Series: Eternal Passions

Title: The Fair

Author: Mel M./Misty AKA SSailorUranuss@aol.com

Archive: The Realm, others (if you ask nicely)

Pairing: Faith/Willow stuffins, B/Angel, hints at B/?

Rating: PG-13 (possibly leaning toward R) for various reasons (mainly language)

Disclaimers: I don't own Buffy or anything attached to the show/characters and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback. Also, Mel is my property so if you'd like to use her please ask.

Comments: And remember, I need feedback so FEED ME! Enjoy!

The Fair

Their eyes met, each searching but never finding what they needed. Soon they fell, their lips meeting almost naively. In the darkness betrayal consumed the sight. Its victim turned, silent with anger as it vanished. His chilled hand caressed her cheek and she pulled away. "Angel, we have to stop doing this."

"I know."

"Maybe you should go."

"I was thinking about that. I'm leaving after graduation."

Meanwhile at Willow's house. . .

Her heavy lids drifted open as sunlight beckoned. Stirring quietly, she realized her arm was numb and there was an unfamiliar heat against her. Her tired gaze lazily moved down, stopping when she saw gorgeous red locks. She smiled, something she really wasn't use to. She ran her slender fingers through it, kissing the girl's forehead to wake her.

The witch sighed, meeting the other girl's eyes. Kissing her gently, she thanked the Gods it wasn't all a dream. "Morning."

"Yeah," the Slayer grumbled with a pout. She still wanted to sleep.

Willow nuzzled to the brunette's neck, purring softly. "I wish every morning could start like this. I love your arms around me."

Faith kissed the witch softly then nodded. "I like this Red. So does this mean you're my girl?"

The hacker nodded with a slight laugh. She hadn't thought of it that way. "Yup, and you're my girl. Can we hold off on telling Buffy though? She might get all wigged out and that wouldn't be good. And the others, oh that wouldn't be pretty. I mean, I don't think Anya would be shocked but Xander and Giles. . ."

The Slayer captured the witch's lips, sucking on them deeply. Pulling away, she whispered sweetly, "you were babbling again Red."

"Was I? Glad you're here to stop me," she mewed, snuggling closer.

"I think I'm gonna shower before we meet B," Faith yawned, stretching her arms and legs like a cat.

"Great idea. You shower, I'll make coffee. You can watch TV while I shower, ok?"

"Five by five."

An hour later. . .

Humming softly, she paused before entering the living room. Her lover was sprawled out on the couch watching Lifetime Movie Network? 'Now what's wrong with this picture?' she thought.

Faith sensed the girl's presence, flipping the channel back to the football game. Willow let out a soft chuckle. She thought it was cute. Just as she was about to say something the phone rang. Grumbling, she picked it up and greeted kindly, "hello?"

"Hey Wills."

"Oh, hey Buffy. What's up?"

"Just called to tell you Giles wants us to meet up with him at nine sharp, front of the school," the blonde instructed.

"We'll be there. Talk to you later." She looked over at the brunette and smiled. Walking over to the couch, she mused innocently, "miss me?"

The Slayer grinned, pulling the redhead onto her lap. Wrapping her arms around the girl's waist, she purred, "always. What'd B have to say?"

"We have to meet Giles in front of the school at nine," the witch mewed, nuzzling to the brunette's neck.

"That's a long time to sit around. Got any ideas on what we could do?"

"We could go to the fair. It's wrist band day and they have the best cotton candy I've ever had," Willow breathed, kissing behind Faith's ear.

"Sure, I ain't ever been to a fair," she replied sadly.

"Really? Then I guess I'll just have to take you on every ride and play every game. It's fun," the redhead comforted, grabbing her bag.

"How much does it cost?" she sighed, trying not to rain on the parade.

The hacker shook her head and grabbed her girl by the hand. Dragging her out the door, she replied sternly, "it's on me."

"So how we gettin there?" Faith asked, following slowly.

"It's not too far. We can walk it," the witch concluded.

Half an hour later. . .

She grumbled impatiently, dragging the brunette along as the never ending line from hell shrunk immensely. At last they had arrived at the ticket counter. Willow took out the money and exchanged it for two tape-like wrist bands. After putting hers on she slid the other onto her girlfriend's wrist. She pulled her into a hug and smiled shyly. "C'mon, lets go have some fun. Let the real world go for now. It's a different place in there."

