CHAPTER 10

Willow stared at Buffy in confusion. Did she really ask me that? “Hey, um, why don’t you go call Graham, and I’ll just stay here and watch Riley, ‘k?”

“No,” the Slayer stated. She moved closer to the young witch, flushed and breathing hard. “I want to know. Do you think I’m hot?” A roughened hand caressed the redhead’s cheek. “It’s a simple question, Will. Why the avoidance?”

“Because you’re freaking me out, that’s why.” Willow’s voice drifted up an octave, but she didn’t move away from the blonde. “Wh-why would you even think I’d think about how you look?” She blushed at her stumbling question.

Buffy smiled. “Our conversation earlier got my mind on the subject. After all, if you’re OK with Tara lusting after you, maybe you haven’t been so straight all this time. And” hazel eyes flicked over the unconscious Marine, “Ry’s a military man, but he’s not stupid. Did he see something I missed, Will?”

Chewing on her lip, the young witch considered her options. Lying – never good, but it might preserve their friendship. The truth – karma points, but bad for friendship. Willow bounced in place, unable to decide. Finally, the blonde took the choice out of her hands. “Maybe I should find out for myself, huh?” Buffy moved closer until they were pressed together, and brushed her lips gently over her friend’s.

The witch jerked in surprise and then threw caution to the winds. Sliding long fingers into Buffy’s hair, she drew her in closer and opened her mouth, inviting further exploration. The Slayer’s tongue took advantage of the opportunity. The kiss grew less gentle and more heated, interspersed with gasps and moans. Body burning with primal need, Buffy started to stroke her hands down Willow’s back until she cupped the jeans-clad ass.

The sound of clapping drove them apart. A slim figure emerged from behind the stage. “Ya’ know, I saw all the kiddies running outta the Bronze and thought there might be some major blood sucking going on.” Dimples flashed as Faith moved closer. “Didn’t know I’d see other types of sucking. Surprised at you, B.”

The blonde Slayer took a fast step forward, a growl bursting from her throat. Already keyed up from the fights with Riley and Adam, plus the short make out session with the witch, she was more than ready to take on the other girl. “Don’t, Buffy.” Willow’s voice rang in the empty bar. Green eyes flashed. “Still trying to get a reaction, aren’t you, Faith? I’m curious. Did you come in here to stop the vampires? Or did you plan on holding their victims?”

Even in the dim lighting, Slayer and witch saw the younger girl pale. “Glad to know you think so highly of me, Red.”

“You expected something more?” Willow was on a roll. “The last time we met, you threatened to kill me. Sorry if I don’t trust your motives.”

The Dark Slayer walked passed the Scoobies and jumped up to sit on the bar. “So, girls, fill me in. What’d I miss?”

“Not much, really,” Buffy said quietly. There was something not right with the other Slayer. Although Faith was trying to close off their bond, enough leaked through for her to sense a little of the teen’s feelings.

“Been eight freakin months, Buffy. You telling me the Hellmouth’s been quiet?” The words were angry and bitter. “How about the Mayor? I’m sure you and your girl are just itching to give me all the gory details.”

Feeling her way, Buffy held up a hand, preventing Willow from divulging the more graphic parts of their fight with the Ascended Mayor. “He Ascended on Graduation Day, just as planned. We fought. He lost.”

Faith didn’t answer, merely sitting on the bar, swinging her legs.

“Will, can you call Graham for me? I don’t want Riley waking up and trying to get all He-Man again.” Buffy’s eyes never left her sister Slayer.

“Are you sure? I’d be happy to knock her out and tie her up for you.” The blonde raised an eyebrow at the venom in the normally friendly voice.

“I’m sure, Will. Faith and I are just going to talk while you’re gone.” Letting just a hint of threat slip into her tone, she asked, “Right, Faith?”

Although it obviously galled the younger girl, she nodded jerkily. “Right, B. Talking.”

