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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
Independence

By Norwalker

Part 9 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. All characters in this story are fictional, and no similarities to anyone, living or dead, is meant or intentional.
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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" Uhhh... God" Faith groans softly as the sun dances over her closed eyelids Her eyes were sore, had a gritty feel to them, and had that nasty gummy feeling you get when sleep has been elusive. She opened one eye a little, taking in the fact it was morning. She slowly turned her head, and saw that Willow had moved in the night, and was sleeping peacefully, curled up on the other side of the bed.
Sighing quietly, she forces herself up, doing her best not to disturb Willow. Not really into long discussions this morning...grunting's about as far as I'm goin'. Standing , she looks over to where Willow is sleeping, and she sighs. Damn... no one should be that cute. She grabs something to cover herself, and her travel bag, and leaves the bedroom, heading for the bathroom.
She stares at herself in the mirror, and grunts. Shit, looks like I've been doing the lost weekend bit. Guess no sleep'll do that to you. She leans over the sink, splashing cold water on her face. It helps a little, but she still feels like a truck used her for driving practice. She grabs her toothbrush out of her bag, scrubbing her teeth and gargling. She drops her robe, and enters the shower, turning on the hot water.
As the water plays over her all too achy muscles, she thinks about what's happened, and what she's gonna do. This is totally fucked up. Why'd I ever get involved here? I coulda been doing time back in prison already, getting my sentence back down. Instead, I help Buffy's girl scouts, and I'm totally screwed. How'm I gonna go back to prison now? Crap, 4 days away from Red had me nearly climbing the walls. What the hell did she do to me? Shit, what the hell did I do to myself? Didn't I learn rule # 1? Don't get involved. A little slap and poke, that's great. Good for the body. Giving your heart away... bad. Evil. Lots of nasty feelings, lots of hurt, and what's the good? C'mon lets get real. The witch isn't gonna love me... she can't love me. She's got the Girl Scout cum slayer as her lover. I never figured Red to be the fool around type, but that's all it can be. She says she loves me... but what does that mean? She doesn't love Kenny anymore? Can't buy that. So what does it mean? She loves me ... what'm I supposed to do here? Shit, how do I know?
She turns off the shower, shaking her head to clear the confusion. Doesn't work, but she'll figure something out... she always does. She towels down, and grabs a brush, running it through her hair. So, this is what love does ... makes you feel and look crazy. Collecting her belongings, she throws on her robe, and head back for the room. She stands by the door, pulling herself together. No doubts, no fears. Have to show her I can handle this. She opens the door, and sitting up in bed is a very troubled looking Willow. Oh, god, maybe I can't. Faith stands by the door, not sure if she should come in any farther.
" Hey"
" Hey, Red... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you..."
" No, that's ok, " Willow says smiling. She pats the bed, " Please come and sit by me. We need to talk."
" 'K " Aw, crap
Faith walks over and sits on the edge of the bed. Willow looks at her with a puzzled expression.
" Honest, Faith, I'm really not going to bite you." She smiles at Faith encouragingly, " C'mon, Faith, sit up here by me."
" I really can't , Red... if I get any closer... hell, this isn't even far enough, " Faith gets up, and walks to the corner of the room. " Ok, I think I can think over here."
"Faith?" Willow says, puzzled and hurt, "What is it?"
" Just...when I get too close to you... my mind checks out... " Faith has a helpless look on her face, " All I can think about is how you look, and how you smell, and how you...how much I want...god, this isn't any good." She turns, facing away from Willow.
Willow sits there, not believing what she's hearing. This incredibly sexy, strong and ... beautiful woman is saying I'm too sexy? That I make her crazy-lusty just being with me? Willow can't process it... no one, even Tara, has ever told her that she's so sexy that she makes thinking go away. She feels like a hundred waves of pleasure overtake her... it's like offering heroin to an addict. She wants, no she needs to hear more. She looks at Faith, facing away from her, the curve of her body, and Willow is on fire. Talk, schmalk, a deeper, more elemental need wakes within her, something she needs to be quenched before she can even think again. She stands up out of the bed, letting the sheet drop back. Already her body shows signs of arousal. Her nipples have hardened, and when she walks, it's with the grace and sinuousness of a panther. She goes over to where Faith is standing, and flows her body up against Faith's, her hand dropping to Faiths cute ass. She slides it sensuously over her buttock and thigh
Faith feels Willow press against her, and her hand caressing her, and she feels panic...and oh yeah, lust.
" Willow, " She says, her voice thickened by emotion, " What the hell are you doing?"
" Maybe, baby, " Willow says, taking her earlobe in her mouth and sucking on it. " Maybe, you need some more touch before we talk." Willow slides her hands under Faith's robe, encircling her waist and brings them up to her breasts. She lets her thumbs rub over Faith's hardening nipples. "Hmmmm... yes, I really think baby needs more love, " Willow says, running her tongue down Faith's neck.
Faith starts to shiver from Willow's touch. Shit, this can't happen. Not to me....god, she makes me feel helpless... oh god... Faith starts to pant and whimper, as Willow continues to caress her.
" Red ... please, if you want anything like ... talk ... stop... now...." Faith pleads, already feeling herself get damp.
"Fuck talk" Willow whispers in her ear, following her words with her tongue, Faith just lets out a small sigh. Willow presses closer, rubbing her body against Faiths." Hmmmm...somebody is very overdressed, I think," Willow says, tugging at Faiths robe, pulling it off her, letting it puddle at Faith's feet. She begins to nibble on Faith's neck as she runs her hands lightly and teasingly over her tummy and breasts. Faith is panting now... then Willow pushes herself against Faith , rubbing her breasts into Faith's back, and her pelvis into Faith's butt. Faith's panting turns into moaning.
" Hmmm... you like that baby?" Willow utters, her voice low and seductive.
" Oh, god, yessss, " Faith moans, her voice smoky with passion." Ummm...I'm sooo..."
Willow slides her hand down between Faith's thighs. She gently rubs her mons.
" mmmm... you're so moist, lover. Hmmmm you smell so good...."
Ohhhhh... this ... is... not... good... was the last coherent thought Faith had before her knees gave out. Somehow she found herself on the floor, Willow's head between her thighs, Willow's tongue doing nasty and wonderful things to her. Then she felt hands touching her breasts... and her back... and she knew she was lost, because Willow was doing that magic thing again. Her moans got louder as more and more 'hands' began to touch her in different, wonderful places, until her mind just checked out...and her body took over. Willow's wet tongue kept pushing deeper insider her... deeper until somehow she knew that no tongue could be that long... then the 'invisible' fingers started caressing her breasts and nipples, and another pair her little hard bud... and soon she didn't care if it's magic, because she's exploding... and for a while she knows nothing but this ... magic... then she feels Willow laying on top of her, kissing her...
Faith holds her... and then rolls her over, so Willow is on her back. Willow giggles, and Faith attacks her... with her lips and tongue... Willow's giggles turn to sighing little moans when Faith starts suckling her breasts... Willow grabs her hair, and pulls her closer... then makes little " uhhh...mmmm...uhhh " noises when Faith starts biting her nipples.
" Oh yessss baby that yessss.... harder..." Willow pleads, and Faith obliges.
Faith begins to kiss her way lower, using her lips and tongue to make Willow wiggle. Willow starts to moan louder, pushing herself against Faith as Faith moves between her open legs. Faith slides Willow's legs over her shoulders, and moves closer to her target, using her tongue to tease Willow's sex. She tortures Willow, teasing and nipping at her, making Willow's hips start to shimmy and shake. She slides a couple of digits into her, gently stroking her, then moving faster and faster, taking Willows little button in her mouth and suckling it. Willow goes mad, her head tossing back and forth, her hips moving up and down and in circles.... Faith has to actually hold her still to work on her. Finally Willow's body goes stiff... and then she shakes and cries out , her orgasm breaking like fragile glass within her... shattering... flying apart 'til Willow is just drifting on some sweet cloud somewhere else...
"What happened?"

