, her expression sad. " But … she never even saw me… never even … she couldn't see what I felt for her. God, I couldn't tell her… could I? No, of course not… I couldn't feel that way about another girl… could I?" She looks at Kira pleadingly." I was 17 going on 18, and I didn't know about that kind of stuff. It was wrong. What I was feeling… I tried to deny it, push it away… but it was strong… so strong…" Buffy shivers. " Being with her, patrolling with her, was so hard. Because I wanted her so badly, and couldn't… everything seemed to fall away when I was with her, and she … just thought I was this little tight-assed middle class cheerleader. A stupid, empty-headed blonde that just stumbled into being a slayer… she thought I was pathetic."
" B! I never thought…" Faith starts to protest.
" Shhh… not talking to you!" Buffy says, and turns to Kira. " She… was disgusted with me, I know it. But I tried, I really tried. I tried to become like her. Dress like her, act like her… but it was so … pathetic… I see that now…" Buffy's face goes bleak, " then… that night…that awful night Alan Finch died… she… oh my god… she thought I turned on her…but I didn't … I wanted to help her… god, I wanted to hold her, tell her it was alright… but she cut me out. She thought… she thought I would betray her…" She turns to Faith, " How could you think that? I loved you, more than anything. I would've done anything to help you… but …" she shake her head. " She left me, you know? She went over to the Mayor… she wanted to punish me… for letting her down, I know that's it." She turns to Faith again, " you were right that night at the dock, Faith. I was… I wanted to be like you… I wanted it so much. If you'd only … said you wanted me… I would've run with you… oh god… I nearly killed you baby, that night on the roof. I only wanted to scare you… make you hurt some… like you hurt me… I, oh god, Faith I'm so sorry." Buffy sinks down again, sitting heavily on the floor." When you fell off, when I thought I'd killed you… I wanted to die… I wish Angel had killed me…"
" Buffy" Willow, seeing her friend fall apart, wants to rush to her. But Kira holds her off.
" I came to see you, Faith. In the hospital. I didn't tell anyone, they wouldn't understand. I kept it secret… but I was there…" She looks up, " I had to stop you, Faith. When you came back bent on revenge. I had to. Because if you managed to hurt or kill someone, they would've hunted and killed you… don't you see? I couldn't let you do that to yourself… or to them…I didn't want them to catch you. I could've stopped you in that church, but I let you get away… don't you see?" She laughs bitterly, " and you got away alright… and ran straight to Angel. You thought I was jealous of you… saw you as taking Angel from me… isn't that right?" Buffy's face has hardened. " You… idiot, I was jealous of you alright… but more so of him, because he could have something with you… something you couldn’t or wouldn't give to me. Because I meant nothing to you. Nothing."
" I was 18, B, scared, sick in my head, and running… what did you expect? Roses and puppies?" Faith looks at her bewildered. " And boy, did I think you hated me! You sure made all the noises like you did!"
" I was 18, confused, trying to convince myself I was in love with someone I wasn't, you with my first love… and so much wanting you, needing you, that I would've still done whatever you told me to do."
"Then you were gone, in prison. I thought I'd never see you again. Ever. I tried to get on with my life, but guess what? Empty doesn't even begin to describe it. I went on, did what was expected of me, but it was hollow. I got a sister… oh, yeah… Dawn is… I love her ,and would do anything for her… but… it wasn't you, Faith. And my mother died… oh, god…" Buffy starts to tear up.
" I'm so sorry about your mom, Buffy, " Faith says, earnestly, " I really liked her."
" I miss her. You know what? She really saw how much you suffered. I didn't realize til I became you, exactly how much you suffered, Faith." She looks down at the floor again, " that just makes me love you more…" She stops. " What else is there? You came back to Sunnydale to help with the First. Willow brought you. I was falling apart, and here you are, looking all together and cool, just like you used to." Buffy laughs and shakes her head, " and the first thing I do is punch you." She looks up at Faith, her face shining, " when what I wanted to do was grab you and kiss you till those beautiful lips of yours bled."
" B!"
" Buffy!" Willow cries out.
