CHAPTER 19

Faith jerked to a halt. Buffy’s eyes were wide and filled with rage. The brunette Slayer’s senses roared, and an answering rage raced through her. A voice deep inside chanted, Yes, with increasing volume. Ignoring that voice and the deep-seated fear shortening her breath, Faith forced herself forward. “Don’t, B,” she warned, voice shaking. “You wanna work out some anger on the vamp, we’re good. Red’s a different story.”

Reaching out to Willow, Faith urged the hacker out of the way. “Move, Willow. In case you ain’t figured it out, that’s not Buffy.” Her hands clenched into fists, nails driving deep into her own palms. Cold sweat slicked her skin. The voice inside clamored for release.

“No. I’m not leaving her like this.” Faith’s eyes closed briefly in frustration at Willow’s refusal.

“That wasn’t a request, Red.” The words were sharp, almost desperate. Through their Slayer bond, Faith sensed the other Slayer’s continued rage; although, it was now tempered with confusion. Her own Slayer still raged inside, and Faith fought hard to keep from simply responding to the need to fight and kill, to establish her dominance over the other Slayer. Willow didn’t move. Her attention focused on Buffy.

No matter how afraid Faith was, she knew Buffy would never forgive herself if anything happened to Willow because of her own actions. Releasing some of the energy she had trapped inside, Faith dove forward, grabbing Willow’s arm and pushing her away. Shrieking, the redhead staggered through the broken remains of furniture before falling to the floor at the other side of the barroom.

For just an instant, everyone froze. The stillness was shattered when Buffy growled. Faith cursed and ducked the fist aimed at her head. “Damn it, B. Snap out of it.” She didn’t get to say more. Buffy continued the attack, hands and feet a blur as she alternately punched and kicked. Faith blocked what she could. It wasn’t enough. She doubled over, gasping, as Buffy’s booted foot slammed into her stomach.

“Fuck it all, B. Can we not do this again?” Faith pleaded. Her Slayer screamed inside, demanding a chance to attack. Buffy circled, clearly not ready to stop. Standing straight, fighting for breath, Faith looked for a way out. “Red, can you do something? Knock her out? Anything?”

She never heard Willow’s response. Buffy charged again. Faith’s head snapped back as the other Slayer landed two brutal blows. The tenuous hold she had over the Slayer inside slipped. Faith bared her teeth and let the power flood through her.

***

Buffy’s Slayer felt the change in Faith and exulted. Finally, a worthy opponent. Spinning on her left heel, she lashed out with her right foot. The kick missed by a hair. A strong hand latched on to her ankle, pulling hard. The blonde Slayer hurtled through the air until the wall halted her progress. Snarling, she pushed away from the wall, grabbing a piece of a broken table as a weapon.

“Stop it!” The high, thin voice distracted the Slayer briefly. The blonde stopped in her tracks, trying to locate the new opponent. Willow stood a few feet away, hands on her hips.

The Slayer decided the glowering witch was no threat. Ignoring her, the Slayer stalked toward her rival. She gripped her makeshift club and swung low and hard. The other Slayer jumped back a little too slowly. Smiling in satisfaction, the blonde waited for the impact. It never came. Instead, her hand and arm felt encased in foam.

Willow moved into the blonde Slayer’s view. “I don’t care how much Super Solider Juice you’ve had, Buffy, you need to stop. Right now!”

Yanking at her arm, the Slayer didn’t acknowledge the order. She glared at the brunette in front of her. The other Slayer was trapped in whatever held her own arm and weapon.

“I’m not going away. What is wrong with you?” Willow asked. The Slayer growled, eyes glowing orange. “Oh, enough with the eyes.” Her voice was impatient.

The blonde Slayer blinked in surprise, some of the anger dissipating.

“Are you ready to let Faith go?” Willow asked. “We’ve got way more important things to do than beat each other to a pulp.” She took a step closer, and a warm hand touched Buffy’s shoulder. “Buff?”

