Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Maybe a few. Some season 3 ones maybe.
Summery: They got together. They got engaged. Now it’s the big time…but it’s a bumpy road ahead.
Pairing: Main are Willow and Tara, but A/X and B/R are in there too.
Disclaimer: *Pouts* Joss Whedon owns all the characters, I own nothing but my imagination…no, wait. A guy from Calcutta bought that last Tuesday…
Note 1: This is a direct follow up from Meeting the parents.
Note 2: Glory never existed…thank god. (No pun intended) And Dawn isn’t the key she is Buffy’s real sister.
Something old. Something new.
EXT: The Bronze. Night.
Buffy and Riley are at the bar getting drinks. Xander and Anya are talking to Tara about her and Willow’s visit to the Rosenberg’s, and Willow just sits there, smiling, looking back and forth between the ring on her finger and Tara.
Xander: But they were okay with it afterwards?
Tara: W-well…her mother was okay with it from the b-beginning…kinda. And her father…he um, kind of well…
Willow: He freaked.
Tara turned to her fiancé and smiled.
Tara: Yeah…he did. B-but he was o-okay afterwards.
Willow: Yeah, he warmed up to the idea.
Anya: (Suddenly) I want to see the rings again.
Willow and Tara exchanged smiles and Tara stretched out her arm so Anya could get a good look at the ring.
Anya: It’s so pretty…(Raises her voice slightly) I wish I had one.
Xander takes the hint.
Xander: Anyone want drinks? Never mind I’ll just get everyone something.
Xander makes a quick exit out of the conversation and Anya watches him go, still holding on to Tara’s out stretched hand.
Anya: It’s very pretty.
Tara: Thanks.
Anya got up, mumbled something about the toilet and left.
Tara fiddled with the ring for a second and then turned to Willow. A slow song started and a few couples got up to dance.
Willow: Having fun?
Tara: Uh-huh. You?
Willow: (Smiling) I know what would make my night.
Willow stood up and took hold of Tara’s hand.
Willow: Can I have this dance?
Tara: You can have every dance.
Willow lead Tara to the dance floor and put her arms around Tara’s waist. Tara put her arms around Willow’s neck and rested her forehead against Willow’s.
Tara: I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy.
Willow: Me neither.
Tara: I love you so much, Willow.
Willow: (Smiling) I love you too.
They both leaned in for a kiss and then continued to sway to the music.
**********
The Bronze, later that night…
All the Scoobies are assembled around the table.
Willow and Tara are sitting in the middle, with everyone else crowding round wanting to hear the full story of their trip to the Rosenberg’s.
Buffy: So he just stood there yelling?
Willow: Pretty much. But I explained that this wasn’t just some experiment and that there was no way I could love anyone but Tara, and he was okay with it…eventually.
Tara was just smiling at her girlfriend. She had gotten lost somewhere around “love anyone but Tara.”
Tara tapped Willow on the shoulder to get her girlfriends attention.
When Willow had turned to Tara, Tara kissed Willow with all the love and passion she held for the other witch. Well, that left Willow speechless.
Tara smiled shyly at Willow and got up.
Tara: I’ll be right back.
Unable to form any words, Willow just nodded.
Tara left the table and made her way to the toilet.
Buffy looked over to her still stunned best friend and smirked at her.
Buffy: Uh, hello? Earth to Will…you in there girl?
Xander: (Smiling) I think that kiss blew her away.
Riley: Yep.
Anya: (To Xander) Why don’t *you* ever kiss me like that? I bet you don’t love me, as much as Willow loves Tara do you?
Xander: Ahn…come on…can we have this conversation later?
Anya: Piff…I guess…
Suddenly Willow made a noise and spoke.
Willow: What? Oh uh…
Xander: World of her own.
All the scoobies just smiled and giggled at Willow.
Xander: Got any ideas for the wedding yet?
Willow: Not really.
Buffy: I think you two are gonna be happy together no matter what.
Willow: Me too.
**********
Tara’s dorm room later that night…
Willow is getting into her pyjamas and Tara is playing with Miss Kitty Fansastico on the bed.
Willow: We need to talk about the wedding.
Tara: (Worried) What do you mean?
Willow: Maid of honour, best man uh…will we have best man?
Tara: Depends what kind of wedding we have I suppose.
Willow walked over to the bed and sat next to Tara.
Tara put Miss Kitty on the floor and watched her scurry away.
Willow: Tara…
Tara: Yes.
Willow: Um…who’s gonna give you away?
Tara looked hurt for a moment and then stared down at her lap.
Willow: (Noticing this) Oh baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-
Tara: No. It’s okay. I just hadn’t given that much thought to it.
Willow: I just meant that…I don’t think your father will want to…I mean…this is coming out all wrong…
Frustrated, Willow lay down on the bed and looked up at the ceiling.
Tara: (Looking down at Willow) I know what you mean and it’s okay…I kind of had one idea but I’m n-not sure on it.
Willow sat back up and looked at Tara.
Willow: What? Or uh, who?
Tara: M-Mr Giles.
**********
Magic shop.
1 month until the wedding.
Buffy and Xander sit at the table talking, Anya occupies herself by arranging things on the shelves and Giles serves a customer.
Buffy: So…have you got them anything yet?
Xander: No. I’m at a loss. I’ve never been to a wedding before…I don’t know what to buy them.
Buffy: Maybe something magical…like a…(Giving up) magic blender.
Xander: Can you get those?
Buffy rolled her eyes and made her way to the training room just as Willow and Tara came through the door.
Xander: Hello ladies. And where have you two been all morning?
Willow muttered a hello and Tara blushed slightly.
Xander gave them both a knowing wink and went back to reading his comic.
Willow sat down across from Xander and looked around the shop.
Willow: Where’s Buffy?
Xander nodded his head in the direction of the training room.
Xander: Working off some thinking steam.
Willow: She okay?
Xander: Yeah. Just a little pent up. So…how goes the wedding plans?
Willow smiled at Tara and then turned back to Xander.
Willow: It’s going okay. We’ve got a few ideas put together…nothing big yet.
Xander: Well…you better put on your thinking hats cause there’s only like a month left.
**********
Willow’s dorm room…
3 weeks until the wedding.
Willow sits at her desk, pen in hand making notes on a pad in paper.
Candles and flowers…
A knock at the door caused Willow to jump and stuff the pad of paper into her bag.
Willow: (On answering) Hell-oh hey baby.
Willow smiles at her fiancé and kisses her.
Willow: How was your day?
Tara: Lousy…but it’s better now.
Willow let Tara in the room and they both sat on the bed.
Tara: How was yours? Been busy?
Willow: Making a few plans…what do you think about writing our own vows?
Tara smiled.
Tara: I think that’s a wonderful idea. All we need now is an idea for the ceremony itself.
Willow thought back to the list she had just been adding too.
Willow: Well, I did have one idea...
**********
Magic shop later that day…
Giles stood at the counter counting the money from the till.
Giles: (Muttering to himself) One hundred and ten…twenty…thirty…just a sec…where’s Anya?
A knock at the door causes him to jump and lose count.
Giles: (Whispers) Oh bloody hell.
Beat
Another knock.
