"Well?"
Xander looked over Faith's head. "He's being distracted by some girl in a leather micro-mini and 4-inch heels. She's dropped something and is leaning waaaaay over to pick it up."
Faith whipped around to see Riley watching at her. Riley gave her a sheepish smile and waved. Faith paused, paled, waved back, and turned around to see Xander with a huge grin on his face.
"Asshole," she muttered as they started dancing again, Xander's arms flailing all around, Faith working her curves seductively to the heavy beat the band was thumping out. A slower song started to flow from the speakers, and Riley walked up and tapped Xander on the shoulder.
"Do you mind if I cut in?" he asked, nervously. Xander smiled and made room for Riley to step in as Buffy came up for her own dance.
"What was that look about?" she asked him.
Xander grinned. "I told Faith that Riley was being distracted by some girl in a micro-mini leaning down in front of him."
"You jerk," Buffy said, laughing.
"Gotta get my kicks somehow," he said.
"I thought you got your kicks with me," Buffy said, leaning into his chest.
Xander held her close. "Different kicks, baby. Different entirely."
Xander glanced over at Faith and Riley, who were dancing close together, Faith with a content look on her face. Satisfied, he let the world around him slip away as he concentrated on the feeling of dancing with the woman he loved.
Willow watched the two couples with a smile on her face. "They look cute don't you think?"
Her question was met with silence.
"Oz?"
"Hmm?" he answered. "Oh. Yeah. Cute."
"You okay, sweetie?" she asked.
He smiled at her and patted her hands on the table. "Fine," he said, before turning back to watch the band. Willow watched as Oz seemed entranced by the lead singer.
"Do you know her?" she asked.
"Hmm?" he said, distractedly. "No. I know the drummer. He's cool."
"Oh," Willow said, as she watched Oz watch the band. "What's her name again?"
"Veruca," said Oz.
Willow looked from Oz to the stage, then back at Oz. She sighed and leaned back in her chair. Then she smiled and leaned over to Oz.
"You know, I could stay at your place tonight."
Oz slowly tore his gaze away from Veruca. "I'm pretty tired, baby," he said, raising the back of her hand to his lips and giving it a kiss. "Long day."
Willow slumped back in her chair, frowning, as Oz turned back to the stage.
* * * * *
"What's up?" Xander asked.
"Huh? Oh, nothing," Willow said. She had decided to stay at her parents place and Xander was walking her there.
"C'mon, Will, I know you. Something's bugging you. Now fess up."
"It's nothing, Xander. Or. . . well, I think it's nothing, but. . . no, I'm sure it's nothing."
Xander looked at her, unconvinced.
"It's just. . . I was going to stay at Oz's tonight, because, full moon soon, you know? And so I wanted to. . . you know. . ."
"You should be able to say it if you're doing it, Will," he said.
"Make love," Willow said. "Because of the full moon soon, you know?"
Xander nodded.
"But. . . he was. . . reluctant. And he seemed to be paying a lot of attention to that lead singer tonight."
"Veruca?" Xander asked.
Willow nodded. "You know her?"
"No," said Xander, shaking his head. "Some of the guys on the crew were talking about her though. All, you know. . . 'Hey, that lead singer from Shy. . . wink wink, nudge nudge.' Personally, I don't see it."
"Yeah, but you're in love with Buffy, so you wouldn't. Xander, is there something wrong with me? Did I grow horns or sprout some incredible ugliness?"
"No, Willow. There is nothing wrong with you at all."
"You have to say that. You're my best friend."
"Yes, but I am also male," Xander said. "And despite being what I'm sure must be disgustingly and sickeningly in love with Buffy, I am still able to appreciate the finer. . . aesthetic aspects of a woman, and trust me, Will, there is nothing wrong with you."
"But then, why?"
"I don't know," he said. "Maybe you just caught him in one of the seven times annually when a guy is legitimately too preoccupied or tired to do it." Xander considered bringing up his recent unwillingness with Buffy. 'No,' he thought. 'That was because I was unsure if I was supposed to be with her. She doesn't need to make that connection right now.'
"I guess," Willow said. She pointed to her house. "This is me."
"I know, Will. I have been here once or twice."
"Right. Okay. Well, then, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"You sure you don't want me to. . ." he started, trailing off.
"No," she said. "I think I just. . ."
"Got it," he said, giving her a hug. "Goodnight, Willow."
"Night, Xander."
* * * * *
Buffy and Xander walked into Giles's apartment the next morning to find the rest of the group already assembled.
"Hey guys," Xander said. He then slammed into the floor as an airborne Faith tackled him and Buffy quickly shifted out of the way.
