Disclaimer: All rights belong to Joss Whendon, muntant enemay, WB, and anyone else thats not me. I am just enjoying myself hehe.
Rating: mostly , PG, but some parts will be up to NC 17 I think,, hehe
Pairing: Willow/Angel, Angel/Buffy bare with please. Riley/Faith and maybe Giles/ Buffy later,, not sure about them yet.
Time frame: long after seventh season
Notes: Remember when Willow got Angel's soul back, well she also tired to fix it so he couldn't lose it again,, maybe things didn't work well.. hmmm? the first section is more with Riley/Faith then leads to Willow/Angel ,, you should know before you get started this one gets somewhat dark, and there is char, death and rape of sorts, but not until later. couple of chaptersor so.
Feedback: yes please but ( gets on knees) don't slay me okies
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~Part: 1~
The day itself seemed to belie the darkness of what had happened. Bright and breezy, birds singing all around. Joyce Summers sat in her chair facing the open grave that was waiting to receive her daughter's body. Somehow she knew it was bound to happen, Buffy's chosen status made it impossible to get around that she would die at a early age. The fact that she had live as long as she had was nearly a miracle. Willow sat next to Joyce and Xander sat next to her.
They were sharing their pain, each waiting for the words of the pastor to be finished. Giles had stood just outside the circle itself his heart pounding as he watched the scene play out before him. Tears uncharisticlly flowing from his eyes, he dapped at them and blew his nose. Sobbing was not something an English man, or a watcher did. After all he knew Buffy could die at anytime, they had faced that along time ago.
When Buffy went to face off with the master, she had died then. But somehow she always came back, she always seemed to beat the odds, no matter the things set against her. Giles supposed that this was the one thing she couldn't beat. A vampire, that's what had killed her, that's what she fought,she was the slayer, and what was finally her end.
The killing had been brutal, even in the vampiric world. Her throat had been almost completely ripped out, and there was little to no blood left in her little body. Giles hated to think it but it also seemed that she had been raped, the vampire that attacked her had also violated her body in that way. It was as if the whole thing was very personal to the monster that killed her. Giles could only shake his head rubbing the bridge of his nose, as more tears streamed down his normally calm face.
Giving the grounds a quick glance he notice another figure standing in the shadows of a near by tree. But his pain was so that he didn't really take much notice of it. He did however see a military van pull up and out of it came Riley Finn. Riley walked slowly with a large bunch of beautiful white roses, to the site of the funeral. Standing in the back of the group he lowered his golden head letting his hands come together in a near prayer like fashion. Oz who was also in the back notice Riley and walked silently over to him, standing close enough for Riley to notice him but they both stayed quiet, waiting for the end of the prayers.
Once the whole thing was over everyone who had brought a flower, walked past Buffy's grave and dropped them on her casket. Some actually saying goodbye to her, and some just walking stiffly by. The pain in everyone was almost like a fog in the air, thick and blinding.
Willow seeing Riley and Oz walked to them after giving Joyce Summers a hug. Her eye's red and tears stained, she looked up at him and smiled sadly, "Hi, Riley, glad you got here in time." her voice was very small and tired. Riley thought she had been helping Ms. Summers through out this event, and had not taken good care of herself. Oz warped a reassuring arm around Willow and she nearly broke down in tears. Riley was still more or less speechless, but made the attempt at last when Willow broke from Oz's hug. "I am so sorry Willow," you could hear the pain in his voice as well. With that Willow lunged at him and hugged Riley tightly letting her tears stain his black suit, not that Riley cared.
He hugged her back and shed a few tears of his own. Xander joined them and also gave hugs all around, the boy looked lost, but Riley knew he had more strength than he was using right now. Xander had always been a hidden store of emotional help when needed. Buffy's death had hit them all hard, Riley could only stand looking as if he was about to say something but never truly getting it out. Willow invited him to Ms. Summers house for the evening and Riley accepted but said he would come by later. Riley knew he had not gotten enough time with Buffy, and wanted to say his own goodbyes. So he stayed behind and looked over her as the others left.
He was so into his own thoughts he never heard the girl coming up from behind him after everyone had left. Riley didn't seem startled though, the thoughts in him so intense that he wasn't reacting to anything or anyone. The dark hair girl stood beside him for a few minutes and watched as he stood over the open grave. Then her voice softly touched his ears, "Bad loss, I never got to thank her". Riley came back to the now and looked over at the lovely girl beside him, her near black hair tossed over one shoulder, the black dress she wore, coming to her knees. He thought he knew her but wasn't sure. Suddenly his memory flooded back, "Faith, he stammered, why are you here".
The question hurt more than Faith had thought, she knew it was coming, there had in the past, been no love lost between her and Buffy. In fact Buffy had nearly killed her, in hopes of feeding Faith's blood to Angel to cure his poisoned body. But then Faith had been the one to poison him in the first place. So she more or less understood the idea, even though at the time it didn't matter, she only wanted them both dead. Things had changed in her, she had lost so much, but gain her soul back.
Not the way Angel did, she had never really lost it, but in that her heart had been so hurt she didn't want to feel it anymore. So she became what she hated in order to free her from the pain she felt. It didn't work either, and she soon found herself in prison. It had been five years since then, and she had been paroled only to find out that Buffy had just been murdered. Faith looked up at Riley wondering how much he knew, knowing that Buffy had not been one to tell all about Angel. Faith hoped that she hadn't told all about her either, she wanted someone with which to share the pain of Buffy's death with, after all they were both slayers, and she had loved Buffy more than anyone could know.
If they had only understood that in her love she felt the hate because she could never be Buffy. No one would let her just be herself. In her heart she felt Buffy was better than her too. But she wanted, needed to feel like she was important, and she just didn't feel that way with Buffy's group of friends. Slightly mummered words escaped her soft lips, " I needed to say goodbye". Riley's jaw clenched and unclenched, he watched her, studying her dark eyes, and the pained expression there. Then he turned back to the casket and nodded, " Me too, came the smooth sound of his voice, I guess that makes two of us".
If I Could;
Riley had called Willow and told her he wouldn't be able to make it that night but would it be OK if he stopped by the next day. Somehow he felt he needed to keep Faith company and she didn't shy away from that idea. He knew she was hurting, but he also knew the rest of the scoobies wouldn't not only not understand they would likely attack her. He never really got the chance to know her well, and he had only seen her once. The one thing he didn't want to remember that kept coming back was when she/Faith in Buffy's body had come to him.
He had made love to her, and that had been the beginning of the end of him and Buffy. He had no way of knowing it wasn't Buffy, but she felt like he should have. In his heart he did too, somehow he should have known, something about the touches being different. Anything at all would have help him see she wasn't Buffy. All he had known that day was that Buffy wanted him, and he always had wanted her. His injuries be damned. Yes he noticed she was different, more fragile in a way he could not explain. But he took it to mean that she needed him badly and he was more than willing to give what she needed. He was more tender than he had ever been with Buffy before, she seemed to be at a total loss, not knowing how to handle him. But at the same time she was over throne with her passions.
If Riley had known it wasn't Buffy he would have understood better why she acted like that. Right now was not the time for those thoughts, Faith needed to unload her pain over Buffy's death, and so did he. Riley didn't think anyone else would understand how he felt when he left. He would never have gone if she had just said she wanted him to stay. But to him Buffy didn't need him, and he was more in the way. Riley glanced at the dark slayer before him and tried a sad smile, hearing her say she only wanted to do her keep up what Buffy had died doing.
He knew there was no way to change her mind, at the same time he also knew that she would see more problems here in Sunnydale than anywhere else. Not only was this the hell mouth, but Giles and the entire set of scoobies hated her as far as he knew. So Faith wanting to stay here would be more of a hell for her than maybe prison was. Faith was giving her half cocked grin, as if to say she could take it. But Riley knew she was soft on the inside than she let on.
He could remember how she had cried when they were together, he had held her close because to him it was Buffy. Now he knew she was always in pain, always alone, always fighting her inner demons. They sat across form each other in the small dingy cafe drinking sodas and exchanging glances in a quiet attempt to forget why they had both come to Sunnydale.
Riley let his hand cover Faith's as he tried to comfort her, she only looked up at him and blinked at the contact. Her mind filled with the loss she only just found out about. Her eyes still fighting back tears, she didn't want to shed. Faith looked at the man before her and wanted, needed to bury her face in his chest and ball her eyes out. But that would never happen, she would never let it.
Buffy was gone, that was what she knew, and that made her the only slayer left. She had a duty to uphold and she would, she would make Buffy proud of her if there was anyway to do that after all she had done before. Faith pulled her hand away from Riley's and push a stray lock of hair behind one ear. Her eyes never leaving his face, Riley closed his eyes for a moment holding back the pain he felt since finding out abut Buffy's death.