Giles: I’m sorry we’re closed. You’ll have to come back in the morning.
Willow: (VO) Giles it’s me and Tara.
Giles: Oh…terribly sorry.
Giles rushed over to the door and let the girls in.
Giles: What are you two doing over here so late…Buffy not with you?
Willow: No. She’s out with Riley, and we…Tara…has something to ask you.
Willow gave Tara a reassuring smile and went off to browse the shelves.
Giles went back round the side of the counter and Tara followed but she stayed on the other side.
Giles: Well, what can I do for you?
Tara: W-well, um…you know that the w-wedding is in less than a month.
Giles: Yes.
Tara: And my history w-with m-my parents isn’t…I d-didn’t have the best time when they c-came to visit me.
Giles Yes, that was terrible…it um, turned out okay though.
Tara: (Looking over to Willow) Better than I could have ever imagined.
Tara tared her gaze away from Willow and looked at Giles.
Tara: I think what I’m t-t-trying to say is…Mr Giles…will you give me away?
Giles looked as if her was about to cry for a moment, then his face erupted into the biggest smile Tara had ever seen on his face.
Giles came round the side of counter and pulled Tara into a hug.
Giles: Nothing would make me happier.
Tara breathed a sigh of relief and hugged Giles back.
Willow popped her head around the side of one of the shelves and smiled.
Willow: He said yes then? Told you he would.
**********
Tara’s dorm room later that night…
They are both lying in bed, snuggling and talking.
Tara: It sounds amazing.
Willow: It is. Well the way I see it anyway. It’s just…getting it the way I see it that’s the problem.
Tara: But the actual ceremony will be at night?
Willow: It’s gonna have to be. Not that I mind it being at night though.
Suddenly the phone rang and startled the two witches.
Willow: It’s midnight…who the hell calls this late at night?
Willow got up out of bed and picked up the phone.
Willow: Hello?
Buffy: (VO) Will?
Willow: Buffy? What are you doing calling here-
Buffy: (VO) It’s Oz.
Willow: What?
Buffy: (VO) Oz…rung here…I’ve just finished talking to him.
Willow: Oh my god…what did he want?
Buffy: (VO) He called to tell me…he called to tell me Faith has been released.
Willow: What! Why? When?
Buffy: (VO) He didn’t go into details…he’s in LA with Angel.
Willow: What’s he doing there?
Buffy: (VO) He went to see how Angel was and Angel told him that Faith had been released.
Willow: I’m coming over…
Buffy: (VO) No! Will, it’s too late…I don’t want anything to happen to you.
Beat
Buffy: (VO) He asked how you were…
Willow: Did you tell him about the wedding?
Buffy: (VO) No…I wasn’t sure whether you’d want me too, so I didn’t say anything.
Willow sighed and glanced over at Tara.
Willow: Thank you. But what are we going to do?
Buffy: Could you ring Xander and tell him and Anya to meet us all at the magic shop tomorrow…we need to sort things out.
Willow: Yeah. I’ll do that first thing tomorrow. You know what Xander’s like, he’ll be asleep by now.
Buffy: Okay then, see you tomorrow.
They both said goodnight and hung up their phones and Willow crawled back into bed beside a worried looking Tara.
Tara: Honey? What was all that about?
Willow: It’s Faith…she’s been released.
**********
Magic box next day…
All the scoobies are there minus the slayer herself.
Xander: I wonder what was so important…I was having a really good dream.
Giles: I’m sure Buffy has something important to tell us other wise she wouldn’t have-
Buffy, Willow and Tara coming through the door of the Magic Box interrupted Giles and his explination.
Anya: Finally. I thought I was going to be here all day.
Xander: Ahn…
Anya: Sorry…good morning Buffy? Sleep well?
Buffy: No and no it isn’t.
Xander: Isn’t what?
Buffy: A good morning.
Giles: What’s wrong?
Buffy: I really think you should be sitting down when I tell you about this.
Giles did as he was told and sat down.
Buffy: It’s Faith. She’s out.
Silence filled the room.
Giles took off his glasses and a cleaning cloth and began cleaning them as he always did when he was nervous.
Xander just sat open mouthed.
Anya’s expression hardly changed.
Willow sat looking at Tara, who was looking at her lap.
Giles: How? When?
Buffy: All I know is she’s been released. Oz didn’t tell me much.
Xander: Oz?!
Willow: Oz.
There was another moment of silence before anyone spoke.
Tara: Oz?
Willow tuned to Tara and took hold of the other witches hands.
Willow: I’m sorry I didn’t tell you straight away. I didn’t want you to get upset.
Tara looked down at the ring on her finger for a second then looked back up at Willow.
Tara: It okay.
Xander: Okay, but know back to the problem…what are we going to do about Faith? Why was she released? Where will she go? This is too much for my brain to take…
Willow and Buffy exchanged frowns.
Giles: If we were to think logically…wouldn’t here be the first place she’d come?
Buffy: I don’t think so. The last time we talked she was running scared from me. There’s no way to be sure she’d come here.
Xander: But what if she does? I mean, I think I speak for everyone here when I say I’ve had enough psycho slayer to last me the rest of my life.
Buffy: Xander, the last time I saw her…she was different. She wasn’t the Faith we knew when she worked for the mayor, or the Faith we knew when she swapped bodies with me, she wasn’t the Faith we didn’t know at all. She was the same Faith we knew before all that. She’d changed.
Another silence filled the room as Buffy’s words sank in.
Giles: Willow, would you call Angel. See if there has been any more news?
Willow: Yeah, sure.
Willow made her way over to Buffy first.
Willow: Are you okay?
Buffy: Shouldn’t I be asking you that?
Witch and slayer exchanged smiles.
Suddenly the phone rang.
Giles: Magic Box. You one stop shop for- Angel?
Everyone in the Magic Box turned to Giles as he said this.
Giles: Yes, Buffy told me…you mean…oh…yes of course…I realise that but are you sure you should…yes…I see…okay…goodbye.
Giles hung up and made his way to where the rest of the group were sitting.
Giles: Angel also seems to believe that this will be the first place Faith will come…he’s bringing Cordelia and Wesley, along with a person called Gunn, here.
Buffy: To do what? Take her back? No. There was a reason she was released and I’m going to find out what…even if I have to go through Angel to do it.
With that Buffy left the Magic Box and headed home, leaving the magic Box and its silence behind her.
**********
Buffy’s house later that night.
Buffy is sitting on her bed looking at pictures of the gang from high school.
Willow, Buffy and Xander are all in focus, but Faith is in the background, more or less blurry.
Buffy: (Whispers) She never felt like part of the group.
Another picture. It’s Xander, Buffy Willow and Giles. Faith isn’t in this one at all.
Buffy: (Whispers) She must have thought I didn’t care.
Another picture. This one is of Buffy and Faith. Arms around each other’s waists, smiling.
Buffy: (Whispering) But I did.
**********
Tara’s dorm room same night.
Tara is lying in bed and Willow is pacing the room.
Willow: I don’t need this now Tara. Not so close to the wedding.
Tara: Willow…
Willow got teary eyed as she continued.
Willow: She was so evil…she tried to kill Xander and me...she tried to kill everyone. What if she tries again before or even during the wedding…or worse…what if she tries to kill you? I couldn’t take that Tara. I couldn’t take it.
