Mirror

by Norwalker

Suppose Buffy lost one of those fights? Suppose a Vampire with a wicked sense of humor decided to play a nasty little trick, and change things forever? No specific pairings, though the Chosen Two both play a major role in the story, along with Willow

10. Chapter 10

Mirror

By Norwalker

Part 10

Disclaimer: The characters that appeared on the TV Show " Buffy the Vampire Slayer" that appear in this story are the sole property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Fox. All original characters, and the story itself, are the property of the author. This story is a work of fiction, any resemblance to any person, alive or dead is coincidence. Ok, enough lawyer talk.

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
Mark Twain

1

Willow feels a cold chill run down her spine.

Buffy looks at Ford and the two vamps that carried Willow upstairs.

" You boys can go. Willow and I need some time alone." When they hesitate, she becomes sterner. " GO!"

They leave through the entrance quickly

" Buffy, I don't understand. What's going on? Why was I brought here? Why are you here? Where is here?"

Buffy smiles at her, but her face has a slightly worried look.

" You're shaking, Willow," Buffy hugs her, " Are you scared, honey? Do you think I'd let anything or anyone hurt you?"

" Yeah, I'm scared, Buff. You're friend Ford kidnaps me out of my home, I'm knocked out and wake up when they're dragging me up here… wherever here is … and I find you here, dressed like that" She looks at Buffy's outfit, " Ummm. How'm I supposed to feel?"

" But it's me, Will. Buffy. What do you have to be afraid of?" Buffy pulls her close, cuddling her. "I'm sorry how you were brought here like that, but if I'd asked, would you have come?"

" Gee, I don't know Buffy, but thing is, you didn't ask me!" Willow says. " You freak me out by having me knocked out and brought here, and I'm kind of not getting why. Why didn't you ask?"

" I told you, Will, you might not have come, and I need you here. " Buffy cups her face, turning to hers. " Look at me Will… it's me, Buffy. Look in my eyes, honey. Would I do anything, ever, to harm you?"

Willow notices how large Buffy's eyes seem; how bright they are. She can almost feel them take her in, hold her, comfort her.

"N-N-No, I guess not, Buffy… but…"

" Will, do you trust me?"

She's still looking into Buffy's eyes, and she feels as if a thousand arms cradle her, hold her, make her feel safe and warm and loved.

" Of course I trust you, Buffy, " Willow says, feeling a little lost. " I … I was just a little wigged, is all."

I know, I know, " Buffy says softly. She looks down at Willow's restraints. " We don't really need those, do we? I trust you not to try to run away."

Willow looks down, seeing the wrist and leg restraints. " No" She looks up at Buffy, " I wouldn't run"

Buffy walks over, and retrieves a set of keys from behind the bar. Returning, she kneels and unlocks Willow's leg restraints, then undoes her wrist cuffs. She returns the keys and restraints to a place behind the bar.

" Honey, can I get you something to drink? Maybe to settle your nerves a little?"

" Buffy, I just don't understand why you did this. I mean, couldn't we have talked at your place or mine? And why kidnap me? It's just so confusing".

Willow is staring down at the floor, fascinated by what's happening below. Buffy returns, glass in hand. She hands it to Willow.

" Here you go, sweetie, " She says, sitting next to Willow.

Willow takes the glass, and takes a sip. Liking the flavor, she drinks down a bit.

" I noticed you looking at the club below. What do you think?"

" Don't really know what to think, " Willow says, drinking more of her drink. This is really nice. " What's the deal with the Gallery up top and all?"

" Oh, it's where some members gather to watch the action below. Think of it like the catwalks in the Bronze. A way to watch but get away from the noise and heat and all."

" What's the deal with the people on costume? They look like refugees from those terrible old vampire flicks" Willow giggles, drinking more of her drink. Really good!

Buffy puts her hand on Willow's neck, lightly stroking it with her fingers.

" Oh, they're poseurs. You know, into the vamp thing. Figure they'll hang around a place like this, meet the ' lonely ones' as they refer to them. Kind of a joke, really, " Buffy smiles down. " So , how're you feeling, Will? Better?

Willow thinks about it a second. Yeah. Better. Good. Really good.

" Actually, feeling pretty good, " She smiles brightly.

Willow notices the big screen TV's hanging off the Gallery, playing old vampire movies. She looks at Buffy, head cocked.

" What kind of club did you say this is, again?"

" I didn't actually. It's a vampire club."

" Whoa!" Willow stands up. She looks a little taken aback." Geeze, Buff… Maybe we should go… " She looks down at the floor below, fascinated. " … really?"

" Don't worry, honey, you're safe here. There are strict rules enforced in this club. No eating the humans. Very, very strictly enforced. It's really a sanctuary… where humans and vampires can mix safely."

" Really?" Willow looks at Buffy fascinated. Then doubt clouds her face, " But… how do you know that? I mean, they could be lying…" She looks down.

" I own the club Will. My word goes."

Willow looks at her, wide eyed. " You own it? How? Why?"

" Back as a Vampire, I created the club. Think of it as a kind of game preserve, at least from the vampire's point of view. They can look at all the pretty people, but they know they're protected. For people, it's a way to get to know vampires, and their culture. There's always…" She points at some of the costumed people,"… those who are fascinated by it all."

" Gee… it's kind of weird," Willow frowns. Then she smiles." But cool." She seems fascinated by the action below.

"Did you want another drink, Will? Looks like you're getting dry …"

" Yeah, thanks Buff, " Willow says, a little distractedly. She holds out the glass in Buffy's direction. Buffy takes it, heading back to the bar. " So, you like own it, own it? Even now?"

" Uh-huh, " Buffy says, pouring her a drink. " See, I really feel close to you, Will. I mean, we've been through a lot together. We've shared a lot over the years. I wanted to share this with you." She hands Willow the drink. She squats down next to her. "So, what do you think?"

Willow takes a healthy swallow of her drink.

" I dunno what to think, Buff… I mean… vampires and all…"

" Vampires aren't just killers, Will. They have a culture and traditions … just like humans. " Buffy takes Willow's hand, lacing her fingers through hers. " How're you doing hon? Feeling better now?"

Willow looks up at her and smiles. " Oh yeah, much. I'm glad you brought me!" Willow says, not remembering how she got here. She looks around the room. " Wow, so what's this place?"

" Oh, I guess you could call it my office/ getaway place. That's the reason for the special floor. So I could keep an eye on things without actually being down there. I'd bring guests up here. I called it my playroom."

"Playroom, huh?" Willow gets a wicked smile on her face." So, what kind of playing did you do up here?"

" Oh, we had all sorts of fun up here, " Buffy grins back. She starts to pull Willow with her.

"Wait… wait!" Willow drains her glass, letting out a huge sigh. " That's so good! Remind me to get the recipe from you, Buff." She follows Buffy as she pulls her towards the large platform bed.

When they reach it, Buffy lets go of her hand, and hops on the bed, bouncing down on the mattress. She pats a space beside her. Willow, grinning , leaps on it next to her. She bounces around a little.

" Wow, this is huge, " She says, " You could sleep… Whoa… do you mean you had like…" Willow giggles, " Orgies?"

Buffy laughs heartily, " Sometimes, I guess you'd call it that… we'd get a few on the bed. Usually not that many… mostly just me… the girls… maybe a guest or two…"

" The girls? You had like… a coterie?"

" No, silly. Just some friends, " Buffy looks at Willow, " Would you like to meet them?"

" Really…oh… are they like" Willow makes a vamp face. Buffy laughs.

God, she can be so adorable, sometimes.

" Vampires? Yes… but don't worry, they won't bite." Unless you ask them to, Buffy giggles.

" I dunno…" Willow looks worried.

" Here, wait, I've got something for you, " Buffy gets up, and enters the other room. She comes back with a little box in her hand. " Here."

Willow opens the box. It's a collar, similar to Ford's but thinner. It has the same intricate silverwork as his, set on a black background, but this one has a ring of emeralds set spaced around the color.

" For me?" Willow looks up, smiling," It's so pretty."

" It's also protection. Wear that and anyone here knows you're with me. They won't bother you. They know what'll happen if they do."

" Wow"

By now, Willow is totally relaxed. The drinks have taken effect, and she's feeling very at ease, very warm and safe.

" Here, let me put that on you…"

" Oh, Buffy…gee, I don't know. It looks like it cost a fortune… I couldn't" Willow blushes.

" You don't like it?" Buffy sounds hurt. " I got it especially for you. You're my bestest bud, Will. I wanted … never mind, I'm sorry, I'll take it back… but I kinda wanted you to have it, because the emeralds bring out your eyes. " Buffy shrugs. " Oh, well."

" But, Buffy, it's so pretty… I thought maybe you'd like to give it to Faith…"

" But I got it for you, Will, " Buffy says," and anyway, I already gave Faith something nice…" she trails off.

" Really? What?" Willow asks.

Buffy blushes furiously and smiles shyly.

" Whoa… wait… you and Faith… you guys? Oh Buffy, that's GREAT!" Willow almost throws herself at Buffy hugging her. " That's wonderful honey."

" Oh I gotta agree, Will. It was wonderful… again, and again…and again…" Buffy smiles hugely." You were right, Will. She is totally hot… and the tongue she has on her! Whew!"

They giggle both remembering Faith's talent with her tongue.

Buffy goes into some detail about her and Faith's experience. By the end, Willow is a little squirmy, and has a nice little flush going. Her eyes are bright, and she's smiling. Her look is just a little dreamy.