Willow looked between the Slayers. The intensity in the room was frightening, and she expected an explosion soon. Still, Buffy usually knew what she was doing. Backing away, the witch headed for the bank of pay phones in the hallway near the bathrooms.

Once Willow was out of range, Buffy moved carefully toward Faith, perching on a bar stool by her knees. “Faith, I don’t know what to say…” she trailed off, staring at her hands resting on the scarred wood. “I’m sorry doesn’t even scratch the surface.”

“What the fuck are you apologizing for?” The usual bite was absent from the husky voice.

A bark of laughter escaped. “Oh, you know, not helping with the Finch thing, treating you like a stone cold killer, stabbing you. Did I leave out anything?”

Unease trickled through the link. “Nah. Those are the highlights.” Uneasy silence grew between them. “I keep expecting you to jump me and finish the job.” Brown eyes met hazel ones. “Why are we just sitting here?”

“Because I refuse to go back to where we were, Faith. That night on the roof,” the blonde felt her counterpart flinch, “I crossed a line I never imagined was there. And,” a self-mocking grin appeared, “there’s a new Big Bad in town. We could use your help.”

“Sounds familiar.” No anger, just a hint of bitter. “Don’t know, B. Might be best if I just blew out of town.”

Buffy absorbed that information. “Don’t. Please.”

The other girl stared at her in shock. “What the fuck is going on, Buffy? Is this another Slayer dream? Am I still in the hospital, waiting to die?”

“No dreams here.” Then, thinking of Adam and the Initiative, “Well, maybe a Hellmouthy nightmare or two.”

Willow had been listening to the quiet exchange, having completed her mercy call to the other Marine. “Buffy, Graham’s on his way.”

Still looking at the confused brunette, Buffy answered, “Thanks, Will. Can you check and see if we’re going to be fending off firemen soon? It looks like they’re as competent as the police.”

“Call me Errand Girl,” the redhead quipped, trying to lighten the still tense mood. Her comment fell flat. Sighing, she trudged toward the front door, leaving the two Slayers alone again.

“What’s it going to be, Faith? Giles is willing to look for ways to help out. The Council is out of the picture. In fact, they’ve disowned all of us: you, me, and Giles.” She stood up, hand resting on the other Slayer’s thigh. “Want to join the Good Guys again? Benefits suck, but it feels good most of the time.”

Buffy held her breath until the brunette replied.

“Don’t know about joining. I’m not cut out to be a Scooby. But if you need me for the big fight, I’m in.”

The blonde grinned up at the younger Slayer, relieved. “To borrow a phrase, wicked cool.” Her grin widened when Faith chuckled. “Will, what’s the word on the big red trucks?” she called out.

“Nothing yet, but I can hear sirens,” the redhead yelled back.

“Damn. We can’t let them find Riley, and I want to be long gone before they get here.” Buffy scowled at her ex-boyfriend. “Let’s go, Will. Faith and I’ll carry Ry toward Lowell House. I don’t want to make explanations when the firemen finally get here.”

The witch trotted back over. “OK. I can do a glamour so we don’t draw attention on the way.”

“Excellent.” The blonde Slayer grabbed the Marine’s body under the arms. “Get his feet, will you, Faith?”

Sliding to the floor, the brunette moved slowly into position. Sweat broke out on her face and she grimaced as she lifted Riley’s heavy boots. “Faith? What’s wrong?” Willow asked. She’d never seen the other girl look so out of it.

“I’m thinking an eight-month nap ain’t so good for muscle tone,” the brunette quipped. She managed to get Riley settled in her arms. “Let’s motor, girls. I don’t know how long I can do this.” She grunted as they made an awkward trek to the alley entrance. “Man, B, who is this dude and why can’t we leave his heavy ass here?”

Buffy blushed. Not looking at either of her companions, she mumbled, “He’s my ex-boyfriend.”

The Dark Slayer nearly laughed, until she saw how uncomfortable Buffy was. Glancing to the side, she noticed Willow biting her lip and examining her shoes. Man, these two are priceless. I shoulda just sat back and watched the show. Wonder if either of them would have known what to do? “He’s kinda beefy for a soldier boy.”

