Disclaimer: See first chapter.
Chapter Twenty-One: When The Smoke Clears
The following day came and went without incident because Buffy managed to avoid the bunch of Brutus' who were more commonly known as her friends. She totally understood their stupid reasons for not wanting to help her, but she couldn't get over the sting. That was partly their fault too for always being there in the past. So…she was kinda blameless. Just wanting to help a friend who may or may not be in trouble. Boy could she rationalize or could she rationalize?
It wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't felt like they were letting her down. She'd always tried so hard to not let them down. To save their lives over and over again whenever they needed her. Yet instead of quoting the dangers and doing the spell anyway, they'd shut her down. It just seemed wrong.
Oh well.
If Rack were a scumbag of his word, Faith would be getting out of jail soon. She wasn't sure how it would happen or if she'd have to do anything, but she was excited nonetheless. Excited and a bit worried because believe it or not but she didn't want the world to go kerplewee. Not even for Faith. And now that she had more time to honestly think about things and not run on pure adrenaline, she could see where perhaps she'd been rash in her actions. Where perhaps she should have called the brunette first and asked her how things were.
But then she wouldn't have been impulsive Buffy who often jumped into the fray without checking to see how far down the ground was. She just hoped everything worked out for the best.
Yeah…maybe if she said it enough she'd honestly believe it would.
Tucking strands of hair behind her ear, she sighed and swung her legs against the large headstone. There were no fresh graves and she was pretty sure no oogie boogie would be rising tonight, but like most screwed up people she found the cemetery to be a comforting place. Well when things weren't trying to kill her there. But it was nice and quiet, and gave her a chance to get all her thoughts together.
She knew everyone would freak when Faith showed up. And they would freak even more when they found out how—if they found out. She was a firm believer in saying nothing to spare them a case of the grumpies. Also she didn't want them saying I told you so if the world did in fact start to turn into shrink-wrap.
Letting Spike help her had been a big mistake. It was obvious he'd take it the wrong way and think it meant more than it did. But beggars couldn't be choosers in her situation. And as long as he stayed just as annoying as he was now, things would be fine. She could deal with the Buffy Bot and the stalkings and puppy dog eyes. If he tried for more than that, he'd end up being able to fit in an ashtray.
Footsteps sounded behind her and she turned swiftly, then made a face when she realized who it was. "Spike."
"Hey." He nodded with a grin. "Anythin' good out?"
She shook her head. "No. I'm not really in patrol mode anyway. Just sorta…clearin' my head and everything."
"And how are the super friends? Told 'em bout our plan yet?" He inquired, smoothing a hand over his platinum hair.
She ignored the way he said our. "No an—and I don't think I will until I know what might happen. Either way they'll freak."
He nodded again. "Yeah but…they'll get over it ya know? The heart wants what it wants…"
"And mine wants Faith." She wet her lips. "I do wanna thank you for helpin' me find that Rack guy. But if this goes wrong my foot will be thankin' your ass."
Spike laughed. "Fair enough, Slayer." Pause. "So where is ya sweetie anyway?"
"I don't know." The blonde said softly. "Maybe it takes a while for the spell to kick in. I—I'd call her but I'm not sure how things are going to play out."
He arched a brow and rubbed his rugged cheekbones. "Think she might be pissed off?"
Buffy sent him a look. "So much yes. It occurred to me after the fact that perhaps I should have gotten her opinion since it's her life but, I'm also crazy so…"
He smirked, folding his arms over his chest. "The best ones are. Dru was as shaky as a bag of marbles but she had her moments. I think I loved her more for it."
"I don't even wanna think about that word right now." She admitted. "If I can get through liking Faith, then we'll see what happens."
Watching her for a moment, he grinned. "This Faith—I remember when she showed up a few years ago. Everyone was all on high alert like a rabid dog was on the loose. Bird even managed to rattle my cage a bit…" Trailing off, he shrugged. "Still find it interestin' how you can only really fall for the dodgy ones."
"I wish you would stop saying things like that. It's not true."