Willow’s voice confused the blonde. The overwhelming rage faltered. As the Slayer withdrew, the tiny portion that was simply Buffy rushed to regain control. “Will?” Buffy voice rasped out.

A relieved smile greeted her. “Right here, Buffy.”

“What’s going on?” Buffy stared around in confusion. Spike, bloodied and unconscious, drooped in a chair. Faith writhed in place inches away from her own hand and a club.

“I don’t really know. You were…were beating Spike when Faith and I got here.” Buffy could hear lingering fear in Willow’s voice. “I had to use a spell to keep you from doing the same to Faith.”

“Wow.” Buffy shook her head slightly. Flashes of the scene with Spike came back. Pushing those aside for the moment, Buffy watched Faith twist against unseen hands, eyes orange and enraged. “Can you let me go, but keep Faith where she is?”

Willow hesitated. “I don’t think so.” She blushed and looked away. “I’m kinda still trying to understand how the spell worked in the first place.”

Looking into Faith’s eyes, Buffy felt her rage and the power of the Slayer. “We have to help her find her way back, Will.”

“Way back?” Willow frowned. “From where? She’s right here in front of us.”

“It’s the Slayer. Somehow, the Slayer took control.” Buffy maintained eye contact with Faith. When she spoke again, her voice was calm, soft. “Come on, Faith. Fight back. I felt you trying to help me earlier. I know you can block the Slayer.”

Flecks of brown flickered within the orange in Faith’s eyes.

Buffy smiled encouragingly. “Almost there, Faith. We need you here, not the Slayer. Spike told me about Adam and his plan. I can’t do this without you,” she coaxed.

A shudder ran through Faith. “Fuck. What a rush.”

“I’m thinking the next time we want to experience a rush, we drive to LA and play tag on Wilshire Boulevard during the morning commute.” Buffy slumped forward. “Completely back to normal, or should we give you a few minutes?” she asked Faith.

“Nah. I’m good.” Faith smirked. “Me and the Slayer have crossed paths before. The only reason she won this time is because you were all with the need to fight, too. Got the blood flowing a little faster than I was used to.”

Smiling at the bravado, Buffy turned back to Willow. “Cut us loose, Will? We need to get back to the house.”

Willow nodded resolutely and raised her hands at the two frozen Slayers. She chanted quickly, slashing through the air with both hands.

Faith grunted, crying out as Buffy’s club slammed into her stomach. “Son of a bitch! Jesus, Red, you could’ve warned me about that.”

Dropping the table leg, Buffy helped Faith stand upright. “Let it go, Faith. We really don’t have time.” She moved away, examining Spike’s body. Bile rose at his broken and battered appearance. The blood and torn skin of her knuckles gave mute testimony to her role in his torture. Closing her eyes against the knowledge, Buffy silently considered the options. Let Spike return to Adam, or make sure he was no longer a threat? The table leg was still in her hand. With one swift, sure movement, she slammed the wood through Spike’s chest. Seconds later, his ashes drifted to the floor.

***

Willow sat on the couch next to Tara in a fog of exhaustion. She hadn’t slept in nearly twenty-four hours. Buffy paced back and forth across the room.

“Look, Giles,” the blonde said forcefully, “Spike told me Adam needs me for his project. He’s got some kind of secret lab at the Initiative.”

Looking impatient, Giles commented, “That’s fascinating information, Buffy. However, you still don’t know what that project is or why he needs you. We simply can’t afford to charge into the Initiative without more information.”

Hoping to forestall an all-out argument, Willow interrupted. “Buffy, what exactly did Spike tell you?” She tried not to think about the reason the vampire had volunteered the information.

Buffy frowned. “He said Adam was building toy soldiers in his lab, and that I had something he needed.”

“Toy soldiers?” Xander sat up in his chair. “That’s not good.”

