Change of Season

Disclaimer: Joss owns all.

Change of Seasons, Part 13

1

"Ms. McKerrigan. If I can see you for a moment."

Faith is walking down the aisle to the front of class when her professor stops her.

"Professor Hooper?"

"I have a message here from Dean Landis. She wishes to see you in her office."

"Thank you, sir," She says, and makes her way to the hallway.

Faith wonders what this could be about. Maybe they didn't get my transcripts? I know the check I wrote them was good. Whatever it is, it can't be good. I'm thinking they don't call you into the 'office' to congratulate you on your first day.

Faith makes her way across campus, towards the Administration building. She is still puzzling over what this could be about when she reaches Dean Landis' office.

" Can I help you?" The woman behind the desk asks Faith as she walks up.

"My name's Faith McKerrigan. I'm here to see Dean Landis."

"Ah, yes. Ms. McKerrigan. If you could wait a moment, please?"

The P.A. picks up the phone, and talks into it for a few moments while Faith waits.

"Ms. McKerrigan? Dean Landis will be with you in a few minutes. If you'll have a seat?"

"Thanks," Faith says, turning and taking a chair. She stares at the paintings, trying to figure what this might be about. A thought occurs to her.

This couldn't be about Saturday night, could it? But why would they want me? I didn’t do anything. No, it's got to be something else.

"Ms. McKerrigan? Dean Landis is ready for you now."

"Thanks," Faith says, passing the desk towards the door behind it. She opens it and steps inside the office.

It looks like the typical academic office. The walls are covered by an Oak paneling; the floor with a plush rug of indefinable color. One wall is taken up floor to ceiling by a bookshelf, crammed with various volumes and texts. The opposite wall has a glass cabinet with various mementos on display. The walls covered with pictures and various degrees and awards.

The dean herself is ensconced behind a large mahogany desk, highly polished and antique; obviously very valuable. On the desk is the usual office equipment, and the dean herself at the moment appears to be reading from a file. Facing the desks are two large overstuffed chairs; the dean obviously prefers her visitors to be relaxed.

Dean Joan Landis looks up, and smiles. She waves at the chairs in front of the desk.

" Ms. McKerrigan, I'm so glad you could make time to see me," Dean Landis watches as the young woman in front of her nervously makes her way to the chair and sits. "So, how are things? Are you finding your way around the school all right?"

"Yeah, I mean, everyone's been very helpful and all," Faith, perched on the edge of one of the chairs, licks her lips nervously. Ok, why the chit chat? I know this isn't a tea social or nothing. "Umm… Dean Landis, why did you want to see me exactly?"

"Yes, right to business. That might be best," Dean Landis nods, glancing at the file. "Well, Ms. McKerrigan, I have a report here from Campus Security about an incident that happened last Saturday evening? At the Alpha Mu Fraternity house?"

Damn, it is about that! " Yes, Dean Landis. I was working there as a bartender…"

"For the University Pub?"

"Yeah, that's it. My boss, Mike, he often takes jobs from the local Fraternities, to bartend at their parties. He sent me along with a portable bar and ummm… well, alcohol previously purchased by the House."

"So, you were essentially there in a service capacity?"

"Yes, ma'am, that's so."

"Might that not be a problem, though, Ms. McKerrigan? I mean, isn't there the possibility of serving minors alcohol?"

"Uh, no ma'am. I required I.D for service. I carded everyone that came to the bar."

"I see." She looks at the report. "I see however there were kegs of beer on hand?"

"Yes, ma'am. Again, paid for by the Fraternity. I used some at the bar."

"But according to this, there was another party going on upstairs, with kegs of beer present."

"Yes, ma'am, though I didn't really know about that until after I started my shift downstairs."

"But didn't you, as part of your service, take some Kegs upstairs? For the other party?"

"Just one ma'am. I was really too busy downstairs to really do much except man the bar."

"But you did take a keg upstairs? And set it up and set a tap to it?"

"Yes, ma'am. Not really by choice. One of the Frat guys came down and made a stink about it while I was on break. Kinda threatened to call my boss and make trouble for me. So, I hauled it upstairs for him. And set it up."

"I see. Where anyone, even a minor could access it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Faith says in a soft voice.

Dean Landis nods her head, looking at the report.

"Am I in trouble here, ma'am?"

"Well, actually this isn't part of the charges being brought against you. Still, there is a policy on campus, as well as a state law, about serving minors alcohol."

"Yes, I get it. But you see, ma'am, I really didn't know exactly who was up there, I assumed it was for like seniors … those legally able to drink? I…"

"Really, that's not important. You just might want to think about that next time before you assist in such a venture. No charges are being brought because of it."

"Yes, ma'am I will, " Faith stands up. "Is that all, ma'am? Am I free to go now?"

"Please sit, Ms. McKerrigan. We're not finished yet."

Faith sits, still perched on the edge of the seat. God, now what?

"Ms. McKerrigan… is it all right if I call you Faith?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Faith, there are other charges being brought against you by the members of the Alpha Mu Fraternity. I brought you here to get your side of the story."

"Charges?" Faith looks surprised, "I don't get it. I'm being charged with something?"

"Yes. The members are charging you with assault, and destruction of property. According to their statements, you just 'went wild' on them, busted in on a private gathering, and started attacking them. They said in the ensuing melee that you busted up some furniture and valuable items."

"That's a load of crap!" Faith bursts out.

"Ms. McKerrigan. Faith! That will be quite enough."

"I'm sorry, Dean Landis, but it's true. That's a lie, end to end."

"Would you like to tell me your side of the story?"

"Look, like you said, I was setting up a keg upstairs at the little private party they had going. I'd just finished, and was out in the hall when I heard some screams from the room next to the one I'd just been in. Ok, maybe I was interfering, but I heard stuff like "No, no, please don't" and the like, and I couldn't just ignore it, you know? So, I got out my cell, and I called the police, cuz I didn't know exactly what was going on. I thought maybe I'd just leave it at that, but I heard more screams, and I figured it be too late by the times the police showed up, so I went to the room, and well, I kind of busted in. "

"I saw this girl, surrounded by a bunch of guys. They had her in a circle, and were pulling on her and pushing her, and kinda ripping at her clothes. She didn't look like she was wanting this, so yeah I kinda used whatever was happy and waded in. I mean these were big guys… I needed a little something to make it even, you know? Anyway, I kinda hit a few of them, and then got the girl outta there. Frankly, Dean Landis, if I left her there, I think they woulda…" she looks uncomfortable saying it. "Well…you know, raped her. I don't think she was wanting what they were doing to her."

Dean Landis has sat back in her chair, a tired look on her face. Her lips are pressed tightly together. She opens her eyes, and lets out a sigh, sitting forward.

"I'm inclined to believe you, Faith. Alpha Mu has quite the reputation here on campus, and they've been involved in a scandal or two. They've been a big … thorn in my side for years." She grins tightly. "I suspect these charges they brought are a diversionary tactic, as they’re already on probation, and this incident could lose them their charter here on campus."

"You believe me? Great, cuz I really…"

"I believe you, but frankly it's not up to me. These charges have brought about a formal investigation. You will be brought before a disciplinary committee to answer these complaints. I don't suppose you have any witnesses?"

Faith feels her heart sink. "Not really, no."

"What about the girl. Would she testify for you?"

"I dunno. I mean, I'm pretty sure she would, but like, I really don't know her, and didn't see her after , you know? She kinda disappeared."

"Ah, that's too bad. It would've been helpful if you could get her to testify for you. Anything to bolster your case would be helpful, " She pauses. "You will receive a formal notice in the mail to appear before the committee, and I can't stress to you enough how important it is you show up. IF you don't, then by default, judgment will go against you. I would be left with no choice but to ask you to leave the University."

Faith sits there, feeling stunned. What's going on here? It's like I'm the bad guy here. I can't believe this.

Faith stands, still not believing what's happening. "Are we done here? Can I go?"

Dean Landis nods. "You'll receive notification of a date for your appearance within a week. Please be prompt."

Faith turns, and walks to the door. She stops as she's opening it, and turns halfway back.

"You know something? If those creeps get away with this, they're gonna do it again. I hope you can live with that."

Turning, she walks out before Dean Landis can reply. She sits back in her chair, and puts her hands to her head. This day hasn't been good at all, and she can feel a really bad headache coming on.

I wonder. Can I?

She wonders sometimes if she hasn't made the wrong career choice. Like now, when someone who actually was doing something good is could be punished for it.

What's that old saying? No good deed goes unpunished.

Shaking her head, she walks over to pour herself a glass of water.

2

"I can do better."

Harmony Kendall looks in the little mirror in her gym locker, fluffing her hair and adjusting her makeup. Normally, since they were going to Orientation for Cheerleader practice, she wouldn't be that concerned. But she wanted to look especially nice for Cordelia. Maybe this year she'll make me her assistant. Not like I haven't been on the squad since way back in freshman year. And I so would like to be her assistant this year. I swear, I could so do it better than any of those other losers she's picked.