There it was, Faith thought, that look that meant he really felt something for the young woman who had died. The very reason she herself had nearly forgotten who she was when she had stolen Buffy's body. He had made her forget who she was, made her feel love and wanted. She knew he didn't really want her, but she was Buffy to him, and she needed to be wanted. Never did she understand that in herself, she had seen it all. All that is except the love of a man, or the love of family. She never had those things before, but here he was, trying to reach out to her, what had she been thinking.
When she walked up to him she wasn't really thinking. Only feeling, he was the only one that had made her feel that way, even if he didn't know it was Faith. His kind and loving heart were still there, and now he was letting her in, as a friend. She knew that would have to be enough, she had her duties after all. A friend in this tight ass town would be a blessing.
Riley paid the check and pulled Faith's chair out for her. She nearly blushed at his efforts never had anyone bothered to treat her like that before, she thought. It had been a very long day and Riley needed some sleep, he asked Faith were she needed to go. Since it was already dark outside he would make sure she got there OK, slayer or not. She only smiled and walked with him to his van, "I just got in town Finn, I haven't gotten a place yet." her words said like she really didn't care where she stayed but Riley wouldn't let it go at that. He sighed and shook his head at her, " Then for tonight you will stay with me," it was said matter of factly and gave no hint that he would agure over it.
As they pulled away form the diner Faith notice someone standing just inside an alley, the tall dark figure brought back something Faith couldn't quite put her finger on, but it made her shiver. Riley looked over at her and asked, " are you cold Faith". She only shook her head and looked strait ahead, whatever, whoever it was, she would soon find out. The drive was again quiet, but once they had arrived Faith felt the need to tell Riley she couldn't stay with him. To which he replied, "then we will call it me staying with you," a small smile curved his lips and he took her arm. Walking with Faith to the room he had rented for the night Riley glance back just in time to see a shadowed figure at the other end of the walk. His gut told him something was wrong but he didn't say anything to Faith, she had been through enough today, and so had he.
In the Dark;
The small room had double beds in it and Riley had to explain that no he didn't expect anyone, it was the only room he could get on such short notice. Faith waited as Riley brought in her duffle and sat it near the bed closest to the bathroom. She had to smile, knowing that he probably thought being a girl she would need to be close to the bath. But she really didn't care, Faith plopped down on the bed indicated and pushed her shoes off one by one with her toes.
Riley seemed to busy himself setting up his wake up call for the morning and picking out clothes he would want to wear, then pulling a pair of gym shorts and boxers from his suitcase he nodded to the showers. "You want to go first or should I," he seemed a little nervous but she didn't mind. "No, you go first Finn, I can wait, it will give me time to pick what I want to wear." she nearly giggled at this since she knew she only a few things and would wear whatever was on top. Riley nodded and said, " I will try not to use all the hot water." He kinda looked at her funny when she turned her head and coughed loudly. She didn't seem sick before he thought.
Faith had to turn her head and she nearly choked on the thought of him in a hot steamy shower. It hadn't crossed her mind until he made that comment about not using all the hot water. Her eyes nearly rolled back in her head, didn't he realize she had been in prison for five years. Being touched was something she was starving for, and he was not making it any easier. As Riley left, she began picking through her duffle in search of something like what a nun would wear. But being Faith she really had nothing like that, so she settled for a pair of boxers and a tank top.
She heard the shower go on and she sat back on the bed with not much left to do but listen she tried to think about anything but his body under the flow of hot water. Shivers went down her spine and she laid back letting her mind follow the train it so badly wanted to ride. Faith knew this was a very bad thing, but then she wasn't a nice girl anyway. She had always been the bad girl, the one no one wanted. This time she was needed and she meant to make that work. Being the chosen wasn't easy, but it made her special, and she needed that.
In her mind she could see Riley in all his glory, she remembered well his taunt stomach and tight chest. He was also stronger than normal men, and that she didn't understand. But it had allowed him on the night they were together, to stop her from taking control, like she always had before. He had made slow careful love to her, made her release over and over again, before he would let her go. Then near helpless with fatigue they both fell asleep in each others arms. She could still hear him moan to her, whisper in her ears, even though it had been years before, and maybe it was because she had been so long without.
It didn't matter, as Faith noticed the shower was now off she popped up from the bed and tried to seem as if nothing had happened, in fact nothing had really. Only her mind on overload, made her feel guilty, she was still making like everything was fine when Riley stepped out of the bathroom in his gym shorts. Faith tried not to notice to much but as she turned to go to the bathroom herself, clothes in hand, her eyes meet with his broad chest and she nearly sucked all the air from the room. Riley was looking at her funny again, and she thought it was because she was acting like a chump. She darted around him and Riley wondered if she was OK, but didn't bother to ask her yet.
Faith was never so happy as to be in the bathroom away from him, feeling stupid was not something she dealt with well. There was no reason for her to feel that anyway. She had done nothing this time, and had paid for what she had done before. But something about the solider boy got to her. Something about the way he didn't seem to even know how to play mind games or be unkind, just bugged her. She began her shower as hot as she could stand but then decided it would be better if she took a cold one. Standing under the steam she let the icy water run over her back and shivered. Her mind still filled with the man in the next room.
Riley was trying to read and keep his head busy with mundane things. But it wasn't really working, the dark slayer still seemed to be evading his thoughts. Her pain, her need to be loved were like someone calling to him. Riley was always one to help, but this was dangerous, to him, to her, just not a good idea overall. He knew that and yet, he could only think about how she had reacted to him, as Buffy, in his arms crying out his name, clinging to him. She had been so fragile and needy, he wondered if she was still that scared girl, that didn't know what love really was.
He had never touched the body she was in now, he didn't know if he could ever cross that line. He only knew she somehow excited him in ways he had thought dead. He could only admit that in time he would do his best to get to know her better, and if that lead to anything else then he would be happy to try. Riley only wanted to help for now, no matter what his body wanted, and it had been a long time for him, so his needs were close to the surface. He could hear Faith moving around in the bath room, the shower being off he knew she would be out soon. Riley stilled himself on the bed he had chosen and waited for her to emerge. He didn't have to wait long, when she came out she was pulling a brush through her long black hair, fighting with the tangles and frowning.
Riley felt almost like he didn't have a will of his own as he asked her, " want me to try that Faith," his voice smooth, with no traces of what he was really feeling. Faith nodded and sat on the edge of her bed turning so that her head could be reached. Riley got up and walked to her sitting where could best reach her head and took the brush from her hands. Starting at the ends he brushed a little at a time until he could easily go higher and higher in her hair. He let his fingers help untangle some of it and felt the softness there. Faith gave a small quiet moan in the back of her throat and then hoped he had not heard it. Riley had, but thought better of saying anything, her voice was sweet and full of life. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her.
Shaking his head to clear his muttled thoughts he completed the job of brushing her hair but he didn't stop. She didn't seem to mind him running the brush over and over though her hair. Suddenly he dropped the brush to the bed and stood walking abruptly back to his bed he quickly crawled under the covers. Faith wondered why he had stopped so quickly but instead of asking she just turned to him and smiled,"thanks solider boy."
Her skin still tingled form his soft touches and she was amazed she had the will not to jump him right now. But she knew he wouldn't want her, she was not worthy of someone like him, and she knew it. So Faith slipped under the covers and flipped off her light plunging them both into darkness. Riley was never so glad to have it dark in the room, his bulging erection now hidden by both the blanket and the dark he tried to sleep.
~Part: 2~
Haunted
The darkness was pervasive, and deeply quiet. Faith was laying on her bed listening to the silence, waiting for the tell tale sound of someone, or something, she knew had to be there. The knots in her stomach gave witness the fact that there was a vampire near, she only needed to figure out where. Laying perfectly still, she stole a glance at Riley on the other bed and wondered if the vamp would come through the door, or just stand somewhere outside, waiting.
Riley seemed to be sleeping soundly and she thought about trying to wake him. But decided against it, she might alert the monster that she was awake. With his back to her, she could see his chest moving with his breathing and she felt a pang in her heart. If they were attacked would he survive the combat. It was not like he was with his unit and Faith was not known for working well as a team. She would try, for him, she would try. After all he would try to help her, and she knew this. Maybe if she learn to work with someone she could live a little longer like Buffy had.
Riley rolled over in his sleep so that he was facing her and it was then she noticed he wasn't really sleeping. His eyes watched her closely just as she had done him. Faith only smiled at him and gave a silent nod, it was all he needed for conformation. He too knew something was watching them, that made their situation easier for her to deal with. At least he was aware and that was half the battle. Faith waited until she heard it again, the small sound that had woke her the first time. Like someone walking on the roof, ever so gently.