“Not good how, Xan?” Willow was the first to ask. “Not good like ‘it’s raining on my birthday?’ Or not good, like ‘we’re facing another end of the world?’” She stared at her oldest friend, willing him to reassure them all.

Pushing his hair back from his face, Xander grimaced. “Don’t think you’re going to like my answer, Will. Think about it, guys. Professor Walsh created Adam as a kind of super soldier. What if he’s trying to make more like him?”

“Good Lord.” Giles ripped off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Wouldn’t he need parts and shit for that?” Faith’s leg bounced up and down.

Buffy spun around, face ashen. “He’s already got them.” Everyone stared at her. “When I got the grand tour, Riley showed me the containment cells for the captured demons,” she explained. “They don’t have room for many, though. Maybe there were cells I didn’t see.”

“What ab-about the human parts?” Tara asked. “Wouldn’t Adam n-need people to mix with the demons?”

“B’s boy toy and his crew fit the bill.” Willow watched Buffy at Faith’s comment. Her best friend paled, then blushed. “May be more than just soldier bodies, too,” Faith went on. “What if B didn’t get that drug by mistake?

“Why-“ Willow broke off as Faith’s point suddenly became clear. “Oh, Goddess. That’s what Spike meant.”

“Um, Will, for those of us lacking your large and amazing brain, you wanna explain?” Buffy cocked her head, obviously not following.

“All of the Marines in Riley’s unit were getting the drug. It…” Willow struggled for the right words, “it alters emotions. All emotions, and turns them into aggression and anger. Like Riley in the bar, or you in the kitchen. No fear, no hesitation, just a need to go out and fight.” She swallowed hard, looking from Buffy to Faith. “For Slayers, I bet it has another side effect.”

CHAPTER 20

“Perfect. Another benefit to being a Slayer.” Willow winced at the bitterness in Buffy’s voice. “And just what prize did Faith and I win this time?”

“Well, I…” Willow broke off, unable to meet the accusations in Buffy’s eyes. She hadn’t meant to find a connection between Adam and Buffy’s Calling. Gritting her teeth, Willow forced herself to go on. “I don’t know for sure. What if Adam wants to use the Slayer in his creations?”

“What?” Giles sat forward in his chair.

Tara looked worried. “Are you sure, Willow?

“You mean, he thinks Faith and Buffy are just going to go to the Dark Side?” Xander asked.

A flurry of questions broke out all at once. Willow listened to the cacophony, head pounding. “Shut up!” Maybe not the best choice, given her headache, but the voices stopped. “I don’t have all the answers. It just makes sense. Buffy, Faith, you both made comments at Willie’s about the Slayer. It sounded like she was something completely separate from you.”

She looked at Buffy. The blonde Slayer gazed at the floor.

“You’re almost there, Red.” Faith’s voice was quiet, completely lacking her usual bravado. “For me, the Slayer…it’s more like a voice. When the adrenaline starts flowing, the voice whispers, taunts, screams for more. There’s a need to fight.”

Giles stood up. “I believe it’s got to do with the way the First Slayer was created. The originating spell acted very much like Adam’s laboratory. The essence of a demon was melded into the body and mind of a young girl. The Council, at the time, felt the only way to defeat the forces of darkness was to harness some of that power for their own use.”

The Scoobies absorbed that information in silence. Their expressions, though, gave away their feelings about the Council and their treatment of the First Slayer.

“In other words, it might be possible for Adam to split the Slayer from Buffy and Faith?” Joyce glared at Giles. “How do we keep that from happening?”

“It’s theoretically possible, I suppose.” Giles sounded frustrated. “However, there have been no documented cases of anyone trying. I haven’t the faintest notion of how to even attempt such a thing.”

Tara picked up when Giles broke off. “Magic.” She blushed when everyone looked at her. “He has to reverse the original spell the Council used.’

Her response didn’t impress the ex-Watcher. Willow saw Giles grimace in distaste. “Young woman, magic is not the answer to everything. After all this time, it would be impossible to remove the First Slayer’s essence from Buffy and Faith, by magic or any other means.”