"What?"
" I thought we were gonna talk"
" What you said... about me making you too ...crazy to think....was that true?"
" What do you think?" Faith says, kissing her deeply, sucking on her tongue.
" Goddess, that made me crazy you saying that... never felt that sexy before"
" you are..."
" No you are..."
" I get near you and all I want to do is... this..." Faith giggles, " We didn't make the bed..."
" No shit?" Willow giggles...." God I wanted to slam you down on the floor...."
" Well, you did... you made my knees into jelly with what you were doing...."
" Not the only jelly you had..." Willow giggles, licking her lips.
" You're awful..."
" Yeah... so shut up and kiss me"
Faith does, and they just lay there kissing for a long time.
" God, I'm all stinky," Willow complains.
" Hmmm... guess you need a shower..." Faith slides her arms under Willow, and stands up, lifting Willow.
"Faith! What're you doing?"
" Three guesses, first two don't count, Red, " Faith says, slinging her over her shoulder.
"We're naked!"
" Good point. But then I never shower clothed... do you?!"
" Faith... we can't go out THERE naked!" Willow protests, weakly.
" Oh? Watch me!!!' Faith says, heading for the door.
" FAITH... NO.... FAITH!!!" Willow cries out, but she's laughing.
" Shhh... gotta scrub you clean, Red... maybe not with the loofa either..."
"Faith... that's just... nasty... oh... uhhh... oh... god I love it..."
The bedroom door closes behind the two naked women.
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The next few days passed in a sexual haze for the slayer and the witch. The only time they got out of bed was to shower(not that things stopped in the shower), or to get something to eat. As... discreet as they tried to be, they couldn't avoid everyone, or, sometimes, several everyones. Reactions differed. Some gave the thumbs up, smiling and encouraging. Some were a bit distant, not sure what to make of it. And more than a few were disparaging, with some definitely hostile glances(these last being mostly part of " Kennedy's circle"). Faith pretty much took it in stride, not giving a damn what anyone thought. Willow, however, reacted differently. Sometimes she'd smile and try to just gloss over what was happening, sometimes she got a guilty look. All in all though the stares affected her more than Faith. This was normal enough. She was 'with' Kennedy... supposedly, anyway. But even she knew it was no secret she was sleeping with Faith.
Willow came down with a severe case of the guilts. The last time she felt this way was back in high school, when she and Xander had a little 'thing' going on, behind Oz and Cordelia's back. Oh, yeah... and that turned out so well! She tried to push it down and away, but it kept coming up to haunt her.
Faith, not as thick-hided as she acted, noticed that something was up with Willow. She started ... well, she'd make love, but it was like she wasn't there. Faith could feel the difference. She started to question herself, maybe she was doing something to upset Willow. Finally, one time when they were just kissing and petting, she felt Willow withdraw, and she stopped it.
" Red...what's going on? What's wrong?"
" Nothing, nothings wrong!" Willow says, covering.
" C'mon Will... you're not here. It's like I'm kissing your picture. I see you, but you're mind...and all the rest, is somewhere else. So what is it?"
" Don't be silly , Faith, " Willow says, coming up and putting her arms around Faith, cupping her breasts. She starts to nibble on her ear, "Does this seem like I'm not here?"
Faith reluctantly takes Willow's hands off her breasts.
" It's been going on for awhile now, Red. You do all the right moves, but it's like you ... doing it on autopilot!"
" Nooo...that's silly. Now let my hands back on your boobies. I like your boobies" Willow teases, trying hard to distract Faith. She slides her hands around Faith again, cupping her breasts." Ahhh... boobies" She giggles.
Faith sighs, and takes Willow's hand off her breasts, again. God, I gotta be insane, to tell her to stop... but something's eating at her. She turns to Willow.
" Red, you gotta stop it. Something's going on, so just tell me, ok?"
Willow pulls away, and gets an angry little frown on her face.
" Why're you being so mean?" She asks, pulling the sheet over herself.
"I'm not trying to be mean, Red. I'm just trying to find out what's bugging you".
" And I told you, nothing!" Willow exclaims, " What do I have to do, take a lie detector test?" Willow turns away, presenting her back to Faith.
" Red... Willow, c'mon honey, " Faith says, moving around to try to get Willow to look at her... but Willow keeps turning away. " I just care about you... I wanna help, if I can...c'mon, baby, please?" Faith tries to wheedle her into telling her. "C'mon you sexy lil vixen, tell me!" Faith reaches out to touch her face.
" No, leave me alone!" Willow says, batting her hand away, " go 'way. You're thinking I'm lying to you, and I don't like that!"
" No, baby, I'm not thinking that at all...I'm just worried about you, cuz you seem all distracted and ...well, not there!"
" Well, damn, Faith, we've been fucking for like, what? 4 or 5 days straight? Maybe I'm just worn out..." as soon as the words came out, and she saw Faith's face, Willow wanted to call them back. No, no, not what I meant!

Faith looks at her, hurt. Willow wants to find the nearest rock and crawl under it.

"Is that what it was, fucking?" Faith asks, her voice sounding puzzled, " is that all it was to you?"