The light footfalls were almost to quite, but Faith could hear them, just barely. Still her heart beat five times faster than normal, and she stole another look at Riley who seemed to be reaching for something from under his pillow. Faith rose slowly knowing there was no one in the room with them at the moment she carefully made her way to the end of the bed where she had put her duffle. From inside the heavy canvas she pulled a stake and knife, balancing the weight of each in her hands with practiced skill. Faith glanced back at Riley and he too had raised up enough to use his weapon of choice. Faith couldn't really tell what it was but somehow it reminded her of the type of SCI-fi stuff she had only read about in books. Not that she read many books of any sort.
Riley crept to the end of the beds as well, looking more like a stalking tiger than a man. Faith had to smile, solider boy may not be such a bad choice to cover her back after all. Her glance managed to cover his lean powerful form head to toe before she got back to the business of dealing with whatever was stalking them. Suddenly all seriousness Faith nodded for Riley to get behind her as she stepped toward the door. She knew whatever it was could break in this motel room if it wanted to, so it would be better if she spruced it instead.
Riley watched Faith as she move gracefully to the door. Closing the distance quietly and quickly. He marveled at the look of her, she was not like Buffy in her movements. Buffy had been more well trained, but Faith had a animal grace that Buffy could never have had. She was all girl, all be it a girl that killed demons, but Faith was a natural slayer, lithe, and deadly.
He wanted to continue watching her, but just then the door broke in and he was looking at Buffy's golden form not more than eight feet from him. Riley was stunned, his mouth hanging open as he watched the former slayer land a nasty punch to Faith's ribs then another to her face. Faith reacted in an instance with a spinning kick to the head of what was Buffy Summers. Somehow Buffy dodged the kick and landed one of her own to the back of Faith's knee knocking her to the floor. Faith did a quick arched jump from her back to stand again and landed a couple of her own punches this time. Knocking Buffy backed out the door, following her out with continued kicks and punches. Buffy recoiled and attacked her again, Faith dodged and perried as she could.
Riley felt helpless, how was he suppose to deal with this. Buffy was for all appearances now a vampire, and a powerful one to boot. Riley couldn't believe it and had no idea how to handle what was going on. He was sure it was a mistake, something was not right about the whole thing. Who would do such an awful thing to the former slayer. Most of the vampires would just kill her, never giving her the chance to get in their way. Riley darted out of the room when he caught hold of his senses and aimed his tazer gun at the blonde vampire. Or tired to with all the punches and kicks being landed the two girls were moving so quickly he could barely tell which was where, and he grunted in his frustration. Riley began to feel a prickle at the back of his neck and he looked around quickly. His eyes flew open wide as he realize just who he was looking at this time.
Angel stood just in the edge of darkness watching the fight as Riley was. A evil smile on his lips he nodded to Riley and began to walk closer to him. Riley aimed the gun at Angel who held up his hands and grinned sideways at him. "Now, you aren't going to shoot me with that are you?" Riley felt himself shiver at the very smooth words, spoken with poison filling every tone.
Staring at Angel he could still hear the girls fighting in the background, and his need to watch nearly overwhelmed his need to survive. Riley knew if he turned his back on Angel even for a second he would be dead, he wasn't sure how he knew. Since the last time he had seen Angel, they had not been on good terms, but Angel had not been evil at the time. Now he was, Riley could feel it in him, or maybe it was that he could feel the lack of Angel's soul. This was not really Angel, it was Angelus. That in and of itself would make most people shiver in fear, and Riley was afraid. But he also knew to let himself be caught up in that fear would kill him and Faith both.
Suddenly Riley knew what had happen to Buffy, why she was here, why Angelus was watching, and he leveled a look at Angelus that would have killed most. "Call her off Angelus, Riley's tone was deadly, call her off and leave here now." Angelus smiled and lowered his head, "what makes you think I can, he offered, she is her own woman you know." the humor in his words never touched his eyes. As the two man and monster face off, Angelus thought the better of dealing against Riley not knowing what the weapon he had pointed center of Angelus chest would do to him. He called to Buffy and she quickly turn and ran into the dark of the night. Angelus watched as Faith stood dumbfounded, wondering why Buffy had fled.
Then her eyes met with the dark depths of Angelus and she to understood. Faith closed the distance between her and Riley, lifting a hand and laying it on Riley's shoulder. She leaned on him as if he were a door jam, and gave a wink to Angelus. "Looks like we get to party don't it." was all she said. This made Riley looked quickly at her, and she glanced back at him. When they returned their gaze to Angelus he was already gone. Both Riley and Faith knew it was going to be a very long night, as they walked back into the motel room.
Sorting it out;
Once back inside Faith pulled out a few vials of holy water and poured them over the door knobs and anywhere she thought a vampire might put it's hands to get in. Then she put up a cross over the beds and grabbed a couple of crosses that were on silver chains, one she put on the other she gave to Riley. He looked at it as if it were something he had never seen before. But he placed it around his neck anyway. Then he and Faith sat on the edge of one bed and stared at each other, both had just been given the shock of their lives. Riley in that the woman he had loved, was now a monster. Faith because the one person in the world in that might except her as she was, would never know that she had become good again.
When they spoke it was almost at the same time, their words covering each other so that neither could be understood. Riley nodded for Faith to go first and she sat back trying to smile. Her voice coming in almost a whisper, "I think we have a lot of trouble her solider boy, I am not sure how the rest of the gang is going to take this, I know they won't believe me. You will have to talk to them." Faith didn't know how to react to the whole thing, but she did know that her job was to protect, and kill vampires. Now Buffy was one of the vampires, and it seemed Angelus was with her. Riley nodded to her and answered," I will do my best, but I am not sure how they will take it even from me." He didn't want to tell Faith this but he knew they would all go postal once they news was out that Buffy was not just dead, but undead.
Riley watch as a shiver ran over Faith's intire body. He reached out with large hands and pulled her into a hug, allowing in for the first time to lose herself in her pain. Faith began to cry as if a damn had broken. Riley too felt tears fill his hazel green eyes, as he held her and rocked them both back and forth. They held each other for a long time nearly till sunrise. Finally they fell asleep in each others arms, folding around themselves in comfort. The sun rising high in the sky before either of them woke, Riley had even slept right through his wake up call.
Faith woke up and looked around only to find she was alone, as always she was alone. She thought Riley must have baled, until she heard the shower running, and saw his case opened on the other bed. She sat and listen for a moment , then her mind having lost it's hold on common sense, she got out of the bed and walked slowly to the bathroom door. Faith opened it just an inch or so, looking inside and letting her eyes adjust to the steam filling the tiny room. The shower door was a plexi glass and clear, so aside from the steam she could make out his body pretty good. He seemed to be washing his hair and she really wanted to help him with that and other things. But he was a different kind of person than she was, her fear that he would be disgusted with her aggressive act kept her on her side of the bathroom door.
That didn't stop her from watching him though. She soaked in his large frame and well rounded bottom, every taunt lean inch of him expose to her eyes. Even though a little distorted with the steam preventing her total visualbity. She took a long look at his private area when he had turned so she could. Her breath nearly taken away, he was glorious, even in a semi soft stage, he was very well developed. Faith had no doubt he would be one heck of a ride, she had been there once, a smiled crossed her red lips and she backed away form the door pushing it quietly closed. She went to the bed and waited for him to come out again, this time she would have to take longer in the shower. Some personal business to take care of. Her smile grew, yeah, she couldn't have him, not really. But that didn't stop her from having her fantasies. Those she would explore in the showers comfort, knowing he would never be so bold as to watch her. Even though the thought of it made her squeeze her eyes shut in bliss.
Riley stepped out of the shower and looked back at the door. It was closed now and he wondered how long she had watched him. He knew she would never admit to it, but maybe she was more than a little attracted to him. He gave a small smile to himself, and wondered if it would be worth trying again, him and a slayer. Pulling the towel from a side rack he padded himself off and wrapped it around his waist, he was going to make an entrance this time. He would give her an eye full if that's what she wanted, heck after last night he had to admit he was more than hot himself. Would that be enough though, could he just have a physical fling with her and not get emotionally involved. He wasn't sure, but he hoped if it went that far she would be open to another type of love, something other than just sex.
Running his large hands through his damp hair and gave himself a last look in the tiny mirror, then opened the door and walked into the room. Faith was on the bed, stretched out like a cat in the sun. His eyes roamed over her slender body, taking in every curve before she opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was nearly standing over her and she froze as if someone were about to attack. Riley just put on one of his killer smiles and Faith rose slowly on the bed looking him over head to toe the minute he turned to get the rest of his clothes. "Showers ready for you next Faith, I will change out here and you can got yours now." his words seemed to be hinting at something. But she couldn't believe he would be coming on to her so she only blinked up at him and answered," oh, yeah right," hopping off the bed she got her things together and headed toward the bath.