"What the hell am I going to do!?" Faith yelled.
Buffy stood there trying to hold her laughter in.
"Um. . . okay, first?" Xander said. "Oooow!! And second, do about what? And third, can you get off of me?"
Faith hopped up and started pacing as Xander leaned up on his elbows and shot Buffy an amused look. Faith was biting her nails as she walked.
"What's he going to expect? What do guys expect? I've never done the date thing, the dinner and everything. Oh my god, Xander, what do I wear!?"
Xander fell back to the floor laughing. "You're asking my advice on what to wear? What are you, nuts?" He threw a hand out at Buffy. "Hello. . . she's completely up on the female wearing. . . er, clothes. . . thing. Why don't you ask her?"
Buffy glared at him, and Faith turned towards her. "B? Can you help?"
Buffy nodded. "I can help. Yes. When are you going out with him, anyway? We are talking about Riley, yes?"
"Yes!" Faith said. "And we're going out tonight."
Buffy nodded. "What time?"
"7:00."
"Okay. Be at my house at five o'clock. We'll figure something out. Do you know where you're going?"
Faith shook her head. "He said to dress kinda nice. What the hell is kinda nice? I own jeans and tanks!" She started to hyperventilate.
"Okay, calm down, Faith," Willow said, moving over to the two slayers. "Breathe, that's an important step to going on a date. Staying conscious? Kinda critical."
Willow and Buffy lead Faith back towards her room to survey her clothes and calm her down.
Xander and Oz looked on with amusement. "Giles?" Xander asked.
Oz pointed upstairs. Xander nodded and climbed the stairs. He knocked on Giles's bedroom door.
"Yes?" came the answer.
Xander opened the door to see Giles lying flat on his back, glasses off, and rubbing his temples.
"How long has she been like that?" Xander asked.
"I was awoken at 7:45 by Faith pacing around downstairs."
"Damn," Xander said. "I didn't think she ever got up that early."
"She doesn't, I assure you. This is a one-time only phenomenon. I hope."
Xander chuckled. "How's she doing, anyway?"
"Oh, I believe she's adjusting quite well. Her studies for the GED are coming splendidly. She's really a very bright young woman."
"Never doubted it," Xander said. "Anyway, Buffy and Will took her back into her room, so it's probably safe to come downstairs."
"Thank you. I do believe I shall remain here, though, until my headache recedes."
Xander laughed and shut Giles's door.
* * * * *
"Something doesn't feel right about this," Faith said.
"Faith, I'm telling you, it's going to be fine," said Willow.
"She's right," added Buffy. "Don't worry."
"I don't know. Are you guys sure? I mean what if something happens? What if -"
"Faith!" Xander yelled from the hallway. "Nothing will happen, stop worrying, accept your fate and move on."
Faith opened the door. "What do you think?"
"You look fantastic, Faith," Xander said. "Riley's gonna be out of his head."
"I don't know, X. Dresses aren't really my thing."
"And standing outside of a room that is holding three beautiful women getting ready for a date with somebody who is not me isn't really my thing. And yet, here I am."
"Also, it's your room," Buffy said.
"Well, yeah," Xander said. "And your mom is fixing us dinner. But the point remains that I'm here. Besides, I may be sleeping in it, but your clothes still occupy four-fifths of the closet space."
"Oh, cuz it's my fault you don't own anything."
"No. I own plenty, you just own way more."
"Guys!" Willow said. "You sound like an old married couple. Either get married or stop arguing, because you're driving me nuts."
"Not like I could fit any of my stuff if you weren't moved in on campus," Xander muttered.
"That's it!" yelled Willow, grabbing Xander by the ear. "You don't get to be up here any more."
Willow led Xander down the stairs and sat him in front of the TV. "Now you stay here until we're done. And when Riley gets here, open the door and make him wait with you. This is a girl thing, dammit."
"Buffy said I was one of the girls," Xander said as Willow walked back upstairs.
"Yes," said Willow. "But just because she lets you watch her change doesn't mean the rest of us will."
"Willow!" Buffy yelled.
The redhead grinned at Xander and ran back up the stairs. Xander shook his head and walked into the kitchen.
"Need help with anything, Mrs. S?" he asked, dipping his finger in one of the sauce pans. "Mmm, this tastes good."
"Hands off Xander," Joyce said. "And no, thank you, I don't need any help. Why don't you go watch my daughter change clothes?"
Xander flushed red. "I. . . uh-um, n-n-no, see, Willow. . . er." He stood there with his mouth open.
There was a knock at the front door. Xander stood there, frozen to the spot as Joyce raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you going to answer the door, Xander?"
"Door," he said, turning to exit the kitchen. "Yes, door. Good."
