The Three of Us

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This Chapter is beta free. Please disregard all gramma tickle errors and mastikes.

Last time I checked none of these Characters belonged to me!
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Willow sat at the table in the library, her laptop open, staring at the screen. “You’re not getting much done,” Cordelia said quietly.

“What?” Willow blinked and snapped her head around to stare wide-eyed at the brunette. “I-I’m getting lots done,” she started to fidget, her eyes darting around the room. Her eyes stopped when she caught the smirk on Cordelia’s face. Her shoulders drooped and a sigh escaped her lips, “Just not anything productive.”

Cordy smiled at the girl, “It was a bit much to take in wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Willow nodded, “First, Buffy, tells me she wants to include Faith in more of what we do, and asked me how I felt about it.” Cordelia watched the redhead and nodded. “We got into a big discussion about a bunch of stuff and we got upset with each other, then we made up again, then Faith comes in all angry and mad and I thought they were going to fight, until you came in” She blinked, ”Why did you ask if this was ‘our’ first fight, and why weren’t you invited?” She stared hard at the brunette for a moment.

Cordelia could see the thoughts flitting behind Willow’s eyes. “Oh,” she had a nervous smile, “That’s just because I could hear them all the way down the hall.” The nervousness disappeared, “Really, they just needed someone to refocus their attention.”

“You certainly did that,” Willow smiled at the memory of Cordelia’s entrance. “They couldn’t stop staring after you, when you squeezed between them.” She stopped again, her eyebrows scrunched together. There was something nibbling at the edges of her mind, something to do with the way Buffy and Faith had watched Cordelia walk to the table. There was a hunger in both their eyes, something she hadn’t seen before. The way they stood, shoulders touching, as she talked to Willow. It seemed they had forgotten completely about the argument, when Cordelia made her presence known. They had stared at Cordelia’s legs when she’d settled into the chair, adjusting her skirt and crossing them. The thought that they were very shapely legs was a bit of a surprise to her. She’d never really had thoughts about another girl’s body before. Her eyebrows shot straight up, ‘Where did that come from?’ she asked herself. She let her gaze drift over Cordelia, who had gone back to watching the Slayers spar. Her eyes followed the small pink tip of the brunette’s tongue as it peeked out from between her lips and slowly circled them. Willow watched Cordelia’s eyes follow the slayers as they moved about the mats. The focus she saw in them intrigued her, the thought at the edge of her mind, nudged her again, but she couldn’t grasp it. This was Cordelia after all; she had to be up to something. Anything she did or said was always to her benefit, so why the sudden interest in the two slayers? She sighed and looked hard at the girl beside her. Unable to determine what Cordelia was thinking, Willow decided to act. She put on her resolve face, and glared at Cordelia, “What are you up to?” she demanded.

Cordelia turned her head slowly to look at the redhead, an eyebrow arched up in surprise, “Pardon?”

The witch stared at her, “What are you up to?” She waited a moment, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in here before, but you may have been here when I wasn’t, but that’s unlikely ‘cause of all the time I spend in here. You don’t do anything unless it’s for your benefit, so I want to know what you’re doing here, why the sudden interest in those two?” Willow started to feel indignant at the smirk growing on Cordelia’s face. “Look, Missy, I’m serious here.” She took a deep breath, “Everything I know about you tells me to run when you start being nice to me, ‘cause that’s the way you’ve behaved since I met you. When you’re being nice it’s like throwing chum in just before the feeding frenzy starts. You’re a shark. You manipulate people, use them and throw them away like last week’s fashions.”

Cordelia rested her chin on her hand, “Breath, Willow.”

The red head took a breath before starting again. “I want you to tell me what you’re up to. Or I’ll...” she drifted into silence. She blinked twice; she’d never really threatened anybody before. How was that supposed to work?

“Turn me into a toad?" Cordelia was smiling.

“Or something,” Willow huffed, and crossed her arms.

“That wasn’t bad actually,” Cordelia said. “The fashion comment was actually pretty good, I may use that.” She looked at the redhead for a moment, “Look, Willow, I know I haven’t always been nice to you.” Willow’s head snapped up and stared at her. “Okay, probably never been nice to you. But that is going to change.” She glanced down at the table top while she gathered her thoughts. “It’s not going to happen overnight, it will take some time.” She paused, “You’re a nice person, Willow, and I want to get to know you and your friends better. That’s all really.” She smiled, “There’s no nefarious plan, or attempt to hurt anyone.” She looked into Willow’s eyes, “This is who I really am. I have a reputation outside of these doors, what people believe I’m supposed to be like. And like Faith said, I just show them what they expect to see.”

Willow blinked and tilted her head, a confused look on her face, “I don’t understand, why?”

Cordelia had a small smile, “I come from money, my parents are snooty and look down on everybody except for people they consider to be equals. In other words, people just like them. Because of that, they expect me to be the same way.”

“Oh,” Willow answered slowly, “Guilt by association?”

