Huh?

Part II

Pairings: Primarily Buffy and Faith, but that doesn't preclude other stuff.

Summary: A story set post " Chosen ". Really rather defies summarization, but it's about the Chosen Two, Buffy and Faith. Do we ever really know someone else until we know ourselves?

Timeline/ Spoilers: Set post Season 7, so it will probably include references from the prior 7 seasons. Hope you've seen them by now( all out on DVD).

Legal stuff : You betcha. The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Fox. I'm just borrowing them. Trust me, I'm not making anything on writing this.

Disclaimer: Sex, drugs and rock and roll? Not good for you…ok, well except maybe the last. Everything is fair game, so if something offends you, sorry. I'm not perfect, and I'm not PC. If you don't like the idea of women being in love with each other, this is NOT the story for you. Also, not the story for you if you're birth date is after 1986. Oh, and if you're heavily religious? This story probably won't appeal to you either. Ooops.

-1-

She stood high above the sea, looking down on the restless waves as they crashed against the rocks on the shore. Like the sea, she felt restless, searching for something missing in her life.

She drew the shawl closer around her shoulders. The wind was cold up here; its icy breath penetrated her garments. A thousand tiny needles prickled her skin, her cheeks were ruddy from exposure.

She didn't even know why she was out here. She could be home right now, home by the fire, warm and safe. Home with Roderick. Ahhh, Roderick.

Roderick was the love of her life. Tall, muscular, her heart beat a little faster when he entered the room. His cool dark eyes, his perfect smile, and the way his hair tousled on his forehead. He was beautiful beyond beautiful. When he held her, she felt warm, and safe. She felt loved to every inch of her being. He was perfect in every way.

Yet she was here, out on the plain, in the cold. Something drew her here, made her come here at sunset. Waiting, waiting, always waiting. For what, she didn't know. Each morning she told herself, " Not again, I won't go again. It's foolish, it's madness!". Yet, as each day approached its end, she was here. Waiting.

Even before she felt it, she saw it. The presence. She looked up and there it was. The figure. The stranger that appears at each sunset. Standing just far enough away that she can't make out who it is . Covered in a cloak, so far away, the stranger brings a shiver to her spine. A shiver of fear… and strangely, of excitement.

She feels an intense curiosity. " Who is it?" She wonders. She's tried to approach, but always the stranger recedes back. She knows it's useless, yet she feels compelled to yet again approach the stranger. She has to know. She has to!

She starts to run, hoping this time she can catch the stranger before the figure can get away. As always, it recedes , seeming to know her every move. Before she can draw close, it has vanished in the early evening mist.

Wait!" She cries out, still running after the elusive phantom. " Don't go! Who are you? What do you want?"

There is no answer to her cries. As always, silence reigns over the field. She stops running, realizing she's alone. Once again, all alone. She feels lost… and empty.

" Ahhhhhh"

Faith sighs heavily as she closes the book. She lays it in her lap as she leans back, stretching out.

" What utter crap!" She murmurs, thinking about the fantastic plot of the novel. "Total trash."

She loves it. It's one of her guilty pleasures: Totally trashy romance novels.

She started reading them while in prison; there wasn't much choice in the couple of bookshelves that they laughingly called a 'library'. It was a way to pass time; the worst part about prison was the day to day boredom. She wasn't there to get involved with the day to day politics of prison life, and she was strong enough to keep the really baduns away from her. She wasn't much of a reader, never had been before going to prison. No time for reading; partying , fighting and just hanging out took all her time. But in there, all she had was time.

Angel encouraged her reading; philosophy, history, anything to stimulate her mind, to get her thinking about life. But it was … well, somewhat dry. She needed something else, something less taxing at times. Something that would let her relax, and let her think of things besides the walls of the prison.

At first, any reading was a chore. The words were all blurry, and she'd have to hold the book far away to make out the print. It was while in prison she had her eyes checked and found out she was farsighted. The doctor fitted her for a pair of reading glasses, and her life changed.

She read everything she could get her hands on. Everything Angel brought her, and whatever was in the 'library'. That's where she discovered romance novels, and she was hooked. Totally, utterly hooked. For awhile she could lose herself in the inane and complicated plots. She could see a world previously not open to her. But mostly, she just loved the silly world of heaving bosoms, throbbing members and all the soft core sex that the novels oozed.

She knew it was stupid and unrealistic and well, just too fluffy for words. She also knew if anyone knew of her addiction to this trash, she would be totally kidded like mad. But isn't that the definition of a guilty pleasure?

She didn't know, and didn't care. She just knew she was a junkie, and had to have her fix. Problem was, like all junkies, she had to keep her addiction a secret. She couldn't bear the shame of discovery…

Faith lay back, letting the rays of the afternoon sun splash over her.

She was by the pool at the guest house that Giles, with Angel's help, had found for them. They'd stayed in a motel the first few days, but money was tight, and finally, they'd turned to Angel for help.

It was then that they discovered that Angel's situation had changed. Radically changed. Instead of fighting Wolfram and Hart, he was working for them. Heading up the L.A. branch as CEO, along with Fred, Wes and Gunn. Cordelia was in a coma, squirreled away in some hospital. Waiting for her to awake.

It was all very, very weird. And somewhat disturbing. Not that Angel didn't help. He took care of accommodations for the group, arranged for the parents of the mini slayers to pick up their children. Found and paid for hospital stays for the injured, especially Buffy. He'd been really keen on the best for Buffy. Any wonder about that one? All in all, they couldn't have gotten by very long without his help.

The whole ' heading up Wolfram and Hart' thing though. That really was unnerving. Giles, Willow and Xander had been particularly worried about the change; they wondered if Angel was slowly slipping back into being Angelus, heading up Evil, Inc. They became wary; while remaining polite, they started distancing themselves from Angel and Co.

Faith for her part, saw it differently. Maybe because her own experiences had been so different from the others, or because she felt a certain debt to Angel, because he never gave up on her. Or a combination of both. Whatever it was, she saw it closer to what Angel and Co. believed. That it was an opportunity, a way to use the resources of Wolfram and Hart against the evil they did here and in other dimensions. She, much better than the others, realized the value of compromise. Her time in prison had taught her the value of making the system work for you. Also, she didn't see life with the eyes of an idealist; she knew how harsh it could be. How there were no absolute whites or blacks, just shades of gray. Lots and lots of grays.

That still didn't change the fact she worried about him. Change that, worries about him. As time goes on, she sees changes in him. Subtle changes, not anything you can point a finger at and say " Ah HAH!" Just little things; things he did differently before. And it didn't take a seer to see that something deep inside had changed with him. Some heartache eats at him, as if he's lost something he can never get back.

She knows he's strong, capable of taking care of himself. But she wishes she could somehow discover what it is that is making him ache this way. Maybe it's Buffy. Maybe he's just worried at how sick she's been. I know how much he loves her. God, he's never gotten over her. What is it about that little blond that just runs through people's lives like a hurricane, tossing everything into the wind?

Faith chuckles to herself. Buffy has had a profound influence on her own life, whether she likes it the idea or not. Much as she wants to just leave the whole " Sunnydale gang" behind her, she really can't. to do that.She'd have to cut out the last 5 years of her life, pretending it never happened. It's beyond weird how much influence the blond one still has on her life. Even now, after it's over. Things are on the eve of change; she'll soon be shed of this ' slayer' crap and be in New York with Robin. But still, at the eleventh hour, there's Buffy, still turning her life upside down.

First co-workers. Then sorta friends. Then totally enemies. Then… what? Co-workers again? Now? Friends? What the hell is going on around here. What is with this ' New Buffy" anyway?

She finds that most disturbing of all. Because Buffy REALLY has changed. It's always been Buffy is wary of Faith, watching her, waiting for the explosion. Trust was never an issue between them, because frankly, there was none. They were sort of edgy around each other, not sure how to act, how to respond. They'd get on each others nerves, then apologize, and then get on each others nerves again. It wasn't always fun, but it was predictable. Faith could count on getting at least one face punch somewhere along the line, and she got her revenge by needling Buffy until she was crazy. Good times. Well, at least, understandable times

Now, it's all different. Buffy woke up from her coma, and there's a different look in her eyes. It was if Buffy was seeing her from new eyes, as if what happened in the past hadn't happened. Faith saw it that first day, and wasn't sure what it meant.