" Anyway, I think Faith's had plenty of nice things today. I mean, the girl's had two dynamite women in 24 hours, wouldn't you agree?"

" Yeah," Willow giggles. She looks at Buffy. " You think I'm …"

" Oh definitely, Will. You're one cute lil firecracker. Now, let me slip this on you…"

Willow sits up, turning her back to Buffy. She holds up her hair as Buffy . Buffy's lets her fingers caress Willow's neck. She shivers.

" You cold honey?" Buffy asks.

" N-No, Buff…I'm fine, " Willow says, letting her hair drop. She turns around

" Oh yeah… definitely you. I think it looks lovely" Buffy reaches over, and touches Will just above the collar. " It's not too tight, is it?"

" No, not at all, " Willow smiles. Wow! Tingles!

"I was right," Buffy says, reaching out and stroking Willow's cheek, " they really bring out your eyes." Buffy leans closer, looking into Willow's eyes. " You have the prettiest eyes."

Willow feels a little funny with Buffy stroking her cheek and being so close, looking so intently at her. Funny, and tingly.

" T-Thank you, Buff, you have pretty eyes too," Willow says, softly and a little nervously. Her eyes are so…mmmm…

" You ok, Will?" Buffy looks at her worriedly, " I'm not wigging you, am I?"

Not wigging, exactly….

" No, of course not, Buffy, " Willow giggles. " Just…" What? What is it?

Buffy withdraws her hand, and smiles. Willow wonders why she feels she's not exactly happy about that.

" Let me get you another drink, sweetie," Buffy starts to get up, but Willow restrains her.

" No, I'm ok…" She smiles broadly.

" Ok, " Buffy says, sitting back. " I'm kind of jealous, you know…"

" Oh?" Willow's brow furrows. " Oh… Buffy, if this is about Faith and me… that was only …"

" No…no, not that… well, kinda that… but…" Buffy trails off, blushing and looking away.

" Buffy," Willow says softly. God, she's so … cute when she blushes. " What is it, hon?"

" Just…no, I can't say it…it's totally…"

Willow has to smile. Buffy shy is rather charming.

" Buffy, c'mon. We've been buds forever. There's nothing you can't tell me."

Buffy draw a little circle with her fingertip on the mattress.

" It's just so lame…" Buffy says, not looking at Will. " I'm kind of jealous of Faith. I mean, I've had this little crush on you for the longest time…"

Whoa! Crush? ME?

" Buffy…" Willow reaches over, turning Buffy's face towards her. " Really?"

Buffy nods, and looks down.

" Buffy… why didn't you tell me?"

" Because, I thought it'd freak you, and I didn't want to lose my best bud… and then when you went with Tara, you thought I was wigged because of the girl/ girl thing, and I couldn't tell you I was a little jealous… and now Faith's been with you, and …" Buffy shrugs. " It' stupid, I know."

" No, Buffy!" Willow lifts her head, " That's so sweet."

" It's just that… now Faith knows what it's like .. .and … I …" Buffy seems to be moving closer and closer to Willow," just… never had the … experience of getting lost… in you're sweet… " Her lips touch Willow's.

Willow's eyes go wide when Buffy's lips hit hers. She feels some rather major tingles happening. No, no, no … she's with Faith! This isn't right. I've got to stop … oh yum, she tastes so… mmmmm

The kiss continues, and Willow finds her mouth opening, and Buffy's tongue inside it, and she's sucking on it and oh my this is nice but so wrong but so nice oh my. And then she's sucking on Buffy's tongue, and she just goes mmmm.

The kiss breaks, and the two look at each other, a little breathless.

" Wowsome," Buffy says, smiling.

" Definite wowness, with a side of zowie!" Willow whispers, licking her lips unconsciously.

" I'm sorry, Will," Buffy says, blushing a little and pulling away. " I just… well… had to know what I was…"

But Buffy doesn't get to finish because Willow pulls her in for another kiss. I knew there had to be some fire under all that red hair Buffy chuckles to herself as she gives in to the kiss.

The kiss is long and sweet, with a definite sense of fire beneath. Both are panting by the time it breaks.

" Buffy, I'm not sure if this is so right, " Willow says. Her eyes however say, " Please kiss me again."

Instead, Buffy cups Willow's face with her hand. " See, I didn't … I'm sorry. I … you know, this thing with Faith and me? It's serious, not going to lie. But it kind of bothers me it's " Me and Faith" and no room in there for my bud Willow. I mean… Why does it have to be " Buffy and Faith" or " Faith and Willow"? Why can't it …" Buffy shrugs "be like Buffy and Faith and Willow?"

" Buffy! That's just…" But Willow is beginning to feel the effects of the little something extra Buffy put in her drinks. The idea of a ménage a trios never really … well, it wasn't something Willow thought about. But the idea of being with Buffy and Faith, both of whom she had an attraction to, was starting to sound very nice. "… just… really?"

" Really, Will. I mean, Faith is very fond of you, and I'm very fond of you… of course, there is one tiny hitch…"

Willow's brows furrow again. " What?"

" Well… you've been with Faith, and I've been with Faith, and we know that went well in both cases. But you…well, you might not … find me attractive…"

" Geeze, Buffy… in what bizzaro universe would that be?" Willow says. " I just never thought you … well… liked girls, and never found me really…" She trails off.

" Oh, is that so?" Buffy says. She takes Willow's hand, and puts it to her chest, on her breast. Willow can feel the hardened nipple through Buffy's mesh top. " It's not cold in here, Willow, " Buffy whispers, arching her back so her breast pushes into Willow's hand." What do you think caused that?"

" Oh… Buff…" Willow's voice fails her, and suddenly their lying on the bed, kissing and caressing each other. They start to fumble with each other's clothing, bits of it being thrown any old place, a few buttons being torn in the haste… when their done, their laying half naked, still kissing. Buffy pulls Willow close, pushing her breasts against her.

Willow loves the feel of Buffy's soft skin next to her. Never mind Buffy's kisses are lighting her on fire. She begins to caress Buffy's back, and then stops. She pulls away, looking at Buffy.

" What" Buffy says, a little hoarsely, her own engine in high gear.

" Buffy, what happened to your back?" Willow has gotten up, and is leaning over Buffy, looking at her back.

" Oh god, " Buffy groans, trying to roll over. But Willow won't let her. " It's ugly, Will. That's…from when… Spike… please, don't look… it's hideous…" Buffy hides her face in the mattress. " I'm so ashamed" Her voice is muffled.

" Buffy, no… they're so not hideous." Willow gently rubs her hands over Buffy's back. " They're beautiful, like you. They're part of you being a warrior honey… you survived what that… that… did to you. I love them, and I love you."

Willow starts to kiss Buffy's back. Buffy shivers, not out of revulsion.

" Gosh, Will. What're you doing?" Buffy whispers. Her breathing starts to get heavier.

" Showing you how much I'm not freaked by this. How beautiful I think you are… what you mean to me." She continues to kiss Buffy's back. Her hands come around, and cup Buffy's breasts.

This is so wrong. I can't… I won't do this to her!

What's wrong with you, you stupid shit? She's hooked. That little" It's so ugly" act of yours gets them every time.

Not an act. It's ugly. God, she's so sweet… so loving. She loves me, and I'm going to …

You're gonna what? YOU couldn't do shit. I'm going to make her nice little slave. Me, the girls and a generous application of the drug. By the time I'm done with her, she'll be drooling over you and Faith. She won't think of anything else.

No, I'm gonna stop you. I'll tell her, get her out of here! I won't let you hurt her!

Brave, fucking brave coming from you, shit head. But how you gonna do that, exactly? You can't do shit without me, you're NOTHING without me. You're less than nothing without me.

That's not true… I can do it. I will do it!

" Will, stop…stop!" Buffy turns around. " Willow, please , we got to…'

You lousy little bitch! Let's see how you like this!

Memories of torture flood her mind. Cuttings and burnings, Dru bathing her with acid, Spike ramming hot things up her. She starts to cry, the intensity is so strong. She can feel it all again, all of it. She shakes and rolls on the bed.

" Buffy, honey what's wrong?" Willow sits up. She cradles Buffy in her arms. " What is it baby?"

Buffy doesn't seem to hear her. She keeps crying and screaming, all the pain in her mind flowing through her body.

" Buffy, oh god, Buffy" Willow pulls her close, trying to calm her.

Buffy struggles, but then goes limp in her arms. She looks up at Will with large, sad eyes.

" I'm sorry, Will. I'm so sorry. I tried…"

A shiver goes through her , and her eyes seem to change. She pulls away from Willow, and moves to the edge or the bed, sitting up.

" Buffy, what is it?" Willow comes to her, putting her hands on Buffy's shoulders. " What happened."

" Memories. Bad ones, " Buffy says, not looking at Willow. " I kinda freaked. I'm sorry."

" Buffy… it's ok, it's going to be ok…"

" No, you don't get it, " Buffy moves swiftly, grabbing Willow's arm and shoving it behind her back. She gently pushes up, and Willow cries out. " I wanted to make this fun for you, pleasant. But that stupid little bitch…" Buffy's voice is cold and hard. " I just … we'll just have to do this the old fashioned way."

" Buffy…you're hurting me! Stop it!" Willow cries out.

" Shhh, Will. It's going to be all right. Just relax, " She pushes up on Willow's arm. Willow cries out. " Just be good. GIRLS! GET IN HERE NOW!"

The doors to the room open, and Zoë and Linda enter.

" Where's Marie?" Buffy says crossly.