There was a little more to Harmony's attention to detail, however. She had competition for Cordelia's attention, and she really, really didn't like it. Not one bit.

I mean, what's so special about that girl, anyway? God, even her name is a joke. Whoever heard of anyone named Buffy ? Sounds like something you'd read in a teen romance novel or something. And it's not like she's been with Cordy forever, like I have. Both in Junior and Senior High, I've been at her side, doing whatever she asked of me. And now she's getting all crazy over some blonde that obviously came out of a bottle. Not like she's anything special, anyway. I mean, her nose? Way too big. And god, does she even HAVE hips? She looks like a boy from the rear. And what's with the whole 'tude thing, anyway? At tryouts, she treated me like I was nothing. Well, I'll tell you, Ms. Barbie doll, you better watch your butt. Good thing Cordelia decided to cut you, cuz I would've made sure you looked BAD.

And what's with Cordelia today anyway? She's been so moody. One minute she's sweet as honey, next she's like drinking bile and vinegar. God, it can't be she's mooning over that Buffy chick. Could it? No way. I just wish I could figure it out, make her feel better. She's so nice when she's happy… but when she's unhappy, I know I'm gonna pay for it. God… I hate it when she gets this way…

Harmony turns around, and looks in the full length mirror behind her. She turns this way and that, looking at the way the Cheerleader uniform fits her body. Hmmm… not bad… not bad… gee, does this skirt make me look hippy, or what? Hate that.

She turns around, ready to close her locker. A smile breaks out on her face. It's not a pleasant smile.

Well, well. What's she doing here? This might be fun.

Slamming her locker, she heads towards the locker room entrance.

Willow stands at the entrance to the locker room, feeling more than a little lost. Intimidated, yeah, that works, intimidated. The odor of perspiration, soap, a mixture of perfumes, pine sol and some other indefinable, and not all pleasant, scents assault her nose.

Suddenly her resolve seems to waver as she stands at the threshold of what has to be Cordelia's domain. One of her domains. God, it's like she owns everywhere. A slight case of the butterflies, the ones with the razor sharp wings, is doing a tango in her tummy. Maybe I can do this later. On neutral ground. Somewhere where the pom-poms don’t live.

Stop it, Will. Buffy's your friend. You know what Cordelia's capable of. She's gonna mess her up like she messed you up. You want that? Can you live with that?

Uh, no. But why now? I mean, couldn't I do this later, you know? Someplace where Cordelia isn't like in her power base? I'm really not about the confrontation, you know. Maybe I could write her a note?

"Well, look who's here. What's wrong, Willow? Did you lose your way to the Gay pride parade?"

Willow looks around sharply, and seeing Harmony Kendall leaning against a set of lockers. Her confidence suddenly surges. Is this the best she's got to send against me?

"Hey Harmony. Been binging on the Twinkies again? You're looking a little hippy in your uniform."

"Huh?" Harmony, thrown, looks at herself. "Hey, knock it off. Just because I'm not a stick figure like you, Willow. Love the outfit, by the way. Been shopping in the boy's department at Sears again?"

"Funny," Willow crosses her arms. "Think that up yourself? Or did you have help?"

"Look, why're you here, anyway? I mean, tryouts are over… not that you'd have a chance of making it on the team, Spazmoid."

"Really don't have time for Cordelia's pet pit bull, Harm. Where's your owner?"

"HEY! No one owns me! I'm my own girl, you know, " Harmony protests. "Anyway, she's busy. She's got important things to do. More important than seeing you."

"Be a good puppy and show me where Cordelia is. Maybe I'll give you a Twinkie…"

"Shut up, Weirdo. Go hang out with the Rainbow girls. We don't need your kind around here…"

"My kind?" Willow walks over to Harmony, and leans in. "What kind would that be, Harm?"

" Get away from me, you freak!" Harmony backs away. "What're you trying to do, kiss me?"

"Please, do I want lip rot? I think not." Willow grins. "What's wrong, Harm. Think it's catching?" Willow puts up her hands, shaking them. "Woooo Harmony, you might get gay cooties. Better run!"

"Go away, freak. Get outta here!"

"Harmony, what's going on? Who're you …." Cordelia appears around the locker, sees Willow, and stops. " Oh. It's you." She frowns. "What do you want?"

"To talk. But your guard dog here won't let me through."

"Harmony, go away."

"But…" Harmony looks at Cordelia, confused.

"I got it Harm. Go … practice or something."

"But…"

"Harm? GO!"

Harmony throw Willow a last, drop dead look, and turns to go.

"Hey, Harm!" Willow calls out.

"What, freak?"

"You know what they say about Homophobes, don't you?"

Harmony stares at her, but a deep red flush hits her cheeks. She makes an offended noise, turns and flounces out of the locker room.

" She's so easy…" Willow murmurs, watching her go.

"So, what do you want?" Cordelia says, her tone a little frosty. "Somehow I don't think you came by to chat."

Willow stares at Cordelia. Despite how angry she feels, she can't help noticing how beautiful Cordelia is. The way her brunette hair flows over her shoulder in soft waves, highlighted by the sunlight streaming in through the locker room windows. Her dark brown eyes, sparkling brightly with a mixture of amusement and a deeply buried passion. The curve of her lips, soft and moist and sooo kissable… oh, stop it! Stop drooling, Will! My god, you're angry with her! It's just so not fair! How could anyone so EVIL be so damned beautiful!

Willow pushes all that way down deep, remembering why she's here.

"Want? I'm guessing I want pretty much what everyone else wants, Cordelia. Happy life, successful career; someone I can really love that doesn't make me feel like crap." Willow's lips tighten just a little. "Being here has nothing to do about want."

"Why're you here?" Cordelia says tightly, the tension growing, "Don't you have somewhere else to be? What's wrong, Rosenberg? Did they fix the planet to your liking, and now you got nothing to do but come bug me?"

"Believe me, I'd rather be anywhere but here, but I'm not gonna let you do it again, Chase," Willow's voice begins to rise, "not gonna let you screw someone like you screwed me …"

"Are you like taking drugs, Willow? Don't got a clue what you're babbling about."

"I think you do…"

"I really don't…"

"So you weren't going to get Buffy raped like you had me raped…"

Cordelia looks around quickly, then grabs Willow and drags her down a row of lockers. "Would you shut up! I never had you …"

"Oh please, what fantasy land are you living at? Cuz, I know what happened. I was there, Cordelia."

"It was a game, sure a little rough, but too bad you wimped out. It was an initiation… you wanted to be part of the group." Cordelia narrows her eyes. "So does Buffy. What gives you the right to interfere?"

"She's my friend. Not gonna stand by and let you hurt her. Not going to happen…"

"She's a big girl. She can decide this stuff for herself. Butt out, Willow."

"Decide? That's bogus. You drugged her... "

"What the … I never drugged anyone…" Cordelia shakes her head. "You're hallucinating, Rosenberg."

"Yeah," Willow says, lip slightly curled, "Like when you did it to me."

Cordelia frowns. She looks at Willow, stares straight into her eyes. Inside she feels as if something is twisting her stomach in knots. Her strongest desire right now is to run and hide.

Instead, she fires back." So what is it, Will? I mean, really. You got a little thing for the blonde? Want to get in her pants?"

"God, you're a sick puppy," Willow shakes her head, feeling disgusted. "You just don't get it, do you? Someone can care about someone without wanting something back."

"Gimme a break, Will. Nothing's free in this life. Buffy wants to be in the ' group'. There's a price… there's always a price." She leans into Willow, a smirk on her face. "Don’t even tell me you don't want anything for 'saving' her from me."

"Who are you?" Willow steps back, revulsion plain in her face. "When did you become so cynical?"

"You don't know me," Cordelia shakes her head, "You don't know crap about me, Will. What it takes to be me. It's not easy, it isn't handed to you. You work, you fight to hold on to what you have. Think everyone wouldn't just love to see me fall on my face. But it's not gonna happen. Never. You don't have a clue what I gotta do to stay on top."

"I hope it's worth it, Cor," Willow says, her voice soft. "Cuz you're always gonna be alone. Anyone who tries to get close to you, you shove away. I'd hate to be you."

"I don't need your pity," Cordelia sneers. "You're the loser here Will, Not me."

"Yeah, well. If you wanted to hurt me and humiliate me? You did a great job. You wanted to make me feel disgust for you, again, you succeeded. If it made you feel strong making me feel crappy… good for you. It worked. But you didn't crush me like you wanted to , Cordelia. I survived. I'm stronger now, a lot stronger. You can't hurt me anymore, and I'm not gonna let you hurt Buffy, either."

"I didn't want to hurt you." Cordelia almost whispers, finding her throat dry.

"What? Please, you thought I'd like what you did to me? Are you insane? How could I like feeling like that? Dirty, cheap, a whore. A whore you pimped to your friends."