"Oh yeah? Tell that to Soldier Boy. His bark wasn't as bad as his bite, and that's why ya didn't feel him. You only want someone if they've tried to kill ya."
"What's that fist? You wanna say hello to Spike's face several times in a row? I think that can be arranged."
"Alright love, we'll play it your way."
Buffy scowled at him and hopped off the tombstone, heading for the large iron gates of the exit. Too bad the chip didn't shock him when he said dumb shit as well.
Instead of heading for her home, she decided to swing by the Bronze for something tasty with hopefully blueberries on top. She could hear boots thumping behind her and she knew Spike was following her, but she ignored him. Sometimes it was just better to pretend he didn't exist than to pummel him. He never learned from those anyway.
Handing the bouncer ten dollars she smiled and slowly walked through the door, glancing around. As usual people were dancing and drinking and chattering, having a good time without a care in the world. Idly she remembered how many times these people had seen the horrors that lie in the dark, and yet the next day they were back to being oblivious. They'd rationalize whatever creepy crawly popped up to drugs or gang members on PCP, and call it a day.
"Want a beer?" Spike asked behind her.
"Ew God no. Although it is nice and foamy, I'm scared that I'll end up in another era." She strolled up to the glass counter of treats and eyed them all. "Are these fresh?"
"Made a little earlier." The bartender replied. "What can I get cha?"
"The big one with blueberries." She watched as he placed the muffin on a napkin and handed it over after taking her money. She perched on a stool and prepared to bite down when a cold tingle shot through her body like lightning. The muffin thumped onto the counter and she gasped, blinking rapidly.
"Are you alright?" The vampire questioned with a concerned expression.
"I—I…" Stammering, she stood quickly and gazed around. Her green eyes took in each face on the dance floor, and then the crowd slowly parted like in a movie.
Sitting over in a booth with a bottle of beer on the small round table, with a cigarette between her slender fingers was…Faith. She was dressed in a black leather jacket and matching pants, with a white wife beater. Her thick boots were planted firmly on the floor. Her long hair was russet and shiny, falling around her face and shoulders in springy banana curls. But it was her eyes that stood out the most. They were like brown coals of fire burning straight in her direction.
The blonde stared, dumbfounded as she slowly stood and blended into the crowd like a ghost. She ascended the stairs one by one, looking over her shoulder before continuing up to the dimmer balcony level.
Buffy left Spike talking where he stood and followed her as if she had no choice. She smoothed down her green sweater as she reached the top, her heart hammering away in her chest. It threatened to jump into her throat but she swallowed it back down.
"Faith?"
Silence.
"Faith I—I know you're up here…"
Silence.
Great. She's pissed at me. Frowning, she moved over to where the light didn't reach. "Look I know this is—that you're—"
"Did you do it?" Asked the whiskey on the rocks voice. "Did you spring me?"
The blonde lowered her head. "Yeah. Bu—but I have a good reason."
"Well I'm all ears, B. Tell me why ya got me out of prison without my permission. Tell me how ya did it." Faith said coolly.
"A spell." She whispered. "After I heard about your—the stabbin' I—I couldn't just do nothing."
Buffy gasped when hands clutched at her waist from behind, and lips appeared at her ear. "You did nothin' for almost two years. What makes now so different? 'Sides, I can handle myself."
"I know. I—I was scared. The thought of somethin' happening to you; it's like there is no air in the room."
"So ya go behind my back and break me outta jail? Make me a fugitive?"
"You're not a fugitive. No—no one—it's like you were never in prison in the first place."
Faith sighed and took a step back, leaning against the iron railing. "I wake up in the middle of the night and it feels like someone is rippin' my guts out. I mean the pain is so bad I actually feel like cryin' and shit. So Eddie takes me to the infirmary and I'm curled up in a ball on the table…and no one can find a damn thing wrong with me." Pause. "Few minutes or hours or whatever roll by and I'm ready to pass out. And then this…smoke comes outta nowhere and wraps around me like a vice. Squeezin' and burnin' my skin—thought it was some demon finally takin' me out. Imagine my surprise when the smoke left and I was lyin' naked out in a field."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know it would be like that." She fiddled with her hands nervously. "I wasn't thinking…"
The ex-con looked out over the crowd. "Convinced an old lady I'd been robbed and she lent me this blanket from her trunk. Took me to Angel's…"
Oh shit. "Angel knows? I'm surprised he's not here to yell at me."