" She's out hunting, Mistress." Zoë says. " oooo… new player!"

" Shut up, Zoë, and get the restraints from behind the bar. Linda? Get my bag out of the other room."

" Buffy! Who are they? What're you doing? Please, don't do this!" Willow sounds scared, struggling to get away.

" Shhh…honey… it's ok. It'll all be better soon. Stop struggling honey. I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to…"

" Buffy, please… don't…"

"Shush, baby. Shhh"

Zoë returns with the restraints, and Willow's feet and arms are bound. From the other room, Linda returns carrying a small black bag. She hands it to Buffy.

Buffy opens the bag ,and removes a small leather case. She opens it, and takes out a hypodermic needle and a small vial of amber liquid. She fills the hypo, tapping it to remove air bubbles.

" Buffy nooo, please don't, " Willow is pale with fear. " I love you, Buffy. Don't do this … "

" Will, honey, " Buffy gets a foil packet , tears it and removes the antiseptic cleaning cloth. She daubs Willow's arm." I promise, this won't hurt you a bit. It'll make you feel wonderful, better than you've ever felt before." She takes the needle and slips it under the skin just above Willow's elbow. Putting it away, she comes around and holds Willow's head against her chest.

" Just relax hon, don't fight it. Soon, you'll feel so good, so free. That's what I want to do, baby. Free you… from all the worries and cares…"

Willow gradually relaxes, going limp in Buffy's arms. Her eyes get a sleepy look to them, and she has a very large smile on her face.

" Hi, Buffy," She says softly. " Who are these girls?"

" Geeze, I'm so rude. Will, meet Zoë and Linda. Girls, this is Will, our brand new love."

The girls climb on the bed, flanking Willow. They look at Buffy.

" Go ahead, girls, you can pet her." Buffy says.

Zoë and Linda begin to caress Willow. Willow, a goofy smile on her face, sighs happily.

" She's sweet. I bet she tastes sweet too."

" Zoë!" Buffy says, growling a little.

" I didn't' mean blood, mistress." Zoë slips a finger between Willow's thighs. Willow squeals, and wiggles.

" She looks like me," Linda says, looking at Buffy, " She looks like me!"

Buffy smiles.

" I love your hair, " Willow says, trying to reach out to touch it. She can't, realizing she's restrained. She just giggles and shrugs.

" I like yours too, honey. It's so cute" Linda leans in, and nibbles on Willow's ear, eliciting a soft sigh.

Buffy gently extracts herself from Willow, lying her down on the bed.

" Zoë, love, why don't you make our special guest feel welcome?" Buffy says. " Linda, come with me, dear."

Zoë crawls up, laying next to Willow. " Hi, I'm Zoë!" She says, pulling Willow close and cuddling her.

" Gee, you look like Dawn, " Willow, a little unfocused, giggles." Dawnie!"

"If you want me to be Dawn, ok, " She smiles, knowing who Dawn is." Can I kiss you now?"

" I'd… like that, " Willow says.

The two of them are soon kissing passionately.

Buffy, standing a few feet away, smiles. " Isn't that just so sweet. I never knew she had a thing for Dawnie. Live and learn." She turns to Linda. " Ok, honey, you're in charge. She's not to be hurt or marked in ANY way, clear? That means, no sampling."

Linda pouts a little.

" Aw, baby… now, wouldn't you rather have a taste of me?" Buffy says, offering her breast to Linda.

Linda smiles, vamps out, and bites on Buffy's breast. Buffy throws her head back, and sighs noisily.

God, I just so, so love that!

She gently pushes Linda away. " Ok, enough greedy guts. Now, " Buffy pauses, still feeling the rush of the bite. " Whew. Ok, I want her trained really nicely, no rough stuff. Clear?"

" Of course Mistress. Anyway, she's so cute. I'd hate to hit her."

" That's my girl," Buffy rubs her neck. Linda shivers appreciatively. " Remember, she gets two more injections, eight hours apart. No more, clear? She'll be too addled otherwise."

" Yes, mistress." Linda looks at the two, who have gotten a lot more heated. " Is she going to be our new toy? Like Ford?"

" No. She's a present. For my love. I want her to be very happy. So don't mess up, or I'll be very unhappy. Clear?"

Linda shudders, and nods. Buffy unhappy can be brutal.

" Good girl," Buffy pulls her close, and kisses her. Linda sighs, happy again." Now , sweets. When Marie gets here, one of you can go hunt. You can spell each other for hunting, but I want two of you with her at all times. That means making love and sleeping with her. Ok?"

" Ok, Mistress."

" After the second injection, you can probably remove the restraints," Buffy looks over, and is very interested in what Zoë and Willow are doing. Very interested. " I want her to be happy, to make her new mistress happy, ok? " Buffy says, a little distracted. God, I wish I'd had more time…

" When she's ready, dress her appropriately. There's a new little costume for her in the other room. "

" Of course, mistress. We'll make her really pretty for …?"

" Faith, honey. That's her name. Faith."

" Yes, of course. Faith. Are you pleased, mistress?"

" Very much so, Linda," She pulls Linda in, giving her a warm kiss. Her hand trails down over Linda, and she squeezes her ass. Linda giggles.

" Now, honey, don't you want to go make our new pet happy?"

" Yes, mistress, " Linda moves away.

" Ahem?" Buffy clears her throat. "Where's my kiss?"

Linda comes to kiss Buffy, but Buffy looks down. Linda smiles and kneels. She pulls Buffy close, and licks her.

Damn! I wish I had more time! Ah well, soon enough, honey. Soon enough!

" Now, go play. Be nice. NO biting!"

Linda smiles, and scampers off to join the other two on the bed.

Buffy watches for a little while, getting some definite down low tingles at the creative way the girls give each other and Willow pleasure. Sighing, she turns to find her top.

Looks like they're having fun. Wish I could play too.

Finding her top, she pulls it on, and walks to the door.

Ah, well. No rest for the wicked!

She giggles as she lets herself out.

2

Buffy strides quickly through the night, congratulating herself on getting Willow squared away.

She's also suffering from a major case of the hornies. Damn ,that was going so good until little Ms. goody-two-shoes showed up. Hmmmm… who would've thought Will had such heat under that shy exterior. No wonder Faith likes her. I could get used to that. She giggles. Make that, I will get used to that!

As she approaches her mom's house, images of Willow, then Faith, then Faith AND Willow play through her mind. She begins to realize the case of hornies are beginning to turn into a case of raging hormones, and her lil peach is getting way too juicy for comfort. She smiles to herself. Well, I'll just have to wake up my goddess and make her make me less …hee- hee… or maybe more wet. Hmmmm… now that should be really … mmmm.

She's just walking up the walk when she sees the glow of the TV through the living room window. Damn, she's still awake? Don't tell me she's watching a Brady Bunch Marathon again. God, mom, we've got to have a talk about mind rot, you know? She stops and sighs. She looks at her old stairway, and heads for the tree.

Pulling herself up, she takes off her boots. One good fall, and I'm explaining what I'm doing out in the tree at this time of night to two rather angry women. Not a good choice. She carefully makes her way to the roof, then as quietly as possible heads towards her room. Looking in, she sees Faith, back to her, apparently asleep. She quietly puts her boots inside the room, then follows them in.

She looks over at Faith, and for a second just watches as she sleeps. God, she's so gorgeous. Just lying there… fuck, I gotta get me some of that, she giggles softly. She starts to strip, quietly dropping the evidence in the closet. Naked, she slips into the bed, and snuggles over to Faith, sliding her arm over her.

Maybe it's lucky she can't see Faith's face right now. The half slitted eyes and angry little frown might startle her.

Faith is quietly furious. She doesn't let on, but she's been awake for the last two hours, waiting for Buffy to return. She'd every intention of laying into Buffy, letting her know she was majorly busted. But now that she was here, and felt so damned good lying next to her, she was quiet. Damn her, where's she been? What's her game? Faith feels hurt, betrayed and more than a little suspicious. But she's also tired, and doesn't feel like fighting at the second. Something stinks here. I'm gotta find out what. Then she sighs. Goddammit, I'm just glad she's back, and safe. Why is she doing this ? Damn. She wants to bust her, find out what's going on. But she doesn't, she just sighs and tries to sleep.

But she's troubled by what happened, and can't get to sleep.

When she woke earlier, she waited for Buffy to come back. God, that girl has a bladder like a peanut. And waited, and waited. Then finally, got tired of waiting, and got up to check on her. She felt that tingle she gets when things aren't right, that slayer tingle. And it bothered her. She threw on a robe, and walked into the hall.

Hearing the TV, she went to investigate. But it was only Joyce downstairs. Not wanting to alarm her Oh, by the way? Buffy's missing! She quietly snuck back towards the room. She veered towards the bathroom. The door was open, and it was dark, but something made her check it anyway. She flipped on the light, and at first, seeing nothing, turned to leave. That's when she saw the mirror, with the outline of lips on it. She felt a small chill in her heart. The last time Faith kissed a mirror, she was still killing people. What the fuck? Again, not wanting Joyce to find it, she rubbed the lipstick mark off the mirror.

Now she was starting to get that wig in her stomach. The one that tells her something's definitely off. She goes back to the bedroom, and seeing Buffy still missing, slipped inside and closed the door.

I shouldn't snoop. I should just let it go. I shouldn't … then she looked at the empty bed. Yeah, right. Flipping on the light, she started going through Buffy's drawers, looking for a clue as to what she might be up to.