Joyce smiled evilly as he walked away, proud of herself.
Xander opened the door and allowed Riley into the house.
"Soldier," Xander said, saluting.
Riley snapped off a salute of his own. "Is um. . . is Faith ready?" he asked, pulling flowers from behind his back.
"Riley, Riley, Riley," Xander said, shaking his head and leading the man over to the couch. "The flowers are a nice touch, but you have to learn. A girl will never be ready for a date when you arrive until at least. . . a month, maybe two, into a relationship. Making you wait for her is just one way that they put you in your place."
"And. . . where is my place?" Riley asked.
"Well, with most girls, it's negotiable. With Slayers, it's wherever they want it to be."
"I see," he said. "So, will she be down soon?"
"I don't know," Xander said. "Tell you what, since you were so nice about showing up and saving me from a fate worse than death, I'll go see what I can do about speeding the process up a little."
"Thanks," Riley said. "What fate did I save you from?"
Xander shuddered and leaned in close, whispering. "Discussing my sex life with Buffy's mom."
Riley's eyes shot open wide. "How?"
Xander shook his head. "Badness. Pure Willow-y badness. I'll be back in a minute."
Riley nodded as Xander made his way upstairs. Xander creeped through the hallway and knocked on the door to the room he now called his. After a moment, Buffy opened the door.
"You know your mom heard what Willow said, right?"
The blood drained from Buffy's face. "Oh. Well. Okay. This. . . can be dealt with. How attached to your best friend are you?" she asked.
Xander smiled. "Also, Riley's here."
"Tell him I can't go!" Faith said from inside the room.
"Faith, you look fine," Willow said, soothingly. "Better than fine. You're a hottie. Riley's gonna die. Metaphorically, I mean."
"Good," Faith said, breathing deeply. "I don't think I could take boyfriend death. Oh god, boyfriend! I just said that, didn't I? What am I doing? I can't have a boyfriend, I'm Faith!"
Xander rolled his eyes. "Faith, shut up," he said. "Look, it's a date. Doesn't mean you're married to the guy."
"Besides," Buffy said, wrapping her arm around Xander's waist. "Sometimes you get lucky and find your soul mate."
Xander smiled warmly and leaned down to kiss her. Willow coughed. Xander ignored his best friend and kissed the woman he loved. Willow coughed again.
Xander pulled back from Buffy and glared at the redhead.
"Hey, PDA, I can cough all I want," Willow said.
Xander rolled his eyes.
"Anyway," Buffy said. "We'll go downstairs and entertain Riley until you're ready, Faith."
"We will?" Xander asked.
"Yes. We will. Faith needs a little make-up still. And Willow, prepare to die later."
"Mascara and funeral arrangements," said Willow. "Check."
Xander and Buffy walked downstairs to find a nervous Riley sitting on the couch, chatting with Mrs. Summers.
"She's almost ready," Buffy said.
Riley nodded.
"So. . . are your soldiers maintaining watch on the closest churches to the old high school?" Xander asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Oh, well, on the absolute closest ones, we have a team watching. On some of the ones further out, we set up video surveillance. We've got all the angles covered. We'll know if anything tries to get in anywhere."
"And they know not to engage, right? To report back and get us on the scene?" Xander asked.
"They've all been fully briefed, yes."
"Did I miss something?" Joyce asked. "I thought he was here to take Faith on a date."
"He is, Mom," Buffy said. "But he's also a member of a super-secret government organization that is capturing demons and doing experiments on them. Oh, and he's my psych TA."
"Ah. Well, I suppose I it's good that you're a trained soldier," said Joyce. "You'll need to be able to handle yourself around her."
"I assure you, ma'am. I can take care of myself."
"Good," Xander said. "So, where are you taking Faith?"
"Um, a little Italian restaurant near campus called Pines of Florence."
"If you don't get the carbonara, you'll regret it," Xander said.
"Oh, you've been?" Riley asked.
"I've lived here my whole life, I've been everywhere. Pines has a nice ambiance," Xander said, surprising Buffy again with his vocabulary. "Plus, it's not so expensive that it'll seem like you're trying to impress her by spending money, while at the same time being expensive enough to show you're not cheap. An excellent choice."
"Wow. Okay, great, thanks," Riley said. "Um. . . if a second date happens, and I want it to be nicer?"
"There's an Alsatian restaurant about two miles west of town, in the back roads. It's expensive, but worth it. The service is fantastic, and the food is better. Plus, it's got a very romantic atmosphere. . . sort of a 'chateau in the alps' feel."
Riley nodded, smiling. "Great," he said.
Xander nodded at him. "But concentrate on tonight first. Faith. . . doesn't have a good history with men."