Tara: Willow…
Willow stopped and looked towards her girlfriend. Her fiancé.
Tara: Come here.
Willow crawled up the bed and into her girlfriend’s arms.
Tara: Nothing like that will happen. Faith won’t try to hurt me, or the rest of the gang. Not if what Buffy said is true.
Willow: But what if she was wrong? What if Faith is still evil? Buffy went through hell when she found out Faith had turned to the dark side. It seemed like her whole world had crumbled and it was all Faith’s fault. It killed her.
Something seemed to click in Tara’s brain as Willow said this. But she decided to question the slayer about it herself tomorrow.
Tara: And what if Buffy was right? What if Faith has changed? What if she isn’t, evil, anymore?
Willow thought for a moment, not quiet knowing what to say straight away.
Willow: Then she has some explaining to do. Then, and only if what she says makes sense, I might be able to live with myself if I forgive her.
**********
Buffy’s house next morning.
Buffy and Dawn sit in the living room watching cartoons on TV.
Dawn is smiling happily and laughing at the cartoon cat gets his tail trapped fro the third time. But Buffy is doing the complete opposite, looking glum and deep in thought.
A knock at the door makes Joyce’s voice surface.
Joyce: (VO) Oh, Buffy, could you get that?
Buffy didn’t move.
Dawn: (looking at Buffy and giving her a nudge) Hey.
Buffy: Huh?
Dawn: Door.
Joyce: (VO) Buffy? Can you get the door, I’m busy.
Buffy: Oh, huh, sure mom.
Buffy got up and made her way to the door.
Buffy: Oh, hey Tara.
Tara: Hi.
Buffy: Willow not with you?
Tara: Um, no. I was kinda w-wondering If I c-could t-talk to you about s-something.
Buffy moved to the side and let Tara in.
Buffy: Um, sure. We can talk in the kitchen.
Both girls sat down at the table.
Buffy: (Trying to sound more cheerful) So what can I do for you?
Tara: Um…well…it’s about Faith.
A painful expression swept over Buffy’s face.
Buffy: What about Faith? Have you heard from Angel? Is she okay?
Tara: W-we haven’t heard anything. I was just w-wondering…
Buffy: What?
Tara: Well…when you were t-talking about her yesterday, you c-came across…it seemed like you-you’d thought about her a lot.
Buffy was slowly losing herself in her thoughts again. She tried to snap herself out of it.
Buffy: I have. I still do.
Tara: Why? I mean…if you don’t m-mind me s-saying, some of the th-things Willow has told me seemed to make me th-think that you wouldn’t care what happened to her.
Tara knew lying was wrong, but it was the only way she would able to get what she wanted to know out of Buffy with out asking straight out.
Buffy: It’s not like that. Sure Faith put me through hell…but I never stopped caring. I kinda feel that it was partly my fault she started working for the mayor in the first place.
Tara: W-why?
Buffy: I didn’t do enough to make her feel she was part of the group.
Beat
Buffy: She must have thought I didn’t care about her.
Tara: But you did.
Buffy looked up at Tara and saw that the witch knew everything Buffy was afraid of admitting.
Buffy: More than anything.
Beat
Buffy: I still do…
Tears began to slide down Buffy’s face and Tara got up and hugged her.
Tara: It’ll be okay.
Tara wasn’t sure how everything would turn out okay, but she had to say something.
**********
Magic Box 2 days later.
All the Scoobies are there. All of them assembled around the table.
Buffy: Angel said they’d be here later today.
Giles: How long will they be staying for?
Buffy: He didn’t say.
Giles: He has a place to stay I assume.
Buffy: Probably…I just hope Cordelia didn’t book them into some really posh hotel somewhere.
Xander: Knowing Cordelia she’ll probably have them pumping Champaign through the taps.
Everyone but Tara, who didn’t know Cordelia, moaned in agreement.
(VO) My, isn’t this a fun place to be on a Saturday morning.
All the heads in the Magic shop turned to find Cordelia standing the doorway.
Cordelia: How about, Hi Cordelia. It’s nice to see you looking so well. How have you been?
Xander: (Putting his head on the table) And it begins.
Buffy: Hello Cordelia. Where’s everyone else?
Cordelia: They should be here in a minute.
At that moment Wesley, Angel and Gunn came through the door of the Magic shop.
Gunn: So this is Sunnydale magic shop.
Buffy got up walked over to Angel.
Buffy: Any news?
Angel: No. But I think we should wait until everyone gets here before we talk about things.
Buffy: What do you mean everyone?
Beat
(VO) Hey.
All heads in the magic shop turned to the front door once again, but they didn’t expect to see this person standing there.
Willow: Oz…
Silence once again filled the room.
Oz: Um, Angel said it would be okay for me to come along. I wanted to help.
Buffy turned to look at Willow who just sat looking anywhere but at Oz. Then she turned her attention to Tara who was looking down at her lap.
Buffy: Okay. But I don’t think you really needed to come her.
It was Wesley who spoke next.
Wesley: There is a dangerous slayer out there somewhere, and we are to believe that she will come here first.
Buffy: Why?
Wesley: What?
Buffy: What has given you reason to believe that she will come here first?
Wesley: She came for revenge last time. We think it’s possible she will come for more.
Buffy: Why?
Wesley: She’s been in jail for a while, Buffy. She-
Buffy: I didn’t put her in there. She confessed remember? She has no reason to come here.
Buffy wished that this was wrong but she knew that it was the truth.
Wesley: That maybe so but, what real reason did she have last time?
I made her feel left out. Like she wasn’t a part of the group…not wanted.
Buffy: Last time was…she was different. Angel…you remember what she was like when she came to you in LA. She wanted it all over, she knew she had done terrible things and wanted you to kill her. And you know why? Because she thought that would make everyone happy. But she was wrong. She wants to change. I believe that and if you can’t, after what you saw when she was with you…I have no faith in you anymore.
With that said Buffy made her way to the training room.
An uncomfortable silence filled the room.
Oz: She okay?
Xander: This whole Faith thing is kinda getting to her. She’ll be okay after it’s all over.
Only Tara knew how wrong Xander was. If Faith came and was taken away or left…it would destroy Buffy all over again.
**********
A hotel in Sunnydale later that night.
It’s posh and well decorated.
Cordelia: (Coming in through the door) Not bad. Not bad at all.
Angel: (Coming in behind her, Wesley and Gunn follow) Cordy…are you sure we can afford this?
Cordelia: Sure we can. It’s not much.
Wesley, Gunn and Angel exchanged sceptical looks. Oz just looked around.
Wesley: Just how much is not much Cordelia?
Cordelia: 300 dollars.
Angel and Wesley breathed a sigh of relief but Gunn didn’t believe all he was hearing.
Cordelia: A night.
Wesley & Angel: What?!
**********
Tara’s dorm room.
Willow sits on the bed and Tara is in the bed under the covers.
Willow: All I’m saying is I’m worried.
Tara: Buffy can look after herself, Willow.
Willow: I know that, but it was hard when Faith was around. She had trouble dealing with things. It was hard for her.
Tara: You mean, you had trouble dealing and it was hard for you.
