Independence By Norwalker

Part 10 of

Summary: What did Willow and Faith discuss in that little car trip from L.A. to Sunnydale in season 7? And what were the consequences? A Willow/ Faith story

Rating: R, Very R

Category: romance/drama/angst

Spoilers: Possible season 7 spoilers. Possible season 4 Angel spoilers. C'mon, you must have seen 'em by now!

Time Line: Mid season 7(after the return of Faith) and beyond

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon , Mutant Enemy and Fox own them.

Warnings: Adult themes, violence, sexual situations between

members of the same gender. Please be aware, character death is always a distinct possibility. It can happen here, so don't say I didn't warn you!!! Any racist remarks are spoken by the characters, and are in no way shared by the author. This story is not meant for children.

On the road, several days later, sundown.

Faith leans over her handlebars, giving the bike more throttle as she and Willow speed down the desert highway. The air has a crisp, dry scent to it, the sun is rapidly sinking into the western horizon behind them. The desert breeze has turned cool, and threatens to be a bit chilly soon. Faith feels the wind on her face, having put up her visor because of the approaching darkness. Her eyes follow the beam of her bike's headlight, and it gives her a sense of endlessness, rushing into the unknown which lay just beyond the reach of her bike's light. It's freedom, like no other. She should be happy.

But she's not. She's sulking a little. Ok, she's sulking a lot. She's more than a little jealous at just how good a rider Willow has turned out to be. It's not like Faith herself was any slouch. Though she hasn't had formal training before, she has… borrowed a couple of bikes in her time, and has learned how to ride. So, of course, she should have an advantage in handling the bike, have a better feel for the machine, and be better at it. Right?

It didn't work out that way. Once Willow got over her reluctance to get on the two wheeled machine, she had an almost uncanny affinity for it. Almost as if bike and girl were one. It's that kind of affinity you'll see in horse and rider… as if they can read each other's mind, know each other's thoughts. It was like that. As if she didn't even NEED instruction; the trainer merely told her what to do, and she did it. But more, there was a sense of balance, a sense of oneness Faith simply couldn't match. It irked her.

Feeling the motor rumble between her thighs, motoring down the highway, Faith is talking to herself.

"But she's so good at it," She says, her tone sarcastic, " I've never seen anybody so attuned to a bike before". " Oh, you're good too, Faith, excellent… but she's remarkable…phenomenal." " It's not fair!" Faith grumbles to herself, " I'm the one who's ridden before, I'm the rebel, the hard ass. But she just comes along and goes " La, la, la, la, la … and just blows me out of the water. And she gets all excited about it, acting like she was born on a bike or something. Red, who I had to practically superglue to the seat the first time because she kept hopping off, not wanting to stay on. Now she's all bad and tough and all…except, where the hell did she get those leathers? Pink, for god's sake! How girly can you get? I'm surprised she didn't just throw on her 'hello, kitty' sweater! Bah, it's all just dumb, " Faith mutters, going silent. Jealous much, Faith? Shut UP. I'm not jealous… just, well … geeze, I should really be good at this, but she makes me seem like…nothing. Uh-huh … you just don't like the fact that she's better at something that you think you should be tops in. You just want her all weak and kitteny and looking up at you and saying " My Hero!". You're pathetic ... that's so not true. Really? Then why're you so upset about this? Face it, you just think that if she's better in some things, she won't need you, and she'll dump you! That's a crock! Maybe, but that's what you believe I don't. Just shut up and go away!

"Faith!!"

"What!??!" Faith yells, startled. She briefly loses control of the bike, but steadies herself. " What? Who… Red? Is that you?"

"Well, yeah. Who else can talk to you this way?"

" God, I wish you wouldn't do that… it's spooky, "

" Faith, you don't need to …"

" … talk? Yeah, I know, but it's weird enough this talking to you in my head. I mean… weird, and just a little .. intrudery, you know?"

" Intrudery?" Willow giggles, " You're beginning to sound like me now "

" Ok, how about… 'it fucking bugs me, and I don't like it?' It's creepy!"

" Faith!" Willow sounds hurt, " I … geeze… I can't talk to you normal like. Not like in a car or something. And I don't know where you are! How'm I supposed to talk to you? What do you want me to do?"

" Oh, I dunno, stop, flag me down, something…" Faith feels bad. She didn't mean to hurt Willow, " look, it's just…well, my mind is like private space. It's kinda like… well, walking in and watching someone have sex. It's private…you know?"

" You think I'm reading your mind? I wouldn't do that… even if I could. God, Faith…" Willow really sounds hurt now, " Are you hiding something from me?"

" No… just… well, not all thoughts are sunshine and puppy dogs, ya know? I guess you don't see how it can be kinda … weird. It comes natural to you."

" Is this about the training, Faith? Are you still upset about that? "

" What the hell are you talking about? I'm not upset!"

" Uh-huh. Right. You weren't all pouty girl , right? I was just imagining that?"

" Guess so. It was no big to me, you know? Who cares? "

" Ummm… you? "

" That's a crock. Especially coming from you. I mean, I had to practically tie you to that bike the first time, so you wouldn't bolt. Then, when you're teacher's pet it's like " Oh, look how good I am" and all that stuff. Geeze…"

" That's what you think? That I'm all swell-headed over this? I don't give a rats patootie about riding. I just had to learn so we could do this thing for Angel. Why's it bugging you so?"

" Have you been listening at all? Not bugged, ok?"

" Yeah, right. Whatever. Won't bug ya no more!"

" Aw, c'mon Red, don't be that way!"

There's only silence as an answer. Good one, Faith. You went and got her angry. Two days out and she's already pissed at you… and you gotta admit, this is your fault. You've been acting like a baby. She throttles the engine, trying to catch up to Willow, hoping a little crawling and eating crow will smooth things over.

" Why're you being such a meanie to me?"

" Red? Willow? Is that you?"

" No, you dope. It's God!" Willow's tone is sulky and sarcastic, " Of course it's me. Why're you being such a poop?"

" I dunno…"

" Do you even think I care about this? I'm only doing it cuz I saw how jazzed you got when you saw the bikes. Me? I'd rather be driving a car. But I thought this would make you happy… and I just wanted to be closer to you, do something you'd like… you know? Shoot, my thighs hurt, my butt's all tingly, and I'm feeling bow-legged."

" Ah, man, I'm sorry, Red… what's lower than a bug?"

