Trinket
by Fallingin
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: None of the BTVS characters belong to me and sadly never will.
Feedback: Oh hell yes.
Father Jarrett's bare feet hit the hard gravel as he jumped over the brick wall. Deep gashes embedded his legs from the minions' dangerously sharp claws. He couldn't stop running, not to catch his breath, not to let his body rest. For if he did he knew he would be caught and immediately killed. A loud bang was heard from behind him as reddish brown bricks flew past him. One of the bricks hitting firmly into his left calve as he fell to the ground.
The high pitched screeches of the minions could be heard from not too far away. He heard them scurry around him and shut his eyes tightly waiting for their sharp claws and teeth to devour him. When he felt nothing he opened one eye and looked up only to see a much bigger demon in front of him. The monster was large and muscular, he easily could tear him apart with one of his dagger like claws which stuck out of each finger.
The small red minions stood in a circle watching in awe as their master picked the man up by his throat. The demon gave Jarrett a toothy grin that made every bone in his body tremble. His dark brown eyes showed the pleasure he was having of playing with his new prey. He tightened his grip around the Priest neck hearing him gasp even more for the air he so desperately needed.
"Tell me," the demon said in a deep voice.
The Priest only whimpered and struggled to get free. The demon's grin went to a frown, his eyes now red with fury as his grasp tightened even more. When still met with no reply he sighed and snapped the Priest's neck. Clicking two of his lengthy finger nails together, he signaled to the minions. He extended a pair of colossal wings as he got ready to bolt away. While his minions devoured the dead Priest's corpse.
Buffy's shot up from her slumber, breathing heavily. She looked around not remembering where she was until she felt a gentle hand stroking her bare back. She was in Faith's motel the place she had been spending the better parts of her nights lately. Turning her head to gaze down at the beautiful brunette she gave her a warm smile.
"You ok, baby" Faith asked concerned.
"Yeah, bad dream," she replied settling into Faith's warm arms.
Faith nodded and stroked her hair soothingly. Yawning, Buffy let her eyes slowly shut, enjoying the warmth of Faith's body against hers. She silently fell back into her sleep while Faith watched her even breathing. The nightmares were gone, at least for this night.
"Well I believe we could be facing an apocalypse...again." Giles stated cleaning his glasses.
"Say what and why?" Xander said threw a mouth full of doughnut. The gang had all gathered in the library after their classes were finished.
"I've gotten word from one of the watchers council that some strange activities have been taking place around the world." He replaced the glasses on his nose. "They say a rather larger demon has been hunting for a Gem called Enthipya. Capturing the people he thinks know where it is but loyal as they are they seem to be refusing to talk." Giles sat at the library's table.
"That's a good thing right. I mean no talky no end of the world." Xander replied.
"Yeah bud but I'm thinking no talky means no living anymore also." Faith said folding her hands across the table.
"Precisely there has been a body count of...25 so far I believe mostly priests."
Buffy hadn't spoke a word since Giles had started speaking of the demon. She sat there her mouth agape. She remembered the demon from her dreams, safe to say he was more than intimidating. She remembered his beefy arms and he had to of stood at least eight feet tall. The sharp claws, his acicular teeth, the reason little children hid under the covers at night. She had to fight though, had to be brave, it was her destiny.
"So do we know what this demon creatures name is?" Willow asked.
"Uh, unfortunately no. Most people have not even seen him, he doesn't seem to want to be known. Even people who know the whereabouts of this gem have never seen him before, the ones who have escaped him seem to not be all that certain on his characteristics."
"Personally I don't really want to go into battle not knowing what I'm going to be up against. Little hints anything, I mean does he breathe fire, can he fly, something. Then we've got the whole problem of what the hell does this guy plan on doing with the gem, besides ending the world but how?" Faith said with a serious look.
"Yes I understand where you're coming from, Faith but they've all gone into hiding none of them can any longer be reached. As far as the gem it is used to bring up the monsters strength, knowledge, and power that would go beyond God's. The world would be his to destroy or recreate to his liking."
I know what he looks like, I know what he can do, Buffy thought. Now I need to tell them so we can work on kicking this things ass. Buffy opened her mouth to speak but found the words would not form, she couldn't tell them. It was almost like something was holding her back, making it so she couldn't talk any longer. Then it was gone, the perfectly clear image of the demon, was now all a blur in her mind. His actions, his powers she couldn't remember them only felt the cold emptiness of fear in the pit of her stomach.
"Buffy, you've been rather quiet throughout this whole thing. Would you like to add anything?" Giles asked.
"Yeah B, you sure you're ok? You seem kinda out of it." Faith said interlocking their hands together under the table.
"Yeah, I'm just really trying to think of some plan to beat this guy right now."
"Yeah, he's definitely going to have the element of surprise on us." Faith said running her free hand through her dark locks.
"Probably what he wants... would explain why he doesn't want to be known." Willow spoke after a moment of silence.
"Yes I suspect you're probably right on that one. Still I believe I'm going to do some research, see if I can possibly stumble on anything that references to a creature and this gem. May I suggest you get some sleep Buffy you really do not look that well."
Buffy nodded and unclasped hands with Faith to stand. "Yeah, I'll do that. See you all tomorrow morning." She smiled at Faith and headed out the library doors, the brunette not far behind her.
She crushed Faith's lips to hers when they entered the motel room. Faith moving her hips into a circular motion, trying to get more friction. Buffy moaned as Faith reached behind her thighs and brought her up to her slim hips. Her legs wrapping firmly around her as she was laid onto the bed. The kiss was broken as Faith discarded her shirt and quickly helped Buffy do the same, not satisfied till they were both bare naked and kissing again. Faith trailed the hand on Buffy's hip softly up her side to her left breast. Buffy gasped as her hand cupped it, her palm dancing over her erect nipple. Her lips moved to the side of the older slayer's chin, then her pulse point, sucking lightly. The girl trailed a few more wet kisses down the petite blonde until she reached Buffy's breast. She captured the nipple between her lush lips, gently stroking the inside of Buffy's thigh.
"Mmm, Faith." Buffy groaned as her index finger trailed up Buffy's soaking wet slit. Her full lips curled into a smile around her nipple, two fingers entering Buffy's sleek passage. She panted as Faith began moving her fingers in and out of her hole, the sound of her arousal making a clicking noise. Buffy slid one hand into the raven locks the other gripping her shoulder.
"UHHH, harder," she moaned while her orgasm built up inside of her. The younger slayer thrust quicker as her fingers curled slightly onto the blonde's G spot. Faith removed her lips from her nipple and straightened up to look at the blonde's face for when she came.
She lightly bit her earlobe and whispered "open your eyes, baby." Buffy did as asked and tightened her grip on Faith's shoulders as the brunette pinched her clit with her free hand, bringing Buffy to climax. The walls of her passage clenched tight around the brunette's fingers as she arched up into her body, feeling pleasure flow through her. Faith's finger's slowed at the end of her orgasm.
A warm smile came to Faith's face at the look of ecstasy on Buffy's. With a final peck on the lips she rolled onto her side, so the blonde could nestle into her arms. Snuggling closely to Faith's soft body Buffy felt the weariness of sleep take over her. It wasn't long before both girls fell into a peaceful slumber.
Buffy's eyelids fluttered open as she looked at the clock... 7:00 p.m. she had to patrol. Lifting Faith's arms from her waist she slowly got out of bed. She was going to wake the brunette up but she looked too peaceful and Buffy didn't have the heart to wake her. *Let her sleep, she deserves a night off* she thought as she slid on her pants. After putting on the rest of her clothes she grabbed a stake and walked out the motel room door.
The cemetery was eerily quite and Buffy could barely stand it. Twirling her stake, she began to whistle a tune. She sighed and was about to go home till she felt a cold hand on her shoulder. She turned around to meet the gaze of a rather large vampire. Not only large but seemed to be popular with all the friends that he had with him. Buffy scanned the group quickly and noticed there where about seven before she ducked the punch aimed for her face.
"Well, well looky boys found us a slayer, you look good enough to eat baby." A vamp with black hair cooed.
"Aww sorry but I'm taken." She said as she did a roundhouse to his face. He snarled and got up clutching his head. He rushed towards her with his arms spread apart, looking like he was going to give her a bear hug. This wasn't a good idea for a guy who's weakness happened to be a stake threw the heart. She got in a fighting stance and waited as he came closer, then plunged the stake in making him ready for the dust bin.