She still doesn't know what it means. Since she's been out of the hospital, Buffy's doing her best to make their relationship different. She's more relaxed around Faith, yet there's an element of urgency in her actions. Faith is at a loss to explain it. Not that I'm complaining… really. I mean, she's warm and friendly, and god she tries to include me in EVERYTHING! To the point where sometimes I gotta hide in my room, hoping she won't find me! I mean, c'mon, just how many times can you go to a mall, and it mean something? Though, gotta admit, when she's doing the shopping thing, and she shows parades a new wardrobe in front of me, it's kinda cute. And she knows how to dress for full effect! No doubt the girl's got it goin' on. But then she tries to get me into the act, and I'm like, not feeling all fashion model-ish. Ok, sometimes I give into the girly side, and do it… but then she gets this look on her face, and she's… well, god, I'm feeling like I'm being checked out for dinner… with me as the fucking main course! Where's that comin' from? Oh … and hey, explain to me why one minute she's like in my face aggressively friendly, then she suddenly turns shy and withdraws? What's with that? I've known B off and on say for 5 years, and I've never seen her not have something to say about everything. Until now. I mean, like the other day we're talking and laughing, about the people we know. And I'm telling her about Robin, some of the weird stuff he does. I mean, c'mon, how many guys color co-ordinate their underwear drawer? And how many times in a day can anyone floss and live? I'm chattering away, and I look over, and I see this look on her face. It's… like she's jealous. Well, guess I can get that. I mean, she's been like dry forever on the romantic front. Guess I should be a little more careful on that stuff, but geeze. I saw this longing in her expression. It was… I got a big wiggins out of that one…

" Hey. Want some company?"

-2-

Faith nearly starts out of her skin when she realizes she's not alone. Buffy is standing by her chair, her hand on Faith's shoulder. Gimme a heart attack, why don't ya, B? She looks up, and does a double take.

Now, Faith is by no means the mistress of modesty. She's lying out on the deck in a two piece bathing suit that is certainly revealing, and works very much to her advantage.

However, what Buffy's wearing would get you arrested in a lot of states. Her top, if you can call it that, looks like a couple of band-aids sewn together. They barely cover her nipples. Her bottoms follow the trend, being barely existent. They cover her sex, barely, high French cut and a thong to boot. She is as close to naked as one can be outside without being arrested. But what draws Faith's attention the most is… the girl has no tan lines! That can only mean that she sunbathes… Faith is not sure she wants to go there.

"Whatcha reading?" Before Faith can stop her, Buffy snatches her book. She reads the title, and a big grin comes to her face.

"Romance novels? You?" Buffy giggles. She opens the book and starts to read.

" She cuddled close to her lover, her intense passion for the moment sated. She slipped her shell like hand under the sheets, feeling the warm hardness of his chest. Laying her head down, she heard the steady rhythm of his heart. She couldn't remember when she'd been so happy."

" It was perfect, all perfect. Yet why, in the midst of their lovemaking, did the stranger intrude upon her? Why did she, as she felt Roderick's loving member within her, want to be with the stranger? What perversity infected her soul, to steal from the moment her love from…"

" Hey, gimme that back!" Faith shouted, jumping up to grab the book away from Buffy.

Buffy, giggling, dances away from Faith. She holds the book up and reads:

" How can I be so wanton? To want another, when I have my darling beautiful Roderick in my arms. I love him so much, yet my heart aches for… the other…"

" Damn you, Buffy, give it to me!" Faith says, chasing Buffy as she runs with the book in hand.

" Gotta catch me first, slowpoke!" Buffy laughs, running around the pool.

Faith is hot on her heels, not caring that Buffy is still recovering somewhat from her injury. She's royally pissed, not liking Buffy knows her secret, and not wanting Buffy to spread it around. And not admitting there might be a little more to this chase than just recovering her novel.

Buffy stops at the water's edge, holding the book back and away from Faith. Faith jumps at the book, trying to snag it from Buffy's outstretched hand. But it's just out of reach.

" Stop this, B. Stop acting like a child, and gimme my book back!"

" Or what? Whatcha gonna do, Faith?" Buffy giggles, waving the book tauntingly at her.

Faith stops . A wicked grin covers her face. She pushes lightly on Buffy's chest. Buffy, being already overbalanced, starts to fall backward into the pool. Faith makes a last grab at the book. Buffy grabs at Faith, trying not to fall in, and together both fall into the pool.

Faith realizes a few things when she resurfaces. First of all, she's still wearing her reading glasses, and now they are water spotted. Making half her vision very blurry. Secondly, her book is floating on the surface of the water, ruined. Finally, Buffy has popped up to the surface, and is splashing her with water, laughing like a loon. From relaxing in the sun, Faith has gone to soaking wet, pissed off and… looking at the quickly swelling paperback, sans novel.

Faith is not a happy camper. She swims over to retrieve her now soggy book.

" The look on your face? Priceless, " Buffy crows, following her, still splashing her.

Faith recovers her book, holding it above the water. A trickle of water streams from the waterlogged pages. Her face wears a half grin of irritation.

" Oh, oh. That's one book that's never coming back, " Buffy chortles, " guess we'll never find out what happens with Roderick now, huh?"

Faith just stares daggers at her. She doesn't even want to speak to Buffy. She heads toward the pool ladder, meaning to get out.

" Aw, c'mon Faith, don't be that way. I was just…"

" What? Just what? What the hell were you thinking, anyway? I was just fine til you barged in." Faith flings the book at Buffy, just missing her head. " Thanks bunches, B." She starts to climb out of the pool.

" Geeze, don't get so cranky, Faith. Just having some fun!" Buffy pouts. Spotting the book, she picks it up, and tosses it, hitting Faith in the back. Faith freezes.

" Oh man, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you…" Buffy wilts a little.

" Yeah, you're sorry. Story of life, B...You're always dumping on me, then you're sorry. God, hasn't the last few months been enough? I mean, while you were snoozing the time away in the hospital, getting your beauty sleep, I was dealing with getting the girls back home, and all the attendant crap. Robin wanted me to go with him on this trip, but I told him no, so I could be here when you got out of the bloody hospital. You said you wanted to be friends, and hey, I fell for it, ya know? Thought we could spend a little time trying … hell, I don't know what. But you've made me some kind of special project, dragging me here and there. If I see one more fucking mall, I'm gonna hurl, you know? And you're always at me, never giving me like 10 seconds to myself. God, get a clue, B. Please, just back the fuck off!"

Buffy, dog paddling in the middle of the pool, looks crushed. " I was just wanting to … I saw you lying there, alone, and I thought…" her mouth slams shut, her expression goes tight." Fine, whatever. I get it. Sorry, really sorry I bothered you!" she turns to swim to the opposite edge of the pool, and yelps in pain. She looks down, and there's blood in the water. " Shit!"

Faith whirls, hearing the yelp, and sees Buffy floating there, looking down at the water. She sees the blood.

" Aw shit" She dives back in, swimming to Buffy. " What happened?" She starts to pull Buffy to the edge of the pool.

Buffy bats her arms at her, pushing her away. " Leave me alone, I'm fine, I'm fine" She swims to the edge, and starts to pull herself up… and falls back. " Crap!" She floats there, starting to looks a little scared. A pain shoots through her. " OW!"

Faith, worried, swims to her and sees her bleeding. " God, Buffy, what the hell…" She takes Buffy in her arms, and starts swimming towards the shallow end of the pool. As soon as her feet hit the bottom, she carries her quickly out of the pool.

" I'm an dope, is all" Buffy complains, looking a little pale. " Let me down, I'm fine!" She struggles in Faith's arms. " Let me down!"

Faith has a hard time holding a wriggly, wet slayer. She puts her down on her feet.

" Not helpless, I can walk." Buffy says, putting her hand over her wound. She takes a few steps, but her knees buckle, and she goes down on her knees. " Well, isn't this fun?" she growls. She rests for a minute, closing her eyes. Then she forces herself back on her feet.

Faith comes up to her, putting an arm around her waist. She takes Buffy's arm and drapes it over her shoulder. She lifts her.

" Leave me alone! I'm fine!" Buffy protests, loudly. " God, just let me go to my room, ok?" Again, she starts wriggling in Faith's arms.

" Don't be stubborn, B. God, You're bleeding. Just let me carry you back to your room, ok?"

"It's not serious… just pulled a stitch, I think" Buffy looks at her side. She notices Faith's scar, and gently touches it. " I did this to you." She frowns.

" Yeah, B. I kinda remember that. I was there." Faith carries her away from the pool, heading to the entrance.

" I'm sorry," Buffy says quietly.

" You've already kinda done that, B. Don't have to keep apologizin' for it"

" I meant today. I'm sorry." She looks up at Faith.

" Yeah…well, me too. I kinda got over bitchy. Not a big, really." Faith sees the blood and feels a little guilt. Might not of come to all this if I hadn't pushed her in. Damn.

" I'm so stupid. I didn't mean…and now… crap"

" I just don't get it, " Faith shakes her head, " I mean… all of it, you know? Why the … never mind."

Faith climbs the stairs holding Buffy. When they reach the landing, Buffy puts a hand on her shoulder.

" Let me down now, ok?"

" Buffy… you're hurt. Just let me…"

" No. We're close, I can walk from here. If Willow sees you carrying me, she'll have a cow. Just let me down, 'k?"

Faith looks at Buffy like she's lost her mind, but complies. Gently, she sets her down on her feet. Buffy throws her arm over Faith's shoulder, and Faith puts and arm around her waist. They walk towards Buffy's room.