"Oh, no... no , that's... no baby, no..." Willow comes over, trying to put her arms around Faith, trying to fix the damage. Faith stiffens in her arms.
Faith suddenly 'gets' why Willow is acting so distant. She's had her fun, now she wants to move on. She's trying to figure a way to dump me.
" Naw, you're right, Red. We've been fucking around too long. Time to get dressed and get back into the world." Faith stands up, starting to look for her clothing.
'Faith, please, no ... I'm sorry, you're right...I'm all distracted. I didn't mean that... it's more, it's so much more...please..."
" Where are my pants? Where in fuck are my pants?" Faith growls, grabbing at her clothing. "Shit I like those pants."
" Faith...please, I'm sorry!" Willow keens" It's me, I'm bad. I'm just feeling so guilty... like I cheating...god...I didn't mean ..."
" Well, maybe you are," Faith says coolly, her face impassive," that's what it'd be if you're still with Kenny, babe. I'm just a little diversion for you, a little play toy. If it's Kenny you wanna be with...then it's all just nothing." Faith shrugs, picking up her bag.
" No.. Faith, no it's not like that at all..." Willow pleads.
" Red, it's cool. I get it. No big. I had fun, I hope you did too." Faith says. She turns and walks out the door.
Willow sits in the bed, covered by the sheet, staring at the door. A small frown covers her face.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
I'm so stupid!
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Faith walks towards the bathroom to dress, each step like a little knife, slashing at her heart. By the time she's in the bathroom, she feels like she's gushing pain.
She leans against the door, letting her stuff drop to the floor. She can feel all the hurt welling up in her, but she won't let them see her cry. Fuck that, they think they're gonna make me bawl. She closes her eyes, her lips compressed tightly, pushing down the awful ache she feels in her chest. Try as she might, the hot tears dampen her eyes, and she can feel her lashes getting wet. Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me. I won't let her do this to me. She smells Willow on herself, and she hops in the shower, letting the hot water pour over her. She takes the soap and scrubs herself, trying to get the scent of Willow off her skin, out of her life. She almost rubs her skin raw trying.
She hops out of the shower, her hurt replaced by anger. It's a cold anger, born of old feelings she's never completely lost. What the hell did I expect? They see me as slut girl. They always have. They never thought I was good enough for them. SHE never thought I was good enough for her. Bitch. Who the fuck was I kidding?? Why'd I even come back here anyway? So I could get insulted again? Boy I must love feeling like dog crap, cause I keep comin' back to get reminded just how much I'm not wanted.
Faith dresses hurriedly, and starts to apply makeup. She stops herself half way, noticing she's going for the ' street slut' look, and deciding... this isn't what she wants. She washes it off, and puts on minimal makeup. She stands for a moment and stares in the mirror. Not a slut, I'm not a slut. Damn her, I don't need her fucking approval... I don't need shit from her!
She rushes out of the bathroom, and starts towards the stairs when she notices how quiet it is . She knocks at a couple of doors, but gets no response. Probably downstairs or out, whatever. Just kinda...eerie.
She gets downstairs, and looks around ,and the house seems empty. She goes to the kitchen, and sees no coffee's made. She opens the fridge, and gets some juice, drinking straight from the bottle. Ok, weird. Usually somebody's here any time of the day...where'd everybody go? Maybe B organized a field trip to the mall... Faith grins to herself... That'd be her idea of culture. Whatever. She shrugs to herself, and carrying the bottle of juice with her, wanders outside into the garden.
As she wanders down the path, wondering if she's going to wait for someone to get back and grab a ride, or just walk out of here, she notices someone laying out on a lounger in the yard. They're facing away from her, so she can't quite make out who it's. But she's got a pretty good idea. She wanders over, and sees Buffy laying out on the lounger, clad in a very small bikini, large sunglasses and hat, seemingly oblivious to everything around her. As if that were something new, Faith thinks. Faith, feeling a little mischievous, maybe a little angry, decides to sneak up on Buffy and give her a jolt. As quietly as she can, she approaches her, staying to her left not to cast a shadow. She raises her arms, ready to grab the diminutive slayer.
" If you're gonna sneak up on me, you're gonna have to do it a lot quieter than that" Buffy says, sitting up and turning around. A smirk crosses over her face. "Well, look who came up for air". She raises her sunglasses.
" Heya, Blondie. What's up?" Faith says, acting casual, as if she'd never sneak up on anyone," so, kinda quiet. What happened? Where's your girl scout troop?"
" Most have left for home, Faith. Now that the threat's over, they pretty much want to be getting back to their fams. The others headed into town, to do a little shopping and stuff."
Faith stands, bemused. Get that, I guess. At least, no weepy blubbery goodbyes. Really hate that.
"Well, things end. Time to get on with life, or whatever this crap is."
"Yeah," Buffy answers, sounding a little doubtful.
" Anyway, what's you plan, B?"
"I'm thinking Europe. Never been...wanna see it, I guess. Never had the chance before."
" Wicked, B. Probably set it on fire too, huh?" Faith says, her voice edgy.
" Yeah, maybe, " Buffy says, ignoring Faith's tone, " So, we've defeated the First. What're you gonna do now, Faith? Go to Disneyland?"
Faith shrugs," I'm guessing I'm going back to prison."
Buffy gives her a strange look, " I thought you were out on parole."
" Yeah, B. The kinda parole we took when we kicked out that police car's back window. Remember that? That's how I got out, kicking out the window between in the visitor's room and hightailin' it outta that place."
" Oh, " was Buffy's rejoinder.
" Angel needed my help. I owed him. But I gotta go back now, I guess."
"Why?"
"Ummm... figuring it'll go better that way rather than wait for them to come get me. They might get all cranky that way."
" No, I mean... why go back at all."
" Convicted murderer, B. Remember? Maybe they�re not liking me wandering around the streets."
" Look, Faith. It's pretty obvious you're not the same person that went to prison years back. You've cleaned up your act, I don't see why you gotta go back. No point in it."
" State thinks there's a point. They kinda like you to finish out your stay."
Buffy looks at Faith with an intense scrutiny. She's acting like she doesn't know. That's weird. Wonder if Will told her? She must've, but Faith's acting like she's gotta go back.
"What?"
"What... what?" Buffy asks, not getting it.
" You're staring at me like I grew a third eye. What's the what, B?" Faith asks, growing suspicious.
" Nothing, " Buffy says, quickly changing the subject. "What about Willow, Faith?" Buffy asks.
" What about her?"
" Well, how's she going to feel with you going back to prison? You guys got pretty hot and heavy last few days."
" Yeah, well... thinking she's not going to be too busted up about it. She's got Kenny, after all. Be real convenient if I disappear right now."
" What kinda crap is that?" Buffy says, obviously taking offense, " Willow really cares about you!"
"Please," Faith makes a face, " she as much told me I was nothing but ..."
"That's so not true!" Willow says from the path. She walks over to the slayers. " You so got it wrong, Faith."
"Red," Faith smiles. It's a cold smile, " Don't sweat it, babe. I get it. Kenny left, I was here... you had a little fun, got a little slap and tickle, a little comfort... no big."
"Faith, I don't think you know Will, " Buffy says, interrupting, " I do. She's not the casual sex type."
"Really? How would you know, B? I mean... she's changed. She's not the little geek you went to high school with. But then, you've been so busy with your own deal..."
Buffy goes quiet. She looks down, realizing she's been neglecting Willow for too long.
" Hey, lay off, Faith," Willow says, " you're mad at me, fine. Don't go attacking Buffy!"
"Oooo... so butch, I like it" Faith grins." So, whatcha gonna do, Red? Turn me into a rat...like Amy?"
" Why bother? You're already a fuzzy bitch with claws, " Buffy says.
" And we hear from the Blonde one, " Faith snickers, " what is this? Tag team put downs? Ooo, I'm scared."
" Buffy, let it alone. This is between me and Faith"
" But, Will..."
" No buts, Buffy. Just let it alone."
" Aw, Red, if Blondie wants to play, let her play, " Faith says, sarcastically, " Go ahead, B. Lay into me... sure you been jonesing to. Won't be as sharp as that knife you tried to gut me with, but I'm sure you can make it hurt, nonetheless."
" God, Faith, are you ever gonna let that go?" Buffy says, looking guilty.
" Really hard to, B, " Faith says, pulling up her shirt to reveal a jagged scar near her tummy, " when you get a daily reminder of it." She lets her shirt drop back.
For the second time, Buffy is shamed into silence. Faith is staring at her, enjoying her victory when a slap brings her back into the present.
" I said, Faith, let her alone!" Willow looks at her, intently, " You want to fight, fight with me. But let Buffy alone!"