She sighed and turned around waiting for the next as three vampires hurdled towards her this time. She punched Vamp #1 as Vamp #2 punched in to her taunt stomach. The blonde gasped loudly but recovered as she dropped to one leg and swept Vamp #2 off his feet then thrust the stake into him. A steel toe boot connected with her face sending her onto her back. Vamp #3 stood over her and laughed as the rest of the gang circled around her. It was time to kick it into gear she decided and used her hands to push up and kick the vamp in his face. The small blonde plunged her stake backward, turning the vampire into dust. Then kicked another reeling it backwards into a headstone.
Buffy tried to catch her breath but as soon as she stopped one of the vampires would kick or punch her. A vamp with black leather pants and a dark blue shirt kicked her hand, sending her stake flying across the cemetery. She silently cursed herself for not bringing a back up as they all smiled viciously and moved closer to her. Crouching into her stance she waited for their blows, concentrating heavily on the large muscular vampire with a bloody arrow tattoo. The leather vamp snarled as he aimed to kick her in the chest. Turning she grabbed his foot and flipped him over. Not even seeing the tattooed vamp strike her dead into her ribs. The slayer heard a cracking noise and knew he had broke a few.
The odds weren't good four vampires with sharp fangs to one slayer with broken ribs, not to mention stakeless. Searching she saw the old mansion that was not that far behind her. Turning around she dashed towards it, clutching her side. Running behind some tombs and headstones on her way she managed to lose them some.
Looking over her shoulder she noticed they were no longer behind her, yet she knew she couldn't slow because they would find her if she did. Reaching the mansion Buffy ran inside and closed the solid door. Possibly she was safe but she couldn't be sure of it. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she slid down the wall. Her eyes closed, until she heard a faint sob of in the distance. She slowly got to her feet and inched towards the source of the noise. Buffy saw a man in the corner, his head between his legs and arms draped over it as he cried. Something felt familiar about the man but she couldn't pinpoint it, she inched closer until she was right above him. Looking at the man with sympathy, she saw the condition he was in. Cuts and bruise were formed all over his arms and upper back. The only clothes he wear were shaggy slacks and a ratty tank top.
"Hey are you ok?" she asked.
The man's head lifted at the voice. "Buffy?" Angel asked in a soft tone.
Buffy retracted back as she saw his face. It was bruised and had layers of dirt on it but she could still see him... Angel. His eyes pleaded with her to not be afraid, that he was sorry for what he had did. She kneeled beside him still stunned. Reaching her hand out she gently ran two fingers across his jaw line as if checking to see if he was real. She stopped when she reached his chin then placed her palm on his cheek.
“My god is it... it’s really you?” Buffy stammered.
“I missed you so much Buffy I’m so sorry about...” He shook his head then looked back into her eyes, “everything.”
“I know,” she replied as a silent tear fell from her eye. “I... I missed you too,” she stammered as she turned away then looked back at him with tears in her eyes. “I missed you so much,” then fell into his arms as they met in a warm embrace. She looked back into his eyes and sniffled. “You're so dirty, we should get you cleaned up,” she said brushing dirt from his face. He nodded as they both stood from their position on the floor.
“I didn’t feel the need to before. I didn’t plan on seeing anyone, sorry.”
“Have you been here the whole time?”
“Yeah I’ve just been thinking about things. You, me, everything I did...”
“Angel it wasn’t you it was Angelus.”
“Yeah...” he nodded his head guiltily then turned away. Buffy sighed then winced as she tried to walk, her ribs still slightly hurt. He placed his arm around her waist, supporting her. “Are you okay?”
“Ugh... yeah nest of vamps attacked me.”
“Do you need to go to the hospital?”
“No! I mean... it’s just hurts a little,” she lied “I just need to rest a some.”
“Come on then, I have a bed over here. You can rest for as long as you need to.”
She nodded then lied onto the bed, Angel began to remove her shoes. He smiled slightly then kissed her forehead.
“I’ll be back I have to go get some water from outside, just get comfortable.” He got up and headed out the large door. She sighed and leaned into the soft pillow behind her. They needed to talk and she knew it. For now though she just wanted to rest, the fight had taken a lot put of her. She closed her eyes with a yawn as sleep took over her.
Landon sat in a comfortable chair drinking his favorite tea out of the tin cup. He’d been hiding in the small tomb for a few weeks now, too afraid to follow the others. Landon was going to follow them but somewhere in the back of his mind he thought it’d be better to hide out alone. Safer this way, he told himself, less noise and better chance of not being found. His thoughts, however, were interrupted as the tomb door crumbled into a piled.
The cup flew across the room as he scrambled towards the nearest exit, a small window up above him. Climbing upward he didn’t even bother looking behind him, until he felt the beast grab his shirt. With a growl the monster flung him across the room, into a crate of food. His eyes now barely open, he could only make out a blurry figure walking towards him. His hair was yanked so he was now looking at what he thought to be the monster’s face.
“Now I’m really getting tired of this having to find you low lives and then not getting any answers.” The demon growled. “So I better get some answers or else I’ll make your death slow and beyond the concept of painful.”
“I, umm, well what do you want to know?” Landon played dumb, knowing it wouldn’t work but tried anyways. He felt himself being lifted by the hair and groaned in pain.
“Dare you insult my intelligence? You know what I want now do not act like you are innocent. You hide my gem.”
Landon struggled to free his hair, wishing now that it would just rip out as the pain stung into his head. He decided that if playing dumb wouldn’t work he’d just be silent. He would rather die than give up the secret that he was trusted with.
“Tell me now boy!” The demon yelled in frustration. Just like all the others he was met with no reply and became even more furious. “Fine! Do not answer me now but maybe later, after some convincing, yes?” With that the demon walked out of the tomb and flew into the cool night air, holding Landon by the back of his shirt.
Buffy awoke quickly, sitting up in the bed. She looked around the room and sighed when she saw Angel sitting in a chair watching her. His brow furrowed as he saw her sudden awakening.
“Are you ok? You look terrified.” Angel asked worriedly.
“Um yeah, I’m fine.” She laid back onto the sheets as Angel walked towards her. He sat beside her and soothingly stroked her hair. She swallowed hard as his fingers played in her silky blonde strings.
“Is this ok,” he asked a little concerned. Buffy looked into his brown eyes and smiled, bringing her hand to cup his cheek.
“Yeah it’s fine. Angel... will you lay with me?” He smiled warmly and nodded. She rolled over as she felt his body lay behind her, his arm finding its way around her waist. The last thing she heard before she dozed off again was Angel’s words.
“I still love you.”
The next day at school, Buffy seemed very distant from everyone. Including Faith, which more than aroused her suspicions that something was wrong. Not only had the blonde not came back later that night but she didn’t respond when Faith asked her where she was, instead quickly changing the subject.
Faith slouched into her chair with a sigh as she listened to Giles speak of the demon they were all going to have to fight. Maybe he knew where this guy was hanging out now, Faith silently hoped. She was more than eager to get this big fight over with so she could deal with Buffy. It would be one less complication in her life and Faith was very much willing to give it up.
As the meeting went on, however, she was disappointed to hear that Giles didn’t know where he was but only that he had a prisoner. She didn’t miss the look that came over Buffy’s face, a mixture of fear and knowing. Faith’s brow furrowed in confusion. Did Buffy know what this thing was? She asked herself. Was she hiding something?
Then Buffy opened her mouth as if she was going to say something but quickly shut it, like she forgot what she wanted to say. Now Faith was seriously worried, she was acting very strange. The nightmares, the staying out late, and now acting like she had a secret she wanted to share but couldn’t.
“The man’s name is Landon Abinelly, and he is sadly known to not be very faithful,” Giles explained. “His people have informed us that he decided to venture off on his own for fear of being found, rather their lives be taken than his. The people are now very much worried, this being their reason for contacting us, that he will tell this demon where the gem is. His loyalty can only be pushed so far until he spills, they say.”
“Okay then if we don’t find him we’re probably screwed right?” Faith said.
“Uh well I would have used different words but yes... we indeed need to find his hide out.”
“So does this mean we’re going to England?” Willow asked.
Giles sighed then looked up at them. “Yes” he confirmed and rubbed his temples. “Our hopes of him coming to America don’t seem to be happening. So if he doesn’t want to come to us...”