“I don’t know, Giles. It makes sense.” Buffy raised her head and met his eyes. “Let’s not rule it out so fast. What else could Adam want with a Slayer?”

“Buffy, we cannot afford to waste more time-“ Giles started.

A slim hand snapped up, cutting him off. “You’re the one who’s always telling me to consider all the options before making a decision.” Buffy’s voice was clipped and angry. “What is it with you and magic? Tara and Willow are trying to help, and every time they have a suggestion, you shoot them down.”

Giles’ hands curled into fists on his thighs, and he pressed his lips tightly together.

Willow held her breath. The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension as Buffy and Giles glared at one another. Remembering Buffy’s actions at the bar, Willow started to stand, afraid the two might actually get physical.

“Jesus, B. Power down.” Faith’s voice shattered the scene. “You’re both missing the fucking point.” She held up a hand, stopping Joyce’s instinctive protest at her language.

“What point might that be?” Willow had never heard Giles sound quite so stuffy and British.

Hands rubbing the thighs of her pants, Faith looked at the ex-Watcher. “Adam wants to add the Slayer to his arsenal. That means he thinks it’s an upgrade.”

“Holy shmoly!” Xander sat forward so fast he almost knocked Anya off the arm of the chair. “Good point, Faith.”

“And again, I’m missing something.” Buffy sounded more tired than angry. “Xan, Faith, we’ve been at this a long time. We’re tired. Either this waits until we get some rest, and maybe I can understand the big words, or you try explaining everything in great detail.”

No one seemed to know how to respond to that. Willow watched the gang look at each other. Finally, Joyce stood up and clapped her hands. “Bedtime. No more big and important discussions until we all rest.”

“I’m not sure-“ Giles started to object.

“I am sure. Right now, a first grader with a water gun could beat all of us combined.” Joyce glared around the room. “What are you all waiting for? Find a room, find a bed, and start sleeping.”

Faith was the first to react. “I ain’t arguing. Been trying to get some sleep since I got to this joint.”

Willow considered sleeping where she sat. She was so tired; letting her eyes drop closed, she gave in to the exhaustion.

“Wills?” Buffy held out a hand in a silent offer to help her up. “Don’t fall asleep here. There’s plenty of room in the back. You’ll be all broken if you sleep on the floor.”

“Too tired,” Willow whined. Still, she let Buffy pull her to her feet. She shivered and flushed when her friend didn’t release her hand.

Buffy gently dragged her out of the living room and into the large suite where Buffy had napped earlier. “Here, climb under the covers.” Buffy’s voice was soft and beguiling.

Willow fought that voice. She didn’t want Buffy so close right now. “Where are you going to be?” The words sounded harsh, almost angry.

“I…” Buffy cleared her throat. “Here?” she asked hesitantly.

“Buffy,” Willow’s voice wavered, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She blinked away sudden tears. She was too tired to deal with this right now.

She watched Buffy wrap her arms around her stomach. “Yeah. Sorry.” The Slayer backed toward the door. Her hand was on the doorknob when Willow heard her whisper, “I remember, Will. Everything.”

***

Buffy turned the knob, wanting to run again. Willow didn’t want her here. Even the thought made her friend cry.

“Wait!” Willow’s soft plea stopped her on the threshold.

Huddling against the partially open door, Buffy peered over her shoulder. “Yeah?” She forced the word from a tight throat.

“What do you mean, you remember?” Buffy flinched at the mix of pain and hope in Willow’s voice. Green eyes begged her to answer.

Buffy closed the door again and turned so she could lean her back against the heavy wood. “After the thing in Willie’s, I started to get flashes.” Searching for words, Buffy hunched her shoulders. “Little things, really. You and me in the Bronze. Riley…” her voice trailed off. When she spoke again, the words were mere whispers, “…kissing you.”