Willow pops her head out of her room.

" Hey guys, what's going on? Oh my…what happened?" Willow rushes over to Buffy." You're bleeding." She turns on Faith. " What did you do to her?"

" Hey!" Faith gets defensive, " I didn't do…"

" Will, it wasn't her. I was stupid. I just went swimming when I shouldn't have. Faith pulled me out of the pool. I think I just maybe pulled a stitch. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Buffy sees Willow's expression. " I will be. Honest!"

Willow looks as if she's not believing Buffy's prognosis. " Yeah, well, we'll go and have a doctor check it out." She looks at Faith apologetically. " Sorry, my bad." She smiles contritely.

"Whatever. Just open her door, ok?"

Willow rushes to Buffy's door and opens it. Faith, with Buffy leaning on her, enters and helps Buffy to the bed. Buffy lies down, with Willow and Faith flanking her.

Willow leans over, examining Buffy's wound." I think its scarier looking than scary. But I still want you to see a doctor." She looks up at Faith, and smiles." I've got it now. You can go if you want."

" Actually, Will? Could you wait outside for a bit? I want to talk to Faith."

Willow looks at Buffy, then at Faith, who shrugs. With a puzzled and worried expression, she leaves.

For a few moments, it's silent. Buffy lies on the bed, just staring up at Faith. Faith stands, expectantly. When nothing comes, she starts to get a little restless.

" What?" Faith finally breaks the silence.

" Hmmm?" Buffy replies, almost as if coming out of a daze. " Oh, sorry. Yeah, look, Faith… I'm really sorry about before. I didn't mean to upset you."

" Buffy, we did this already. You already did the sorry bit. Let's let it drop, ok? I overreacted too. You just kinda surprised me, is all." She mutters something.

" Huh? Didn't hear that last part." Buffy says.

" Not meant to, B. But, if you've gotta know, I said, you've been kind of surprising me for awhile."

Buffy looks at her puzzled.

" You've been like all gung ho on this togetherness thing, B. It's been drag me here, drag me there. I'm not saying it hasn't been fun, but it's kind of confusing, too. We're… well, lets face it, we've never been really good friends. I'm not getting why all of a sudden you're trying to pack years into days." Faith kneels down beside her. " I mean, I think you're just trying too hard, do you get it?"

Buffy closes her eyes. " Yeah. I just thought… it was better than not trying at all."

" Huh?" Faith isn't sure if Buffy means herself, or Faith. She's not sure what to think about that.

" For so many years, Faith, I didn't try at all. Not really, " Buffy keeps her eyes closed, not wanting to look at Faith. " I guess I just never figured we could be more than, well… enemies?" She squints through one eye to gauge Faith's reaction. " I meant what I said in the hospital, Faith. I want to be your friend. But your leaving so soon, that I guess, I just wanted to pack it all in before you left. " She shrugs, and turns away.

Faith looks at her for a moment, thinking. Her expression is unreadable. She gets up, and sits on the bed next to Buffy.

" Ok, I guess I kinda get that, " Faith's tone is neutral," but what was the deal today? I mean, were you trying to what? Piss me off?"

" No… no… I … it's stupid, " Buffy moves away on the bed.

" Buffy, don't do that. You're already injured, don't make it worse" Faith chides her gently, " now just out with it. What's the deal. First, you dress like this" Faith indicates her barely- there bathing suit, " not that it looks bad on you, or nothin. You can pull it off. But then, you get all … screwy and start stealing my book and getting me to chase you. What…?"

" I just wanted someone to play with, " Buffy blurts out.

" Ok, again. Huh? "

" Faith, ever since I've been a slayer, it's been like, all business. You know? I can't just … I haven't had time to just … goof around. And no one really I can goof with, do you get it?"

" No, actually, I don't. Because you've got Willow, who sticks like glue to you. Surely…"

" I love Willow, I do. And I hang with her, and we do stuff. But I can't really… well, get physical with her. I mean, I could hurt her, bad. Now you… you, if I get like rough, you're not gonna have broken bones after… well, unless we get really rough…" she laughs. Then yelps a little when she gets a small stab of pain.

" Easy. I'm thinking, getting rough right now? Not a good idea for you." Faith just can't make sense out of what Buffy's saying. " B. Be honest with me here, what's the deal. I mean, really?"

" I told you…" Buffy sees Faith's doubting expression. " What?"

" What your saying? It sounds good, but it doesn't add up. None of this does. You've been acting weird since the hospital. You sure you don't have like brain fever or something?"

Buffy frowns. " So, I guess you're saying I'm crazy for trying to be your friend? Is that it?"

" No, but that's not what your trying to do here. I mean, really, is it? Because, if so, it's really way out in left field."

" So, that's what you think, huh?" Buffy's tone takes on a chilly aspect.

" Buffy, did you ever think, maybe you're pounding a round peg in a square hole?"

" Not getting you," Buffy says as if she doesn't want to understand.

" Maybe you're trying to force something that shouldn't happen, you know? Maybe we just weren't meant to be friends, you know? I'm not saying I don't appreciate you trying and all, but maybe sometimes, you just gotta face facts. Some things? Just not gonna happen."

Buffy turns to her, looking into her face. " Is that what you want, then?" Her expression is grim.

" B, sometimes it's not about what you want. It's just what is."

" Whatever, " Buffy says in a deprecating tone. " Do me a favor… you know, one you'd do for a common stranger, ok?"

" Buff…don't …"

" On your way out, " Buffy ignores her, " send Willow in, ok?"

" B, maybe we should talk some more?"

" Pointless, don't you think? Just go, ok?" Buffy turns her face away.

" B?"

" What part of " Go" didn't you get?"

" Ok, ok. Goodbye." Faith, completely clueless, walks out of the room.

Buffy lies on the bed, biting her lip. Won't do it. Won't cry. Stupid, pointless, dumb. Not a child. Not gonna do it.

Faith passes Willow standing in the hall.

" She wants to see you, " Faith says, as she passes.

" Thanks, " Willow notices Faith seems in a hurry to get away. " Where you going?"

" Out."

" Where?"

" Anywhere that isn't here."

" What If I need help with Buffy?" Willow calls out to the retreating Slayer's back.

" Call Giles. Call anybody. Just not me!" Faith calls over her shoulder as she retreats down the stairs.

-3-

Willow can feel the tension flowing off Buffy as soon as she enters her room. She pretends not to notice, and walks over to Buffy's bed. Sitting down on the bed, she takes a look at Buffy's wound.

" It doesn't look too bad, I guess. Still, like to have a doctor look at it."

" It's nothing, Will. Just a little blood. No big, it doesn't even hurt, " Buffy lies. " I've had worse. Just get some bandages, and we'll wrap it up."

" Buffy… I really think you should…"

" Will, get bandages, please? Don't argue, ok? Not needing it right now!" Buffy's tone is off.

Willow catches the odd note in her voice. " Ok, but we need to talk, Buffy."

" Actually, no we don't" Buffy says.

Willow stops in her tracks, and turns back to Buffy. Her hands are on her hips, and her face is set.

" Buffy Anne Summers. You can blow others off with that attitude, but this is me, Willow. I know something's wrong, and if you think you can just tell me we're not going to talk when you darn well know we're going to talk, well, you've got another think coming, mister!"

Buffy sits stunned for a second, as she does every time Mt. Willow goes off. Then she starts to laugh.

" I can't get away with nothing with you, can I Will?" Buffy chuckles. But the laugh doesn't sound at all amused.

" No, you really can't, " Willow agrees. " I know you way too well, Buffy Summers. You can't bluff you're way out of it with me, you know. Anyway, we tell each other everything, right?" Willow turns and heads to the bathroom.

" Uh-huh, " Buffy says, lightly, " like ummm… you told me about Kennedy."

" Hey! That's not fair. I mean, I wasn't really sure about Kenny, and then… well, it got complicated, me turning into Warren and all… and I didn't really want … wait a minute!" Willow's head pops out of the bathroom. " You stop that. This isn't about me. And anyway, look who's talking. Mrs. Almost Spike!" As soon as the words are out of her mouth, she regrets it, seeing the look on Buffy's face.

" Gosh, Buffy. I'm sorry… really!" Willow, bandages and antiseptic in hand, comes back into the room. " I'm such a dope sometimes."

" It's ok, Will. " Buffy reassures her, " I kinda had that coming. And… it was complicated with Spike. I know at the end, I cared about him. Maybe something would've come of it, if he hadn't died. But… well, playing ' what if '? Really pointless, you know? She's gone, and there's no changing that…"

Willow, who's been attending to Buffy's wound, looks up sharply. " What?"

Buffy grins at her, amused. " Going deaf, Will? I said, he's gone. There's no changing that."

" No, Buffy, actually you didn't."

" Excuse me, Will. But I know what I said."

" You said, ' She's gone, and there's no changing that '."

" You're crazy, Will. You know, I think you've got to stop Kennedy from nibbling on your ears. I think it's affecting your hearing…"

" No, Buffy. Don't even try this. I know what I heard!"