"It wasn't like that," Cordelia says, "I wanted to make you part of my crowd. So we could be together. I couldn't just start hanging out with a geek. But you wouldn't get that, understand that. So I had to…"

"Drug me. Like you did Buffy?" Willow shakes her head. "You don't really think I buy that, do you? You did it for me?"

"For me. I wanted… needed you to be part of my world. I needed you with me. I wanted you to be popular like I was, so we could be together… don't you see that? I knew you wouldn't do it on your own, so I had to…"

It hits Willow like a ton of bricks. Why Cordelia had done it. It didn't make her any less sick. It didn't make it better. But she got it now.

" I loved you," Willow says, almost as if talking to a stranger. "I would've done anything for you. And you hurt me. Made me feel so small. Don't you get that? At least… I know you didn't do it to hurt me. That doesn't make it right, or better. That can't be fixed. But at least now I know why you did it. I never…" Willow shakes her head, getting up.

"I'm sorry, Will. I didn't know…"

"You should've. You really should've." Willow leans against a set of lockers, closing her eyes. "God, I thought I knew you. We spent so much time together, talking. I thought I saw this wonderful girl, so alone, but with a good heart. Someone who had to hide it because her parents always hurt her, neglected her. Who had to be hard, so she could just not show how much she hurt. I thought…" She opens her eyes, looking at Cordelia. "Why couldn't you have been her? Trusted me? Loved me enough not to care about what other people thought? Why?"

"I thought you wouldn't love me. If I wasn’t who I was, I thought you'd turn your back on me." Cordelia hugs herself, as if cold. "I couldn't deal with that." She looks at Willow, wide eyed. "I just wish I could take it back."

"You can't. You can't give me back what you stole from me, Cor. You can't un-ring that bell." Willow moves away, as if standing here was painful. Which, it was. " I gotta go. Just leave Buffy alone, Cordelia. Do it, or I'll find a way to hurt you like you hurt me. Got it?"

The walls come up immediately, and Cordelia gets defensive.

"You can't do anything to me. It's way too late for that, Willow. You can't prove anything, and if you try anything, I'll ruin you!"

Willow chuckles at that, frustrating Cordelia further.

"That's the thing, Cor. You already hurt me. I've got nothing left to lose. Can you say the same?" Willow's lips tighten. "Screw with Buffy, hurt her, and we'll see how much."

" You got nothing. No matter what you try, who'll believe you over me? No one… no one that counts. Face it, Willow. I got all the cards, and you got nothing."

"Maybe. Or maybe I do. I mean, what would happen if say… your father found out what you were doing?" She sits down on the bench, facing Cordelia. " I wonder how he'd take it? His daughter a pimp? Think he'd like that?" She leans in a little. " And I wonder, Cor, just how popular you'd be if Daddy cut you off? Without the cards, the clothes, the car. Just how long would you hold your title as Queen C around here?"

"You're so bluffing! He wouldn't believe you!"

"Maybe. Maybe not. Wanna risk it?"

Cordelia tries to stare her down, but Willow doesn't flinch. Finally, she turns away.

"Fine, fine. I'll leave your precious Buffy alone. OK?"

"Good. See? That wasn't so hard." Willow gets up to go.

"I suppose you hate me. Just like everyone else."

"No, you see, that's where you'd be wrong."

Cordelia looks up at her sharply.

"Thing is, Cordelia. I'm not a fool. I had a lot of time to think about things. Maybe too much. But what you said, what I felt off you before that party… I know that wasn't fake. You couldn't fake it. I just didn't understand why, if you felt like I thought you did, why you did what you did to me. I get it now. Still makes me want to yak, but I get it."

"What? What're you saying?" Cordelia can't help feeling something like hope. Dim, very far off, but hope.

"What I'm saying is," Willow leans over, brushing her fingertips over Cordelia's cheek, "nothing's impossible, if you really want it. You'll make it happen, if it means enough."

Cordelia sits there, mouth slightly open. Then she closes it, almost snapping her jaw.

"You're lying!"

"Am I?" Willow gives her a sidelong glance, "Think about it, Cordelia. When have I ever lied to you?" She turns to go.

"Wait… if I do this, if I leave Buffy alone… you'll… what?"

"I might think about some things. I might be able to overlook what happened. Of course, I can't overlook you sleeping around, know what I mean? Never mind the "I don't share" policy I got, it's just kinda yucky."

"What're you saying?" Cordelia presses her. "If I give Buffy a pass, let her on the team, and … uh, the other, you'd… what?"

The barest tip of Willow's tongue appears between her lips.

"I dunno…" She says, turning around. She starts to walk away. " Why don't you do it, and call me?"

Before Cordelia can say another word, she turns the corner and is gone.

Cordelia just sits there, stunned.

3

"What do you want?"

Buffy looks around, seeing Harmony leaning against a post, arms crossed over her chest. She's dressed in her cheerleading outfit, taking a rest. She glares at Buffy, a sour expression on her face.

Oh, swell, just the person I wanted to see. NOT!

"Hi, Harmony," Buffy smiles, pouring on the charm. "I'm just looking for Cordelia. She around?"

"Why would she want to see you?"

"Excuse me?"

"She's busy. She doesn't have time for every loser that comes along wanting to see her. Get lost."

"Uhhh… when did you become her social secretary, Harm?"

"Are you deaf, Muffy? Get lost!"

"Why don't you let Cordelia decide who she wants and doesn't want to see, Harmony?"

"Oh, that's right, I forgot. You think you're better than us, don't you?"

"What?"

"Just because you're from L.A., you got this 'tude like you walk on water and poop roses or something. Well, get it straight, bottle blonde. You're nothing, get it? You didn't make it, and you're just a loser like all the rest. We don't have time for losers around here, so take your bony butt and run back to your geeky friends. We don't want you around here. Clear, Muffy?"

"Buffy, Harmony. My name is Buffy." Buffy feels her cheeks flush, but she swallows her anger. I gotta get along with the 'tard. Obviously, Cordelia likes her, god knows why. " Look, Harmony. I just want to talk to Cordelia. It'll take like 5 minutes. Can't you just tell me where she is?"

"Are you deaf, as well as stupid? I just told you she's too busy to see you," Harmony starts to speak slowly, as if to a child. "You didn't make the squad, Muffy. You don't got what it takes. I could do better routines than you did at try-outs with a broken leg. So, run along now and stop being a pest. Do you got that, or should I write it down for you?"

Ten… nine… eight… seven… oh, screw it!

"Harmony, I'm trying to be nice here, really, I'm trying hard," Buffy feels the venom rising. "I didn't even ONCE mention your buffalo butt or battleship hips. Matter of fact, only thing I've seen fatter on ANYTHING is your head. So back off, you Guernsey!"

"HEY! You can't get away with calling me Cow, you twig. God, you're so flat I don't even thing you have boobs! What are you, like 10? Why don't you go back to the sandbox, Bony Butt, where you belong!"

"At least I don't knock over chairs when I turn around. Who's your dressmaker hon? Omar the tentmaker?"

"YOU SCUMMY LOSER!" Harmony launches herself at Buffy knocking her over. They fall on the ground, and start bitch slapping each other. "Stop hitting like a girl!" Harmony whines, getting the worst of it.

She manages to grab Buffy's wrist, and bites it hard.

"YOU BITCH!" Buffy roars, grabbing at Harmony's hair, pulling it hard.

Cordelia, who had been chatting with some of the other girls, hears Buffy's yell and turns around.

"Oh, wow, look at 'em go" Aura, always loving a good catfight, starts over.

"Stay here, I'll handle this," Cordelia says, starting towards the fighting girls.

"No way! We don't ever get to see…"

"I said, stay HERE!" Cordelia orders her.

Aura backs off meekly. "We never get any fun!"

Cordelia stops a few paces from the action, watching as Buffy and Harmony roll on the mats, pulling each other's hair, getting in a punch or two, and yelling curses at each other.

She just loves it when two girls fight over her.

Then she sighs. Willow would have a fit if I let this go on. Damn, this being good stuff is gonna be a total pain!

"Hey, HEY! Knock if off. What's going on?"

Both girls freeze, seeing Cordelia staring at them. They break apart, getting to their feet.

Aw, geeze. Nice one, Buff. You couldn't just keep the old temper in check for a few more minutes.

"I was just telling Loser Summers here to get lost." Harmony says, feeling pleased with herself. "After all, we've got better things to do than waste time with dorks, and she attacks me!"

"I so did not, you overstuffed cow! You charged me like an elephant in heat."

"Shut up, bone yard! Tired of hearing your whining, screechy voice!"

"Make me, Hippo girl!"

Harmony is about to rush Buffy again, when Cordelia stops her.

"Harmony!"

"Cordelia?" Harmony stops in her tracks, looking sheepish.

"When did I give you permission to decide who I can and can't see?"

"Uhhh…I was just…" Harmony gives Buffy an evil look. "She started it!"