Feeling the strain;
Faith found her shower time to be no where near what she needed, though she did take the edge off her body. Feeling like she could face him now without attacking the poor boy. She came out the bath with her walls up as high as she could get them to go. He was not going get inside her mind, she could not allow him to make her lose her edge. Faith knew that they now had worse that just vampires to go after, they would have to destroy both Buffy and Angelus. Neither of which would be easy alone, together they presented a whole world of problems. Faith studied Riley prone form, as he laid on the bed and waited for her to come out. One arm draped over his face and shirtless he seemed not to notice her.
That was a laugh, she was beginning to understand that Riley Finn saw, and noticed way more than he let on. It was to his advantage to keep quiet about most things. More would be opened to him if he didn't recount everything the minute it happened. He knew this and now so did she, Faith let a smile curve her dark red lips. She walked over to him and leaned acrossed the bed to reach the hair brush on his night stand opposite of where she was standing. Her lose shirt coming into contact with his bare chest as she did so. He lifted his arm just as she retrieve the brush and let his arm snake around her waist. His eyes meeting hers in merriment, "is that all you wanted," his voice holding a humor she hadn't really heard till now.
Faith looked down at him and grin, " you sneaky son of a ,," the rest of her words muffled by his kiss. Riley pulled her down on his body and run a hand into her damp hair keeping her mouth to his. Faith reacted like someone had set her on fire. Running her hands over his hard body and letting her mouth open to his assault. Feeding from him like she was starving, Riley kinda knew what he was getting into. He knew she had just became a free woman again, and that he was very possibly her first since she had got out. This was going to be painful he thought and his passions flared even hotter.
Faith pulled back far enough to strip herself of her tank, and bra. Then she molded her chest to his loving the feel of his hard flatness against her soft round mounds. Riley ran a hand down her back along the curve of her spine and she sucked air letting him know he had his a sensitive spot on her body. He traced the spot with gentle fingers, slowly the pace that she kept trying to speed up. He couldn't give her hard and fast, not now, she really needed to be shone love more than just lust. He wanted to give her that even though he was not sure he could really love her, he did know that he could help her understand, and that right now they needed each other. They could be the only ones that would believe what had happened to Buffy and Angelus being back was not going to make it any easier.
Busted;
Faith's body shivered as Reliy took it one step at a time. This is what she had remembered about him, but she thought it would be different when he was with her. After all she had been in Buffy's body the last time they made love, and now she was in her own. She didn't deserve the tenderness he was showing her, and she could feel herself fighting to keep control. Riley was having none of it, she would submit to his gentlness or he stop. When she tried to push her aggressive nature on him he would go even slower, sometimes stopping. Faith would moan in frustration but Riley would not let her rough it up, making it less than it was. They were not in love as far as he knew, but they were caring for each other now. He was going to be there when she would fight, and he would be there when she wasn't.
This was going to be the hardest thing for her to understand. Riley would be her friend, no matter what. He was if nothing else, loyal and this he would prove to her. That there were people that could care for her, and be loyal to her. In their heated state clothes flew everywhere, and soon they were close to completing what they had started when a knock on the door halted their actions. A second knock had them both scrambling for clothing. Riley was the first to get enough on to answer the door, and being that it was broad daylight he thought he better hurry and find out who it was. Faith ducked into the bath with her clothes in hand and closed the door. Riley went to the room door and peered out the peep hole only to see Willow waiting for him to open the door.
Riley opened the door and smiled at Willow as he stepped back so that she could come in. Willow smiled back at him and walked into the room looking around at the disarray. She wondered what he had been up to it looked like a cyclone had come through. Riley looked as if he had just ate the last piece of pie without asking, and closed the door behind her when she was fully inside. "Hey Riley, Willow started, where were you I thought you would be by today sometime but it's almost five now." her eyes darted around the room and she noticed the duffle bag in a corner, as well and the suit case that was Riley's. " Boy you packed a lot to come here, her voice sounded very curious, did you plan on staying awhile?"
That was when Faith came out of the bathroom and smiled at Willow. "hey red," Faith said as lightly as she could,"how are ya,". Willow looked at her as if she had three heads, then looked back at Riley and he could feel her anger as well as her confusion. "What are,, she started but then thought better of it. Riley looked at Willow and motioned for her to sit in the only chair in the room, he and Faith, sat one on either bed. Willow looked back and forth at them. Her gaze not hiding the fact that she was not at all happy. Riley was the first to speak, "Willow I know you don't understand, but Faith came to pay her respects to Buffy as well. She was there yesterday but didn't come forward, I guess it's not hard to understand why." Riley's tone was almost scolding and Willow was taken back a bit as he said his peace.
Faith entered the conversation there, "I don't think that it matters now solider boy, then looking at Willow she began, we have much worse problems now, and we are going to have to talk to everyone." Riley agreed and Willow still showed signs of shock, but she was more even headed than some of the gang and was willing to try to understand. The three of them made plans to meet at Willow's in a couple of hours and Willow was to gather the rest of the gang. Having agreed on that Willow left before the sun went down and began her phone calls. Riley and Faith, ate and got ready to leave, as two sets of glowing amber eyes watched them leave the motel room.
~Part: 3~
The waiting
Willow stood in the large picture widow waiting for the rest of the scoobies to arrive. Xander would be there in just a few, he had called her letting her know that he was not but a few blocks away. She hated not telling them why she wanted to see them all tonight, but it was at Riley's request. Willow was sure he wouldn't have call them together like this for nothing. She turned and went to the kitchen getting her pot of tea ready. Giles would be thankful for her thoughtfulness.
She had other drinks prepared for everyone else, and she sat everything out on a table in the living room while she waited. The knock at the door told her Xander was there and she called over her shoulder, "come in,". She heard the door open and turned to see Xander come in. She was ready to run into his arms for a hug, when she realized her mistake, it wasn't Xander, it was Angel.
Willow was surprised but happy to see him, "Angel, your here. Oh Angel I am so sorry, I tried to call, but" Willow lost in her babble quickly stepped forward and gave Angel a tight hug. When she would have released him she noticed someone standing behind him. As she stepped back her eyes focused better and she froze in awe struck numbness. Buffy came around Angel and stood in front of him, her eyes glowing amber, demon ridges showing her new status as a vampire. Willow gasped and stepped backward nearly falling over the table she had been sitting up. "Why Willow, what's wrong, Angelus said,a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Don't you want to give her a hug?" he strutted in as he said this his hands clasped behind him casually.
Willow was to stunned to say anything she just stood back and tried not to faint. Her mind racing with what could have happened. It was obvious what had happened to Buffy, but why was Angel acting like this. She herself had completed the spell to safeguard his soul, keeping it form leaving him ever again. So that meant that either the spell had failed or Angel had just become evil on his own. Knowing that it would never happen Willow began blaming herself for what was happening now. This was her fault somehow, she had not done the spell right or something. Angelus could see her mind working and he smiled, caustically to himself. Buffy advanced into the room and stood next to him waiting quietly.
Pulling up to the curb Xander noticed Willow's door was already open and he could see three people in the room, Willow, what looked like Angel and to his terror, the last person looked like the recently dead slayer herself. Xander knew that could only mean one thing, even though he was not sure how Angel played in all this he was sure that Buffy was no longer human. His thoughts raced and he could only think of one reason she would be standing in Willow's house right now. She had to be a vampire and Willow was about to become the exslayers dinner. He wondered why Angel wasn't stopping this, as he walked quietly closer to the opened door.
His movements slow, he skirted up to the door and peeked in stealth mode. Xander didn't hear Willow saying anything yet, but Angel was saying quite a bit and none of it sounding like Angel, more like Angelus. Xander couldn't believe it. But something made the whole scene fit in his mind. Buffy was now a vampire and it would seem Angelus is the reason. Now she and he were about to start what Angelus had tried to do to begin with. Starting with Willow, Xander had to wonder why Angel always seemed to want to kill Willow first.
When he had lost his soul the first time, Willow seemed to be the one he came after first. Xander had been able to get her away from him then, and he would try again now. Xander waited until he could get in without either Angelus or Buffy being able to stop him, he watched as Willow terrified moved along the wall and came closer to the next window. Xander moved so that he could dart in front of her with his ever ready and trusty cross. Years of living on the hell mouth had him always on guard and tonight that would payoff. Buffy was beginning to circle around her, this worried Xander. If he couldn't get in between them he couldn't get to Willow.