Buffy throws up her hands in mock surrender, " Ok, ok, whatever, Will. I give up. Just a slip of the tongue, you know?"

Willow just looks at her with a strange little smile on her face. She dabs some antiseptic on Buffy's wound, and Buffy winces. For the first time, she takes a good look at how Buffy's dressed.

" Buffy, just a question. Why're you wearing that?" Willow indicates Buffy's nearly nude bathing suit.

" You like?" Buffy grins, " I bought it the other day."

" Well, I admit, it's certainly an attention getter. A little over the top, don't you think?"

" What do you mean?"

" Well, frankly, Buffy, if you stretch too much in that suit, your boobies? Definitely gonna be coming over the top."

" WILL!" Buffy cries out, blushing deep red.

" Frankly, Buffy, I've seen strippers wear more… after their act is done!"

" Willow Rosenberg! You're terrible!" Buffy is blushing three shades of red. " You go to watch strippers?" She sounds surprised.

" Yeah, sometimes. With Kenny. She kinda digs it, " Willow says, blushing a little. " Hey, gay, remember?"

" Just… really … not what I was expecting… not from you?" Buffy ,feeling very naked suddenly, moves to cover up.

" Oh for goodness sakes, Buffy. Not interested in you that way, " Willow says, giggling. " Well, maybe a little, but not going to like move on you… anyway, I'm with Kenny…"

Buffy still moves to cover herself with the sheet, but Willow stops her.

" Buffy, can't bandage you if I can't reach you. Just chill. I'm gay, not a molester!"

Buffy chuckles nervously as Willow applies the bandage.

" You never did answer my question, Buffy."

"What?" Buffy seems distracted, " Oh, yeah, well. Gee, Will, wanted to get some sun, you know? Figured… sunning equals wearing bathing suit…so…"

" Buffy, I've been with you lots when you've gone tanning, ok? You've never worn anything so … diminutive before. Why now?"

Buffy doesn't answer for the longest time. Willow sighs, figuring she's not going to get an answer. She collects up the debris on the bed, and starts to get up when Buffy's hand on her arm restrains her.

" Willow, can I ask you something?"

" Sure Buffy, " Willow sits back down, " Ask away. "

Again, it takes awhile for Buffy to say anything. Willow can see her face working.

" Will, how do you know?" Buffy finally blurts it out.

" Know what?" Willow is puzzled.

" How do you know if you're gay?"

-4-

Faith steps out of her shower, drying off. Moving to the mirror, she combs out her hair, and gives herself a check.

" Well, Faith, gotta admit, that's gotta be the shortest 'friendship' on record. Even for you honey, it's pretty damned fast," Faith shakes her head.

What bothers her most is that she can't figure out why Buffy is acting like she's acting. Acting crazy, that's how she's acting. What the hell is she pulling here? Back and forth, in and out… ok, even I know that sounds wrong, but she's all over the place. What is her problem? I can't be making myself crazy trying to figure out why SHE'S crazy. God, what I'd give to know what the hell is going on under that blond skull of hers. I don't get her. I don't get the lot of them, but especially her. Aw shit, what the hell am I doing here, anyway? I'm outta here in a week. Why'm I making myself crazy? Best thing is just getting through it, avoid her and then after a week, no more slayer, no more scoobies, no more of this crap. None. Zero zip nada.

Letting the towel drop where she stands, Faith walks over to dress. Well, one nice thing about Robin not being here. If he were, he'd have a fit about that towel. Love the guy, he's a sweetie and boy, sweet in bed. But he makes me crazy with this neatness stuff of his. Guess I shoulda seen that coming with the way he dresses… every little bit's gotta be just so. Oh man, gonna have to break him of that real fast. So not becoming Martha Stewart for the guy. Faith dresses quickly, to good effect. It's almost classic Faith: leather pants, bustier top, vest over it, and boots. She walks over to the mirror, and checks herself out. Not too bad. Oughta turn a head or two. Go out, have a little fun, drink a little, dance a little… not cheating. Not like we're married or nothing. Hey, he's probably out in New York with some chickie, having a high old time…and I say, more to him. When we start living together for reals, we can work out the ' monogamy' thing. For now, I'm free and single, and hey, I'm liking it.

Walking over to the dresser, she applies her makeup. Unlike her old self, her colors these days are more muted, subtler… and highlight her best points. Hey, they're all best points. Still got it, Faithy my girl, still knockin' em dead. You betcha! Walking over, she picks up her purse, and then opens a drawer, pulling out a stake and knife. She puts the knife in one boot, and the stake in a little leg sheath she has for it. Girl's gotta be prepped. Never know what kinda bad you'll meet out there.

Walking to the door, she slings her purse over her shoulder. She opens the door just as Giles is bringing down his hand to knock. She grabs it, easing it away from her face, where it seemed it would land. Well, aint this just my luck?

" Giles… hey, what's up?" Faith says, maneuvering to make a quick exit.

" Faith, glad to catch you in. We need to talk." Giles, uninvited, enters her room.

" Well, come on in. Don't stand on ceremony, " Faith smirks. She stands leaning against the doorjamb, arms crossed over her chest. " Actually though, I was just on my way out…" Hint, hint.

" It's rather important, actually. Can't whatever you were going to do wait awhile?"

" Well, I was gonna patrol, Giles. I mean… slayer…world of vamps… doing my job, " Faith lies. " Maybe get a drink after…"

" Yes, well… I'm sure the vampires will be there later on. I really do need to talk to you, " Giles insists.

" Look, G, couldn't this like wait til tomorrow? I mean… it's not another apocalypse, is it?"

" Oh lord, no. However, trying to get a chance to speak with you has been, well, difficult, at best. What, with you spending all that time at the hospital with Buffy, then well… your personal life, it's been rather difficult to catch you."

Faith sighs to herself. Swell, just what I need. A pep talk from my ex-watcher. Whatever. Lets just get this over with. " Ok, Giles, whatever you want." Faith moves from the door, and walks to the bed. Sitting down, she starts to bounce on the mattress. " So, what's so earth shaking that we've gotta have this little tête-à-tête, huh?

" As you well know, Faith, things have been shaken up in the slayer community, so to speak. All the potentials in all the world have become slayers. This rather presents a problem for the council…"

" Ummm… Giles, as I remember you telling us… there is no ' council ' anymore. Caleb and his merry band of bringers managed to blow the place up. So, what's this about the council and slayers, anyway?"

" Well, that's the rub, Faith. There is no council… currently, but I need to bring it back together. That'll hardly leave time for me to do what needs to be done about the slayer situation."

" Giles, just a thought here, but why?" Faith gives him a look, " I mean, from my experience, the council? Just a bunch of stuffy old farts sitting around, making up rules to make life for the slayers impossible. Ummm… no offense."

" None taken," Giles smiles slightly, very slightly." Still, can you think of a better solution? Frankly, we're in a bit of a bind with what Willow and Buffy have done. There are all these… what? Untrained slayers worldwide, and no one to explain their heritage, recruit and train them. Frankly, we need a Watcher's council, if for nothing more than to try to keep track of all the slayers. And I hope, " Giles says quietly, " to institute some reforms, to make life for the slayers a bit easier."

" Oh sure. Cuz, I mean, I've always known the council to make my life easier. Wait, no… actually, they've tried to kill me a couple of times."

" You were a rogue slayer, Faith, killing people and causing general mayhem. What did you expect them to do? Give you a medal?"

" Nooo, " Faith mocks, " But I did expect at least my watcher to stick up for me, not try to turn me over to the goon squad for execution."

" Wesley doesn't and hasn't worked for the council for years, Faith!"

" I know that, Giles. Wes is working for Angel. I wasn't talking about him, " Faith looks pointedly at Giles.

" You know very well I'd been fired from the Council, Faith. There was nothing I could do…"

" Crap, and double crap Giles. You know very well, If it'd been B in that position, you would've moved heaven and earth to protect her." Faith gets up from the bed, and walks to the door, looking out. " Or at the very least, you believed her over me."

" I was rather justified in that view, I think, considering."

" Maybe so, but damn if you didn't just let me twist like the rest of them. All the crap that happened after, mighta been avoided if you'd just stuck by me, Giles. God, I was a kid, then. I needed someone to believe in me, too!"

" I know, Faith. I made mistakes, I can't deny it, " Giles walks to her, " but that's in the past. Don't you think we can try to start again? I really need an experienced…"

" What is it with you guys? All you scoobies, all the fucking same, " Faith turns to him, her face angry, her voice bitter. " Now you all wanna make nice… but frankly? I'm thinking we're past that point. So, I'm gonna tell you what I told Buffy. Maybe
it's like pounding a square peg in a round hole, Giles. Maybe it just won't fit. Maybe it was never meant to fit. Shit, I probably never shoulda even been a slayer, except for B, then that Jamaican chick dying."

" Kendra."