"Harmony?"

"Yes, Cordelia?" Harmony is in boot lick mode.

"Let it go, ok? Go over and tell the other girls practice is over, then go home, Ok?"

"But I was just…"

"Harmony. Go home, please? I'll take care of this."

"But, Cordelia, I just wanted to…"

"Harm!"

"Ok, ok!" She looks at Cordelia, then gives Buffy the glare. "God, hang with losers if you want. First Willow, now this creep. I'll see you later."

"Harmony? I'll call you later, ok?" Cordelia softens her tone a little

"Really?" Harmony is all sweetness again.

"Yeah, later. So, go home, ok?"

"Ok," She smiles and gives Buffy the "See, I'm better than you " look, and leaves.

There's a brief silence as they wait for her to leave, then Cordelia turns back to Buffy.

"So, why did you want to see me? Or did you just want to punch out my bestfriend?"

"No, no, I… I didn't mean it, really, Cordelia. I … she just started calling me names, and I called her names back, and she attacked me!"

"Don't sweat it. Harmony gets overzealous sometimes. For some reason she's appointed herself my personal watchdog. Go figure," Cordelia shrugs. "But that still doesn't answer why you're here."

"I wanted to talk to you…"

"Is this about getting on the team?" Cordelia looks at her sternly, enjoying watching her wither a little.

"Yeah," Buffy blushes, feeling 3 inches tall. "How did you…?"

"Willow mentioned something about it. She was a very passionate advocate for Team Buffy!" Cordelia smirks.

"Uhhh… Cordelia? About Willow, honest, I didn't send her here. I don't know why she came I wish she'd just butt out of my business, but really, if she said anything , don't listen to her, ok?"

Cordelia chuckles. God, she REALLY wants it. And she's sooo cute when she babbles. But… no more screwing around, Cor. You know what you gotta do.

"Buffy, relax, ok? I'm not like an ogre or nothing… just the bitch queen of Sunnydale high…"

"I… no I didn't say that, honestly. I mean, I don't think you’re a bitch… that was Willow, all her, ok?"

I just love groveling. It's so much fun.

"Buffy, chill out. C'mon, sit with me," Cordelia leads a nervous, eager to please Buffy to one of the benches. She pats the space beside her. "You know I gotta be a bitch, Buffy. You were top dog in your school in L.A., right?"

"Ummm … yeah…"

"Ok, then, thing about being top dog, all the other bitches want your place. So, you gotta be the biggest, meanest bitch of all. I'm kinda proud of my bitchiness. I work hard to be Queen C around here." She half grins at Buffy. "You get that, right?"

"Sure," Buffy says, feeling a little suspicious. Ok, why the buddy- buddy stuff?

"Just so you don't forget who is Queen around here, got it, Buffy?" Cordelia's tone is a little firmer now.

"Yeah, I got it." Ok, get it now. Smashing me over the head with the scepter.

"Good. As long as you know who's the boss, we'll do just fine. Now, why did you come here?" Just a little more torture. I got to have some fun, right?

"Uhhh… well… look. I really, really want to be on the squad, ok? I mean, I get that you're angry with me about Saturday, but honest, I didn't mean for that to happen. I really didn't. I just… look, what can I do to make it up? I'll do anything to be on the team, Cordelia. Just name it."

Tempting. Sooo tempting, you little tease. Why couldn't you have shown up a few hours earlier?

"Buffy, you wanna know why Willow was here? She came by to point out that you really were good at try outs. Now, I wouldn't have her on my team. She moves like a stick in cement. But she's right, you did a good routine. No, you did a great routine. And well, after she left, I got to thinking. Sure, I'm pissed about the party, but it's just a party, you know? Stuff happens." She shrugs. "And hey, I really want those state championships this year. This is my last chance if I'm ever gonna get out from under the shadow of " Catherine the Great" Madison. God, that bitch really burns my butt. Each year she comes to the Cheerleader dinner and reminds us she was the ONLY one to EVER take the Sunnydale team to the championships. God, I so want to stick that down her throat. Just once, get me?"

"Oh yeah, I get it."

"Good, cuz if I let you on the team, I'm gonna work your ass off."

Did I just hear that right? Let me on the team?

"I'm sorry, could you say that into my other ear. The one that isn't thinking you said you'll let me on the team?"

"Oh, I rethought it out, Buffy. And I figured, ok, I'll give you a shot. I really want to win, get it? So, you work hard, you're NEVER late, and do exactly what I say. You can do that, and I'll give you a slot… on probation."

"Really!" Buffy almost jumps off the bench in excitement. "I'm on, you're not kidding me, right?"

"No joke, Buffy. I don’t joke about the squad. Cheerleading is totally serious to me. Don't make me regret my choice."

"I won't. God, I promise, you won't regret this. I'll work hard, I'll do better than my best. We'll get that trophy for you, man, I promise. You'll see!"

"I better. I don't take slackers on my team. You miss practice, you don't work on the routines, and your out. Am I clear?"

"Oh yeah, perfectly clear. Totally clear!" Buffy, impulsively, hugs Cordelia tightly.

"Hey, hey, don't get sloppy on me!" Cordelia can't help the tingles she's getting. Hey, she hugged me! I didn't ask her to! She pushes Buffy away. "We don't need to get all gay here. You're on, ok?"

"Yeah, ok. Better than OK. I'll show you. I'm gonna be the best girl on the squad!"

"Good attitude to have, Buffy. You'll need it. Now, you already missed on practice, so come in tomorrow ready to work. And I mean, work hard."

"I will," Buffy gets up to go. "Thanks, Cordelia. Really. You won't be sorry."

She starts to leave, but Cordelia stops her.

"Buffy."

"Yeah?"

"You're like, friends with Willow, right?"

"Yeah. Well, not like good friends. We know each other. I mean, really, she's my sister's friend. I mean, I don't have to be her friend.. I mean…"

"Buffy, it's ok. Actually, I want you to be her friend. I want you to be good friends, ok?"

Buffy looks at her questioningly. " Yeah, ok. If you say so… but…"

"Buffy, are you questioning my leadership already? Please don't tell me I made a mistake reconsidering you…"

"No, no! No problems. Friends. Good friends. We'll be like this!" She holds up crossed fingers.

"Ok, well… I guess you better get home, huh? You gotta keep a B average or above to stay on the cheerleaders. Maybe Willow could help you with that?"

"Yeah… yeah, good thinking!"

"Ok, well… don't you have somewhere else to be?"

"Right, going." Buffy turns, saying over her shoulder. "Gone!"

"Oh, Buffy, wait!"

"Huh?"

"Nice one about Harmony. She really does have a buffalo butt," Cordy chuckles.

"You heard that?"

"Oh yeah. But hey, do me a favor. Try to get along with her? She's an airhead, but she's good at cheerleading."

"Sure, I'll be sweet as honey."

"Ok, no need to get sick about it. Just don't fight with her."

"Got it." She stands, expectantly. "Can I go now?"

"Please."

"See you tomorrow!" Buffy turns, and almost walking on air, leaves.

Cordelia watches Buffy, specifically the way her butt sways in her tight jeans, and licks her lips.

Hmmm… well, too bad I won't be getting a taste of that. Yow! But, still, you can be of use to me, Buffy. Real good use. Oh yeah.

Operation Get Willow has so begun!

Cordelia chuckles, and grabbing her purse, heads for the exit.

4

Buffy is walking on air.

As she almost floats down the hallway, she can't believe her luck. Not only isn't Cordelia looking to destroy her, she actually put her on the team, and is being… friendly. Maybe finally my luck is changing. Maybe things will start going right.

She stops for a moment, her cloud deflating just a little. Should I be suspicious? I mean, this is just too good. Just too easy. Is she setting me up?

Buffy shakes her head, and her cloud inflates again. God, you finally get a break, and you wanna not only look the gift horse in the mouth, you wanna shoot it. What is wrong with you?

She stops briefly at her locker, picking up her books. Slamming her locker shut with a flare and extravagant gesture, she makes her way towards the front entrance to the school, humming to herself. She starts dancing, she feels so good.

"Well, someone's happy, I see."

Buffy looks up to see Willow standing a little back, watching her.

"Good news?" Willow asks, catching up to her.

"Willow!" Buffy dances over to Willow, and then dances around her.

Willow starts to giggle.

"I did it. I made the team. It's sooo cool! Isn't that like the best?"

"Hey, that's great, Buffy. I'm glad to hear it." So, Cordelia came through. Well, well.

"Yeah, and you know what else?"

"What?" Willow is laughing a little, catching Buffy's good mood.

"I have you to thank for it!" Suddenly, impulsively, Buffy throws her arms around Willow and hugs her tightly.

"Huh?" Willow is puzzled. "Not that I'm hating the hugs, but me? What did I do?"

"Cordelia told me you went to see her!"

What? Oh, no! No, no, no! She wasn't supposed to mention that!

