Mirror
By Norwalker
Part 17
Disclaimer: Joss, Mutant Enemy, Inc. and Fox own the characters that appeared on the TV Shows " Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel". Ok, we knew that. Original characters and the story belong to the author's. Who else would want them, huh? And this is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to anyone living, dead or living in Poughkeepsie, is a coincidence. Really. Just a coincidence. I swear.
1
Faith surveyed the area with a small frown. She'd been here before, way too many times. She always got the same feeling in her gut.
Figures. Full of vamps, monsters, losers and rejects. Welcome to clubbing on the Hellmouth. God how I missed it… Not!
She walked into the club, and was hit by the odor of too many bodies combined with too much perfume, and the particular stinky odor of desperation. Doesn't change, no matter where you go. People hanging around, all trying to be cool while hoping Joe or Jane Normal will notice them. Lookin' for somethin they don't even know they want. A little touch, a little caring, someone to see them and not think they losers. They're losers, but for a moment, they so want to be somethin' else. At least to someone, they want to be somebody. Have somebody to give a fuck about 'em. Yeah, that's gonna happen.
Faith weaves her way through the overcrowded dance floor, and makes it to the bar. Yeah, and this is three deep with more of the cattle, tryin' to blast their minds away hoping that'll make 'em forget how lonely they are.
You're a good one to talk, Faithy. Whatcha doin' here, if not tryin' to forget how … aw, fuck the self pity crap.
" Hey, you… the one with the crappy shirt… can I get a beer here?" Faith calls out.
The bartender turns to Faith, and half grins. " Oh, swell, my nights complete. Leather girl's here to insult me… again."
" Yeah, well, if you let your mommy dress you, expect the worst, pal." She smirks, " So, where's my beer?"
" Exactly how many cows you have to kill to get that outfit, again?" The bartender takes a mug and starts to draw down a draft.
" Aw, baby, don't ya like?" Faith does a little shrug, " We can't all wear polyester so good as you do."
The bartender puts the beer on the bar, " Hey, not polyester. Cotton. 100 percent"
" Ya huh. That's cotton spelled " R-A-Y-O-N" huh?" Faith grins, putting a bill on the bar.
" Yeah, well, at least I don't wear the barnyard on me. God, doesn't that like ever get hot?" The bartender hands her some change.
" Mmmm, you'd love that, wouldn't ya, baby? Me all hot and sweaty ?" Faith arches a brow. " Not gonna happen, with you anyway. But you'd love it."
" Oh yeah, that'd make my night. Stinky animal skins adding to the already crappy air in this place. I'm getting hot thinking about it, " The bartender waves her off. " No, wait. I'm not, actually."
" Aw, what's wrong, sugar? Don't you like girls?" Faith pouts her lip. " Gee, I thought we had somethin' special here."
"We do, babe," He leans over, " You payin' me. I know I treasure it."
" What can I say?" Faith winks at him," I'm a sucker for a pretty face. Pimples and all."
" Gotta go. Some of us work for a living. On our feet, anyway." He moves down the bar, chuckling.
Faith grins, and leans back against the bar. She looks around for a table, and spots an empty one. Well, gotta be my lucky night. She slips through the crowd, carefully carrying her mug so not to spill. She finally makes it, and is just sitting down when another girl slips into the seat next to hers.
" Excuse me, baby, but this table's taken, " Faith says, looking a little annoyed.
The girl doesn't move, except to look over her shoulder. She looks back at Faith and smiles, then looks over her shoulder again.
" Princess? You deaf? I said, this table's occupado. Maybe you should move on now?" Faith puts a little growl in her voice.
The girl turns back, and smiles, a little embarrassedly, " Hey, I'm really sorry. But I kinda saw you sit down, and hopin' you could do me a favor, you know, woman to woman? I got this creep that's been following me all night, and I can't shake him. Hoping maybe if he sees I'm with a 'friend' he'll back off."
" Uh-huh… and I should do this… why?" Faith asks," Why don't you just tell him to back off?"
" I did. He didn't" She says, looking a little desperate. She looks over her shoulder again.
" Well, you could leave."
" Why should I have to leave because of some jerk-o? All I want to do is have a little fun, dance a little. Didn't plan on some asshole getting puppy dog on me, " She looks at Faith, " C'mon, just til he gets the idea I'm not interested. Then I'll get gone. Ok?"
" What makes you think the jerk's not gonna come over here and give me a hard time?"
" Oh, please. He'll take one look at you and turn tail. You look kinda…"
" Butch, " Faith says flatly.
" Was gonna say dangerous…" She shrugs.
" So, you're choosing dangerous over annoying? Did you really think about this real close like?"
" Well, I said looked dangerous. Didn't think you were dangerous, " She looks a little nervous. " Are you?"
" Heck no, I'm a regular fluffy kitten, " Faith sneers. " Maybe annoying isn't lookin' so bad now?"
Annoying shows at the table. He looks a little perturbed. " Hey, Jen. Why'd you take off? I thought we were having a good time. " He looks at Faith. " Who's this?"
" Uh…uh…uh…" Jen stutters, a little out to sea.
" Honey, again?" Faith sounds hurt and annoyed. " God, I can't take you anywhere you don't go messing around on me."
" huh?" The guy looks confused.
" Girlfriends? Can you believe them? I take her out, buy her dinner, take her dancing, and she's always going around makin' time with the guys. " Faith reaches over and cups Jen's head with her hand. " Gee, baby, I thought you liked the new toy I bought for ya. Aren't I enough, baby?"
" Bu…bu…but…" Jen stutters.
" You… you're like… a lesbo?" The guy looks a little shocked. Then amused. Then interested. " I don't suppose…"
" Sorry, baby. Strictly drive auto. No stick shiftin' here, " Faith says. " Anyway, this bitch has a lot to answer for. Don't ya, Jen honey?" Faith growls at Jen." C'mon, bitch, I'm tired of you fuckin' around on me. What you got to say to me?"
" I'm… I'm sorry?" Jen looks confused and a little scared.
" Not good enough, girl" Faith reaches down to her leg , and pulls out a wicked looking knife. " Not near good enough". She lays it on the table , her hand on the hilt.
The guy's eyes go wide. He starts to back off. Jen looks at the knife, and she goes white.
" M-Maybe I should leave you two alone," He says, voice quavering. " I … can see you got a lot to talk about."
" Yeah, maybe, " Faith nods. " Maybe go back to your buddies, and try hittin' on someone else's girlfriend, 'K?" She stares at him.