Movement drew her eyes up. Willow now sat on the bed, her head in her hands.

“Will, I’m sorry.” The slim shoulders shook. Willow was crying. Buffy took an instinctive step forward, reaching out to her friend – then stopped. Just a minute ago, Willow hadn’t wanted her anywhere close. “Tell me what to do, Will. I’ll do it. Anything.” Her voice broke. “I never wanted to hurt you. I swear.”

“I need to know, Buffy,” Willow whispered hoarsely. “Why are you sorry? For the kiss? For forgetting? Why?”

Shoving her shaking hands deep into her pockets, Buffy swallowed audibly. Her throat ached. It hurt to breathe. Pulling in air through her nose, she choked out, “For hurting you. For making you doubt my friendship.” Tears welled over and burned a steady path down her face. “For telling you I loved you and then not remembering.”

Willow’s sobs were audible now. The sound pushed Buffy into action. Quick steps brought her to the bed, and she knelt on the floor next to Willow’s knees. “Shh, Wills. It’s going to get better. I promise.” She inched closer, wrapping her arms around Willow’s waist and resting her cheek on the redhead’s thigh.

Tentative fingers combed through her hair. “I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have freaked like that.” A watery chuckle sounded over Buffy’s head. “I mean, if I spazzed over you suddenly not being entirely straight, that makes sense. You forgetting the most important moment of my life? What was I thinking?”

Buffy raised her head, gazing into Willow’s damp green eyes. “We need to talk, but not now, OK?” She released her grip on Willow’s waist and lightly stroked a thumb over the freckled face. “We need to get some sleep. No way do I want Adam to win. I’ve got some serious relationshippy things waiting.”

“As soon as this is over, Buffy,” Willow whispered back. “I don’t want to wait or go slow like we decided earlier.”

Nodding her agreement, Buffy stood. “Whatever you want, Wills. Now,” her voice got firm, “get in bed. I don’t want my girlfriend to be too tired to cheer from the sidelines when I beat Adam to a pulp.”

Her cocky comment got an eye roll as Willow slipped under the covers and wiggled to the far side of the large bed. “You better get in here, too.” Willow’s grin showed all her teeth. “You’ve had a busy couple of days. I want you in fighting trim when we go against Adam.”

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Buffy pulled off her shoes and climbed in next to Willow. Still leery of pushing too hard, she left several inches of space between them.

The space didn’t last long. A warm body snuggled in close.

Buffy shuddered at the touch. Combing her fingers through the red hair, Buffy fought her body. They needed sleep.

Willow didn’t help the situation. Green eyes peered up at her, and a teasing smile spread slowly over Willow’s lips. “Whatcha thinking, Buffy?”

“You’re evil.” The words came out deep and husky. Desire raged.

“I am not.” Buffy could hear the smile. Warm lips pressed against her neck. “I just need smoochies…and more.”

Pulling in a sharp breath, Buffy expected to incinerate on the spot. She had to be strong. They had a big battle on the horizon. Sleep was more important than making love right now. Staying very still, Buffy worked on ignoring her arousal. “Sounds divine, Wills. Not now, though. We need sleep. Lots of sleep. I’ll be all worried about you and not concentrate on Adam if you don’t stop with the kissing and go to sleep.”

“Now who’s evil?” Buffy watched Willow’s lower lip pop out.

“Wills…” she pleaded desperately.

Finally, Willow gave in. She rested her head on Buffy’s shoulder. “Good night, Buffy.” She kissed Buffy’s neck softly one more time and yawned.

“Night, Will.” Laying her right arm over Willow’s shoulder, Buffy closed her eyes, drifting into sleep.

CHAPTER 21

Buffy woke slowly, a definite change to the norm. Keeping her eyes closed, she extended her senses. There wasn’t anything threatening nearby, just warmth and a new feeling of contentment. Sighing, she settled in, enjoying the sensations. Buffy enjoyed the non-thinking, just feeling time. It didn’t last long. After only a few minutes of peace, flashes of memories and emotions from the last week invaded her mind. She stiffened, trying a meditation technique to push them back. She didn’t want to have to deal with all of the recent events.