"Again, huh?" Willow tries to deflect this conversation, "Buffy, remember? I'm like not liking Cordelia much. Ok, at all. Why would I go see her?"

"Oh, c'mon, Willow!" Buffy breaks the hug, but grabs Willow's forearms. "She told me you went by, and said you watched practice, and thought I was really, really good. And that got her to thinking about it again, and she changed her mind and decided to put me on the team! Yaay YOU!"

Buffy hugs her again, much to Willow's bemusement, and maybe just a little delight. She gently disengages herself from Buffy.

"Buffy, I assure you, whatever I said had no bearing on what Cordelia decided. Trust me, I'm the last person she'd consult in this."

"Still, if you hadn't gone, I wouldn't be on the team. Thank you, thank you!" Buffy grabs her hands, and looks into Willow's eyes. "Really, Thanks."

Willow can't say she's hating this, nor is she hating the look of happiness in Buffy's eyes. She can't remember ever seeing it there before.

Good going, Cor. I give you this round. You played it just right. Just right.

"Hey, I'm just happy you got on. And you seem very happy about it, too. But trust me, it was you and your skill as a cheerleader."

"You're a good friend, Willow," Buffy says, squeezing her hands, which she's still holding. "I'm so sorry I've been such a biotch lately. Really. I'm not usually that … ok, mean. Really, you… you know, you're just a really good friend, and I had to say that."

Willow smiles, a warm glow suffusing her. She takes back her hands, but not before giving Buffy's one final squeeze.

"It's just good to see you happy, Buffy," Willow says, honestly.

"Hey, I gotta go. But if you need anything, ever, you just let me know, ok? Oh man, I got so much I gotta do before tomorrow." She runs off down the hall, leaving a bemused but amused Willow behind.

Suddenly, she runs back.

"Lunch tomorrow? I mean, if you want to?"

"Sure, Buffy, that'd be great," Willow says, barely able to keep back the happy giggles.

"Cool. Seeya." Buffy disappears down the hall.

Willow, watching her go, shakes her head, a little overwhelmed.

Shrugging at the insanity of life, she makes her way out of school.

Buffy almost runs down the front path from school.

She hasn't felt this jazzed in she can't remember when. She starts ticking off a list in her head.

Ok, so I gotta get a Cheerleading costume. I think they sell those at Rademachers. Then, I gotta get home, and talk to mom. I just got to get her to ease up a little on the restriction thing. I know when she finds out I'm on the squad, she'll be cool about it. Oh, man, I've got so much to do! Gotta get my homework done, then practice some routines. I mean, I can't go in there cold tomorrow. And then I gotta… oh, man, my radio! I forgot, it's kinda on the disabled list. Damn. Maybe I can ask Dawn. She's just so gonna want something for it. This sucks! Ok, I'll figure something out here…

Buffy is so wrapped up in her own thoughts and plans, she almost misses Faith waiting for her on the motorcycle. Fact is, she does miss her, until Faith calls out to her.

” Hey, Buffy, hold up. I need to talk to you."

Buffy comes to a sudden halt. She looks around to see Faith staring at her, sitting on her bike.

"Oh, hey, Faith. Ummm… can this wait? I really got a lot I've got to…"

"No, Buffy, it really can't wait. Hop on, we're going for a little ride."

"Uhhh… Faith, really, now's not a good time for…"

"Buffy, I'm not kidding here. Get on the bike."

"Faith, you know I can't. I'm already on restriction. If mom catches me on your bike, I'm so gonna be dead!"

"Yeah, I forgot to thank you for getting me and your sister in trouble about that yesterday."

"Look, she's not supposed to be riding motorcycles. Mom doesn't …"

"I talked to your mom. Once she calmed down, that is. Seems someone, who'll remain nameless but whose name rhymes with stuffy got her so upset that she just lashed out at us. Once she calmed down, and I assured her that I made Dawn wear a helmet, and that I didn't break any speed laws or try any risky maneuvers, she was ok with it," Faith smiles tightly. "So, I'm pretty sure she won't mind me picking you up from school and taking you home… where your supposed to be right after school. Remember?"

Oh, man, look at her. She's totally pissed. God, why now? Why today? I got to get this stuff done!

"Faith, please. Can't this wait for an hour or two? I got on the cheerleading squad, and I got to get a uniform before the store closes. We'll talk after, ok? I promise."

Buffy sees Faith's eyes flash, and she backs up a step. Man, she looks like she wants to hit me!

"Yeah, well, Buffy. That's part of what I want to talk to you about," Faith says, her voice tight. "Get on the bike."

"But…"

"GET ON THE BIKE!"

Buffy wilts. She meekly walks over to the bike, and throwing her leg over, adjusts on the seat behind Faith.

"Here, wear this," Faith hands her the spare helmet.

Buffy straps it on, adjust her hair around the helmet.

"Ok, where is it?"

"What?"

"This store? We'll get your uniform, then it's straight home. Got it?"

"R-Really?"

"Don't push it Buffy. Where is it?"

Buffy gives her the name and directions to the store. Faith starts the bike, and revs it a little.

"Faith?"

"What?"

"What's going on? Why do you want to talk to me?"

"Later, when we get home. Hold on, Buffy."

With that, Faith pulls out with the bike, and they're on their way.

Buffy holds onto faith, her arms wrapped around her waist. Despite the fact that she gets to take a ride on Faith's bike, too, she has a sinking feeling that whatever they're going to talk about isn't going to be so fun.

Why is she so upset? What did I do know? Buffy thinks to herself as they disappear down the street.

Can't I get one lousy break here?

5

"… I don't get you, I really don't," Faith fumes, pacing back and forth in Buffy's room.

They're back at the house at Revello Drive, after picking up Buffy's uniform. Immediately on arriving, Faith moved the discussion down into her room in the basement. She wanted to keep it private.

" Don't you think about anyone else, ever?" Faith continues, obviously irritated. "Don't you get how much trouble you've caused everyone?"

Buffy's sitting on Faith's bed, feeling like a bad child just stealing money out her mother's purse. Her hands are in her lap, and she's looking at the ground.

All of this has been overwhelming to her. After her high on getting on the team, her spirits have been drowned by Faith's tense silence. After the little incident picking Buffy up at school, Faith barely said a word to her. All during the time getting her uniform, Faith just grunted, arms crossed over her chest. Buffy's elation, already starting to leak after seeing Faith at school, had thoroughly disappeared by the time they got home.

"It was just a party," Buffy says, a little sullenly, "I didn't think…"

"Yeah, that's for sure. You didn't, did you? Didn't you get a clue when this girl had you lie about where you were going?"

"It wasn't a lie! We started out at Cordelia's, just one of her …"

"Come off it, Buffy. You're mom may have bought that baloney, but I'm not. I know the score, girl. I've been there. You lied cuz you wanted to go to this party, and your buddy Cordelia told you to lie."

"Cordelia had nothing to do with it. You leave her alone."

Faith stops dead in her pacing. She looks at Buffy with an amazed look. Before Buffy can react, Faith is over , in her face.

"Nothing to do with it? Are you kidding me?" Faith is almost on top of her. "Can you sit there and tell me that after what happened Saturday night?"

"I don't know what you mean!" Buffy get defensive, looking at a very flushed and angry Faith who is towering over her at the moment.

Faith has a strong urge to slap the girl. Anything to wake her up. God, I can't believe she can be the naïve. It's not possible, and to live as long as she has. It takes every ounce of her self control to keep her hand at her side. Instead, she explodes away from Buffy, afraid if she looks at her face, she might just lose it.

"I know you're not stupid, Buffy. I know it!" Faith says, her back turned away from Buffy. "Yet, you're sitting there trying to convince me that your 'pal', your 'bud' had nothing to do with you almost getting raped Saturday night. Are you stupid, Buffy? Is that it?"

"No, I'm not stupid! She said she didn't have anything to do with it, and I believe her!"

"You'd have to be stupid to buy her story, Buffy. One look at her and I could tell she was lying." Faith turns around, her eyes narrowed. "Stupid, or you're lying too. To protect her. God only knows why, after what she was going to do to you!" She feels her neck flush. "The worst thing, Buffy? Wanna know the worst thing?"

"What?" Buffy's not really caring. She feels offended.

"You're picking this girl over your family. That's real nice, Buffy. Really nice!"

"What do you care?" Buffy says, jaw tight. "You're not part of my family. You're just some stranger that my mom's renting a room to."

Faith feels like she's been slapped.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm just a stranger here. Still, I'm smart enough to see your mom's a nice woman, and cares a lot about you. Your sister does too. And they're totally worried about you. What you're doing. Don't that mean anything to you?"

"Butt out, Faith. It's none of your business."

"Believe me, Buffy, when I say I wish I could. Think I want to waste my breath talking to someone who doesn't give a crap about anyone but herself. But you made it my business."

"What're you talking about?"

"Well, Buffy. Because I tried to keep your ass from being some jock's play toy, they're pressing charges … against ME!"