"Is this the 'you hurt her and I'll kill you' speech?" Riley asked, chuckling.
Xander smiled. "No, you don't have to worry about that. Hurt her, and she'll kill you herself. I'll just stand by and watch," he said.
Buffy coughed.
"Right," Riley said. "Well. I don't intend anything like that. I just want to get to know her better for now. She's. . . amazing. Just, the instant I saw her it was like. . ."
"Like if you were riding a skateboard, you'd smack into a stair railing?" Buffy asked.
Xander looked at her, surprised.
"Yeah," Riley said. "Except I've never ridden a skateboard. But something like that."
Willow came down the stairs and held out her arms like a game show presentation girl. "Presenting, for the first time in the recorded history of the Scooby Gang. . . Faith. In a. . . dress."
All eyes looked up at the stairs as Faith came into view. Eyebrows rose. Jaws dropped.
"Damn," Joyce said.
* * * * *
Once Xander and Buffy had left, Faith frowned and sat down on the bed
"You okay, Faith?" Willow asked.
"Sure, Red," she said. "Five by five."
"Okay," Willow said. "But, you know, you can, um, talk. . . to me. . . if you're not."
"I'm fine. Seriously," she said, shaking her head to clear it.
"Okay," Willow said, turning back to the dresser to find the right shade of mascara
"It's just. . ."
Willow turned back to Faith. "Just what?"
"Nah, it's nothing."
"It's just what, Faith?"
Faith sighed. "Those two. They're so freaking happy all the time, you know? It gets on my nerves. Plus, you know, I mean, she found her soul mate. And it's not that I'm jealous it's just that. . ."
"You kind of are?" Willow asked.
Faith nodded. "Not of her having Xander. I mean, sure he was a great romp," she said. Willow looked uncomfortable for a split second, but it passed quickly. Faith noticed anyway.
"Oh, crap. I'm sorry, Red, I didn't. . .. I should just shut my mouth."
"No," Willow said, regaining her composure. "No, it's okay. Go on."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Continue."
"Right. It's like. . . I don't know. I just. . . I've never been one who wants to settle down, you know? Use 'em and lose 'em, that was my thing. Seein' the way those two look at each other, though. With complete trust and adoration and all that other sappy shit. . . it makes me wonder. Like maybe it would be. . . nice, to have something like that. And yeah, so some book says that I will. But so what? It's written. It can just be crossed out again."
"Well. . . the book, the one that says that you'll find your soul mate. . . it hasn't um. . . I mean, the specific prophecy, it's been right so far. I mean, you named Xander, and gave him the certainty of being with Buffy. And you two are friends, like it says. So, I mean, don't be pessimistic. You've been out of your coma like a week, you can't expect things to go too fast, even if it is Sunnydale. Besides, hey, date tonight. Never know what'll happen."
"I guess, yeah. Say, Red, I'm sorry for, you know, tryin' to kill ya and whatnot."
"Oh, that's. . . well, no, that's. . . not okay, but well, I mean, um. I forgive you."
"Thanks. And I know you hated me, but I really am trying to be better, you know? And I wanna. . . be friends and stuff. Not do the whole loner thing so much."
"Faith I didn't hate you. . . well, okay, not all of you. . . just. . . kind of the guts part, but um. Well. Yeah. No, I would also like to be friends. And stuff."
Faith smiled, warmly. "Sweet," she said, then looked down at the floral pattern of the dress she was wearing. "Okay. This just isn't me, and it's also kinda squeezin' the girls. Does B have anything else that'll fit me?"
Faith got up and went to Buffy's closet. She looked through Buffy's clothes, and pulled out a dark blue dress that looked vaguely familiar to Willow. "This looks like it hasn't been worn in a while," Faith said.
Willow's eyes went wide. "Oh. That. No, she retired that one."
"How come?" Faith asked. "It's hot. I'm gonna wear this instead."
"Oh. Um, okay. Do you want nail polish?" Willow asked, turning back to Buffy's dresser.
"Nah, I'll be fine," Faith said. "What do you think?"
Willow turned around, and her eyes went up. "Well," she said. "Buffy's shorter than you, so the. . . it's very short. And your. . . girls. . . are bigger, so it's showing more cleavage."
"Right," Faith said. "So it's hot. Got it. So why'd B stop wearing it?"
"Okay," Willow said. "Did Xander ever tell you about the time Buffy danced with him?"
"She only danced with him once?" Faith asked.
"Well. . . okay, this was at the end of the summer after Buffy died. Did. . . he ever mention that?"
"Nope."
"Okay, well, here's what happened. . ."