“I know you’re awake, Buffy.” Buffy frowned at Willow’s forceful statement.

“Want more sleep, Will. Go away,” she mumbled. Buffy kept her eyes resolutely closed.

Willow wasn’t cooperating. The warmth wrapped around Buffy shifted. “You don’t want to sleep, Buffy. You want to hide. It’s kinda a habit with you.” There was a hint of a snap in the usually chirpy voice.

“Fine. Be that way.” Prying her eyes open, Buffy glanced into Willow’s green ones. “I’m not avoiding, not really. I was just…waiting for the right moment.” She tried a grin, hoping to charm Willow out of her mood.

“And precisely when did you think this perfect moment might happen?” Willow inquired gently. Buffy didn’t trust that gentleness. She could feel how tense Willow’s muscles were where they pressed against her. “After this morning’s Scooby meeting? After Adam?” The smooth voice started to rise. “Wait. I bet I know…when we close the Hellmouth and you retire.” Willow’s voice was probably audible down the block.

Blushing at the accuracy of the words, Buffy shrugged. “About then, yeah.” She took a quick breath and rushed on, not wanting Willow to get any angrier. “Guess that’s not what we agreed to last night, huh?”

“Nope. Last night you were all with the need to share.” Willow crossed her arms over Buffy’s chest and propped her chin on her forearms. “Why the change? You aren’t about to go Super Slayer again, are you?”

A quick internal check made Buffy’s “No,” sound convincing. “All systems are normal.” She cleared her throat, feeling awkward and shy. “I was afraid you might feel differently this morning. Less hyper and in the moment, you know?” Buffy held her breath, praying she had been wrong.

“Buffy.” Willow’s tone was so serious, Buffy had to look up. Tears misted her eyes, and she braced for the worst. “Buffy, I didn’t change my mind in the middle of the night. I thought we’d cleared things up when we came to bed.”

“I…I thought so, too, just, this morning…” Buffy bit back a sob of relief, and felt the Slayer growl in disgust at her weakness.

Willow moved again. This time, she flopped onto the bed and pulled Buffy close. “Wow. I thought I had confidence issues.” Buffy’s eyes widened. “Yeah, I recognize the problem. Remember me? Vowel-sound Willow? The girl who crushed on Xander ‘cause he was the only guy who would talk to her?”

“I liked that girl,” Buffy protested, snuggling into Willow and hiding her face in the redhead’s shoulder. She struggled with the knowledge that Willow understood her fears. She was the Slayer. Buffy believed, deep inside, she wasn’t supposed to be afraid.

“Thanks. I’m glad,” Willow said dryly. “That wasn’t my point.” She stroked her fingers through Buffy’s hair, and Buffy’s eyes drifted closed. Damn, that felt unbelievably good. Willow continued, “My point was – I understand being afraid of relationships, Buffy. I’m not exactly as suave as I might look.”

Buffy couldn’t resist checking that out. She moved her head back slightly, peering up with one eye. “Wow. Suave Willow. I really like her.” She expected laughter or a joke. Willow glared instead. “Oops. Let me guess. That wasn’t the point, either.”

“Goddess, Buffy, are you still on drugs?” Willow was clearly frustrated. Buffy watched her freckles stand out against a dark blush. “It’s like you’re three completely different people lately. Normal, ‘I’ve known her for years’ Buffy, Psycho Slayer’s Twin Sister Buffy, and Avoidance Buffy.”

Buffy hid her face again, the words echoing through her mind. “You’re right,” she replied softly. “I have been different lately.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat. Her thoughts zoomed in all directions. It was so hard to focus. “I don’t think it’s the drugs anymore, though, Will. I can’t feel anything like the anger. Now that I’m back to normal, I can probably tell you when they started feeding them to me.”