" Huh? lower than a bug? "

" Well, that's pretty much how I'm feeling now, being such a …what'd you call me? A poop head meanie?"

" Aw, baby, I don't want you to feel bad. That's really not the point. I just want you to let me know if something bugs you, is all. Cuz I don't want you upset or miserable. I'm sorry that I just got it so quick. I really only wanted to be good enough to keep up with you. You're the natural, ya know? I mean, I can see how you love these things … and I gotta admit it's kinda cool just riding along… all outlawy and all… our own girl gang." Willow giggles, "and I'm lovin' how you look in your leathers. Mmmm, hot , hot, hot baby."

" I'm guessin' your guessin' how stupid I'm feeling right now?"

" Well, duh! You really should feel pretty stupid… I'm thinking, 7.5 on the stupid-o-meter! If it weren't for that hot body and cute ass of yours, I'm not even sure I'd keep you around! "

"So, you only love me for the way I look then?"

" Did I say 7.5? I meant 9.5 ! "

" So, you don't like the way I look, then?" Faith teases.

" Ok, are you TRYING to break the stupid-o-meter? Just get your butt up here, now! I wanna show you something "

" Ok, don't get mad… but where's here?"

" Stop your bike "

Faith pulls over to the side of the road.

" Ok, look to your right "

Faith looks, and sees a twinkling light. It comes at her, circles around her head and settles in front of her

"What the hell…?" Faith bats at the little light, but it just darts out and comes back.

" That's me… or maybe… it's not me. It's a little thing me and Tara used to use to find each other. It's a guiding spell. Just ask it to bring you to me, and you'll be lead here "

" Ummm … Red? How do I know Tinkerbell here won't lead me like into gorge or a wash or something. I mean, it can float… I can't…"

" Please, Faith, stop being so difficult, 'K? It's going to be fine, just trust me! "

" Alright, Red " Faith can't help wondering what the hell she's getting herself into. Where have I heard THAT before, huh?

" Good, then just tell it to find me, and follow the light "

Faith feels foolish. She looks at the dancing light in front of her, and trying her best not to start laughing, says:

" Find Willow"

The little light starts to circle around, and zooms off out into the desert. Faith rolls her eyes, but kick starts her bike and follows after it. I'm an idiot. I'm a moron. I following Tinkerbell into hell, grinning like an idiot! The light weaves and bobs, moving zig zag on it's course. Faith curses at the switchbacking she's having to do, but the light keeps going along… never getting too close… The thing knows I'm gonna whack it if it does … and never too far away. After 30 minutes of this, Faith is beginning to believe Willow is playing a joke on her.

" Willow, can you 'hear' me?"

"Well, yeah, especially when you shout! "

"Not shouting, also not enjoying your little joke!"

" Stop being a baby. Geeze, you're almost there "

" How the hell did you get so far ahead of me?"

" la de da de da de da. Not telling "

" You cheated! You used magic"

Faith feels something nibbling on her ear.

" Stop that!"

" But it's so much fun " Willow giggles

Faith feels fingers caressing her neck

"DAMMIT. Stop that! You're gonna make me crash!"

"Whatta party poop!" Willow giggles

" Yeah, it's a party poop to wanna get there alive. I'm just such a drag!"

" I didn't say it "

Faith sees an outcropping of rock rising above the desert floor. Her lights flash against something metal, and she realizes it's Willow's bike. The little Tinkerbell light is waiting by it. She pulls over and parks her bike next to Willow's. Once she hops off, the light takes off, up the switchback trail of the rock outcropping. Faith, getting more annoyed by the minute, follows the dancing light up the trail, muttering things best not repeated here. The light shoots through a little V shaped opening in the wall of stone, and Faith follows it through.

" Ok, Red, what's so damned fascinating you drag me out here…"

Faith stops, and blinks her eyes.

Willow is standing on a slightly elevated floor of rock, her hands reaching to the sky… and what a sky it is . Faith is stunned, because it appears a million stars are shining brightly above Willow, giving the little stone mesa an otherworldly glow. Willow is standing in the center of the mesa, her arms extended above her head. She is looking at Faith, and has a huge smile on her face. She starts to move around, excitedly, almost dancing under the stars.

" Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?" Willow says, her face turned skyward.

Faith, seeing how the starlight and moonlight is playing on Willow's hair and eyes and body, is entranced. She looks like an elfin princess. No, baby, I've never seen anything more beautiful.

Faith just stands there, watching Willow dance under the stars. She didn't think she could love this petite red-headed witch any more than she did, but she was wrong. Her heart was full of love and joy, just watching her.

Willow dances over to Faith, and takes her arm, pulling her along with her. Faith feels strangely awkward and shy, but follows… she can't help it, she's under love's spell. She feels Willow's arm slip around her waist, and her hand slip into hers.

"Dance with me, " Willow says, softly, leaning in close to Faith.

"There's no music," Faith says, protesting weakly, but knowing she would do anything Willow asked of her.

"Shhh. Listen to your heart" Willow says, laying her head on Faith's shoulder.

And the strains of music flow around Faith, as if by some spiritual orchestra were playing some lyrical waltz, just for the two of them. She feels herself dancing with Willow, moving with an unearthly grace. Faith feels Willow's warm body pressed against hers, her breath lightly caressing her cheek. The stars themselves seem to move, becoming more and more indistinct, and leaving long trails of light. She feels as if she's floating; then realizes she is.

"W-What?" Faith says, feeling a touch panicky realizing they floated high in the air.

" Shhh… It's magic" Willow purrs, and looks into Faith's eyes.

Faith sees the stars shining in Willow's eyes, and they seem to grow, until that's all she can see… Willow's soft green eyes encompassing her, holding her, soothing her. She feels the soft touch of Willow's lips on hers, and they are lost in a sweet, loving kiss.

As they spin slowly around and around in the air, lost in their own special magic.


Much later that evening

Faith snuggles deeper into the sleeping bag she rescued from the back of her bike after their little dance. She thinks about the soft kisses and warm caresses, the tender way they made love under the stars. Willow's body against hers, the way she felt and tasted and sounded. So incredibly sweet the way Willow kissed her and touched her and blew her mind in the sweetest, longest orgasm she can ever remember having. The way Willow cried out her name when she used her tongue to bring Willow to sweet insanity. She reaches out to draw the sexy witch closer to her, because just feeling her body next to hers makes Faith feel so secure…

Faith's eyes fly open when she realizes Willow isn't there. She sits up, and her heart calms a little when she sees her sitting a little off, covered in a blanket. Curious, she starts to get up, then slides right back down when she realizes it's FREEZING out there. She grabs at her clothes, dressing under the cover of the bag. Feeling a little less like an ice cube, she walks over to where Willow is sitting, wrapped in a blanket.