Faith nodded, whispering snidely, "I just hope it's not the wonderful world of Disney."

Willow giggled then led the way in. As they marched past the gates and onto the fair grounds Faith stopped. So many lights and screaming people. She'd never seen anyone scream because they were happy. Her eyes jumped from ride to ride, now wide with curiosity. She could feel that child within creep up. She'd never had the chance to be a kid but now this wonderful angel of hers was making it possible. Maybe she didn't know how much this really meant to her but she would in time. Staring into the distance at the main attraction, her awe stricken voice sighed, "wow."

Willow could see the unburdened glee in the Slayer's eyes. She'd never seen that before. Kissing the brunette's hand, she purred, "and it's all yours. All of the games, food and rides you can take. Just take me away with you."

Faith was still in shock but she heard those words clearly. "Of course gorgeous, you're what makes this place so magical."

Five hours later. . .

They stumbled off the last ride, dizzy with adrenaline. Faith spotted a dart game and dragged Willow over to it. "You pay for the darts and I'll getcha whatever you want Red. This is my game. I've played it since I was four."

Willow smiled. "I buy ten darts. You can pick out what you wanna win me. I'll be right next door, ok sweetie?" she whispered, sliding the money to the guy running the stand.

Faith nodded. "I'll catch you in a bit."

As Willow wondered to the next stand Faith cleared the first round easily. He handed her three more darts which she threw with precision. She was a pro at this. Handing her the last one he smiled. "Get this one and you get the biggest prize."

"Really, and what's that?" she mused, taking her aim. She saw him point to the animal at the top though she couldn't see it very well. She steadied her eye and nailed the last balloon. He gave the signal and two men brought the stuffed life size black panther to the Slayer. She smiled and nodded a good evening as she walked toward the next shop.

She saw the redhead looking at something and decided to sneak up on her. Stopping behind her she purred teasingly, "BOO!"

Willow giggled, turning around. Her eyes widened as she saw the huge stuffed animal. "Did you win that?"

Faith puffed up with pride. "Sure did and it's all yours. I figured your bed could use a bit more me on it."

"That's sweet Faith. I got something for you. I don't know if you'll like it or even wear it but I saw it and thought of you. If you don't like it you can exchange it. . ."

The Slayer let out a brief laugh before kissing the girl. "Whatcha got for me Red?"

The hacker blushed, shoving a hand in her pocket. She fished out a small white gold band with small red and black jewels in it. Fiddling with it nervously, she stammered, "I-I-It's a promise ring. I have one t-too. It's a promise that whatever happens between us, we'll always be friends."

Faith looked at Willow's left ring finger where she saw a gold band with white and green jewels. Smiling lovingly, she let her slide the ring on her left ring finger. It was not only a promise ring but a symbol that they both belonged to each other. She belonged to somebody and she liked it. She checked her watch and frowned. "I'm starved Red. How bout we eat then head to the school."

"Sounds great. We can take the cotton candy to go. I'm getting some roasted corn, you want one?"

"Sure. Hey, you know the Slayer appetite so could I maybe get a turkey leg too?" she pled, her stomach growling an eager second opinion.

"That's fine. Here, that line's not too long so you can go get it really quick. Besides, they have drinks in that line so if you wouldn't mind you could grab a couple drinks for us. I like Mountain Dew or Sprite," she replied, handing her lover the required amount of money which allowed for tax.

"Cool. I like extra butter and tons of cheese."

Moments later the met up at a picnic table and set all of the food down. As they ate a thought occurred to the witch. "Have you noticed anything different about Buffy lately?"

Faith nodded, finishing what she had in her mouth before she spoke. "You picked up on it too huh? She's been acting a little out of it, like she's got a problem she can't figure out."

"If she can't work it out why doesn't she talk to us. We are her friends," Willow pouted.

"Sometimes it ain't that easy. Maybe she's got a secret and that's what's draggin her down. I could be totally wrong but that's how I act in those situations," she revealed, not meaning to. She couldn't hide from Willow and it felt kinda weird.

"I know."

As they finished all but the cotton candy, Willow grinned and whispered ever so sweetly, "we've still got a little time. Will you ride the Ferris Wheel with me?"

Faith's left eye twitched. That was the only ride they hadn't gone on and she really saw no point in it. She looked over at it for a moment, then back at her girlfriend. "Sure."