Finding nothing in her dresser, nightstand or other drawers, she was about to give up. She didn't think she'd really find anything in her vanity except girly stuff, but she looked anyway. Bingo! She smiled, pulling out a small notebook. She looked at it, turning it over in her hands, trying to come to a decision to look.

Ah fuck it. If she wants to play games, let her But I'm not gonna … whoa! While she was casually flipping the pages, she saw a page with a huge heart bearing the legend " B&F, FOREVER! " Her smile softens a little. How cute. But why did she underline forever so many times? Faith! Stop it. It…. Whoa! Her eyes wandered over the writing on the following pages, and she starts reading, her smile becoming a frown. She sits, and flips through more of the journal, and her face gets a distinctly odd expression on it. She feels the tiniest bit of ice floating in her stomach. Something's way wrong here! Knowing she'll probably get caught, and Buffy'll have a fit, she still takes the book, and quietly goes to her own room, putting it in her nightstand. I've got to show this to Giles.

Faith was entering the hall when she realized she left the drawer open and the light on. Hurrying to the room, she felt a little panic. God, it'd just be just like B to return now. Oh god, I'm so gonna get it! She looks in the room, and still finding it empty, sighs audibly. She went over, and checking to see that it doesn't look disturbed, closed it. She then doused the light, and slipped back into bed.

And waited, wide eyed and feeling a little sick, for Buffy to return.

She is still going over what she read in the dairy when Buffy's hand creeps up to her breast, and tweaks it. Oh, no. Don't think so. Think we'll just not do that right now. Just ignore it, and maybe it'll go away. Faith doesn't react. She just lies still.. And tries to ignore the major twitch that Buffy's hand tweaking her gives to her.

Buffy frowns a little. Boy, heavy sleeper! She snuggles closer, and kisses the back of Faith's neck.

" Buff, that' you?" Faith says in a tired and strangely harsh voice.

" Hmmm… if it's anyone else, who is she, I wanna scratch her eyes out, " Buffy giggles. " Of course it's me. " She kisses Faith again.

" Do you mind? I need to get up in a couple to go running. Can we just sleep, please?"

Buffy immediately feels a little hurt, but she puts it aside. " Aw, honey, do you have to? I mean…" She slides her hand down from Faith's breast, over her tummy and to her mound, "… if you wanna get all sweaty and panting, I can do that for you." Buffy slips a finger between Faith's thighs.

Faith grabs Buffy's hand, and pushes it away from her. She sits up, back still towards Buffy.

" Buffy, please. Running is important to me. It helps me focus and figure things out. So, I need some sleep." Faith stretches and yawns. " Screw it. Not gonna happen here. I'll just go back to my own bed and get some sleep."

Faith gets up, and walks towards the door.

" Faith, wait." Buffy leaps out of bed, meeting her at the door. " Don't go. I… I just…wanted to love you a little." She pouts a little. " Don't you wanna love me?" She smiles seductively, drawing her finger over Faith's naked arm. " I'll be a good girl…or a bad girl "

Faith looks at her, frowning. " This is important to me. I wish you'd respect that. I think I better just go."

" It wasn't all that important when you were with Willow," Buffy says jealously.

Faith just stares at her, doesn't say a word, and leaves.

Buffy stands there for a moment, stunned. Then her face turns red, and she begins to fume.

She looks around, wanting to hurt something. But she doesn't want to raise the household, i.e. mom, doing it. Frustrated, she throws herself on the bed and starts beating the mattress with her fists. Smelling Faith, she pulls herself off the bed, and tears the sheets and covers off.

Screw you! Get off, get out. I don't WANT you here anyway.

She rips the sheets to pieces, and throws the pillows and blankets all over. Then she sits down heavily on the floor, and begins to cry. They're angry tears.

What does she want? WHAT? I'm trying to make everything perfect, everything ready for her, and she does this. She rejects me…

Damn her. Damn Her! DAMN HER!

Miserable, feeling sorry for herself, Buffy crawls into her bed, curls up in a ball, and falls asleep.

3

Faith feels her rapid heartbeat, and the rhythm of her pounding feet, as she runs.

This is her favorite part. The cool air filling her lungs, dampening the fire of her lungs. Her heart beating against her ribs, the sweet burn in her thigh muscles as she pushes herself a little farther, a little harder. It frees her, gives her clarity of mind to figure out things, to put things in perspective. It's her favorite part.

But not today. The angry tears burning her eyes keep getting in the way. Her mind, instead of clearing, is a swamp of confused emotions. And all she can feel is a sick feeling.

What is her game? What is she up to? God, I fall for her, hard. And now… this. God, I'm a total dope. I knew something was off, something was just wrong, and I let my hormones rule my head. I… fuck me! But I can't let on, I can't let her know. I gotta play … fuck, I hate games.

Faith stops, leaning over, gasping for breath. Her gasps become sobs as the pain hits her again. She sits down heavily on the park trail, rocking back and forth, trying to get it together.

God, she made me feel so good… so special. I know I saw it in her eyes. I saw it… I know she loves me. But she sneaks out. Where is she going all these nights. Probably the same place she was going that night in the bedroom. What is she doing? WHO is she doing? God, ok, Faith, there's no call for that… maybe it's not… I just don't know, and it's bugging the hell out of me. And that journal of hers. GOD! I thought I was gonna freak when I read that. Faith pats her back, feeling for the book she slipped there. I gotta show this to Giles. Maybe he can figure it out. I can't.

I just don't know what to do. I want to trust her. I want to believe she's … but my gut isn't liking all this cloak and dagger crap. Faith shakes her head. Now I've gotta play games, too. Pretend I'm clueless, I don't know something's going on. I hate games! I hate being the one left in the dark, and told " Go figure it out". I gotta bust her on this sneaking out. I gotta try to see if she slips. Oh this is sooo good. I gotta play cop with her, and I don't want to do this. Why is she making me do this? God, sometimes I want to strangle her… then kiss her all better. It's not fair, dammit! Why can't I just love her, and not have to have all this crap going on? Sometimes I just want to hate her again. It was so much easier!

Love sucks! It's stupid!

Faith gets up, and lets out a lungful of air. She wipes her eyes on the back of the sleeve of her sweats.

So fucking stupid!

She starts to trot, then run.

And the worst part?

She laughs bitterly as she heads for the park exit.

I want to be stupid! Again, and again, and again!

4

Buffy blinks as the sun stabs at her eyes.

Sighing, she sits up, and looks around.

There is something different about her. Her whole body seems less confident. Her expression is resigned, and softer. Getting up, she starts to pick up the mess she made.

Passing her vanity, she glances in the mirror, and stops cold. The bedclothes she's gathered drop out of her arms.

Sit down.

" I've got to clean this up"

I said, sit down, Mousy Summers!

Buffy sits. She stares at the girl in the mirror.

" You blew it last night. She's gonna be suspicious"

What? Faith? I can play her like a guitar. God, she's probably right now out running, crying her eyes out how her 'love' hurt her. You are so stupid, I can't believe it. Everything's fine.

" I saw how she looked last night. She was pissed. She's gonna put 2 and 2 together. Then she's going to come after you!"

Bullshit. She dumb as a post. I'll figure something to tell her. And she'll eat it up, because she 'loves' me. Oh, and just remember. If she comes after me, dumbass, she comes after you, too. So, don't get any cute ideas.

" I don't care. I'll tell her, everything. And she'll stop you! I don't care if she hates me, as long as she's safe!"

You haven't got the brass, dope. Mousy Summers, super hero? That's rich! No, you won't tell her, because you couldn't stand the look of disgust in her eyes when she knows what you tried to do!

" Me? I didn't…"

You let it happen, didn't you? You didn't stop me, did you? She'll hate you… like she's never hated you before.

" I don't care! As long as she stops you, I don't care!"

" Buffy, honey? You ok in there?" Joyce calls through the door.

" Fine mom, fine… just… cleaning up a little…"

" Ok, honey. Don't take to long, ok? Breakfast soon!"

" Ok, mom!"

"Ok, mom!" God, listen to you! I'm gonna be so glad when I'm rid of you! Won't be damned soon enough!

" What?" Buffy feels a chill.

What? Did you think you were coming along for the ride, Mousy? Once we change … once it happens, you'll be gone, moron. You really are stupid, aren't you? I'll have Faith, and you'll be nothing.

" No, you promised ."

" You promised!" What a dope. I'll be fucking Faith, and you'll be nothing but a bad memory. Hmmm… and speaking of bad memories… The mirror image smiles evilly at her.

Buffy grabs her head as if in pain, and moans. She lowers her head onto the vanity.

Buffy is bound to a post in the old factory where Spike and Drusilla are keeping her.

Drusilla approaches her, making little tsking noises with her tongue.

" My, my, my Spike can be quite the bad dog, can't he?" Drusilla looks at Buffy's cut and bruised face. Both her eyes are blackened and swollen.

" So rough, he is. I think that's why I love him so much, " Drusilla laughs, a mad edge to her laughter. " Now, now… no more hitting… not right now… hmmm… let's see what's inside here, shall we?" Drusilla passes her hand over Buffy's head, then smiles. " Ah, yes… that's just ducky."

Drusilla kneels down to Buffy's level. " Look at me, love. Be in me…"

Buffy, exhausted, looks up. She makes a hawking sound, and spits on Drusilla.

