Title: LEARN THEIR NAMES.

Author: RogueVulcan

Rating: G

Codes: Buffy, Faith

Summary: During the episode "Empty Places". This is what I felt should of happened in that confrontational scene where Buffy is kicked out.

Disclaimer: Spoiler for BtVS episode Empty Place and Touched. Oh! And I don't own anything, Buffy is not mine and so forth... To the story!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

I am using this story as part of a university study of female slash fan fiction in relation to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My project is to write fan fiction stories containing a slash paring and to gain is some feedback on my attempts at the portrayal of these characters. Therefore I would much appreciate reviews as much as possible. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy the story.

Learn their names cont.

Previously on Buffy the Vampire Slayer...

Don't worry; I know who each of you are. But the thing is, none of you know who I am, and I am okay with that. If you guy need me to leave so you can be yourselves, then I will. Faith would make a great leader.

However, although I am leaving this house, it doesn't mean I will not stop trying to protect you. Good Luck!" With that said Buffy left the house to a stunned group of girls and some very introspective friends.

'B!' Spoke a muffled voice through the door. The door opened and a worried looking Faith appeared closing the solid frame behind her.

'B! Wait up!'

Buffy stopped but didn't turn

'Look, B. I...I didn't know. I didn't know that...'

'I know. It's okay.'

'Buffy...'

Buffy turns to look at her with a sad smile

Faith is shocked at the tears.

'You know that is one of the first times you have actually used my whole name.' Faith couldn't help respond with a slight smile. A moment passed where both were content and relaxed sharing a common bond, but that moment ended quickly as the smiles fell from their faces.

'Look after them.' Buffy spoke quietly. Faith opened her mouth to speak but sighed instead, unsure of what to say. Faith's eyes flicked down to stare at the wooden steps before her, tracing their gnarled patterns. Her thoughts were in a wild storm, twisting and turning upon them selves. What if I can't lead them? What if I get them killed? What if I make a mistake? You can't just up and leave when the going gets tough, Faith...

'Don't worry, you'll do fine.' Faith locked gazes with Buffy once more, amazed at how Buffy knew just what she was thinking. 'You're a great person and will be a fine leader. Just follow what you believe'

Buffy turned away from Faith and her home of 7 years and began to walk down the drive.

'Where are you going to go?' Faith asked, concerned for Buffy's future.

Buffy paused for a moment, but kept her back to her.

'I don't know... It doesn't matter anymore.'

With that said Buffy continued down the path and disappeared into darkness. Faith's eyes followed the receding form as it vanished from sight.

BtVS

Faith reentered the room full of potentials, stopping just past the archway to survey the group. With utter dismay she took in their happy, celebratory faces.

'Ding, Dong the Witch is dead!' was said with zeal from within the group.

'You spoilt, arrogant, little brats', Faith spat. The cheerful chatter dissipated as they all turned to look at Faith's red face in surprise. 'You just threw away the best fighter we ever had, the one person, probably the only person, who ever had even the slightest chance of saving your asses.' Faith just shook her head in disgust. 'So much for your survival instinct, I'm a slayer and even I know it's safer to stick near Buffy.'

Looking up, Faith spotted the 'precious' scoobies tucked away in the back. A look of anger crossed her face.

'And you guys...' Faith was at a loss for words. The Scoobies' faces anxious, waiting for her to continue. With a sigh of disgust and a negative shake of her head, she muttered, 'Aww, screw this!', then stalked up the stairs to her room.

The room remained silent.

BtVS

Later that night Faith went out on patrol. Wandering aimlessly, she questioned her reason for being out here. Since the town's residents had left town and the First's minions began to run amok, the general population of your average vampires had dwindled to next to nothing. But for some reason she felt compelled to be out in the night.

Faith finally took in her surroundings noticing the light suburban district, to her right stood an average white suburban house. There was nothing special about it but she felt it necessary to enter.

As soon as she entered the door, Faith began to feel a familiar tingle. Buffy was here. A smile finally graced her mouth. No one had seen any sign of Buffy since she was kicked out and although there had been many attempts at checking up on her none were successful. She knew that there were some potential who believed that Buffy had been killed, but those that knew her would never believe that. Buffy was too much of a hero to die with no one around and no one to save.

Faith followed her senses, the tingle getting stronger the closer she got. Her feet had led her to a bedroom where Buffy laid curled up on the large double bed. Faith stood hesitantly in the door.

'Are you just going to stand there?' Buffy spoke without turning to look at her.

TBC

Up next is the 'talk' and maybe something more. Please read and review!!!

Don't worry I will up date soon.