Willow’s word game had come to an end.
Willow: How selfish can one person be?
Tara: Oh Willow honey, you’re not selfish. You went through a lot when Faith was around and now that she might be coming back you feel threatened again.
Willow: She and Buffy had a bond. Something me or Xander couldn’t touch.
Tara: But you and Xander had something with Buffy that Faith couldn’t touch.
Willow sighed and crawled under the covers.
Willow: Can we talk about something else? I don’t want to have to talk about Faith until she gets here.
**********
Buffy’s house.
Buffy: Will do. Night mom.
Joyce: (VO) Goodnight sweetheart.
Buffy made her way up the stairs and stopped in front of Dawn’s room.
Buffy: Hey.
Dawn: Hey.
Buffy: You okay?
Dawn: (Smiling) Shouldn’t I be asking you that?
Buffy smiled back her Dawn and came in to sit on her bed.
Dawn: Are you?
Buffy: Am I what?
Dawn: Okay.
Buffy: Oh.
Beat
Buffy: I’m dealing. It’s kinda hard and all Faith was…
Dawn: She put you through a lot. I remember.
Buffy: Yeah. She did.
They exchanged smiles once again.
Buffy: Well, I’m gonna turn in.
Buffy kissed Dawn on the head and got up off the bed.
Buffy: Sweet dreams.
Dawn: You too.
Buffy closed the door to Dawn’s room and walked into her own.
Buffy got changed and lay down in her bed.
I just wish I knew where she was.
Suddenly, Buffy heard a rustling noise come from outside her window.
She grabbed a stake from the top draw of her dresser, got out of bed and made her way to where the noise was coming from.
Vampires. They never know when to leave slayer alone.
Buffy: Okay buddy, I’m having a bad day. You picked the wrong time to come out to play.
As Buffy moved closer to the window all she could see was a shadow. It was sitting on the roof out side her window looking right at Buffy.
When Buffy got directly in front of then window, the moonlight poured into the room and she was able to see what was waiting for her. She dropped the stake to the ground in shock.
Faith: Hey B.
Part 2
Buffy’s bedroom, same night.
Buffy: Faith?
Faith: What gave it away? The leather pants?
Faith said this with a slight smile but made no attempt to move closer.
Buffy: What the…why are you here?
Buffy was still glued to the spot. She couldn’t move. She wasn’t sure why, but she defiantly couldn’t move.
Faith: I um…I came to…
There was a second there, while Faith was talking, that Buffy thought Faith looked as vulnerable as she did when Kakistos had come to kill her. The kind of vulnerable that made Buffy want to wrap her arms around the other girl and just hold her. But then Faith’s expression changed.
Faith: …What’s it to you?
Buffy: I-I was worried. I heard that they’d released you and I-
Faith: How did you find out?
Buffy: Oz rang me.
Faith: How did he find out?
Buffy: Angel told him. I’m not sure how Angel found out…he has connections so…
There was a slight pause before Buffy repeated her question.
Buffy: Why are you here?
Faith: Broken record B.
Buffy: Faith…
Beat.
Faith: I came to see you.
Buffy wasn’t sure what Faith meant by this.
Buffy: You came for revenge?
Faith frowned, then smiled slightly and shook her head.
Faith: Why would I do that?
Buffy: It’s what you did last time you were here.
Buffy’s words came out a lot colder than she had meant them too.
Buffy: I didn’t mean it like-
Faith: It’s cool. I know what you meant. I was a bitch and I don’t deserve time to explain but…that’s why I came here.
Buffy smirked and raised an eyebrow.
Buffy: I thought you came to see me.
**********
Tara’s dorm room same night.
Willow was sitting up in bed playing with Tara’s hair, while Tara rested her head in Willow’s lap.
Willow: I just think it’s going to be hard. With him around it’s going to be weird. You and me doing the wedding plans while he looks on.
Tara frowned and looked up at her fiancée.
Tara: Because you thought he’d be the one you’d be marrying.
It was Willow’s turn to frown. She looked down at Tara and shook her head.
Willow: No. Well…not after I met you anyway.
Tara: But before that…and maybe a little while during…you believed that he’d be the one you would be marrying?
Tara smiled weakly at Willow. She knew she was right and maybe when they had first started dating it would have bothered her a bit, but she and Willow were getting married and that’s all that mattered.
Then Willow’s face saddened and Tara’s heart almost broke at the sight.
Willow: I just wanted him to come back and make everything okay again. I wanted to stop feeling all the pain I was feeling.
A tear slid down Willow’s cheek.
Willow: When he left…after I found him and Veruca that morning…it was like my whole world crumbled. I never new I could feel so much pain.
Tara sat up and pulled Willow into a comforting embrace.
Willow: And then I met you, and we spent a lot of time together and I think I new before I was supposed to that I was in love with you.
Tara: What do you mean?
Willow smiled while Tara wiped away her tears.
Willow: You’d think that when I realised the feelings I held for you went beyond friendship and into something I never new I could feel for a girl…you’d think I’d kind of be wigged out or surprised. I wasn’t. It didn’t really scare me…it just felt right. Like I was meant to have ‘more than friendship’ kind of feelings for you.
Tara: Willow?
Willow: What?
Tara: I love you.
Willow smiled and kissed her fiancée.
Willow: I love you too.
**********
Buffy’s room.
Buffy: So um, you gonna stay out there all night or do you plan on coming in anytime soon?
Faith: You haven’t asked me in.
Buffy paused.
Buffy: You didn’t go and get yourself all vamped up, did you?
Faith smirked.
Faith: No. You’re talking to a fellow slayer here remember. I know better than to go out and get bitten.
Faith walked over to the window and climbed in through it.
Faith: See? No barrier or bumpy forehead.
Buffy smiled and then noticed the closeness between her and Faith.
Buffy: Um, you wanna stay a while? Talk?
Buffy moved away from Faith and sat down on her bed.
Faith: I just wanted to say I’m sorry and then I’ll be out of your way.
Buffy: You don’t have to go. I mean, we could just talk or hang out.
Faith put the rucksack she had with her on the floor and sat next to Buffy on the bed and looked at her lap.
Faith: Why would you want to hang out with me after everything I put you through?
Buffy: Because I think you’ve changed.
Faith looked up at Buffy.
Faith: Really?
Buffy: Really.
Both girls sat staring at the wall in front of them for a moment.
Faith: Maybe I should start explaining.
Buffy: You don’t have to. I mean, not just yet anyway. You just got here.
**********
Hotel in Sunnydale.
Oz’s room.
Oz was standing by his window, looking out at the full moon.
I wonder what she’s doing now. I bet she’s with her. Wait. Why wouldn’t she be? They’re in love. I can’t get in the way of that again. Not after last time. I almost killed Tara…I need to be able to control myself around the two of them. Just keep my cool and I’ll be fine. I need to be happy for them…I am happy for them.
Cordelia: Hey.
Oz turned to face Cordelia.
Oz: Hey.
Cordelia: Full moon huh?
Oz: Looks like.
Cordelia: You okay? Dealing?
Oz: Yeah.
Oz went back to looking out of the window.
Cordelia: Oz?
Oz: Yeah?