----------
End Chapter 23
Xander looked over Faith's head. "He's being distracted by some girl in a leather micro-mini and 4-inch heels. She's dropped something and is leaning waaaaay over to pick it up."
Faith whipped around to see Riley watching at her. Riley gave her a sheepish smile and waved. Faith paused, paled, waved back, and turned around to see Xander with a huge grin on his face.
"Asshole," she muttered as they started dancing again, Xander's arms flailing all around, Faith working her curves seductively to the heavy beat the band was thumping out. A slower song started to flow from the speakers, and Riley walked up and tapped Xander on the shoulder.
"Do you mind if I cut in?" he asked, nervously. Xander smiled and made room for Riley to step in as Buffy came up for her own dance.
"What was that look about?" she asked him.
Xander grinned. "I told Faith that Riley was being distracted by some girl in a micro-mini leaning down in front of him."
"You jerk," Buffy said, laughing.
"Gotta get my kicks somehow," he said.
"I thought you got your kicks with me," Buffy said, leaning into his chest.
Xander held her close. "Different kicks, baby. Different entirely."
Xander glanced over at Faith and Riley, who were dancing close together, Faith with a content look on her face. Satisfied, he let the world around him slip away as he concentrated on the feeling of dancing with the woman he loved.
Willow watched the two couples with a smile on her face. "They look cute don't you think?"
Her question was met with silence.
"Oz?"
"Hmm?" he answered. "Oh. Yeah. Cute."
"You okay, sweetie?" she asked.
He smiled at her and patted her hands on the table. "Fine," he said, before turning back to watch the band. Willow watched as Oz seemed entranced by the lead singer.
"Do you know her?" she asked.
"Hmm?" he said, distractedly. "No. I know the drummer. He's cool."
"Oh," Willow said, as she watched Oz watch the band. "What's her name again?"
"Veruca," said Oz.
Willow looked from Oz to the stage, then back at Oz. She sighed and leaned back in her chair. Then she smiled and leaned over to Oz.
"You know, I could stay at your place tonight."
Oz slowly tore his gaze away from Veruca. "I'm pretty tired, baby," he said, raising the back of her hand to his lips and giving it a kiss. "Long day."
Willow slumped back in her chair, frowning, as Oz turned back to the stage.
* * * * *
"What's up?" Xander asked.
"Huh? Oh, nothing," Willow said. She had decided to stay at her parents place and Xander was walking her there.
"C'mon, Will, I know you. Something's bugging you. Now fess up."
"It's nothing, Xander. Or. . . well, I think it's nothing, but. . . no, I'm sure it's nothing."
Xander looked at her, unconvinced.
"It's just. . . I was going to stay at Oz's tonight, because, full moon soon, you know? And so I wanted to. . . you know. . ."
"You should be able to say it if you're doing it, Will," he said.
"Make love," Willow said. "Because of the full moon soon, you know?"
Xander nodded.
"But. . . he was. . . reluctant. And he seemed to be paying a lot of attention to that lead singer tonight."
"Veruca?" Xander asked.
Willow nodded. "You know her?"
"No," said Xander, shaking his head. "Some of the guys on the crew were talking about her though. All, you know. . . 'Hey, that lead singer from Shy. . . wink wink, nudge nudge.' Personally, I don't see it."
"Yeah, but you're in love with Buffy, so you wouldn't. Xander, is there something wrong with me? Did I grow horns or sprout some incredible ugliness?"
"No, Willow. There is nothing wrong with you at all."
"You have to say that. You're my best friend."
"Yes, but I am also male," Xander said. "And despite being what I'm sure must be disgustingly and sickeningly in love with Buffy, I am still able to appreciate the finer. . . aesthetic aspects of a woman, and trust me, Will, there is nothing wrong with you."
"But then, why?"
"I don't know," he said. "Maybe you just caught him in one of the seven times annually when a guy is legitimately too preoccupied or tired to do it." Xander considered bringing up his recent unwillingness with Buffy. 'No,' he thought. 'That was because I was unsure if I was supposed to be with her. She doesn't need to make that connection right now.'
"I guess," Willow said. She pointed to her house. "This is me."
"I know, Will. I have been here once or twice."
"Right. Okay. Well, then, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"You sure you don't want me to. . ." he started, trailing off.
"No," she said. "I think I just. . ."
"Got it," he said, giving her a hug. "Goodnight, Willow."
"Night, Xander."
* * * * *
Buffy and Xander walked into Giles's apartment the next morning to find the rest of the group already assembled.
"Hey guys," Xander said. He then slammed into the floor as an airborne Faith tackled him and Buffy quickly shifted out of the way.
"What the hell am I going to do!?" Faith yelled.