Willow tried to move further away from the two in front of her but Buffy moved to block her way and Willow had to either make a move and dive for the window or wait to face what they were going to do to her. She knew Xander should be there at any moment but what could he do. She was hoping Riley would show soon with Faith, at least they had a chance of stopping these two before they killed her. Willow looked at the window and noticed that someone was outside. It had to be Xander, she thought, but there was nothing she could do or say to let him know she saw him without letting Buffy and Angel know too. Then Buffy looked at her and a cruel smile crossed her lips, her eyes never leaving Willow's she took barely two steps and breaking the glass of the window Xander was outside of she pulled him in.
Her voice was like molten lava as she held Xander in her arms, almost as if she were cradling him, "How could I miss you Xander, I can smell you". Having said that she took a quick look at Angelus. He nodded to her and sank her fangs into Xander's tender skin just under his ear. Willow could hear the awful sucking sounds of Buffy as she began to drain Xander in ernest.
Xander at first looked shocked, the only word he uttered was "Willow", that said low and raspy. Buffy pulled at his veins until there was nothing in his dark eyes but dull lifelessness. Tears streamed down Willow's face and she didn't even notice that Angelus had moved with in arms reach of her. Buffy let Xander's body drop to the floor her face smeared with the stolen blood, she smiled. "Hmm tasty, and not to filling," she grinned wickedly. Willow held her hand to her mouth trying to hold back a scream. Angelus leaned over from almost behind her now, and said, " quite a show don't you think, his words making Willow jump, and your next".
Taking it Back;
Riley and Faith pulled up outside the front of the Rosenburg home only to find that Xander's car was already there, and that the front door to Willow's house was open. As well as a broken window, Faith, grabbed a stake and Riley pulled the crossbow from the back. Both jumped out as quietly as possible, neither of them shutting the doors of the van completely as they began their assault on the house. They didn't know if what they were coming in on was still happening or already over but no sense in taking unnesscary chances.
Riley went left and Faith right as they slowly took in what had happened, Faith was the first to see Buffy standing with Xander in her arms, feeding from him. Shit, she thought, can't save him now. Riley saw Willow with Angelus so close he could have killed her on the spot. Raising his crossbow he nodded to Faith as she went silently up to the front door. Giving each other a chance to get into position then a signal and Riley pulled the trigger on the crossbow sending one wooded shaft strait into Angel's shoulder.
Angelus fell back into a wall and Buffy screamed her rage, as she went to attack Willow. Faith dove in the door and grabbed Buffy by the hair jerking her hard down onto the table, then she slammed her fist into Buffy's face. Buffy growled at her and pushed her off, slamming Faith back into a wall, and knocking down pictures as she fell. Angelus growled and wrapped a hand around Faith's throat, trying to strangle her but Riley was in the door by then and clocked him with the butt of the cross bow.
Both Buffy and Angelus shot up and headed for the door. Much to a very surprised Giles who was just coming in. It was a lucking thing he move out of the way as he did or they would have run him over. Giles in his shock, ground out , " Bloody hell," and watched as the two vampires fled into the darkness. Faith helped Willow up and wondered why she hadn't used her magic. Riley walked over to the prone body of Xander and reached down checking for any signs of life, there were none. Riley grunted and looked sadly at Willow. Giles was still dumbfounded and stood in awe of the horrible events.
He stepped into the house and walked quietly over to Willow, asking, "what happened, how did they get in here like that". Willow began to sob as she spoke, "I was so shocked, I couldn't believe it, Giles, that was Buffy, our Buffy, and ,sniff, she's a vampire now. She she killed Xander right in front of me and I couldn't think, couldn't stop her. Oh goddess it's all my fault. I.. sniff,, killed him." Willow buried her face in Giles' tweed jacket and balled fiercely.
Faith had seen a lot of things in her life, but this was just awful. She knew that Xander and Willow had been friends since they were just kids, and that they had loved each other as friends. Losing someone that close to you had to be a terrible thing, and when you felt like it was your fault too, well that's just a hell no one wants to deal with. She could see Riley being like that, caring so much that he could blame himself for something he really didn't have any reason to. He was moving over to Willow now too and patted her on the back while she cried. Faith hadn't really moved since the fight was already over, but she felt like someone had lit a fuse under her body. She was wound so tight that all she could do at the moment was watch the others and listen, Listen for Buffy and Angelus, she knew they were around somewhere.
Willow pulled her head back from Giles chest and looked up at him and Riley, "I think I am going to need a place to stay for the night, her voice tremble, I kinda of invited them both in thinking they were Xander. She glanced over at Xander's body and shivers ran over her. Willow knew she would have to pull some big magic to fix any of this. Worse, how was it that Angel had lost his soul again, it should have been set in stone. She made sure of that herself, or so she thought.
This would take some time to figure out, she needed to do some research. Looking at Giles her face stained with tears she asked, "can I, um stay at your place Giles, I need to so some research and you have more books, plus, I really don't want to be here when they come back." Giles simply nodded. He gave Willow his key and then picked up the phone to call the police. Faith and Riley decided to make themselves scarce so just before the police showed they left.
Faith was so hyped that she couldn't sit still, as they drove back to the motel. Riley kept eyeing her from the side as he drove. They both had a lot on their minds. They had never got the chance to tell the rest of them about Buffy and Angelus. But they knew now, there was no way not to know. When the two of them made their presents known to all, even killing Xander.
Faith didn't know how to act, seems Xander to her was fated to die at the hands of a slayer, she had nearly killed him herself at one time. He didn't deserve what had happened to him, he was just a really nice guy. One that worked for the good of all, loyal and sweet. He even tired to help her when she was nearly beyond all help. She had slept with him once after a very bad night. He had been awkward and shy, but very gentle and passionate. Why would Buffy want to hurt him like that, Faith had to shake her head and try to think clearly. It was not really Buffy anymore, it was some demon in Buffy's body. That demon would die, she would send it back to hell with a smile on her face.
Riley, lost in his own thoughts, tired to reply the events in his mind, there was something of a pattern here, and he wanted to know what it was. Buffy had to have been turned by Angelus, there was no other reason why he would be able to control her like he seemed to. But how did he lose his soul again, Riley's jaw clenched as he remembered what had cost Angel his soul the last time. Being with Buffy had done it, so then what if, Buffy and Angel has somehow gotten together again, gotten physical again. That was something to think about, but Riley wasn't sure he could.
Making plans;
Giles took Willow to his apartment and let her in watching for any and all activity around them. It was not a good night to be out with Angelus on the lose and his new childer in tow. Somewhere in the back of Giles head it all made sense now. That Buffy had been brutally killed and raped in the way she was made sense if they were dealing with Angelus. He above all vampires would want to do the worst to her, and what could possibly be worse that making her a vampire. The hard part was understanding how he had turned, what had made him and Buffy do what he knew they must have knowing that his soul was at risk. Why would Buffy of all people take that risk, he didn't believe she could be so careless.
Giles watched as Willow walked over toward the couch and sat down curling her legs up under her as if she were still a teenager. A heavy sigh escaping her soft lips, Giles worried for the young wiccan, she was not up to this right after Buffy's funeral. He himself was not sure he was processing all the information correctly. He was sure she needed rest and he began to make sure she got some. He asked her, " would you like some tea Willow," She only nodded and he went into his smallish kitchen getting things prepared. Willow began to talk to him, in soft tones, and he had to strain to hear her. "Giles I, really I mean, I never, meant to hurt anyone," she tripped over her own words but somewhere in what she was saying Giles understood that she felt guilty for Xander's death.
But that didn't seem to be all she was saying, something about a spell to anchor Angel's soul? He had to think about it, long and hard, there had never been anything he knew of that could do that. If Willow had attempted to fix Angel's soul so that it could not be lost again, that was a good thing. She is a very powerful wiccan and he had no doubt that if anyone could Willow could help Angel that way. But that didn't seem to be how she was telling it.
Willow describe to him when and how she had done the spell, she had still been a teenager then and her powers were not anywhere near what they are now. Giles was astounded at how she had tried to do something that was so apparently out of her reach. Working the spell to return Angel's soul was something that she neither had to figure out for herself, or even complete. As the ritual was actually completed by the spirit, or spirits of the ones who had done the spell to begin with.
Giles had hoped one day they would be able to fix Angel's soul so that he would never have to worry about it leaving again, but so far he had not found anything to make that so. The very thought of Willow trying something like that without help and without real power, was terrifying to him. They had no real way of knowing if the spell would really work, and if Buffy and he got back together, it could spell disaster for everyone involved. This had Giles looking long and hard that the young woman before him, she had done this, he knew, because she was telling him so. Something had gone wrong, there was no doubt about that. But was it truly her fault, he didn't know. He did know she believe it was so, she believe she had with in four days time killed both Buffy and Xander, and destroyed Angel.