Cordelia: What happened when you were…I mean…why didn’t you stay with Willow when you came back last time?
Oz’s face darkened.
Control. All about control Oz.
Oz: She had someone else.
Cordelia: What? Willow had someone else? Who?
Oz: I’d rather she tell you herself. She might not want me to tell you…or anyone else that doesn’t know for that matter.
Cordelia thought for a moment.
Cordelia: Xander! It’s Xander!
Oz smiled.
Oz: It’s not Xander, Cordelia.
Beat.
Oz: Nice to see you still have a soft spot for him though.
Cordelia: I do not still have a soft spot for Xander Harris!
Oz gave Cordelia a sceptical look.
Oz: Really?
Cordelia: Really. Well…really, yes. Xander and me were over along time ago.
Oz: Did you love him?
Cordelia: Well that conversation just got a whole lot more complicated.
Oz: Oh, I didn’t mean to-
Cordelia: It’s okay. It’s just a bit of a touchy subject for me.
Oz: Considering what broke you to up it’s a touchy subject for me too.
Cordelia smiled and then moved towards Oz and looked out of the window. Her face darkened as she remembered just what had broken her and Xander up.
Cordelia remembered that day as if it were yesterday. The pain she had felt walking in
on Xander and Willow…and not to mention the pain she felt when the iron pipe broke
her fall.
Oz: You okay?
Cordelia jumped when Oz spoke and brought her back to the present.
Cordelia: Yeah. Just thinking.
Oz: Anything special?
Cordelia: Not really.
**********
Buffy’s bedroom. Same night.
Faith and Buffy had made themselves comfortable on Buffy’s bed.
Faith: So this guard corners me in my sell and tells me if I don’t give him what he wants, he’ll beat on me. I guess the screws thought I’d gotten weaker…course, they were wrong. And the guard found that out the hard way.
Buffy smirked at Faith and then felt a sudden urge to say something.
Buffy: I’ve missed you.
Faith seemed startled by the outburst at first, but then she smiled and lowered her head.
Faith: I…I’ve missed you too.
Buffy: You have?
Faith just nodded her head while Buffy looked at her.
She’s gone shy. Faith, shy?! That’s something I’d never think her capable of. But…it does make her look really cute. She always looks cute though…
Faith: I’m sorry.
Buffy stared blankly at Faith for a moment.
Buffy: For what?
Faith laughed.
Faith: Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already.
Beat.
Faith: For all the stuff I put you through. I was a horrible person and I wanted to tell you that I’ve changed. I’m not the same person I was when…all the stuff with the mayor…
Buffy: It’s okay.
Faith: It’s not okay. I put you through a lot of shit B. I deserved to be cut open and hung from the nearest tree for everyone to see what I monster I am.
Buffy: Faith!!
Faith looked up at Buffy and saw that the other girl was horrified at what she had just said. She also looked hurt.
Buffy: Don’t ever say that. I don’t let my friends speak about you like that I’m not going to sit her wile you-
Faith: What?
Buffy: What?
Faith: You said you don’t let you friends bad mouth me…why?
Buffy tried to think of a reason, other that the real one, because that would mean Faith would find out how Buffy felt about her. But it was no good. She found it very hard to come up with a different excuse while Faith was looking at her.
Buffy: Because it gets to me. I don’t let anyone bad mouth my friends.
Faith: You still think of me as a friend?
Buffy: Yes.
Faith: But everything I put you through, I was sure you hated me and would never even consider forgiving me. That made me feel bad…just thinking that you might never talk to me again. All of the crap that happened between us, the mayor, everything…after all that…you still considered me a friend? Why?
Buffy took a deep breath and look directly at Faith.
Buffy: Because I never stopped caring about you.
Faith was sure she had forgotten how to breathe.
Buffy: Because I never stopped thinking about you.
Buffy moved closer to Faith. So close she could feel the other slayer’s breath on her lips.
Buffy: That’s why.
Faith took a moment to take in what Buffy had just said and wondered if it meant what she thought it meant.
Faith: Wow…um…I did really expect that…
Buffy smiled, suddenly shy.
Buffy: Me either…I mean…I didn’t expect me to, um, tell you.
Faith: But…you meant it?
Buffy just nodded her head. She and Faith were so close now it was hard for both girls to think straight.
Faith: Well…it’s um late…
Buffy: Yeah…maybe you should…
Faith: Get some sleep…
Both girls leaned in for the kiss.
Joyce: (VO) Buffy!!
Joyce’s scream made both Buffy and Faith pull away from each other.
Buffy: Stay here.
Faith: What if it’s trouble?
Buffy: I’ll let you know.
Buffy ran out of the room, leaving Faith alone with her thoughts.
I almost kissed her! What the hell was I thinking? I come her to tell her I’m sorry, knowing that the feelings I have for her are stronger than her strength and mine put together, and I almost kiss her! I should leave…she probably hates me right now. Maybe I should leave a note or something…no…I’ll just go.
Faith picked up her rucksack and made her way to the window.
I’m so stupid.
Faith was almost out of the window when she heard a scream.
Buffy: (VO) Faith!!
Faith turned her head and climbed back into Buffy’s room.
Faith: Buffy…
Faith threw her rucksack to the floor and ran out of the room.
**********
Summer’s living room.
In the meantime, Buffy was fighting something that looked as if it had just crawled out of a swamp. It smelt like it had too. It had a huge shell-like hump on its back too.
Buffy sent the demon flying backwards with a flying kick.
Buffy: Faith!!
Joyce looked at Buffy with a shocked expression on her face.
Joyce: Faith?
Buffy: I’ll explain later.
Buffy kicked the demon in its face, just as Faith landed on the floor behind it.
Buffy: You jumped off the stairs?
Faith: You sounded like you were in trouble.
Faith smiled and the turned the demon to face her.
Faith: Jesus!!
Faith put held her hand up to cover her mouth and nose.
Faith: What died in you?!
Faith punched the demon in its face and sent it back towards Buffy. Buffy saw her chance and kicked the demon full force in its back, sending flying into yet another wall. It fell to the ground with a thud.
Faith walked over to the black trunk in the Summer’s living room and pulled out an axe.
Both slayers then walked over to the demon, which was now flat on it’s back and couldn’t get up, and looked down at it.
Buffy: You know, I really think you should invest in some sort of soap for demons.
Faith swung the axe down at the demon’s neck and took its head off.
Dawn: Ew.
Joyce: I believe you are supposed to be in bed young lady…but yes. Ew indeed.
Dawn: How am I supposed to sleep with slayer stuff going on inside my own house? It’s…
Dawn trailed off as she noticed Faith.
Dawn: Oh god, Buffy-
Buffy: Dawnie it’s okay.
Joyce turned to look at Buffy.
Joyce: (Re-Faith) I believe you were going to explain this.
Buffy: Yeah, I was, wasn’t I.
Buffy was about to start explaining, then stopped and turned to Dawn.
Buffy: Bed.
Dawn: What? I want to know why Faith’s here. Mom, do I have to?
Joyce: Honey, it’s past your bedtime.
Dawn: But I don’t have school tomorrow or anything.
Buffy: Bed.
Dawn: No.
Buffy: If I have to come over there-
Joyce: Girls!