“Yeah,” Cordy’s smile warmed. “That’s a good way to put it. Because my parents are the top of the heap, Harmony and the rest of those sheep, just naturally expect me to be the same.”

Willow leaned forward, “So why do you act that way?”

The brunette pushed her hair behind her ear, “It’s easier to go along with what people expect of you than it is to challenge everyone’s perception.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

Cordelia looked toward the slayers again; they were still sparring in the middle of the library, she turned back to Willow. “It’ll be a gradual change, I’ll be nicer to people out there,” she pointed toward the library doors. “What it means, is I’ll still be mean to you, depending on who’s around at the time. For that, I want to apologize in advance.” She smiled at Willow, “I also want to apologize for the things I’ve said and done in the past. I hope someday you’ll forgive me.”

Willow was thinking about what Buffy and Cordelia had both said during their conversations, things about giving second chances, and changing. She glanced at Cordelia with a jaundiced eye, “Basically what you’re asking, is for me to give you my permission to bully me.”

“No,” Cordelia spoke softly, “What I’m saying is I will start to be nicer, but it will be a gradual process. If I did it suddenly, too many people would be running around asking questions and making demands because their world’s been upset. If it’s slow, they won’t notice until it’s become the norm.” She smiled at Willow, “What I’m asking you to do, is to understand what I’m doing and help me get to where I want to be.”

Willow looked at her for a few moments, weighing the brunette’s words. “Where do you want to get to?” she asked.

Cordelia smiled, “Just to be one of your friends.” She stood up and gathered her things, “I know I’ll have to earn it, but that’s all I really want.” She looked down at the redhead with a small smile on her face. “You’re a good person Willow, and I’d be lucky to have you and those two,” she nodded her head in the direction of the two slayers, “As friends.” Turning away from the thunderstruck witch, she called out, “I have to go, so I’ll talk to you two later.”

The slayers stopped sparring and turned to face the brunette, “Okay Cordy,” Buffy spoke up and shrugged.

“Yeah, we’ll catch ya later Queen C,” Faith bumped the blond with her shoulder, “Ya sure ya don’t wanna hang around and watch me kick B’s ass?” She immediately ducked and laughed as Buffy’s fist sailed through the space her head used to be. The two started throwing kicks and punches at each other again.

“Let me know how that works for you,” the brunette smiled and walked away.

Buffy followed Faith through the cemetery gates. The dark haired girl had hardly said three words since she’d said goodbye to Cordelia in the Library. The entire trek home from school, she hadn’t even glanced at the blond, her eyes had been fixed straight ahead and never wavered. Any questions at dinner had been one word answers or nods. If Buffy had asked the question, it was usually just a baleful glare. After she finished eating, Faith, excused herself and had gone downstairs. She didn’t surface again until it was time to go to Giles’. Buffy had turned to her mom with a confused look in her eyes, asking her what to do. She understood her mother telling her to let Faith adjust, that she’d come around as she got used to the situation, but that didn’t make her feel any more comfortable. She watched the dark haired girl practically stomping her way through the cemetery. Her head swivelling left and right, senses on full alert for the creatures of the night. ‘Well,’ Buffy thought to herself, ‘She hasn’t said anything, but at least the view isn’t bad.’ she mentally shrugged and continued following her new roomie. “Whoa,” Buffy was startled as Faith came to a halt. She hadn’t been paying attention to what was going on.

Faith stood still, slowly lifting her hand toward Buffy to keep her quiet. She was concentrating on a small copse over on their left. Her head moved slowly to the right, following the edge of the woods, then back to the left. Her eyes searched in the dark shadows for movement, her ears listening for any unnatural noises. Buffy watched the dark slayer as she hunted her prey. ‘Damn,’ she whispered to herself, ‘She’s good at this.’
A small smile crept up Faith’s face, and her dark eyes began to glow in the night.

She slowly lifted her arm, and pointed at a row of headstones facing an open square of grass. Faith moved her head again and whispered over her shoulder, “Pull yer stake out and go sit over there.”

“What?” Buffy whispered back.

Faith turned and faced the blonde, “Pick a stone, and have a seat. Is that so hard to understand?” she whispered harshly.

“Why?” was whispered just as harshly.

“Cuz I’ve got some frustrations to work out and I don’t want you in my way.” Faith smirked at the indignation growing on the smaller slayer’s countenance. “Now go park your ass over there and wait.”

Buffy’s mouth was hanging open as she blinked twice at Faith, who was now ignoring her again. “Who the hell died and left you in charge?” she whispered, her eyes blazing.

Faith spun around, her anger growing by the second. “It ain’t always about you, blondie. I need ta do this before I kill somebody, maybe you. Okay?” she spit out in a whisper. “So go sit the fuck down and be ready.”