“We’ll go to him.” Buffy confirmed and stood.
“Precisely, will your mom permit it?”
“I don’t know but if she doesn’t she’ll learn to because I’m not sitting at home while this thing destroys the world.”
“Me either!” Willow stood up bravely.
“Count me in... of course.” Faith said at her spot at the table. Oz nodded at everyone to confirm he was with them. Everyone turned to look at Xander.
“What?!” He said.
“Uh duh are you in?” Willow asked.
“Uh yes?” He replied.
“Xander! Weren’t you listening?!” Willow exclaimed.
“Of course and I’m in all the way.” He stood and placed an arm around Buffy. “I’ll always be there for you Buffster.” She had a far away look on her face then shook her head.
“Yeah... Giles there is something I need to talk to you about too...in private?”
“Of course Buffy, step into my office and we’ll discuss it.” He said walking to his office door.
Faith sighed and looked up at the ceiling while Xander flopped down in a seat next to Willow.
“So um, you know... what are we doing?” Willow rolled her eyes and swatted his arm in response.
Giles paced back in forth in his office as he listened to what Buffy had said.
“So you have the dreams, which are crystal clear and uhm now you can’t remember them?”
“Yes?” Buffy asked weakly.
“Hmm, well he probably can erase memories then. Would explain why nobody knows what he looks like.” Giles replied, sighed then turned to Buffy. “Do you remember anything at all?”
Buffy thought deeply about the demon in her dreams then shook her head.
“No sorry I’m drawing a blank, unless that you count he’s tall?”
Giles sat into his chair and rubbed his forehead. “Bloody demons and their powers,” he mumbled. “Uh well then Buffy maybe next time you have these dreams you could write it down or something before it all goes away?”
She smiled sheepishly “Yes, that probably would be a good idea, huh? Sorry I didn’t think of it.”
“It’s alright just please remember next time. We need to go to England very soon, can you be ready by tonight?”
Buffy looked up and nodded her head. Giles smiled and went to open the door.
“Wait Giles there is one more thing I need to tell you.”
“Yes Buffy?” Giles stopped and turned around.
“Wouldn’t one more warrior be an extremely good advantage in this battle?”
Oz sat in the corner strumming on some strings while everyone else sat around the table. His eyes were closed and he was humming a tune to himself. Footsteps could be heard walking towards him and he opened his eyes to be greeted with Faith sitting next to him now.
“Hey, you're pretty good on that thing,” she said.
“Yeah thanks,” he answered with a smile.
“So you're like the only one who doesn’t seem all that fazed by this thing, why so calm?”
He shrugged “I trust Buffy and everyone, they’ll do whatever it takes to stop it.”
“Yeah heard about how she killed Angel to stop the world from ending, must’ve been pretty hard.”
“Killed her big love for the rest of mankind...” He said shaking his head “Really hard, don’t know if I could’ve done it.”
Faith tried not to let her jealousy show through as she nodded. *Wonder if I’m ever going to be able to fill this guy's place in her heart.*
Buffy and Giles walked out of the office. Giles with a frown on his face and Buffy looked extremely nervous.
“Uhm everyone...Buffy has some news for us all.” The room went silent as they all looked at Buffy.
“Uh... Angel is back.” She said and looked around at all the wide eyes.
Faith felt her heart beat faster at the news. She wasn’t sure if it was anger or worry that she felt at that moment but she knew she felt something and she didn’t like it. Buffy turned to gaze into her eyes, trying to seek what the brunette was feeling at the moment but Faith’s expression was hard to read. She mostly just saw surprise and maybe just a bit of hurt but Faith always was good at hiding any emotions she had.
“So um is he still evil?” Willow asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
“No...he’s good again and I think he could really help us fight whatever this thing is.” Buffy replied.
“Are you two you know... together again?” Willow asked worriedly.
“No! We’re not we’re just...I don’t know, friends maybe?” Buffy answered honestly, she didn’t know where they stood at the moment. She didn’t know if Angel could ever accept them being just friends. She had heard his words that night before she fell asleep and it scared her a little.
“So have you just forgiven him now? Taken him back with open arms and forgotten everything he’s done?” Xander said angrily.
“No Xander I haven’t! Do you think this is easy for me? I don’t know what to think but I do know that he would be a big help in this fight.”
“Yeah until you guys start making with the lovin’ and he turns all evil again!” Xander yelled.
“God Xander! It was a mistake and it’s not like I knew he would turn evil then. I do now and I’m not going to risk anything...we’re not going to be together.” Buffy turned and looked towards Faith at the last part. “Please can you guys just believe me on this. We need him to help us fight whatever it is we’re going up against. The more people we have the more chance we have of winning.” She looked around at the room waiting for a response but everyone was silent. With a sigh Xander nodded his head.
“Fine, you're right. We need help but don’t expect me to be all nice to him.” Xander said crossing his arms and looking out the window.
“I trust you Buffy.” Willow said. Buffy turned towards Giles, waiting for his response.
“I also trust you Buffy and we could use his help. So I guess I’m alright with it but... Angel and I still have our history, I don’t expect to acknowledge him very much.”
“You don’t have to, I’m not asking that.” Buffy looked towards Faith and Oz.
“I go with Willow.” Oz stated and everyone turned to Faith who just shrugged.
Giles cleared his throat “Well then now that we have that cleared up...we’ll need to go tonight. All who plan on going to England should be at the airport at midnight. The council has arranged us a flight.” Everyone nodded.
Willow, Oz, and Xander got up to go home, they both needed to pack. Faith stood as well and began to go out the doors, Buffy following after her. When outside Faith turned, she could sense Buffy following her.
“Something you want?” Faith asked.
“Are you okay with this?”
“Yeah, no big.” Then she turned and began walking down the stairs.
“Faith I know you're mad I didn’t tell you. I just figured you’d be angry with me or be distant much like now.”
Faith smiled and turned around. “I know I’m sorry Buffy it’s just...”
“What?” Buffy asked taking her hand. Which surprised Faith seeing as they were outside and Buffy wasn’t much for the public affection. The little gesture made her want to tell Buffy her feelings.
“I’m just worried, are you sure you're over him?” Buffy took Faith’s face between her hands and looked into her eyes.
“I’m sure.” She leaned upwards to Faith’s lips until a group of people walked by and she stopped. Faith’s eyes filled with hurt but she quickly turned away, not wanting Buffy to see.
“Yeah well, see ya later on tonight B.” She waved over her shoulder and headed towards her motel to pack.
Buffy entered the mansion with a brown paper bag gripped in her hand. She looked around trying to see if she could spot Angel anywhere.
“Angel?” she called out into the mansion. She entered the room she had fallen asleep in the night before to see if he was in there. She smiled as she saw his sleeping form lying on the bed. Putting the bag on a nearby table she walked towards him and sat down on the spot beside him. “Angel,” she whispered.
Angel’s eyes opened quickly and he grabbed Buffy by the throat, throwing her onto the bed. He hovered above her breathing heavily, game face on. Buffy couldn’t move she just laid there, her heart beating rapidly. His face calmed and became very worried.
“Oh Buffy, I’m sorry I didn’t know it was you I thought someone had snuck in and...” he rambled. He grabbed her into a hug and kept whispering sorry while stroking her hair. She moved her arms up his back to the top of his shoulders. He felt so good wrapped around her, it felt just like old times. He moved off of her with his hands still wrapped around her waist, their eyes connected.
“It’s ok Angel” she said the fear in her eyes now replaced by something else. They continued to look into each others eyes, his hand now running lightly across her cheek. “Angel,” she whispered and his lips were soon on her. Their mouths melted together into a passionate kiss, all worries of what was happening out of their minds. Buffy’s hands wrapped in his hair as his tongue slipped past her lips. He groaned a little and Buffy suddenly remembered what she was doing. She pushed his shoulders back and stood up hastily. A hand running through her blonde locks as she paced. “Angel we can’t...this is...you’ll lose your soul,” she said looking into his eyes now. He got up and walked towards her his arms wrapping around her shoulders.
“Buffy...no I won’t. It was just a kiss.” He whispered softly to her. She pulled back and looked straight as his face.
“Yes but a kiss can evolve into something else.”
“It can but it doesn’t have to. Buffy I’ll do whatever I have to to be with you. I just have to know if you feel the same and nothing can go wrong,” she pulled out of his arms and turned around.