Buffy stood there trying to hold her laughter in.
"Um. . . okay, first?" Xander said. "Oooow!! And second, do about what? And third, can you get off of me?"
Faith hopped up and started pacing as Xander leaned up on his elbows and shot Buffy an amused look. Faith was biting her nails as she walked.
"What's he going to expect? What do guys expect? I've never done the date thing, the dinner and everything. Oh my god, Xander, what do I wear!?"
Xander fell back to the floor laughing. "You're asking my advice on what to wear? What are you, nuts?" He threw a hand out at Buffy. "Hello. . . she's completely up on the female wearing. . . er, clothes. . . thing. Why don't you ask her?"
Buffy glared at him, and Faith turned towards her. "B? Can you help?"
Buffy nodded. "I can help. Yes. When are you going out with him, anyway? We are talking about Riley, yes?"
"Yes!" Faith said. "And we're going out tonight."
Buffy nodded. "What time?"
"7:00."
"Okay. Be at my house at five o'clock. We'll figure something out. Do you know where you're going?"
Faith shook her head. "He said to dress kinda nice. What the hell is kinda nice? I own jeans and tanks!" She started to hyperventilate.
"Okay, calm down, Faith," Willow said, moving over to the two slayers. "Breathe, that's an important step to going on a date. Staying conscious? Kinda critical."
Willow and Buffy lead Faith back towards her room to survey her clothes and calm her down.
Xander and Oz looked on with amusement. "Giles?" Xander asked.
Oz pointed upstairs. Xander nodded and climbed the stairs. He knocked on Giles's bedroom door.
"Yes?" came the answer.
Xander opened the door to see Giles lying flat on his back, glasses off, and rubbing his temples.
"How long has she been like that?" Xander asked.
"I was awoken at 7:45 by Faith pacing around downstairs."
"Damn," Xander said. "I didn't think she ever got up that early."
"She doesn't, I assure you. This is a one-time only phenomenon. I hope."
Xander chuckled. "How's she doing, anyway?"
"Oh, I believe she's adjusting quite well. Her studies for the GED are coming splendidly. She's really a very bright young woman."
"Never doubted it," Xander said. "Anyway, Buffy and Will took her back into her room, so it's probably safe to come downstairs."
"Thank you. I do believe I shall remain here, though, until my headache recedes."
Xander laughed and shut Giles's door.
* * * * *
"Something doesn't feel right about this," Faith said.
"Faith, I'm telling you, it's going to be fine," said Willow.
"She's right," added Buffy. "Don't worry."
"I don't know. Are you guys sure? I mean what if something happens? What if -"
"Faith!" Xander yelled from the hallway. "Nothing will happen, stop worrying, accept your fate and move on."
Faith opened the door. "What do you think?"
"You look fantastic, Faith," Xander said. "Riley's gonna be out of his head."
"I don't know, X. Dresses aren't really my thing."
"And standing outside of a room that is holding three beautiful women getting ready for a date with somebody who is not me isn't really my thing. And yet, here I am."
"Also, it's your room," Buffy said.
"Well, yeah," Xander said. "And your mom is fixing us dinner. But the point remains that I'm here. Besides, I may be sleeping in it, but your clothes still occupy four-fifths of the closet space."
"Oh, cuz it's my fault you don't own anything."
"No. I own plenty, you just own way more."
"Guys!" Willow said. "You sound like an old married couple. Either get married or stop arguing, because you're driving me nuts."
"Not like I could fit any of my stuff if you weren't moved in on campus," Xander muttered.
"That's it!" yelled Willow, grabbing Xander by the ear. "You don't get to be up here any more."
Willow led Xander down the stairs and sat him in front of the TV. "Now you stay here until we're done. And when Riley gets here, open the door and make him wait with you. This is a girl thing, dammit."
"Buffy said I was one of the girls," Xander said as Willow walked back upstairs.
"Yes," said Willow. "But just because she lets you watch her change doesn't mean the rest of us will."
"Willow!" Buffy yelled.
The redhead grinned at Xander and ran back up the stairs. Xander shook his head and walked into the kitchen.
"Need help with anything, Mrs. S?" he asked, dipping his finger in one of the sauce pans. "Mmm, this tastes good."
"Hands off Xander," Joyce said. "And no, thank you, I don't need any help. Why don't you go watch my daughter change clothes?"
Xander flushed red. "I. . . uh-um, n-n-no, see, Willow. . . er." He stood there with his mouth open.
There was a knock at the front door. Xander stood there, frozen to the spot as Joyce raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you going to answer the door, Xander?"
"Door," he said, turning to exit the kitchen. "Yes, door. Good."