"WHAT?" Buffy goes wide eyed.

"Yeah. Seems they're bringing assault and destruction of property charges against me cuz I waded in there to pull your ass outta the fire. I could very easily lose my place in college. Get kicked out, you know? So, Buffy. This isn't just your problem anymore. You made it mine!"

"Faith… oh god, I didn't … why? It doesn't make any sense. You didn't do anything but try to help me…"

"See, you're not thinking again, Buffy. They're not exactly seeing it that way. Those great buddies of yours? The frat boys, and frankly, that creepy little friend of yours? Are claiming I just went 'crazy' and broke up the place. They were innocent little lambs sitting around having tea and cookies, and I was the psycho bitch that went nuclear on them. Nice bunch of guys you got mixed up with, Buffy. Real nice. Now, I get hauled into the Dean's office and dragged on the carpet. I've got to explain my actions to some investigation committee. And guess what? I don't have any witnesses. So, I'm thinking, unless I can convince them , I'm screwed."

"Faith, what can I do. How can I help? I'll… I'll testify. That's it. I'll testify. I'll tell them you were trying to save me from those creepy college guys…"

"And they'll pick you apart like overcooked chicken, Buffy. You were so wasted that night you were coming on to me. They start asking you questions, and you're going to be thought of as an idiot. Or worse, lying for me. No thanks, I'll deal." Faith turns her back on her. "Why don't you go upstairs, Buffy. I really don't want to look at you right now."

"Faith, please. There's got to be something I can do to help…"

"You're still not getting it, are you? Too late, Buffy. You had a chance not to do this. You decided to do it, and now there's consequences," Faith laughs. It's a harsh, bitter laugh. "Funny thing is, I get to pay for it. Just go, all right? There's nothing you can do. Nothing."

"Faith, I'm sorry. I'm really… really … sorry…" Buffy's voice catches, breaking up into little sobs.

Faith turns slightly toward Buffy. Her face isn't angry anymore, just a little sad.

"I know, Buffy. I really do. But sorry isn't going to fix it, Buffy." She turns away. "Now, I'd really like for you to go."

It finally sinks into Buffy's head how serious this is. Looking stricken, she turns and starts upstairs.

"Buffy?"

Buffy stops mid stair, and turns back.

"Yes?"

"You know what, Buffy? I really don't care about me. I want to go to UC Sunnydale, but if I don't get to, I'm gonna survive. But you gotta start thinking about what you're doing is doing to your family. You only get one, Buffy. You really don't want to throw it away." Faith frowns, her eyes sad. "I know what that's like, and you don't want to be there. Trust me on that." Faith just shakes her head. "Just think about what you're doing, ok?"

Buffy feels as if an arrow's been shot through her heart. The understanding, the sadness Faith is feeling hurts a hundred times worse than the yelling did. Biting her lip, she turns and runs upstairs so Faith doesn't see her crying.

Faith wanders over to her bed, and sits down. She hits her fist into hand, angry more at herself than at Buffy.

God, I didn't want to come down on her like a ton of bricks. I don't hate her. I know under all the crap she's putting out there, she's a good kid. Just she's mixed up with a real nasty bunch, and she's gotta see it. Before it's way beyond too late.

She doesn't have a clue how much it hurts to lose your family. God, I hope she never does. It sucks beyond anything else. I hope I got through to her. I really do.

And If I ever see that black haired bitch she's been hanging with? I'm gonna rearrange her face a little. Don't care what they do to me.

She's a real nasty piece of work, that one.

One evil little bitch.

6

Joyce walks up the walkway to the house, feeling a little tired.

It's been a long day, and the new show? She's not even sure that's going to come off. She's worried that the artist, who's more than a little flaky, is going to back out at the last minute, leaving her in the lurch.

That little twit better not. I swear, I lined up a lot of clients interested in his work, and if he pulls a powder, I swear I'm gonna make his name poison in the art community.

She looks at her watch, and frowns. God, I'm running late, and I still have to make dinner for the girls. Sometimes I wish they could just figure it out and do it themselves. Maybe I'll just order a pizza… so much easier…

She puts her key in the lock, and pauses. God, I hope Buffy's not in another snit. Don't think I can take it tonight.

She's about to open the door when she pauses again. She hears a strange sound emanating from the inside. Is that laughter? What the …

She opens the door, and there, sitting at a beautifully set table is Dawn and Buffy. Both are leaning back in their chairs, laughing their heads off.

"… so anyway, there I am, sitting next to this guy on my bike. This was before I got it lookin' sharp, and frankly, it really looked like junk. Now, this guy, he's on one of these Suzuki racing bikes, you know what I mean. The ones with all the sleek bodies and cool looking styling and all. And he's sitting there, like king turd, thinking he's gonna make mush out of this stupid little girl on her piece of junk bike, right?"

"So, we're lining up on the line one at the old racetrack me and my buddies used to race at, and this guy is like boasting how he's gonna take my money, cuz it's pretty obvious, I got nothing between my legs, know what I mean?"

Both girls are laughing hysterically at that.

Joyce just sits there, just enjoying the scene. Would you look at her? She's got them eating out of the palm of her hand. If I weren't so damned in love with her, I'd be so jealous!

"So, anyway, my friends are all trying to talk me out of it, you know? I mean, they're talking trash about my baby, saying I'm so gonna get my ass whupped by this dude on his cool on cool bike, you know."

The girls nod in unison.

"It was a total put up job. Cuz my buddies knew I'd spent every spare dime I had made over the last six months fixing up the engine on my lil old rust bucket. She looked like nothing, but baby, she purred like a cheetah. Trust me on this."

More nods.

"Now, normally we don't try this kinda stunt. First of all, it can backfire on you, cuz the big thing in racing? Is the skill of the driver. And I'm good, but there's better out there, a lot better. Sure, it's nice to have a totally hot bike, but I've seen good riders wipe out bikes twice as good, because they knew what to do, and when to do it." She leans in conspiratorially. "But this was a special case. First of all, this guy was new. Second, we'd watched him race, and baby, he was a novice if ever I saw one. But the thing that really tipped it? He was an obnoxious prick. I mean, he went around making fun of other riders bikes, and when he saw mine? He burst out laughing. So, I was totally pissed, and wanted to teach him a lesson."

"So, anyway my buds were all " No, no, don't do it Faith. He's gonna clean the track with you. You aint got nothing." The long and short of it? We bet. And I mean, we bet heavy. I bet my bike against his, and some boot thrown in, that I could beat his ass in a half mile race. Now this was a quarter mile track, so that meant two laps around. Well, Mr. Race guy? He so thought he had it locked up. He pulled this racing bike of his around, and he's sitting there, gunning the engine, making all sorts of noises, and of course, talking more trash."

"What happened? What happened?" Dawn cries out, impatiently. "Did you wipe the track with him?"

"Shut up, squirt, would you? Let her tell the story already, " Buffy cuts her off.

"Well, anyway, he rides up next to me, you know, gunning his bike, looking over at me. And I'm sitting there, my bike not even running. "

"What's wrong, girl? Can't get it started?" He asks, all smart ass like.

"Yeah, she can be a little colicky. But I'll get her running," I replied, stringing him along.

"Look, if you want to call off the bet, that's ok. I'd feel bad taking your money… and god, I'd so have to trash that thing you call a bike. Why don't you just say I won, and we'll spare you the embarrassment."

"No, no, no," I said, "I promised you a race, so we'll race. Let me try to get this bucket of bolts turned over."

"And with that, I kicked over my bike. Well, I think he was starting to get that something was exactly what he thought, cuz of course my baby started right up, roaring to life and baby, she purred. She really purred. I think she knew here honor was at stake here, you know?"

"So we line up. My buddy's got a red shirt she borrowed from one of the guys, and I turn to him, just before she waves it."

"Two laps, winner takes all, right?"

"Yeah, that's right," The dude answers. He wasn't sounding as confident as he did just five minutes ago.

"Anyway, my friend drops the shirt, and we're off"

"Now, It wasn't EVEN close for the first lap and a half. I was ahead of that sucker oh at least by 4 lengths. I swear I could hear that guy cursing behind me, calling me every name in the book, and a few new ones I'm sure he invented. Anyway, I'm taking the last turn, and I'm sure I've got it. I mean, what could go wrong, right?"

"What happened!" Dawn is up, waving her hands.

"Well, I guess I musta pissed somebody off up there, cuz as I'm coming out of that last turns, I'll be damned if my back tire doesn't blow."

By this time, Joyce is as caught up in the story as the girls are. She still hasn't said anything, but she's following along like her girls.

"Well, let me tell ya. Last thing you want is the back tire to blow, cuz there goes your stability. All of a sudden, I'm fishtailing on the track, and this bastard is gaining on me, and damned if he isn't trying to run me over. He must've been totally pissed at me for making him a fool. Anyway, I'm like knowing this is it, I'm done, just bury me here, right?"