“I don’t know if I can Angel...”
“Buffy sex isn’t everything.”
“That may not be the reason why...” she whispered as she looked at him. His eyes widened as he realized what she meant.
“Oh so there’s...there’s someone else?” He asked her and she nodded slowly.
“Oh ok,” and he turned to sit on his bed.
“Angel I had to move on we could never have a normal relationship.” Silence... “I know this may not be the best time but we’re leaving for England tonight and I’d be happy if you would come and fight with us, I still want you in my life Angel. The plane will be leaving at midnight if you decide to come.”
He still was quiet and she turned to leave not knowing what else to do. She thought this would be his time to brood and be to himself. As she was walking out the door she heard him call for her.
“Yes” she replied.
“I just wanted you to know I’ll love you no matter what.”
“I’ll always love you too,” she admitted and turned to leave.
Angel sat back with a smile on his face. I’m not going to give up that easy, he thought then closed his eyes.
Buffy walked down the sidewalk kicking an empty coke can. She had so much on her mind, Angel, Faith, and oh yeah their next apocalypse. She sighed and looked up, she was in front of Faith’s motel. It was purely unintentional to end up here, she had just been going for a nightly stroll. It was inevitable that her and Faith were going to have a talk, so she sighed and began walking to her room. Knocking lightly she waited for Faith to answer the door. The door swung open and she was greeted with a tired looking Faith. She had on a red tank top and black boxers, her eyes barely open.
“Buffy? What are you doing here?”
“We um... need to talk.” Faith felt her heart sink at the words but still waved Buffy in. They stood in front of the bed, Faith with her arms across her chest waiting for the words. “Maybe we should you know go on a break for awhile...” Buffy said turning her head away from Faith’s sad eyes. Faith quickly swallowed and nodded her head, then turned to sit on the bed.
“Yeah...maybe we should. Can’t say I haven’t been itching to get out lately.” Faith lied, covering her emotions up. Buffy turned her head abruptly and looked at Faith.
“Do you even care?!”
“Hey don’t go getting all upset with me, you’re the one who just cut it off but it was fun while it lasted B.” She got up and walked to the door, opening it. “Better go now, I need to get some sleep so I’ll be ready tonight.” She said then turned her head from Buffy’s eyes, she knew she was going to break down any minute now. Buffy hastily walked out looking at the ground, tears burning her eyes. Faith slammed the door and fell back on it, sliding to the floor she let her own tears fall freely now. “Damn Angel!” she screamed and pounded her fists onto the hard floor.
Buffy walked through the misty fog of the river bank. She heard an owl coo and turned around quickly her nerves getting the better of her. She sighed and tried to make her heart stop beating as fast as it was. She began walking again this time with more confidence, until she fell on the ground. She groaned loudly and hit her hands on the ground, a large amount of dirt coming up in her fist. A look of puzzlement came onto her face as she began to stand. What was in her hand? Putting her hands more into the moonlight she saw what she now held, half a smashed heart with dirt in it. Screaming she threw it on the ground and turned around quickly. Only to be greeted with the demon that haunts her dreams.
“Hello you must be Buffy,” he said with a toothy grin as she stood still, unable to move. “Also known as the one who wants to interrupt my plans!” he yelled grabbing her by her shirt. She heard the scurry of minions circle them, this seemed all too familiar. “Now do be a dear and tell a fellow why you’d want to that?” He said in a sickeningly sweet voice bringing her face close to his. Buffy held back her fear, she was the slayer and the slayer didn’t have time to be afraid.
“Let’s see...maybe because you plan on taking over the world?!” She yelled in his face causing him to throw her on the hard ground.
“Yes but how do you know I won’t make it to your liking?” He asked walking around her.
“Just a guess, I’m thinking me and you don’t have the same interests,” she said sitting up, clutching her ribs. He smirked and bent down in front of her.
“Yes but I still could make it more to your liking...if you joined me.”
“Oh my god, you so did not do the join me speech did you? That is so tired... and just for the record I won’t join you! You crazy freak!” She replied. He stood to full height and growled.
“Fine! Have it your way but trust me you’ll be regretting it when my minions are eating the flesh from your bones!”
“You think you're going to win?! Please, you’re a sad excuse for a demon, you won’t even let me have my memory of what you look like!” Buffy figured taunting might get him to give in.
He grabbed her around the throat this time and she gasped. He growled low in his throat but then calmed.
“Slayer, I like making things difficult for you and when I do find my gem I’ll make your world so difficult and miserable you’ll be begging to join my side!”
With his last words he threw her towards the cold river water. Just as she was about to go in she sat up straight in her plane seat. She felt a comforting hand on her back and smiled thinking it was Faith. It fell however when she saw Angel sitting beside her with a worried look on his face. He had come as Buffy asked and could safely ride on the plane until the sun came up. When it did, however, he would have to retreat to where the cargo was being carried.
“Are you okay? Was it another nightmare?” She nodded and leaned back in her seat casting a look at Faith who sat on the other side of the practically empty plane. The brunette turned away quickly as Buffy’s eyes caught hers. She had heard her gasp and wondered what was wrong but didn’t want Buffy to know she was worried. Buffy turned to look at Angel who had a confused look on his face from the exchange of the two women.
“Something wrong between you two?”
“Uh, yeah we’re kind of fighting at the moment, you know how friends can be sometimes.” Buffy replied turning her head to look out the window. She heard Angel mumble a ‘actually I wouldn’t know’ then closed her eyes. The plane was rather quiet at the moment. The council had paid for them to have a private plane, which surprised everyone considering how cheap they always were. Everyone was asleep with the exception of Faith, Angel, and now Buffy, all of them up for their own reasons.
Quentin Travors walked down the stair case to find his guests all sitting or standing in the lobby. He grinned and made his way towards them.
“Hello, good to see you all here.” No one made any comment. The plane ride, and for some what was going on in their own minds, had taken a lot out of them.
“Nice to see you all in a good mood. Well then, I guess I shall show you to your rooms but I’m afraid some of you will need to pair up. Only three rooms are available at this time, so come on then get a partner.” Everyone looked around, it was pretty much a given Giles was getting the one room to himself. Sighing Faith walked over to Xander.
“Come on, let’s go I’m tired.” She said walking over to Travors.
“Well then let’s proceed and I’ll show you the rooms.”
While walking down the hall, Buffy kept staring at Faith. She never wanted this to happen. She knew things wouldn’t be the same between them but she didn’t want to have the girl completely avoiding her. She just needed time, time to figure out what was going on in her head. Time to figure out what she really wanted or more accurately who she really wanted. Being so wrapped up in her own thoughts she didn’t hear Willow asking her a question until she felt her tap her shoulder.
“Huh? What? Oh, sorry Will, what’d you say?” Buffy asked, startled.
“I said where did Angel go?” She repeated looking at Buffy skeptically.
“Oh! He said he didn’t really want to crowd everyone so he’d find a place of his own and meet up with us on important matters.” Willow nodded satisfied with the answer.
Faith sighed as she threw her duffel bag on to the bed. She had been finding it extremely difficult not to think about Buffy lately. Nope not thinking about her. Only thinking about demons I need to kill, she thought. Opening her zipper bag she started searching for a tube of toothpaste and her toothbrush. She came across a pink shirt and frowned. She had just packed what little she had into her duffel bag, finding it easier not to run out of clothes if she packed them all. Sometime or another she must have just grabbed the shirt and threw it in with the rest of her stuff, except the shirt didn’t belong to her. She closed her eyes and sighed as she remembered one of her better memories with the blonde.
*Flashback*
Buffy searched around the room for her shirt, currently only wearing jeans and a white lace bra. She bent on her knees and looked under the bed but it wasn’t under there either. Getting up she gently shook the naked brunette.
“Faith, where did you throw my shirt?” She whispered but Faith didn’t open her eyes or answer.
She rolled her eyes and began to get off the bed until she felt two arms grab her and throw her onto her back pinning her underneath. She looked up at the smirking brunette.
“Good morning to you too,” she said smiling. Faith released her arms and they began to kiss passionately. Buffy moaned then began to push the brunette back.
“As fun as this would be, I have to go to school now.” Faith pouted until Buffy gave a reassuring peck on her lips and got up. Leaning back on her arms Faith tilted her head and smiled at the blonde slayer as she bent down to look for her shirt some more.