The trio plus their cargo staggered into the alley. “Hold up, guys. I need to do the spell,” Willow ordered.

“Hurry the fuck up, Red. I’m way below par here.” Faith dropped the Marine’s legs, leaning against the brick wall and panting.

Nodding in understanding, the redhead held her hands palm up and began chanting. White light surrounded the four of them briefly. “We’re set.” The young witch was shaking from the effort.

“Will, are you sure it worked? I mean,” Buffy didn’t really want to accuse her friend of anything, “I can’t see any difference.”

“You won’t. It basically puts a, um…shield around us that tells people’s minds to see nothing.” She grinned. “Tara showed it to me.”

“Whoo fucking hoo,” Faith mocked. “We ready? Cause I don’t think I’m worth too much more.”

Buffy glared at the brunette, but her irritation wasn’t with the younger girl. Willow’s enthusiastic mention of Tara had her grinding her teeth. She had been the one kissing the redhead just minutes ago. Why was Willow still so gung ho over the other blonde? “Yeah. Come on. We need to get back before Adam finds us or Giles worries himself to death.” She waited for Faith to pick up Riley’s feet again and they staggered toward campus. It was a nightmare journey. While the downtown area wasn’t crowded, they still had to dodge the occasional group of people on their way home from dinner. By the time the little band hit the edge of the UC-Sunnydale campus, Buffy was panting and Riley’s legs dragged the ground more often than not.

“Fuck, B, how much farther?” Faith actually looked worse than their cargo. She was grey-green and sweat stood out. Both Buffy and Willow noted the shake in her hands every time she shifted her grip on the Marine.

Buffy stopped. If they pushed any farther, they’d be carrying Faith, too. “We’ll wait here. Graham and his group will have to come this way.” She motioned for the other Slayer to take a seat. “You don’t look so good.”

“No, really?” Faith rolled her eyes, leaning against a tree. “I’ve been flat on my back for almost a year, B. Even Slayer healing’s gonna take a while to fix that.”

“Why?” Willow commented without thinking. “Wasn’t that a normal position for you?” After a pained silence, the witch offered, “I am so sorry, Faith. Totally uncalled for.” She looked pleadingly at the tense brunette.

“Put the puppy dog eyes away, Red. It’s just a comment.” Faith’s voice was really raspy, and the witch thought maybe there were tears in her eyes. “While we wait, you want to fill me in on the sitch here? It must be pretty bad if you’re willing to let me stay in town.”

Buffy started to answer, but paused, head cocked. “Someone’s coming.” She stood up, ready for a fight. Faith managed to join her, but the blonde figured Willow would be more use in hand to hand combat. Luckily for them all, it was just Graham and a couple of Riley’s unit. “Thanks for helping out, Graham. I know things are a little weird for you guys at the moment.”

The handsome Marine smiled. “Don’t worry about it, really. We were glad to get out for a while.” He eyed his superior officer. “He’ll be OK?”

“Oh, yeah. He just ran into my fist. Give him a few hours.” Buffy smiled, then remembered the information they’d overheard. “You guys know anything about an experiment where they put drugs in your food?” When all three claimed ignorance, she gave them a quick rundown.

“Damn.” Graham looked angry. “Maybe it’s time to get in touch with some contacts at the Pentagon. This is not part of our orders.”

CHAPTER 11

“I’ll get Ry back to base. Then,” Graham smiled grimly, “I’ll start unraveling the mystery of the drugged food. You girls gonna be OK on your own?” He looked questioningly at Faith.

“We’re good, thanks,” Buffy answered. The blonde gave her brunette counterpart a warning glare. “Leave a message at the dorms about what you find out on the drugging. Riley was scary aggressive earlier. I’m sure Giles and Will can help track down any side effects or whatever if you need our help.”

The young Marine nodded and then he and the other two propped an unconscious Riley against them and began dragging him back toward campus.