" Hey, " Faith says, sitting next Willow. " Missed you!"

"Hey, baby," Willow says, turning to Faith. She has a slightly sad expression on her face.

"What's wrong, Red?" Faith says, reaching out to touch Willow's cheek.

"It's nothing, " Willow says, unconsciously rubbing her cheek against Faith's hand, " just thinking."

"What about?"

" Just stuff, " Willow says, falling silent.

Faith puts her arm around Willow's shoulders, and Willow leans against her. They don't speak for awhile, just sharing the moment together.

" The bad stuff, honey?" Faith asks softly, breaking the silence.

" Yeah, " Willow replies, her voice low and sounding flat.

" Wanna talk about it?"

" I've talked about it til I'm blue in the face… doesn't seem to help."

" Ok, baby, it's ok. We don't have to. Just want you to know I'm here if you want to."

" I know"

They sit in silence awhile, not talking, just holding each other, and looking at the stars. Willow reaches out and touches her fingers to Faith's cheek, and Faith looks into Willow's worried eyes.

" It's just… I'm so scared, " Willow murmurs." It's so close, " She takes Faith's hand, and puts it over her heart." Here, I can feel the darkness here, always seeming to watch me, waiting for a way to get out."

" I know… sometimes, when I get mad, I can feel it … it's like it's sitting behind my ear, urging me on, " Faith voice quavers, " Telling me to do really violent things… tempting me."

" Oh, honey, " Willow says, snuggling closer, " you seem to … well, I gotta say, you seem so strong, so in control…I mean… I've seen you provoked, and you hold yourself in, taking it… walking away."

"It's hard, sometimes… sometimes I almost give in. Remember that argument Kenny and I had back in SunnyD? How she accused me of … killing those girls?"

" She was just angry and jealous, Faith, " Willow sighs, " I guess, seeing how it all worked out, she had reason."

" How'd she take it?"

Willow is silent.

"Red?"

" I… I couldn't do it by phone, Faith. I haven't told her yet."

" RED!"

" Faith, c'mon, I gotta do it in person. She lives in Boston… I plan on seeing her and telling her then."

"Red…Willow," Faith feels a little shaky, " Look, if you're not sure… if you need more time… I'll understand…" Liar, liar, liar!

" You dope! I know who I love," Willow says, giving her an ' I can't believe you just said that' look, " I just owe it to her to do it in person."

" I'll go with"

" No way… it's going to be hard enough without you there, baby "

" Red, I don't like the idea of you going alone. I mean, she's got slayer stuff now… she could be dangerous."

" She won't hurt me, " Willow says, " She can't hurt me. You know that!"

" Still, I don't like it…."

" Faith, enough, ok? I can do this! Just don't press it, ok?"

" Ok, " Faith mutters, sounding a little hurt. Willow reaches out and rubs the back of her neck.

" Don't get pouty on me, honey. You protect me and support me in so many ways it's silly, " Willow leans over and kisses her cheek, " Just, this is something I gotta do alone."

"How'd we get to talking about Kenny anyway?" Faith asks.

" You were talking about that argument you had with her in Sunnydale."

" Oh, yeah. I walked away from that…but it was hard. Real hard. The beast reared up in me. For a brief second I flashed on snapping her neck."

" Faith!"

"Well, I did… or gutting her with my knife"

"FAITH!"

" I'm sorry, I was… I was just trying to show you how that … beast… still lives in me… it's still there, pushing and pushing…"

" I know… it's like, it lies to you. Promises to make things all better, if you'll only let it out, let it take over… it scares me Faith. I'm so afraid I'll give in sometime…"

" Shhh…it's ok. We take it one day at a time honey, fight it one day at a time. We'll do this, get through it."

" I wish I could believe that," Willow looks at Faith, " every time I think about it, what I've done… it scares me… and it tempts me… it's…goddess, I don't ever want to go there again, but every time I use magic… I feel the pull …I see the darkness in front of me… and all that power… and sometimes I just want to give into it, feel it… because for all the bad it was… I never felt unsure…"

" I know, baby, it makes you feel powerful. Free. You don't have to think, or worry… it's all clear… that's what you think… but it's really just…shit, I don't know…" Faith shakes her head, " all I know is how terrible it felt after awhile… like you are you anymore… do you know what I mean?" Willow nods," That's the thing, it steals you. It devours you and there's nothing left. Nothing but the darkness."

" Does it ever get any better?" Willow's face looks bleak.

" Yeah… no… yeah… I mean, every day I fight it, it's less. It's not as strong, not just waiting around the corner… but it's not gone… not yet… I don't know if it'll ever be gone."

Willow sighs, " You're not making with the big hopefuls here, Faith". She leans heavily against Faith, and is silent for awhile. They're uneasy, as if something is there with them, flitting in the shadows, watching, and waiting.

" You were right, you know, " Willow finally breaks the silence.

" What?"

" When you said I got away with murder," Willow says her voice distant and sad.

" Oh," Faith says, hanging her head, " Red I was angry… upset… I wanted to hurt you. Really hurt you," She looks at Willow, " Guess I did… god, I'm a moron."

" No, that isn't what I meant" Willow turned to her, putting her hands on Faith's face, " I just meant… you were right… I never had to do what you did… pay for my …." She lets go of Faith's face and turns away. She can't look at her.

Faith reaches out and cover's Willow's hand with hers. " You didn't 'get away with murder' Red. I was way wrong about that. You're paying every day… you watched someone you loved die, you killed that… monster … that did it, and yet you're paying every day for it. It's a lot worse for you… I didn't know the people I killed… you did… even so, it took me a long time to get over killing someone… you're not even close yet. You're carrying your 'prison' with you every day, in your heart."

" How'm I ever gonna be forgiven if…"

" Shhh…first, Red, you gotta forgive yourself. The rest'll come."

Willow just sat there, looking small. Faith moved over, and put her arm around her, not saying anything else. There wasn't anything else she could say. The words were too easy. They wouldn't heal Willow, only time would. The best Faith could do was to just let Willow know she was here, would always be here for her.

