SECOND CHANCES
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for the ones that I created.
Note: I need to clarify, I'm not saying whether it's going to be a B/S or B/A, what I meant was I'll write it in the hopes that in the end it'll leave you, the reviewers, guessing as to who she ended up with-like that story that ends with us not knowing whether the guy chose the door that led to the exit or the one that had a tiger behind it, as there'll be parts for both B/S and B/A fans. And if all goes well I'll even throw in an epilogue, especially after the little bit at the end that I have planned, but that's several chapters away so enjoy! Giles will show up as will Wes/Faith.
Chapter 11-Watchers Unite And The Party Begins
The first few guests had begun to arrive before Willow and Fred were able to get Buffy and Angel out of the office and changing into their costumes. Lorne meanwhile had donned a black wig, darkened sunglasses, and a white bejeweled bodysuit and was soon belting out one of his favorite Elvis songs, whether anyone wanted to hear them or not. Buffy was first to emerge from her room, looking like a blonde Princess Leia, complete with the buns on the sides of her head. Angel took a bit longer getting into his costume and Buffy fought back a fit of laughter as the two and a half century old vampire exited his room looking like Captain Hook. Upon reaching the lobby Angel was beset upon by Xander and Anya, both telling one stupid joke after another dealing with Angel being Captain Hook and Connor, who just stood there with a confused look on his face as he had no idea who everyone was talking about, being Peter Pan.
Spike just leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed, wearing the biggest smirk that he'd ever worn. His eyes quickly darted over Angel's costume but his gaze then became fixed completely on Buffy. At first Angel seemed to take exception at this but then he remembered all the hours that he had spent watching Buffy from the shadows. He finally tore his attention away from Spike watching Buffy and focused it on the guests as they arrived, but he made sure that he always knew where Cordelia and Connor were. He was surprised to discover that in her haste for people to invite Fred had invited some of his contacts, who where comprised mostly of demons and other creatures that Angel only went anywhere near them when he had to. There was Lenny, a wraith like Shrikath demon that always spoke with a lisp and hounded Angel nonstop about possibly coming to work for him, Xanth, a young vampire that was so bad at fighting that Angel had to constantly save him from getting killed by one demon or another, Charlie, a two toed sloth like demon that hopped between dimensions so much that Angel rarely saw him, and finally the one that he had wanted to avoid the most, Juliet, another master vampire like himself that could get Angel anything he wanted, but was so obsessed with him that he always had to pry her arms off of him when he wanted to leave, all the while she'd be professing her undying love for him.
Buffy tried not to notice that Spike was staring at her but she could feel him looking at her, as if his eyes were boring a hole right through her, searching her every action for any clue as to what she and Angel had talked about. She did everything she could to avoid looking directly at him as she still hadn't fully come to terms with what Spike had done for her. When they had been together Spike not having a soul was the one thing that Buffy had used to tell herself made it different from her being with Angel, made it easy for her to use him to get the fire back, to make sure that their relationship wouldn't go as far as Buffy had gone with Angel. But in the end it seemed that at times her relationship with Spike, odd as it was, was much deeper than her relationship with Angel. She didn't think that she could ever love Spike but while he had been gone she'd finally admitted to herself that her feelings for him were more than what she thought they were, but to what extent was still unknown. Every time she thought of Angel all their times together came flooding back, the good and the bad, and she had long ago came to the conclusion that she'd probably love him for the rest of her life and he'd always hold a special place in her heart. But now when she looked at him she noticed that he looked at her more as something precious that he desperately wanted but had resigned himself to the fact that with the curse that had been placed on him it was highly doubtful that he could ever be with her again.
* * * * * * * * * *
Giles quickly ascended the flight of stairs and had to pull a small slip of paper out of his pocket and check it again to make sure that he was on the right floor. When he had first contacted the Council as to exactly where Wesley was living they had stonewalled him and acted as if they didn't know who he was talking about. They had finally changed their tune only after Giles had found himself yelling into the receiver. He had quickly jotted down the address and then rushed out the door to get to the airport on time for his early morning flight to Sunnydale. He had only been in Sunnydale for a couple of days before it was the night of the party, and he had left Sunnydale early so that he could stop by and take the opportunity provided him to catch up with the former Watcher, that coupled with what a contact had told him on a late night phone call a few days earlier. That the rogue slayer Faith had been released from prison with the help of a law firm named Wolfram and Hart and was most likely still in the area. Fearing for everyone's safety he had named Wesley as the first person to contact, letting him then break the news to everyone else at the party as it'd be easier that way with everyone in one place.