Buffy stretched up to her full height, and crossed her arms over her chest. Mr. Pointy was already out, “Ready for what?” she spit back.
Faith had turned back to face the woods, “Whatever comes your way.” She strode out into the small square and faced the trees. She looked back toward the row of headstones and moved so she was standing on the midline of the square, about a third of the way toward the trees. She turned to Buffy who was still standing off to the side, “Pick a stone behind me, I need to know where you are.” Buffy didn’t move. “If you don’t we’re probably both gonna die,” she paused for a moment, “Your choice.” She turned back to face the trees and started moving her body in controlled stretches. She smirked when she heard Buffy huff and stomp toward a gravestone.

Buffy watched Faith’s head slowly move side to side, looking at the headstones in front and beside her. Faith turned and faced Buffy, her head scanning across the width of the square again. “What are you doing?” the agitated blonde asked. She was definitely not used to taking orders from anybody, let alone Faith.

“Mapping my surroundings,” she replied. She slowly turned a complete circle, then two quick ones the other way. She stopped in front of Buffy again, and stared straight at her, “Sit there and don’t move from that stone.” She started to turn toward the copse again.

This was just pissing the blond off, “What if I don’t want to stay here?” Buffy snarked at the dark slayer.

Faith stopped in mid turn and cast a cold gaze on her counterpart, “I might make a mistake and you might end up dead.” Her eyes never left the blond’s, “Again, your choice.”

“Hmph!” the blond crossed her arms and looked away from the dark slayer.
Faith looked up at the sliver of a moon hanging in the night sky, ‘Somebody or something please tell me what I see in her.’ She sighed and turned to the east, she clapped her hands together once, then bowed. Buffy’s head had swivelled around when she heard the noise. She watched as Faith straightened up, before turning to face the woods again. “Hey!” Buffy jumped when the dark slayer yelled out. “I know you panty-waists are in there!” she threw her arms out to the sides, “And I know ya want a piece of this!” She ran her hands along the sides of her body and cupped her breasts, “A girl like me, I got needs ya know!” Buffy’s eyes popped open at that statement, “I ain’t waitin’ all night for you dickheads to get out here.”

“Great,” Buffy said quietly, “She’s pissing them off, and I’m just supposed to sit here.”

“Don’t worry, B,” she heard drift back on the breeze, “You’ll be involved.”

“Hmmph,” Buffy harrumphed again, ‘I don’t care what happens, I’m not lifting a finger to help her. She’s on her own and I’m just going to sit here, and watch her get her ass kicked. She’s going to have to beg before I save her sorry Boston ass.’ She sighed at the thoughts in her head, ‘Who the hell does she think she is anyways? I was here...’

“Heads up, B,” broke through her mind, “Here they come.” Buffy looked up to see four well dressed vampires come walking out of the woods toward them. She started to stand, “No, B, just sit there.”

Buffy blinked, “You’re not even looking at me, How did ...”

Faith laughed, “I know you, just sit there and wait, I’ll tell you what to do. All you have to do is watch.” Faith rolled her shoulders and was rising up and down on the balls of her feet. The anticipation and excitement was building in her as she watched the four walk out of the woods. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and a nervous twinge shot out to the ends of her extremities. She felt alive, this was her time, her calling, and she was about to unleash it’s fury on her four opponents.

The four vampires walked into the square in a line across, well spaced out from each other. As they slowly moved forward, they checked to the sides, looking for anything that may try to surprise them. The two in the middle stopped out of Faith’s reach; the two on the sides took a few more steps before stopping and turning to face her. All four of them were keeping an eye on both slayers. “You seemed to be trying to get our attention,” the one closest to Faith spoke up. He raised his open hands up, indicating the other three, “Now that we’re here,” his pointed fangs glinted when he smiled, “What can we do for you?”

A smirk appeared on Faith’s face, “That’s what I like, direct and ta the point.” A large grin grew out of the smirk, “I’m cravin’ some intimate physical contact.” She ran her hands up over her breasts to her throat, letting them drop away, she kept her eyes on the leader, “Might let ya have a little taste of this,” she pulled her hair away from the side of her neck and let it drop back. “Depends on if I’m satisfied or not.” Buffy was staring wide eyed at the five people in front of her.

“I see,” he moved slightly to his right, closer to the vamp beside him. “And why is she here?” his eyes slowly travelled over Buffy.

Faith smiled again, “Once I’m satisfied, she’s dessert.”

“Ah,” he nodded. His glance moved between the two girls, “Would that be dessert for us, or for you?” the sliver of a moon reflected off the leers of the other three vamps.

Faith shrugged, “It’ll probably depend on whether ya got anythin’ left after yer done with me.”

He chuckled and smiled, “You have a lot of confidence, don’t you?” Faith shrugged at him and watched him pace back and forth. “Why would you,” he hesitated, “Make us such an, uh, offer?” He shrugged and turned to face her again, “Why would you do that?”

Faith looked at him, “Some people get their kicks in bars and clubs. Me?” she smiled again, “I like a little somethin’ from the dark side, if ya know what I mean.”

He nodded, checking her out again, “You trust us to do what you ask?”

