Crimson Regret

(((Okay I need help. Does anyone know the names of Glory's little ugly minion things? And lookie, I spelt through right! I think….)))

[ -- Chapter 13 -- ]

I awoke with B still snuggled into me. It scared me for a minute and I jerked in surprise. Buffy woke up for a second, mumbled something about evil turtles then fell back asleep. I relaxed a little and stroked her hair.

I can't say I'm fully comfortable around her, just touching like this makes my body on full-alert mode. Everytime she moves I twitch slightly, on guard. She's scary, even though she's sleeping now and looks like an angel on earth she's still scary to me because of what she did. I know I said I forgave her, but I don’t think that’s true. Maybe its too early to do that. I just wanted her to be okay, you know? Psychotic Buffy is something I never wanted to see, never wanted her to experience. But it happened, and it sucks royally.

I heard a quiet knock on the door. "Come in," I whisper, so as not to wake Buffy.

Willow poked her head around the door before stepping inside. She looked at Buffy and then back at me, "You alright?"

I shrug, "All things considered."

"What about Buffy?"

"I don’t know, she seems okay now, but when she wakes up it might be a different story."

Willow nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked at me, "You really forgive her?"

I look down, "I don’t know, I really don’t. I want to… part of me has. My mind has but my body… my body's afraid of her. Does that make sense?"

"Yeah, it does." Willow sighed, "I really cant believe she did that."

"People do stupid things sometimes. I'm the queen of that, believe me." I chuckle a little to lighten the mood.

Willow smiled a little, "Yeah, well, its in the past now."

I study her, "You mean that?"

She looks thoughtful for a minute then nods, "Yeah, I really do. I guess this whole thing opened up my eyes."

"Shit always brings people together."

"Was that sarcastic or are you being serious?" Willow gave me an inquisitive smile.

"Oh I'm serious. Think about it, like if a family member died, everyone comes to band together to get through it. People need each other in a time of crisis."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Aren't I always?" I give her a toothy grin.

She rolled her eyes but smiled, "Don’t push it."

I put my hands up in mock surrender, "I would never!"

Willow laughed a little and Buffy stirred. "Mmm… Faith?" Shened ned one eye and looked at me, "Faith?"

"Yeah?" My voice was shaking a little.

She rubbed her eyed, "I uh, just really didn’t think you'd be here, that’s all." She sat up and stretched.

There was an awkward silence between us after that. It's kind of weird to be waking up next to the person who raped you not too long ago. And also to still have feelings for them.

"Buffy are you feeling alright?" Willow asked to break the silence.

"Better," Buffy answered. She then looked at me. "Thank you Faith. You really helped me out yesterday even though I didn’t deserve it at all. You're a good person and I'm really sorry fveryverything I've ever done that made it seem like you weren't. I was horrible to you ever since you got here and I am truly sorry. I don’t expect you to forgive me though. I just… I just wanted you to know, okay?"

I smile a little, "Okay. Look Buffy, it'll take time but I do want us to be friend. You willing to go slow?" I had to edit a little, of course I want us to be friends but I would prefer more than that. Not right now though, even if she wanted it now I don’t trust her enough at this point.

She nodded and smiled, "Slow is good."

I noticed Willow looked kind of awkward through our whole exchange and I saved her, "So… pancakes?"

"Who's cooking?" Willow asked.

"You," I smirk. Like hell I'd cool, I think I'd kill people. Willow chucked and we made our way downstairs to eat.

***

"I want my key," Glory said as she rubbed her temples. "The slayer is one annoying enemy, I've never had this much trouble. I miss home." She laid her head back down on the couch and sighed.

"We will watch the Slayer for you, all mighty Glorificus," one of Glory's minions said hastily.

"Times running out and my stupid snake didn’t bring me back my precious key! All of you leave, and done come back till you've found it. GO!" She dismissed them and they scurried out of the room, almost tripping over each other.

"Worthless pieces of dung." Glory sighed again and went to take a bath.

TBC…