Both Buffy and Dawn turned to their mom.
Joyce: Well?
Buffy: (To Faith) Am I okay to tell her?
Faith: It’s your call.
Buffy: (To Joyce) You remember all the stuff that happened with Faith back when I was in high school?
Joyce: It’s not something I plan on forgetting anytime soon.
Buffy: And then she came back and switched bodies with me.
Faith winced. Just thinking about it hurt her.
Joyce: Yes.
Buffy: Well you know after she left and I went to LA to see Angel?
Joyce nodded her head.
Buffy: Faith was there.
Joyce: What? Buffy, why didn’t you tell me?
Buffy: Because she turned herself in to the police.
Joyce: So she turns herself into the police and you think it’s okay for her to be here? Don’t you remember everything she put you through?
Buffy took a step towards her mom.
Buffy: Of course I do. But I also thinks she’s changed.
Joyce: You’re not always right Buffy. What make you think what you think is real. She’s a killer!!
The thoughts that were racing through Faith mind as Joyce was saying this were a little too much for her. She expected people to act this way…what she didn’t expect was that it would bother her.
Buffy: Don’t say that!! You have no idea what she’s been through.
An uncomfortable silence swept over the Summer’s living room.
Dawn: How did she get out?
Buffy: What?
Dawn: From prison.
Buffy: She was released.
Dawn: Oh. Why?
Buffy: I’m not sure.
Buffy turned around to look at Faith. Faith walked towards Buffy and looked at Joyce then at Dawn.
Faith: Look…Dawnie, Mrs Summers…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone. I mean…I’m not sure what I wanted. I was messed up and didn’t know what I was doing. All I know is I’ve never been more sorry about anything in my life. I’m just going to tell everyone I’m sorry and then go.
Buffy: Go?
Faith turned to look at Buffy.
Faith: Yeah.
Buffy: Why?
Faith: It’s not as if I’m wanted here.
Faith looked quickly at Joyce before focusing on Buffy again.
Buffy: What do you mean? Of course you are…
Faith: Oh yeah? By who?
Buffy: Me.
Silence filled the room once again while Faith tried to make sense of what Buffy was saying. She knew what she wanted her to be saying, she just didn’t know Buffy felt the same way about her as she felt about Buffy.
Faith: But why? I mean everything I put you through…
Buffy: God, I don’t care about that! You keep bringing this up…yes there are questions that need to be answered, but just seeing you again…I don’t care about that anymore.
Sensing the nature of this conversation, Joyce made her way upstairs, taking Dawn with her.
Buffy: I missed you so much it hurt. I don’t want to go through that again…I need you here with me.
There was a small pause while Faith looked at Buffy and vice versa.
Buffy: I love you.
Faith couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It took her a second or two to realise that she had something she needed to tell Buffy.
Faith: I…I love you too.
Buffy stepped forward so that she and Faith were no more than an inch apart.
Buffy: You have no idea how good it felt to be able to finally say that to you.
Faith: I think I have a pretty good idea.
With that Faith closed the gap between her and Buffy and kissed her. As the kiss grew more passionate, both girls felt that this was the only thing that mattered now. They were meant to be together. They really were the chosen two.
Part 3
Willow dorm room next day.
Willow was getting changed while Tara sat on the bed and but her boots on.
Tara: Do you think Buffy has heard from Faith?
Willow: I don’t know. Part of me hopes so because that would mean that we new where Faith was. But another part of me is hoping that she hasn’t because that would meant that Faith hasn’t had chance to get to Buffy yet.
Beat.
Tara: What makes you think Faith will try and hurt Buffy?
Willow: That’s the first thing she did when she got out of her coma, I’m betting that’s the first thing she’ll do when she comes back for Buffy.
Tara: When she? Maybe she won’t come back to Sunnydale.
Willow: Tara, do you remember what happened last time she was here?
Tara: Y-y-yes.
Willow saw Tara look down at her shoes and let her hair covered her face. She saw Tara’s brow scrunch up as she tried to get her words out and it made Willow worry. Tara hadn’t stuttered in a long time.
Willow: Tara, are you okay?
Tara lifted her head and tucked her hair behind her ears.
Tara: I’m f-fine.
Willow: No you’re not. Something’s bothering you. What’s wrong?
Beat.
Tara: Its just…F-Faith…l-last time she w-w-was here…
Willow: What? Did she hurt you? Tara what happened?
Willow was feeling a mix between anger and panic now.
Tara: She didn’t hurt me…she just…said something to me…
Willow sat down next to Tara.
Willow: What did she say to you?
Tara: It’s nothing. It doesn’t matter.
Willow: Tara, please tell me.
Tara: She just said, so Willow’s not driving stick anymore and then said some stuff about you and Oz.
Beat.
Willow: I’ll kill her. As soon as I see her I’m going to make her head explode.
Willow got up and walked across the room. Tara got up and walked after her.
Tara: Willow, sweetie, don’t.
Willow: No one says stuff like that to my fiancée. No one.
Tara grabbed Willow’s hand.
Tara: It okay. Willow really.
Willow: No it’s not. She thinks she has the right to go around saying what ever she wants, no matter how bad it makes people feel.
Tara: Faith was in a bad place then.
Willow: You’re telling me.
Tara: But if she dose come back here, she might be different. She might have changed.
Willow: (Coldly) Psychotic head cases don’t change, Tara.
**********
Buffy’s bedroom.
Buffy and Faith were relaxing on Buffy’s bed eating ice cream.
Buffy: You really have changed, you know.
Faith: What I look different or something?
Buffy: No, you’re still the same old beautiful you.
Buffy smiled at Faith. She could have sworn she had saw Faith blush.
Buffy: I meant you’ve changed, not your looks…I mean, last year I would have expected you to be battling with me to the death but here you are, sitting on my bed eating ice cream with me.
Faith smiled at Buffy.
Faith: I guess…but I never wanted to kill you.
Buffy: You didn’t? But I though everything with the mayor-
Faith: Blind rage B…mixed with jealousy, maybe.
Buffy: Jealous? Why? Of who?
Faith: Angel.
Beat.
Buffy: Oh.
Faith: I just wanted to be him. Able to kiss you and not have you reject me or have anyone look at me like I was crazy.
Buffy: Faith, why would I reject you?
Faith: Well, you and Angel had the soul mate thing going on and you never seemed to look twice at me.
Buffy put her ice cream to one side, took Faith’s out of her hands, put it next to hers and kissed Faith.
When the kiss ended Buffy took hold of Faith’s hands and looked into her eyes.
Buffy: The only soul mate I want, have every wanted, is you. You and me have something Angel couldn’t touch…can’t touch…and I think, deep down he knew that, even if he didn’t know I was in love with you then, I think on some level he knew he wasn’t the one I loved.
Faith: What about Riley?
Buffy: What?
Faith: What are you going to tell him?
Buffy: I don’t know.
Faith: You love him?
Buffy: You know, at first I thought I might…but every time I thought of you…no one else stood a chance with me. I was always in love with you, but after everything with the mayor…I just wouldn’t let myself believe it anymore. Then when you came back…I felt everything all over again. And even though you tried to…after everything you did when you were here last…I still loved you. It was about that time I realized I could deny it anymore.