" Oh…OH OH OH!" Drusilla panics, moving away, rubbing her face. " You're a bad little girl, aren't you?" Her voice develops a hard edge. She grabs Buffy by the face, and pulls her towards her. " Now, pet, look at me! Look in my eyes… be in me…"

Buffy tries to look away, but Dru holds her face fast. She squeezes her eyes shut, but Drusilla pinches her. Her eyes open, and she's staring into Drusilla's eyes. Her eyes seem so large… and are getting larger. Buffy feels herself captured in the eyes…drowning, drowning…

" Buffy, Buffy wake up!"

Buffy open her eyes. She can't believe it.

"Angel?" She whispers. " Is it you?"

Angel kisses her forehead tenderly. He gets up, and walks away, back to her.

" It's me. Don't worry, everything's going to be fine now."

" Angel! We've got to get out of here. Spike… Drusilla… they might be back any second."

"What are you talking about?" Angel sounds a little irritated. " Didn't I just tell you everything's going to be fine, Buff?"

Buffy feels a chill in her stomach." Buff? But you never…"

Angel turns around. He's vamped out. " You know, Buff? That's what always pissed me off the most about you. You're goddamned whiney nagging. You always thought you knew best. God, it's so…annoying." He strides over, and slaps her hard. " Now shut up, I've got things to do."

He strides away, hands clasped behind him. Willow enters the room from the rear door.

" Willow…oh my god…watch out…!" Buffy calls out. "RUN! Angel… he's Angelus!"

Willow throws her hands up in mock horror. " Oh, oh! I'm in trouble now!"

Angel chortles, and it's only then that Buffy notices how Willow is dressed… in a black leather Dominatrix costume.

" Noooo…" Buffy cries, almost a whisper.

" Oh yeah, that's what I said too… until Angel gave me the sweetest kiss!" Willow vamps out. She tilts her head, exposing her neck. Angel comes to her, and bites her, feeding off her. " Mmmm… he has the sweetest bite!" She turns, and bites Angel, feeding off him.

Buffy sits, hot tears coursing down her face. She feels all hope fade as the two 'neck' before her. Finally, Willow breaks away, licking at the blood on her fangs.

She walks over to Buffy, and kneels down before her. " There, there Buffy. Don't worry! I haven't forgotten about you." She turns her head, and moves in for the bite.

" Ahem, Willow?" Angel interrupts her. Willow's head whipsaws up.

" What?" She asks, irritated.

Angel reaches down, and picks up a chainsaw. He pulls the handle ,and it roars to life.

" Dinner later, Will. Fun first, then we eat."

Willow stands up, grinning. She backs away as Angel approaches.

" So, Buff. What do you think? Do you look good in red?"

Buffy raises her head, her eyes have a cold, hard cast to them. She smiles.

The image in the mirror is holding her head, crying and shaking.

" I told you, Mousy. I'm driving. So shut up and quit trying to be something you're not. Slayer my ass. They should've called you Buffy the Vampire whiner."

Buffy looks at the pile of bedclothes, and laughing, picks them up and throws them on the bed.

Grabbing a robe, she leaves the bedroom.

5

" Good morning , Sunshine," Joyce says cheerily, putting a plate of food down. " How are…" the words die in her mouth as she sees Buffy.

Oh boy… what's wrong now? She sighs. Happy gods? We're gonna have to have a little talk about this messing around with my daughter!

" Mornin', mom" Buffy mumbles, sitting at the table. She stares at the plate food.

" Ok, honey, what's the matter? What's wrong now?" Joyce is a little surprised. After last night, she though Buffy would be bubbling like a soda pop. I repeat, I think sons? So much easier!

" Nothin's wrong mom, " Buffy says, staring at her plate. " I'm fine"

Uh-huh, and I just got that check from Ed McMahon, too.

But Joyce hasn't lived with the blonde one for 24 odd years without knowing that when she's like this, getting anything but the barest civility out of her will be like pulling teeth. And she doesn't' feel like drilling right now. She turns to go into the kitchen when she almost runs smack into Faith.

" Good morning, Faith," Joyce says.

" Hi, mom, " Faith kisses her cheek, then freezes. She sees Buffy at the table, staring at them. Fuck!

" Oh, what's this?" Buffy stands up, getting red faced. " She gets to call you mom now? Even Will doesn't call you mom. God, well… why don't you just adopt her? Heck, why do I need to be here, anyway? I'll just go, and she can have MY ROOM!" Buffy almost knocks over the chair in her haste to leave.

" Oh, that's good. You screw up, and everyone else is the blame. That it, Buffy? God, you're such a brat. Throwing a tantrum!" Faith turns to go. " I'm so outta here…"

" Good, get out! No one was talking to you, anyway!" Buffy yells at her.

Joyce explodes.

" Buffy Anne Summers! Faith whatever your middle name is Lehane. Sit your butts in those chairs, RIGHT NOW!" Joyce orders them in a don't you mess with mom voice.

Both girls, spanked verbally by the Mominator, meekly make their ways to a chair. They sit there, glaring at each other.

"Well, isn't it nice and chilly in here this morning, " Joyce, her mood ruined, cracks," No wonder my heating bills are so high. Ok, I want some answers. What's going on? Why do you look like you want to tear each other's hair out?"

" NOTHING!" Both yell in unison. They glare knives at each other.

" Oh…" Joyce's voice gets a taste edgy. " Would that be like the 'nothing' that happened for oh, hours upstairs last night?" She looks at the both of them.

Two necks and faces have never become so red so quickly in the history of mankind.

" Here's a tip, girls. If you don't want mom to know what you're doing? Dial it down a couple of notches. I couldn't drown you out with the TV volume up full blast. And I'm really not going to start wearing earplugs in my own house!"

And they got even redder.

"So, two girls whom I expected to be cooing and making little silly noises and being generally foolish are at each other's throats. So I got to ask, WHAT HAPPENED?" Joyce's anger spills out.

Both sit silently, then try to speak at once.

" Well she got all…"

" Where'd she …."

They stop, glaring.

" But she …"

" I'm really mad…"

They stop.

" IT'S ALL HER FAULT!" they say in unison. Both subside, grumbling.

" Well, that was really helpful, " Joyce throws up her hands." That really cleared the air. Are you sure you two aren't 12?" She gives each of them a hard look. Both look down at the table. " Ok, lets try this one at a time. Buffy?"

" Ah, geeze, mom…" Buffy whines. Sharing her love life with her mom is like taking castor oil. It tastes awful, and makes you feel funny.

" Do you want a turn, Buffy? Or should I just ask Faith what happened?" She starts to turn to Faith.

" No…no," Buffy says. " I was just… well, trying to get friendly, and she gets all upset. ' Oh, Buffy, I gotta sleep. I gotta run in the morning. Leave me alone' " Buffy imitates Faith. " God, after …." Buffy blushes and goes quiet, remembering who she's talking to.

" Oh yeah. You disappear for hours, and you try to blame this on me?" Faith stands up. " God, what ARE you? How could you DO that to me?" Faith is livid.

" Buffy… is that true?" Joyce looks at her blond daughter.

" You're damned right it's true!" Faith cuts in. She blushes. " Sorry, didn't mean to swear."

" It's not true… I never…" She looks at her mother's expression." Ok, it's true. But there were reasons… did she even ASK? No, she just gets all bent, and then leaves. Real mature!"

" Who were you out with, Buffy? Who were you meeting? Ford? Did he give you a happy? Is that it?" She leans in at Buffy, getting in her face. " What… needed a little stick after driving automatic?"

SLAP!

" HOW DARE YOU?" She yells.

" ENOUGH!" Joyce yells over them.

They both go silent. Back to knife throwing with their eyes.

" Well, isn't this pretty?" Joyce says, obviously upset. " Well, it's too much for me. All of this is too strange for me. But, you two need to work this out. But not here. I don't want the furniture wrecked…again. So, take it outside. And until you can at the very least treat other civilly, don't be coming back."

" MOM!" Both girls protest.

" I'm not kidding. I'm earning the money around here, I pay the bills. I don't need this in the morning. So, out the both of you, and I don't want to see you back here until you've come to some understanding."

"Mom, I'm sorry. I'm sorry Faith's such a pig headed dope"

" I'm really sorry, Mom. I'm sorry I ever met that blonde little …" Faith trails off.

" Ok, then get your sorry butts out of here!" Neither girl moves. " Now would be good." Still both sit. " NOW! "

Both girls, angry and embarrassed, get up from the table. They almost run into each other making their way to the front door. Each repel off each other, like touching would be poison. They exit through the front door.

Joyce sighs, and sits at the table. She tries her coffee, but it's cold.

" I hate them sometimes, " She sighs, leaning on her hand.

6

" I hate you!"

" I hate you more!"

" I hate you MOST!"

" I Hate you most…plus!" Buffy spits at Faith.

" Oh, god, what are you? Like 7? " Faith starts to walk away.

" Oh, look who's talking. Ms. I'll just get all angry and walk away. That's really how you solve things."

Faith gives her a cold, hard look

"Like you'd tell me jack," She mutters, then louder" I think I better walk away! I'm really ready to hit you!"

" That's right, Faith! Think with your fists. You're so damned good at it! Did you even TRY To find out what happened? No, you just get mad and stalk away. Now you want to hit me." Buffy runs over, and gets in her face." Go ahead, Faith, hit me. I dare you! I DARE YOU!"

Faith just looks at her. Then she spits on her. " Slut".

Faith turns and walks away.

Buffy runs after her, and gets in front of her. She slaps her.

" YOU BITCH! YOU DON'T EVER CALL ME THAT!"

" Just callin' it like I see it, Buffy, " Faith says. She shoves Buffy away and starts walking.