He slowly trudged towards Wesley's apartment but kept almost tripping on his costume. At first he hadn't been able to think of exactly what costume he should wear, but then he'd remembered what Willow had said to him about going all Dumbledore on her and had quickly rented the movie and gotten his costume to match well enough. He scratched at the beard and remembered why he didn't have one as he finally found himself standing in front of Wesley's apartment. He checked the slip of paper one last time before he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. From inside the apartment he heard two muffled voices, one that he was able to distinguish as Wesley's and one that he couldn't quite make out.
The door slowly slid open to reveal a more than shocked Wesley, wearing only half of his clown makeup along with an old shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Shaking his head Wesley invited Giles in and nervously shut the door behind him. "Giles.I.I don't.," Wesley stammered out as he tried to get over the shock of seeing Giles standing just outside his apartment wearing a wizard's costume.
"Sorry for the intrusion but I felt that it was absolutely necessary what with.with.good heavens what.," Giles started to say apologetically at first but the look on his face changed to one of shock and concern as his gaze fell on the scar on Wesley's neck. It didn't take long for Wesley to figure out what had caused Giles to stop talking so suddenly and quickly spoke up.
"You noticed the scar on my neck I see, the story behind it is long and I don't want to get into it now.I'm far to busy.Faith and I.," he started to say in as reassuring a manner as he could before he remembered that Faith was still in the bathroom, standing at the mirror putting her makeup on, probably still completely stark naked.
"Faith and I.what.," Giles exclaimed with now an even more confused and concerned look on his face as he looked sternly around the apartment. Wesley was about to try and make up some excuse as to his slip up when he was interrupted.
"Hey Wes.you seen my.Giles," Faith said lovingly at first before she came out of Wesley's bedroom and saw Giles standing in his living room.
"Faith," Giles sputtered out almost breathlessly as it seemed that he were about to pass out, all the while shifting his gaze back and forth between Wesley and Faith. Wesley hung his head and squinted at the thought of Faith coming out of the bedroom naked to find him talking to Giles. When he finally summoned up the courage to turn around he was only half relieved to see that although she wasn't naked Faith wasn't far from it, clad only in one of his old shirts that barely hung low enough.
"Shit," Faith shouted nervously as she quickly stepped back into Wesley's bedroom and shut the door behind her, with her face redder than the rubber nose that she was wearing. Wesley stayed staring at the doorway for a few seconds as he furiously began to run different scenarios through his mind, ranging from telling Giles everything to denying as much as possible.
"Wesley.what is going on here.what is Faith doing here.half bloody dressed.," Giles said a little less shocked but now a little angry as Wesley finally turned around with his shoulders slumped.
"Calm down Giles.everything's fine," Wesley began slowly, figuring out the words to say mere seconds before he said them.
"Everything is not bloody fine.she tried to kill you remember.along with the rest of us," Giles said now almost furious as he glared at Wesley, who stared at the floor rather than looking the old Watcher in the eye.
"It's true.everything's fine.well almost.," Faith said slowly and nervously as she came back out of the bedroom and walked to Wesley's side, leaning her head on his shoulder. Wesley looked down and was greatly relieved to see that she had slipped on a pair of sweatpants. The size of Giles' eyes only widened as he noticed how comfortable Wesley and Faith seemed around each other.
"Have you two gone completely insane.what.," Giles said almost in a shout as he looked like he might flip out at any moment.
"Easy Rupert, calm down before ya have a heart attack or somethin.I'll tell ya what happened," Faith said softly with a few faint hints of a smile on her face as she sat down on the couch and pulled Wesley down beside her, now with her arm interlocked with his. "That bitch Lilah from Wolfram and Hart got me out of prison to help her royally screw Angel and his friends over, but then I bumped into Wesley.we talked.we cried," she said in an almost excited manner before she got to the end and became suddenly solemn and turned away, a tear trying to force its way onto her cheek. All during her short speech Giles sat in silence, looking back and forth between the two, desperately trying to determine exactly what was going on in front of him.
"But why are you here.why didn't you," Giles asked quickly as he, out of habit, slipped his glasses off of his face and began to clean then with a white cloth that he took out of one of his pockets.
"Why didn't I run back to Angel.well I did.in a way.but he was busy and there were those two new people there.and Wesley wasn't.something was wrong, so I came to see Wes here.and one thing led to another.," Faith said now more clearly as she interlocked hers and Wesley's fingers.
"I don't think I like where this is going.," Giles said with a fearful and worried look on his face as he hung his head slightly and began to nervously shake it.