" Yeah…good idea. Bye" He takes off without looking back.
Jen is still staring at the knife.
" Would ya look at him go, " Faith starts to laugh. " Haven't had that much fun…shit, can't remember when."
" Uh… thanks…" Jen can't take her eyes off the knife." Really… but maybe I should go now…" She starts to get up.
" What? You scared? Oh…is it this?" Faith picks up the knife, twirling it. " It's just a prop, Jen. Did you see his face when I pulled it out?"
" Looks kinda real, " Jen says, watching the knife carefully.
"Well, duh, it is. What good's a fake knife, huh?" She sees Jen's expression." Shit girl, I wasn't gonna use it. Just pulled it to scare him. Worked too." She puts the knife back in its sheath. " Didn't you say you had to go?"
" Ok…well, thanks again, " Jen says, getting up. " I owe you."
" Whatever, " Faith waves it off. " Kinda fun."
Jen hesitates. " Ummm…well, thanks." She turns and starts away. Then stops. " Hey, can I like, buy you a beer or something? I mean… you did get that creep off my back."
" Gotta beer, thanks," Faith says, lifting the beer and taking a swallow. She makes a face. " Ummm… well, now that you mention it… kinda warm." She smiles at Jen, " Ok, sold. You can buy me a beer."
Jen smiles back at her. " What kind? What do you like?"
" Whatever's on tap," Faith says.
" Ok, great," Jen says. She stands for a moment, looking at Faith.
" Did I grow a third eye or somethin'?"
" No, sorry…" Jen smiles nervously." Beer, right." She turns and walks towards the bar.
Faith watches her go, shaking her head and chuckling. Space cadet. Man, why do I attract the nut jobs?
Jen returns after a few, carrying two beers. She sets one down for Faith, and starts to sit down herself.
" Ummm… whatcha doin'?" Faith asks, staring at Jen.
" Sitting down? I thought…"
" Thought wrong, sis. I got rid of Bozo for ya, Now, scoot. "
"… you might want some company?"
" No. Not really. Bye." Faith takes a sip of her beer. " Thanks again for the beer." She turns away from Jen, looking at the dance floor.
Jen stands there, looking a little puzzled and somewhat put out. She's not used to being ignored. Or dismissed, for that matter.
Jen is petite, with strawberry blonde hair, dark blue eyes, and a perky little nose. She has a nice figure, and dresses to advantage, tonight in light blue dress and sandals. Usually, she's rather the center of attention.
Now she's being ignored, and she's not all that happy about it.
" Excuse me, " She says.
" You still here? " Faith looks at her. " What's the deal? Thought you wanted to have fun. Lots o' guys probably drool all over you , if you go away and find them. So, go away." Faith turns away.
" Why're you being so hostile? All I wanted…"
" Really not looking to know what you want, princess. Really just looking to enjoy my beer. So, go, 'K?"
"No. Not until you tell me why you're being so rude."
" Rude?" Faith looks surprised, " What, because I'm not what, fawning over you, girlfriend? Well, here's the deal. This is my night off. Came in to have a beer , maybe dance a little later. Not lookin' for anything more. Really not looking to waste my time stroking your ego, listening to your sorority stories, 'k? So, be nice, and go find some hormonal boy that'll follow you around tell you you're special. Bye -bye."
" All I want to do is be friendly. Why're you being so…"
" What? Bitchy? " Faith smirks. " Look, I didn't invite you here. Don't wanna play with you, princess. I don't get chosen, I choose. Not looking to choose you, for any reason. So, go away. Before I start getting pissed." She reaches for her beer, takes a drink, makes a face. " ok, now I'm pissed, that's the second beer you've fucked up for me. Tell you what. You take the table, I'll go." Faith gets up. Jen steps in her way. " Wouldn't do that." she doesn't move. " Move." She still doesn't move. Faith lifts her, puts her out of the way. " Bye now." Faith walks away.
She gets about 5 feet when something hits her in the back. Hard. She turns around, and sees a beer mug, now shattered, on the floor. And a very scared looking Jen, looking at her.
" Well, ok, princess. Now you got me pissed. Really pissed" Faith growls at her. She starts back towards her.
" Wait… I was just trying to get your attention…" She backs away.
" Oh, you got it, all right," Faith says, grapping her and slinging her over her shoulder. " I think you need to be put out… like a dog."
Faith starts going through the crowd, Jen over her shoulder.
" No…please…don't… stop her, someone… she's going to…"
" Shit, not gonna do nothin but throw you outta here. Think I got that comin', seeing how you tried to clobber me…"
A couple of guys step in the way, to stop her. Faith just glares at them.
" Put the girl down," the taller of the two says." She doesn't want to go with you."
" Oh? Really? And who's gonna stop me?" She gives him a disparaging look." You?" She laughs.
He takes a swing, but she blocks it. Her foot comes up, kicking him where it hurts most. He grabs himself, and goes down on his knees. Her toe connects with his face, finishing him off.
His friend comes at her, and she twirls around, using Jen's legs like a stick, knocking him back. She sets Jen on the bar.
" Stay, or it's gonna be a whole lot worse for you."
" OK," Jen says, in a frightened little girl voice.
Faith turns around just in time to block a punch. But another Galahad gets into the fight, and his punch lands square on her cheek. Her head snaps sideways, and she reels back. She shakes it off, and touches her mouth. A little blood comes off on her fingers where he cut her lip.
" Nice one, dude. First blood. Let's see how you like this," She kicks him in the stomach, then brings her fists together on his head when he bends over,
Someone jumps on her back, and she flips him over and off, into the crowd that's gathered to watch.
That does it. The brawl takes on a new dimension as everyone starts to join in. Some don't even know what the hell the fight's about; they just want to fight.
Pretty soon the whole club's involved. Chairs are flying this way and that. Faith is moving around, punching here, kicking there, and fighting a couple of guys at a time. She's having a blast.
Everybody's having a blast, matter of fact, until the sound of a double barreled shot gun going off brings things to a speedy halt.
Jen is cowering on the bar, as the bartender brings the gun down and aims it straight at Faith.
" You, leather girl. Get your ass over here, now." The bartender shouts. He pumps the gun.
Faith raises her hands slowly, and walks towards the bar. " Honest, Pizza face, he started it" She points somewhere into the crowd. " Well, one of them did."