Faith smiled at him, “Once you get a taste of this, yer gonna want ta keep it goin’.” She slowly reached up and pulled her jacket open, “Whatta ya say? I ain’t got all night.” Buffy was wide eyed at what the brunette had said so far, and was starting to stand when she caught a slight wave from Faith telling her to sit. She plonked down on the stone again, her eyes narrowed and her mouth pinched shut. “So,” Faith was talking again, “You guys wanna party or are ya gonna fuck off like the giggling, limp-wristed girls you are?”

The leader looked at his watch and shrugged, he smiled as he glanced at each of his compatriots, “We have an appointment.” The smile changed to a smirk, “But I think we have time.”

Buffy’s eyebrows shot straight up when she heard Faith say, “No problem, three holes, two hands, no waitin’.” The four vamps stepped toward her and encircled her. Faith held the eyes of the leader in front of her and smiled at him. His tongue slipped out, and ran across his lips. His eyes left hers, and slowly trailed down her body. Buffy could feel the adrenalin powering through Faith, her body responding with its own need to fight. The brunette closed her eyes for a moment, when they opened again the leader was confused by the black orbs staring back at him. “Then again,” she said quietly and he leaned forward slightly to hear her. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he slumped to the ground when her knee crushed his testicles. Throwing her head back, she heard the satisfying crunch of breaking cartilage. Her fists slashed up catching the two vamps on either side, knocking them back. “There’s a remote possibility that I lied.”

Buffy watched the three vamps still standing charge the brunette slayer. She saw a foot kick out and take a knee out knocking one to the ground, another took a punch to the chest and the third knocked Faith to the ground. She rolled like she was expecting it, and popped up in time to block the kick aimed at her and flip the vamp over on his back. The other two charged a second time and the slayer met them with a flurry of punches and kicks before they were knocked down again. The leader started to rise and Faith grinned at the wobbly vamp as he tried to regain his bearings. Her foot shot out and caught him in the chest. There was a sharp snap as a rib broke, the kick launching him several feet in the air, before he thudded back to the ground.

Buffy’s eyes followed in amazement as the dark slayer moved in and around the four vamps, blocking punches and kicks without looking. Faith used her own fists and feet with deadly accuracy, the sound of them smacking undead flesh echoing around the cemetery. ‘Crap,’ she thought to herself, ‘Remind me not to piss her off again. I’ve never seen her do moves like that before!’ Two of the vamps charged Faith from either side, she had jumped up, and kicked them both back to the ground. She landed and a foot shot out catching the leader as he struggled to his knees, flipping him over and breaking another rib. ‘It’s like watching one of those Kung Fu flicks Xander watches,’ ran through her mind. Buffy could feel all of Faith’s emotions through their connection. The adrenalin and anger from the dark slayer were washing over her in waves, her body screaming to get into the fight. It craved the release she knew was just in front of her. Her muscles tensed and slowly she started to rise from the stone she was sitting on, her mind no longer in control of her body.

“B,” Faith grunted, as she blocked a well aimed punch, “I said sit.” She connected with three sharp jabs to the vamps chest, before leg sweeping him to the ground.

“How did?” Buffy was looking very confused. She looked up at the dark slayer, “You weren’t even looking at me!”

Faith hadn’t slowed down at all in her fighting, “I could feel you start to move.” She ducked a punch and landed a roundhouse kick to his head. Another vamp snarled as he aimed a punch at the side of her head, her body moved out of the way reflexively. She caught his wrist with her right hand and held it out straight. The flat of her left palm rocketed into his elbow; Buffy grimaced as the vamp screamed in pain and collapsed to the ground. “B,” Faith panted, “Hold yer stake out.”

“What?” she answered. The confused look was back on her face.

Faith did a spin kick, “I said hold your stake out!”

Buffy stretched her arm out, aiming Mr. Pointy toward Faith, “Like this?”

Faith spun past, a wide smile on her face. “Yeah,” she grunted, “Like that.” She attacked one of the two vamps standing, the onslaught of blows, pushing him back. Buffy gasped as the second one leapt toward her exposed back. She wasn’t half as surprised as he was when Faith spun around on one leg; the other raised and cocked at his chest. “Bye-bye,” she snarled at him. She used her leg to slow his movement, before snapping it out and away from her.

Buffy’s eyes widened as she saw the back of the flailing vamp careen toward her. She felt her arm move up slightly, just before he arrived. A rush tore through her as she felt the stake pierce his skin, slide past his spine and contact his heart. It raged again as he exploded into dust. “That was neat!” she shouted.

“I told ya you’d be involved, now stay there.” Faith laughed at the dust covered blond grinning at her. She blocked a kick from one of the two vamps who had recovered from the surprise dusting of his friend and attacked her again. The leader had made it to his feet again and was trying to focus on the blur that was the dark slayer. A muffled scream erupted from his throat when one of his recently thrown comrades crashed into his chest and drove him to the ground. Faith blocked a number of punches from the one still standing, moving slowly around until she was between him and Buffy. “B,” she huffed, “Ready?”