Faith touches her cheek, and smiles. The kind of smile that chills the heart. She stands up, and being a little taller than Willow, looks down on her.
"Well, well, Red, " She grins lopsidedly. She grabs Willow and plants a kiss on her forehead, " Maybe you're just confused as to which slayer you care about" She pats Red's butt, and reaches down to grab her bag. She stands up, and gives them both a look. " Well, kiddies, it's been a hoot, but I think it's time old Faithy here got her ass back to jail, don't you?" She turns and walks off.
Willow is beyond angry. For a moment, her eyes go black. She reaches out her hand and commands:
"THICKEN"
Faith bounces off the invisible shield. She turns back to the Buffy and Willow.
" What's the deal, Red? Got some more insults for me? Maybe you wanna tell me what a crappy lover I've been?"
" Aw, just let her go, Will. If she wants to act like a brat, let her!"
"Shut up, Blondie. You don't know squat about it."
" I know what I see, Faith. I see a brat. Dawn can't equal you in brattiness."
" Buffy... could Faith and I have a moment alone, please?" Willow asks, looking at Buffy. Buffy gets a sour expression on her face.
" Geeze, I just find the perfect spot to work on my tan, and you two gotta come along and ruin it. Crap" Buffy jumps up, " I mean, haven't you had like lots of moments alone lately? I didn't ask for you to carry your fight out here... "
" Now who's being the brat, B?, " Faith smirks.
" Shut up, Faith!" Buffy snaps.
" Faith, lets go..." Willow reaches to pull on Faith, but is shaken off.
" Not goin' anywhere with you, Red."
" Buffy... please?" Willow pleads.
Buffy gets a look of disgust on her face.
"Fine. Whatever," She says," Just come out her to get a little sun, relax a little, and you two gotta ruin it. Great, just great," she turns around and heads for the house. She takes a few steps, then stops and turns around, a look of total peevishness on her face, " I wish you two would just admit you love each other and get it over with!". She turns again and stomps off.
" Wow, she's really mad," Willow says, watching Buffy storm off.
" Well, you came and ruined a perfectly good little chat we were having. What do you expect?"
" I ruined?" Willow looks angry, " What about you?"
" Doin' just fine til you showed up, all ...bah" Faith turns away.
"What? All what?"
"Forget it!" Faith says, disgusted.
"No, I won't 'forget it'," Willow says, coming around in front of Faith, " What did you mean?"
" That you come down here all hurt and righteous, like you're the wronged one, " Faith says.
" I so did not!" Willow says
" You so did too!" Faith mocks.
" I just came down to try to make it up with you, and I heard you telling that to Buffy. I just wanted to explain..."
" Don't, just don't. Ok? I think you explained fine already!"
" But... but you misunderstood, Faith..." Willow says, her voice softening.
" No, Red, I got it loud and clear. You had a fight or something with Kennedy, you were hurting, and here's Faith. Sure, not saying you..." Faith stops, " What the hell? I'm not sitting her going over this again! You don't want me. Just admit it, would you? And tell Blondie that too? I'm just some ... little bit of street trash you picked up to make you feel better. Well, I hope it worked, Red. Hope you're feelin' 5 by 5. I'd hate to not provide the expected service!"
" God, I can't believe how twisted up you've got it, " Willow says, growing angry, " How can you even THINK that?"
" Just a fuck, Red, that's all I was...right?" Faith says, " Sorry I ... tired you out!"
" OK, I said something STUPID because I was feeling guilty and confused. God, it's like YOU'VE never made a mistake!"
" What?"
" Like, running away? And threatening my life? Oh, and then disappearing for 4 days, so I'm like worried to death!"
" So that's it? That's why ... geeze, difference, Red. I just ran away cuz I was confused. You ... you made me feel like trash. I never did that to you!"
" No, you just humiliated me," Willow says, sounding tired, " made me feel you hated me!"
The two stare at each other, out of words.
" Look, it was a mistake, ok? Let's just call it a bad job, and be done with it" Faith sounds weary.
" Just like that, want to quit just like that?"
"We're too different, Red. Face it. You've got you're middle class morals and stuff, and I don't. I don't fit in your life. It was a total goof to think anything could come of this. Don't you get it? We're in different worlds. So just go back to your scoobies, and your friends, and Kennedy, and I'll just... go back to what I gotta do." She turns away from Willow.
" That's what you want, then?" Willow asks.
Faith doesn't look at her. She looks far away.
" Yeah, that's what I want."
Willow looks at Faith's back, her face seeming to collapse. She looks on the edge of tears, but she's not going to cry. Not here. Not where Faith can see her. She almost reaches out, wanting just to hold Faith, to tell her how much she loves her, what Faith means to her. Her anger and pride act like a wall. She lets her arms drop, and turns away, walking quickly towards the house.
Faith stands there, turned away, not moving. It's almost as if she's made of stone. It's as if the very life has been sucked out of her, and she's nothing more than a monument to herself.
Except for her hands, which clench and unclench repeatedly.
And her eyes, which overflow with tears.
************************************************************************
Willow half stumbles, half charges into the house, her own tears fogging her visions. She wipes at her eyes angrily, hating that she's letting Faith make her cry... again! I hate her! I HATE HER! How can she just be so...damned cold! Willow goes to the kitchen, hitting the freezer. Ice cream. The cure all for broken hearts. She's hoping that that Triple mocha chocolate fudge sundae she squirreled away is still in there. She needs mega chocolaty goodness to fix this. Maybe, like about 200 gallons or so ....
Damn. NOTHING. Not even a damned vanilla!
The freezer is bare. Except for ice cubes. And some frozen pizza, and a TV dinner. God, what'd they do? There was lots of ice cream in here... man, I swear they can eat like locusts.
Frustrated out of her ice-cream binge, Willow turns away, slamming the freezer door shut. She's about to run upstairs and cry her heart out, kicking herself for ever falling for someone as cold and mean and hateful as Faith. She almost doesn't see the envelope stuck under the freezer magnet with the note attached.
Will,
Decided to go out for awhile. Sorry I got so upset. I don't know, I guess I've just been off for awhile, my nerves seem to be like skin deep, ready to explode at any moment. Faith just came out, and started talking some stuff about going back about prison, and how you wouldn't care, and it just got to me. The way she does sometimes