They huddled together in the early morning chill, their bodies seeking warmth and comfort. They watched as the sky began to lose its inky darkness, the first rays of the sun beginning to light the horizon. For that moment they had each other, and that's all they needed.

And as they watched the stars fade, and the new day dawn, other eyes watched them.


They continued on their journey, the desert mountains and valleys giving way to the smooth and level terrain of the Great Plains. They stopped at here and there to rest, usually at out of the way small motels… Angel had warned them away from staying in cities; he wanted them to move as unobserved as possible. Angel had given them cash for expenses, he didn't want a paper trail following them. Stealth was the key to success.

Faith finds her spirit becoming as flat as the countryside around her. Mile after mile of sameness is getting to her; after 3 days of traveling through this monotony, she begins to wonder if she hasn't died and gone to hell. The only thing breaking up the sameness is the occasional house, or barn, or clump of trees by the road. Now and then they travel through a small town, mostly consisting of a gas station, grocery store and a few shops. Otherwise, it's flat land stretching in all directions; farmland from horizon to horizon. Some people would find it comforting and solid; Faith finds it boring, and more than a little disturbing.

Even the people seem to have a grayness about them. When they would stop for provisions or at a motel, the people seem to have a stolid acceptance of their lot. They aren't much for talking, not that Faith is one to chat, either. But whatever they lack in conversational skills they more than make up for in a dour, distrustful nature. Two women, riding motorcycles in leathers raises more eyebrows than smiles out here. By mutual silent consent, Willow and Faith decide to 'dress down' a bit, stashing the leathers and wearing jeans and simple blouses. Wouldn't help the stealthiness much if we stick out like sore thumbs.

Faith can't shake a feeling they were being watched. It's stupid, of course. I'm watchin' out for anyone looking suspicious, like they don't belong… besides us, that is. But I got this creepy feeling that someone is tagging us, just biding their time. Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean their not after me… us… aw crap, next I'm gonna be seeing bogeymen in the corn fields. God, I'll be glad to be done with this crap…

At that moment, Faith feels her rear tire blow, and all of a sudden she's fighting not to become an accident statistic. Her bike if fishtailing and she's fighting not to go down… at least, not out of control. She eases off the throttle, counter-steering with the direction of the slide…and very gently easing the brake on…not pulling, but just trying to slow it down. She gets it down to 5 mph, when she feels the bike sliding out from under her. She manages to push herself off and somehow doesn't fall with the bike. She is standing there , shaken and sore, when she hears Willow's bike roaring behind her. She turns, and runs back up the road, waving her off the road… in case. Willow brings her bike over to the side, parking it. She hops off and runs up to Faith, looking a little scared.

Faith is kneeling in the road, picking something up off it. Her brow is furrowed, and she looks angry and puzzled.

" Well, damn me, no wonder I nearly fucking took a header. What the hell is this doing here?" Faith says, holding up what she found.

" What is that?" Willow says, coming closer.

" It's a tack strip, " Faith says, " It's used by cops to blow out tires on suspect's car. What the hell?"

" Well, " The voice comes calling out from the stand of trees by the road, " It's also got other uses". He raises his rifle and points it at Faith, " Kinda good for stoppin' tourists, I find." His partner emerges from the trees, also carrying a gun.

The two men stand by the side of the road, holding the rifles on Faith and Willow. One is tall, lean, with dirty blonde hair and seems to have forgotten what the use of a razor is for. The other, shorter, more husky, has black hair and a full blown beard. Both look mean, and more than a little crazy.

" Well, looky what we got here, " The blonde man says, moving over towards the two women, " A couple of girly girls out for a little ride on their motorcycles. So, cutie, what's your name?" He pushes the barrel of the rifle into Faith, jabbing her for emphasis.

"Rotura di Faccia di Morte"

"Now, aint that pretty. What is that, Italian?"

" mmm hmmm" Faith murmurs, all the time sussing out the situation, seeing where each of the men is standing.

" Can we just get their money and stuff and get going, you idiot?" the shorter man, sensing something wrong, is growing nervous.

" Oh, c'mon. She's such a pretty little thing. Thinking maybe we can have fun AND profit outta this," the taller blonde man replies.

" Let's just get their money and go" The shorter man says.

" No sense of adventure, that's your problem, you jackass, " The blonde man says. He turns to Faith. " So, what does that mean in English… your name?" He smiles, barrel of his rifle relaxed and pointing down.

" Pain in the Face of Death" Faith says, as she grabs the barrel of the gun , wrenching it out of the blonde man's hands, and jamming the butt into his jaw. He falls like a tree.

The other man, startled, turns his gun towards Faith. Willow says a small spell, and cries out " Incindere" The shorter man's hair catches on fire.

"SHIT!" he screams, dropping his gun as he bats at his head, trying to put out the fire. Faith, in one swift move, does a roundhouse kick on him, connecting with his side, knocking him off his feet. She kicks him in the face, rendering him unconscious. She puts out what remains of his hair.

" Well, that was just… stupid" Faith says, looking at the two lying on the ground.

" Yeah, not the sharpest knives in the drawer, " Willow says, " So, what're we gonna do with them?"

Faith just gets an evil smile on her face. Willow looks at her, not sure if she's happy about that expression. Faith grabs the first of the robbers and starts stripping him.

About fifteen minutes later, she's done. She's stripped both of the robbers naked, and tearing their clothes to shreds, has tied them to trees facing the highway. As an added bonus, she's gagged them using their underwear. Getting her lipstick from her pack, on one's chest she's written " Butthead" and on the other she's written, "Butthead Fucker". She steps back to admire her work.

" So, whattya think?" Faith says, turning to Willow.

Willow just giggles, and turns away.

The two start to wake up, and realizing they've been bound, they struggle and try to cry out, only to find themselves gagged. Faith walks up to them, holding their rifles.

" Now, boys, you've been bad. Tsk, tsk, tsk, " Faith mocks them. She grabs the rifles, and in turn, bends the barrels into curves. The two men just look at her wide eyed. " You might really want to think about getting into some other line of work. As highwaymen? You stink!"

Faith takes one of the guns, and reversing it, hits each of the men with the stock across their knees. They scream through their gags. " Just a reminder. That's for my bike." Faith says, and walks off to join Willow.

"Well, I'm pretty fucked," Faith says, walking back towards her bike. She lifts the bike up, and lets out a string of curses.