“Yeah,” Buffy already had her arm extended; Mr. Pointy aimed toward the fighting. The vamp charged toward the brunette, his arms out to grab her. Faith brought her forearms up and knocked his arms to the side. She grabbed him by the lapels of his suit and fell backwards, pulling him along. Her knee slid up between them slightly before she extended her leg, launching him into the air and toward the blond.

Buffy smiled as she watched the upside down vampire arc toward her. She braced herself as he came into contact with the stake and dusted. “I had to move my arm on that one,” she called out to Faith.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Faith grunted as she jumped up from the ground and faced the remaining two vamps. “You ready girls?” she taunted.

The leader was on his feet and lurched toward the slayer, “You are going to die a painful death,” he hissed out between clenched teeth. “When he rises, I’ll take great pleasure in ending your life.”

Faith lashed out with a snap kick to his jaw and flung him back to the ground. “I don’t know who ‘He’ is,” she was focusing on the last vamp standing. “But you can say hi when he gets to Hell.” The vamp attacked her, his fists flying, hoping to land a lucky shot. The brunette blocked and avoided his punches and kicks, waiting for her opening. She sidestepped him when he charged at her, “B,” she gasped. She grabbed him by his collar and snapped him back toward her. Grabbing the ass of his suit pants, she hoisted him up and spun around launching him toward Buffy.

The blond smiled at the vamp as he flew through the air toward her. His face all vamped out and his arms reaching, he tried to grab her arm to prevent his demise. A quick move and the stake cut through his heart and he exploded. She looked up to see the brunette stalking the leader of the small group. He was on all fours, hatred rolling off of him. “When he ascends, I’ll know my death will not have been in vain,” he croaked.

Faith stopped and stared down at him. “Why do you guys always spout cryptic shit just before you get dusted?” She shook her head, “It oughta be pretty clear by now, that no one’s comin’ to save your sorry ass.”

The vamp looked up at her, “He will rise, and the earth will tremble in terror!” he yelled. He started to struggle to his feet again.

Faith watched him wobbling after he stood. “You probably believe God actually talks to all those TV ministers too, doncha?” She ducked under the wildly swung fist and kicked his legs out from under him as he stumbled past her. Buffy watched as Faith stood over him, “I’ll take that as a yes.” She grabbed his lapels and hoisted him to his feet. She stared into his growling face, his arms hanging limply at his sides. “Ready, B?” she asked.

Buffy stuck Mr. Pointy out in front, “When you are.”

Faith smiled, “Say ‘Goodnight, Johnny.’” She tossed him up in the air and stepped back. Her foot connected with his chest as he fell, propelling him towards his pointed death. Buffy smiled as her stake pierced his heart and he exploded into dust. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about,” Faith said quietly. She walked slowly toward the other slayer, the adrenaline from the fight replaced with need of another kind.

Buffy had felt some of Faith’s sexuality after slaying before, but never aimed directly at her. Her heart rate rose, her vision focused on the dark slayer moving toward her. The connection between them felt as if it was throwing off lightning. The air itself seemed to sparkle; everything else fell away for the two girls. Only they existed in this world, in their eyes. Faith moved like liquid toward the unblinking blond. Each step Faith took, caused her heart rate to rise again. Buffy tried to swallow but her mouth was dry. ‘Wow,’ she thought. ‘No wonder Xander can’t speak when she comes into a room.’

Faith was ten feet away and concentrating only on the blond. It was a whisper light touch, but still it was a hand coming to rest on her shoulder. No thought, no pause, just pure instinct. The hand was grabbed, yanked forward with tremendous force, pulling it out of its socket. Bending forward still pulling, the body flipping up and over her back as she threw him at Buffy. Realization as she rolled onto the ground, fear she’d never felt before as she watched the man cartwheel to his death on the end of Buffy’s stake. She leapt to her feet, “B,” she croaked.

All she could see was the ashen face of Buffy staring at the man on his knees in front of her. Both arms extended toward him, eyes wide, still waiting for the explosion of dust to happen. “B,” she called as she closed the distance, dropping to her knees and sliding up beside the blond, “B,” she said quietly, “Look at me.” She gently laid a hand on one of her arms. “B,” she tried again, “Please look at me.” She took a ragged breath, “I didn’t know, this is all my fault, we’ll dump the body and run.” Buffy hadn’t moved, “Or just dump the body, we don’t have to say anythin’.” Faith closed her eyes, “I don’t know what to do. Say somethin’, B.”
The rasping of Faith’s panicked breathing the only sound breaking the silence. “B,” she whispered, “We gotta do somethin’ about this.” She closed her eyes for a moment; she looked up into Buffy’s face when they opened. “We can go back to yours, pack up and be in Mexico by tomorrow afternoon.” She bit her bottom lip, “B,” she started again, “If we go we can be outta the country quickly. Nobody’ll know it was us. We’ll be gone before they know where to start lookin’.”

Buffy hadn’t moved since the man had landed in front of her. Her eyes still hadn’t left his, “Its okay, Faith,” Buffy said in a whisper.