"All I'll say is that Faith and I have a plan to stop Lilah so you we'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Angel or Buffy anything about us.I mean our plan," Wesley said nervously as it took him a second or two after he finished talking to realize his error. Giles caught the error instantly and eyed the two for a second before his eyes again grew large and he seemed to get all flustered.
"Us.you don't mean.but," Giles said at first with a joking smile that melted away in seconds as he noticed how neither Faith nor Wesley would look at him, only stare into each others eyes as if they were two lovers that had just been caught in the act, which in fact was not to far removed from the truth. Faith finally turned and looked at him sheepishly for a second or two before turning her attention back to a spot on the far wall. Neither one of the two had to say a word for him to realize what had happened between the former watcher and the rogue slayer.
"That's a topic of discussion for another date and time Giles.we really need to finish up here and then get to the party.if we're going to stop Lilah," Wesley said finally only after nervously clearing his throat.
"Indeed.but now I must hurry to the Hyperion and tell Buffy and Angel, if there's going to be an attack during the party they should be told about it," Giles said with his mind moving faster than his mouth as he stood up hastily and began to make his way towards the door before Faith's words stopped him.
"No.you can't tell B or Angel.don't you see Giles.we have a chance here.a chance to remove a huge threat.and we can't.," she exclaimed slowly and seriously as she pulled away from Wesley and stood up before taking a step towards Giles, who had stopped and turned around at her words.
"You two then plan to take Lilah and her forces on alone.don't you think that's being a little.presumptuous," Giles said with an unsure frown on his face and a hand in one of his pockets.
"You're probably right, but we feel that the less people know the better, if everything goes according to plan then we'll stop Lilah in time to enjoy the party with everyone else.," Wesley said cautiously as he stood up next to Faith and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"And what happens if you fail in your mission," Giles shot back softly with a less than pleased look on his face as he nervously adjusted his glasses.
"We won't fail.simple as that.," Faith said with a stern and serious look on her face as she backed up against Wesley and put her right hand over Wesley's, leaving Giles with little doubt that she meant every word.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Hey Buff.nice costume.no Princess Leia in her slave girl outfit.," Xander asked with a wide grin on his face as he stepped up next to Buffy and picked up a cup of punch, all the while Buffy eyed him wearily while slowly sipping a small bit of punch.
"I thought about it.but then I remembered that Spike and Angel would be here and I didn't think it'd be to smart.," Buffy said solemnly with a sad frown on her face as she then drained the last bit of punch from her cup and threw it in the nearby trash can. Xander was about to reply when an exasperated Fred came up and poured more punch into the bowl. "Everything okay Fred.," Buffy asked trying to change the subject from her attire and how her two ex-lovers.
"Fine.sure everything's fine.Lorne's singing off key.nobody's dancing.the donations bowl only has some loose change in it.everybody looks sad.and Wesley isn't here yet.," Fred said sourly as she stopped pouring and put the jug down on the table.
"Don't worry Fred I'm sure everything will pick up pretty soon," Buffy said with a reassuring smile as she patted Fred on the shoulder.
"Speaking of Wes the wuss.where is he.or does Halloween scare him to much.," Xander said sticking his chest out and trying to act all macho, but in the end it only made him look more and more like the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz.
"I don't know where he is.I sent him and invitation.and from what I've seen he got the courage that you're lacking," Fred said sadly at first before her demeanor almost changed to vindictive or angry as she glared at Xander and then stormed off, leaving Xander to gasp in shock and Buffy to stifle a fit of laughter at the sight.
"Who are you supposed to be," Connor said gruffly from behind Buffy as he returned the glare that he received form Xander.
"Huh.oh Connor.I'm Princess Leia.from Star Wars.ya know.," Buffy stammered out with a nervous smile before she noticed that Connor was still confused. "It's from a really popular movie that came out a long time ago.," she finished with an almost embarrassed and frumpy frown on her face.
"In a galaxy far, far away," Xander said finishing the quote and seeming quite proud of himself. Connor was about to say something when Cordelia, who had crossed the floor in such a fashion as to avoid making eye contact with Angel, stepped up beside him.
"Buffy.you look great.and Xander.well.what can I say but.it's you," Cordelia said nervously with a forced smile on her face as she first looked at Buffy and then to Xander.
"Thanks Cordelia.you look great to.right Xander," Buffy said slowly as she looked back and forth between Xander and Cordelia, as if waiting for Xander to nod in agreement.
"Yep.great look Cordy.you to.uh Connor," Xander said quickly before he picked up a cup of punch and started drinking it. The quartet at the punch bowl exchanged a few more pleasantries but anyone at the party could easily have seen their reluctance and how nervous they all were.