“I don’t know B. This look is kind of working for you.”
Buffy rolled her eyes and threw a black T shirt at Faith.
“Can you please get dressed and help me look, I got school.” Nodding the brunette got up and slipped on some sweat pants along with the black shirt. Looking around she smiled when she found the pink garment lying on the floor. She turned around, a seductive smile in place and the pink shirt dangling from her index finger.
“Looking for something?” she asked teasingly.
“Yes!” Buffy stated trying to grab the shirt but failing as Faith ducked and ran towards the bed. “Err Faith come on, I got to go!” she yelled at the brunette who was now bouncing on the bed, shirt gripped in her hand moving it up and down.
“Well if you want it B...you have to get it.” The blonde stomped over to the bed and began trying to grab it from her hand but not succeeding at all. “Come on you're not even trying,” she laughed. Buffy growled and pulled her legs from underneath her, effectively throwing the brunette on to her back. Quickly tucking the shirt underneath her, Faith giggled as Buffy laid on top of her. With an arm on either side of the brunette's head she smirked down at her.
“Got something of mine?”
“Don’t know, got something of mine?” Giggling the blonde placed her lips over Faith's. They began to kiss hard as Faith rolled them over. Buffy’s hand roamed up Faith’s back while the other reached for the now unprotected shirt. Pulling back she frowned and hit her head back on the bed.
“Guess I’m not wearing this shirt today!” she yelled as she glared at the rip down the center of it.
“Hmm guess we got a little rough last night.” Faith whispered in her ear, then licked her lobe. Buffy moaned as Faith began trailing kisses down her neck and then back up to her chin.
“I think I might skip today,” she said before the brunette's lush lips met hers.
*End Flashback*
She held the pink shirt close to her chest, not even acknowledging the door now opening. Xander entered and his eyebrows raised into his hairline.
“Pink? Faith I wouldn’t of pinned you for the type.”
Suddenly angry the brunette growled. “It was just a faze. Something in the past now.”
Xander frowned at her tone, had he made her angry? Shaking his head he too began to unpack. Faith meanwhile shoved the shirt to the back of her bag and the memories to the back of her mind.
Leaning her head back Faith started counting cracks in the ceiling. Giles was rambling on about where they were going to be searching at tomorrow. Faith for her part didn’t really feel she needed the details of how they were going to take this car to this location and blah blah. She just needed to know that when she got there she was going to be going on a major hunt for this demon guy.
“Faith?” Giles asked stopping his explanation.
“What’s up?” she asked turning her head from the ceiling to look at him.
“I should be asking you that. What is so fascinating on the ceiling that stops you from listening to me?”
Buffy, Angel, Willow and Xander all turned to look up at the ceiling. They frowned and looked back at her when they too saw nothing.
“Nothing just cracks.”
“I see... so the cracks are more interesting than the end of the world?!” Giles yelled.
Faith raised her eyebrow at him with a shocked look. She stood up and began walking to the door.
“Whatever G this meeting can go on without me.” She exited out into the night.
Giles removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. Sighing he looked up and replaced his glasses.
“Could one of you go after her?” Buffy was about to get up but Xander interjected, standing up first.
“Don’t worry Buff I’ll go after her. You really should be here to listen.” Xander practically ran to the door thankful to escape. He saw Faith walking down the road and quickly ran to catch up with her.
“Uh hey Faith. Where you going to?”
“No where special. Just to get a drink.” She replied. Xander furrowed his brow.
“How? You're not of age,” he asked curiously. She smiled and pulled out an ID card that showed her fake birth date. Xander stopped with his mouth open.
“You... this is cool!”
“Yeah it’s a real beautiful piece of plastic now can we go?”
“I don’t know Faith I mean they’re all still back there and...” She pulled on his arm sleeve and they walked into the nearest liquor store.
Faith and Xander stumbled along the side walk on their way back home an empty bottle of Jack in Faith’s hand. The other empty bottles were now lying in the park trash bin. They both looked at each other and started laughing for no particular reason.
“You're wasted...” Faith stated.
“Yeah but you're...look at you!” He said then they both started laughing again.
“So what do you think of Angel so far?” Xander asked out of the blue. Faith snorted.
“He’s a real peach. Going off and stealing the woman I love...” Faith stood still realizing what she had just revealed.
“Yeah what a jerk stealing the woman you...” Xander stopped, his mouth open. “You love Buffy!” Faith quickly covered his mouth. They were standing outside the building they were staying in.
“No!” she hissed. She removed her hand from his mouth and he had a goofy grin on his face.
“Yes you do...” He sing songed “Faithy loves Buffy, Faithy loves Buffy!”
“Shut up Xander!” She yelled and he stopped. Draping his arm around her he grinned.
“Don’t worry Faith, I won’t tells no peoples you is in love with the Buffster.” He slurred. “But you know you should tell her. I always thought she might have some emotions all up in hers heart just waited to be unleashed on you.” Faith looked at him and burst out laughing.
“That made no sense!” she giggled. Xander put his finger to his chin and slightly looked up seemingly thinking.
“No it didn’t... but I’m saying you should tell her because she might love you back.” He said more clearly. She nodded.
“I think she does...I never did tell her that I loved her but what about Angel?”
“Psh Angel doesn’t stand a chance next to you,” he said shoving her playfully. Faith looked at him proudly and smiled.
“Yeah I’m going to tell her!” She said and they both started marching up the stairs arm in arm. They entered and Xander put a finger to his lips and began walking towards their room while Faith walked to Buffy’s room.
She saw a sleeping form lying on the bed and crawled in beside it. The figure turned around about to say something but Faith quieted them.
“Listen I know we had a fight but I didn’t mean it when I said I wanted someone else. I want to be with you a lot... more than a lot, a real lot! You're just so sexy and that pointy toothed creature thing don’t deserve you. I do though baby because I lov...” Willow flicked on the lights with a shocked expression on her face. Rolling off the bed Faith fell hard on the ground. She groaned and got up.
“Faith are you okay?” Faith blushed, then nodded. “Um listen Faith see that was really sweet, well the part where you called Oz a creature and he didn’t deserve me wasn’t sweet to him but the rest was. Though I don’t think I understand why you would think he didn’t deserve me. I mean I know he isn’t here with us right now but he will be in a day or two. See he does deserve me because he’s using his own money and everything and when he gets here I think he would much rather me still be his so Faith you know I can’t.”
Faith stood still swaggering a bit. Her hangover was going to be much worse after that conversation, she was sure of it. Faith blinked a few times then shook her head.
“Right sorry...” She looked over to the other bed and saw Buffy leaning back on her elbows, trying to hide a smile. She heard Faith’s entire confession all the way up to when she almost had said I love you. Still slightly drunk, Faith waved at Buffy then stumbled backwards.
“I’m going to go now. Sorry red about the whole thing I know you love Oz. Uh shouldn’t have, well you know...bye,” she said then darted out the door practically racing to her room.
The gang stood around in a circle the next afternoon looking at a map of the searching ground the men had said Landon had been at. Buffy and Faith stood next to each other, Buffy occasionally brushing her hand against Faith on ‘accident’. Xander smiled at the brunette and she scowled at him. Even after his drunken state Xander had been okay with Faith liking Buffy, he still encouraged her to tell her. She explained to him what had happened with her and Willow but Faith hadn’t told him about how her and Buffy had been together before.
“These areas don’t need to be checked out, Angel looked them over last night.” Faith frowned at the name. She had seriously began to hate him, even if they hadn’t said two words to each other. He was always around Buffy when he came over, making moon eyes at her and it made Faith want to punch him.
“Yo G-man could you not be so loud,” she asked bringing her hand to her head and Xander nodded along with her. Giles sighed but didn’t respond to the brunette.
“So will be needing to cover a lot of areas, groups would be nice.” Xander’s smirked and quickly took Willow’s hand.
“Got my buddy.” He said, Faith narrowed her eyes at him.
“Well then I’ll go with them. Make sure they don’t get into trouble...or that Xander doesn’t.” Giles said walking towards his path. Xander was too busy smiling victoriously at Faith to notice but it soon registered and he turned around.