" How bad is it?" Willow asks, riding up on her bike.

" There's a hole in the gas tank, and the back wheel is all bent to hell. The chain's fucked… and the frame looks bent up. Not even sure it's gonna ever go right again." Faith just looks disgusted." Shit!" She kicks the bike, which falls over. She stands there, hands on hips. " Damn".

"Hey, c'mon, Faith. We'll ride into town, have someone come out and pick it up. See if it can be fixed"

Faith looks sadly at her bike. She walks over, and retrieves her pack. She on back of Willow's bike. They take off, heading for the next town.

" I didn't know you spoke Italian, " Willow says, over her shoulder

" Si , caro , IO parlare il lingua di passione e amore" Faith replies, hugging close to Willow. " IO bisogno verso bacio tu dolce seni , e fare tuo capezzolo duro bisogno verso leccata tuo dolce piccolo sesso fino a tu venire. Mmm , IO amore il via tu gusto , bambina. "

"What did you say?" Willow asks. When Faith translates, she turns a deep shade of red." God, that's nasty!" She giggles, " but l like when you do it too."

The bike disappears around the bend.

A car emerges from behind the stand of trees where the two 'robbers' are tied up. It stops before them, and the driver gets out. He is a tall man, dark hair and eyes. His mouth is thin lipped, and at the moment, the corners are cast down. He walks to the men tied up at the trees, and their eyes and actions indicate he is familiar to them. He pulls out a knife, and for a brief moment, they believe he is going to free them. Then he takes the knife, and slashes it across both of their throats, and they go limp, blood pouring from the gashes.

The man takes a handkerchief from his pocket , and wipes the knife. He casually drops the handkerchief at the feet of the dying men. He walks back to his car, and pulls a cell phone from his pocket. He dials a number.

" Yes sir, it's done. They've been 'delayed' as you ordered. No… I don't think they can make it now for at least an additional day… more likely two… Yes, they've been dealt with. No problem. It's all settled… very well, I'm on it sir… yes… not to worry…Yes sir, I'm on it. Goodbye, sir."

The man gets in his car, and heads up the highway the same direction Faith and Willow took.


Faith lays in the bed, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Her bike is wrecked, it's going to take two days to fix. Normally, Faith would be climbing the walls, angry and petulant and nervous. But Willow managed to calm her down in the best way possible. That of course being the reason for Faith's smile. She rolls over on the spot where Willow slept, and takes a deep breath. She loves her smell; it's addicting, and Faith is totally the Willow junkie. It's still warm from her body. She snuggles in , and is drifting between wakefulness and sleep when she hears the shower go on. Another evil smirk comes to her lips, and she jumps out of the bed, naked, and runs to the bathroom.

" Hey, morning sleepy-head. How are…. Faith, what're you doing? That's cheating… mmmmm… baby, I really need to… oh… goddesssssss… my oh my… uhhhhhhhhh … Faith… that's just wicked! … Oh yessss….nooo… uhhh … baby please… oh… oh- oh- oh! Uhhh… harder, baby…yes, right THERE!!!! No… no… don't you dare! Don't you… Ooo ooo… yesssssssss… mmmm mmmmm… sooo nice… uhhhhhhhhh… oh….oh…OH….OH MY …. I…. Oh, Faith, … oh Goddesssss… YEESSSSSSSSSSSSS….. I … love….yoouuuuuuuuuu….aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh"

There is a brief silence where only the shower is heard. Then there are soft moans heard, this time in Faith's voice. The moans get louder, and throatier, as Willow gets more aggressive. Finally there is one long groan followed by a scream… of pure joy. Followed by more moans… and then some silence….

A few hours later finds the witch and slayer in bed again, all sweaty and somewhat goofy. They are kissing and giggling and touching each other like kids, more playful than sexual.

" Well, that was a fine waste of a shower, " Willow mockingly complains, " I mean, I got all stinkied up again."

" Mmmm… love you stinky, stinky!" Faith says, sniffing her and licking her. Her hands start to wander over Willow's skin.

" Oh, baby, please… no… I'm tired… " Willow protests, " you're killing me with horniness, you … animal."

Faith growls and purrs… and rubs up against Willow. Willow squeals a little.

" Ok, ok, I'll be good… for a few minutes, anyway, " Faith half pouts, half jokes." Spoilsport!"

" Honey, I love you to death, but remember, I don't have slayer's strength," Willow giggles, " Anyway, I need to talk to you about something, and every time you come at me, I forget everything but what you're doing to me."

" Ok," Faith says, pulling her close and snuggling up to her, " talk to me."

" Well, since we're down anyway, with the bike needing repair, I was thinking, " Willow starts, " my grandmother lives real close to here…. only a few miles up the road."

" Your grandmother?" Faith asks, feeling a queasiness in her stomach.

" Yes, she lives in Anderson, just up the road. I thought maybe… well, I haven't seen her in a long time…"

" Oh, I get it. Sure. Go ahead, baby, " Faith says, " I'll still be here when you get back."

" No, you don't get it, honey. I want you to meet her, " Willow says, " I mean… well, she kind of special to me, I spent a few summers with her when I was young. And, kind wanting…ok, I want to show you off…"

" Gee, Red, I dunno…" Faith sounds dubious, " I'm not exactly the girl you take home to meet the fam, ya know?"

" Oh , that's just poop," Willow says, " I'm proud of you, I want my Grammy to know you."

" Not real good impressing the fam, honey" Faith replies, " they usually think I'm bad news."

" Grammy won't, " Willow says. She starts to play with Faith's breast, " c'mon baby, please?"

" ummm… that's not helping me think, " Faith says, and a little sigh escapes her… a happy sigh.

" Please? Please, please, please?" Willow starts rubbing her thumb over Faith's nipple. Faith begins to whimper a little.

" Ok, ok, you win… you she devil !" Faith moans, " I'll go…"

" That's a good girl, " Willow says, as she leans in to kiss Faith's hardened nipple. Faith lets out a deep, contented sigh.

God, I'm such a pushover… but when she starts touching me… it's all over….

Faith just lays back and lets Willow work her magic.


"Are you trying to be stunt girl?" Faith grumbles at Willow, as she clings tight to her while Willow takes a tight turn onto Cherry street.

"Aren't you having fun, baby?" Willow asks, straightening the bike as they rumble down the tree lined street.