Willow ended up getting into a conversation about Pylea with Fred just as a new group of guests began to arrive. Fred excused herself for a second and went to greet the new guests, allowing a nervous Angel to make his way over to Willow. It took her a second or two to realize that Angel was beside her. "Angel.oh uh hi.," Willow stammered out in her usual way with a smile as she looked up at the nervous vampire in front of her. Angel responded with a smile and a small nod of his head before he nervously asked his first question.
"Willow.do you mind if I ask you a few questions.about.," Angel sputtered out as his eyes stayed away from looking at Willow and instead scanned the lobby to make sure that no one was looking at them.
"About Buffy and Spike.or just one of them individually.nope.shoot," Willow said with a helpful smile on her face.
"Both.Buffy told me what happened after she died and came back but.," he said nervously as he and Willow took a few steps back and sat down in a couple of nearby chairs.
"You wanna know if either one of them left anything out right.and see if I can shed some light on some things that you still don't understand.like how after everything that Spike did to her Buffy could feel anything other than hate towards him," Willow shot back with a wink and a soft elbow to Angel's ribs.
"Exactly.how did they ever get close enough that Buffy would.sleep with him.she told me that she used him to feel again.but I got the feeling that it was more than that.," Angel mumbled with one eye on the crowd and the other on Willow.
"Well I'll tell you this.during the summer that Buffy was.gone.almost every night Spike stayed with Dawn.who saw him almost as a big brother.someone like Buffy that she could talk to.he was there.guarding her.keeping her company.grieving with hear.he'd walk around the house all night with a sword, ready for anything that dared to attack any of us in the house.either that or he'd be at Buffy's grave crying his eyes out," Willow said starting out with a dour look on her face as she cast Angel a quick look before turning her attention out onto the floor of the lobby and to where Spike was sitting on the bottom step of the stairs with his eyes locked onto Buffy. "And after she came back he was the only one that seemed to understand her.she leave for a while.tell us she had to go pick up some milk or something, even though we had plenty in the fridge, and she'd go and see him.they'd talk sometimes for hours.about everything, I soon got the feeling that no matter how creepy it was it did her good to get things off of her chest like that.have someone to talk to.probably also why she always sent Dawn to Spike's crypt for him to watch her, even after what happened in the bathroom," she finished with a small tear cascading down her cheek, one that Angel was quick to wipe away before he cautiously put his arm around her.
"See.she didn't tell me any of that.but after what Spike did why would she send Dawn.," Angel said now completely confused as he tried to work things out in his head but soon discovered that he wasn't having much luck.
"I don't know.but even after Spike left that night I could see that even though she was beyond furious at him.she was also mad at herself, she hated herself for what she did to him even more than him for what he did to her.even after he left she never took his name off of the list to keep him from having free access to the house, she never asked Anya to do anything to him.even though she had every right to," Willow said slowly and calmly as she felt some pride in the fact that Angel seemed to be hanging on every word. "You wanna know what I think," she said quickly before Angel could say anything.
"Fine.go ahead.tell me.what do you think," Angel said now almost completely lost in trying to keep everything straight.
"I think that the reason she never did any of those things to him was the same reason that she never did anything like that to you.I think that even though she hasn't admitted it to herself yet she's head over heels in love with him.just like she was.is.with you, and that's why she's so nervous tonight.she doesn't want to hurt either one of you.but on the other hand.well.I think you get the idea," Willow said with a contemplative frown on her face as she slowly looked back and forth between Angel, Spike, and Buffy.
"So then you believe Spike.that he's in love with her.he's not trying to pull a fast one on us.," Angel said now scowling furiously as he idly scratched his chin.
"His love for Buffy isn't a lie.just like yours isn't.you two love her.anyone can see it, the three of you along with Cordelia, since it's obvious how you feel about her, and Connor should appear on Jerry Springer.or Oprah.yeah that'd be fun to watch," Willow said with a wistful look in her eye as she smiled and looked over at Angel.
"Yeah.you're probably right.still doesn't make tonight any easier," he said softly as he shook his head and stared out at Buffy.
"Of course I'm right.I'm always right.well except for the whole going all Dark Phoenix and killing people thing," Willow said back with a big smile before she quickly changed to a more subdued look.
"When did you get all philosophical on me.," Angel said with a small smile as he gave Willow a one armed hug.
"Beats me.," Willow said back with a sheepish smile as she patted Angel on the back as outside in the street a familiar SUV pulled up across the street from the Hyperion and a wizard and two clowns got out and began to make their way towards the old hotel.
END OF CHAPTER 11
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for the ones that I created.