The bartender points the gun at Faith's chest. " Yeah, well I'm ending it. God, shoulda known you'd be trouble, dyke, when you came in. Get your ass outta here, less you want a double load in it." He nods towards Jen. " And take your trash out with you."
Jen turns to the bartender, pleading." Please, please don't make me go. She's nuts. She'll kill me!"
The bartender looks around his club, lips tight. " And I should care… why?"
" Hey pal!" Faith says.
" What?" He looks back at her.
Faith grabs the shot gun barrel, pointing it up and grabbing it away from the bartender. She points it back at him. He backs off, starting to sweat.
" These things? Never helpful." She cracks the gun, emptying the load. " Well, guess I'll be on my way now." She goes over and grabs Jen, flinging her over her shoulder. She waves the gun around like a club. " Any objections?"
There's a large silence in the club that speaks volumes.
" Didn't think so."
Faith strides quickly towards the exit, Jen over her shoulder.
" Please, someone … help! She's going to kill me… she's nuts! Help!" Jen calls out to the crowd, waving her hands frantically as she and Faith disappear through the doorway. A second later, the shotgun flies back in the door, which then slams shut.
Faith carries her a little down the back alley, Jen still calling for help. Faith heaves her off her shoulder, and puts her on the ground.
For a second they stare at each other, then they burst out laughing.
" I gotta admit, that was a hoot," Faith laughs. " You're evil, you know that?"
" Oh yeah… did you catch that guy's face when you pulled the knife? I thought he was going to shit his pants," Jen laughs.
" That was so fucking funny," Faith laughs. Then winces. " but shit, girl, couldn't you have found something a little softer to throw at me than the beer mug?" She shakes her head, laughing " Did you catch the bartender's face when I pointed that gun at him? Thought he was gonna have an Angus right there . "
" Oh yeah, " Jen giggles," Please, please save me! The big bad girl's going to hurt me," Jen mocks," Whatta bunch of dorks!"
" Yeah well, booze and guys. What do you expect, huh?" Faith chuckles. " Not working with loads of brainpower to begin with."
Jen moves closer, putting her hand on Faith's arm. " Thanks again for being a sport, Faith. Just get so tired of going in that club and every creep thinking he owns me, you know? That creep tonight's always putting the moves on me. When I saw you outside the club, and talked to you, didn't expect you to play along. Thanks." She squeezes Faith's arm
" Yeah, well, no big. I was bored, anyway. I mean, that club's really getting stale. Figured I was about done there… and shit, haven't had that much fun since…forever."
" So, ummm… what now?" Jen says, running a finger along Faith's arm. " I mean, kinda nice to find a good playmate… you know?" She moves a little closer" … we could go to another club… haves some more fun…" She moves in front of Faith.
" Whoa, princess, I mean, that place had it comin'…sorta… but I'd like to be able to get into some clubs still…"
" Oh, thought we'd be lot more friendly now." She moves in on Faith. " I won't run around anymore, I promise," Jen teases, " I been a bad girl, but I can be sweet, too." She leans in a little. " So, wanna be friendly?"
Faith pushes Jen up against the alley wall. She moves in a lot closer.
" Friendly could be good." She runs a finger up Jen's front, from her tummy to her neck. " Exactly how friendly we thinkin'?"
Jen's arm finds it way underneath Faith's jacket. She encircles Faith's waist, and pulls her closer yet. " Thinking, maybe we don't really need another smoky, hot and sweaty club. I'm thinking we could make our own hot and sweaty… back at my place, maybe?" Her other arm slides up and around Faith's neck. Their mouths are an inch apart. " What do you think?"
Faith pushes her body on Jen's, then kisses her. It's a hot and passionate kiss, her tongue sliding easily into Jen's open mouth. Jen sucks on Faith's tongue like a lollipop, and both women's hands seem to find the other's ass. Some squeezing and rubbing happens. When the kiss breaks, both are a little flushed and panting.
"I'm thinkin' the princess has an itch, " Faith says, her hand sliding under Jen's skirt, and around to her ass again. Faith slides a finger between her ass cheeks, and draws a slow line from her sweet peach to her back. Jen gasps and pants a little. " Wanna scratch that itch, princess?"
" Mmmm, what do you think?" Jen wraps her leg around Faith's and pulls her in for another kiss. Her tongue invades Faith's mouth, and she slides it over Faith's tongue. Faith sucks on it ,liking her taste. Jen rubs herself up against Faith.
" I think we better find our way to your place, or we might get busted for public nudity, " Faith breathes, her hand sliding under Jen's dress again. She squeezes her ass cheek, and they share another kiss. Jen slides her hand up onto Faith's bustier, and squeezes her breast.
" I think you might be right, " Jen giggles.
They walk out of the alley, arms around each other, groping each other, and disappear into the night.
2
Almost as soon as they are through Jen's door, clothes start to disappear off their bodies. Faith shrugs off her jacket, and Jen starts to fumble with Faith's bustier. Faith bats away her hand.
" I got it, " She says huskily, expertly undoing the stays. She shrugs off the bustier, and stands naked in front of Jen from the waist up. Except for the little silver cross on her neck.
" Hmmm… wouldn't have thought you as religious, honey, " Jen says, fingering the cross.
" Don't touch, " Faith growls , " that's kind of special to me."
" Sorry," Jen says, letting go of the cross. " Gift from a friend?"
" Kinda," Faith murmurs." I think we're talking way too much." She diverts the subject. She reaches around and unzips Jen's dress. " More naked, less chatter."
" Sounds good to me," Jen whispers. She shakes a little, and the dress drops off her, revealing a slim body with soft, girlish curves. She turns around. " Undo me?" she indicates her bra.
Faith unhooks her, and then slides the straps off Jen's shoulders. Jen pulls it off, tossing it somewhere, and turns. " Like anything you see?"
Jen has small, hard ball sized breasts with large brown nipples. Faith licks her lips. What is it with me and women with small breasts. She wonders as her mouth descends onto Jen's breasts.
" mmmm," Jen sighs softly, cupping the back of Faith's head as Faith suckles her nipple. " This is much nicer than some club, don't you think?" She begins to feel some soft warm tingles in her groin. " So much nicer, " She sighs.
She brings Faith's face up, and they kiss, bodies mashing together as they exchange tongues mouth to mouth. Jen rubs up against Faith, enjoying the way Faiths breast feel pressed against her own. She hops up and encircles her legs around Faith's leather clad hips. She pushes her groin into Faith's tummy. The kiss breaks.