" Just wish you'd take the turns a little slower, Red, "

" When did you become all Safety girl? Geeze, I'd expect this of Buffy, but not you!"

"Yeah, well, I guess losing my stomach when you took that off ramp at 80 mph kinda did it to me."

" Was not going 80!"

" Red, I can see the speedometer over your shoulder… you were doing 80."

" Was not. It was 78"

" Oh yeah, that's so much better."

" Yeah, well, I've seen you do some pretty crazy stuff!" Willow pouts.

" Not when I'm riding duo."

" I don't think it's my riding at all. You've been grouchy ever since we left. I'm beginning to think you don't want to meet my Grammy at all."

"That's not true, Red" Faith lies." Just wish you'd be a little more careful."

" Hmmmphfff" Willow looks around, " Well, we're almost there, so you can chill out now"

Faith feels the butterflies in her stomach turn into dragons. Ever since Willow conned her into coming, she's been having a minor case of the wiggins, and now that they're here, they've blown up into a total wig. She's not ready for this, and it's making her more than a little edgy. This was important to her; she wanted to make a good impression on Willow's grandmother. She knew Willow would still love her, even if her grandmother was less than impressed. But she didn't want to put her in that position. She loved her, wanted her to be happy. Making her grandmother unhappy wasn't something Faith cared to do.

She was careful in how she dressed. She put on her most conservative clothes, and refrained from all but the most minimal of makeup. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, and only wore her leather jacket and helmet because of the ride. She didn't wanted Willow's 'grammy' to think she was some wild girl that was a bad influence on her granddaughter. So, of course, when Willow put on her pink leathers with the large Rose on the jacket, Faith felt her heart hit her stomach. Oh, just great. Now she's gonna know I'm like trouble… look at the way she's dressed. Dammit, Red, aren't you thinkin' at all? But Faith didn't say anything, she just plastered a big grin on her face so Willow wouldn't know she was anxious.

The ride to grandma's house had been… an experience. Faith had to admit that Willow just was a natural at riding. She seemed to flow with the bike, shifting her weight just perfectly when needed, keeping a good balance. She was so in tune with it, she did things that even Faith might think twice about. A couple of turns she took moved Faith's heart from her stomach to the throat. Still, she knew she had to be composed when they arrived, so for the most part she just gritted her teeth and took it. But that turn on Cherry street, which nearly laid them and the bike on the ground just pushed her a bit far. As they rode down toward their destination, Faith took a couple of deep breaths and repeated to herself It's going to be ok, this is all going to be just fine! Maybe if she said it enough times, she'd actually believe it.

Willow pulls into a driveway and stops the bike. Faith hops off, and stands, looking at the house. It's a colonial revival with an extended porch, not too large but definitely having a 'homey' feel to it. On the porch is a small woman with red hair(Well, now I know where she gets it), a straight back and a very large smile on her face. Faith figures she must be in her mid-sixties, at least, but she looks a lot younger… and a lot like Willow. The woman starts down the stairs, and Faith is nearly bowled over by a pink blur that brushes by her and runs towards the older woman.

"Grammy!!!" Willow calls out, running to the woman and embracing her, planting a warm kiss on her cheek. She moves back and gives her grandmother the once over. " I don't know how you do it, Grammy, but you look younger every time I see you!"

" You're such a big liar, Willow … But I love you for it" Her grandmother hugs her and gives her a good look. " Gee, darling, you're awfully… pink!"

" You like?" Willow models her leathers for her Grammy, " Goes with the bike, don't you think?"

" You mean, that's yours? This, from the girl that I had to hold onto the seat of a two-wheeler just so she'd learn to ride it?"

Faith overhears this and can't help but chuckle. Sarah Weis, Willow's "Grammy", turns towards her. Faith bites on her lip, realizing she's intruded on a private moment.

"Well, who's this?" Sarah says, walking over to Faith, " is this the friend you said you were bringing along?"

" Oh, gosh, where's my head?" Willow says.

" Still on your shoulders, darling. So, introduce me?" Sarah says, turning towards her granddaughter.

" Grammy, this is Faith. Faith, this is my Grammy, Sarah Weis"

"Hello, Mrs. Weis, I'm very pleased to meet you, " Faith says, with perfect diction and a slight hint of her Bostonian accent. She extends her hand towards Sarah.

Willow looks at Faith as if she just swallowed the Oxford-English dictionary… all ten volumes. She's never heard Faith use her ' proper ' voice before, and it's a bit of a shock. Faith just smiles brightly at her.

" And so well mannered. I'm impressed, Willow. Most young people these days are… well, rude." Sarah says, taking Faith's hand, " I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance, Ms. … ummm… I didn't get your last name?"

" DeMarco, ma'am, " Faith says, smiling, " Faith DeMarco."

It's revelations day for poor Willow. Again, something she didn't know about Faith. She's beginning to realize there may be a lot she doesn't know about Faith.

" So, how long have you known my lil spitfire here?" Sarah asks. Willow blushes. That's her Grammy's old nickname for her, because she used to stutter and had a small lisp when she was much younger.

Faith picks up on Willow's blush. Lil spitfire, huh? Hmmmm.

"Well, actually, ma'am, we've been acquainted for nearly 4 years… but we had a bit of a falling out… we just got re-acquainted a few months ago."

Sarah nods, giving Faith a once over. Faith, for her part, is sweating bullets inside. She's gonna see right through me, gonna see what I really am and call me on it. Faith stands, looking cool, feeling uneasy, just waiting for the axe to fall.

But it doesn't come, " Well, I'm glad you two made it up then.," Sarah smiles warmly at Faith, " Come inside, dears, I made some lunch for us. I hope your hungry." She starts for the house, while Willow and Faith exchange a look. Willow is still trying to figure out who this woman is, and where she stashed Faith. Faith, for her part, is a little hesitant, because she just isn't used to being accepted right off. Sarah gets to the front door, and looks back. Seeing the girls still in the yard, she calls out.

" Hurry up, girls. Lunch will get cold, and you need to freshen up after your … ummm…ride?" She smiles, and goes in.

"What the heck was that?" Willow asks, taking Faith by the arm, " When did you graduate Ms. Bellham's School for proper young ladies?"

"Geeze, Red, don't have a cow, " Faith smiles, " Just thought it right to speak to your Grammy respectful, you know?"

"Ok, but you sounded like a debutante. Just what's the deal, Faith?"

" No 'deal' Red, I just wanna make a good impression."