“What the fuck are you talkin’ about?” Faith yelled, her eyes wild, “We just killed a guy! Like fuckin’ dead!” She was staring at the blond, “We’re gonna go to jail, we gotta run, B!”

“Faith!” Buffy barked. Her voice was stronger this time. “He isn’t dead.”

“What?” Faith was staring at the blond, she was refusing to look at the dead man. “You must be in shock, B. Yeah that’s it, you’re in shock.”

“Faith,” Buffy said sharply, “I’m fine, and he isn’t dead, look at him.”

“No, I can’t,” her eyes were closed again. “We killed him,” her voice trailed off.

“Look at my feet, and tell me what you see,” Buffy spoke softly to the dark haired girl. “Please Faith, just look at my feet,” she pleaded.

Faith pulled back slightly and looked down, not looking at the man’s body that Buffy was holding. “I don’t see nuthin’,” she looked away again.

“Please, Faith,” Buffy’s voice was soft. “Look just in front of my right foot and tell me what’s there.” She sighed, “All you need to do is look, and you’ll see it. Please?” Faith didn’t move, her eyes focused off behind Buffy somewhere. “Please, Faith?” Buffy asked again.

Faith sighed, and her shoulders sagged as she slowly turned toward the blond. Her eyes followed the ground; she wasn’t looking up for any reason. She stopped when Buffy’s right foot came into view. Slowly her eyes scanned the ground around the foot. “Huh?” she grunted, her brows furrowed and she leaned forward in the dark. “It-it’s your stake?” she stuttered.

“Yeah, it is.” Buffy was still staring at the man. “So if it’s on the ground, that means?” she spoke slowly.

“It ain’t stuck in his chest?” Faith mumbled back. Her eyes slowly moved up to look at the man Buffy held by the lapels, staring back at her, “But how?” she asked, looking back at Buffy, “I didn’t realize ‘til he was almost on the fuckin’ thing!?”

Buffy nodded, “It was the connection. I felt it change, and I knew he wasn’t who you thought he was.”

“But?” Faith started. She had a puzzled look on her face, “How...?”

“We’ll talk about that later,” Buffy was using her large and in charge voice. “Right now we have to talk to this ‘man’ and find out what the hell he’s doing here.” She gave him a violent shake, “That’d be your clue to start talking.”

Her eyes were boring into his and he started to sweat. “M-my name is Alan.” His gaze shifted between the two slayers, “Alan Finch, and I work for the Mayor,” he rushed out. A drop of sweat rolled down between his eyes and fell from the end of his nose. “Those, those, gentlemen,” he inhaled sharply, “Are, umm, were here with someone else, who has something the Mayor wants.”

“And that concerns us how?” Buffy asked. Faith was still staring wide eyed at the man.

He heaved a sigh, “I’ve heard about you, and I was trying to find you, I want to help you.”

“Help us with what?” Faith asked. She reached out and poked him in the shoulder causing him to wince. She looked at Buffy sheepishly, “Just checkin’.”

“The mayor is up to something, something bad,” he looked around. “I don’t know exactly what it is, but I know I don’t want to be a part of it.”

Buffy let go of his lapels, and he dropped to the ground with a groan. “Can you be a little less cryptic?” She crossed her arms over her chest, “Just tell us already.”

He pushed himself up into a sitting position. A grimace crossed his face when he rubbed his chest, “Oww,” he looked up at the blond, “I think that’s going to leave a mark.”

“Start to talk, or that’s not the only place that’s going to have a mark,” Buffy‘s lips were drawn in a thin line across her face. “I’m not in a mood for games.”

“Okay,” he sighed, “I’ll tell you as much as I can.” He looked up at the two girls above him. He watched as Faith slowly rose to her feet and stared at him. He dropped his gaze and gently rubbed his temples. Looking up at them again, “I’m the Mayor’s Assistant; I keep his schedule and run errands for him. I help him get ready for council meetings and things. I’m the third generation of my family to hold this job. My father and grandfather before him also worked for the mayor.”

“See, B,” Faith cut in. “It’s the bureaucracy that runs things. A little nepotism don’t hurt either.”

“You don’t understand,” Finch was looking at Faith now. He moved his hands back and forth, “How do I explain this,” he muttered.

“Tell us, and let us figure it out.” Buffy’s voice rattled him again.

“Yeah,” Faith growled, “And be specific, ya mighta noticed, I don’t handle cryptic well.”

Buffy smiled, “No, you don’t.”

He paused and shook his head, “I’m pretty sure that it’s the same guy. He calls himself Richard Wilkins the third, but it’s the same guy.” Buffy and Faith were just staring at him blankly. His shoulders sagged, and he looked at the ground for a moment, “Research it, look into all the mayors named Richard Wilkins and see if you reach the same conclusion.” He slowly got to his feet and dusted himself off. His hand reached slowly into his suit coat, watching Faith tense at his movement. “Here’s a list of what I know. The Mayor is meeting with somebody about acquiring a ‘Gavrock’, whatever the hell that is. The only other thing I know about it is he has to have it before the end of the first week in May. Four weeks after that is the big day.”