Note: I need to clarify, I'm not saying whether it's going to be a B/S or B/A, what I meant was I'll write it in the hopes that in the end it'll leave you, the reviewers, guessing as to who she ended up with-like that story that ends with us not knowing whether the guy chose the door that led to the exit or the one that had a tiger behind it, as there'll be parts for both B/S and B/A fans. And if all goes well I'll even throw in an epilogue, especially after the little bit at the end that I have planned, but that's several chapters away so enjoy! Giles will show up as will Wes/Faith.
Chapter 11-Watchers Unite And The Party Begins
The first few guests had begun to arrive before Willow and Fred were able to get Buffy and Angel out of the office and changing into their costumes. Lorne meanwhile had donned a black wig, darkened sunglasses, and a white bejeweled bodysuit and was soon belting out one of his favorite Elvis songs, whether anyone wanted to hear them or not. Buffy was first to emerge from her room, looking like a blonde Princess Leia, complete with the buns on the sides of her head. Angel took a bit longer getting into his costume and Buffy fought back a fit of laughter as the two and a half century old vampire exited his room looking like Captain Hook. Upon reaching the lobby Angel was beset upon by Xander and Anya, both telling one stupid joke after another dealing with Angel being Captain Hook and Connor, who just stood there with a confused look on his face as he had no idea who everyone was talking about, being Peter Pan.
Spike just leaned up against the wall with his arms crossed, wearing the biggest smirk that he'd ever worn. His eyes quickly darted over Angel's costume but his gaze then became fixed completely on Buffy. At first Angel seemed to take exception at this but then he remembered all the hours that he had spent watching Buffy from the shadows. He finally tore his attention away from Spike watching Buffy and focused it on the guests as they arrived, but he made sure that he always knew where Cordelia and Connor were. He was surprised to discover that in her haste for people to invite Fred had invited some of his contacts, who where comprised mostly of demons and other creatures that Angel only went anywhere near them when he had to. There was Lenny, a wraith like Shrikath demon that always spoke with a lisp and hounded Angel nonstop about possibly coming to work for him, Xanth, a young vampire that was so bad at fighting that Angel had to constantly save him from getting killed by one demon or another, Charlie, a two toed sloth like demon that hopped between dimensions so much that Angel rarely saw him, and finally the one that he had wanted to avoid the most, Juliet, another master vampire like himself that could get Angel anything he wanted, but was so obsessed with him that he always had to pry her arms off of him when he wanted to leave, all the while she'd be professing her undying love for him.
Buffy tried not to notice that Spike was staring at her but she could feel him looking at her, as if his eyes were boring a hole right through her, searching her every action for any clue as to what she and Angel had talked about. She did everything she could to avoid looking directly at him as she still hadn't fully come to terms with what Spike had done for her. When they had been together Spike not having a soul was the one thing that Buffy had used to tell herself made it different from her being with Angel, made it easy for her to use him to get the fire back, to make sure that their relationship wouldn't go as far as Buffy had gone with Angel. But in the end it seemed that at times her relationship with Spike, odd as it was, was much deeper than her relationship with Angel. She didn't think that she could ever love Spike but while he had been gone she'd finally admitted to herself that her feelings for him were more than what she thought they were, but to what extent was still unknown. Every time she thought of Angel all their times together came flooding back, the good and the bad, and she had long ago came to the conclusion that she'd probably love him for the rest of her life and he'd always hold a special place in her heart. But now when she looked at him she noticed that he looked at her more as something precious that he desperately wanted but had resigned himself to the fact that with the curse that had been placed on him it was highly doubtful that he could ever be with her again.
* * * * * * * * * *
Giles quickly ascended the flight of stairs and had to pull a small slip of paper out of his pocket and check it again to make sure that he was on the right floor. When he had first contacted the Council as to exactly where Wesley was living they had stonewalled him and acted as if they didn't know who he was talking about. They had finally changed their tune only after Giles had found himself yelling into the receiver. He had quickly jotted down the address and then rushed out the door to get to the airport on time for his early morning flight to Sunnydale. He had only been in Sunnydale for a couple of days before it was the night of the party, and he had left Sunnydale early so that he could stop by and take the opportunity provided him to catch up with the former Watcher, that coupled with what a contact had told him on a late night phone call a few days earlier. That the rogue slayer Faith had been released from prison with the help of a law firm named Wolfram and Hart and was most likely still in the area. Fearing for everyone's safety he had named Wesley as the first person to contact, letting him then break the news to everyone else at the party as it'd be easier that way with everyone in one place.