" Yeah, whatever. Thing is, Giles, it's past too late to pick up the pieces, ya know? I'm outta here in a week with Robin. We're goin' to New York. See if we can make whatever it is we got work. Even if we don't, I'm kinda droppin' out of this life. Not interested in my " Destiny" , my " Calling" or whatever crap you throw at me. I plan on living a normal life , or as normal a life as I can get, not doin' the vamp thing. Tired of it, all of it. Done my ' Save the World' bit, time to move on."

" Faith, I need you. Please, reconsider."

" Like hell you need me, Giles," Faith shakes her head, " You've got all those new slayers. You've got Willow, you've got Buffy…"

" I'm going to recruit whoever I can. I won't deny that, Faith. But you're… you're a breed apart. Like Buffy. You're rare, because you're a natural leader."

" Oh, please. Giles. We've done this. Don't do the rah-rah bit. I did what I had to do. But that's done now, and so am I."

"Faith, please. Before you shut the door, at least hear me out. There's more, a lot more."

" What's the point, Giles? I'm just going to say no."

" Please, Faith?"

" Fine, ok, " Faith walks back towards Giles. This time however, she remains standing. " Do your worst."

" You and Buffy are key to making what I envision for the new world… and it's definitely a new world now… of slayers. You and she, beside myself, are the only ' field tested' troops left in the council. All the others died in the holocaust. There are some retired Council members I can probably persuade to come back, to help out, but frankly, they're worse than Quentin Travers in their views. I need you and Buffy on the council, to help me push through the reforms I'm planning."

" Reforms?" Faith looks at him warily, " like what?"

" Like, bringing the council kicking and screaming into the current Millennium. For instance, giving the slayers a significant voice in the decision making process; making their voice heard. Also, setting up a stipend to support the slayers. I'm not saying it'll make them rich, but at least it'll cover basic living expenses, so they don't have to work at crappy little jobs to support themselves in poverty while fighting evil."

"What else?"

" Well, frankly, with all the potentials being slayers, we can't do it in the old style. We simply are not going to have the one watcher/ one slayer dynamic anymore. There simply aren't enough watchers."

"Wait a sec. I had a watcher long before I was a slayer, Giles. How did that happen, if you couldn't cover the potentials along with the slayers?"

" We chose what we considered the most likely candidates for being the next slayer, and they all got watchers. You happened to be deemed very likely to become a slayer. That's how that happened. But the others, the less likely? Never got a watcher. It's different now. ALL of them are slayers, and all need to be trained."

" Yeah, ok. But how're you gonna do that?" Faith, despite herself, was beginning to be interested.

" Well, I see a series of schools. Worldwide. Kind of like boarding schools, I suppose, but exclusively for Slayers. They'll be trained in groups in these academies, by people trained by those who have the experience to train them. Then there has to be those who can travel from academy to academy, to check on the training, revise it as necessary, and to recommend changes at the central training academy. "

Faith nods her head, " Sounds good, Giles."

" I've got some people I can tap to train watchers, but there are few, very few, capable of training the physical trainers. And even more rare, are the traveling overseers. Got any ideas who might fit the bill?" Giles looks at her.

" No, I told you, Giles, I'm out of it. You've got the girls from Sunnydale we trained. They can pass the training along. You don't need me."

" Faith, what do I need to do to convince you how important, how valuable you are to us? To me? I need everyone I can get to help out. I don't often beg, Faith. But I'm pleading with you. Please, please, don't turn your back on this."

" I'm sorry, Giles. I really am. But I've done my time, I've paid my dues, " Faith looks out the door, " I've got to move on now. I just can't do this. I just can't."

Giles is silent for awhile. The look of disappointment is plain on his face. Finally, he sighs, and moves towards the door.

" I guess I couldn't expect anything more, considering. I'm sorry, Faith. I really am. For everything that was done to you." He starts to walk out, then turns back. He hands a card to Faith.

" That has my number on it, where I can be reached, anytime, day or night. If you ever change your mind, call me…"

" I won't, Giles. I'm sorry, " Faith says.

" I'm sorry, too. I really believe you could make a difference. Goodnight, Faith" Giles turns, and walks out the door.

Faith watches him leave, then walks over and closes the door behind him. She leans against the door, and her fist comes up, hitting it again and again.

" Dammit…. Dammit… don't they get it? Just leave me alone!"

Faith, angry , throws herself on the bed. She no longer feels like going out. She no longer feels like anything.

Except curling up and crawling under the blanket

And hiding.

- 5 –

Willow stands staring at Buffy, stunned and nonplussed .

" I'm sorry. I don't understand, Buffy. What're you talking about?"

" Thought I was pretty clear there, Will. How do you know if you're gay?"

" No, you're not getting it, Buffy. I understand the question, " Willow gives her a sidelong glance, " I just don't get why you're asking it."

Buffy looks at her, then looks down. Then a flush appears creeping up from her neck to her cheeks, to her ears and hairline.

It's then when it all comes together for Willow. The ton of bricks fall on her, the shutters drop from her eyes, the light shines in on her brain… epiphany happens.

Oh, my goddess!

" You? and Faith?" Willow says so softly she's almost whispering. " You… and Faith?"

" NO!…er… yes? No, … yeah, I think…oh god, I don't know, Will! I'm so fucking confused…" Buffy cries, hunching over away from Willow, trying to hide. " I know I've got these crazy feelings about her. I think about her all the time. I … oh god, you wonder why I wore this thing? I was hoping SHE'D notice… crap, I'm lost here, Willow. I don't have a clue to what I'm doing…" The tears start to roll down Buffy's cheeks.

" Buffy…" Willow moves over, encircling Buffy in her arms. " Don't honey, it's ok… it's ok…"

" No, it's really NOT ok, Will. The one thing I do know? She really… REALLY… doesn't share my feelings. Not in the least. Crap… I promised I wouldn't do this." Buffy wipes her tears. " I'm ok, I really am, Will." But she doesn't look ok, or sound ok. She sounds lost, and hurt. Very hurt. She leaned into Willow, and just let the tears flow down her cheeks.

Willow sat with her friend in her arms, feeling completely clueless. She wouldn't have guessed in a million years the way Buffy felt about Faith. Not a clue had Buffy dropped; there had never been a sign of anything but mild competitive hostility with a thin layer of civility keeping them from tearing each other apart. From what she could gather between the tears, Buffy had felt something for Faith for a long, very long time. Almost from first meeting her. Willow can't imagine what it cost Buffy emotionally. Thinking on their relationship, how Faith had betrayed her, how Buffy had stabbed Faith, Faith in a coma, the whole body switch thing, the time Faith spent in prison… and then came back and fought at her side against the First. Goddess, no wonder she acted weird when Faith showed up. No wonder she seemed to even get more wonky. It must've been torture to see her there, be so close and … Willow shakes her head. Willow also wants to give herself a kick for making it worse for her best friend. I didn't know! How could I know? Buffy never mentioned it. God, I'm her best friend. Why didn't I suss it out? I know Buffy better than anyone; I should've figured it out by her extreme reaction to Faith's going over to the Mayor's side. How she just… this is pointless. I didn't see it, and I just added fuel to the fire of Buffy's insanity bringing Faith into the mix. This is all just so crazy! Willow sighs, rocking her miserable friend in her arms. Of course, when isn't love just a little crazy?

Of course, Willow might be excused a little for not seeing Buffy's distress, because when it came to the blond slayer, Willow had a major blind spot. If she were truthful with herself, she would admit that some of her feelings for Buffy went way beyond the platonic friendship they shared. It's hard not to have enhanced feelings for someone you've risked your life with over the course of many years. Never mind the secrets and dreams they shared, the time they spent together, and the fact they just really, really liked each other. They were comfortable with each other, and overlooked each others little faults and foibles. And both had to admit that their relationship had lasted the longest, was the deepest either had ever had. Willow knows in her heart that more than once she wished that they had taken that tiny step and made their relationship more than friends. But the timing had never been right, and then there was the whole 'Gay' thing. Willow accepted that she was gay; she had no problem with the idea of loving women. But she remembers all too well Buffy's reaction to her being gay. Goddess, she nearly had a major wiggins when I told her about Tara. She was so nervous, I thought she was going to bolt and run right there. If I'd ever… well, come on to her, she would've bolted. How could I guess that she had her own … gay fantasy going? Maybe she didn't even really admit it to herself. Cripes, love is so confusing, so hard. Why can't it just be easy? Why does it have to hurt so much?

Buffy starts to get control of herself, moving slightly away from Willow's encircling arms. She's beginning to feel embarrassed having lost it like that. God, I'm such a baby! She blushes a little.

" Sorry, Will. I'm just being stupid, like usual." Buffy half grins at her best friend. " Getting all weepy over Faith, of all things."

" No, Buffy, that wasn't at all stupid, " Willow says, " but I'm thinking you're starting to be stupid now."

" What?" Buffy frowns.