Joyce smiled evilly as he walked away, proud of herself.
Xander opened the door and allowed Riley into the house.
"Soldier," Xander said, saluting.
Riley snapped off a salute of his own. "Is um. . . is Faith ready?" he asked, pulling flowers from behind his back.
"Riley, Riley, Riley," Xander said, shaking his head and leading the man over to the couch. "The flowers are a nice touch, but you have to learn. A girl will never be ready for a date when you arrive until at least. . . a month, maybe two, into a relationship. Making you wait for her is just one way that they put you in your place."
"And. . . where is my place?" Riley asked.
"Well, with most girls, it's negotiable. With Slayers, it's wherever they want it to be."
"I see," he said. "So, will she be down soon?"
"I don't know," Xander said. "Tell you what, since you were so nice about showing up and saving me from a fate worse than death, I'll go see what I can do about speeding the process up a little."
"Thanks," Riley said. "What fate did I save you from?"
Xander shuddered and leaned in close, whispering. "Discussing my sex life with Buffy's mom."
Riley's eyes shot open wide. "How?"
Xander shook his head. "Badness. Pure Willow-y badness. I'll be back in a minute."
Riley nodded as Xander made his way upstairs. Xander creeped through the hallway and knocked on the door to the room he now called his. After a moment, Buffy opened the door.
"You know your mom heard what Willow said, right?"
The blood drained from Buffy's face. "Oh. Well. Okay. This. . . can be dealt with. How attached to your best friend are you?" she asked.
Xander smiled. "Also, Riley's here."
"Tell him I can't go!" Faith said from inside the room.
"Faith, you look fine," Willow said, soothingly. "Better than fine. You're a hottie. Riley's gonna die. Metaphorically, I mean."
"Good," Faith said, breathing deeply. "I don't think I could take boyfriend death. Oh god, boyfriend! I just said that, didn't I? What am I doing? I can't have a boyfriend, I'm Faith!"
Xander rolled his eyes. "Faith, shut up," he said. "Look, it's a date. Doesn't mean you're married to the guy."
"Besides," Buffy said, wrapping her arm around Xander's waist. "Sometimes you get lucky and find your soul mate."
Xander smiled warmly and leaned down to kiss her. Willow coughed. Xander ignored his best friend and kissed the woman he loved. Willow coughed again.
Xander pulled back from Buffy and glared at the redhead.
"Hey, PDA, I can cough all I want," Willow said.
Xander rolled his eyes.
"Anyway," Buffy said. "We'll go downstairs and entertain Riley until you're ready, Faith."
"We will?" Xander asked.
"Yes. We will. Faith needs a little make-up still. And Willow, prepare to die later."
"Mascara and funeral arrangements," said Willow. "Check."
Xander and Buffy walked downstairs to find a nervous Riley sitting on the couch, chatting with Mrs. Summers.
"She's almost ready," Buffy said.
Riley nodded.
"So. . . are your soldiers maintaining watch on the closest churches to the old high school?" Xander asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Oh, well, on the absolute closest ones, we have a team watching. On some of the ones further out, we set up video surveillance. We've got all the angles covered. We'll know if anything tries to get in anywhere."
"And they know not to engage, right? To report back and get us on the scene?" Xander asked.
"They've all been fully briefed, yes."
"Did I miss something?" Joyce asked. "I thought he was here to take Faith on a date."
"He is, Mom," Buffy said. "But he's also a member of a super-secret government organization that is capturing demons and doing experiments on them. Oh, and he's my psych TA."
"Ah. Well, I suppose I it's good that you're a trained soldier," said Joyce. "You'll need to be able to handle yourself around her."
"I assure you, ma'am. I can take care of myself."
"Good," Xander said. "So, where are you taking Faith?"
"Um, a little Italian restaurant near campus called Pines of Florence."
"If you don't get the carbonara, you'll regret it," Xander said.
"Oh, you've been?" Riley asked.
"I've lived here my whole life, I've been everywhere. Pines has a nice ambiance," Xander said, surprising Buffy again with his vocabulary. "Plus, it's not so expensive that it'll seem like you're trying to impress her by spending money, while at the same time being expensive enough to show you're not cheap. An excellent choice."
"Wow. Okay, great, thanks," Riley said. "Um. . . if a second date happens, and I want it to be nicer?"
"There's an Alsatian restaurant about two miles west of town, in the back roads. It's expensive, but worth it. The service is fantastic, and the food is better. Plus, it's got a very romantic atmosphere. . . sort of a 'chateau in the alps' feel."
Riley nodded, smiling. "Great," he said.
Xander nodded at him. "But concentrate on tonight first. Faith. . . doesn't have a good history with men."