Buffy smiled without humor. “OK. One good deed out of the way. Let’s get out of here before the Metal Monster shows up and kicks our ass.”

They started the long trek back through town, Faith staggering along in obvious distress. “What’s the sitch then, B? I mean, you seem to have interesting friends these days, and Red, here, ain’t the shy hacker I remember. The girl-lovin’ aside, she wouldn’t have been able to even make that threat about tying me up, let alone mean it like she did in the Bronze.”

Before Buffy had a chance to answer, Willow stepped in. “It’s been a very educational year, Faith.” Her voice was quiet, but no less firm.

“Do tell, Red,” the brunette mocked.

Unwisely, perhaps, given Adam’s hunt for the Scoobies, the young witch reached for power and turned cobalt eyes on the second Slayer. “Well, there’s this, for starters.” A grin appeared when Faith stumbled back a step, brown eyes wide and shocked. The redhead grounded the power and resumed talking, eyes a normal green. “There’s a military group in town called the Initiative. They were experimenting on demons and decided it would be fun to build their own Demon Doll. He’s on the rampage right now; we’re holed up in the Council safe house trying to find a way to beat him.”

Buffy watched her oldest friend carefully. Willow was riding high on confidence and magic at the moment. She’d never faced Faith with so much control before. “Yeah, what she said, Faith. Only, she left out the part where Adam – the demon thing – kicked my ass the last time we met.”

“Well, ain’t never met anything that could beat the two of us together, B,” the brunette commented. “Once I’m back to fighting trim, we’ll have to take care of the introductions and all.” By this time, they’d wandered by the movie theatre for the third time that night. “Man, SunnyD sucks. I mean, I’m outta commission for eight months and the same lame movie’s playing. What’s up with that?”

“When your population keeps getting killed or disappears, why waste money on something new?” Buffy’s gallows humor fell flat.

Giving the senior Slayer a sharp look, Faith mumbled. “Can’t save ‘em all, B.”

No one had a response to that. They completed the trip, each locked into their own private thoughts. Creeping back into the house, Buffy noted the rest of the gang seemed to be in exactly the same places. “Any luck with the hacking?” she asked the group at large.

Tara looked up and smiled. “I’m afraid not. All the computer does is make noise and then weird shapes and letters fill the screen. After a while, the letters go away and new ones pop up.”

Willow hurried passed the two Slayers and plopped down in front of the laptop. Peering intently at the information displayed, she frowned. “Damn.” Most of her attention focused on the problem of hacking into the Initiative system, she tossed over her shoulder, “Buffy, I’m going to have to hunt up some new algorithms. So far, I haven’t made it around the first wave of security. Whoever found my hook last night repaired the damage and beefed this up.” She typed rapidly for a minute. “Do you think Graham and his friends might have something that could help?”

“Probably not.” Buffy stared at the intent hacker. “Ry was a pretty big name down there and even he couldn’t get us anything better than a list of demons in the cells. Think you’re on your own this time.”

Faith watched the byplay from a position partially hidden in shadows. To say she was uncomfortable being back with the Scoobies ranked as the grossest of understatements. She listened to the conversation without understanding it, eyes restlessly scanning the room. Giles slouched uncharacteristically in an armchair, watching the three teens crowded around the computer. He hadn’t noticed her entrance yet.

Joyce, however, was very aware of her presence. Brown eyes met hazel and then skittered away. She stiffened, trying to hide the unease and unaccustomed shyness that sprang up every time she met the elder Summers. Swallowing hard, the brunette took a half step back, hoping to disappear even more. Her run of bad luck continued. Joyce made a quiet comment to her daughter’s Watcher and wandered into the shadowed kitchen.

“Hello, Faith. I’m glad you’re back on your feet.” The older woman leaned against a scarred and stained counter.

Stuffing her hands in her pockets, Faith hunched her shoulders. “Thanks.” It wasn’t much, but it was the best she could do. After her actions with the Mayor, she certainly didn’t expect a hug and chocolate chip cookies from Buffy’s mom.