He slowly trudged towards Wesley's apartment but kept almost tripping on his costume. At first he hadn't been able to think of exactly what costume he should wear, but then he'd remembered what Willow had said to him about going all Dumbledore on her and had quickly rented the movie and gotten his costume to match well enough. He scratched at the beard and remembered why he didn't have one as he finally found himself standing in front of Wesley's apartment. He checked the slip of paper one last time before he lifted his hand and knocked on the door. From inside the apartment he heard two muffled voices, one that he was able to distinguish as Wesley's and one that he couldn't quite make out.
The door slowly slid open to reveal a more than shocked Wesley, wearing only half of his clown makeup along with an old shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Shaking his head Wesley invited Giles in and nervously shut the door behind him. "Giles.I.I don't.," Wesley stammered out as he tried to get over the shock of seeing Giles standing just outside his apartment wearing a wizard's costume.
"Sorry for the intrusion but I felt that it was absolutely necessary what with.with.good heavens what.," Giles started to say apologetically at first but the look on his face changed to one of shock and concern as his gaze fell on the scar on Wesley's neck. It didn't take long for Wesley to figure out what had caused Giles to stop talking so suddenly and quickly spoke up.
"You noticed the scar on my neck I see, the story behind it is long and I don't want to get into it now.I'm far to busy.Faith and I.," he started to say in as reassuring a manner as he could before he remembered that Faith was still in the bathroom, standing at the mirror putting her makeup on, probably still completely stark naked.
"Faith and I.what.," Giles exclaimed with now an even more confused and concerned look on his face as he looked sternly around the apartment. Wesley was about to try and make up some excuse as to his slip up when he was interrupted.
"Hey Wes.you seen my.Giles," Faith said lovingly at first before she came out of Wesley's bedroom and saw Giles standing in his living room.
"Faith," Giles sputtered out almost breathlessly as it seemed that he were about to pass out, all the while shifting his gaze back and forth between Wesley and Faith. Wesley hung his head and squinted at the thought of Faith coming out of the bedroom naked to find him talking to Giles. When he finally summoned up the courage to turn around he was only half relieved to see that although she wasn't naked Faith wasn't far from it, clad only in one of his old shirts that barely hung low enough.
"Shit," Faith shouted nervously as she quickly stepped back into Wesley's bedroom and shut the door behind her, with her face redder than the rubber nose that she was wearing. Wesley stayed staring at the doorway for a few seconds as he furiously began to run different scenarios through his mind, ranging from telling Giles everything to denying as much as possible.
"Wesley.what is going on here.what is Faith doing here.half bloody dressed.," Giles said a little less shocked but now a little angry as Wesley finally turned around with his shoulders slumped.
"Calm down Giles.everything's fine," Wesley began slowly, figuring out the words to say mere seconds before he said them.
"Everything is not bloody fine.she tried to kill you remember.along with the rest of us," Giles said now almost furious as he glared at Wesley, who stared at the floor rather than looking the old Watcher in the eye.
"It's true.everything's fine.well almost.," Faith said slowly and nervously as she came back out of the bedroom and walked to Wesley's side, leaning her head on his shoulder. Wesley looked down and was greatly relieved to see that she had slipped on a pair of sweatpants. The size of Giles' eyes only widened as he noticed how comfortable Wesley and Faith seemed around each other.
"Have you two gone completely insane.what.," Giles said almost in a shout as he looked like he might flip out at any moment.
"Easy Rupert, calm down before ya have a heart attack or somethin.I'll tell ya what happened," Faith said softly with a few faint hints of a smile on her face as she sat down on the couch and pulled Wesley down beside her, now with her arm interlocked with his. "That bitch Lilah from Wolfram and Hart got me out of prison to help her royally screw Angel and his friends over, but then I bumped into Wesley.we talked.we cried," she said in an almost excited manner before she got to the end and became suddenly solemn and turned away, a tear trying to force its way onto her cheek. All during her short speech Giles sat in silence, looking back and forth between the two, desperately trying to determine exactly what was going on in front of him.
"But why are you here.why didn't you," Giles asked quickly as he, out of habit, slipped his glasses off of his face and began to clean then with a white cloth that he took out of one of his pockets.
"Why didn't I run back to Angel.well I did.in a way.but he was busy and there were those two new people there.and Wesley wasn't.something was wrong, so I came to see Wes here.and one thing led to another.," Faith said now more clearly as she interlocked hers and Wesley's fingers.
"I don't think I like where this is going.," Giles said with a fearful and worried look on his face as he hung his head slightly and began to nervously shake it.