" What do you want to do now?" Jen asks, rubbing herself against Faith. She giggles as Faith starts to walk towards what she thinks is Jen's bedroom.
Jen looks over her shoulder. " No baby, to the left. Unless you wanna shower first?"
Faith stops and grins." Shower might be nice." She looks at Jen, who giggles.
" Can't shower in these, " She chides her. She loosens Faith's belt, then unzips her leather pants. Faith wiggles a bit as Jen peels the tight pants off her hips and down . " Mmmm… pretty." She says, kneeling. She puts her hands on Faith's hips, and leans in, giving Faith a long slow lick on her now rather dampened panties. " Tasty." She repeats.
Faith shivers a little , enjoying the feel of Jen's warm tongue.
" Step up," Jen taps her leg, and then pulls off Faith's boot. Then the sock. It gets tossed. " Other leg." Faith complies, and the boot and sock joins the first. Faith steps back, and kicks her pants and underwear away.
Jen gives her an appreciative stare. " Yummy, " She says, appreciating Faith's sensuous curves. " Very yummy." She pulls down her own panties and steps out of them. She kicks them away.
"Wanna get wet?" Jen asks, pulling Faith along with her into the bathroom.
2 minutes later, they're under a warm spray of water. Giggling like kids, the dispense with the sponge and just start using their hands to lather each other with the gel body soap. It gets a little less giggly when they start washing each other breasts, then the giggling stops as they start to kiss lustily under the tingly spray.
Jen pushes Faith up against the shower wall, and starts kissing her way down. She uses her tongue to flick at Faith's erect nipples, then moves lower until she's face to hip with Faith's lil peach. She buries her head between Faith's thighs, using her tongue to explore her sweetest part.
Faith leans back, sighing softly as the water and tongue work their magic. It feels like tiny fingers are playing with her body while Jen plays nasty with her sex. Her sighs turn to moans when Jen finds her bud, and her legs begin to feel weak and jelly like. It takes all her strength not to slide down the wall, but she manages to hold on.
Jen, sensing Faith might be getting a little wobbly, presses against her to support her. She really gets into Faith, dancing her tongue along her peach, sliding it in and out where it opens. She hears loud moans, and knows the end is near. She gently flicks Faith's swollen bud, and the moans become deep groans. She inserts two fingers, and licks and fingers Faith to her first orgasm of the night.
Faith feels her whole body shudder as wave after pleasurable wave hits her. Damn, she's a nasty little girl she thinks as she feels another wave hit. She feels somewhat tired, and a whole lot happy.
Jen slip slides her way up Faith's body, and they embrace, kissing madly, tongues darting in and out of each other's mouth. Faith slides her fingers down, and slipping them between Jen's thighs, invades her little delta. Jen's eyes grow large, then as Faith manipulates her fingers, go to half mast as warm icy fires swirl in her groin. She leans in, and they share a fiery kiss as the fires grow in her tummy.
When the kiss breaks, Faith holds Jen close as her fingers move faster within the other girl. Jen leans her head on Faith's shoulder, her hips starting to hump against Faith's fingers.
" C'mon bitch fuck me harder oh yeah that's it slut make me cum I love that fuck me fuck me fuck ME!"
" Hmmm… seems princess has a dirty mouth," Faith laughs, working her fingers harder.
" Yeah like that oh fuck that's good do it YAH do it like that harder bitch I need to cum harder fuck me GOD YESSSS!"
Jen shivers in Faith's arm as her pleasure hits her in strong, brain destroying waves. She lets out a scream that nearly has Faith dropping her, it's so close to her ear. They both scream in a minute when the hot water gives out, and they're suddenly blasted by icy cold water.
" SHIT" They both yell as the icy fingers hit them, and Faith reaches around and shuts off the water, while Jen clings to her, still feeling the effects of Faith's fingers.
" Fuck me, that's cold," Faith shivers, the women clinging together for warmth. Somehow they manage, while clinging, to get out of the shower. Faith grabs a couple of towels, and they dry each other off. But they're still cold, teeth chattering.
" Need to get warm, now," Jen complains, her body covered in chill bumps
Faith, doing a little better starts rubbing her all over with her hands. She lifts the other girl, and starts out of the bathroom.
" I got ideas how we can fix that," She grins, carrying Jen towards the bedroom.
3
" Oh yeah, baby, yeah like that!" Faith moans, loving what's happening to her between her thighs. " Do it baby. Willow lover do it yeah Willow oh fuck yah WILLOW!"
Jen, her mouth slick from Faith's juice, looks up with a puzzled expression.
" Uhhh… who's Willow?" She asks, looking at Faith.
" Huh? What the fuck are you talking about?" Faith growls. She reaches down and pushes Jen's head back towards her thighs. " Don't stop now for god's sake."
" Who's Willow," Jen resists, sitting up. " You just called that out like 3 times. Please don't tell me you have a sick , twisted fantasy about some little trees…" Jen shakes her head. " Who is that?"
" Ah, fuck, " Faith closes her wet thighs like a door, and sits up. " Nothing, it's nothing." She slides her legs over the edge of the bed, and sits with her back to Jen.
Jen crawls over, leaning in Faith's shoulders. " Hey, it's no big, really. Just got curious," She fingers the chain on Faith's neck." She the one that gave you the cross?"
" Huh? No, nothing like that," Faith growls, pulling away a little. " Thinkin' maybe I should leave."
" Why?" Jen sounds surprised. She reaches her arm around, cupping Faith's breast. " Weren't we having fun?" She flicks Faith's nipple with her thumb. " Come on, sugar. Lay back and I'll make you forget all about that girl, 'K? Let me take care of it for you." She leans in, kissing Faith on the neck.
Faith shivers, but not in pleasure. She stands up, and moves away. " Look, I'm sorry, but kinda lost the mood, you know? Gotta get home anyway, getting late."
" Aw, c'mon, Faith. Don't be that way. Lay back down. " Jen pats the bed, " Nice and warm here, really cold out there. We don't have to do nothin. Really. We can just sleep, and I'll fix you breakfast in the morning." She lays back on the bed.
Faith looks at the girl lying on the bed. Fuck, just what I need. She walks over, and sits on the edge of the bed.
" Look, Jen. You seem like a nice girl. I'm not. I'm not into nice girls anymore. They're just trouble, and then things get weird. So, best I get my ass out now." She stands, heading for the door.