Amusement sparked the warm hazel eyes. “Sweetie, Rupert and I won’t bite. Come in and sit down.” Tilting her head slightly, Mrs. Summers frowned. “You look so thin. Xander and I grabbed some supplies while Buffy and Willow went…um, looking for you. Would you like something to eat?”

Faith would have refused, but her stomach made the decision for her. Growling emanated throughout the dark kitchen. With a defeated sigh, the younger Slayer muttered, “Yeah. Whatever ya’ got’s fine.” She shied away when a hand dropped to her shoulder.

“I’ll see what I can throw together. Sit down, Faith. It’s going to be a long night, I’m sure.” The older woman brushed passed the teen, flicking on the range light before rustling through boxes and bags lining the counters.

Biting her lip, Faith slunk into the living room and took a seat on the couch. “Hey, G-man. Been a while.”

“Indeed,” came the cool reply. “Buffy hasn’t explained your presence here. Perhaps you could fill us in?”

Rubbing damp palms on her borrowed jeans, the junior Slayer shrugged. “Met the girls in the Bronze after B cold cocked her ex. Got to talking and she asked me to maybe stick around and help out with this Adam dude.”

Buffy had been listening to the conversation. “Faith’s a bit banged up, Giles. Can you take a look? I’m thinking it’s just the coma and all, but…I don’t trust the Council not to have ‘helped’ with her recovery.”

Her Watcher’s eyebrows rose sharply behind his glasses. “Good Lord. You don’t think…?”

Shrugging, Buffy faced him. “I don’t know. It’s right up their alley. And, she was looking really bad earlier.” Eyeing the younger girl, she allowed, “She’s seems OK, now, but we need to be sure.”

Faith bristled at the talk going on around her. “Hey, B. What the fuck? Earlier, I thought you wanted my help. Maybe even wanted to do some bonding and shit. Sounds more like you just want to keep an eye on me in case the Council goons got me on the payroll.”

“No, Faith, sorry.” The blonde sounded apologetic. “Just, things rarely go smoothly and all of a sudden I started worrying you might be drugged or something.”

The two stared at each other tensely until a new voice broke the standoff. “If y-you don’t mi-mind, I can take a look.”

“Tara?” Buffy asked in confusion.

A crooked smile tilted the older witch’s lips. “My mother taught me a little of the healing Craft.” Blue eyes met Faith’s shyly. “But I won’t do anything if you aren’t comfortable with it.”

Not sure who the new Scooby was, the brunette hesitated. However, when it came down to it, having the young blonde poking at her instead of Giles made the choice easier. “Whatever, Blondie. Got to admit I ain’t happy thinking the Council’s fucking with my head.”

“Faith! Language!” Mrs. Summers came in, carrying a plate piled high with sandwiches and chips.

Rolling her eyes, Faith grabbed the food with a mumbled thanks and dug in. Despite the hunger twisting her insides, she found her appetite on the small side. “Sorry, Mrs. S. It was good and everything, just can’t seem to finish.” She realized everyone was staring at her. “What? Did I drop something on my shirt?”

Tara giggled. “No, sweetie, but Willow’s complained about Buffy’s appetite before. I think we’re all a little confused.”

Putting the plate down on floor at her feet, Faith nodded. “Yeah, after so long on just liquids, I figured I’d be an eating machine.” She bit her lip, hesitating. “You think the Council did something, don’t you?”

The blonde didn’t answer. After an uncomfortable silence, Giles spoke. “I would put nothing past Quentin, my dears.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his head. “Although it has not been apparent in their dealing in Sunnydale, the Council itself has never been about covert operations.”

“Can we maybe just find out before we go all revenge-y on them?” The brunette Slayer’s husky voice was made even rougher by exhaustion. “I’m all for kicking some uptight ass, but I ain’t feeling so good.” She waved a hand toward the hallway leading to the first floor bedrooms. “You wanna take this someplace else and get started, Blondie?”