" Don't you run away from me!" Buffy runs ahead of her, and…

SLAP!

Faith grabs her wrist, and holds her. " Don't you ever hit me again? Do you get that?"

SLAP! Buffy hits her with the other hand.

SLAP!

" Ow," Buffy rubs her cheek. " You hit me!"

" Well, you hit me first!" She almost throws Buffy in the street. " Now get out of my way, and leave me alone!"

Buffy wobbles, then gets her feet under her. She runs after Faith.

" You don't walk away from me! Not after last night! NO WAY!" She tackles Faith from behind, knocking her over. Buffy crawls up on her, pinning her.

Faith laughs bitterly. " Right, last night. When you slipped out and decided to do half the town. So tell, me, Buff? Did you go see Ford? Maybe you wanted some dick. Or, maybe some wasn't enough? Find a nice club to pull the train at?" Faith rears up suddenly, throwing Buffy off. " How could you do that? After what we had? God I love you so much, and you treat me like shit!" She sits there, half up, looking at Buffy.

Buffy starts shaking and crying. " I didn't go out and… god, I love you Faith. I… just got so scared…all those feelings…and I thought… I needed to talk to somebody… so I … I went to Willow's…"

" You went to Willow's?" Faith looks at her strangely, " You were scared, and you went to Willow's? Why didn't you talk to me?"

" How could I talk to you?" Buffy asks, pulling herself off the ground. " It was you that was making me scared!"

" WHAT?"

" All those feelings, those things you opened up in me. God, Faith, no one's ever touched me like that before. I opened my heart to you…and then you saw those scars… and I know you had to see the other ones… and I was scared that you'd think I was damaged goods… I was ugly…and I was laying there, in your arms, just sure you were going to leave me…and I panicked. I needed to get out… think. So I slipped out, and went to Willow's."

Faith shakes her head, like she can't believe what she's hearing.

" She's my best friend! I got there, and she was packing. Something about going out of town to her parents for a few days. I just broke down, and told her what I was thinking. And she held me , and told me what an idiot I was being. That you loved me to death, and that I shouldn't be so stupid."

" I knew I liked her for a reason, " Faith says quietly. "That's pretty much what I would've told you… maybe leaving out the stupid parts."

" I didn't know that. And anyway, I had to hear it from her… you might have told me something to not hurt my feelings. I needed someone I wasn't crazy in love with to make me see… don't you see?" She scrutinizes Faith's face, " then, when I felt better, I came back, and slipped into bed, planning on… well, fucking your brains out… and you got angry, and glared at me, and I got to feeling guilty because I knew you'd missed me, but I couldn't tell you where I went cuz you'd think it was stupid, and you left and I got angry and now you hate me!"

Faith doesn't know if she wants to laugh or cry or beat her head against a tree for awhile, anything so she can just try to figure this all out. Instead she goes over to Buffy, and takes her in her arms.

" Buffy, I don't hate you. Hating you was sooo much easier," Faith sighs. " I just… when I woke up, and found you gone, I thought at first you went to pee again, and I just waited…and waited… and waited, and you didn't come back. Then I got scared. Where'd you go? Why didn't you come back to me? Then I got these terrible thoughts, that I couldn't make you happy, that you needed more than me, and that I… wasn't good enough for you. And it really hurt, Buffy, because I loved you so much and let you get so close to me, so close I felt you were part of me. And you disappearing like that was like someone handing me everything I wanted then snatching it back… I've never felt like this before. I don't know what I'm doing here, and you going MIA, really not helping too much. I thought you… didn't want me anymore, and then you came back and acted like nothing happened, I got angry. So angry, because I felt used and betrayed and it hurt… and I didn't want to fight, because if I had said anything I would've been too angry not to fight, so I went away to cool off."

" Faith, baby…" Buffy snuggles closer.

" What really hurt was that I thought I wasn't enough for you. That you needed more than me… that just about killed me, honey. That I couldn't ever make you as happy as you make me."

" Faith, I'm such a dope. I'm sorry… I didn't mean to hurt you, baby. You're my everything, my sweet Goddess. Forgive me?"

" I dunno. I'm going to have to think about it."

Faith sits quietly for half a second.

"Ok, I thought about it. Can we start kissing now?"

Almost before she can get the words out, Buffy is on her, pushing her over on the lawn. Faith is giggling, and then sighing as the kiss continues. Then panicking a little when she fells Buffy tugging at her shirt. Shit, if she finds that book! She bats Buffy's hands away.

" Buffy! What're you doing?"

" What do you think I'm doing?" Buffy smiles at her wickedly.

"We're outside. We can be seen!"

" So, let 'em see! " She starts to pull off her own top.

" Buffy, for god's sake!" Faith pulls down on her top. " Not here!"

" Then, " She leans over Faith, kissing her. " take me home and let me prove how much I need you!"

Faith closes her eyes, as if in pain. " Home. You're mom. Oh, we screwed up!"

Buffy frowns. " She was pretty angry… we really screwed up."

" We should get her something nice, " Faith says, then sighs, " But I'm broke. I don't wanna use her money… that's just not right. And I don't have anything left worth hocking."

" Huh?"

" You're cross. I hocked my last piece of decent jewelry to get it. Didn't want to borrow money from mom… god, I'm sponging enough already…and didn't want to borrow it from Giles… I didn't want to borrow it at all. I wanted it to be from me to you, something I gave you. So, I hocked my necklace, and bought us matching crosses. Thought it'd be …special that way."

Buffy is sitting there, tears streaming down her cheeks. " You did that? For me?" Before Faith can react, she's on her again, has her on the ground, and is kissing her madly. Faith is laughing, and pushing her away.

" God, you're so… sooo…I love you Faith Lehane!" Buffy won't be put off. She kisses her until Faith is almost stunned by her vehemence.

" Buffy, please!" Faith is panting. " So loving this. But we really gotta do something… and I've …gotta go see Giles real quick."

" Giles?" Buffy looks at her. " Why?"

" Some slayer stuff…he told me he needed to see me about some stuff. That was yesterday, when I went in to find you…and we … well, you know. So, I gotta go now…"

" Can't you just blow him off?"

" Buffy, you know how Giles gets if you blow him off. Anyway, not sure if I want to try to explain why I'm blowing him off quite yet. You're mom was pretty cool about it, but not so sure about Giles."

Buffy blushes. " Oh, yeah, " She makes a face thinking about having to tell Giles. Better not to …" Ok, well… don't be too long, Ok? I thought of something we can do for mom. She's been dropping anvils about how she'd love it if someone( me) would clean the house. I thought we could do that, and cook her a nice dinner."

" Sounds nice, but I burn water, Buffy." Faith chuckles.

" Well, I'll cook… and you can mow the yard. She'd love that, too."

" Yeah, and that'd keep us at a nice distance, so we'd actually get something done." Faith winks and grins.

" Oh you" Buffy slaps her shoulder. " So, see you back at the house? Ready to use those slayer muscles for something really important?"

" Yeah, yeah… just don't get to daydreaming, ok?. Cuz, we owe your mom."

" Ok, boss. I'll get started while I'm waiting."

" Ok, so… kiss?"

They kiss. It's hot, wet and has lots of tongue.

" Whew," Faith says, " That was nice."

" Uh-huh… another?"

" Uhhh…no, not if I don't want to explain to Giles why I'm staring out into space while he's talking."

" You poop! Ok, I'll see you at home in few, then?"

" As soon as I can get Giles to stop talking, yeah."

" OK, bye honey" Buffy gooses Faith.

" You… you're bad."

" Mmm… didn't hear YOU complaining too much yesterday."

" Bye, Buffy, " Faith backs away, afraid to expose her butt.

" Bye honey! See ya after work" Buffy waves.

She watches as Faith disappears down the block. Her expression changes from a broad warm smile, to a tight little grin. Almost a sneer.

Told you, Mousy. She's like putty. I have her so wrapped.

From somewhere deep inside, a small moan is heard.

Buffy, whistling a happy little tune, turns and walks towards her house.

Faith, walking the other way, doesn't look nearly so happy.

She bought it. Whoop!

7

Faith heads downtown, but doesn't go to the Magic Box. Not yet.

Instead, she turns in at the arcade. The place is packed, but she manages to make it to the change booth. She slaps a five on the counter, and gets the change.

She doesn't head towards the games, however. She heads towards the back, to the pay phone. She drops a few quarters in, and dials a number. Holding her ear to drown out the noise. She waits, deposits a few coins, and waits again.

"Angel Investigations. We help the hopeless! " A bright voice answers.

" Hey, Fred. This is Faith."

" FAITH! How are you? How're things? Oh, did you hear? I got my paper on compacted string theories published. Of course, it probably won't mean a thing, but it as so cool to see my name in " Physics' Journal Quarterly" that I just about…"

" That's great , babe. Really glad about the strings. Is the tall guy up?"

" Oh…Angel? Yeah, want to talk to him?"

" Please."

" Ok, wait a second."

Faith suffers through a terrible rendition of " Sunset Café" until the phone is picked up.

" This is Angel."

" Angel. This is Faith. We need to talk…"

8

" Amy, I'm not sure I'm happy with you playing around with this spell"

Rupert Giles looks a little upset. Amy smiles, trying to reassure him.

"It's ok, Mr. Giles. I've been careful, done a lot of research on it. It won't go wrong… not like the last time!"

" Yes, last time, " Giles says, dryly, " It took us a few days to clean up after last time."