" Thing's aren't gonna get weird, Faith," Jen says, sitting up." Just lookin' for fun, nothin' else. Don't wanna marry you or nothin."
" Yeah, I've heard that before," Faith mutters to herself. She says out loud." It's been great, let's leave it that way."
" Whatever," Jen says, put out. " You're clothes are out there somewhere. Don't let the door hit you on the ass leavin'." She slips under the covers and turns over. " bye."
Yeah, things won't get weird ,right? Yeah, sure. Faith walks out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her.
She starts collecting up her clothes, dressing as she goes. The expression on her face is disgusted. With herself.
Well, that was real sweet, Faith. What the fuck were you doing, anyway? Callin out Red's name. God.
She finishes dressing, and looks back at the bedroom. Shit, and she was pretty fucking hot too. Ah, fuck me. She slips out the front door.
Faith closes the jacket around her, crossing her arms to keep warm. Nothing can warm the chill in her heart, however.
Fuck, what the hell do I want, anyway? Not lookin' for anything real. Just a little slap and tickle. So, why do I feel like crap now? This blows. I can't even have a nice sweaty grunty time without the misery twins invading it and ruining things!
Yeah, but be honest, Faith. You know, maybe stop lying to yourself? This really what you want? Fucking one- nighters all the time… then off to bed to sleep alone? I think you've been ruined for it, babe. You've gotten used to waking up and feelin' something warm and soft all tangled up with you. Fuck me, Fuck me, I'm so fucking whipped. Shit, shit, and shit!
So now what, Faith? Gonna become a nun or somethin'? I mean, what? You're supposed to give up sex because those two fucked with your brains? Damn, why's it gotta be like this, anyway? Why can't I fucking get a good screw in without one of those bitches poppin' in my mind, ruining the whole thing. And shit, if I don't keep going back for the same type. Small slim girls that turn out to be really sweet, even if they act all bad. I hate this crap. Fuck sex, All it is …is fucking trouble.
I've had enough fucking trouble, thanks. Don't need no more fucking trouble.
Faith stamps away into the night, pissed.
Stupid bitches.
And damn, I'm still horny!
4
Willow is just finishing her breakfast when she hears the lawn mower roar to life. She groans internally.
Willow has been doing her best to avoid Buffy since the night she and her Gram had that talk. Hey, can't help it if she's never around when I'm around, right? But she's just run out of excuses, and she can almost feel Gram's gaze burning a hole in the top of her head.
" Willow, dear, why don't you go out and see if Buffy would like a juice or something?" Rose corners her, not letting her wiggle free.
That doesn't mean she won't try, however.
" Ah, Gram, I'm sure Buffy's fine. Probably won't want me disturbing her."
" Still haven't tried to make it up, have you dear?" Rose looks at Willow with askance. " Do you think you're going to have forever to work this out?"
" Geeze," Willow sighs. Not fair. " Why doesn't she have to try?"
" Because you're my granddaughter, and I expect you to try." Rose says simply," And, it's been a few weeks and she hasn't moved yet. I'm pretty sure if she were desperate to get away, she could've found something. Maybe she's trying in her own way, by being here? Maybe like a certain redheaded granddaughter of mine who will remain nameless, maybe she's a bit stubborn, too."
" Not stubborn," Willow says petulantly, " just not fair that I've got to be the one who has to make the effort."
" Ok, dear. You don't have to," Rose says." I suppose, if you want to lose your friend of …how long?… nine years, that's ok. You're going to find replacing her is next to impossible. But, it's up to you."
" I hate you, Gram," Willow says, getting up and going to the refrigerator to get a juice. " You know that, right."
" Of course, dear," Rose says, picking up the paper.
Willow exits the kitchen.
Buffy moves along the yard, keeping the grass mowed as she agreed. She's been ducking Willow, because she knows that if she sees her, she's going to have to apologize, like she told Mrs. Weiss she would. Why'd I ever agree to that anyway? Oh yeah, because I can't find anywhere that isn't falling down for what I can afford to pay. She didn't exactly say I had to apologize to Will, but damned if she didn't like hint at it like crazy. Damn, why do I have to be the one who reaches out, anyway? I didn't go around stealing her girlfriend, did I? Ok, I called her some nasty things, but hey…
" Here, you want this?" Willow's voice interrupts her thoughts. She looks up, and her face matches her tone. Unfriendly.
" No," Buffy replies, equally unfriendly. Buffy, you promised. " Wait!"
" Fine by me," Willow says, turning to go back inside. Willow, you promised! Damn! She turns back around. " You sure?" She asks, a little less unfriendly. " What?"
" What- what?" Buffy asks, a little confused.
" You said wait. Wait …what?"
" Maybe I do want it," Buffy stands, looking at Willow from a distance. This is stupid!
" Well, come get it, " Willow says. " I'm not like your maid, you know." This is bogus.
" You bring it here. I'm working here." Buffy stands her ground.
" Hey, you come here if you want it. " Willow stands her ground. Or porch.
" No!" Buffy says, adamant
" No!" Willow says, unwavering.
They stare at each other for a minute.
" I swear. Along with everything else, you're the most stubborn person in the world, Elizabeth Anne Summers, " Willow says, not moving an inch.
" Second most stubborn, I'd say, Willow Danielle Rosenberg," Buffy looks pointedly at Willow. And doesn't move an inch.
Another minute passes; more glaring.
"Well, do you want this or not?" Willow shakes the bottle at her.
" Not if you're going to be a poop about it," Buffy replies.
" I'm not a poop!" Willow declares, crossing her arms.
" Oh, you're the biggest poop going." Buffy crosses her arms.
" Second biggest, Poop, " Willow says triumphantly. Teach her to call me a poop!
" Fine," Buffy says, stubbornly
" Fine!" Willow echoes, resolutely.
This is going nowhere, Buffy, Buffy thinks as she stares at Willow, you promised you'd try. So try.
This is so going badly, Willow thinks, Why is she being such a mule? Why am I being such a mule? Try harder, Willow!
" Ok, I'll be the bigger person, and meet you halfway, " Buffy says, feeling magnanimous. " Say at the tree?" She points at the tree.
" No, I'll be the bigger person, and meet you halfway," Willow insists. " Tree is fine."
Buffy stomps over to the tree, about the same time Willow tromps over to the tree. Both stand, two feet apart, staring at each other.
" Here," Willow holds out the bottle of juice.
" Thanks" Buffy takes it. She doesn't open it.