Tara blushed at the innuendo-laden tone. Faith’s aura showed only the faintest hint of sexual interest, but the voice…Shaking her head and stuttering more than normal, she said, “I c-c-can take a lo-look ri-right here.”

“Um, don’t you need to look at the knife wound or something?” Faith wanted to know.

Blue eyes snapped wide open. “Oh! No, I’m not a doctor or anything.” A fiery blush stained the witch’s face. “I can check your aura and look for any foreign substance in your blood.”

Four sets of eyes looked at her in confusion.

“Oh, you don’t know about auras?” Tara bit her lip.

Finally leaving her hunched position behind the computer, Willow wandered over. “I’m pretty much all the magic we have, Tara. Not so good with the auras and healing stuff. I seem to specialize in the blowing up of things.”

“We’re working on it, remember?” The blonde witch smiled sweetly at the redhead, and Buffy discovered she really didn’t like it. Teeth grinding together, the blonde Slayer glared at the other girl. Tara was still smiling when she turned to Faith, but stopped at the molten hazel glare. “Buffy?”

“Concentrate on Faith, Tara. Just Faith.”

“OK. Sure.” The blonde witch gave the older Slayer a wide berth as she moved closer to the couch. “Just relax, Faith. You don’t have to do anything for this to work.” She frowned, catching the younger girl’s unease. “Reading auras is a little invasive, sweetie, but it won’t hurt or anything. I can look at you – or anyone – and get a surface image of what they are feeling. Imagine being surrounded by a colored shield. The color tells me what you are feeling. There’s no way to hide it or disguise it.”

The brunette looked back at her, face expressionless. “Go for it, Blondie.”

Tara nodded. “That’s the surface only, Faith. In order to check for drugs or magical tampering, I need to look farther. Not just how you feel now, but emotions you’ve hidden from everyone – even yourself.”

No one missed Faith’s flinch at that information. “Well, it’s get in touch with my softer side or let the Council dope me up. Can’t say I like the options, but you’re a hell of a lot better than the Goon Squad.” Leaning back on the couch and closing her eyes, the brunette invited, “Do what you need to do, Blondie.”

CHAPTER 12

Faith felt warmth flow over her arm where Tara’s hand had been. Peering through her lashes, she watched the witch slowly drag her hand up her body. Everywhere she moved it, the warmth touched. It felt good, and Faith shivered. The silence in the room pulled at her, and she drifted, letting the peaceful feelings put her into a trance-like state. The room and the staring Scoobies faded away.

***

Tara waited until Faith drifted off before sending her energies deeper into the Slayer’s aura. The top layer didn’t show anything out of the ordinary. The brunette was tired, confused, and very scared, but given the information she’d gleaned from Willow in recent weeks, those didn’t clash with Faith’s background. Sinking deeper into Faith’s aura, Tara bit her lip. The emotions here were far darker. A dozen shades of black rippled in front of her inner sight. Despair, rage, bitterness. They pushed at the witch, trying to overwhelm her. Maintaining her own emotional stability was a struggle, but Tara kept going. Finally, buried under the layers of Dark Slayer-ness, the blonde reached Faith’s emotional center. Crystalline tears of grief flowing from her astral eyes, Tara embraced the rainbow of shifting colors, hunting for external tampering. As she coasted down the Slayer’s energy channels, the witch noticed pockets of atrophy and scarring. Faith was badly damaged and weakened, but there were no overt signs of outside influence. If the problems Faith had experience were normal, physical ones, Tara could perhaps alleviate some of the symptoms.

She withdrew enough to regain regular sight. Blinking her eyes, she looked for Willow. “I need your help,” she told the other witch. “I don’t think Faith was drugged. All I can find are the normal, expected problems of an eight-month coma. If you link with me, we can repair some of the internal injuries.”