"But damned, if my Irish don't get up, and I'll be damned if I let some blowhard overstuffed rookie beat my ass in this race. So, I'm all over that bike trying to straighten it out, and I finally get it pointed right, but he's like up with me now, and me with a shredding back tire. But no way I'm letting him win. So, anyway, I gun my girl, and I'm riding forward on shredded tire and rim. Still, he's almost got me now, we're down to the wire, and shit I'm gonna lose. I can just feel it."

"Nooo… don't even tell me you lost!"

"Well, I woulda. But the bet was, whichever bike got under the wire first, wins. So I revved it up, and jumped off, and my bike slid in under the wire just before he did. Man, it was sweet. I almost busted my ass, but it was totally sweet. The look on that guy's face when he realized he lost? Man, it was worth a sore butt!"

"YAAY!" Dawn crows out, standing up and doing the Rocky dance, like she'd just won. "You showed that guy real good!"

"So, what happened to the bike?" Buffy asks, a little calmer, but you can see she's glad Faith beat the guy.

"Oh yeah, that. Well, I didn't have any use for it, so I sold it. Good thing, too. Cuz I had to replace the frame and rear wheel on my bike, and that costs a lot."

Joyce retreats into the foyer, not wanting to ruin the moment. She opens and closes the door again, making sure they know she's here.

"Hey, guys, I'm home," Joyce calls out, walking into the dining room.

It's not until this moment, being so caught up in the story, and the bonding going on, that she realizes the table is all set. And she smells the most delicious aroma in the air.

"Hope you brought an appetite, Joyce, cuz dinner's just about done."

The three of them look at her, smiling.

"You cooked?" She turns to Faith. "You didn’t have to do that!"

"Oh, it was no big. And anyway, I had the help of two very capable sous chefs. So, with Dawn on chopping and dicing duty, and Buffy here on setting the table, it went like that!" She snaps her fingers.

Joyce is more than a little overwhelmed. After the day she had, she'd been dreading coming home, making dinner, and trying to ignore the tension in the air. Instead, she walks into this.

If I didn't know before what a great choice I made when I hooked up with Faith, I think I have the best proof possible. Every day she just makes it better and better.

Joyce probably has one of the best meals she's had with her family(and Faith is definitely family now, if that really was ever a question) in a very long time. Instead of the usual tension and sullen attitudes, the quiet and twisted stomachs, everyone was at ease, laughing and just enjoying the meal.

"Buffy, why don't you tell your mom what happened today."

Buffy looks up sharply at Faith.

"You know, at school. What happened at school, "Faith amends, reading Buffy's look.

"I got on the cheerleading squad," Buffy smiles, turning to her mom.

"Really honey?" Joyce smiles. "That's great. I think it's good you get back into that…"

"Me too, mom," Buffy quickly agrees, "but ummm… well, there's practice after school, and I'm on restriction…"

"Well, I think considering, we can bend it a little. What time does your practice start and end?"

Buffy can't believe her ears.

"You mean it? I can go to practice? I mean, I don't have to quit?"

"Honey, look. I don't want to make your life miserable. I just want you to… I really think this would be good for you. "

"Thanks mom," Buffy gets up, and goes over and hugs her mom. "You're the best."

Joyce flushes with happiness. She can't remember the last time Buffy hugged her spontaneously.

"Honey, you're still on restriction. I'll let you attend practice, and go to the games, but I expect you home right after. Understand?" She braces for the protest.

"Sure mom, I get it. I messed up, and I gotta do my time," Buffy says, "just thanks for letting me do this. It means a lot." She hugs her mother again, then returns to her chair.

The rest of the meal went smoothly, and by the end of it, Joyce was in a bit of a daze. We got through an entire meal without someone losing their temper, without someone storming off. God, I could so get used to this!

Dawn, for her part, can't remember a better dinner. The best thing was how well everyone seemed to get along. No fights. God, so cool. Buffy even acted like a sane person. She also noticed how well her mother and Faith got along. She noticed her mom was treating Faith like family, and his made her happy. She was seriously beginning to think Faith walked on water as a hobby. If anything is a miracle, what she did with dinner tonight qualifies. She was seriously liking this new woman. Maybe crushing a little on her, too. She's beautiful, funny and smart. What's not to like? Oh, and she treats me like I'm an adult. Bonus!

"Faith, thank you for a lovely dinner," Joyce says when the meal is done. "It was delicious."

"Hey, no big. I like to cook. And I had help," She turns to the girls.

"Well, thank you too, Buffy and Dawn," Joyce smiles.

"C'mon guys, lets get this place cleaned up. Joyce, why don't you go in the living room and relax while we finish up here?"

"Don't be silly," Joyce protests, "I'll clean up. I mean, you guys cooked."

"Yeah, and you worked all day. We can manage it, can't we?" Faith looks at Dawn and Buffy.

"Sure, we got it mom," Dawn says, grabbing her plate and heading for the kitchen.

"No sweat, mom, it's cool," Buffy is up, following her in with her own.

"See, under control, Joyce."

Joyce smiles at her.

"You're something, you know that?"

"Yeah, that's what all the gorgeous babes tell me," Faith says softly. "Now scoot, and let us handle this."

Joyce does as she's told, and while walking into the living room, begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, this could really work out.

Faith grabs her dish and Joyce's, and heads into the kitchen.

"Hey, Dawn. Didn't you say you had a study date with Janice, tonight?"

"Yeah, but I can be a little late. It's cool." Dawn says, rinsing the dishes to put them in the dishwasher.

"Hey, no, you should go. I think Buffy and I can handle it from here. Right, Buffy?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. You go on, Dawn. We got it."

"You mean it?"

"Yeah, so scoot."

"Cool, thanks, Faith. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, see you later, kid."

"Not a kid!" Dawn says, but right now if Faith called her a baby, she wouldn't care. She disappears from the kitchen.

Buffy and Faith scrape the plates, a silence falling between them. Finally, after nearly getting the dishwasher full, Faith breaks the silence.

"Hey, Buffy."

"Yeah?"

"I just wanted to say, you did good tonight. I mean, you were really nice to your mom, and all, and I appreciate it." She nods her head, closing the dishwasher door. "That was really good."

Buffy stands there, feeling a like she has her own private whirlwind of emotions blowing through her. On the one hand, she's very pleased that Faith is pleased with her. Even with something as small as tonight. On the other hand, she's still upset at herself for upsetting Faith so badly earlier. She doesn't know exactly how to feel, really.

"Hey, Buffy," Faith goes on, seeing the expression on her face. "About before? Don't sweat it. I'm ok, ok? No matter what, I'm gonna be ok."

"You… you're not mad at me anymore?"

"Naw. I mean, yeah, I was pissed with you. But more because you were being kinda dumb, and hurting everyone around you in the bargain. But what you did tonight? That was totally cool. I think maybe you're gonna start thinking about things, rather than going off half-cocked. Don't you?"

Buffy nods.

"Good, so why don't you go watch some TV with your mom or something while I finish up in here."

"I can help…"

"I got it Buffy."

"I should actually go upstairs and get on my studies, I guess. I mean, if I want to stay on the squad, I gotta keep my GPA up."

"That sounds like a good idea," Faith smiles. "You know something? If you keep acting like this, I think I could get to like this Buffy."

"Really?" Buffy feels some little tingles all over. "You mean it?"

" Yeah, I mean it. Now get outta here, ok?"

"Sure," Buffy starts off, then turns back. "Thanks, Faith."

"For what?"

"Just… for everything." Buffy disappears out the door.

Strange kid. Kinda nice, but strange. Faith shakes her head.

Still, she can't help humming to herself as she finishes up the dishes.

7

Later in the evening, Faith and Joyce are on the couch, watching TV.

The dishes are done, and Buffy is upstairs, listening to music , daydreaming about being on the squad and how she was going to use that to make herself popular at Sunnydale High, or some such. She's snuggled in bed, feeling very happy with herself and the world tonight.

She came down after finishing homework, just to see what was going on. It's not that she had any suspicions about her mom and Faith; not really. Faith was just the new person in the house, and frankly, she was crushing a little on her. Ok, maybe more than a little. Anyway, she didn't want Faith to forget she was around, just in case she might.

Buffy enters the living room to catch them… watching some old movie on TV. She moved in, making her presence known.

"Hey guys, whatcha watching?" She asks, moving over by the sofa.

"Hi, honey, finish your homework?" Joyce asks, solicitously.

"Yup, strained the brain, and now it's drained," Buffy grins, coming over and standing by her mother. "So, what's on?"

"Heya, sport. We were just watching a Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland marathon on the Nostalgia channel. Man, this stuff is a hoot," Faith stares at the TV. "Would you look at those clothes!" She laughs.

"Hey, those were the haute couture of the day, you know. " Joyce interjects. "All the women wanted to look like that."

"How would you know, Joyce? Were you like there?" Faith teases her.

Buffy laughs as her mom's cheeks turn red.