Even if she and Giles worked together and brought back Angel's soul again, he would never be able to live with this. They could attempt to give Buffy back her soul, but when Willow had tried to call the immortals to bring Buffy back, they had only told her what she had heard when Tara died. It was her time, nothing would bring her back, let her rest. In Angel's case he had to pay some karmic depth, and he was possible to bring back. But at what cost, he would never be the same. Willow was sobbing so hard now that Giles had to sit with her and pull her into his arms, smoothing her hair back. There was nothing he could say that would help now, he could only help her try to understand and do whatever she needed to do. They sat there together for a long time, as he rocked her back and forth letting her get out all the tears before doing anything else.
Faith had not been able to sleep, her body was wound so tight she only wanted to kill some vamps and release the anger and fear in her. Not that she would admit she was scared. As she lay there in her bed she listened to Riley's soft snore, she hadn't remember his snoring the night before and so now it was kinda of funny to hear. Wasn't like he sound, terrible, it was actually kinda soothing. She turned and looked him over in the dim light from the window. She thought about how he had been in the fights so far, and how he looked with just a towel on. A smile found it's way to her full lips as she took in every line of his handsome face.
Riley was something she didn't think she could have ever had before. But now, her thoughts were different. Sure she didn't deserve a guy like him, but if they were just friends what would it matter to have a quick, huh uhh, once in awhile. He was really hot and she could tell he was interested in her, after today's events she wasn't sure when would be a good time to approach the idea, of them sharing a bed. Faith knew she could wait, for a little while anyway. There would be others if he didn't want to be with her like that.
There were always others, those that she could just go bump in the night with and dump then right after. She had even done that to Xander, the thought of him made her cringe with guilt. She had never really been nice to him, and had nearly strangled him on the night he was trying to help her most. If Angel had not stopped her she would have killed him that night. Faith had to wonder if that would have been better in the long run, at least he would not have been killed by the one woman he had never stopped loving. Even though she never felt the same for him. Faith rolled back over and tried to nod off. Sleep was hard coming but at last a couple of hours before daybreak she passed out.
~Part: 4~
Just at dawn Willow woke with a start, he head filled with dreams of Buffy and Angel, together, all romance and flowers until the parts where the two of their begin ripping the throats of the people they used to care for. She sat strait up off the coach, her eyes blinking hard to get her thoughts together. It would be a very long day, Willow knew she had to restore Angel's soul and do it fast, before he came after them again with Buffy. Willow also knew that once his soul was returned he would feel the need to destroy the thing he had made of his soul mate. This was just awful, had to be one of the most horrible things that had ever happened. She knew it was her fault and she had to set it right, had to try anyway.
Willow heard some movement coming from Giles' little kitchen area, letting her legs slid off the couch and she stretched yawning as Giles walked over to her left side. "good morning Willow," his voice sounding as if he had been sleeping with a cat stuck in his throat all night. He handed her a cup and she took it gently took it from his hands. Smiling up at him, "thanks, Giles", small and care worn she sounded to him. But then he was pretty sure he knew why, Willow was taking full responsibility for what had happened and though some of it was indeed her fault, it could not all be. His kind heart wanted to only believe the best of the young woman.
She sat, still wrapped in the blankets he had given her the night before, her legs tucked up under her like a child, he smiled. Willow pushed back wayward strands of golden red hair, her hazel green eyes taking in everything with sad glances. Giles sat down across from her and sipped his tea, "what are your plans today Willow," some of the cat having left his voice. Willow took that moment to look the ex watcher strait in the eyes and said, "To restore Angel's soul," her voice never wavered as she stated this as fact.
She and Giles spent the next half of the day going over the old spells that it took to restore Angel's soul the last time. Then going over what she would need to safe guard that soul for good. There had to be a way to keep Angel souled, and Willow was more than determined to find it. Giles was in full research mode, he seemed tireless and kept a frantic pace. Willow not only worked with her powers to make sure she wasn't to rusty, she also did some research on the computer, finding a coven over the internet that had dealt with some of the types of magic that would be very important to her. She would have to find a way to protect them all, after having done that she would cast the spell to give Angel his soul and sanity back.
The second half of the day Willow spent casting, it was tiresome but there were lives to watch out for and she had already seen more death than she had ever wanted to. Once the last few spells were done she laid down on Giles' couch and tried to sleep, she only needed an hour or so and it was at least 3 hours till dusk. Willow yawned and told Giles to make sure she was up in time. He agreed and went back to his books, and research.
Giles worked and studied himself into a near stupor as he drain cup after cup of tea. His mind on keeping the soul in question in place permanently. It was something he was sure Willow would want for Angel, something she had promised him, and would not let herself go back on a promise. Now and then as he would walk through the living room he would glance at the sleeping girl and his face would turn dark, worry crossing his normally calm features. She had done a lot already, now she wanted to do this spell before Angel and Buffy had the chance to kill more of her friends, or anyone at all. It was just like her to be so, hell bent to do what she thought was right.
He remembered how Xander and Oz had told him that she would not give up on giving Angel his soul back when they were threaten by the demon and Acathula the stone demon that Angel was trying to revive. Even from her hospital bed she work her magic's so that Buffy would not have to send him to hell with the demon he was trying to summon. She didn't make it in time, and Buffy had to send him to the hell plane, with his soul. Willow didn't even want to think what that was like. Giles had a fairly good idea, if only because of all the books he had read in the past that described such places. He knew Angel has suffered torments beyond human understanding, and more pain than he could ever imagine. But that was not Willow's fault either.
Somehow he knew the gentle hacker/witch blamed herself for a lot more than any of them really knew. He was also pretty sure that where Angel was concerned she would always feel the need to do whatever it took. Giles had to wonder about how she really felt, she tended to be on the shy side, but somewhere in her the powers of a major witch thrived. He knew enough about these things to know that you had to have great empathy, and passions to fuel magic like that. The power came at a price, sometimes the price was all the feelings the witch could deal out. Willow was a deep feeling person, and one that loved no matter what. Her friends, family and lovers, all could feel what she was able to give. Giles only had to wonder just where Angel fit into this picture, was he just a friend to her, or did she have other feelings for him.
Passing by Willow for the millionth time as she slept soundly on his couch, Giles caught site of a look on her face that he couldn't quite understand. She had a half smile, tinge with a flushed color to her cheeks. Just then Willow woke again with a start crying out Angel's name. Giles only watched as she came awake, sitting up and looking around. His voice seemed to come from no where to her, "Willow, are you quite all right". She only nodded and rubbed her eyes. Getting up she walked to the quietly to the bath. It was all Giles could do not to ask when she came out what she had been dreaming. It didn't look like a nightmare, on the other hand it would just be plain rude to ask such a thing. Willow didn't look as if she was ready to tell about it either. So Giles set his sights on what he had found for her and when he felt she was awake enough he showed her. Willow seemed to get all excited and she kiss his cheek. Giles looked stunned and rubbed the side of his face she had attacked. Willow giggled and ran to her bags getting her purse out and heading for the door, "I'll be back soon, I only have to get this one ingredient and then we are ready.
And What of These;
Riley had called Giles around four only to find that Willow had gone out, alone. Riley was not happy with this idea, and when he relayed the information to Faith she nearly jumped out of her skin, it would be dark by six and that didn't give them much time. Faith and Riley quickly left the motel and went over to Giles' place hoping Willow would be there when they arrived. In the van Riley pointed out some of the minor weapons that Faith might want to try. He had upon coming to Sunnydale, set up the van as if he were going to war. Faith had to smile, solider boy was coming in pretty handy. She moved to the back to the van looking over the semi automatic weapons of all sorts there, tazer guns and heavier things. Even a small rocket launcher. She was in slayer heaven, and Riley had to laugh at how she seemed to be a kid at Christmas.
The van sped up and Riley turned down the street where most of the shops were. He noticed Willow walking alone down the sidewalk carrying a few packages. He pulled over and gave her his killer smile, trying as he could not to make things worse. Willow stood looking at him and grinned, "What are you doing here Riley, thought you would be at Giles by now, I think I have everything we will need for the spells I am going to do, we should have them all done around midnight, so that should help things out don't you think." she rambled. Riley just smiled and Faith shook her head, "she ain't changed a bit" the slayer tossed at Finn. He glanced back at her, "nope," he quriped.