“Hey, I don’t know…” The redhead hesitated. “Are you sure? I mean, I’m all for having another person to help with Adam, but this is Faith. I’ve told you about her. She-“

“I won’t argue the point, Willow.” Tara’s regarded her friend sadly. “However, I’m telling you she is not a threat. Certainly not in her current condition, and I don’t think that will change once she’s back on her feet. Please.”

Biting her lip, Willow looked at the three other people gathered around. “Guys? What do you think?”

Buffy was the first to answer. “I can’t read auras, Will. But there is a bond between me and Faith. She felt wrong, somehow. Not the scary, I want to kill you stuff I got when she was working for the Mayor. If there isn’t a big reason not to, I say do it.”

“Indeed. Although I am loathe to perhaps create a second adversary, we could use Faith’s assistance with Adam.” Giles regard them seriously. “If she has, in fact, returned to her Calling, we must help her.”

Joyce frowned. “I can’t believe we are even talking about this. She’s just a girl. The last time I checked, the Scoobies were all about helping people.” She stood and moved toward the kitchen. “For God’s sake, Buffy, look at her.” Joyce pointed at the pale, emaciated brunette.

“Oookay, then. That’s three yes votes,” Willow mumbled. “What do you need me to do, Tara?”

Smiling crookedly, the older witch said, “Just let me borrow some of your energy. You aren’t familiar with healing, yet, so I can’t actively use you to help me repair the damage. Link with me and slowly feed me power from your reservoir.”

The redhead nodded and got comfortable on the floor, leaning against the couch. Seconds later, Tara felt an invisible hand touch hers, an energy conduit opening at the same time. With a silent thanks, she returned to Faith. Concentrating on the largest wounds and scars, the blonde witch used focused bursts of energy to clear the blocked channels and prod the Slayer’s enhanced healing abilities. By the time she finished, Tara was shaking with effort. As she left the brunette’s aura, the blonde left a final suggestion in Faith’s mind, urging a deep, healing sleep. Back in her own body completely, Tara gently broke her link with Willow and sagged.

“I did what I could,” she said. Sinking onto the couch next to Faith, she continued, “There was too much to fix in once attempt. And, she really needs someone with more medical knowledge. I helped get the Slayer healing back on line and added some energy to her reserves, but she needs a lot more.”

Buffy placed a hand on her shoulder. “You did good, Tara. We heal pretty fast when everything’s normal. Faith should be much better in the morning.” The blonde Slayer watched her younger counterpart sleep. “Will she be out long?”

“Probably most of tomorrow,” Tara answered.

“OK. Giles, is one of the bedrooms useable?” Buffy asked her Watcher.

He nodded and stood up. “Even though we have renegade status here in Sunnydale, the Council has kept this house in workable condition.”

“Lead the way, then.” Buffy slipped one arm behind Faith’s back and another under her knees. Grunting with the effort, she picked the brunette up and followed Giles down the hall. The older man opened the second door on the left, revealing a room lavishly decorated and containing a King-sized bed. “Let me guess, this is where your friend Travers stays when he’s in town? Get the covers, will you?” Once the bed had been turned down, she placed her bundle down gently and pulled the blankets into place.

***

Back in the living room, Buffy dropped onto the couch with a loud sigh. “Any luck, Will?”

“Not yet. This is more complicated than I expected.” Willow’s green eyes glared at her laptop. “I don’t know, Buff. I may not be able get the information.” She sounded frustrated. “I think it must be Adam doing the security now. There’s nothing to grab onto.”

Sitting forward and resting her hands on her knees, Buffy glanced around the room. “If the computer’s no help, where do we go from here?”

“I could check the magical texts for a way to shut Adam down,” Giles offered.

“Didn’t Tara and Willow already try that?” the Slayer wasn’t good with the magic work. Pushing off the couch, she wandered over to peer at Willow’s computer. “Hey, Will, is that still on autopilot?”

The redhead kept typing and didn’t look up. “Mostly, but I’m trying to find a backdoor to the system.” When Buffy didn’t respond or move away, she leaned back, staring into clouded hazel eyes. “What’s up, Buffy? You’re like Freak Out Girl all of a sudden. Are you sorry we helped Faith?”