"All I'll say is that Faith and I have a plan to stop Lilah so you we'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Angel or Buffy anything about us.I mean our plan," Wesley said nervously as it took him a second or two after he finished talking to realize his error. Giles caught the error instantly and eyed the two for a second before his eyes again grew large and he seemed to get all flustered.
"Us.you don't mean.but," Giles said at first with a joking smile that melted away in seconds as he noticed how neither Faith nor Wesley would look at him, only stare into each others eyes as if they were two lovers that had just been caught in the act, which in fact was not to far removed from the truth. Faith finally turned and looked at him sheepishly for a second or two before turning her attention back to a spot on the far wall. Neither one of the two had to say a word for him to realize what had happened between the former watcher and the rogue slayer.
"That's a topic of discussion for another date and time Giles.we really need to finish up here and then get to the party.if we're going to stop Lilah," Wesley said finally only after nervously clearing his throat.
"Indeed.but now I must hurry to the Hyperion and tell Buffy and Angel, if there's going to be an attack during the party they should be told about it," Giles said with his mind moving faster than his mouth as he stood up hastily and began to make his way towards the door before Faith's words stopped him.
"No.you can't tell B or Angel.don't you see Giles.we have a chance here.a chance to remove a huge threat.and we can't.," she exclaimed slowly and seriously as she pulled away from Wesley and stood up before taking a step towards Giles, who had stopped and turned around at her words.
"You two then plan to take Lilah and her forces on alone.don't you think that's being a little.presumptuous," Giles said with an unsure frown on his face and a hand in one of his pockets.
"You're probably right, but we feel that the less people know the better, if everything goes according to plan then we'll stop Lilah in time to enjoy the party with everyone else.," Wesley said cautiously as he stood up next to Faith and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"And what happens if you fail in your mission," Giles shot back softly with a less than pleased look on his face as he nervously adjusted his glasses.
"We won't fail.simple as that.," Faith said with a stern and serious look on her face as she backed up against Wesley and put her right hand over Wesley's, leaving Giles with little doubt that she meant every word.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Hey Buff.nice costume.no Princess Leia in her slave girl outfit.," Xander asked with a wide grin on his face as he stepped up next to Buffy and picked up a cup of punch, all the while Buffy eyed him wearily while slowly sipping a small bit of punch.
"I thought about it.but then I remembered that Spike and Angel would be here and I didn't think it'd be to smart.," Buffy said solemnly with a sad frown on her face as she then drained the last bit of punch from her cup and threw it in the nearby trash can. Xander was about to reply when an exasperated Fred came up and poured more punch into the bowl. "Everything okay Fred.," Buffy asked trying to change the subject from her attire and how her two ex-lovers.
"Fine.sure everything's fine.Lorne's singing off key.nobody's dancing.the donations bowl only has some loose change in it.everybody looks sad.and Wesley isn't here yet.," Fred said sourly as she stopped pouring and put the jug down on the table.
"Don't worry Fred I'm sure everything will pick up pretty soon," Buffy said with a reassuring smile as she patted Fred on the shoulder.
"Speaking of Wes the wuss.where is he.or does Halloween scare him to much.," Xander said sticking his chest out and trying to act all macho, but in the end it only made him look more and more like the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz.
"I don't know where he is.I sent him and invitation.and from what I've seen he got the courage that you're lacking," Fred said sadly at first before her demeanor almost changed to vindictive or angry as she glared at Xander and then stormed off, leaving Xander to gasp in shock and Buffy to stifle a fit of laughter at the sight.
"Who are you supposed to be," Connor said gruffly from behind Buffy as he returned the glare that he received form Xander.
"Huh.oh Connor.I'm Princess Leia.from Star Wars.ya know.," Buffy stammered out with a nervous smile before she noticed that Connor was still confused. "It's from a really popular movie that came out a long time ago.," she finished with an almost embarrassed and frumpy frown on her face.
"In a galaxy far, far away," Xander said finishing the quote and seeming quite proud of himself. Connor was about to say something when Cordelia, who had crossed the floor in such a fashion as to avoid making eye contact with Angel, stepped up beside him.
"Buffy.you look great.and Xander.well.what can I say but.it's you," Cordelia said nervously with a forced smile on her face as she first looked at Buffy and then to Xander.
"Thanks Cordelia.you look great to.right Xander," Buffy said slowly as she looked back and forth between Xander and Cordelia, as if waiting for Xander to nod in agreement.
"Yep.great look Cordy.you to.uh Connor," Xander said quickly before he picked up a cup of punch and started drinking it. The quartet at the punch bowl exchanged a few more pleasantries but anyone at the party could easily have seen their reluctance and how nervous they all were.