"What? As some prim and proper little debutante, Faith?" Willow asks," My Grammy isn't a fool, you know!"

" Never thought she was, Red."

" This isn't gonna work, you know"

" Chill, Red, " Faiths says, " Maybe there's more to me than you know."

Faith goes up the porch stairs, and into the house.

Maybe there is, Willow thinks, as she follows.


The three have a very pleasant lunch together, talking about this and that. Willow, after her initial shock, is quite pleased with how well it's going; her Grammy seems quite taken with Faith. This really pleases her, because she's quite close to her Grammy, and she wants them to get along. Faith, for her part, is more than holding her own, pouring on the charm, being witty at just the right moments. Willow is beginning to relax. This is going much better than she'd hoped.

" That was a wonderful meal, Mrs. Weis, " Faith says, " best I've had in a long while."

" Well, thank you Faith. It's always good to see someone with a healthy appetite. So many girls these days seem to eat like canaries, " Sarah says, looking pointedly at her granddaughter.

" Aw, Grammy," Willow says, blushing, " Faith's very athletic. She burns it off in no time."

" Really? What do you do for a living, Faith?"

" I… teach self-defense" Faith says, stammering just a little, and shooting a look at Willow. How the hell can I tell her I slay demons for a living… if you can call it that.

" I thought you worked for that nice Mr. Angel Willow told me about?" Sarah turns to her granddaughter for confirmation.

" Oh… yes… well, only part time… I kind of work for him part time," Faith covers. Grrr. Red, you are in so much trouble!

" Yes, that's why we're out here now, matter of fact. We're supposed to…." Willow fades off when she sees the look on Faith's face.

" We're supposed to do a little confidential investigating for Angel. For his client. In Boston. We're not supposed to talk about it, " Faith gives Willow the pointed look this time.

" How exciting!" Sarah says, " I never would've thought my lil spitfire would turn out to be a PI."

" I'm not, Grammy… I just kind of … help with the computer stuff…"

" Not that exciting, Mrs. Weis, just mostly looking up records and such."

" Still, I would think it would be exciting. Well, even so…" She pauses, then a concerned look comes over her face. " Oh, dear… I forgot dessert."

" Oh, no. No need, couldn't eat another thing, " Faith protests.

"No, that's silly. I forgot to pick it up in the excitement of seeing my Willow again, " Sarah says, " Willow, dear, could you run down to the corner… Hanson's Bakery? Pick up three of the napoleons?" She turns to Faith, " you've got to try these… they're simply wonderful."

"Sure, Grammy, no problem" Willow says, getting up from the table.

" I could get those, Mrs. Weis, " Faith says, also standing.

" No, no, dear, you're a guest, " Sarah says, " Go along now, Willow. No need to take your … motorcycle. It's just at the corner… you remember?"

" Of course, Grammy. Not a moron, " Willow smiles. " I'll be back in a few." She bends over, and gives her grandmother a kiss. She leaves, and a few moments later, the front door is heard closing.

Sarah gets up and starts to clear the table. Faith gets up and starts to help.

" Let me give you a hand with this," Faith offers, picking up plates. Sarah smiles at her, but takes the dishes out of her hands.

" No dear, you're company. Just sit, I'll be right back."

Faith sits at the table, looking at the tablecloth. Her confidence of just 5 minutes ago is beginning to fade, and she's beginning to smell a set up. Whoa, Faith. Just hold on … don't get weird now. Don't know what this is about, but just keep calm…

"That's better now, " Sarah says, coming back from the kitchen and sitting down, " There now. What say you and I have a little chat, Faith?"

"Sure, Mrs. Weis."

"Sarah, please, dear. We're all friends here."

" Uh, ok, Mrs. … er … Sarah, " Faith says, her throat suddenly feeling rather dry.

" I just want to talk to you without Willow being here. I love my granddaughter dearly, but sometimes she can be so… well, stubborn. And I know she thinks her Grammy is a little foolish."

" No, ma'am, I can assure you, she doesn't think you as foolish"

" I just want to know what the situation is between you and Willow."

" Situation?" Faith looks puzzled. " Oh, do you mean… we're friends, ma'am."

"Friends?" Sarah looks at her intently, " see, dear, now you've made the mistake of thinking me foolish."

" No, ma'am, not at all…"

" Please, Faith. I know I'm getting up there, but I'm not blind, dear. I see the way you look at Willow. So again, dear… what's the situation between you and Willow?"

Faith panics. She doesn't know what Sarah knows about Willow. But she obviously has read Faith's feelings pretty clearly.

" I… I … love her, " Faith stutters out, not sure how Sarah's going to take it.

"Yes, dear, I believe you do, " Sarah pats her hand. " How does Willow feel about you?"

Faith looks down at the tablecloth. " That's not for me to tell you, ma'am"

"Pretty obvious you loving her… trying to protect her," Sarah smiles at Faith, " I know she's gay, dear."

" Oh… I didn't know… she didn't tell me if you knew or not…" Faith explains, " I… hope she feels like I do… that she loves me… "

" Well, I can reassure you on that, dear. She's been beaming ever since she got here. She's very proud of you, for some reason, and I can tell she pretty much adores you."

Faith smiles shyly. She looks up at Sarah, and her smile widens. " I know she pretty much adores you too, Sarah. I know she thinks the world of you." She looks at Sarah's kind expression, and she continues, her smile fading, " I have to tell you something , though. Because I'm beginning to like you, and I feel it's only right."

"What is it, dear?" Sarah says, " I'm listening."

" I'm just hoping you won't boot me out of here after, is all, " Faith says, slipping back a little into her street talk," But it's the right thing to do, so I guess… just go for it, huh?" She looks at Sarah, who nods. " Ok, then… boy, this isn't easy…ummm… you remember how I said I'd met Willow 4 years ago?"

" Yes, Faith, I remember."

"Uh, before I go on… I have to ask you something."

" Go ahead."

" How much has Willow told you about her life in Sunnydale? I mean, as it concerns Buffy Summers?"

" You mean that Buffy is the vampire slayer? She's told me about her, " Sarah says, seeing the expression on Faith's face, she goes on, " We're very close, Willow and I."