Yeah, I so know that one, Willow commiserates.
Anyway, I didn't mean to get so... bitchy and bratty. But she gets me so crazy sometimes. I wish I knew how she gets under my skin the way she does. Really pisses me off!
God, If I knew that one....
Anyway, she was talking like she didn't know. I mean about prison. Didn't you tell her? I know you must have, I just think she's being a bitch. No big, anyway. Just gotta learn not to let her get to me!
Hey, this envelope was stuck in the door. It's addressed to you. Looks like Angel's writing... at least on the envelope (No, I didn't snoop!). Might be important.
Anyway, be back later, hopefully avoiding a certain dark haired slayer.
Hugs,
Buffy.
Willow looks at the envelope, her brow furrowed. Wonder what Angel wants...and why didn't he just call me? Of course, might've been busy... oh man... Willow feels the tears starting to run again, and wipes her eyes, angry with herself. Goddamn her she's not gonna make me cry again. Yeah, right, Will. Like you're not crying now. She stands there, letting the tears roll for a minute or ten, she's not sure how long it is . She finally goes over, grabs a tissue and dabs her eyes, and blows her nose.
She sighs, and opens the envelope. She pulls out the folded note, and reads it.
Willow,
I have some matters I need to discuss with you and Faith. Please bring her along and come at your earliest convenience.
Thanks,
Angel
Willow puzzles over the cryptic message, wondering what Angel could want. Especially, why he would want her to bring Faith along. She shakes her head, and re-reads the note, trying to puzzle it out.
" Geeze, he writes like a girl!"
Willow nearly jumps out of her skin, and literally jumps a foot or so off the ground. She whirls, and there's Faith, standing right behind her. She'd been lost so much in her thoughts, she hadn't heard her. Goddess!
� FAITH!!! What the HELL are you doing? GODDAMMIT!!" Willow shouts at Faith, her fright replaced by anger, " Are you TRYING to kill me? You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Willow's voice becomes high pitched and wheezy, her body trying to stabilize after her fright. " it isn't enough you just ripped out my heart, you wanna...."
Then she looks at Faith, really looks at her. Faith is standing opposite her, shoulders slumped, her cocky fuck- the- world attitude gone. Her face is blotchy, and her eyes are puffy and red from crying, her mascara doing trails down her cheeks. Her patented smirk is replaced by a frown, her lower lip trembling. All of a sudden she doesn't look like a powerful, strong woman who can kill monsters; she looks like a seven year old girl trapped in a woman's body, scared out of her mind.
" Faith?" Willow says softly, confused.
"I... I... oh god, Red. I'm so fucking sorry, " Faith says, starting to shake. " I... I know I've been putting you through hell, and I don't know why. All I know is I feel this something I... I don't understand it, but it's wonderful...and it's scaring me to death. I don't know any of this love junk... but ... I only know I... well, I thought you were wanting me to go away... that you didn't want me, and didn't know how to tell me...and that you loved Kennedy... but ... even if that's so, I can't help it... I love you... and it... I... shit" She starts to cry, her trembling getting worse, " I don't know what to do! I don't... I don't like this... it's scaring me... thinking of being away from you... I can't... it hurts, like a knife...do you get it? I ... and then you were drawing away from me... and I thought... that you ... were leaving me... it felt like someone was cutting my heart to shreds... it hurt... and I wanted to hurt back... I really did... and I couldn't... I just wanted to run away. Because you didn't love me!"
In that second, Willow knew. Her doubts, her questions were gone. Her heart was committed. She knew she'll have to face Kennedy. Tell her the truth. But that didn't matter. Because right here, right now she was facing the woman she loved.... The woman she thinks she'll love for the rest of her life.
" You moron, " Willow says, her tone soft and loving, " You total idiot, how could I love anybody but you?" She gathers Faith in her arms, and holds her tight. Faith clings to her like a child, and Willow rubs her back and head, comforting her. Willow feels more alive than she's felt... since Tara. She's so unlike Tara, it's insane. Tara made me feel calm, and peaceful, and settled. Faith... she makes me angry, and nuts, and ... God, I love her! " You make me crazy, do you know that?" Willow whispers in Faith's ear. She starts kissing her face. " You(kiss on forehead) drive( kiss on cheek) me(kiss on other cheek) insane!( full on kiss on lips).
They hold each other, pulling each other tighter, as if the idea of even a millimeter of space between them makes them unhappy. The kissing becomes deeper, and more intense, and soon hands are moving all over each other... clothing starts to be shed...
I think we should leave them alone for awhile.
They have a lot of making up to do...
************************************************************************
" Great, just great. I'm following a psycho girl into a death trap. Yup, I'm the smart one, right?" Willow mutters to herself, hurrying to catch up. How the heck did I get into this anyway?
She stands there, watching Faith approach the entrance to Wolfram and Hart. Aw, crap! She starts to run after Faith.

" Wait... wait up, I'm right behind you....darn it , Faith, WAIT!" Willow calls out as she runs towards Faith.

Faith stops, turning around, and waits for Willow to catch up. She stands, hand on hip, smirking, on the outside looking for all the world that this is just a piece of cake. Inside, her stomach is doing flip flops. Her nerves feel like they're pushing through her skin, and she's all.... EEEEEEEEEEE!!!! But she knows she can't let Willow see her fear, or Willow will freak. She's already at the edge of freakydom.

" So not liking this, " Willow pants, having caught up, " Couldn't we just go for a mocha, instead?"

" C'mon, Red. Shit, they're not gonna know us. It's not like we're Angel, or Buffy or something. We're just the minor players, the sidekicks, remember? Hell, they probably don't even think we count."

"Yeah, maybe. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to keep it that way, " Willow says, a small quaver in her voice.

" It's gonna be fine, Red. Let's go," Faith says, taking her hand. She notes it's trembling too.

" You're insane... you know that, right?" Willow says.

" Yes, dear, I know. That's why you love me, " Faith says, as they walk through the doors.

They walk into the lobby of Wolfram and Hart, and as Faith predicted, they weren't swarmed by security guards (or whatever W&H uses for security). It looks like the lobby of any of 100 other successful major law firms. A large reception desk dominates one area of the space, elevators leading up to the various floors are along the walls, there are tables and lounges for sitting, along with phones and the usual decorator touches. There are even the usual security cameras scattered around the walls, and security checkpoints with guards bearing metal detecting wands situated between the reception desk and the elevators. All in all, pretty typical.

" See? Told ya, " Faith says, beginning to feel a bit more confident herself, " nothing. No demon swarms, no mystic traps... just a normal business lobby. Now we'll just.... " but at that moment she's interrupted by someone shouting at them.

" FAITH? WILLOW? OVER HERE!" a blonde woman waves at them, indicating they should go to her.

" Ummm.. guess I was wrong...someone knows us, " Faith says, starting to walk over to the waving woman, " She looks harmless enough...."

" Wait...WAIT!" Willow says, grabbing Faith's arm. " That's Harmony!"

" You know her?" Faith turns to Willow with a questioning look.

" Oh, yeah. I went to high school with her," Willow says, frowning.

" Small world, huh?" Faith grins, starting to walk towards Harmony again.

" Ummm... Faith?" Willow says, pulling her up short, " last time I saw Harmony, she tried to put the bite on me."

"Vampire?"

" Oh yeah... Spike's girlfriend for awhile."

Faith looks around at the brightly sunlit lobby. " Ummm... how come she isn't doing the pyro act then?"

" Don't know...don't care...let's just get outta here!" Willow says, her nerve breaking. She turns to run. Faith follows her.

" Hey...HEY... YOU GUYS! Aw, c'mon...don't do that!" Harmony pouts. " Hey... stop them!" She calls out to the security guards.