“What’s the big day?” Buffy asked quietly.

Finch shrugged, “I’m not sure, but it may have something to do with what that guy said. You know about ‘When he rises’.” He pulled a white envelope out of his suit coat and extended it toward Buffy. “I wrote it and some other things out. Because you’re the slayer, I hope you can use it to stop whatever is coming.” He looked toward the entrance of the cemetery. “I have to get going, I can’t be seen with you.”

“Figures,” Faith snorted.

“No,” he turned to Faith, “This much I know, the Mayor knows about the Slayer, and he tolerates her. She’s been an inconvenience to him at times, but nothing for him to worry about. If he sees me with her, it will focus more attention on her and he’ll deal with it in a rather final manner.”

“Let him fuckin’ try,” Faith stepped toward him, her shoulders squared and her fists clenched. “He won’t get close before he dies.”

Finch inhaled as he stepped back from the encroaching brunette. “No, no,” his hands came up in front of him to protect himself. “You don’t understand, it won’t be just the slayer, he’ll have us all killed. I don’t think he’s human.”

The two slayers exchanged a quick glance, “Explain yourself,” Buffy’s voice was forcefully quiet.

“Like I said,” Finch pointed to the envelope in Buffy’s hand. “Everything I know is in there. Look into it, but don’t let him know you are. It’ll be safer that way.” He took a ragged breath and looked at the street again. He turned back toward the slayers, “S-see if you reach the same conclusions I did.” He wrung his hands together, “I-I have to get going, my number’s in there, call me, tell me if I’m crazy or not.” He shot another glance at the street, “Just be careful about contacting me, if he finds, out we’re all dead.” He turned and scurried toward the cemetery exit.

The two slayers stood in the sliver of moon light, watching him hurry toward the streetlights. Buffy stood from the gravestone she’d been sitting on and started to brush the vamp dust off. Faith turned at the rustle of clothes to see the same steely gaze that had terrified Alan Finch, now focused on her. “Mexico?” the blond’s head tilted as she asked.

“I was tryin’ to think on my feet,” Faith shrugged, “It was just a suggestion. And it don’t matter anyway, ‘cuz he ain’t dead.”

“Yes, Faith, it does matter,” Buffy stood in front of the dark slayer, her arms crossed over her chest. “The first sign of trouble and you want to run?” She turned and started to walk toward the gates of the cemetery, “That doesn’t bode well for this relationship.”

Faith fell into step with her counterpart, “What’s that got to do with anythin’?”

“Everything, Faith, it has to do with everything.” Buffy kept walking.
Faith’s brow furrowed in concentration, “I’m missing somethin’,” she looked at the petite girl beside her, “What?”

Buffy suddenly turned and glared at Faith, “For somebody who’s supposed to be so smart, you’re sure not showing any.” She huffed out a breath and crossed her arms turning her head to the side.

Faith sighed and her shoulders sagged, “Yeah, B, I am smart. But that don’t mean I know everything. So tell me what yer talkin’ about, so I can understand.”

Faith could see the anger and hurt in her eyes, as Buffy’s head slowly turned back to face the dark slayer. “The first time we have an argument or a fight, between us or with Cordy, is that what you’re going to do Faith? Run?” Faith’s jaw dropped as the words hit home. “Is that what you do Faith? You bolt when there’s a problem, or something doesn’t go your way?” A smirk started to grow on the dark slayer’s face. “Do you think this is funny? Huh Faith? This is just a joke to you?” Buffy’s arms and hands were starting to flail about as the blond became more animated. “This whole thing is just a laugh isn’t it?” Buffy’s arms dropped to her sides and her chin dropped to her chest, “You just don’t care about anyone but yourself do you?”

Faith’s heart broke at the dejected look on Buffy’s face. She slowly reached out and placed her hands on her shoulders. When the blond didn’t react at all to her touch, a small sigh escaped from Faith. “I’m here for ya, B,” she said softly. “I was scared, and I didn’t know what to do. You gotta remember that until the last two days? The only person I had to worry about was me. All the rest of this shit is new. Effin’ brand new B.” Buffy’s head moved slightly up and down in recognition. “It was the only thing I could think of, and ‘sides, I did say I was gonna take ya with me.”

She laughed as Buffy pushed her away, “It’s not funny, Faith. I need to know that you’re going to be there for me when I need you.” She looked up into the dark eyes in front of her, “No matter what.”

“And I will...” Buffy cut Faith off with a wave of her hand and pointed at the street. They could see Finch standing there, waiting for a car that had just turned off the cross street. Faith grabbed Buffy’s arm and pulled her in behind a crypt close to the fence. They watched as a long black Caddy pulled to the curb next to a nervously pacing Finch. The two slayers crouched down behind some shrubs and watched. There was a crunch of loose gravel as the car came to a stop. The back door opened and a tall man got out, “Well, Alan,” he said. His eyes roamed past Finch and coursed out over the graveyard, “Where are your new friends?” His eyes seemed to stop and focus on the spot where Buffy and Faith were hiding. They recognized him as the Mayor.