" No, no, no! I lost already, I know. I … I just want to be honest. She never wanted me, Willow, so don't get angry." Buffy stands, and walks towards Faith, but is addressing Willow, " I see how she looks at you. I see the love she has for you, Willow. and it's beautiful. I wouldn't hurt that for anything, because I love you both. I do, I really do!" She's standing next to Faith now, and turns to her. She tilts her head, and looks deep into her eyes. " If you'd only looked at me that way for a second. For only the tiniest of seconds… if I'd only seen that spark there for me…" Buffy starts to slide down. She wraps her arms around Faith's legs. " I would've done anything for you. I would've been your slave, Faith. You could've asked me to do anything, and I would've done it gladly. Just one tiny second Faith… just one." She clings to Faith.
Everyone seems frozen. Willow looks sad and shocked. Giles looks pale, and is wiping his glasses, over and over. Kira has the strangest look on her face, and is staring at Faith. Faith just looks uncomfortable.
Before anyone can move, Buffy is back on her feet. She's grabs Faith and is kissing her. Faith, taken by surprise, at first doesn't resist. Then she starts squirming and struggling, and finally pushes Buffy away, hard, throwing her across the room.
Buffy lands on her butt, and starts laughing. It's a hysterical laugh.
" God, I'm such a loser…" She stands, and the laughs turn to sobs. She looks around, frightened, then runs out and up the stairs.
For a second, nobody moves. Everybody is too shocked. Then Kira starts towards the stairs.
" Kira, where are you going?" Faith calls out, starting towards the stairs.
" After her, " Kira says, hitting the stairs first. But Faith catches her, and grabs her arm.
" No, I think I should talk to her. You stay here."
Kira turns on her, and her face is livid. She shoves Faith, who not expecting it, drops down two steps.
"What the hell?" Faith is surprised.
" Stay away from her! Haven't you done enough?" Kira says, her voice hard.
" WHAT?" Faith's flabbergasted.
" God, Faith, are you so blind? Didn't you even see a little bit of it? All these years, and you didn't get a clue of how she felt? Do you want to destroy her? Is that your plan for her? Drive her to an asylum? Didn't you hear a word she said? And now you want to go up and make NICE with her?"
Faith stands staring at Kira, open mouthed. She doesn't respond.
" God, she's right. She IS invisible to you. She doesn't need you, Faith. God, you're the LAST thing she needs. She needs someone who cares about her. Someone who can see what she can be… that's so not you!"
" That's crazy talk! I care about her!"
" Oh, really? Then how come she has to … god, you're hopeless Faith. You got what you want, you've got everything. You've got Willow. Well, just leave Buffy alone. She doesn't need you. She needs …"
" What? You?" Faith is contemptuous." You don't even know her!"
" I know her better than you. In the few weeks I've been with her, I know her better than all the YEARS you knew her! I know I care about her… I know I love her! And I know, you don't care shit about her!"
" YEAH? WELL YOU'RE CRAZY. I LOVE HER TOO!"
The silence in the room is deafening. Faith goes red, then white. She turns to Willow.
" Like a sister, Red. I love her like a sister! God, not… "
Willow just stands, staring at her.
" I think you better go to Willow, Faith. I'll take care of Buffy." With that, Kira disappears up the stairs. Leaving Faith feeling like an idiot.
Faith walks down the stairs, and over to Willow.
" Red… you gotta know… I only meant I love Buffy like my sister… please… you get that, right?"
Willow has a tight smile on her face. " I think I do, Faith. I really think I do." She looks sideways at Faith. " Question is, do you?" She starts towards the stairs. " I think I better go to my room, now. Kinda tired." She starts up the stair, and Faith makes to follow her. She turns back. " Alone. Right now, I think I need to be alone, Faith. So do you. We're tired. We'll talk in the… shit, it's already morning … when we've gotten some sleep." She goes up the stairs.
Faith, looking dazed, moves back to the guest sofa. She sits, looking confused. Giles walks to her and puts a hand on her shoulder.
" They're wrong, Faith. And once they've had time to think about it, they'll realize that. There's no way you could've known how Buffy felt, " Giles pats her shoulder.
" I didn't? " Faith says. " I didn't? So tell me something then, Giles."
" What?"
" How come I feel screwed?"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To be continued.
Author's note: THIS IS STILL A FAITH/ WILLOW STORY. Don't EVEN think anything else.
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Independence