The security guards move as a phalanx, and surround the witch and slayer. Faith drops into a fighting position, ready to start kicking her way out. Harmony catches up to them.

" What's wrong with you guys? I just want to take you up to Angel. He's waiting for you!" Harmony says, dismissing the guards.

" Back off, Harm!" Willow says, pulling out a cross. Harmony covers her face and turns away.

" Geeze, Willow. You don't have to get personal, do you?" Harmony complains, " I'm just doing my job!"

" Your job is sucking blood. Don't mind if I want to keep mine, do you?" Willow says, pushing the cross towards Harmony.

" God, I'm off Human blood. Angel won't allow it. I just drink pigs blood these days!"

" Angel? He's here?" Faith asks, suspiciously, "What's he doing here in the enemy camp?"

"Well, duh! Where've you guys been? In a cave? Angel's the CEO of the L.A. branch of Wolfram and Hart."

Faith turns to Willow, who turns to Faith. They say it together:

" Aw, shit!"
************************************************************************
" Here, why don't you give me that?" Harmony says, reaching for Faith's stake, " you won't need it."

"Wanna try and take it from me, Blondie?" Faith asks, pulling her hand back.

" Ok, ok, you don't have to be so...mean!" Harmony says. She turns to Willow, " is she always this touchy?"

" Only with vampires. Call it her calling, if you want," Willow says, still gripping the cross in front of her.

"God, I never thought you to be a racist, Willow, " Harmony says, sounding aggrieved, " and if you don't mind, we prefer the term Undead-Americans."

"Racist? What the hell?" Faith says, not even buying this conversation, " you vampire. Me slayer. Get it?"

" I seem to remember you trying to bite me outside the Bronze... and that's just one occasion." Willow retorts.

"Well, that was back in the bad old days, you know?" Harmony says, " I mean, I don't do that anymore. I'm Angel's Personal Assistant. We have rules here, you know."

" Oh, really? You work for Evil, Inc. and there's rules?" Faith says, barely able to keep herself from laughing out loud.

"Well.. yeah... I mean, Wolfram & Hart is a full service law firm. We do have human clients, you know. Wouldn't be seemly for the staff to go around putting the bite on the clients, would it?" Harmony says, a little pride in her voice, " and Angel is strict about the no human blood thing. We can't even go hunting... er, I mean...oh, never mind...anyway, we can't even have human blood in our off time. They have testing, you know!"

"Drug testing?" Willow asks

" No, silly, plasma testing. And there better not be any human markers... or you're outta here!"

The doors open on the elevator.

" and, you're outta here, " Harmony jokes, a little lamely. She starts walking towards her desk. " Follow me, I'll announce you're here."

Faith and Willow follow Harmony at a distance, taking in scenery.

" This place is huge!" Willow says, " You could fit like... a dozen of Angel's old offices in here."

" Yeah, gotta say he's come up in the world, " Faith agrees, looking around. She sees Willow's expression, " Well, he has... sorta."

" Not if he's turned to Angelus, he hasn't. I mean, it all seems pleasant... but we're still prisoners here."

"Well, if he's Angelus, he won't be for long, " Faith holds up the stake, " I'll dust him before he can do squat."

" Yeah, and then what, Faith?" Willow says, " We'll be toast before we can make the elevators."

" Well, we're kinda toast now, you know? At least we'll take a few with us."

" Well, that makes it all better then, doesn't it? Next time, I'm so not listening to you. Going for mochas."

" He'll be with you in a moment, " Harmony calls out to them, " He's with a client. He's almost done."

" Hey, blondie, I gotta ask you somethin', " Faith says, walking towards Harmony.

" Harmony"

" Huh?"

" My name is Harmony, not Blondie, " Harmony says, with as much dignity as she can muster.

" Uhhh... yeah, ok, whatever. I gotta know, " Faith says, pointing at the windows, " I mean, there's sunlight streaming through the windows up here, and down in the lobby. Yet, you're a vampire, and not doing the torch girl thing. How's that possible?"

"Oh... yeah, that, " Harmony smiles brightly, " Special mystical glass... sunlight coming through it is harmless to Undead- Americans."

"Really. Mystical glass," Faith says, looking at the windows, " Yet, if I break it then... poof?"

" I suppose... but then, the last guy tried to break the window? We're still finding pieces of him around here."

" Ahhh... got it" Faith grimaces.

The doors to Angel's office opens, and he appears, walking along with a rather large, blue skinned two headed demon. One head is looking at Angel, the other observing Faith and Willow.

" I assure you, you have Wolfram & Hart's full protection in this manner, " Angel is saying to the demon.

"We better, " the head facing Angel says, " One more lapse, and we're pulling our business."

" Don't worry, we've put our best legal minds on the problem." Angels assures the demon.

The head looking at Faith and Willow sniffs the air. It's brow furrows.

" I smell a slayer!" it says, turning towards Angel, " What's a slayer doing here?" The first head asks.

" Don't worry. You're under our protection. Nothing can happen to you here!" Angel says. " Anyway, she's here for a specific job... nothing to be concerned about."

" Not worried. Just don't like slayers, " The demon's head say in unison. They elongate on their necks, and stretch over to Faith, snapping at her.

" Not fond of two headed blue demons myself, " Faith says, waving her stake at the beast, " back off, demon breath."

" Who's gonna make me?" the heads laugh, moving towards Faith.

" I will, you mutant smurf!" Willow cries out. She casts a spell, causing the demon heads to twist around each other, tying their necks into a knot. " Now back off....or I tighten the knot!" To demonstrate, Willow tightens the knot just enough to hurt... but not to kill.

" Ack... ok, knock it off !" The heads cry, backing off to the body of the demon. " Great. Slayers and witches! What's this law firm coming to?" The demon, obviously pissed off, makes for the elevator. He exists, grumbling.

" Hey, guys!" Angel says, all smiles. He walks over to Faith and Willow, " sorry about that. Didn't know he had such a thing about slayers, or I would've taken him out another exit."

" Back up, Fang" Faith holds up her stake." What the hell is going on here?"

"Faith," Angel backs up, getting that slightly disconcerted grin of his, " we can talk about this. I can explain."

" Well, we'd certainly like to hear about it, mister!" Willow walks over to Angel, holding out a cross, " til then, think we'll keep the mojo on our side."

" Do you want me to get security, boss?" Harmony asks, lifting the phone. Angel shakes his head.

" No, that won't be needed, Harmony. It's ok... it's just a little shock for them." He turns to Faith and Willow, " Why don't you come into my office and I'll explain ..."

" No, don't think so. Not liking small enclosed places with you right now, Angel... or is it Angelus?" Faith nods her head towards the seating in the middle of the reception room. " Why don't we talk over there?"

" Faith, I haven't lost my soul... I'm still Angel. Why does everybody think I've gone evil again?" Angel laments, thinking how hard it's been explaining this to everyone.

They walk over to the low couch and sit, Angel at one end, Faith and Willow at the other. They sit silently for awhile, just looking at each other.