Willow looks down. " You missed a spot."
" Where?"
" There" Willow points.
" Where?" Buffy looks down.
WHACK!
" Hey!" Buffy, wide eyed and surprised, grabs her cheek. " What was THAT for?"
" Don't you ever, EVER, hit me again, Buffy Summers!" Willow frowns at her. " That really hurt, Buffy. You've never hit me before, and that really hurt. Even more than what you said!""
"What you said hurt me too, Willow!" Buffy rubs her cheek. " Feel better now?"
" No," Willow says, " I don't like hitting you!"
" Well, I didn't mean to hit you, either. I …lost my temper. I'm sorry. I hated what I did."
" I hated what you did too. And what I did. And I'm sorry, too." Willow says. She sighs." It's scared me, Buffy. Because you've never done anything like that to me before. I didn't know what to think."
" God, hitting you? Like hitting a puppy. God, I didn't know I could be such a fuck-up," Buffy says. Then she frowns. " Who am I kidding. Of course I'm a fuck-up. One of the few good things I had left going for me was you, Willow. You being my friend. And I screwed that up too. I'm a total fuck up!"
" Buffy! Don't!" Willow grabs her by the arms, " don't say that. You're not a fuck up. You've made mistakes, sure. So have I. So has everybody. But whatever you've done, that doesn't mean I've stopped caring about you!"
" You should Will, " Buffy shakes her off. " Everybody should." Buffy walks back towards the mower. " I've done nothing but screw up my life, and hurt everybody… including you… with what I've done."
" Buffy!" Willow follows her, " I'm still your friend. That hasn't changed."
" I'm not yours, Will, " Buffy says. She catches Willow's expression. " That doesn't mean I don't care about you, I do. I love you, more than a sister. But I'm not your friend. I don't deserve it. I'm sorry, but I don't think we can be friends anymore."
" Buffy, don't do this. Don't shut me out. Please,' Willow says, coming around front of her. "Look at me Buffy. Look at me." She waits for Buffy to look up. But Buffy won't. " Dammit, Buffy, is this about Faith? "
" No, it's not about Faith. Faith… you and Faith should be together. I know that now. Just… what I feel? It hurts to… I just can't hear it, ok?" She stares at the grass.
" Buffy, Faith and I aren't together. She pretty much told me we're done. There is no " Faith and me" anymore, Buffy." She doesn't mention the other part of Faith's message.
" No, that's wrong… that's just wrong," Buffy shakes her head. " Well, once I get things right, it won't matter. Things will work out. Yeah, it'll be better. Trust me." Buffy nods. " She's better off without me."
" I don't get you Buffy. I really don't. Faith loves you; Hell, I love you too. Why do you keep doing this? Why do you keep shoving us away?"
" You think this is easy for me?" Buffy's voice sounds odd. She finally looks up, and Willow sees tears brimming in her eyes, threatening to spill. " Think I like this? I don't. I hate it! I want my best friend back. I want Faith back. But I can't. I just can't til I make it right."
"Make it right? Make WHAT right? I don't understand Buffy, make what right?"
Buffy looks at her sadly, genuine affection and caring in her face. " God, Will. I hope you never do understand." She bends over, and starts up the mower. " Now let me get this done like I promised, Ok? Just let me do what I gotta do." Buffy pushes the mower forward, not looking back.
Willow watches her, and suddenly has this awful feeling. No, that's just insane, Willow. That's crazy thinking. We'll work this out. I know we will. We've got to.
But as she's walking to back to the house, she feels a shiver run through her.
That's just nuts!
5
Faith is just finishing her cup of coffee, an empty plate before her, when Helen Stone slips into the seat across from her.
" Hello, Faith. " Helen smiles. " Did you find that nest last night?"
Helen notes a change in Faith's wear. Hmmm… denim instead of leather. Interesting.
" Yup. Piece of cake. Got 'em good…though I might've let one or two slip out. But no big, I'll get 'em" Faith says.
" Ah, so I see you aren't perfect after all, " Helen says briskly.
" It was just a couple. I got most of them. Geeze." Faith frowns. " What's the deal?"
" The deal is Faith, we're a team. We work as a unit, and while of course perfection might be an unattainable goal, it doesn't mean we can't strive for it. Therefore, I would like to schedule a time to review your training, and see if I can spot any weaknesses."
" Listen here, Hel …" Faith bites back what she was going to say. Try to make it work, Faith. " Ok, we'll do that, real soon."
" Yes, I think right after you return would be suitable," Helen nods.
" After I return?" Faith looks at Helen warily. " After I return? Exactly where am I going. If I might ask, of course." Her tone is bordering on sarcastic. I knew it. I knew I couldn't trust these guys. Damn! She looks around to see if Helen might have 'help' waiting around.
" The council has detected an increase of suspicious activity in the city of Kent, Ohio. There's no positive proof that it's supernatural in nature, but the council wants you to investigate the matter, and report back to me. We'll decide then about any further action that might be necessary. Of course, if you run into any vampires or other such creatures, you're free to use your discretion whether to engage them or not. However, before any large scale action is taken, we need to coordinate with the Watcher's council. So you won't be there that long. Possibly a week. "
" Gee and I was just getting so cozy in Akron, too, " Faith says, " Now I'm commuting to work. Sweet." She turns to Helen. " So, when do we return, then?" Kent. Why does that name ring a bell?
" We? Oh…no, you'll be going by yourself."
" Gee, Helen. Sure you can trust me that far off the leash?" Faith mocks. Kent…what the hell is it?
" That far? Kent is approximately 10 miles from here. Normally, if you had a car, you could just drive there. But I'd like you to take a lay of the area, patrol different parts of the town. Oh, and don't forget the school, either."
" School?"
" Yes, the University. Kent State? Surely you've heard of it. I mean, it was a focus of student protests at one time."
Kent State University? Wait… oh no… Oh NO!
" Is something wrong, Faith?" Helen notes the sour look that comes to Faith's face. Is something going on here? Or there, rather?
" Huh? Uhhh… no. I was just thinking, though. It being so close to Akron and all, it probably …just a few pesky vampires branching out. Probably nothing more than that. No need to investigate, probably."
" I agree with you…"
Thank god!
" … however, the council doesn't. And we are after all , answerable to the council's wishes." No matter how asinine." Anyway, you will be going to Kent for a week. The council will cover all your normal and necessary expenses." Helen pauses. "I do hope you realize, that does NOT mean barroom brawling."