Finch shrugged, “I don’t know where they went.”

“Now, Alan,” the Mayor chortled, “You know better.”

“Y-yes Sir,” Finch stammered. The girls could see the nervousness from where they were concealed. They both tensed, ready to fight if they had to. “There was a-a short blond girl that went in there.” He pointed at the cemetery, “They told me to wait here and then they went in after her.” He paused and looked into the darkness, “And nobody’s come out since.”

Faith reached out and touched Buffy’s arm. She smirked at the low growl emanating from the blond, “Shhh,” she whispered. “You can straighten him out later.”

“I’m not short,” she growled back. Faith brought her finger up to her lips and pointed at the street.

The Mayor was looking into the graveyard, “Did you hear something, Alan?” His head tilted a little to the side. He seemed to be staring at the two slayers again.

“N-no sir,” Finch answered. “A-and that’s what scares me. I haven’t heard anything since those four followed that girl in there.” He shivered, “It’s just creepy.”

The Mayor smiled at him; there was no warmth behind it, “Of course, Alan.” He bent down and spoke into the car, “It seems that your compatriots have followed the slayer to their demise.” The girls strained to hear the reply, but it was muffled. The Mayor nodded his head, “We all know there’s only one slayer and she’s been here since she was called. I don’t know who your master was chasing...” He was interrupted by the person in the car, “Sorry,” he continued, “I meant the one you work for.” He cleared his throat, “As I was saying, the slayer has been living here for five years. For a brief time there was a second slayer, but she came to an unfortunate end. She didn’t fare well against a vampire named Drusilla.” He paused and was looking into the car again. “No,” he answered, “The slayer is blond and as far as I know has never been to Boston.”

Faith turned white and started to shake as the Mayor’s words reached them. She flinched and her head snapped around when Buffy’s hand came to rest on her arm. The blond had a worried look on her face. Faith swallowed and shook her head, before turning back to look at the street.

“Two years ago, hmm?” the Mayor was talking again. He paused and seemed to be thinking, “No, I don’t think it was a slayer. It may have been a very adept potential. The Council has been known to track down potential Slayers and try to train them in case they’re called.” The slayers could see the smile on his face, “It hasn’t been a very successful program.” He laughed at something from inside the car. “I’m sure he’s convinced the girl he’s chasing is a slayer. But I know for certain she’s not.” There was a brief pause, “That’s the end of this discussion, we have business to attend to.” He turned back to Finch, “Get in Alan; I’ll see that you get home. You can tell us what happened on the drive.”

The girls didn’t move while they watched the car pull away. They stared after it until the tail lights had disappeared from view. Buffy’s hand was still lying across Faith’s arm and she was watching the brunette. “What, Faith?” she asked quietly. The brunette was still. “Tell me Faith,” she asked again. She was surprised at how pale Faith’s face was when she turned it toward her. “I’m here to help, Faith. What is it?”

Faith took a ragged breath and stared at the blond. Every fibre of her being was telling her to run, but a tiny part of her brain didn’t want to disappoint the girl beside her. It was having a hard time being heard in the cacophony of noise her brain was currently involved in.

Buffy gave the arm she was holding a gentle squeeze, “Talk to me Faith, tell me what I need to do.”

Faith blinked, and focused on the slayer beside her. She concentrated on the concern and caring in the hazel eyes looking back at her. That look gave the tiny voice in her head the strength to be heard. She wasn’t going to run, but that option was still a very viable Plan B. “I know who he was talkin’ to,”

Buffy could hardly hear the words from the dark slayer, “You mean The Mayor or Finch?”

Faith shook her head, “Uh-uh.” She sighed, “T-the guy in the car, I know the guy in the car.”

“Okay,” Buffy stood up and offered her hand to Faith. “Who was it?”

Faith closed her eyes, took a deep breath and held it to calm herself. She opened her eyes as she slowly let it out, “Mr. Trick.” She reached out and let Buffy pull her up. As she held the warm hand in hers, she felt more of the strain bleed away. The running plan seemed to be dropping down the list.

“Mr. Trick?” Buffy muttered, “What a weird name.” She shook her head and looked up at the brunette, “Where do I know that name from?” Her brow was furrowed in concentration.

“Uh,” Faith was staring wide-eyed at her. “Probably when I told ya,” she paused for a moment, “This mornin’? At coffee?”

Buffy’s eyes popped open, “Right! He shows up before that Taquito’s guy does.”

Faith chuckled and shook her head, “Yer absolutely right B.” She stared at the blond, “So now what?” The words trailed off as she spoke.

Buffy could see the nervousness creeping into the brunette’s eyes. She reached over and took Faith’s hand, “I’m pretty sure we need to talk to Giles.” Faith’s head moved slightly in a nod. “We’ll be okay Faith, we’ve got each other.” She looked up into the brown eyes staring back, “And we are so going to kick his ass.”