" I got the incantation wrong. You know how tricky they can be. But I've been very careful this time. And I won't blow it again. And, I promise. I'll get Willow to be with me this time, ok?"

Giles doesn't look happy.

" I won't let her do anything. I know about her problem. I'll just have her watch."

Giles looks relieved when the little bell over the door goes off. He's not liking where this conversation's going. The relief last for a minute until he sees the expression on Faith's face.

" Good morning, Faith, " Giles says, more cheerily than he feels. " How can I help you?"

" Giles, I need to talk to you. It's important."

" Why did I know that?" He sighs. " Did you want to go in back?"

" No, actually, I'm glad Amy's here. Maybe she can help."

" Really?" Amy says brightly, shooting a look at Giles. " I'm glad someone doesn't think I'm a screw up!"

" Amy, I never meant…"

" Guys, can we focus here? I said, important!"

" Very well, Faith, what is it?"

" Something's wrong. With Buffy. She's been acting major weird, and …." Faith lets out a sigh. " She went MIA last night, and now I'm kinda feeling a little freaked."

" Faith, are you sure you're reading something into something that simply isn't there?"

" English, Giles, please?"

" Maybe it's all in your head?" Giles sighs.

" In my head, huh?" Faith reaches back, and slips the notebook out , placing it on the counter. She flips through the pages, and turns it to Giles. " What about that, huh?"

Giles looks at the page, the one with the Big heart on it, and looks at Faith. Amy does the same, giggling a little.

" No, not that!" Faith makes a face. She points at the next page. " Read that!"

Giles, smirking just a little, starts reading the next page. His smirk soon disappears, and he keeps removing his glasses and cleaning them, as if he can't believe what he's reading. He turns the page, then stops.

" This is Buffy's private journal, Faith," Giles says quietly. He really doesn't want to think what he's thinking. " Should we be reading it?"

" Did you read it? Did you get it? I don't care … let her hate me. Something is wrong , and she's up to something. I know it!"

Giles looks grim. " I don't want to, but I have to agree. This…" he waves at the book"… is disturbing." He looks at Faith. " Do you have any idea what she might be planning?"

" Not a clue, Giles. I just got a feeling, we're not going to have to wait too long."

Amy, curious, tries to read over the top of the page. Giles quickly closes the book.

"Amy, anyway that spell you and Red cast… anyway it might've gone blewy?" Faith looks at her.

" No, it … we really researched it thoroughly. We were careful , really careful, to get it right. And she is human, not a vampire."

" Not physically, anyway, " Giles looks at the closed journal, " but possible there was something that didn't get expelled during the ritual." He rubs the bridge of his nose, as if it hurts. " What if… we did expel the vampire… and it left her without a soul?"

" No… look, I mean… it's not like she's twirling a moustache, waiting for the train to run over Nell or something. There's something there… I can feel it… something good…it's just there's something not good, too."

" What if it didn't work all the way?" Amy puts in, serious now. " What if her soul was… I don't know, broken? Damaged? So she's not exactly a vampire, but not exactly human, either?" She looks at the two of them. " Kinda like there're two of them in there?"

" Oh great, swell, " Faith fumes. " We cured her, and made her nuts! We made her Sybil !"

" No, that's not it, " Amy says, waving her hands, " I'm explaining this badly. It's like, part of her soul stayed, and the rest was ripped from her. So she alternates between soulless and having a soul. I don't know… I guess it would depend on … well, what's happening, what she's doing… would effect who's running the show, so to speak."

" I believe I know what you're saying," Giles puts in, " because her soul isn't complete, she can't be one or the other, so they both are there, fighting for control."

" Yeah, that's it…" Amy beams, " two in one."

" Uhhh, fine. But how do we fix it? You know, unless you want The Buffy Twins to hang around." Faith's tone is sarcastic. She sighs," I don't think we can wait too long. I don't think Good Buffy is winning. I think Evil Buffy is in charge… and I'm not thinking she wants to throw roses and puppies at us."

" I think the ritual of restoration is our best shot," Giles doesn't look pleased. " I'm just not sure it'll work properly. It was written for Angel…"

" Maybe Willow and I can work on it. See if we can alter it any way to make it fit Buffy better."

" That'll have to wait, " Faith says, " Willow's out of town."

" Oh? She didn't tell me that, " Amy says.

" Yeah, Buffy said she was going to be gone a couple of days. Going to visit the parentals."

" That's weird, " Amy muses.

"What's weird?" Faith says, suddenly getting a cold feeling. " We don't need more weird, Amy."

" Just that we were supposed to meet today…"

" Damn," Faith looks upset. " Damn."

The others look at her.

" I think theory time is over. I think she's already made her first move. Dammit. But I don't know what … ok, I think we're going to have to be ready to go at any time. I think she's made her first move, now we just have to wait for the second. Shit… "

" Faith, you're not making sense. What're you talking about?"

" I think Willow is somehow involved with her plan, " Faith says, " not a party to it, just involved. But I don't know where…" Faith curses herself. " Ok, she's made her first move, and the only thing we've got going for us she doesn't know we know it… or that there's an it. So, we have to wait for her second move, and be ready." Faith starts pacing. " I should've known she wouldn't bail last night unless it was important… "

" I don't understand…" Giles begins.

But Amy does. She gets it.

" Never mind, Giles. Faith is right, " She goes over to Faith." Are you ok?"

" Truth? Not really. "

" What about Angel? Should we …."

" Already did, Giles. Taken care of."

" How're we going to know what the second move is, Faith?" Giles is still puzzled.

" Don't you see it Giles? In the journal?"

" I'm sorry?"

" I'm the second move, " Faith says, frowning.

9

Joyce Summers is immediately suspicious. She goes up and looks at the house number.

Yup, right house.

But she can't believe her eyes. The lawn is mowed and trimmed. The flower gardens are weeded, the porch and sidewalk have been swept. And … even the gutters have been cleaned. Ok, what happened? Did the good Fairy have the day off or something?

She walks up the steps, noting the windows look very , very clean. She opens the front door.

The first thing that hits her is the scent of furniture polish. Then she notices the carpet has been vacuumed, the furniture dusted and polished, everything has been straightened up and put away. Ok, now I know I'm in the wrong house.

"SURPRISE! "

Two rather exhausted looking young women greet her with somewhat tired kisses. She looks in the dining room, and sees the table covered by a cloth, candles on the table, and a full meal laid out. She walks over, and recognizes roast chicken, potatoes, baby carrots, peas, and a chocolate pie. All her particular favorites.

" Ok, what did you two do? And, how much is it going to cost me?"

" No, promise, we didn't do anything else, " Faith swears.

"We're just sorry about this morning, mom. We really screwed up. So we cleaned the house and yard, and made dinner."

" Don't worry, Joyce. She cooked. You're safe," Faith adds in.

Joyce looks at the meal, and around at how everything looks great, and she smiles.

And sometimes, I just love them to death!

" Well, let's eat. I'm starved!" Joyce says, sitting at the table

Laughing, Buffy and Faith join her.

10

" Oh, now… don't get that way!" Buffy says, looking at herself in the mirror.

The two of them are in Buffy's bedroom, the night after the " Great Clean-Up Affair". Faith is sitting on the bed, watching Buffy get dressed up for a date. She is not exactly a happy camper.

" What way?" She grumbles.

" That way, " Buffy comes over, and catching her chin, raises her face. " All pouty face. God, you're just sooo adorable."

" Uh huh. I'm just peaches and champagne. That's why you're going out on a date… with Ford!"

"C'mon, honey. We talked about it, and you agreed. I can't just dump on the guy. I mean, he's got the lost puppy eyes. It's bad, and I've got to let him down easy."

" Right, so you're getting all dolled up for him, to just ' let him down easy'. " Faith makes a face.

" Oh, oh, " Buffy smiles a tiny smile. " Somebody's getting jealous. Gee, honey, you have such lovely green eyes. I thought Will only had green eyes, " Buffy giggles.

" It's not funny, " Faith frowns.

" Oooo, look at that face. And that lip… I just adore that lip. It's so cute, " Buffy moves in, sucking on Faith's pouty lower lip. " Mmmmm, Yummy!"

" Not fair, " Faith says, as she finds herself falling back on the bed. Buffy climbs on her, covering her face with soft sweet kisses.

" What's not fair?" Buffy says between kisses.

" That you've got me so wrapped, " Faith protests, then chuckles because Buffy's lips are tickling her.

" Oh I think it's fair, " Buffy says, nibbling on Faith's earlobe, which elicits a soft sigh. " I think it's totally fair. Considering you've got me wrapped, too!" Buffy covers Faith's lips with hers, in a warm kiss. " mmmmm"

" I still don't like it, " Faith says, when her mouth is free again. Not liking it a whole lot.

" Honey, Ford is an old friend. I'm not going to just tell him to fuck off, just because you're jealous. Now, I'm trusting that you really love me, even though I'm…." she pauses,"… ok, I won't say it… but now you've got to trust me. This is a break up date, nothing more!"

" Better not be," Faith growls.

" Ok, honey? A little jealousy is cute. This is getting to unattractive, very"

" I'm sorry, " Faith says, " I'm just seeing you get all pretty, and all I wanna do is ravish you!"

Buffy giggles, and sits in Faith's lap. " Well, honey, I'm going out with Ford for dinner… but I'm coming home for dessert. Hmmm… just thinking of all sorts of sweet treats to eat." She leans in and licks Faith's neck. Faith shivers.