“Hey!” he said taking Willow’s hand and following after him. The two slayer stood alone now, an uncomfortable silence between them. Faith pulled off her jacket, it was beginning to get hot, underneath it she wear a high cut shirt that showed off her taunt stomach. Sighing Faith began to go down her path leaving Buffy standing there. Faith turned around looking at Buffy questionably. Buffy’s breath caught as Faith sauntered towards her, those sexy hips swaying with her walk. She grabbed Buffy’s hand and smiled, she loved the effect she was having on the blonde.
“Come on, B. We got to go.” They continued to walk down the path in silence, their hands still cupped together. This didn’t slip by Buffy and she slowly entwined their fingers together. Faith turned her head to look at her then at their hands. She smirked and brought Buffy’s hand up to her lips, kissing it gently.
“What coming on to me now? I thought you had a thing for Willow?” Buffy said smiling. Faith acted like she was thinking about it and Buffy playfully slapped her. Faith looked at her and became serious.
“So are you and Angel...?” She asked and Buffy shook her head.
“You want honesty Faith?” Faith nodded her head with a ‘no shit’ expression on her face. “I’m over him but a part of me will always love him. When he told me he loved me back I thought things would be easier with him because I knew he loved me.” Faith’s jaw clenched at that and her face became angry. “You never told me this...and I really wanted you too.” Buffy took Faith’s face between her hands, Faith quickly calming down. “I didn’t know if you loved me, if you would give up everything to be with me. So I didn’t want to give up everything to be with you if you thought it was just some fling.” Faith brought her lips to meet Buffy’s and they shared a sweet kiss, tongues caressing one another’s. They broke for air and Faith began massaging Buffy’s cheek with her thumb.
“I’ll give up everything to be with you B and I love you more than anything.” Buffy smiled and a tear ran down her face. Wiping the tear from her face she kissed her cheek. “So no more hiding from everyone?” Buffy shook her head.
“No more hiding. I just don’t know how I’m going to tell them.” Faith pulled away and looked at the ground.
“Well um you don’t have to worry about Xander, he’ll be cool with it.” Buffy’s eyes widened.
“You told Xander? Without me?”
“I was drunk and I didn’t tell him about us I told him about me. He’s the damn reason I was in your room last night confessing.” Buffy giggled a little at the memory of the previous night.
“Well I’ll have to thank him then.” With a quick peck on the lips Buffy started walking down the path again.
Buffy ran through the woods, Faith chasing her not too far behind. Buffy stopped as she came to a river, it looked beautiful out here. She felt two arms circle her waist and she leaned her head back on Faith’s shoulder. The brunette began placing soft kisses up and down her neck.. Buffy moaned and tightened her grip on Faith’s arm.
“You're so beautiful B....” Faith whispered into her ear.
“God Faith, I want you so much right now.” Faith let her fingertips move up underneath the blonde's shirt from her stomach to each of her bare breasts. Circling Buffy’s nipples with the tips of her fingers they soon became stiff nubs. She cupped them both in her hands and massaged. Buffy gasped and turned around quickly catching Faith’s mouth with hers. Faith continued fondling Buffy’s breast as they kissed one another with a deep passion they both had missed. Tracing her tongue across Faith’s bottom lip she silently asked permission to enter. Faith opened her mouth and Buffy’s tongue darted in to caress hers.
Buffy pulled back for a second and took her shirt off to reveal her breasts and Faith groaned as she picked the blonde up. Buffy’s legs crossed around Faith’s mid section as Faith began nibbling hungrily at her nipples. The duo soon were walking backwards towards a darker area of the lake where they couldn’t be seen. Faith laid Buffy down but still continued to suck at her nipples. The blonde entangled her fingers deep into the raven locks of Faith’s hair.
They pulled apart and Faith yanked her own shirt off. Buffy sat up as Faith began to unbutton the blonde's pants and she too unbuttoned Faith’s. As zippers went down the pants found themselves being thrown onto the ground. Laying back onto the blonde their now uncovered breasts pushed together. Their bodies melted together as they once again kissed. They completely covered each other except for the thin underwear they wore. So caught up in each other they didn’t even see the dark shadow that passed by them.
Faith began to trail kisses down the blonde's collar bone to between her breasts where she stopped. She darted her tongue out and licked one of the nipples cat like, meanwhile looking into the blonde's eyes. Buffy swallowed and let her head fall back as the brunette took the nipple between two full lips. Her hand came to the raven locks and grabbed a fistful of it in a tight fist, encouraging Faith to continue.
“Uh, Faith!” Buffy called out. Faith began to suck harder and let her hand trail down to the neatly trimmed hair between Buffy’s legs. “Baby...” she said more softly this time and Faith looked up. “I want to make you feel good.” She said with a grin. Faith started to protest but Buffy stuck a finger to her lips. “Let me make it up to you for making us be a part for so long.”
“B, it wasn’t that...”
“Any time away from you is too long for me Faith.” Buffy said before the brunette could protest. She flipped them over so she was now on top and kissed the brunette deeply, their tongues moving together, massaging one another. “Now...let me make it up to you,” she said seductively as she proceeded to move down her body.
Faith felt Buffy’s wet tongue go up her soaking slit and moaned. The blonde took her two fingers and spread Faith’s lips as her tongue rubbed up and down on Faith’s swollen clit. She lingered there awhile until she finally moved down to Faith’s entrance. She dived in, her tongue devouring the brunette’s hole. Faith’s hips rose up as she felt the blonde’s tongue enter her.
“God baby, you have no idea how good you're making me feel,” she groaned.
Faith’s hands went between her legs, to wrap into the blond mane of Buffy’s head. She pushed her deeper as she rode her face. Her cries of ecstasy could be heard through the woods and the dark figure standing behind the tree growled. They didn’t here it though, as they were too wrapped up in each other. Buffy removed her tongue from Faith’s hole as the brunette whimpered. The blonde grinned as she quickly replaced it with two fingers.
“Uh.” Faith groaned as she thrust into her. Buffy moved up her body and kissed her sweaty forehead.
“You like baby?” she asked and the brunette nodded her head while panting. “Good.” she said and covered her mouth with hers. Their lips mingled together as hot tongues explored each other’s mouths. Buffy began to thrust quicker into the brunette, her orgasm rising up in her. Faith began moving faster onto the two fingers and Buffy silently moved back down her body.
The blonde wrapped her lips around her clit, sucking it in. Faith cried out as she felt the pleasure wash through her body, she was coming. As the walls of her pussy drew in Buffy’s fingers the blonde didn’t quit lapping at her clit. Wanting to be there for her till her climax was fully through. The spasms of Faith’s body slowly died down and Buffy lapped at the wetness between her legs.
After she had finished she crept back up and met her lips, kissing roughly. Faith tasted herself on the blonde’s lips and groaned. Pulling the back of Buffy’s head closer to her. They both fell back on to the ground, breathing heavily. Buffy’s head lying on Faith’s chest as it moved up and down.
“Great show.” The figure growled stepping from behind the trees.
“You perv! You were watching us?” Buffy shouted as she tried to cover herself. The monster who currently was causing them havoc shrugged.
While they had this banter, however, Faith quickly began pulling on her pants. The demon saw her and growled. Pushing her back down with a heavy foot. Buffy yelled and jumped him, while naked. The heavy foot on Faith’s chest made it hard for her to breathe as she tried to reach for the knife she kept inside her boot. Her fingertips scraped across the top of it and the boot fell over.
Buffy clawed at his head while trying to stay on his back but it was becoming increasingly hard. He growled and thrust backwards, effectively knocking her off and sending her reeling into a tree. Focusing his attention on the brunette beneath him he grinned down at her, not noticing the knife she held underneath her thigh.
“Well now, I’ve got plans for you.” He said and Faith looked past him to see Buffy unconscious, leaning on the tree.
“Fine, just don’t hurt her anymore.” Pulling his foot off of her, he grabbed the shirt off the ground.
“You're coming with me, now put this on!” He shouted. She quickly shoved the knife into the back of her pants before he could see and threw on the shirt.
“Let me check on her?” Faith begged and he growled.
“Fine but hurry it up.” She quickly ran over to the blonde and felt her pulse point. She was still living, Faith was sure of it. She kissed her forehead and gasped as the demon wrapped an arm around her waist and flew them up into the air.