Oh, crap!
" Yes, Faith, I did hear about it. Imagine my surprise when I learned that my Slayer had been involved in a rather crude and vulgar display of fisticuffs." Helen's tone has a slight tinge of acid to it.
Faith flushes. Geeze, I mean, it was just a little fight.
" Look, I'm sorry, I was just blowing off some steam." She sees Helen's look." I suppose the council wants you to spank me?" Faith says, slightly chastened. " Is that why I'm going to Podunk? As a punishment?"
" No, Faith. That's a legitimate mission. Fortunately, I was able to prevent the council from hearing about the incident. Though, I must say it rather depleted my contingency fund."
Faith looks at her, surprised. Maybe flabbergasted would be a better description.
" You didn't rat me to the council?" Faith says, somewhat amazed. I can't believe it. She didn't nark me out?
" No. I told you, Faith. We're a team. Your behavior, positive or negative, reflects on me. And visa versa. You're little stunt could've saddled us both with some rather unpleasant consequences. I managed to cover it up this time; but that won't be possible again," Helen says, her tone quiet but an undercurrent of anger is there." I realize you don't have much respect for me, or the job I perform. But I do expect you to act like an adult. Show some judgment. Or perhaps, I'm asking too much?"
" I'm sorry, " Faith blushes, " I really am, ok?"
" Hmmm, " Helen looks at her. " Listen to me, Faith. I'm on probation here, same as you. There are members of the council that would love for me to fail. They can't wait for it, as I am, as you noted, the youngest member of the council. When you do something like this, it shows I'm not in charge here, and that makes me look bad. This assignment is important to me, Faith. So I'm going to make it simple for you." Helen leans in, and Faith sees a change in her expression." Now, listen up you barmy twunt, if you cock up this for me, I'm going to paddle that bum of yours until it glows a bright rosy. Don't bleedin' care how strong you are." She catches Faith's surprised expression." What? Did you think I was born shittin' silver out me bum? I worked me arse off makin' it, and I'm not letting some twat like you bollix it up fer me. Got it?" She smiles a hard smile at Faith. " Is that clear to you now, Faith?"
Faith is still a little taken aback. " Look, I'm really sorry, honestly. I was just blowin' off some steam. I didn't think about it," She grimaces. " I'll find a way to get your money back to you, ok?"
" Don't worry about it, Faith," Helen says, " just don't do it again. Next time, it won't be me bailing you out, but rather the council… from jail." She sees Faith's deflated expression. " Look, other for this little…adventure… you've been doing very well, and I'm pleased with you're performance to date. I just want to see if there's anything I can help you improve."
" Ok," Faith says. She decides now is a good time to change the subject. " So, when am I going to Kent?"
" Tomorrow, actually. I'd like you to be packed and ready tomorrow about this time. I've booked you a place to stay, so you won't have to worry about that. It's paid up for the week. How're you doing for cash?"
" I'm ok, " Faith says, shrugging. Lots of Top Ramen next week.
" Well…hmmm," Helen digs in her purse. She pulls out some cash, handing it to Faith. It's 5 twenties. " This should cover meals and other incidentals."
" I … can't take your money."
" Believe me, I'm expensing it to the council. A starving slayer doesn't do me any good," Helen smiles. " And, if you get a beer or two after 'work' I don't mind, either. Just, no more tearing up clubs, we're agreed, right?"
Faith blushes. " Never going to let that slide, are you?"
" Would you, Faith?"
" Good point." Faith nods.
" Very well, I'm off. Good hunting tonight. See you tomorrow, and be ready and packed. Ta." Helen slides out of the booth, but Faith catches her hand before she can go. " Something else?"
" Thanks." Faith says, quietly.
" Forget it."
Helen walks out, feeling rather pleased with herself.
Faith sits, looking into her empty cup.
Damn. Kent. Had to be there. Damn.
Ok, I can do this. I mean, if I'm careful, I won't run into her. And I'm not going looking for her. I'll get through this, and then it'll be done. Easy as pie.
Yeah, I can do this. No sweat.
So how come I'm sweating?
6
" GUUUUGGHHHH"
Buffy starts to slide down the wall yet again. Her insides are beginning to feel like what one of those old Kaleidoscopes … those cardboard tubes that you twisted to make different weird shapes… looked like when you look into them. Damn, this thing just won't die! Her lungs feel like they've been torched, and her muscles ache… even the ones she never knew she had.
Buffy has bitten off more than she can chew. Instead of the usual fang gang, she's come up against a demon. A big one. An angry one. This thing stands at least six and one half feet tall, and probably weighs close to 300 pounds. And is strong. And… angry.
Ok, Buff. You can do this. Just find your stun gun…no… wait…bozo the demon …broke that … ok…knife…where's my knife? I know it's here somewhere. Buffy scrambles up, and tries to find her knife in the darkness of the alley. She just feels the hasp of the knife with her hand when she hears the beast roar again… and narrowly ducks being sideswiped by his claws. She runs back up the alley a bit, and turns to face the beast.
It was three nights past the time she had the little talk with Willow on Rose's front lawn. She'd been hunting vamps, as was her usual, when she heard screams coming from the alley up ahead. As soon as she turned down the alley, she knew something was wrong. Very wrong. She couldn't quite make out what was ahead, but she sensed it was large. Larger than the typical vampire. Super vamp, maybe? Then she heard a noise resembling a cross between a wounded water buffalo and an enraged elephant. And she knew that was no vampire. Then she saw it, and her guts turned to ice.
Her first instinct. Run like hell. No, can't run. People trapped. Gotta try to fight it. Trying to quell her fears, she ran up to it and literally climbed up it's back. Throwing her arm around its neck, she hit it with the stun gun, holding it for 10 seconds.
Nothing. Shit. That shoulda had it dancing like a break dancer on speed. Instead, the demon tried to shake her off like a mosquito. She held on, so it backed up, going to slam her into the wall.
" Run, DAMMIT, RUN!" She screamed to the people, who now had a clear shot. They ran.
Buffy seeing them run, managed to drop off the beast. But it still slammed into her, knocking her into the wall. Her stun gun went flying.
She got up, aching, but still pretty mobile. She ran over to where she saw the stun gun fly, and cursed. The thing was broken. Useless. Shit, I'm in fucking trouble now! Worse, the beast had her trapped. She couldn't really get around it, because it would rake her with those claws… and they looked pretty deadly. And, having lost it's other victims, it was all about her now.