" Buffy, you've just admitted that you've had these feelings… love, lust , gosh I don't know… for a long time. A LONG, LONG time. Now you're just trying to take it back, say 'just kidding' and bury them deep again. That's not right, and it's not smart!" Gee, Will, hypocrite much? " It's not fair to you, Buffy, to deny what you're feeling. And it certainly isn't fair to Faith."

" Again, I say… what?" Buffy looks at her friend like she's lost her mind. " Not fair to Faith? Where did that come from?"

" Buffy, did you even talk to Faith about how you feel?"

" Are you crazy, Will? Have you even been listening?" Buffy moves over and checks Willow's ears. Willow moves off, a little wigged. " Do we need to get eardrops to clean out the wax, Willow? God, she doesn't even want to be my friend!"

" Buffy, Faith is not stupid, ya know. She probably senses the vibe coming off you, but can't figure it out. It's probably wigging her a little, and she's wary. Given your history, can you blame her?"

" Right. Vibe. Right." Buffy says, " and you're right, Faith's not an idiot. I mean, it's pretty certain there's only one idiot here, and that's me, right?"

" Buffy, what're you talking about?" Willow's flustered.

" Oh, c'mon, Will. You're the smart one here, the one with all the brainpower wattage going on. Did you really think that little remark wouldn't get back to me?"

" Remark? What're you talking about?" Willow's confused and flustered now.

" ' You know Buffy. Sweet girl, not too bright.' " Buffy arches a brow.

Willow flushes brick red. Oh, I'm so gonna kill Kenny for that! How could she? Willow feels her irritation rising.

" Well, you know what, Buffy Summers? If you let Faith go, without telling her how you feel? Then yeah, you're a sweet girl, but definitely not too bright!"

The two women glare at each other, each spitting mad. They continue to glare at each other, but something happens. Maybe it's the fact they've been together so long, love each other so much, and just know each other too well. but the frowns start to waver, as each desperately tries not to be the first to laugh. Finally, Buffy just can't hold it anymore , and a giggle escapes, followed by another. Willow tries to resist. I'm so darned mad at you Buffy! But she can't. She giggles, and then they both giggle.

" God, look at us, Will. We're like an old married couple, fighting like this" Buffy laughs, leaning against her friend.

" GRRRR. Buffy, sometimes you just make me so mad!" Willow exclaims, " but then you're just so damned cute, I can't stay mad at you. Do you have ANY idea how frustrating that is?" Willow is laughing now too, and she leans against Buffy. They both sort of fall on the bed, lying next to each other, shoulders touching. It becomes a minor giggle-fest as the two release tension through laughter. It finally becomes quiet as the two just lay there, comfortable together, staring at the ceiling.

Willow feels Buffy's hand slip into hers.

" God, Will, what would I do without you?"

" Well, you better never try to find out, let me tell you, mister!" Willow exclaims, squeezing Buffy's hand.

They both laugh.

They lay there for awhile, just enjoying each other's company. Then Buffy gets up and leans on her elbow, looking down at Willow. Her face is serious.

" Will, I gotta ask you something, and you gotta promise to not like get all weirded out, ok?"

" Sure, Buffy, " Willow senses Buffy's mood, " I promise. Ask away."

" Ok, here goes, " Buffy seems to want to stall, but knows she can't. " How come … well… ok, how come you and I… how come we never got together?"

Willow feels like a nuclear bomb has just gone off in her heart. She stares at Buffy. Oh, great, Buffy. Just great! NOW you ask that question. Geeze, and you next to me, so damned close, nearly naked in that too damned sexy to be legal swimsuit. Goddess, do you have ANY idea how much I'd like to take you in my arms and kiss you till your lips turn purple? Or how I'd like to ravish you til you screamed? Geeze, Buffy, just pour some more salt on that wound, I don't think it hurts enough!

" I dunno, Buff, " Willow says instead, looking away because she knows she can't lie to Buffy if she looks at her. " Never really thought about it, I guess." Willow Rosenberg! You know where you go for lying, don't you?

" Really? Huh, " Buffy says, doing a little covering of her own, " I never thought about it either, I guess." Buffy Summers! You're such a liar! Liar, liar, panties on fire!

" Anyway, Buffy, we've got a great friendship, you know?" Willow goes on, " why screw it up by getting all…well, you know!"

" Yeah, you're right. You're the smart one. Why mess up what we got by messing around, right?"

" Right. You better believe it, Buffy!"

" Right!"

Buffy squeezes Willow's hand.

" You know I love you, don't you Willow?"

" Of course! I love you too, Buffy!" She smiles up at Buffy.

Buffy lays back down, still holding Willow's hand. They both just lie there quietly, thinking.

Damn!

Damn!

-6-

Buffy eases herself off the bed, being as quiet as possible. She doesn't want to wake Willow. She knows Willow will have a Guernsey if she catches her.

She takes a moment to watch Willow sleep. Willow is tossing a little in her sleep. Buffy frowns a little. Hope she's not having nightmares again. Poor baby. She's still so hard on herself about last year. Buffy leans over, and gives her a small kiss on the forehead. C'mon, big brain. Go to sleep. Let her have some peace, huh? Quiet down! Smiling, she goes to the closet, and pulls out some clothing. She looks over, and Willow's still snoozing away. Tiptoeing, she goes into the bathroom.

I wish my own brain would shut up! Buffy thinks to herself as she dresses. God, I made such a holy mess of today. How could I be so stupid, anyway? And, geeze, Faith. Remember how you told me to lighten up a little? God, you're awfully cranky these days! Finishing dressing, Buffy checks herself out in the mirror. Not too bad, but got major bed hair. God! She quickly brushes her hair, pulling it back in a ponytail. She gives herself another look, with the critical eye. Oh well, not going to a party anyway.

She carefully opens the door, nearly having a stroke when the hinges give out a small squeak. She freezes, and opens it more slowly. Finally, she peers out. Willow is still on the bed, apparently sleeping. She quietly sidles to the door, keeping an eye on the bed not to disturb Willow. She reaches for the doorknob, ready to make her escape into the hall.

" Buffy?" Willow's voice is heard from the bed.

Crap! Crap and double crap! Buffy is sure she's busted, when she sees Willow stretch a little in the bed and roll over. Damn, she's talking in her sleep. Give me a heart attack, why don't ya, Will?

" Mmmm… Buffy" Willow seems to giggle. " Don't!"

What the hell is she dreaming, anyway? For a moment, Buffy is tempted to go over and listen in, but decides that if Willow DOES wake up, and sees her fully dressed, she's going to catch hell. Instead, she quietly slips out the door.

On the street, Buffy just picks a direction, and starts walking. She's not really planning on going anywhere, particularly. She just needs to walk and think.

Well, Buff. It's fourth down and 10. Do you run with it, or punt? Oh god. Football metaphors, never good! But you really gotta think of somethin', fast. Faith is outta here in less than a week, and you've managed not only to NOT get her friendship, but drive her further away. What the hell were you thinking, anyway? That she'd love you for stealing her book and ruining it? Never mind hitting her with it. Oh for goodness sakes, FOCUS, Buffy. It's got squat to do with the book. You've been a pest, get it? Been in her face with the friend thing. God, no wonder she's running like hell. How the hell is she supposed to deal with Manic Buffy? But what choice have I got? I mean, she's gonna leave in a week! Going to New York! Look a wee bit weird if I just ' happen' to pop up in New York. God, she'll think I'm stalking her. Oh, that'd go over real well!

Buffy stops for a moment. She turns her head, looking around. She doesn't see anything, so she continues walking.

Ok, Buffy. Now you're getting paranoid, too. This just blows, you know? What am I gonna do? Subtle? Not working. Making things worse, even. Faith is pretty much convinced I'm a nut job, if I read her attitude right. Maybe I need to be more direct in my approach…

Buffy stops again. Damn, I swear I heard something! She looks around, then takes a couple of steps forward. Nothing. She shakes her head. Maybe Faith's right. Maybe I'm losing it. She starts off again.

Yeah, that's it. I gotta be more direct about it. No more time to screw around her. Maybe I should do what Willow said. Just go up to her and…

Ok, now that time, I know I heard something… She stops and whirls around… nothing behind her. Crap! What the heck? God, I'm what? 23 years old, and I'm already losing my mind. This sucks!

Ok, where was I? Oh yeah, telling Faith. Sure. I'll just go up to her and say, " hey, Faith. I know you didn't want to be friends. How do you feel about being lovers?" Right. That'll work. Sure it will. And what if Faith … well, I mean, she's all experienced, she must've tried it… but, I don't really know. Never seen her really interested in another woman. Well, she was in prison for that time… maybe there? Oh, God, I can't believe I just thought that one. Sounds like every cheesy ' Women behind bars' flick they ever made. Get real. What if she is freaked by the idea? Or… she's tried it, and hates it? Oh man…

" Ok, I've had enough!"

Buffy stops in her tracks, pulls her stake and whirls around, ready to plunge it into the figure behind her. A strong hand stops her arm mid stroke.