Faith’s head hung low as she slowly awakened. Somewhere along their ride he had knocked her out. Either fear of her knowing where he lives, should she ever escape, or because she was screaming and yelling most of the way. With a groan she lifted her head and her vision started to clear up. The monster now sat at a large thrown holding a gem in his hands. Faith swallowed, it was in his possession now. He looked up at her and smiled wickedly.
“Morning my darling.” He got up from his place on the thrown and walked towards her. A large hand came up and moved some of the dark locks of her hair out of her eyes. She growled low in her throat and even tried to bite his hand. “Oooh, feisty one aren’t we?” He said in a low laugh. “No matter, you're not my toy to play with. His however...” He said as Kakistos walked out from behind a curtain.
“You are.” She swallowed hard as the ancient vampire smiled wickedly at her.
Xander, Willow, and Giles wandered around the woods searching for the two slayers. They were all supposed to meet back a while ago and now the gang was becoming extremely worried that something had gone wrong.
“Buffy! Faith!” He called loudly into the woods. They all heard a groan and turned around, the groan had come form behind the tree. Rushing over Xander quickly went to the noise, then stopped stock still, his mouth open as he stared at a completely naked Buffy.
“Wow...” he trailed off. Buffy shook her head and looked up at Xander confused, then saw where his eyes were at.
“Xander!” she yelled trying to cover herself. She hastily scampered towards her clothes.
“Ah, uh, sorry Buff. Okay bad word to use right now seeing how you're in the buff so I’ll just say Buffy then, yeah better.” He babbled as he tried to cover his eyes. The others came soon afterwards just as Buffy was pulling on her shirt.
“What happened? Where’s Faith?” Giles asked worried. Buffy frowned, what had happened to Faith? “No Buffy... you don’t remember.” Giles said sadly.
“I... we were here and...” Buffy blushed as some of the memory came back.
“Doing stuff.” Xander’s mouth fell open. “Wow! She’s good.” Xander exclaimed.
“What?!” Buffy yelled.
“Nothing, sorry continue.” He replied.
“That’s the thing...I can’t, my memory of it’s gone.”
“The demon.” Giles stated flatly.
“O god!” Buffy covered her mouth.
“He probably took Faith!” Xander exclaimed and everyone looked at him.
“Good Xander.” Willow replied.
“We have to find her!” Buffy said and started to search around the woods frantically.
“Buffy!” Giles yelled walking over to her and stopping her. “We’re not going to find her like this. You have to remember, where did the demon come from? Which way was it. Think Buffy.” He said calmly.
“I, it was. Dammit!” She replied angrily.
“It’s okay Buffy, just think now, come on, you can do it.” Buffy just remained silent, nothing was coming to her. Giles sighed. “We’ll search then, as best we can. Let’s go retrieve some flash lights to search around.” They all began walking back. Buffy with her shoulders hanging low, her stomach felt empty and hollow as she thought of what was happening to Faith.
Angel stood in front of the large woods, waiting for the others to come out. He could hear them close by. He had gotten word from some of the demons around town where they could maybe locate this demon. A tired looking Buffy emerged with the others beside her and he furrowed his brow. She sniffled and hugged herself tighter from the cold, Angel quickly walked over to her. He placed a gentle hand on her back as she leaned into him.
“What’s wrong?” he asked her but she didn’t respond.
“Faith, the demon took her.” Giles replied as he went into their car for some flashlights. Angel’s eyes widened. He hadn’t known the girl very well, though she seemed to despise him, but he did know she was one of Buffy’s friends.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get her back.” He said as he pulled her away from her chest to look in her eyes.
“You don’t know that,” she said coldly.
“Yes I do, I think I know where we have to go.” He stated proudly.
“You do? Where?! Come on we have to go!” He nodded and began to walk into the woods, Buffy beside him, and the others close behind.
“Where did you find out?” Xander asked as he clicked on a flash light.
“Some demons were talking in the bar I had gone to to find information. Really needs to teach his little minions to be quiet if he doesn’t want his secret out.” Angel said as he moved a tree branch to get to the large lake they had been to. This time he walked towards a large boulder they had not paid attention to the last time. “They said they had to go meet at this boulder, that the master wanted to see them but... that’s as much as they said.”
“So it’s around here come on guys.” Buffy said walking towards the boulder, the others spread around looking for some sort of entrance. She examined it then as a guess she began to push on it. She felt it start to move, Angel helped her push and they soon had it rolling away. They smiled at each other as they found a steel door underneath it. “Guys.” Buffy whispered and they looked towards where Buffy and Angel stood. She waved her hand over and they walked to the door. With a firm grip on the handle she pulled hard, causing it to open. “Oh yeah, now we’re getting somewhere.” Buffy said with a smirk as they all entered into the hole.
Kakistos smiled at a beaten Faith, a large knife twirling in his hand. She gritted her teeth and tried to hold back the puke she felt rising up in her stomach. She looked past him to the monster who was standing around a statue with a man. A hard hand came across her face and she looked at Kakistos, blood dripping down her lip.
“Pay attention girl!” he yelled.
“To what, you fucking me up?!” she yelled and he grinned. He placed the knife to her eyebrow and she winced.
“Maybe I should give you a pretty little scar like the one you gave me?” He asked, pressing the blade deeper into her, causing a droplet of blood to run out into her eye.
“Ah! You son of a bitch!” She screamed as he pulled the blade away.
“No, I don’t think I will... at least not right now. I’m feeling hungry at the moment.” Her eyes widened as he licked his lips. His fangs descended towards her neck, ready to taste the slayer.
“Kakistos!” The head demon screamed. “Get over here!” With a growl the ancient vampire pushed away and walked towards the other two.
“I was trying to eat,” he snarled.
“You’ll have time for that later. Right now... we have to put my beautiful baby to work.” He smirked as he raised the gem. He turned to the man beside him. “You know how to do this, right?” He asked and the man rolled his eyes.
“Yes, I brought him back didn’t I?”
“Yes, Landon you did. Now we will prepare for my time, I shall soon be a god.” He smiled, closing his eyes as thought came to his mind.
“Yes, don’t forget the power you have promised me Arban!” Landon yelled and the demon opened his eyes.
“You will receive what I have promised you... and you the same.” He said to Kakistos and the vampire turned to look at Faith.
“Well then... shall we get this over with, I have a meal to attend to.” They both nodded and Arban handed the gem to Landon. The man closed it in his fist and closed his eyes as he began to murmur the words to the spell.
“Enthipya, I give you my blessing. Shall you take my great leader and make him one of you so he might make this world yours once again.” Landon opened his eyes and motioned for Kakistos to hand him the blade. “Give me your hand.” He commanded and the vampire handed him his hoof. He placed the blade to Kakistos arm and cut a slice across it. The blood fell onto the gem and it began to glow a bright green. “Blood of an ancient one..” He spoke calmly and then cut his palm with the knife. The blood dripped onto the gem and it grew even brighter. “Blood of a mortal.” He said and finally looked up at Arban, who stuck out his arm. He lowered the blade but stopped as they heard the noise of someone entering their lair. They all turned to see Buffy and the scoobies at the door entrance.
“Hey demon boy, looks like I found your not so secret lair!” Buffy yelled twirling a large axe in her hand.
“Do it!” Arban growled and Landon began to move the knife down again. Angel grabbed the axe from Buffy and threw it at Landon’s arm, slicing it off. Landon screamed as he fell to the ground in pain, blood spilling out of his elbow.
“B!” Faith yelled and Buffy looked over to see Faith chained to the wall. She ran over to her, throwing her arms around her neck.
“You're alright,” she whispered and Faith nodded.
“Think you can help me get these chains off?” she asked into the blonde’s ear. Buffy turned around to find a very pissed off demon glaring at her, now holding the axe in his hand.
“Come on lover girl, let’s get this over with!” He yelled and flew over to where she stood. Many loud screeching noises could be heard as all of his minions came from their corners. They smiled wickedly at the scoobies and began to charge them, as Kakistos leant down to grab the knife from Landon’s severed arm.
“You can do it B.” Faith said and Buffy smiled, running to where the demon now stood and getting into a fighting stance. Arban swung the large axe at her head but she ducked it, falling on her knee and doing a leg sweep to his legs. He fell back, the axe flying into the air. Buffy jumped up and caught it, quickly running towards Faith.
Faith closed her eyes as Buffy brought the axe down on her chains. After a few swings they broke and Faith was set free. They smiled at each other for a faint second before Kakistos jumped Faith from the side. The two rolled away into the stone wall.