Then his words directed at Willow became more serious, "you really need to get inside Willow, it's going to be dusk soon, and that's danger here." he jumped out of the van and opened one of the back doors giving Willow access to get in. She nodded with a smile and stepped up into the back of the van with Faith. This didn't seem like a great plan to Faith, if only because she was not sure how Willow was going to feel about being with her like this. Faith nodded to Willow as she got in, "Hey Red, her voice cautious, how are you,". The question was lame to Faith's ears but she had no idea what else to say. Willow looked at the slayer and tried to smile at her, "things are fine, I am working on restoring Angel's soul,". Willow had thrown that out there to see what Faith's reaction would be. Faith seemed a little surprised but other than that she didn't flinch at all, That's large Willow, think you can?". Willow nodded at Faith and reached in her bags pulling out two items that to Faith look rather like very stinky herbs and a doll. Willow's eyes sparkled as she waved the items around a bit, "these were all I needed". Faith just sat back on her heels and watched as Willow took her seat, and Riley got back in the van.
They were on their way back to Giles' apartment, and still had 45 minutes to go before dark. This was a very good thing because Oz had shone up too, he was waiting for Willow to return. Willow dove into Oz's arms and gave him a really big hug, she wondered if Giles had called him over. But Oz just gave his barely readable stare and didn't hug Willow back. She moved back from him enough to see his face and ask, "are you OK, Oz, cause you don't seem OK," Oz push her off him and stood back, his face darker with almost a hatred, as he said to her, " my whole family is dead Willow, he and is 'childer' killed my mom, dad, sisters, everyone that lived here last night." Willow looked as if you could have knocked her over with a feather, her face bleached white and her mouth open in a O of horror.
Giles walked over and stood beside Willow, "In all fairness, Oz we don't really know what cause Angel to lose his soul". Willow was trying hard to form words, but to no avail as yet, Riley and Faith burst in from behind Willow. They both took in the scene and wondered what was up. Oz, started to leave, but Willow caught his arm to stop him, "to close to night Oz, she whispered, you could get killed". Oz's only reply was, "it's a full moon Willow, you could get killed too" the last part he nearly growled at her and she released him. Oz walked silently out of the apartment, his hands in his pockets, he seemed to be in a hurry and Willow was sure he was going to the crept he kept with chains and bars to lock himself in. She only hope he would make it in time and that neither Angel or Buffy would bother him.
Faith watched as Oz left as well, he was interesting to her, so quiet most of the time. But he had a loyalty steak that was a mile wide and four states long. He would be back, and Faith knew it, he was angry now, but he would cool off and he would want to help protect those that were left. The Scoobies numbers were slowly fading, and Faith worrier that by the time she and Riley could get this job done there would only be her left. That lonely abused child in her raged at the thought of letting anyone else die. She wasn't sure what was up, but she seemed to need this group, she needed to protect them. She walked over to Willow and patted her on the shoulder, "Sorry Red," she almost whispered to her. Willow looked thankful to Faith, and she was stunned that Red would be that open to her. But she only nodded and tired to fade back in to the walls.
She watched as Riley stepped forward and close his arms around the red head, in a comforting hug. Willow held him close and began to cry again, soft sounds of sobs escaped her lips as she clung to him. Faith felt her heart soften at the sight, her mind wondering if she too was worthy of such comfort. No way of really knowing, and she didn't want to dwell on it. She glanced over to Giles who was busying himself with preparing for the ritual to come. He walked around setting up candles and placing herbs that would be needed during the chanting. The whole thing was rather surreal to Faith, all she felt she could do was stand back and watch. Ever the outsider, she wasn't sure how to get involved, there was only one thing she knew she was good at. In her frustrations she fiddled with her stake, and just watched the others.
Working The Mojo;
In perfect silence they waited, as Willow lit all but one of the candles. That one she held in her hands and she sat crossed legged in front of the "orb of thessala" Giles began walking around with his smudge stick and incanting the words he needed to say. Once his part was done, Willow began her part, speaking in old Romany. She was glad she had learn it over the last few years. Willow had made quite a few friends, some were over her magical workings. The lady that now ran the local magical shop was old world Romany and Willow had enjoyed many talks with her.
Willow brought her mind back in line with what she was doing, her incanting became more tense and her body showed sighs of the tension building all through her. The ritual was only just starting but she could feel the energies coming against her as well as the powers that were working with her. Faith had taken up a stance outside the circle watching all around for Angelus and Buffy to show. There was no doubt they would, just when was a question that Faith had wondered about. If the spell goes off without a hitch, and before the dark vampire got there with his new fledgling, then he would have to deal with Buffy alone. No one knew if that meant he would come back and find Willow, Giles and the rest to ask forgiveness. Or if he would hide in his shame and fear over what Angelus had done in his stead while his soul was gone. Willow was more than worried about that, and Faith knew that if he hid, the witch would find him somehow. Faith took a quick glance at Riley, he was guarding the only other way into Giles apartment, in his military stance and stolic expression. Faith was sure he was a stone statue, and allowed herself a brief smile. When this is over, she thought, I am going to have to find out just how hard he really is.
Riley noticed Faith giving him the once over, hid his own smile. He really was beginning to have feelings for this dark slayer, though he wasn't sure it was a good idea. He could think of almost nothing else most of the time. Was this OK, did he really think it would work, him and Faith. Or did he just need to let himself go and bury his needs into her, releasing his grief over the loss of Buffy. He didn't think that was a good idea, and if that was all this was he would do his best to avoid that until something better could be made of it. Well as long as his will would hold out, since he prided himself on being pretty stubborn he hoped that it would take awhile. His body however had other ideas. He could still feel her under him the day they had nearly bedded each other. Her hands groping all over his body, pulling and pushing him where she needed him to be. He was angry and glad that Willow had showed up, it kept him from making a mistake, but then it also kept him from Faith's sweet body. Riley had to shake his head so that he could get back to the moment.
There were dangers here that he could not ignore, at any moment Angelus and Buffy could pop in and surprise them all. But as he watched, Willow seemed to be doing her thing and Giles was doing his, all seemed well. The near silence was cut in two with an ear shattering scream, Riley and Faith were both on the move. Peeking out the windows,holding their guard tightly. Giles watched what was happening but kept up with his end of the chanting and smoke waving. Willow didn't move from her spot in front of the orb, her chanting becoming louder and more distinct. Faith, looking out one of the windows nodded to Riley and said, "Yep, it's fang, and looks like he has picked up so girl." she sounded frustrated.
Knowing she would have to wait the next few moments on pins and needles. Angelus would not go anywhere without is new childer, but Buffy was no where to be seen. That could only mean that she was waiting, waiting for someone inside to make the mistake of coming outside. Riley came over to her side and whispered, " How do you want to do this?". His question whirled through her head, she knew if they attacked then one of them might be captured and the girl was dead anyway. She also knew that if they did nothing, Angelus would kill the girl if for no other reason then he was tired of waiting. There were always more people around to pluck from their normal lives and kill, letting the gang watch. Angelus would think it fun, a game. Faith couldn't help but hope that Willow could do her magic's faster, time was killing them.
Suddenly Willow's head jerked back and the orb glowed the disappeared. They heard another scream from outside, but this time it was not the woman Angelus had, but himself. The dark vampire dropped to the ground holding his head and rolling to one side. The woman he had been holding, fled as fast as she could go, only to run right into Buffy's waiting arms. Faith watched as Buffy, who was to far away to get to easily, bit deep into the girls throat, ripping and tearing at her like a wild animal. In just a few seconds she was done feeding and dropped the body to the ground, fading back into the shadows.
It was then that they noticed Angelus stand slowly to his feet, he seemed to look around confused, then he cried out tears streaming down his handsome face, "Buffy,". The cry was answered as she started to come from the shadows to him, but when he looked at her she seemed to know something was very different. Buffy fled, into the dark with Angelus holding his arms out to her in a silent plea. When he finally turned back to Giles' apartment, you could almost feel the horror and pain in his eyes. This would not be something he would ever heal from, Faith thought. Willow stood, and walked quietly over to Faith, looking out the window with her.
Faith gave her a pat and said," I think you did it girlfriend". Willow just smiled sadly and walked to the front door Angelus was standing within six feet of. She opened it and walked out to the dark vampire, watching for any sign that the spell had not worked. Angelus looked up at her and his face turned dark, angry. His words like a knife cut into her heart, "You said my soul was safe, why did I believe you."
~Part: 5~
Willow looked at Angel as if she would break into tears at anytime. He stood silently for a few seconds, his world still rushing around like a whirlwind inside him. He was still staring Willow, his eyes dark and unreadable. Giles worried he might attack her, for her mistake and the fact that he was now responsible for the deaths of a dozen or so Sunnydale residents.