Needing more physical contact, she laid her right arm across Willow’s waist. “All these different Buffys, though, they’ve always been there. I’ve just been hiding them. Maybe the drug did something more than make me mad.”

Willow’s hand drifted over Buffy’s neck and shoulder. Fighting a shudder, Buffy felt her heart rate speed up. “It’s possible,” Willow said. The words were barely audible over the pounding in her chest. “We’d have to do some more research, though. It could be how Adam’s planning on separating the Slayer from the human.” A slender finger brushed over Buffy’s ear.

“Will!” Buffy gasped. “Stop. You gotta stop.” The Slayer was roaring, and Buffy felt her control slipping. Fear sent additional adrenaline surging through her. No way was the Slayer getting its hands on Willow. Buffy roared back, pushing the primal need away.

Willow had frozen at the breathless command, hand still cupping Buffy’s neck. “Is something wrong?”

If she’d had the ability, Buffy would have laughed. “Wrong? Oh, no, not unless you consider the fact that I’m about to burst into flames from just your touch and the Slayer is going crazy trying to get out and do unspeakable things to your body.” It came out a little harsher than she’d intended, and Buffy hung her head. She couldn’t seem to find a happy medium for her emotions.

***

Willow blinked at Buffy’s tirade. “You…the Slayer…Oh, Goddess.” She actually felt herself turn red. “Wow.” A grin broke out. “Really?” The Slayer wanted her that much?

“You’re supposed to scream and run for the door.” Buffy sounded a little upset that she wasn’t.

“Oh, sorry.” Except, she wasn’t at all sorry. The giddiness bubbled over. Willow threw her arms around Buffy and squeezed.

Buffy grunted slightly. “You’re still not running.”

“I’m not going to. Duh!” Willow glared at Buffy – or tried. The grin wouldn’t go away. “Face it, Buffy, you’re the one who’s scared, not me. If we’re planning on doing the girlfriend thing, you’re supposed to get all…um, hot when I touch you. If you didn’t, then I’d worry.”

“And the Slayer?” Buffy pushed.

Willow hesitated. She remembered the wild, almost animalistic look in Buffy’s eyes at Willie’s. Then she looked into Buffy’s eyes, here, in the bedroom of the safe house, and saw only love and fear. Pushing her own mixed thoughts on the Slayer out of the way, she nodded resolutely. “The Slayer is part of you, Buffy. I can’t have one without the other, unless Adam wins. I’d say that’s a bad option all the way around.”

She felt Buffy relax slightly. Rubbing her hands over Buffy’s shoulders, Willow waited. Buffy had to work things out in her own head before they could move on. “I don’t ever want to hurt you, Will.”

Blinking against tears, Willow realized Buffy was terrified of her own Calling. “Wanting something doesn’t always make it happen, Buffy. No matter what, I know you won’t willingly hurt me. It might happen, though.”

“No! I won’t let it.” Buffy pulled away, rolling off the bed.

“How?” Willow asked, voice rising. She had to win this argument. Losing meant losing Buffy. Hands clenched in the sheets, Willow ignored the sick feeling roiling in her stomach. “Do you want me to shackle you in Oz’s old chains when we make love? Or are you saying we won’t ever get that far? I’m not letting you run, Buffy. Not now. I may not be a great witch, but I have enough power to keep you in this room, Slayer or not.”

Throwing the covers off, Willow slipped out of bed and stalked toward Buffy. The Slayer actually flinched back a step. “Will, let’s think about this,” Buffy pleaded.

“Nope. I’m all done thinking.” Willow stopped well inside Buffy’s personal space. “This is it, Buffy. No more talking, or thinking, or analyzing. It’s time to feel and be.” From somewhere deep inside, confidence blossomed. Willow gripped Buffy’s waist, pulling the blonde against her. “I love you, Buffy.”

Willow knew she would never forget the brilliant smile she got in response to her declaration . “I love you, too, Will.”