Willow ended up getting into a conversation about Pylea with Fred just as a new group of guests began to arrive. Fred excused herself for a second and went to greet the new guests, allowing a nervous Angel to make his way over to Willow. It took her a second or two to realize that Angel was beside her. "Angel.oh uh hi.," Willow stammered out in her usual way with a smile as she looked up at the nervous vampire in front of her. Angel responded with a smile and a small nod of his head before he nervously asked his first question.
"Willow.do you mind if I ask you a few questions.about.," Angel sputtered out as his eyes stayed away from looking at Willow and instead scanned the lobby to make sure that no one was looking at them.
"About Buffy and Spike.or just one of them individually.nope.shoot," Willow said with a helpful smile on her face.
"Both.Buffy told me what happened after she died and came back but.," he said nervously as he and Willow took a few steps back and sat down in a couple of nearby chairs.
"You wanna know if either one of them left anything out right.and see if I can shed some light on some things that you still don't understand.like how after everything that Spike did to her Buffy could feel anything other than hate towards him," Willow shot back with a wink and a soft elbow to Angel's ribs.
"Exactly.how did they ever get close enough that Buffy would.sleep with him.she told me that she used him to feel again.but I got the feeling that it was more than that.," Angel mumbled with one eye on the crowd and the other on Willow.
"Well I'll tell you this.during the summer that Buffy was.gone.almost every night Spike stayed with Dawn.who saw him almost as a big brother.someone like Buffy that she could talk to.he was there.guarding her.keeping her company.grieving with hear.he'd walk around the house all night with a sword, ready for anything that dared to attack any of us in the house.either that or he'd be at Buffy's grave crying his eyes out," Willow said starting out with a dour look on her face as she cast Angel a quick look before turning her attention out onto the floor of the lobby and to where Spike was sitting on the bottom step of the stairs with his eyes locked onto Buffy. "And after she came back he was the only one that seemed to understand her.she leave for a while.tell us she had to go pick up some milk or something, even though we had plenty in the fridge, and she'd go and see him.they'd talk sometimes for hours.about everything, I soon got the feeling that no matter how creepy it was it did her good to get things off of her chest like that.have someone to talk to.probably also why she always sent Dawn to Spike's crypt for him to watch her, even after what happened in the bathroom," she finished with a small tear cascading down her cheek, one that Angel was quick to wipe away before he cautiously put his arm around her.
"See.she didn't tell me any of that.but after what Spike did why would she send Dawn.," Angel said now completely confused as he tried to work things out in his head but soon discovered that he wasn't having much luck.
"I don't know.but even after Spike left that night I could see that even though she was beyond furious at him.she was also mad at herself, she hated herself for what she did to him even more than him for what he did to her.even after he left she never took his name off of the list to keep him from having free access to the house, she never asked Anya to do anything to him.even though she had every right to," Willow said slowly and calmly as she felt some pride in the fact that Angel seemed to be hanging on every word. "You wanna know what I think," she said quickly before Angel could say anything.
"Fine.go ahead.tell me.what do you think," Angel said now almost completely lost in trying to keep everything straight.
"I think that the reason she never did any of those things to him was the same reason that she never did anything like that to you.I think that even though she hasn't admitted it to herself yet she's head over heels in love with him.just like she was.is.with you, and that's why she's so nervous tonight.she doesn't want to hurt either one of you.but on the other hand.well.I think you get the idea," Willow said with a contemplative frown on her face as she slowly looked back and forth between Angel, Spike, and Buffy.
"So then you believe Spike.that he's in love with her.he's not trying to pull a fast one on us.," Angel said now scowling furiously as he idly scratched his chin.
"His love for Buffy isn't a lie.just like yours isn't.you two love her.anyone can see it, the three of you along with Cordelia, since it's obvious how you feel about her, and Connor should appear on Jerry Springer.or Oprah.yeah that'd be fun to watch," Willow said with a wistful look in her eye as she smiled and looked over at Angel.
"Yeah.you're probably right.still doesn't make tonight any easier," he said softly as he shook his head and stared out at Buffy.
"Of course I'm right.I'm always right.well except for the whole going all Dark Phoenix and killing people thing," Willow said back with a big smile before she quickly changed to a more subdued look.
"When did you get all philosophical on me.," Angel said with a small smile as he gave Willow a one armed hug.
"Beats me.," Willow said back with a sheepish smile as she patted Angel on the back as outside in the street a familiar SUV pulled up across the street from the Hyperion and a wizard and two clowns got out and began to make their way towards the old hotel.
END OF CHAPTER 11