Buffy words seemed to hit Faith’s weak spot. She broke down and began crying. Buffy, who felt amazingly guilty, pulled Faith into a hug.
Buffy: Oh god, oh god. I didn’t mean to…I’m sorry.
Faith: (Through tears) Don’t be. I was such an idiot. I had everything I wanted lying right under my nose…I just didn’t know it. Truth is, life before you was miserable. Then when I was called and came to Sunnydale, my life seemed to take a good turn. I even fell in love, which has never happened before. Than when I found out about you and Angel…my whole world came crashing down. I felt as if the only person I’d ever cared about couldn’t be mine. That alone was enough to drive me to take the mayor’s side. Only ever loving one person…and finding out that person couldn’t love you back…or at least thinking that…it killed me. Then the whole thing with the mayor…he was like the father I never had…he loved me when I thought no one else did.
Buffy: But someone did love you Faith. Me. Even if I didn’t let myself believe it…even if you didn’t know it…I loved you. I just didn’t think you could love me back.
Faith: I’ve never loved anyone like I love you.
**********
Magic shop later that day.
Anya, Xander, Willow, Tara, Giles, Riley and the LA crew including Oz all sat around the table.
Xander: Didn’t Buffy say she’d be here by eleven?
Riley: Yeah.
Anya: And yet, here we are, an hour later, still waiting for her. Remind me again why I bother.
Cordelia looked at Anya.
Cordelia: I like her.
Anya looked at Cordelia and smiled.
Xander: Oh god.
Cordelia: What? So I can’t like you’re new girlfriend now either? God, you’re worse than when we were dating. I think I liked you better then.
Anya’s expression suddenly changed.
Anya: You can’t have him.
Cordelia: What?
Anya: Don’t even think about trying to steal him away from me. He’s mine.
Cordelia: And you’re welcome to him. I’m not the one who steals people’s boyfriends’ right Willow?
Willow scowled at Cordelia.
Anya: What are you…oh I get it. Nothing to worry about there. She’s not interested in Xander anymore. She has her own girlfriend.
Cordelia: Yeah well that never stopped her…what? Wait, girlfriend?!
Oz leaned towards Cordelia and whispered in her ear.
Oz: That’s why I never told you.
Angel, Wesley and Gunn just looked at Willow and around the rest of the room, trying to work out which one was Willow’s girlfriend.
Angel: You.
He gestured towards Tara, who was sitting nest to Willow.
Angel: It’s you isn’t it?
Tara: Uh…y-yeah.
Cordelia: Well, who have thought Willow would turn out to be a great big-
Xander: Well! Don’t you think someone should ring Buffy? Make sure she’s coming?
Giles: I’m sure she’ll be here and have a good reason for her lateness.
Anya: She’d better.
**********
Buffy’s room.
Buffy: God, where do I begin? Things haven’t been right there for a while.
Faith: How so?
Buffy: We’ve just drifted apart.
Faith: Because of me?
Buffy: No, not because of you. Well, yeah maybe.
Faith giggled.
Buffy: It’s just…I spent most of my time with Riley, thinking about you.
Faith raised her eyebrow and Buffy laughed.
Buffy: Don’t get smart.
They exchanged smiles.
Buffy: I don’t think I was every really in love with him. I couldn’t have been. I loved you, not him. But you’d left and I felt empty…like I was looking for something. I thought Riley was that something. Everything was just really messed up for a while. And now you’re back…and everything and just fallen into place…well except for the fact that I have a boyfriend. And not to mention the trouble I’ll be faced with if the gang find out…
Buffy trailed off.
Buffy: Oh damn!!
Faith: What?
Buffy: The gang…I was meant to meet them all at the magic shop. What time is it?
Faith looked at her watch.
Faith: Ten after twelve.
Buffy: I’m late. Get your jacket.
Faith: What? Buffy no, I can’t-
Buffy: Yes you can.
Faith: No I-
Buffy: We’re not talking about this. You’re coming and that’s it.
**********
Magic shop.
Anya: Xander, I’m board. Can’t we go home. I can think of much more fun things to do there. Like-
Willow: Let’s not get graphic.
Cordelia: Well, I’m not waiting any longer. Angel, are you coming back to the hotel?
Angel: Now, Cordelia, I’m sure Buffy will be here-
The door of the magic shop opened and Buffy and Faith walked through it.
Angel: -Any second.
All of the Scoobies, past and present, rushed over to where Buffy and Faith were standing.
Buffy: Sorry about the lateness…I had stuff to sort out.
Riley: Buffy are you okay?
Buffy: I’m fine.
Willow was looking at Faith, who was standing behind Buffy looking at the floor.
Willow: Buffy…
Buffy: Will, It’s okay.
Giles: I think we all need to sit down and hear, um…some explanations.
Buffy: Yeah. Faith?
Faith looked up at Buffy, but avoided eye contact with everyone else.
Faith: Okay.
As the Scoobies returned to their seats, Buffy and Faith sat next to each to other. This didn’t go unnoticed to Tara.
Wesley: Faith, I believe there’s something you need to tell us.
Everyone, except Buffy, expected Faith to go all psycho slayer on them and kill them all. They got a surprise.
Faith: I’m…I’m sorry.
Silence filled the magic shop. Each person probably thinking more or less the same thing.
Willow: Well, um…
Xander: That was…
Oz: Unexpected.
Faith: I know you probably all hate me right now, but I came back here to sort things out. To apologise for everything I did. I know nothing I say can make up for some of the things I did but, I want to try and make things better.
Willow: It’s not going to be that easy.
Faith looked towards Willow.
Faith: I know. But I want to try. Please, let me.
Buffy: I think she deserves a chance to explain.
Willow: Fine.
Faith: Okay. Well…here goes nothing…
**********
Magic shop.
When Faith had finished trying to explain why she did everything, everyone one was quiet.
Everything Faith had said and seemed to make sense. Why she turned to the mayor, the body swap…everything.
Faith: I’m sorry. Every day I’m sorry. I can’t take back any of the things I did…but if I could, I would. I came to ask if it’s possible for any of you to forgive me…for the things I did.
Beat.
Everyone thought about what Faith had said. She had put them all…well most of them…through a hell of a lot. She had hurt every one of them in some way.
Buffy: Faith…
Willow and Xander looked at each other then at Buffy.
Buffy: I forgive you.
Willow was finding it hard to believe what Buffy was saying.
Willow: Buffy, are you just going to-
Tara: I forgive you.
Willow turned to Tara.
Willow: What?
Tara: Willow, can I talk to you…over here?
Willow: Wh…uh…okay…
Willow and Tara moved away from the table and towards the counter.
Tara: Remember what we talked about last night? Remember what you said?
Willow: Maybe…
Tara: About if what Faith said made sense you could forgive her?
Willow: Yes…
Tara: You can’t tell me that what she just said didn’t make sense.
Willow: No, I can’t.
Tara: Well…
Willow: Okay, fine.
Willow and Tara sat back at the table just as Angel was forgiving Faith.
Buffy: Everything okay?
Tara: Yeah, I think so.
Willow: Faith?
Faith: Yeah?
Willow: I…I forgive you.