" I guess so, seeing she told you that… did she tell you about me, then?" Sarah shakes her head, "Damn, I kind of wish she had. I'm a slayer, too…" she looks at Sarah for a reaction. " There's a lot of them now, but back there were only two of us… Buffy and me. Ummm… how do I put this?" She sighs, " Buffy was the 'good' one, and I was kinda…ok, I was the wild one. I mean, I wasn't really bad… not at first… just kinda doing my own thing… get it?"

" Yes, I think I do"

" I came to Sunnydale because … well, my own watcher got killed, and I was running from a big bad Daddy vampire… kinda hiding out… you know? And well, he tracked me, and Buffy… the good one? She helped me kill him… so I stuck in SunnyD . You know, doing the slayer thing, patrolling, trying to be the good little slayer. It was going ok, I mean… there were some things, but hey… that happens everywhere, am I right?" She looks to Sarah, who nods, " But one day, it all kinda went to hell…"

" What happened, Faith? "

" Oh god, this is the really hard part. I'm really liking you, and I love your granddaughter. I don't … ok, ok, … shoot… I killed someone" Faith looks down at the table, feeling ashamed again." I didn't mean to, honest. It was an accident… but I did it…"

Sarah squeezes Faith's hand. " Go on, dear… it's ok"

" No, it's not ok, " Faith says, " I got scared, I ran… I tried to blame Buffy for it. But they knew what the what was. I… I thought they were gonna turn me in, you know? I… well, everything just kinda went bad after that. I joined the bad guys, and worked for them. Did some more killings… mostly bad guys anyway, don't mind that so much… though, believe me I know it was wrong… but there were a few… I still have nightmares about it…" Faith stops to ask a question, " Did she tell you about Mayor Wilkins? And his ascension?" Sarah nods again." The night before the ascension was to take place, I got in a fight with Buffy. To make it brief, she …well, she stabbed me, and I fell from the roof of my apartment house, and went into a coma…" Faith's voice gets a hard edge to it, " I woke up 8 months later, really … angry. I tried to get revenge on Buffy and Co." She looks at Sarah, whose face is concerned, but impassive, " But, I wanna make this clear… I never hurt Red…er… Willow… never…ok?" Sarah nods, not saying a word, " Ok, well… that kinda blew up in my face…let's just let it go at that. I ran again, to L.A. … where I tried to kill Angel…" She's looking at the table again, afraid to look up.

" That man that you work for?" Sarah asks. Faith nods." Oh, I see"

"It's gotta be the biggest irony in the world, " Faith muses, " because, I try to kill him? And he helps me… brings me back… get it? I like… owe him my life." She sighs, deeply , "Anyway, he convinced me… I had to pay for what I'd done… So, for like most of the last 4 years, I've been in prison. I just got out a few months ago…" Faith decides to end it there. She figures that Sarah doesn't need to know about the breakout, and Willow and Angel covering it up… doesn't want to get Willow in Dutch with her grandmother." We kinda got thrown together in that thing that happened in Sunnydale… and, well… I guess that's when I kinda fell for your granddaughter."

" I see" Sarah looks concerned, and has a small frown on her face.

" Look, ma'am… I understand if you … I … there's no good here, is there? I get it though. I don't blame you. I wouldn't want my granddaughter with someone like me." Faith stands, " Um… I know Willow respects you, and loves you… and I wouldn't want to do anything to mess that up. I love her, and I'd never hurt her… not intentionally… but I understand if you don't want me here anymore. I'll leave as soon as Willow gets back… or , hey… there's a phone… If I can use it, I'll call a cab…" she heads for the phone.

" Sit down, Faith, " Sarah says, firmly.

" Ma'am? I … "

" Sit down, Faith, " Sarah repeats. It's not a request.

" Ok, ma'am" Faith sits

" I'm glad you told me this, Faith, I really am," Sarah says, quietly, " I knew most of it already, but I'm glad you were honest with me."

" You knew?" Faith looks at her, suspiciously, " Did Willow tell you?"

" No, she didn't, " Sarah says. She catches Faith's expression, " it's the truth, Faith. She never told me about you… but I have other means to keep an eye out for her. She's my only granddaughter, Faith, and I love her dearly. I'm rather protective of her… some say too much so." Sarah is thinking of her daughter, Sheila. " I don't want to see her hurt. I was a little concerned, I admit, when she told me she was bringing you by today. I didn't know what to expect, " Sarah pauses, " I have to say, you're much better than I expected."

" I don't get it?" Faith is puzzled.

" Frankly, I expected you to be a lot… less honest, and maybe just a little bit …how would Willow put it? 'Tudinal', I think… you know… have this big attitude thing going? But you came here, and you made a real effort to be polite … I admit, I'm old fashioned that way… and there's no question, with everything you did, that you love my granddaughter. I especially appreciate your honesty with me. You didn't have to do that, I would've accepted you anyway, because Willow cares about you. I trust my granddaughter's judgment. Most of the time, anyway."

" I'm not going to lie and say I'm happy about your past, Faith. I'm not. You did some pretty bad things. But you paid the price, took your punishment, " Sarah says, " Oh, and I know about the break-out and how Willow … well, she kind of gave you a pardon… but see? That just convinces me you'd protect her, no matter what… whatever it cost you. And I think I like that. I know I like seeing my granddaughter happy again. She hasn't been this happy in awhile… not since she lost Tara," Sarah smiles, " No, don't like what you did. Not at all. But you were young, and scared, and made some really bad choices. You've paid for it… so I think we should start with a clean slate. What do you think?"

Faith would speak, but she's crying. Sarah comes over, and gives her a hug, and a shoulder to cry on. Faith gets herself under control.

" I think I see why Willow loves her Grammy so much now."

" Oh, now you stop that, or we're both going to be all weepy."

" Thank you" Faith says quietly

" Is it safe to come in now?" Willow calls out from the front room.

Faith looks up, startled.

" How long have you been in there?" She calls out to Willow.

" Oh, I heard a lot of it," Willow says, coming into the dining room. " The napoleons are a signal. When Grammy asks me to go get them, I know she wants to have a talk with whoever I brought home." Willow goes to the hutch, and takes out three desert plates, and some forks.

Faith looks at Willow, then at Sarah. She gets that patented little smirk on her face.

" You two are pretty sneaky, you know?"

" Uh-huh" Willow says, placing a napoleon on each plate.

" Are there any other little signals I should know about?" She looks sideways at Willow.

Willow puts the napoleon and fork down before Faith.

" Now, Faith, just be quiet dear, and eat your dessert, " Sarah says, starting on her own.


To be continued.