"You're terrible! Of course not. But it was Hollywood, and they always have the latest fashions. Everyone wanted to imitate the style, you know."

"Wow, mom, listen to you. You should apply for a job at the fashion police. I'm sure they'd fine a place in the 'old stodgy' section." Buffy teases her.

"I think that's enough out of you, young lady," Joyce tries to sound offended, but starts to chuckle.

"Well, you wouldn’t catch me dead or alive in that frou-frou crap. I mean, look at the lacy collars and those dresses. Man, can you get like more bag like?"

"Oh, I don't know. I think you'd look adorable in one of those dresses. What do you think, Buffy? Would Faith look cute in that dress?" Joyce points at the screen.

Buffy looks at where her mom's pointing, and bursts out laughing. "Oh yeah. Faith would be stylin' " She guffaws.

"I dunno. Actually, I'm thinking Judy there is more Buffy's size. She'd probably look hot in that."

"ME! You're so full of it. I mean, do I want to have hips that flap in the breeze. And those shoulders? Yuck-o!" Buffy shudders in horror. "No way!"

Faith and Joyce burst out laughing, while Buffy stands there burning, not believing she got sucked into that.

"You two are whack, you know that?" Buffy shakes her head. "I'm going to bed. Let you two get your jollies somewhere else."

"We were only teasing you Buffy," Joyce says, still giggling a little.

"You can dish it, huh, Buff? But taking it aint so much fun." Faith teases her.

"Hey, I'm a good sport!" Buffy protests, but feels a definite chuckle coming on. "Just I got better things to do than hang out with the Fogey Twins. Like, watch my nail polish dry."

"Good night, dear," Joyce says.

"Night mom," Buffy comes over and kisses her mom on the cheek.

"Night, sport," Faith calls from the other side of the couch.

Buffy hesitates a moment, then walks over to Faith, and bends over, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Night, Faith," She says. She sashays out of the living room, making sure Faith catches a good glimpse.

Joyce shakes her head, bemused. God, would you look at her? She's totally flirting with Faith. Well, sorry baby. But Faith's mine, and you can't have her!

Now it's just the two of them in the living room. Joyce has managed to scoot over closer to Faith, and they're sitting very close together, holding hands. The Marathon has ended, and they're watching some old musical in black and white on the TV.

It's the usual theme. Boy meets girl, Boy woos girl, they burst into song, Boy loses girl, et al.

Joyce is only watching the film with half an eye. She surreptitiously steals glances at the woman sitting next to her, feeling like the luckiest woman on the planet.

She can't remember when she's been this happy. Buffy is settled and happy. Dawn is happy, and Joyce is sitting here, next to the woman she adores, feeling like everything is going perfectly. She feels a sense of quiet peace she can't remember ever feeling before.

Her hands slips down, and she laces her fingers in Faith's hand. Faith looks up, and smiles, then turns back to the TV. Almost unconsciously, she squeezes Joyce's hand.

Joyce for her part is no longer paying attention to the TV. Along with the feeling of peace and happiness, is the strong warm fuzzies she's feeling for this woman next to her. She stares at her frankly, drinking in the image of her lover.

The way her lips don't quite press together, but meet like lovers, just barely holding onto each other at her mouth. How her nose tilts just slightly up, totally adorable. The dimples that don't quite disappear, even when she's not smiling. The way the light from the TV sparkles in her deep chocolate brown eyes. The rich brown hair, an unruly mane of soft silk, just flowing off her head over her shoulders. I could so get lost in that hair, Joyce sighs internally, feeling the familiar stirrings in her groin. God, I want to push her over and rip the clothes off her! Joyce! Control! Buffy's upstairs, Dawn might come in any minute. You gotta keep it in control! You're an adult, not some horny teenager with grabby hands.

She makes me feel like a grabby horny teenager. Yow!

Just chill out. Maybe later, after the girls are all tucked up in their beds…

Still… we could kiss, right? Nothing big. Just something so I can feel those warm soft lips on mine.

You KNOW where kissing leads to!

We're not kids! We're adults. We can keep our hormones in check. Just a little kiss.. just a little one…

Joyce squeezes and tugs on Faith's hand, getting her attention. Her heart flutters in her chest when Faith turns, her warm wet lips looking sooo inviting.

"Hey, you" Joyce whispers, leaning in a little.

" Hey," Faith half grins, her dimple making Joyce's heart flutter faster.

Joyce leans in further, their heads tilt, their lips start to approach a landing…

"Hey, guys, I'm home!" the front door slams.

Joyce and Faith move apart quickly, each slightly blushing.

God, that was close! Joyce thinks, her heart beating fast in her chest.

"Hi, guys!" Dawn wanders into the room, book bag over her shoulder. "What's up?"

"Hey, kid. How'd it go?" Faith recovers her voice first.

"Did you have a good time at Janice's?" Joyce chimes in, still feeling a little dry.

"uh-huh!" Dawn walks over, flouncing down on the couch between them, a very tight fit, considering they haven't moved that far apart. "Doing the study thing, getting the knowledge, growing the brain. The usual."

"Oh, right. And gossiping and talking about boys and trashing this girl or that, who's wearing last weeks fashion, and who's a biotch…" Faith teases her.

"Well, yeah. That's part of getting the knowledge," Dawn turns towards the TV. "So, what're we watching?"

Joyce and Faith look at each other over Dawn's shoulder, and surrender. No kissing for now.

"Oh, just some old musical on TV. Boy meets girl, Boy loses girl, Boy gets shot in the war… usual stuff," Faith says, settling back.

"Cool. Any popcorn?"

"On the table, dear. Try not to spill any, ok?" Joyce says, also settling back.

"Oh, c'mon, mom, I haven't done that since I was like… well, for months, anyway!"

She settles back, between her mom and Faith, and for 5 minutes tries to get into. Then a yawn escapes, which she covers, then a bigger one, which no one could cover.

"Well, this is…boring. Hey guys, you know they got this new invention. Called color. They're doing it in all the movies now, the ones made after the Stone Age, that is."

"Oh, you're funny, Punkin Belly," Joyce pinches her daughter's arm.

"Hey! Don’t even call me that. That's a baby name" Dawn pouts. She doesn't want Faith to think she's a kid. "Oh, and ouch!" She rubs her arm.

"Teach you to make fun of old movies, kid," Faith ribs her. "These are classic."

"Well, hey, far from me to stop you fogies from enjoying your moving pictures," Dawn stands up, "Anyway, I guess I should think about bed."

"Maybe even try it out, see if it fits?" Her mother grins at her daughter.

"Funny mom. You should go on the road. I think they're still doing that creaky comedy in like the Ozarks or something."

"Say goodnight, Dawn," Her mom slaps her rear.

"HEY!" She blushes, then leans over and kisses her mom. "Goodnight, mom."

"Goodnight, dear."

Without even hesitating, she turns and kisses Faith on the cheek. "Night Faith. You're the best." She winks.

She trots out of the living room, heading for the stairs.

Joyce starts to laugh. "You're something, you know that?"

"Yeah, you told me that already," Faith scoots over closer.

"I swear, you not only stole my heart, but I think you got my daughters' hearts well in hand, too!"

"You're nuts, you know that?" Faith grins. "I'm just the new toy, you know? Once they get tired of me, it'll be all "Who's Faith?" and junk."

"I dunno. My Buffy's a hard case, and Dawn's no pushover. But they're almost competing over you." She takes Faith's hand. "I can understand the attraction."

"Hey, I got the original," Faith's arm snakes it way around Joyce's waist. "What do I need the imitations for?" She leans in, capturing Joyce's lips in hers.

The kiss becomes very warm, with happy little murmurs coming from the both of them. Lips slip and tongues slide, entwining in the space their joined mouth's create. Finally, the kiss ends, and Joyce pretends to swoon, leaning back on the couch, hand on forehead, palm up.

"Are you trying to seduce me, ma'am?"

"Do I have to try now?" Faith grins.

They lean in for another hot kiss.

"You know what?" Faith gasps a little, when the kiss ends.

"Hmmm?" Joyce, sleepy eyed, asks.

"Dawnie's right. This movie sucks." She grabs the remote, killing the TV. "I think we need to make our own movie." She reaches for Joyce, that lusty look in her eye.

"Faith! We can't… the girls!"

"Well," Faith is nearly panting. "I was thinking we could like go to my 'studio' downstairs, and work on it."

"Ah… you're going to show me your etchings?" Joyce teases her.

"No, actually, I thought maybe I'd show you my boobies," Faith unbuttons a button on her blouse.

"Faith! You're a nasty girl!" Joyce protests. "I like that in a woman." She gets up, grabbing Faith's hand. "Lets go!"

She starts to pull on Faith, who gets up, laughing.

"God, you're a little beast, aren't ya? A really horny little beast."

Joyce makes a low growling noise in her throat, and pulls on Faith's hand.

Giggling like kids, the two almost run for the basement door.

To be continued.