They threw their trash away then walked over to the fairly short line for the ride. Within one round they ushered the two into a booth. The wheel began to rise, taking them to the heavens. There above the madness it all looked so perfect. The flickering bright lights, the laughing people. They felt like angels gliding cross the darkened sky. In this state of perfection the Slayer leaned in, capturing her angel's lips. This time she didn't stop there as she pressed her tongue against the girl's plush, feathery lips. Willow allowed this, a gasp escaping her as that talented tongue teased her mouth.

As they began to descend the kiss broke and a moment of silence ensued. The brunette couldn't face the girl. She'd moved too fast. Then she felt satin fingertips lift her head, piercing emeralds trapping her in a stare. "That felt good but no more than that for a little while, ok? I-I-I'm still a. . ."

Faith bit her bottom lip then kissed her again, only on the lips this time. "I'll wait until it feels right for both of us. That's somethin special Red and you need to be sure."

"Thanks. . .for understanding," the witch murmured, slightly embarrassed.

Soon after they got off the ride and headed out of the fair rounds. Upon exiting the laughter and dimming lights they found reality. A group of demons terrorizing innocent people. Could their timing have been any worse? They met the other's gaze and nodded. This was their duty, and Faith's curse. But they would still fight. They had to for if they didn't so many would parish needlessly. Willow backed away, gathering her magiks as her companion did the ground work.

Faith dove in head first, plowing through them easily. She was convinced they had won until she saw even more surround them. The odds didn't favor them.

And out of the night two others arose, their burden lain heavy and thick on their swords. Their blades were tempered with merciless rage but the need to save innocence was their master and guided them flawlessly. They joined the other two as the demons spread out. "And they say trouble doesn't follow me," Mel joked sarcastically, nudging one of her comrades.

"Yeah. So it looks like a slice and dice til Red can conjure somethin," Faith responded, glad to have her friend alongside her.

"Wills, you think you can do this?" Buffy questioned honestly.

"Yup. My powers seem to be getting better. Just buy me some time and I'll do my best," the witch answered, excitement apparent in her tone.

Buffy handed the other Slayer a sword and they ventured out on their mission. The demons moved in and they Slayers slaughtered them like cattle. But for each one they killed, two more appeared. When they began to worry they were calmed by a dismal chant which dealt every demon within a hundred miles a one way ticket to hell. They all stared at the shimmering witch as she opened her emerald eyes and smiled. The flicker soon faded and she spoke. " We should meet Giles soon. He might know something."

An hour later. . .

"So, what did you find? It sounded major on the phone," Buffy probed with a smile.

The Watcher sighed, cleaning his glasses before pulling out a large black book. Putting his glasses back on, he murmured, "it appears this book is the cause of tonight's dispute."

Willow paused. "Isn't that my book?"

"Yes, indeed it is. At first I thought it was a mere spell book but then I began translating it. This is the oldest Book of Shadows I've ever encountered. It holds magiks older than even I have seen," he explained.

"So what're we gonna do with it?" Faith yawned, a little worn down from the fight.

"It would be best if we hid it in a very secure place with a protection. Somewhere the Council or any other evil can't find it," Mel proposed, receiving nods from the others.

"I've already secured an area. Unfortunately these demons will not cease until they have it," Giles muttered, deep in thought.

"Or until they're dead. I say we research tomorrow and see how to kill them. Then we make them extinct and everyone goes home happy," Buffy suggested.

"Except for them," Anya reasoned.

"I suppose that will work," the Watched mumbled, sitting at his desk with a book.

The sound of someone clearing their throat caught everyone's attention. She bowed her head, her eyes dismal and frozen. Mel's voice was emotionless as she spoke. "I just wanted to thank all of you for some wonderful times. Your company was a refreshing change. Unfortunately I've worn out my welcome and I feel tonight would be the perfect time to tell you that I'm leaving Sunnydale, first thing in the morning."

"Mel, you haven't worn out your welcome. We love having you here," Willow protested.

"I'm sorry Willow but I have. It's time for me to go," the girl responded almost warmly.

The blonde Slayer pouted, just enough to catch the girl's attention. "Why?"

Bitter hazel pools penetrated the Slayer's soul as Mel seethed lividly, "you should know. Have a nice life Little Miss Perfect."

And with that their recently acquired friend was gone, leaving behind a very confused Buffy and a saddened witch.

~~ TBC ~~