" It could be that, well, let's face it Angel, you're working for Evil, Inc." Willow starts off, breaking the silence, " Kind of hard to reconcile this" she gestures around the offices, " with fighting evil. And you haven't been exactly straight with anyone about it."

Angel gets a pained look on his face, but he begins to relate the incidents leading up to Angel & Co. taking over Wolfram and Hart. Willow and Faith start out with skeptical expressions, but slowly they change to wonder, and slightly dropped jaws. Angel tells them about Jasmine, her reign, her death, and the rest, carefully editing out mention of Connor... who no longer exists in anyone's mind but his own. He finally mentions the search for Cordelia, how she'd been possessed, and had a 'mystical' pregnancy and birth, resulting in Jasmine. But she'd been hidden away( since her blood carried the seeds of defeat for Jasmine), and they couldn't find her. That, and other considerations, led Angel to accept W & H's offer of the L.A. Branch.

Faith, who wants to believe Angel, by the end is nodding along, accepting his explanation. She can see the potential he saw in fighting the darkness by using their own resources. It appeals to her sometimes twisted sense of justice.

"Wicked, Fang," Faith grins, " I gotta give it to you. Using Wolfram and Hart's own stuff against them. Kewl beanz, I gotta say."

Willow, attuned to the physical and metaphysical forces, senses that while Angel is telling the truth, he's not telling the whole truth. Something big, something important, is being left out. She also senses a ... disturbance in the natural flow of energies, as if some force were controlling perceptions of the current 'reality' . She gives Angel a sidelong glance.

"There's more, isn't there, Angel?" Willow says quietly.

Angel looks up, startled. He hadn't expected that, and it threw him a little.

" There's something you can't... won't... can't... I can't quite get a fix on it... but there's something you're not telling us, isn't there?"

" I've told you everything that's important, " Angel says, evading the question deftly.

Willow looks at him, knowing that he's ... well, not exactly lying, but holding something back. Something very important... but she realizes that pushing him will only cause him to retreat further, so she lets it go.

" Ok, so you've got us here, " Faith says, " not saying I'm buying your story about how you got here. Still hangin' onto the stake... just in case. But, why're we here, anyway?"

" Well, why you're here is a little more private," Angel gestures towards his office.

Faith and Willow look at each other. There is still some suspicion on their parts, but reluctantly they agree to adjourn to Angel's office. It's not as if we could really escape anyway, Faith thinks, feeling a bit queasy about being here in the first place.

They're led into a large, comfortably furnished office with a large window in one wall. The other decoration is muted and tasteful; the only indications that this is not your normal Executive's office are some of the wall hangings... they are definitely of mystical origin. Angel sits behind a large oak desk, and behind him a wall is taken up with what looks like an ornate and secure cabinet. He indicates a couple of chairs for the duo to be seated in.

Faith, still on edge, perches more than sits on the chair. She is still suspecting a trap, and isn't inclined to get too comfortable. Willow, sensing something in the air, sits forward in her seat.

"There's some kind of mystical energy in the air, " Willow murmurs, her brow furrowed. " What's that about?"
Immediately Faith is on her feet, stake in hand. She starts towards Angel, who holds up a hand to restrain her.

"Would you two settle down, please?" Angel says, irritation starting to show, " I don't know what I've got to do to prove to you that I'm still ok, but I'm not on the bad guys team. The reason for the barrier is that I want this conversation to be private... totally private."

"From whom?" Faith asks, eyeing him with some caution. Easy to say you're a good guy, prove it Fang boy.

" From them," Angel points to the ceiling.

Willow and Faith look at him quizzically.

" The senior partners. Just because they handed me this... location, doesn't mean I trust them, " Angels says, " I had a shaman come in, someone I know and trust, to create the barrier. I can release it and recast it as necessary, and it can't be penetrated, " He stands up and walks to the window, looking out, " I still think they listen in..."

" How can you be sure you can trust this 'shaman'?, " Willow asks.

" I've known him for awhile. You both probably know him. He's the same one Mayor Wilkins used to turn me 'evil' that time...."
" Oh...oh, right!" Willow says, excitedly," The one Giles introduced to his wife!"

Faith on the other hand sits in her chair, looking down, embarrassed.

Angel, seeing Faith's distress, comes over and puts his hands on Faith's shoulders. She looks up at him, obviously feeling guilty.

" Don't sweat it, Faith. That was a long time ago... you were a different person then." He smiles at her, and for the first time since she came in, a small smile plays on her lips.

"So, let's get down to business, shall we?" Angel says, changing the subject and moving around his desk. He sits, and opens a drawer in front of him. He pulls out two envelopes. He hands one to each of them.

They look at the envelopes, their names printed on the front. They open them, and find inside each a check, made out in their names. Both women's eyes go wide, with Willow doing a double take. They both look at Angel.

"What's this for?" They ask, simultaneously.

" I know you both have been kind of out of it, not really paying attention to the news, " Angel says, " if you had, you would've heard that what happened in Sunnydale was declared to be an act of terrorism. All of the survivors received compensation for their losses..."

" Hold on, boss," Faith says, " first of all, where the hell did they get THAT idea? I mean the terrorism angle?"

Angel just smiles.

" You?" Faith exclaims, "YOU?"

" Being CEO of a multi-dimensional law firm has its perks," Angel grins, " especially in the political arena. You wouldn't believe how many politicians Wolfram & Hart finances..."

" Oh, I believe it, " Faith says, cynically.

" B-B-But Angel, " Willow stutters," This is way too much. There are too many zeros at the end..."

Faith leans over and looks at Willow's check. Her eyes nearly pop out of her head.

" Holy shit, Red. You're rich!"

Willow just looks dumbfounded.

"Well, from what I understand, Willow, your parents owned quite a few properties in Sunnydale. That's why your check is so large," Angel smiles. He enjoys playing Santa Claus.

" Ummm... Angel? What's the deal?" Faith waves her envelope, " I mean, sure, I lost some clothes and stuff, but ... nothing like this amount"

"Actually, that's Buffy's doing, " Angel says, " She also received a large amount, and figured you might ... well, she figured you might need a new start in life. So she shared part of hers with you."

Faith is stunned. She never would've thought Buffy would do something like this for her. She's totally confused... she's not used to casual generosity. She shakes her head, and starts to hand the envelope back to Angel.

"I ... I can't accept this, " Faith says, " It's... not right."

" I think you should, Faith, " Angel says, quietly, " I know for a fact that Buffy would be really upset if you don't..."

Faith still shoves the envelope towards Angel, " Look, thank B for me, ok? I mean... I understand what she's trying to do, and I'm grateful and all, but considering where I'm going, I won't be needing this any time soon..."

"Where you're going?" Angel looks puzzled.

" Prison, remember? I mean, it's been a hoot and a half, but vacation's over. I'm gonna turn myself in when we're done here..." She addresses Willow, " sorry, Red, I shoulda told you..."

Angel and Willow looked stunned, but Angel looks a little angry, and Willow a lot guilty.

" You didn't tell her?" Angel's voice is stern.

" Ooops, " Willow blushes, " with everything going on, I forgot?" She starts looking for that rock to hide under.