A blush stole up the narrow face. “No. No, of course, not. Um, I just…could we maybe find somewhere to talk?”

Sensing there was more than just Adam or Faith on the Slayer’s mind, Willow nodded. “Sure, Buff.” She typed a few commands into the computer and set it on the floor. “Back room or outside?”

Biting her lip and bouncing on her toes, Buffy considered. “This place has a back porch. We can sit there?”

“OK.” Willow smiled slightly. She’d never seen her friend quite this wired. “Maybe we should have had Tara check you out. Are you sure you feel alright?”

“Nah, I’m good.” Buffy flashed her teeth in a patently false smile. She took Willow’s hand and pulled her rapidly out of the house. Once they were both standing on the tiny covered porch, staring into the darkened yard, the Slayer didn’t seem to know how to continue.

Watching her closely, Willow bumped her shoulder, “Hey, Buffy? If you want to talk about something, you actually have to open your mouth. Cause, you know, witch here! But I can’t read minds.” She pulled the suddenly reluctant blonde around to face her, keeping a firm grip on both small hands. “You want me to tell you what I think, Buffy? There’s really only one thing we could be here about if it isn’t work related.”

Buffy couldn’t move. Green eyes bored into her.

Smiling gently, the redhead continued quietly. “I don’t know what happened tonight. We’ve been best friends for three years. Is there something you want to tell me?” She swallowed audibly. “We can forget it ever happened, if that’s what you want. I won’t mention it again. Or,” she looked away for a second, “we could see if there’s more to us than just best friends.”

“Will, I don’t…” Buffy looked at their joined hands. “Before tonight, I thought there was no way this would ever happen. I mean you were straight. And, for the most part, so was I.”

“So, when did you become not so straight?”

“The feelings have always been there, Will.” The Slayer pulled them farther into the shadows and leaned against the wooden railing. “It was just way easier to ignore them because life was hard enough without adding a bisexual label to the mix.” She grimaced. “And, can I just say how freaky this conversation is?”

The redhead giggled. “Come on. Is it any worse than talking about the Bug Guy, or stabbing Angel, or figuring out how to sneak you out of the house without your mom knowing? Face it, Buffy. Our lives would make a great TV show.”

“Yeah, right, like anyone would watch us kill demons every week.” Buffy moved a little closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “I’d like to see if there’s more, Will.”

“Sweetie, of course there’s more.” A tiny smirk flitted across the freckled face. “Unless you want to tell me the kiss earlier was only the hornies taking over?”

Relief coursing through her at the gentle teasing, Buffy laughed and picked Willow up, spinning them around. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She stopped spinning, but continued to hold the taller girl off the ground. “I’m sorry it took Riley and his narrow mind to get me to tell you.”

“I’m not sorry, Buffy.” Willow squeezed the muscled shoulders under her fingers. “Now, put me down. I’d like to see if that kiss earlier was skill or just the thrill of the fight. After all, Faith’s down for the count. We shouldn’t have an audience this time.”

“Mmm, good point.” Smiling in anticipation, Buffy lowered Willow to the ground and leaned in. The kiss was slower this time. The witch had been partially right. The thrill of the fight had been riding the Slayer hard. Loving the feel of the soft lips on hers, the blonde wrapped one arm around Willow’s narrow waist, pulling her flush against her body. Gently slipping her tongue past the redhead’s lips, she stroked inside Willow’s mouth, dueling gently. Needing a breather, she finally put a little distance between them, letting her cheek rest against Willow’s shoulder. “That was so much more than wow, Will. Where did you learn to kiss like that?”

The answer, when it came, wasn’t from her best friend. “G-guys, Mr. Giles said you ne-needed to c-come inside.” Tara stood just outside the doorway, tears shining brightly in the moonlight. “Adam just made the news.” She slipped quickly back inside, not waiting for acknowledgement.

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