The brunette smirked. "When it was clear he hadn't busted me out, I knew where to head. He thought a big bad was rollin' up on Sunnydale…but I laid it out for him. He wasn't happy, though he went all quiet when I mentioned the us stuff. But he got real cranky… especially when Wesley started in on forces beyond control."
"I heard about all of th—the bad stuff. I wouldn't ha—have done it if it meant the end of the world." Buffy replied honestly. "I just wanted you safe. I—I didn't mean to cause you pain or to upset…anyone."
"You're gonna deal with big A when he shows up, and I got a feelin' he will." Faith clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "I'm mad but I'm also kinda…touched I guess. Didn't think ya really cared as much as I guess ya do. Still I wasn't in there for fun. I'm tryin' to get my shit together and as weird as it sounds, bein' on the outside makes me nervous."
Buffy stepped closer and took her hands. "Nothing—you're gonna be fine. I know that bad things happened but I'm here for you this time, I swear. Faith…" Smiling as the emotions flooded her at knowing she was okay, she hugged her tightly.
"Yeah yeah…" Faith mused, returning the embrace. She winced only moderately inside; her wound was almost completely healed. "You're not off the hook yet, Blondie. Can't believe ya friends helped ya either."
"Um…that's a story for later." The blonde related. "I—I felt you earlier. Before I saw you."
"Ditto cept…it's cold now. It used to be this warmth that filled me up. Now it's frosty." Her brows narrowed. "Maybe it'll wear off though."
"Well well well…" Spike swaggered into view. "So this must be ya bit of crumpet. The elusive Faith…and in her own body."
Faith tilted her head to the side. "William the Bloody with a chip in his head. Or didja finally get off ya leash? Is it time for our confrontation now?"
"What was it you said Buffy was when ya were wearin' her bloody skin? Oh right—that you were a stuck up tight ass with no sense of fun." He smirked.
"Stop it." Buffy glared at him. "You two will never fight. And Spike if I hear of you provoking her, I'll stake you myself." Grabbing Faith's hand, she pulled her towards the stairs. "C'mon."
The brunette grunted. "So what? You and him like pals now?"
"No. Of course not. It—it's just—he sorta helped my friends and Dawn while I was gone." Explained the blonde. "Looked out for them and stuff."
A nod. "Aight, catchin' up. Anythin' else I need to know?"
"I'm really glad you're here." She smiled widely.
The ex-con smiled as well, flashing her dimples. "Angel gave me some cash for a motel. Think they still got my old room?"
Buffy shook her head. "No you're stayin' with me. Yo—you can have the couch or…well the bed is comfy."
"Heh I'll bet. B…ya know we got a lot to talk about, right?"
"Yeah I know."
"Think ya up for it? All of it."
"I dunno. But I'm willing to find out."
Buffy closed her door and leaned against it, smiling at the female who was perched on the edge of her bed. It was amazing luck that no one was home. That she wouldn't have to worry about telling them how Faith had showed up until tomorrow. They were probably all at the Magic Box doing inventory, or maybe Willow and Tara were at the dorms.
"So the brat isn't really your sister, and my memories of her followin' us around back in the day aren't real…" Faith itched at her chin. "You guys been doin' some weird shit since I've been gone."
The blonde chuckled. "A little bit, yeah. But she feels like my sister so I suppose that is all that matters." She paused. "Um I just remembered—your apartment is still there with all of your stuff. I guess the rent is getting paid some how."
"Eh, dunno if I wanna stay there. Bad memories." She unlaced her boots and removed them. "I'll have to check the place out."