Her own smile brightened before transforming into a smirk. “Then what are we doing out of bed, huh?” Bending her head, Willow brushed her lips over Buffy’s. “If we wait too long, you know someone’s knocking on that door.”

“That would be…” Buffy kissed her back, “terrible.”

“Yeah.” Stepping away, Willow walked backward until her knees bumped the mattress. “I think we need to make sure terrible never happens.” Hands shaking slightly, Willow unbuttoned her blouse. “Wanna give me a hand?” she asked in a hoarse voice.

Buffy didn’t seem all that capable of helping. Her wide hazel eyes locked onto the pale skin Willow had just revealed before skittering away.

Willow removed the shirt entirely. “Buffy?” She bit back a grin when Buffy jerked and snapped her head around.

“Yeah, Will?” Buffy’s voice sounded far higher than normal.

“You aren’t helping.” Willow waved her blouse. “I’m having to do all the work myself.” She hoped her teasing sounded less cheesy to Buffy than it did in her head.

It must have because Buffy suddenly surged forward. “We can’t have that. You should just lie back and let me take care of the rest.”

Goosebumps erupted all over her body. Willow sucked in several fast, shallow breaths, suddenly dizzy and hot. She dropped onto the bed. “I want to play, too, Buffy. You don’t get to have all the fun.” Willow had no intention of letting Buffy control things.

Buffy grinned. “OK. I can go with that plan. First though –“ She undid Willow’s jeans, yanking them off when Willow lifted her hips.

“Hmmm, that does make things easier.” Arching an eyebrow, Willow shivered. Buffy raked her body with eyes darkened almost to copper, and their touch was nearly physical. “I’m a little confused, though.” Sliding back on the bed, Willow got comfortable amidst the pillows. “I’m nearly naked. Good for you. You are fully dressed. Not at all good for me.”

She gasped when Buffy ripped off her own shirt and tossed it to the floor. “You seemed to be in charge, Will. I was just waiting for you to tell me what you wanted.”

“Oh.” Willow coughed. Her voice was lodged somewhere deep in her throat. “Wish I’d known that earlier. I could have been watching my own private strip show a lot earlier.”

If she’d hoped to shock Buffy, she miscalculated badly. “Gee, Will, I didn’t know you had so much kink in you.” Clad in bra and camouflage pants, Buffy straightened to her full height and faced the bed, hands on hips. “This would go better with music.” Callused hands ghosted over her own skin, teasing at the waistband of her pants.

Eyes wide, Willow expected to hyperventilate soon. She couldn’t seem to get enough oxygen. Buffy was plain evil. Well, sexy, too. Evil and sexy. “Next time, we can have music,” she said faintly.

“You alright, Will? You sound a little funny.” Willow narrowed her eyes at Buffy’s smirk. Narrowed became heavy lidded when Buffy finally unfastened her BDUs and ever so slowly pushed them over her hips and down her legs.

“Goddess, if you think I sound funny,” Willow mumbled, “you’d completely wig over what I’m feeling.” Buffy in lingerie. Willow’s dazed mind couldn’t get past the image of lace and tanned skin.

Buffy wasn’t done tormenting, though. “So, you aren’t feeling OK?” She reached behind her, breasts jutting forward. “I should stop undressing then. I’ll just put everything back on and go get Giles. I’m sure he’ll know what to do.”

“Buffy!” It was a growl. Willow didn’t even bother to figure out exactly how she’d made that noise. “Don’t you dare stop now.” She could feel her muscles tensing. The cotton of her underwear clung to her damp sex. “Finish it.”

“What did they say in that movie you made me and Xan watch?” Buffy reached back again, and her bra sagged forward. Willow breathed in shallow pants, eyes dilated. “As you wish…” Her arms dropped, the skimpy bra slipping down and off. “You ready for the final unveiling?”

No longer trusting her voice, Willow nodded frantically. She’d passed ready a long time ago.

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