" Heya, B. What's up?" Faith smirks at her, holding her arm in place. " Good to see you too!"

" Faith? What the hell? Why were you sneaking around behind me, anyway? God, I nearly staked you!"

" Gimme a break, B? You're 'bout as fast as molasses. Never mind you've been wandering around on your own little cloud for the last 20 minutes or so. I was out front, smoking a cig when you come strollin' by, all wrapped up in your own little head. Anyway, figured I'd just follow along, see how long it'd take you to catch on. Tellin' ya ,B. I coulda been six muggers or whatever. Kinda sloppy not payin' attention, ya know? You coulda gotten whacked."

" Yeah, well. I guess I wasn't expecting to be stalked, ya know?"

" Stalking? Me. Gimme a break, B. "

" Let's see. Following behind me for 20 minutes, all sneaky like. What would you call it?"

"Well, aren't we lil Ms. Snarky, then? Fine, whatever.. seeya!" Faith start to walk off.

Buffy runs up ahead of her, blocking her way. " Hey, what do you expect?" She says trotting backwards as Faith continues walking. " I mean, didn't you tell me just a couple of hours ago that you didn't want to be my friend?"

" What the heck are you talking about, B?" Faith shakes her head. " I'm thinking you should go back . I think you're still feverish or somethin'."

" I so am not! I was there, Faith You said that you didn't think we were meant to be friends. Don't you go and deny it!"

" Not denying it, B. But listen carefully, ok? I said maybe we weren't meant to be friends. That's a world different than wanting to be friends, you know? Geeze, guess those ESL classes not working out for you huh?"

Buffy, still trotting backwards, says, " I'm confused,"

" That's new?"

" Geeze, thanks Faith. Do you or don't you wanna be friends?"

Buffy, not seeing the rise in the sidewalk, trips over it, and starts to fall.

" Ah…ah … ah… holy crap!" Buffy cries out, startled.

Before she can even think, Faith catches Buffy. For a second they freeze in that tableau: Faith leaning over, holding Buffy in her arms. Buffy lying in her arms, looking up into the face of the woman who makes her… she feels a little dizzy. She feels her heart thumping hard in her chest

Faith for her part, feels the tension, and it wigs her just a little bit. Wigs, and excites her. And that wigs her more. She hauls Buffy up.

" Hey, you ok?" Faith asks Buffy.

Buffy is still standing there, feeling all sorts of things she can't sort out.

" Yeah," She says, a little breathless. She leans on Faith.

Faith starts to laugh a little nervously

Buffy pushes her away.

"What the heck is so funny?" Buffy complains, wiping herself off.

" You're funny, klutzo, " Faith teases her, covering her own nervousness, " God, do you know how to walk right? Geeze, B. I'd think you'd have gotten that one by now!"

" Not funny," Buffy complains, turning away. Her foot twists, and she looks down. " Oh crap, " She whines, looking at the bottom of her boot. " I broke the heel." Her lip starts to quiver. She makes an angry noise and starts to stagger away

" Oh, so your all pissed off now, B? That it?" Faith watches her limp away, " gonna go home and cry to Willow or something?"

" Screw you, Faith," Buffy yells over her shoulder, still hobbling.

" Oh, scared now. Whatcha gonna do, Buffy? Come over and cry on me?" Faith taunts her," shakin' here, B. " Faith laughs again, " god, you're acting just like a girl."

Buffy stops. She turns around. Her expression is angry, her cheeks red. Her mouth is in a severe frown.

" Yeah, I'm a girl, F. If you haven't noticed, stupid, so are you! " She advances a step on Faith, who takes a step back. " Oh, all of a sudden, I'm not so funny anymore? Yeah, well, get this. I'm a girl, and I cry when I'm hurt. Trust me, not because I break a heel and twist my ankle on the pavement." She stops, waving her arms around in frustration," what's it gonna take with you? I'm doing every goddamn thing I know to try to be your friend, and you keep rejecting me. Well, fine for you, Faith. Good for you. You hurt me. Happy now?"

" Oh for Christ's sake, B. Get a sense of humor. God, it was only a joke. Shit!"

" My feelings are funny to you? My pain makes you laugh? God, you're a piece of work!"

" Oh, grow up, B. Get real. You're not Ms. Sunnydale anymore, ya know. It's gone. You're not Ms. Pom Pom Cheerleader everybody loves you girl anymore. You're just like the rest of us, get used to it, Ok?. Got it? Not everybody's gonna love you and fawn over you anymore, B. World's harsh, get used to it. Better toughen up, girlfriend, or it'll eat ya up."

" Tough, huh?" Buffy's voice is low and dangerous. " You want tough?"

Before Faith can react, Buffy is on her. She pushes Faith against the wall, and then plants a hard kiss on her lips. She breaks the kiss, then shoves Faith down.

" Tough that one, Faith," Buffy says.

She turns on her heel, and wobbling a little, leaves.

Faith stares after her, wiping her lips on her arm.

-7-

" You did WHAT?"

Willow is staring at Buffy, wide eyed.

" You heard me, Will. I slammed her against a wall, kissed her then shoved her down. Then I walked away."

" Well, what did she do?"

" Nothing. I didn't wait for her to do anything. And," Buffy blushes, " been kinda hiding out all day from her."

" From everybody. Damn, I came by your door a dozen times, and you told me to go away."

" Yeah, well… not exactly my proudest moment, you know." Buffy turns to Willow. " So, have you seen her around?"

" Today?"

" No, tomorrow Will. Yes, today."

" Saw her this morning, Ms. Grouchy!" Willow frowns a little.

" Sorry, I'm sorry. I've just been on edge all day. So, how was she?"

" Well, she seemed…" Willow stops. " You know what? I shouldn't tell you. I should make you go find out for yourself!"

" C'mon, Will. Please?"

Willow sighs, " She seemed normal enough. She didn't say anything, and didn't act any different. Of course, maybe since I wasn't you, she wasn't going to waste any of her anger on me."

" Thanks, Will," Buffy says sarcastically, " I feel tons better now!"

" Well, good. If you wanna know how she's feelin' about you, you're gonna have to find out yourself."

" So, you're not gonna help me then?" Buffy's face falls.

" Buffy, your plan is totally insane! It can't work, and it's just going to pee her off more."

" C'mon, Will. Give me a little credit. You know I can be all nice and sweet and kitteny when I want to be. I telling you, it's gonna work."

" Buffy, I told you. You gotta talk to her, tell her how you feel. What you wanna do? It's got wacky scheme written all over it."

" Faith isn't talk and share girl, and you know it. She's actions girl. I gotta do something that'll really catch her attention."

" Oh, this'll do that, for sure, Lucy!" Willow shakes her head.

" Aw, please, please, please, Ethel, pretty please?" Buffy goes into full charm mode. She kneels in front of Willow, and wraps her arms around her legs. She lays her head on her thighs." Please, please, please?" She looks up at Willow with her big eyes.

" I'm gonna regret this. I'm so gonna regret this, I know it. But … ok, Buffy, I'll help you, " Willow says, not immune to Buffy when she's in mega charm mode.

" You're the best, Will!" Buffy jumps to her feet, and hugs Willow tightly, " I love you bunches!"

"Why now, Buffy?" Willow says, still uncertain," I really don't think you've thought this through. What's the hurry, anyway?"

" Cuz I told you, Will. Robin's gonna be back tomorrow. I won't get another chance. It's tonight or nothing!"

" You're crazy Buffy. This won't change a thing, you know, " Willow moves away, " I just so don't like this."

" You promised, Will. Don't go Foster Farms on me now!"

" I said I'll do it Buffy," Willow still looks uncertain.

" Don't worry, Will. Mostly, you're just gonna be doing lookout duty. I'll do most of the stuff in the room. I'll just need some help after I get set. Don't want to move around a lot."

" She's going to think you're insane, Buffy."

"No, she's gonna know I'm serious. And trust me, once I get past that, I'm gonna make sure she likes having me in her room." Buffy giggles.

Buffy walks to the door, and looks out. She turns to Willow.

" Ok, she's not in the hallway. She's probably in her room. Do you remember what to do?"

" Yes, Buffy. I'm not Cletus, the slack jawed yokel."

" Tell me."

Willow looks impatient." I go to her room, and slip the note under her door. I wait and make sure she leaves, then I come get you. Doesn't take rocket science here, Buffy."

" Ok, good," Buffy says. She waits for a few moments. " Well… now would be good?" She looks at Willow expectantly.

Willow sighs, rolling her eyes. At any moment, she expects to hear Ricky Ricardo yell out " Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!"

She looks out the door, and sees the hallway is clear. She hurries down to Faith's door, and slips the note under it. Running back to the stairs, she goes down a few stairs, just enough to be out of sight. She faces up.

She hears a door open and close, and Faith appears at the top of the stairs. Willow pretends she's coming upstairs, and passes Faith going down,

" Going out, Faith?" Willow asks, innocently.