"Is this the 'you hurt her and I'll kill you' speech?" Riley asked, chuckling.
Xander smiled. "No, you don't have to worry about that. Hurt her, and she'll kill you herself. I'll just stand by and watch," he said.
Buffy coughed.
"Right," Riley said. "Well. I don't intend anything like that. I just want to get to know her better for now. She's. . . amazing. Just, the instant I saw her it was like. . ."
"Like if you were riding a skateboard, you'd smack into a stair railing?" Buffy asked.
Xander looked at her, surprised.
"Yeah," Riley said. "Except I've never ridden a skateboard. But something like that."
Willow came down the stairs and held out her arms like a game show presentation girl. "Presenting, for the first time in the recorded history of the Scooby Gang. . . Faith. In a. . . dress."
All eyes looked up at the stairs as Faith came into view. Eyebrows rose. Jaws dropped.
"Damn," Joyce said.
* * * * *
Once Xander and Buffy had left, Faith frowned and sat down on the bed
"You okay, Faith?" Willow asked.
"Sure, Red," she said. "Five by five."
"Okay," Willow said. "But, you know, you can, um, talk. . . to me. . . if you're not."
"I'm fine. Seriously," she said, shaking her head to clear it.
"Okay," Willow said, turning back to the dresser to find the right shade of mascara
"It's just. . ."
Willow turned back to Faith. "Just what?"
"Nah, it's nothing."
"It's just what, Faith?"
Faith sighed. "Those two. They're so freaking happy all the time, you know? It gets on my nerves. Plus, you know, I mean, she found her soul mate. And it's not that I'm jealous it's just that. . ."
"You kind of are?" Willow asked.
Faith nodded. "Not of her having Xander. I mean, sure he was a great romp," she said. Willow looked uncomfortable for a split second, but it passed quickly. Faith noticed anyway.
"Oh, crap. I'm sorry, Red, I didn't. . .. I should just shut my mouth."
"No," Willow said, regaining her composure. "No, it's okay. Go on."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Continue."
"Right. It's like. . . I don't know. I just. . . I've never been one who wants to settle down, you know? Use 'em and lose 'em, that was my thing. Seein' the way those two look at each other, though. With complete trust and adoration and all that other sappy shit. . . it makes me wonder. Like maybe it would be. . . nice, to have something like that. And yeah, so some book says that I will. But so what? It's written. It can just be crossed out again."
"Well. . . the book, the one that says that you'll find your soul mate. . . it hasn't um. . . I mean, the specific prophecy, it's been right so far. I mean, you named Xander, and gave him the certainty of being with Buffy. And you two are friends, like it says. So, I mean, don't be pessimistic. You've been out of your coma like a week, you can't expect things to go too fast, even if it is Sunnydale. Besides, hey, date tonight. Never know what'll happen."
"I guess, yeah. Say, Red, I'm sorry for, you know, tryin' to kill ya and whatnot."
"Oh, that's. . . well, no, that's. . . not okay, but well, I mean, um. I forgive you."
"Thanks. And I know you hated me, but I really am trying to be better, you know? And I wanna. . . be friends and stuff. Not do the whole loner thing so much."
"Faith I didn't hate you. . . well, okay, not all of you. . . just. . . kind of the guts part, but um. Well. Yeah. No, I would also like to be friends. And stuff."
Faith smiled, warmly. "Sweet," she said, then looked down at the floral pattern of the dress she was wearing. "Okay. This just isn't me, and it's also kinda squeezin' the girls. Does B have anything else that'll fit me?"
Faith got up and went to Buffy's closet. She looked through Buffy's clothes, and pulled out a dark blue dress that looked vaguely familiar to Willow. "This looks like it hasn't been worn in a while," Faith said.
Willow's eyes went wide. "Oh. That. No, she retired that one."
"How come?" Faith asked. "It's hot. I'm gonna wear this instead."
"Oh. Um, okay. Do you want nail polish?" Willow asked, turning back to Buffy's dresser.
"Nah, I'll be fine," Faith said. "What do you think?"
Willow turned around, and her eyes went up. "Well," she said. "Buffy's shorter than you, so the. . . it's very short. And your. . . girls. . . are bigger, so it's showing more cleavage."
"Right," Faith said. "So it's hot. Got it. So why'd B stop wearing it?"
"Okay," Willow said. "Did Xander ever tell you about the time Buffy danced with him?"
"She only danced with him once?" Faith asked.
"Well. . . okay, this was at the end of the summer after Buffy died. Did. . . he ever mention that?"
"Nope."
"Okay, well, here's what happened. . ."
----------
End Chapter 23