Faith smiled. She looked around the room at the people who she hurt so much. They had just forgiven her. After everything she had put them through, after the things she had done…they had forgiven her.
Wesley: Well, where do you plan on going now Faith?
Faith: What?
Wesley: When you leave. Where do you plan on going?
Buffy looked at Faith, who really didn’t know what to say, and then back to the group.
Buffy: Um, Faith’s going to stick around for a while.
Willow: Why? Uh, I mean…well not to sound mean but why.
Buffy: I asked her too. I um, need her help with some things now she’s back.
Angel: With what?
Buffy thought for a second.
Buffy: Slaying. It’s been really, um, wacky lately. Too many vamps for me to handle, you know.
Giles: Buffy, you never told me.
Buffy: Well, I just didn’t want you to worry.
Giles: I’m your watcher. That’s my job.
Riley: And I could have helped with the slaying.
Riley glanced at Buffy then at Faith. He could tell Buffy was lying. He just didn’t know why.
Buffy: I know, but I thought I could handle it. I didn’t want you to worry. Plus now Faith’s here, she might as well help a little before she…um…leaves.
Giles: Yes. I suppose you’re right Buffy. Well, Faith, do you, um, have a place to stay?
Faith: Um, well I was going to stay at the motel-
Buffy: No.
Noticing everyone’s confused looks, Buffy explained.
Buffy: I mean, Faith can stay with me. I wouldn’t want her staying in that motel. Cause, ew, have you seen the roaches in there?
Buffy and Faith shared a smile. Tara once again noticed and she wondered if anyone else was seeing what she was.
**********
Bronze.
Riley sat at one of the tables, alone. Usually he would be sitting here with Buffy, but she had told him she had plans.
I wonder what was so important, that she had to ditched me to do it.
**********
Sunnydale graveyard.
Faith and Buffy walked down the path talking.
Buffy: But you’re glad you came back?
Faith: Of course I am. I mean, if I hadn’t, this…
Faith squeezed Buffy’s hand.
Faith: Would never have happened.
Buffy smiled at Faith.
Buffy: Well, it probably would have. I would have gone looking for you to tell you how much I loved you.
Faith stopped walking and looked at Buffy.
Faith: Have I told you that I love you?
Buffy: You’ve mentioned it once of twice.
They exchanged smiles and Faith leaned down to kiss Buffy.
Spike: Bloody hell!
Both slayers pulled apart and jumped away from each other.
Buffy: Spike!!
Faith: Oh crap.
Spike put his cigarette out and smirked at the slayers.
Spike: Well, what has old Spike stumbled upon here? First Red now Betty.
Buffy: Don’t start Spike.
Faith: Betty?
Buffy: Don’t ask.
Spike stepped closer to Buffy and Faith.
Spike: So, what’s going on here?
Buffy: What do you mean?
Spike: Oh, I don’t know…the two slayers playing tonsil tennis in the graveyard maybe.
Spike pointed to Buffy and Faith and smirked again.
Faith stepped forward, so that she and Spike were about an inch apart, and grabbed him the collar of his coat.
Faith: Listen blondie, we’re trying to keep this a little hush, hush until we decide we want people to know. So if you want you can keep it out little secret if not…
Faith pulled a stake out of her pocket and brought it up to Spike’s chest so fast it made the vampire flinch.
Faith: Then I jam this through your chest and you get dusty.
Spike went wide-eyed and tried to back away from Faith. But she had a firm grip on him.
Spike: Jeez, watch the coat!
Faith: I will once you tell me what you’re going to do.
The fact that Faith was saying all this very calmly scared Spike a bit.
Spike: Okay, okay. I’ll keep you little love affair quiet.
Faith let her grip on his collar go and pushed him backwards.
Faith: Good. And if I find out you’ve said anything to anyone.
Spike: I won’t.
Buffy: Good.
Spike walked off into the shadows.
Buffy: God, if he says anything to-
Faith: He won’t. He knows I’ll dust him if he does.
Buffy walked towards Faith.
Buffy: So, whatcha wanna do know? Slaying?
Faith: Well I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of vampires for one night.
Buffy grinned at Faith and took hold of her hand again.
Buffy: So home?
Faith: Bronze?
Buffy: Okay.
**********
Bronze.
Riley was getting himself another drink from the bar when he heard a familiar voice.
Spike: Oh come on!! I gave you a twenty. I want my bloody change!!
Riley: There a problem here?
Spike: Bloody right there is. I gave this stupid bint a twenty and he won’t give me my change.
Spike moved closer to the barkeeper and Riley had to hold him back.
Riley: Okay, okay. Stop. Sir, if you’d just give this…man, his change we can be on our way.
Barkeeper: But-
Riley: Believe me when I say it’ll all be a lot easier if you give him his change.
The barkeeper gave Spike his change and went to serve another customer.
Riley sat back at his table with his drink and Spike sat next to him.
Riley: You really give that guy a twenty?
Spike: Yeah. Well…I think I did. Mind’s a little preoccupied at the moment.
Riley: Really.
Spike: Yeah.
Riley: A vampire being preoccupied…you know I’ve never come across that before.
Spike: Well you haven’t seen what I’ve just seen.
Riley: What do you mean?
Spike realised he’d said too much with out thinking.
Spike: You know, evil and all lately. Big stuff.
**********
Outside The Bronze.
Buffy: I’m not going to let you stay in some fleabag motel. You’ll stay with me.
Faith: I don’t want to be any trouble-
Buffy: You’re not trouble at all.
Buffy turned to Faith and smiled before entering The Bronze.
**********
Bronze.
Riley was still sitting in his corner. Except now he had about ten more empty beer bottles. Spike was still sitting with him.
Spike: But I mean…you’re lucky to have Buffy. After Dru left I fell apart. She just up and left me one day. Didn’t give me a bloody chance to ask her why she was leaving, so I went looking for her and found her in the tentacles or another demon. Killed me did that.
Riley: Spike, I couldn’t care less.
Spike slammed his beer down on the table.
Spike: Fine!! I just thought you might like to know, seeing as how it’s going to happen to you!!
And with that Spike stormed off.
What did he mean?
It was then that Riley noticed Buffy out on the dance floor.
What the…this is what was so important. She came to hang out at The Bronze instead of- wait…she’s with someone.
Riley got up and walked towards the dance floor.
Who is it?
Riley looked closer and saw the one person he thought was the last person Buffy would be dancing with.
Faith?
As Riley got closer, Buffy and Faith didn’t seem to notice him at all. It was if they were in a world of their own. It was just the two of them dancing and no one else existed.
This only lasted about five more seconds though, because as soon as Riley tapped Buffy on the shoulder their dance ended and they were both forced out of their world.
Buffy: Riley?!
Faith: Oh, Jesus.
Riley: Yeah…
Riley pulled Buffy to one side by her arm.
Riley: What the hell are you doing?
Buffy: Well, I was…dancing.
Riley: I guessed that much. You blew me off to hang with Faith?
Beat.
Buffy: It looks that way doesn’t it.
Riley: But…why?
Buffy: What do you mean, why?
Riley: She tried to kill you Buffy.
Buffy: Stop it!
Riley took a step back, startled.
Buffy: You forgave her. You forgave her just like the rest of us. Is it so w