" Yeah. Be back later." Faith says as she hurries downstairs.

Willow smiles. Hook, line and sinker! She watches Faith as she goes out the front door, then turns and hurries to Buffy's room.

" Ok, she's gone!"

-8-

Later, in Faith's room.

Buffy looks around the room, and smiles. She's placed dozens of candles around the room, making it all soft and romantic. She's also spread rose petals from the door to the bed, and then covered the bed with petals. Laying in the center of the petals is Buffy herself, nude except for a few strategically placed petals.

She's been laying there for awhile, waiting for Faith to return. She can't wait to see the look on Faith's face when she comes in the room. Of course, she'll probably be a little grouchy because of the trick, but I'll take care of that. Soon as she comes through that door, I'm gonna be on her like white on rice. Gonna be so sweet and sexy and loving, god, the poor girl won't have a chance! Buffy chuckles softly to herself. God, I hope she gets here soon. Getting a little chilly lying here naked and all. Patience, Buffy. All good things and stuff.

Buffy wiggles around a little, and settles in to wait. I know once she realizes how I feel… she'll… I just know she'll realize the same thing. Had all day to think about it, and I finally figured it out. She feels the same way I do, she's just afraid to let me know. She's afraid I'd be wigged out. So, she's acting all cool and distant, cuz she doesn't want to get hurt. Can't blame her, I guess. But, she'll know now that I'm not gonna wig, and that I'm so totally serious about her. It's gonna be sooo sweet. Buffy frowns a little. I hope Robin doesn't get too upset when we tell him about it. I like the guy. He's a sweetheart. But, as they say, alls fair in love and war… Where is she? I mean, how long can it take to get there and back? I've been here for hours!

Buffy yawns, and shifts around a little. Gotta stay awake! Nothing less sexy than a drooling girl in your bed. What is taking so long, anyway? Sooo sleepy. Buffy starts to snuggle down. C'mon, Faith. you're honey's home, and she's gonna show you a good time! What's holding her up? I hope she gets here soon. So, so sleepy! Buffy yawns again. Hmmm… think I'll just close my eyes for a second…

" I still don't get how you knew I was going to come in tonight instead of tomorrow, " Robin Woods, carrying a couple of suitcases, comes up the stairs. Faith, carrying a suitcase and his carryon, is right behind him,

" I told you, Robin. Someone slipped a note under my door, saying you called, and that you caught an early flight. It had your ETA and flight number on it."

" Yeah, I saw that. It was all wrong."

" Well, duh, I know that now. But I just thought then that your flight maybe got delayed, so I hung around for an hour or two, hopin' you'd show. And you did!" Faith grins.

" Well, that's the really weird part. I got the ticket at the last second. I didn't have time to call you. I was going to surprise you."

By this time, they've reached Faith's door. They stand for a second, looking at each other.

" So, ummm… gonna come in, sexy?" Faith smiles up at Robin, giving him her best 'come hither' look. She drops his cases by her door.

" Maybe we should stow these in my room first, Faith." Robin starts to his room, but Faith stops him.

" Aw, c'mon tiger. Live a little." She takes the cases out of his hands, and drops them by the door. " Been too long without some sugar, sugar" She reaches up, and wraps her arms around Robin's neck. She smiles at him, and pulls his head down for a kiss. The kiss is warm and lasts for awhile.

" I really should put those away, " Robin says, a little out of breath. He's really not thinking of the suitcases right now. Or anything except Faith's soft lips.

" Shhh, " Faith puts her finger up to his lips, " don't even. We'll just stow 'em in my room for now." She starts to kiss him again.

The kiss is longer, and grows increasingly passionate. Faith hoists herself up on Robin's hips, and wraps her legs around his waist. She starts to rub herself against him, and he responds encouragingly. She nibbles on his ear, and whispers softly, " take me inside and make me happy, baby". Her hands are already starting to work on his buttons.

Robin, a little heated and flustered from the attention, maneuvers her around, trying to reach the door. But instead, they bump against it, and both chuckle softly.

Buffy, inside the room, hears the bump against the door and the giggles. She's still half asleep, and somewhat disoriented. She's not exactly sure where she is. What the heck? Who's that? She looks around the room. Huh? Her mind slowly comes out of sleep, and she remembers she's in Faith's room. God, at last, she's here!

Robin finally gets the door open, and the light from the hallway spills into the room.

" Wow, Faith. You really went all out!" He says, looking at the room. All the candles, and rose petals on the floor, and everything. Faith blocks his view of the bed, so he doesn't see Buffy laying there.

" Huh?" Faith, looking at him, not seeing behind her, doesn't know what he's talking about. She moves around in his arms, and looks around. "What's going on? I didn't do this!"

Buffy, hearing Robin's voice, seeing Faith hoisted up on his hips, realizes that something has gone terribly wrong. Oh god! Hoping against hope to somehow get out of here unnoticed, she slides herself over off the edge of the bed, but miscalculates and winds up landing hard on her butt.

" Ooofff!" She wheezes out.

It's at that moment that Robin and Faith realize they aren't alone in the room.

" Who… what's going on?" Robin calls out, reaching the light switch and turning on the lights.

They both see one very blond, very embarrassed, very naked girl crawling along the floor.

" Buffy?" Faith says, flabbergasted. She starts to slide off Robin's hips.

" Buffy?" Robin looks at Faith, then at Buffy, and then back at Faith. "Buffy?"

" Oh … crap" Buffy groans, and seeing her plans going to hell, grabs the bedspread. Covering herself best she can, bulls through the couple, fleeing out the door and down the hall to her room.

Robin looks at Faith, puzzled.

" What's Buffy doing in your room, naked?" He cocks his head to the side. " Is something going on between you and …?"

" What? No!" Faith, confused , shrugs . " I don't have a clue why she was here… " her expression hardens, " but I'm sure gonna find out!"

" Faith? Wait!' Robin puts a restraining arm on hers. " Let it go. I don't know , but she looked pretty embarrassed. We can find out what's going on in the morning."

" No way. I've been putting up with her antics since you've been gone. I'm tired of it, and I'm gonna get to the bottom of it, right now" She shakes off Robin's arm, and starts for the door.

" Faith, it's not a big deal. Just let it go, ok?" He tries to calm her down.

But Faith isn't to be placated. She storms out of the room, and down the hall towards Buffy's room. As soon as she reaches the door, she starts pounding on it.

" Open up, Buffy. We gotta talk, now!"

" Go 'way, Faith. just go back to your room," Buffy's voice, muffled, comes through the door." Your spreads out in the hall. Just take it, and go back to your own room!"

" No way, Buffy. I'm tired of this crap. Open the door now, or I'm gonna bust it down!"

"FAITH!"

Faith whirls around to see Willow staring at her from her doorway.

" You! I bet you're in on this. What the hells going on here? Tell Buffy to open the door, or I'm gonna …"

Willow marches out of her room, and right up to Faith.

"What? You're gonna do what? Break it down? That's mature, Faith! Just go back to your room, and leave her alone."

" No. this is the last straw. She's been acting crazy, and making life around here impossible. I wanna know what's going on. Whatever it is , I want her to stop it!"

Willow expression changes. Her lips draw tight, her eyes narrow, and her cheeks flush.

" God, you just don't get it, do you? I thought you were smarter, but you're pretty damned dense, aren't you?" She knocks gently on the door.

"What the hell are you babbling about now, Red?" Faith growls.

Willow turns to her. Her eyes have darkened. " Do I have to draw you a picture, Faith? Think about it. She's in your room, in your bed, naked. There are candles and rose petals every which way. What the hell do you thinks going on?"

Finally, finally the light switches on in Faith's head. She looks at Willow, her mouth open.

" You're shittin' me! Buffy? No… I don't believe it… move, Willow, I've got to talk to her" Faith has taken her tone down a couple of notches.

" Isn't she miserable enough? Isn't she embarrassed enough for you, Faith? Haven't you humiliated her enough?" Willow looks at her, and sighs." Go back to you're room, please."

She turns away and knocks on Buffy's door, calling out to be let in. " It's Willow, Buffy. Let me in."

" No… Willow, I didn't know… I've got to talk to her!" Faith pleads, moving closer.

" There's nothing you can do now, Faith. Except leave."

" Red, I swear, I didn't do anything to…"

" I know, Faith, I know, " Willow says softly, " but you, here, now? Not helping. Please, just go."

Faith turns, and walks down the hall. Her face is reflects the confusion going on inside her. In a million years, she never would've guess Buffy felt like that, about her. It took her totally by surprise, and she didn't have a clue what to think or do about it.

She reaches her door, and looks back, seeing Willow still knocking at Buffy's door, trying to get in. Robin comes to the doorway, putting an arm around her shoulders.

" Are you ok, Faith?" He asks, looking at her.

" Yeah, I guess," Faith says, still looking down the hall. She looks up at him, " I don't know. I really don't know."

She walks into the room, and the door shuts behind her.


To be continued.