“Faith!” Buffy yelled, not even seeing Arban approaching her from behind.
“Turn around B!” Faith yelled just as he took Faith’s broken chains and wrapped it around her. With a grunt Faith got off of Kakistos and tried to run to her but the vampire grabbed her leg and she fell back down again. Turning onto her back Faith rammed her boot into Kakistos' face, causing him to howl in pain as he felt his nose break.
Buffy struggled to kick the demon as he held her firm against his chest with the chains. She tried to move her head back and head butt him but he saw it coming and quickly moved his face.
“Uh, uh, little girl. Now don’t struggle and I’ll make your death a quick one...well quicker than what I originally planned.”
“Don’t think that’s going to happen.” She heard Angel speak and a loud thump as Angel hit the monster with a large rock. He growled and let go of Buffy to turn around and deal with Angel.
Buffy fell to her knees, trying to get the chains from around her. She turned and saw Angel pull out a sword to fight the demon. He plunged forward, scraping against the monster’s side. He winced a little but it didn’t seem to effect him that much as he grabbed Angel’s shoulders and hurled him into the hard stone wall head first. Buffy finally got out of the chains and stood to full height. Angel got up from the wall and they both nodded at each other as they rushed Arban. The demon was finding it hard to keep up as he felt a kick to the stomach and then something sharp plunging into his left leg.
“Come on little mini demons, let’s see what you got.” Xander yelled at one of the minions at his feet. The minion looked up at him and embedded his claws deep into his leg. Xander fell with a thump and watched in horror as the thing jumped onto his chest, sharp teeth bared to devour him. Willow stabbed the minion with her sword and looked over to see Xander on the floor. She went to him and with a swipe of her sword knocked the minions head off. She looked down at Xander, his eyes were tightly shut. She rolled her eyes as she grabbed his hand and helped pull him up.
“Come on Xander, stop fooling around.” She said as they went to help Giles defeat the last five minions.
Faith punched Kakistos in the face as they squared off. He growled and punched her back with one of his hooves. It hit her hard in the jaw, causing her to cry out. She looked at him viciously and jumped him. Wrapping her legs around his waist as she wailed her fists into his face. His face became a bloody pulp as they fell back onto the ground. Kakistos finally got the strength to push her off of him and on to the ground. He lifted his head to see where she had gone but she was no where to be found.
Letting his beaten head fall back onto the ground he looked up at the endless ceiling. Then he saw her face above him smiling down as she plunged a large wooden pole into his heart. He dusted and Faith sighed, happy he was dead again.
“Kind of like deja vu.” She said, then yelled. “Stay dead this time!”
Buffy looked over at the shouting Faith and their eyes connected. Faith dropped the pole and ran towards her. Soon the three of them were all fighting Arban. Angel stabbed him through the back and he fell to the ground but not before clawing Angel in the face. He dropped the sword as his hands came to his bleeding face. Buffy looked over at him as a minion came up behind him and jumped on to his back. She turned to go to him but Arban dug his claws into her leg, making her fall.
Faith gritted her teeth as she picked up Angel’s sword and began stabbing him everywhere she could. He released Buffy’s leg and rolled over, just as the sword plunged into his stomach. He groaned in pain as the cold metal stayed in him this time. He tried to get up but fell back as the pain made him unable to. Arban’s eyes closed as he felt death overtake him. Faith helped Buffy to stand, she stumbled and fell deeper into her arms. Green eyes became lost in brown ones as they stared at one another. Buffy couldn’t take it, she kissed Faith hard in front of everyone.
Angel gasped as he saw the two kissing. Sharp teeth sunk into his shoulder and he fell onto the ground again. The minion tore at him until he felt the weight lifted. Faith threw the demon backwards and thrust the sword into his face, while Buffy helped Angel up.
“You and her are...?” He asked dumbfounded and Buffy nodded. He swallowed hard then moved her hands off of him. The others had killed the rest of the minions and soon joined the three who were now in silence.
“Why’s everyone so quiet? We won!” Xander exclaimed and Willow nodded with him. Giles just removed his glasses and began to clean them as he walked off mumbling. He was the only other one who had seen them kissing.
“Maybe we should talk when we get back to the...” Buffy stopped as a sword went through Faith’s shoulder. With a gasp Faith fell forward into Buffy’s arms. Everyone looked at the snarling demon who was clutching his stomach.
“I’ll never lose.” He stated as his wings spread and he flew up. They saw him land on a ledge and stare down at Buffy, challenging her to fight him. She swallowed hard and looked down at Faith, her hand gripped tightly around the swords handle from behind.
“This might hurt...” Buffy whispered then kissed Faith roughly as she yanked the sword out, muffling her scream. There lips broke apart and Buffy handed the brunette to a shocked Willow. “Get her out of here, I’ll explain later.” Willow just nodded as Xander grabbed her feet. They both ran out, leaving only Buffy and Angel.
“I’m coming with you.” He said firmly.
“No you're not, I have to do this on my own. It’s personal now.” She said as she looked up at Arban. She looked back at Angel and saw the sad look in his eyes. “I’m sorry Angel, I should’ve told you sooner but you have to get out of here.” He sighed and turned to run out of the cave. “Come on, I owe you a little somethin’!” She yelled up at Arban as she got into a fighting stance. He jumped down and landed on his hand and spread feet with a loud thump. He growled as he scurried towards her, hand still clutching his stomach. She brought the sword down towards his neck but he caught it, the blade cutting deep into his hand.
“You’ll never defeat me slayer.” He said standing to full height now as they struggled with the sword. “Not like I defeated your little girlfriend.” He whispered as their faces became inches apart. Buffy felt her inner strength come out as she pushed forward on the blade. He screamed out as the blade cut all the way through his hand, slicing it in half.
“Funny, looks like I’ve got the upper hand here.” She said with a smirk. He panted heavily as he began bleeding more now. Bringing the blade down hard it landed right in between his neck and shoulder. He cried out but it was short as the blonde brought it down into his neck then up out of his skin. His rolled away under the table and Buffy shook.
“That was gross.” Then realized she had to see how Faith was doing. She ran out, praying the brunette was still alive.
Buffy ran back to their car to see the gang tending to Faith's shoulder. A white towel with blood stains on it wrapped around her shoulder as Giles looked in the first aid kit. He pulled out some plastic gloves and slid them on. Hurriedly Buffy kneeled next to the brunette who gave her a weak smile.
"Beat him?" She asked in a low voice.
"Yeah baby, I beat him," she replied as she wiped away a strand of hair. She heard Giles clear his throat and she moved to let him assist her. She stood back and watched as an arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"So...you two are together, huh?" Xander asked and Buffy nodded.
"You ok with it?"
"Yeah Buff, like I said I'm here for you no matter what." She smiled at him as Willow walked over.
"Angel left..."
"To where?"
"He didn't say." Buffy just nodded.
"So Willow, how you feeling about Buffy and the girly lovin'?" Xander asked her but Willow just shrugged. Making Buffy look down at the ground.
"My best friend is in love?" Willow asked more than stated.
"Yeah I am."
"Then I'm cool with it. You can't choose who you fall in love with."
"Thanks Will." They hugged as Giles stood up.
"Well...she's done." He said revealing Faith with a bandage around her shoulder.
"Gotta love that slayer healing." Faith said and scooted over in the car seat. Buffy sat next to her and Faith leaned her head on her shoulder as everyone else loaded in.
"I love you B," she whispered.
"Love you too."
They all walked up to the building they were staying in to find Angel leaning against the banister. Faith let go of Buffy's hand as she walked to him. They stayed behind as everyone else walked in.
"I'm staying."
"Well that's great! I mean I didn't expect you to stay with us honestly but now that..."
"In England," he cut her off and her face fell.
"Why?! Angel don't do this we can still be..."
"No I can't be Buffy. Anytime I'm around you I want more but I can't give it to you. She can..." He trailed off then placed his hand on her cheek. "I'll miss you Buffy and I'll always be in love with you but I've got to leave you." He placed a kiss on her forehead then walked away. Leaving a sad Buffy behind him. Two arms circled Buffy's waist as Faith walked up to her.
"He's leaving." She stated and Faith kissed her head.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be." She replied as she leaned her head back on her shoulder. "Just promise never to leave me."
"I promise." She whispered just before their lips met.