Author's Notes: Wow, this baby is coming to an end pretty soon. Actually watched the episodes this fic is based on recently, and I realized I changed a few things: Adam is never mentioned; Riley isn't hurt; the Initiative commandoes either aren't aware of their 'steriodes', or they are not being chemically enhanced.
PART 6: Erase This Love
Chapter 16:
Riley Finn prided himself on his integrity. He was a decent man, a good guy. He fought for what he believed in with honour. He always did, or tried to do, the right thing. When he'd found out exactly what The Initiative was all about, he'd gone to church to pray for guidance, and then did his duty to the very best of his abilities. He thought he had it all figured out. Until he met Buffy.
When he woke up outside in her neighbour's back yard, he had simply mustered his will, knocked on the door of 1630 Revello drive, and asked Mrs Summers if he could use her phone. He refused to question his whereabouts until he checked in, and properly debriefed with Head Quarters. Joyce simply held open the door, and told him to take his time.
Now, he was on his way to the campus. His conversation (short, and entirely in code) had troubled him, to say the least. Not surprisingly, his whereabouts the previous evening were questioned. His inability to answer didn't help. The fact that Buffy Summers was somehow involved, even if he'd only ended up on her street by accident, didn't surprise him either. She was just that kinda girl.
He only very briefly entertained the thought of it all being connected: his unexpected choice of bedroom; her mother's bruised face; the sizable lump on the back of his head. But that couldn't be related, right? Random stuff like that never was, in his experience. Until he'd met Buffy, that is. She was just that kinda girl, unfortunately. Which meant he had to find her. Fast.
Chapter 17:
Faith soon realized that breaking down in front of the burnt out remains of Sunnydale High wasn't helping any. She was still confused, mad, and feeling more than a little crazy. The tears had stopped, and her sobs too, which was a good thing. The silence allowed her to recognize that footsteps were heading her way. She tensed. If it was Buffy or any of the Superfriends, she would run. A small voice asked what if it was the cops? She had no answer.
The footsteps stopped behind her. She could tell it was more than one person, but not exactly how many more; not without turning around.
"Faith Lehane?" The voice belonged to a man, with a decidedly British accent. "You should be aware, Ms Lehane" he continued mildly, "that you are surrounded by men with guns. And we have orders which we will not hesitate to execute."
So, the one scenario she hadn't really foreseen: Watcher Council goons.
"Place your hands on your head," the man said, coming closer. Faith tensed again, then sighed softly. Defying the Council was not a good idea when there were armed men willing to kill for a successful mission. She dutifully followed his order.
"There's a good girl." She felt him snap handcuffs on her wrists. "By order of the Watcher's Council, you are hereby withdrawn from active duty. You will be transferred to England, pending rehabilitation."
Faith only turned to acknowledge her captors after they re-holstered their guns. One of them pulled a cellphone from his jacket pocket.
"We have her in custody. Prepare for departure. No, no tranqs required" he added, raising an eyebrow in her direction. "She's coming of her own accord. Right," he signed off, motioning to the waiting SVU. "Let's get this show on the road."
Chapter 18:
Riley finally managed to reach Buffy at the Magic Box. She smiled uncertainly at him when he entered, then led him to the training room.
"What's up?"
"I'm not sure," he answered. "I woke up in your neighbour's yard this morning, with a heck of a headache. Did something happen?"
Buffy stared, open-mouthed in shock. "Wait, what are you saying? Riley, you don't remember?"
He shrugged. "I came over to make sure you were okay. I checked your dorm, and when you weren't there, I went to your house. I figured you were keeping an eye on your mom. Then, I woke up in the neighbours' yard."
"So, that's all you remember?" she asked again.
Riley frowned at her tone. "Yeah ... why? Something happened, didn't it?"
Buffy's turn to frown. "Yeah, Riley, something happened. We made love when you came over, and then you left. Obviously, my brand of sex is potent." The joke didn't amuse either of them.
"I don't know what to say, Buffy. I don't remember that; any of that. I'm sorry."
Giles chose that moment to enter the training room. "Oh, Buffy, there you are," he said, startling the lovers. "Do you have a minute? I have some rather disturbing news."
Buffy huffed in annoyance. "Giles, we're kinda in the middle of something here."
"Yes, well, that will have to wait; and I'd prefer you," gesturing between the Slayer and her boyfriend, "not do anything in here, ever. Except train to fight. Vampires and demons and the like." The Watcher removed his glasses, then put them back on. "It's about Faith."
He now had their full attention.
"It would appear that the Council has taken Faith into custody. They will be taking her to England, for rehabilitation. I just got a phone call from Quentin Travers. His team has confirmed that Faith is with them."
Buffy was again open-mouthed in shock. "Are you sure?"
"Quite sure. They found her at the old highschool. I think this is for the best, Buffy" he continued. "Perhaps the Council can help her, since it is apparent that we cannot."
Buffy sighed, shaking her head in disagreement. "Let's not kid ourselves. She just didn't want our help, Giles."
So, it was over. Faith wasn't her problem anymore. She could concentrate on her life now; on Riley and his weird sex-amnesia. She was free of her feelings about the other Slayer; no need now to remember her strange relief when Faith woke up; the anger and confusion betrayal she associated with her dark counterpart could be put away.
Yet, she couldn't quite believe it was that easy. This is Faith, after all. And her mom had said she was scared. And hurt, probably. All alone, definitely. Buffy felt her unease grow the more she thought about it. This wasn't over, not really. She had a sneaking suspicion that it was, in fact, just the beginning. And that was bad, really bad. Almost as bad as your boyfriend forgetting the best sex of your life.