The beast came at her. At the last second, she did a dive and roll… Shit, that hurts on pavement… and got around back of it. Again, she climbed up it's back, this time with her knife out. She started stabbing it, but she wasn't getting much penetration. Did I say sounded like an elephant? Hide like one, too. She couldn't get enough force behind the knife. The demon shrugged her off, and she hit the ground , hard.
The beast turned around, and came at her again. Shit that thing moves fast for being so big. Buffy barely had time to get her legs up, and managed somehow… Shit, that thing weighs a ton!… to flip it over her, using it's own weight to carry it. She pushes herself up, and manages to beat it up. She runs and jumps on it, trying again to get the knife to do some damage. She manages to get a few wounds on it's back, but the demon roars, and flings her off, into the wall.
Ah crap, that hurts, She complains as again she finds herself sliding down the wall. She gets her feet under her, feeling a whole lot achier.
The demon has his back to her, and she notices a hole she can run through. Escape.
So, gonna run? That's it? Leave this thing to get someone else. Yeah, I can believe that. I knew it. I knew you didn't have the guts. You can't do what you gotta do. So go ahead, run little girl.
And she knew then and there, she couldn't run. This was it. Her test. She had to do it, there was no running, no hiding. Not anymore. This was her time to make things right.
Suddenly, she felt a weight seem to lift off her. She felt a calm run through her, as if she knew this was it. It was over now, she didn't have to worry anymore, hide anymore. She tasted freedom. It was right here, right now.
She saw the demon start at her, aware she was there again. Raising her knife, yelling, she ran at it. She got close, but it back handed her, raking it with her claws. She slammed into the wall, stunned and bleeding. Her knife flew out of her hand.
And now, here she is, backed into the corner of the alley. She's bleeding, and hurting, but strangely, she's smiling. She has the knife, and the beast is coming at her.
Ok, so far, been pretty much Beast 12, Buffy 0. But maybe, if I can slip in and get a good neck or eye shot. Damn, I just wish it didn't hurt so much.
Faith was patrolling when she heard the yelling in the alley up ahead. Well, looks like this isn't going to be a bust after all! She takes off running, turning the corner of the alley. And stopping cold.
Hot damn, that' s no fucking vampire. That's the biggest damned demon I've seen in while. Maybe I can back out and… oh shit…someone's trapped in there. Fuck me!
She pulls off the crossbow she has slung over her back. Shit, ok. Keep cool. She pulls out a special quiver of bolts provided by Helen, just the other day. She hasn't had a real field test on them… This might just be the beastie to try them on. God I hope they work.
The look like a normal cross bow bolt, except they're a bit thicker than normal. Also they have a pull pin on them. Sort of like a hand grenade. Essentially, they're titanium bolts encasing a payload of C-4 and a delay timer fuse. Once you pull the pin, you have about 15 seconds to hit the target, before they blow. If you haven't shot in that time, you blow. Big time. She loads one of the bolts in her crossbow, and puts the other two in the built on quiver below.
" Ok, dammit, work. Or I gotta feeling we're gonna be in big trouble," Faith mutters. She moves in a little closer, to get a better shot. The beast so far hasn't detected her. She kneels, and aiming a little up, she pulls the pin. She does a 5 count, then fires the bolt.
Buffy, crouching, gets ready to attack the demon. She has her knife out, and weaves back and forth. Partly to confuse it, and partly because she's dizzy.
Ok, Buffy! Let's do this!
She feels the adrenaline rush, and she yells, rushing at the beast, looking for an opening to get the neck or eyes.
" YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY" She rushes at it, startling the beast. It reacts by lashing out, knocking her back into the back wall.
" Aw, fu…." Buffy groans, just before the lights go out.
The beast, curious about the mosquito that's been buzzing around it, starts towards it. It gets a few steps, then straightens up suddenly, roaring in rage. It turns just in time to see another bolt hit it, directly in the chest.
It screams, and then suddenly, it screams louder as the first bolt in its back blows. It's arms flailing, it starts to stumble towards Faith.
Faith, not particularly wanting the beast to claw her, pedals back from it. She gets ready with the third and last explosive bolt she has. She waits to see what happens.
2 seconds later, the second bolt blows. It rips a hole in the beast's chest the size of a watermelon. Still enraged, going on momentum, it stumbles a few more steps, then falls flat on its face, dead.
Faith, still wary, pulls the third pin, fires the final bolt directly into the beast's head, then runs back to get out of range.
"…. 4….. 3….2…1…." Faith counts to herself. She looks over, expecting a blast.
Nothing.
She waits a little longer. Still nothing. Damn, must've been a dud. Well, just glad the other two worked.
She gets up, and decides to pull out her long knife. She warily approaches the dead demon. Is the fucker really dead? Or just playing with me? She takes another step… and another…and then….
BOOOOOM!
The final arrow goes off, blasting Faith back on her butt. The demon's head goes flying in about 20 directions.
Shit, 15 seconds my ass! She grumbles , getting up and wiping herself off. She walks over to the remains of the demon, and grins.
Well, you aint comin' back from that, Boyo! She chuckles, kicking the demon. She gets demon goo on her boot.
GROSS! She tries to wipe it off. Damn, who'd figure it would start getting gooey so soon?
As she scraping demon off her boot, a faint groaning brings her back to reality. Shit… the victim. I forgot!
She runs up to the end of the alley, and sees an outline laying in prone in the darkness. God, can't even make out if it's male or female. She walks over, and gently kneels down by the victim. Shit, pretty banged up. She reaches out, taking the victim in her arms. It's too dark to make out any details, but from the size and weight, it's either a young boy, or a short woman.
Either way, I'm going to have to get …him/her to the hospital. Looks pretty banged up.
She walks out into the light, and at first just concentrates on getting back to the street. No need to wait around to see if demon boy has friends hanging around. She gets to the street, and takes her first good look at the victim.
And almost drops her.
BUFFY!
What the fuck is Buffy doing here? What the hell is going on? Am I like having Buffy on the brain fever?
Faith , not believing her eyes, looks again. She gently pulls off the victims cap, and a cascade of blonde hair falls out.
" Buffy!"
Buffy's eyes flutter, and she looks at Faith, her eyes unfocused.
" Huh?" She whispers huskily, her voice almost inaudible. " Am… I … dead? Are you … ?" Her eyes focus, and she shakes her head….
" Faith?"
She faints.
To be continued