" Tell me? Tell me what?" Faith says, her calm belied by her fists clenching and unclenching. Now what the fuck surprise do they got for me?
Angel casts another " I can't believe this" look at Willow.

" While you were missing... I had the some of the lawyers review your case. To put it simply, with time served, and your actions in that little matter with Angel Investigations, and how you helped quell the terrorist threat in Sunnydale, you've been granted a Pardon by the Governor."

"Eh?" Faith is staggered.

" Ummm... you're free, Faith, you don't have to go back to prison," Willow says, moving away from Faith...not wanting to be in her path when she explodes. Ok, Will, that's gotta be the dumbest thing you've EVER done in your life.
Faith just sits in her chair, not saying anything, not doing anything. Then she starts to laugh. Just a guffaw or two to begin with, but it builds. Soon, she's cackling and laughing like crazy, leaning back in her chair.
Aw, crap. I know, this should be the best news of my life. It would be. But I was counting on being in prison not to have to face The Grandmother. Shit! Hee hee hee... you gotta admit, the irony is just beautiful... hee, hee, hee... I'm free, but I've gone from the frying pan, straight into the fires of hell... it's just too much...

She looks at Angel and Willow, and seeing their worried looks, just starts to laugh harder. She can't stop. She just laughs...

And laughs.

And laughs.
************************************************************************
Faith finally laughs herself out. All the stress and tension of the last two weeks seem to have been expunged, and she feels more relaxed than she can ever remember being. Her side hurts, she's having a hell of a time breathing( they finally brought her a bag to breath into), and her eyes are wet from tearing... but she's feeling great.
Angel and Willow, however, are looking at her as if she's finally gone around the bend. Willow sits by her, but is very nervous, and Angel has called security for back-up, in case she has gone bonkers. Considering her strength and training, a prudent idea.

" I'm ok, I'm ok!" She gasps, filling her lungs, " I know, I look crazy, but I'm really not... honest guys, you can call off the watchdogs now." She waves at the security guards standing at the ready.

Angel nods at the security force, and they leave, still watching Faith carefully. Out of impulse, she stands up and blows them a kiss. Angel and Willow exchange a glance.

"What the hell was that about?" Willow looks at Faith, a panoply of emotions parading across her face.

"Sorry, really sorry, guys, " Faith looks at both of them, " but you just don't have the days it would take for me to explain the trouble I've gotten myself not going back to prison. Prison would be a cakewalk next to what I've gotta do now."

Willow and Angel exchange another glance, and Angel hovers his finger over a button. Willow shakes her head, no, indicating it's ok.

"Well, whatever you're talking about, Faith, I'm hoping that it won't be... ummm... so consuming that you can't work on a little favor I need to ask of you" Angel looks at both the women.

"Favor?" Willow asks, growing suspicious again.

" I have something I need delivered to a ... certain party. Normally, I'd use the normal courier from here," Angel pauses, " But this is strictly hush � hush, and I ... I need someone I can trust to get it there." Angel looks at the ceiling again, briefly, " someone who won't tell ... certain people... about it."

"I gotcha, boss," Faith says, glancing briefly at the ceiling, " You don't want them to know about it."

"That's right, "Angel agrees, " they might not be too happy about it."

" Well, no big. Just book me a flight and...."

" No, can't do that. The problem is I suspect they know what's going on. They just can't prove it, or they'd be on me like white on rice. So, they're going to be watching flights and normal transportation for a courier."

"Ok, no big. We can figure something else out... but sounds like a solo job to me. Don't think we need Red involved..."

" Faith, if the senior partners get wind of what's going on, they're not just going to come at you physically," Angel says, " I'm thinking you're going to need a little back-up... mystical wise. And besides, two people might throw them off ... they won't be expecting me to send two people..."

" Ok, now I'm nervous, " Faith says, " exactly what're you having us carry?"

" I really can't tell you that, Faith. If you don't know, you can't tell, even accidentally,"

"So, we're back to secrets again, Angel?" Willow looks at him perturbed.

" Please... I wouldn�t ask, except it's important. And I need two people with power enough to protect themselves, and that I can trust."

" I dunno... " Willow says, worried.

" A lot of lives are depending on this, Willow. Please, " Angel begs, " I wouldn't ask otherwise."

Faith and Willow exchange a look.

" Alright, Angel, we'll do it, " Faith says, " Not liking this one bit, don't like being in the dark... but ..."

" Believe me, it's safer this way."

"Ok, you said something about we can't use normal transportation. So, what? How do we get there..." Faith says.

" And exactly where IS there?" Willow asks.

"Normally, I'd give you one of the company cars," Angel, seeing Faith's sour expression, explains, " trust me, they're not your generic green two door sedans."

" But we don't get to use them?"

"No, can't risk someone 'inside' blabbing to the partners, or their 'emissary'. I've arranged something else for you..."
"Something else" Faith and Willow say together. Neither thinks they like the sound of that.

"I'll show you, " Angel starts towards the elevators, indicating they should follow.

They ride down the elevator in silence. The tension in the elevator is high; neither the witch nor the slayer feeling real good about any of this. But they'll do it, because Angel asked them to. But it doesn't mean they have to be happy about it.

They reach the lower level of garages, and the door opens. Angel walks out, and gestures for them to follow. They walk around a labyrinth of parking spaces til they come to a corner spot.

Parked in the spot are two brand new Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles. One black, one cherry red. Angel turns back to Faith and Willow.

" Whoa... Angel... totally cool" Faith grins, walking over to the black bike. She throws her leg over, and sits, feeling immediately comfortable.

Willow, on the other hand, stands frozen. She looks at the bikes, then at Angel, then back to the bikes.

" No way.... No WAY!" Willow says, backing up, " there's no way I'm riding one of those things. I could get killed. Are you nuts?" She says. She starts to walk away. " Forget this!"

"Red...hold up...RED!" Faith calls out, running after her.

" No way...I'm not getting on one of those things...." Willow looks at the bikes as if their snakes.

"Aw, Red, it'll be a blast. You and me, toolin' down the highway...think of it. Wind in your hair... no one tellin' ya what to do..."

"No" But Willow's face indicates she's thinking about it... and not negatively. " It's dangerous"

" We're not gonna be doing motor cross, honey," Faith says, getting closer, putting her arms around Willow." We'll take it slow and easy... anyway you want."

"B-B-But I don't know how ...." Willow protests, weakening

" Don't worry about that, Willow, " Angel calls out, " I planned for an instructor to teach you."

" I dunno..." Willow says, temptation beginning to get her.

" Just think of how fun it'll be, " Faith says, leaning close, whispering in her ear." I know you're gonna look so hot in the leathers...." She purrs softly into Willow's ear.

"Really?" Willow is thinking about it... and beginning to like it. " You think?"

" I know," Faith breathes it into her ear. Willow is beginning to pant, just a little. She leans back into Faith.

" But... I'm kinda scared..." She whispers.

" Don't worry, baby, I'll be right there with you. And we won't be going all that far, I'm sure!"

Faith calls out to Angel.

" Hey, where do we have to go, anyway?"

"Boston"
Aw, crap!
************************************************************************

To be continued.
- 8
- 9
- 10
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Independence

Independence

By Norwalker