"Fair enough." Buffy cleared her throat and perched beside the other girl. "I really am sorry for the way I went about things. It's just, I heard about what happened to you and I got so upset. I thought about all the times I wasn't there or how someone could get in a lucky shot. I had to get you out…I just had to."
"I get what you're sayin', but it wasn't your call to make, B." The brunette replied. "I mean I'm happy to be out but what if things get fucked up? What if I fuck up and end up hurtin' someone? Or myself for that matter. Inside I was aight cause I had to be. But now it's gonna be all on me to make good decisions and shit."
"No, you're not alone. I'm here and…Angel is here. If you need help all you have to do is come to us." Pause. "Besides, anyone can tell that you're a different person now. It's in your eyes. I trust you completely."
The ex-con snorted. "Yeah well, let's hope you're right. I wanna stay on the straight and narrow. Gonna try hard." Sighing, she flopped back onto the mattress. "So this spell business; Willow hook it up?"
Buffy scratched at a faded spot on her jeans. "A—actually Willow refused to help me. I can't believe it but she said a whole lot of stuff that all equaled no. Th—then I was freaking out about what could be happening to you…and Spike showed up—"
Faith rose up on her elbows, her expression cynical. "Why would bleach head help you? He hates you."
If only that were the case. "He…sorta fell in love with me somewhere along the line. I was totally shocked when Dawn told me. He's always fishing for extra points, so he led me to someone who could help get you out."
"Uh huh. And what's he gonna get in return?"
"Well if he doesn't annoy me I won't dust him."
"And this person who helped, what's their story?"
"His name is Rack and he's like a dealer for spells. I paid him money and he worked the mojo."
"Just like that? Sounds fishy to me."
"I don't trust him but he had a few valid points. And here you are…and the world is still spinning."
"But at what cost? Gotta tell ya, I'm not likin' this one bit. Whatever he did, it makes me feel cold inside."
"It's probably just an after effect of the spell."
Licking her lips, the brunette sat up fully. "And if it ain't?"
Sighing, Buffy reached up and stroked the other girl's cheek, finding her skin silky smooth. "Then we will deal with it. Together."
"What about your Scoobies? Pretty sure this ain't gonna go over well with them." Faith frowned. "See? This is exactly the kinda shit I didn't want. You givin' up your life for me. I'm not worth it."
The blonde rubbed her shoulder. "I'm not giving up anything. My friends will come around, they always do. And if they don't then—then they aren't the people I thought they were." She spoke softer. "This is a fresh start for both of us. What happened in the past was fucked up, but now it's time to focus on what we could be. We were supposed to be a team of hot chicks with super powers…an—and so much more. I think it's worth it. I think you're worth really gettin' to know."
Remaining quiet for a moment, Faith stood and strolled to the door. "I'm…gonna get a quick shower before the others get in." And then she was gone.
Buffy exhaled deeply, putting her hands in her lap. At least one thing about Faith was the same; she still shut down when it came to truly sharing her emotions. Although it wasn't a nice thing, she'd take it over anything else. Because under that tough exterior was a young girl who could feel fear and remorse and kindness. She knew if she chipped away at the stone by showing her how committed she was to being there, eventually the gooey center would be revealed.
However she couldn't concentrate on that just yet. She had to tell her friends what she'd done and pray that everything went well. That they didn't take one look at Faith and wanna throw her back into jail. She also had to make sure the police weren't looking for the former inmate for her own peace of mind.
In spite of everything, she felt that she'd made the right decision because Faith's safety was top priority. As it should be. Yet there was a nagging voice in the back of her head saying that things would not be so cut and dry. Angel was going to show up soon and she knew he would not be happy with her. They could even come to blows. And while she was ecstatic to have Faith near, she couldn't get her words out of her head.
Whatever he did, it makes me feel cold inside.
"I gotta find out what he did." She said to no one. "Tara will help if Willow is still all frowny face. Maybe even Giles after he recovers from all of the shock. It's not like it was anything bad… It was just a spell."
Even as she said it she was not one hundred percent sure. And that scared her down to her core. What if she'd not only upset the natural balance, but also put Faith into a serious case of danger?