" Now, I'll be home early. REALLY early! So I want to see that frowny face gone when I get back, " Buffy says, " And maybe, the clothes, too!"

" You better be early. I'm craving sweets. Ever tell you I have a wicked sweet tooth?"

Buffy laughs. " You and Will both." She hops off Faith's lap, and goes to the mirror to fix her lipstick. " You know honey, speaking of Will…"

" Were we? I thought we were speaking of dessert, " Faith follows her, encircling her in her arms.

" I'm serious here. I'm thinking… we need to include her in things."

" Well, sure honey. She's our friend. Of course we should include her in things. I mean, she could use to get out sometimes…"

" Sure, sure. But we should bring her in sometimes too. To more intimate things…"

" Buffy! What're you saying?"

" I'm saying, that we're happy, and should share that with Will."

" And share how?"

Buffy rubs her butt against Faith's groin. " How do you think?"

" I'm thinking, this is another one of your crazy schemes, Lucy" Faith teases her. " What next? Bring in Ford, too?"

" Of course not! That would be…well…." Buffy gets a silly expression on her face," … No, that's just not right. But Willow's different."

" How would that be, exactly?"

" Willow needs us!" Buffy says. She turns in Faith's arms. " Look, she's got this quixotic notion…"

" Who?"

" Quixotic. You know? Don Quixote? No…ok, she's got this thing that she feels she has to stick with Tara, no matter what. Even though we know that Tara's not home anymore…and Willow would too, if she would be honest about it. But no matter, while she's doing it, she's all alone. She doesn't have anyone. And until the other day, I never thought I'd see her even remotely happy again. God, Faith, she was nearly glowing. I love seeing her like that. And I don't think it's right that we're all lovey-dovey happy and she's all by herself. I think we need to find ways to make her happy, too."

" I'm all for a happier Willow, believe me," Faith looks a little nonplussed." Just… look, Buffy, what we got? It's new… getting used to each other? Going to be hard enough. Adding another in that mix? I think It'll just going to make things… weird," Faith sees Buffy's not getting it. " Feelings could be hurt."

Buffy cocks her head. " Gee, aren't WE full of ourselves? Thinking Willow's going to go gaga over you?"

" Not Willow and me I'm worried about Buffy, " Faith says quietly, " It's you and Willow. You guys have a big history. You've shared a lot. You have parts of her heart I nor anyone else could ever touch, and visa versa. This could blow up in your face, in a way you haven't thought of." Faith's expression gets grim. " Not sure I could handle that."

Buffy gets serious. She cups Faith's face in her hands. " Look at me honey," She says, but Faith looks away with her eyes. " Please, look at me." Faith finally does. " No one, no one, could ever replace you in my heart, baby. It can't happen. Sure, Willow may have pieces of my heart. Lots of people do. Even Ford does. But that doesn't mean you have any less. You have my heart honey, with all the attendant baggage. It's yours, and yours as long as you want it."

Faith doesn't answer; she just pulls Buffy into a hug.

" I'm not asking for an answer right now, but think about it. Please, just think about it. Willow's too sweet a person to just drift away, and that's what I'm afraid will happen. It's only to get her over a really bad time hon, really."

" I won't say no, Buff, " Faith says quietly, " but I'm not really feeling I want to agree, either. I'll think about it."

" That's all I ask, lover, " Buffy leans in, kissing her. " and if you decide to agree, then we'll sound her out. I will, cuz knowing you, you'll just charge in there and say, ' Wanna sleep with Buffy and me?' " Buffy teases her.

Faith smiles briefly. " Ok Buffy. "

Buffy gives her a sidelong look. " What? What's wrong?"

" Nothing baby, honest, " Faith smiles broadly." Just go what you gotta do with Ford, then come back home. I'm missing you already."

" I'll be home as soon as I can, promise, " Buffy says. She leans in and kisses Faith.

" Ok, honey," Faith sits quietly on the bed, looking at her.

" Aren't you coming down to say hi?"

" No, I don't think so, Buff."

" Faith, are you sure everything's alright?"

" OF course it is," Faith grins, " Just don't forget you're way home."

Ok honey, " Buffy chuckles, " Bye."

" Bye, Buffy."

Buffy goes out the door.

Faith walks over to the bed, and sits. She then lays back on her bed, smelling Buffy's scent. She sighs.

" Ah, Buffy, Buffy, Buffy."

11

Faith is downstairs watching TV with Joyce when the knock came.

At first, neither heard it. They were engrossed in some reality program, and the sound was a bit loud. Then the knocking became poundings on the door.

" Well, that's rather rude, " Joyce says, starting to get up.

" I'll get it mom. You stay." Faith is out of her chair, walking towards the door.

The pounding becomes louder, more insistent as she approaches the door.

" Hold on, I'm coming," Faith calls out. She opens the door.

Standing in the doorway is Ford. He looks like he's been in a fight. His shirt and jacket are torn, and his face has blood on it from a cut on his scalp. His lip is also cut and bleeding.

" My god, Ford. What happened?" Faith says, pulling him in. "Where's Buffy?"

Joyce is up, walking swiftly to the front entryway.

Ford almost collapses on the floor. He's breathing hard, and his eyes seem a little unfocused. Faith helps him to a chair in the dining room.

Joyce gets a pale, stunned look to her face. She holds it together by going to the kitchen to get water for Ford.

" It's… Buffy… god, they've… got her…holding her…. " Ford gets out through gasps. " Gotta … help … her…"

" Ford, tell me, what happened?" Faith insists.

Joyce brings Ford the water, which he drinks greedily. He looks up.

" It was… at the restaurant. We were just coming out … when these large guys attacked us. I tried… I tried to fight them off, but they were too strong for me. Buffy fought too, but they…knocked her out… God, I think they were vampires. There was something wrong with their faces."

" Buffy? Is she alright? Where is she, Ford?" Joyce asks, in full panic.

" I … I don't know. Somehow I managed to get away… I don't know how. But they took her is some building downtown… god, I don't know… they've got her… oh, god if they hurt her I don't know what I'll…" he starts to cry.

"It's ok Ford, we'll get her back, " Faith says, calmly to keep him and Joyce from freaking. " do you know where you were? Can you take me there?"

" Don't know. Think so… not too far from the restaurant. I ran away from them, trying to get away… I got my car… I managed to …get away… oh god. I ran… I left her there… with them…" He starts to shake.

" Ford, Ford, stop it!" She slaps him. He manages to pull himself together. " I need you here, focused. I need you to take me there…"

" Ok, ok, " he mumbles.

Faith is up, going towards the closet. " Mom, can you put a bandage on that cut of his? I need him to drive."

" Ok," Joyce looks shell shocked.

"Mom … mom, " Faith comes back, taking Joyce by her arms. " I need you with me now. Get a bandage for Ford, please."

" Oh, god, Faith. They've got her… my little girl.. oh God!"

" I'll get her back, I promise, Mom," Faith says. Or I won't come back either.

" Please, please get her back," Joyce acts as if she hadn't heard.

" I will, mom, I promise. Now please, go take care of Ford. I need him to show me where they were."

" Ok." Joyce runs to get the med kit from the kitchen.

Faith runs upstairs to her room. She grabs her leather jacket out of the closet, and puts it on. She goes to a lower drawer in her dresser, and opens it. Out of it she pulls extra stakes, some holy water, and a large knife in a sheath. She straps the sheath to her leg, and pockets the stakes and holy water, slipping one stake up each sleeve.

She stops for a second, trying to clear her mind. So, this is it. I knew something was up as soon as I got up for the door. Ok, Buffy, game time. You and me now. And believe me, Buffy. You're coming home, B. We'll fix this. I promise you that.

Faith goes downstairs, taking two steps at a time.

Ford is patched up, but he still looks pale, and his expression is tight.

" Are you ok? Can you drive?" Faith asks, quietly.

" Yes, I can do it," Ford says, nodding. He stands a little unsteadily.

" Let's do it."

Helping him out, they make their way to Ford's car. Ford opens his door, and slides in. Faith hops in the front seat, and in a few seconds, the car pulls away form the curb.

A few seconds later, a large car, parked up the street a few houses, starts up, makes a U-turn, and follows them.

"Where is it? Do you even remember?" Faith says impatiently, as Ford circles around, trying to remember where they were dragged to.

" It's here, I know it is… dammit, it was so fast… wait…that hydrant! Over there. I remember it. I nearly tripped over it, trying to get away!" Ford pulls over to the curb, by the hydrant.

Smooth, guy. I almost bought that!

" Where'd they take her?" Faith asks, looking around.

" Down there, down the alley." Ford points to the closest alley.

" You sure?"

" Yes, that's it… I remember now."

" Ok, " Faith turns to him. " You stay here. Don't get out, and don't do anything stupid."

" Faith?"

" What?" Faith asks, starting to get out.

" I'm sorry." He plunges the ring he has on her hand. A needle pops out, piercing the skin.

Faith feels a sharp pain, and looks at him.

" Ford… what the hell?" She goes to hit him.

But suddenly there's another Ford in the car, then another and another… her vision gets blurry, and dark around the edges.

" Oh… fu…" She says, just before she passes out.

Ford quickly retrieves the masking tape from the back of the car. He binds her hands, feet and gags her. Getting out of the car, he goes around and opens her door. Lifting her, he throws her on his shoulder. He turns, and starts down the alley.

In a large car parked half a block back, three sets of eyes witness the events. The doors fly open, and three figures emerge. They quickly stride down the street. After looking around, they follow Ford down the alleyway.

To be continued.