He didn't even want to think about what he had done to Buffy. Those memories so recent, so painful that he looked as if he was in a rage and ready to shred anything in his path. Willow only looked back at him with her eyes filled to the brim with unshed tears, to her he looked so helpless, so in need of comfort. She didn't care if he did kill her at this point, she was sure she deserved it anyway. Giles pulled a cross from his inner jacket pocket, holding in to his side but having it ready in case Angel wasn't really himself. Riley and Faith glanced back and forth from Angel to Giles and Willow. Faith wasn't sure what to do anymore than Giles did. She stood on guard waiting for the scene to play out.
Angel placed one hand on either side of his head and made a small gasp, the pain more than he wanted to bare, his voice came in a ragged hiss, "Willow". The word was spoken more as a plea for help than an accusation. Willow pushed past Giles and went striate to Angel putting her arms around him and holding him close to her. She did her best to make reassuring sounds to him, " I am so sorry Angel, so sorry". Her small sounding voice giving testament to her tears as she cried with him. His arms went around her and they both seemed to break down.
The others watched as Willow and Angel tried to comfort each other, Faith looked away feeling as if she had just walked in on something embarrassing. Riley watched quietly with Giles, letting them get their pain out some before calling them inside where it was more safe.
"Arem, Giles choked out as he waited for Willow and Angel to come inside. Willow was first to pull back and she tugged on Angel's hand letting him know it was OK for him to follow her into Giles' apartment, once to the door Giles invited him in with a low mumble. Angel walked to the small couch and sat down his hands once again holding his head as if he were in great pain.
Faith still stood watching as did Riley, they seemed to be ready for Angel to pop up to kill everyone, having pretended to be changed. But there were no outward signs of that, and Willow was now rubbing Angel's back in a comforting manner. They had much to discuss, and the night was just beginning. Giles went into his little kitchen, Faith and Riley found a spot to sit next to each other. Willow scooted in next to Angel, still speaking in soft tones, "It's not your fault Angel, you can't stop what Angelus did in your body." But the dark vampire was having none of it, he was crying, and his tears were not even for himself, they were for Buffy. He had loved her so much and now she was a demon. He had made her a demon, the words just kept coming out of him over and over again.
There was nothing Willow could say or do yet that would stop his self hatred. No matter what she tried, he was to deep in self loathing to care. Willow tried to pull him to her and he jerked away this time. Lifting his dark head he looked into her hazel green eyes, searching, needing forgiveness. Willow gave him a weak smile and placed soft finger tips on his cool cheek, letting them run down to his chin. Angel leaned into that touch and kiss those fingertips gently, wearing his broken heart on his sleeve. Willow let out a soft sigh and pulled Angel's hand into her smaller ones. "I am so sorry Angel, she stammered, I am so very sorry," she seemed determined to take all the blame herself. Angel only looked deep into her eyes, and shook his dark head, " No Willow, I am sorry, you did nothing really but try to help"
Faith and Riley got up to go, both feeling as if they were intruding on something that they had no business being in the middle of. Giles came back into the living room with tea for both Angel and Willow, they took it greatfully. Then he looked to Riley and Faith, " would you like some tea", he asked in a tentative voice. Both shook their heads and began saying their goodbyes. Making for the door, Giles tried to protest but between them he had no real reason to. They were quite capable of taking care of themselves. So Giles nodded to them as they went making the normal goodbyes as they left.
Standing at the door Giles had to wonder what was going on between the dark slayer and Riley. He knew they had not really met before, but they seemed to be getting along well, Faith also seemed to have changed a good deal. Her restoration of her morals and self esteem, Giles thought was in part due to the Riley. He was a good man as far as Giles could tell and he was having a good effect on Faith. He thought it might be possible for it to go further, but a slayer in a relationship was never an easy thing. Giles watched pensively then shut the door. Shutting out the evils of the night, shutting out Buffy, who was watching too. Watching the man she had once loved leaving with her enemy.
Riley pulled away from the curb, easing into the street. He tried not to think of what had just happened it was not his place to judge. Angel was someone he would never willing be around, but he could understand some of the pain he was going through. To lose the most important person to you, it was something he had done with Buffy years ago. But Riley had given the whole idea up, he knew she didn't love him like she did Angel and she never would. He would always come second, and he couldn't deal with that. It was easier to just leave. Letting her go was one of the most difficult things he had ever done, but he really had no choice. In his mind, she was never really his, so how could he try to cling to her. Riley glanced next to him at Faith, he wondered what she was thinking. It had been a very eventful night after all.
To much thinking;
Faith, lost in her own thoughts, took a quick look at Riley, she wasn't sure what he was feeling, but she did know he was deep in thought. Her own mind seemed to find a multitude of things to go over. Buffy's escape not being the lest of the thoughts that traveled her mind. She held on tight to the edges of her seat the tension in her making her crazy. She really needed some kind of release and she was ready to jump out of the van to attack the first vampire or demon she could find. Killing had always been a way of dispersing some of the stress of being the slayer. Killing vampires was not just a job for her it was a way of life. An addition in a way, it allowed her to express the darker side of her heart, without truly being evil. She was needed to do this, to kill the monsters of their world. It was to her deep regret that they made it to the motel without one sighting, no monsters, no vampires anywhere.
It was still a few hours until morning so Faith decided to go for a stroll, no doubt there would be a vampire or two to dust before it got to light. She hopped out of the van when Riley pulled up to the motel room and started to just leave. Riley called to her, and she looked at him as if he were being stupid. "Where you going", his voice loud but not so much as to disturb anyone sleeping. Faith, just gave him a flat look and answered, "on patrol, Finn what did you think," she started off again. Riley caught up to her and took pace by her side, "Then I will come with you", she could tell he wouldn't take no for an answer. Faith didn't want him to come with her, she was edgy and angry, her nerves were raw and she turned on him, "What makes you think I need you with me solider boy." her words dripped with sarcasm. His only answer was, "maybe you don't but I coming anyway." Faith shoot back at him, "Look I am five by five, no probs, so you can go visit dream land and lay off my territory. I am the slayer now, so let up and bail while you still got some balls left."
Riley grabbed her arm fiercely jerking her around to his face. She found that he was even stronger than she had thought. The look of shock was not wasted on the now angry Finn, he looked deep into her dark eyes and the to her mouth, "this is not about killing vampires, or being the slayer, is it". Faith taken back by his rash moves pushed him against a tree they had been walking by, "Yes it is Finn, it's always about being the slayer, its about the heat, the fire, the fighting, the fucking, and that's all I know, it's all I was ever taught" Her breath coming in hash gasps she noticed that Riley was still letting her hold him off, but not making a move to get away.
Suddenly she found her lips clinging to his, she had no idea if she kissed him or he kissed her first. It didn't matter, only the feel of their lips meant anything to her. The feel of their bodies pressed together. She was in heaven and wanted more, more of his body close to hers. She would have taken him right on the spot but he would have nothing to do with that and she knew it. Riley pulled away from the tree and pulled Faith with him as he went back to the motel room. Slamming open the door he was nearly knocked down by Faith who launched herself at him bodily, landing them both on the first of the two beds.
Riley seemed to be as fraught with need as she was, his body quivered with every touch she landed, her kisses coming fast and frantic. There was not gentle love making this time, it was all Faith and Riley, all need, fulfilling pleasure. What had made him think he could control her need, he didn't even care right now. Faith pushed him down on the bed again only to be flipped over to lay under his large form. Riley wasn't about to let her control this completely. He wanted her to know he was not just willing but he was going to be as active in this as she was. Faith had never been more turned on, she could feel the tension in her building to volcanic proportions, as his hands roamed over her body taking note of every curve and hallow that cause her to moan in estasy. He cupped her breasts running his thumbs over her dark maroon nipples, hearing her suck in a breath between her teeth with a hiss of pleasure. It didn't take long for them to strip, tossing clothing everywhere around the room in their need to be skin to skin close to each other.
Faith opened her body to Riley wrapping her legs around him tightly, as he entered her center, she cried out. He was larger than she would have thought and it almost hurt But the pain was good to her and she laid back to enjoy what he was doing to her body. Riley surged and thrust into her body, like waves crashing to the rocks on the ocean, their union was explosive. He could feel his body as it followed the rhythm of nature. Dancing with her body, feeling the undulating power of her. She was beautiful, wild and dangerous, all this and more to him. Riley grunted his need to bury himself further in her with every stroke. Faith ran her nails down his back making runnels of blood as she did, but he only felt shivers, his body responding to her needs as well as his own. When the release came, it was as if the world were falling down around them. Faith fell into Riley's arms and he held her close to his well sated body. She rested her head on his chest and they just laid there still coupled together, they fell into a sound sleep.
During what was fast becoming dawn Faith woke and moved to one side, looking over the man that had not a couple of hours ago, made her feel like a woman, and not just a bump in the night. She seemed to be in awe of what he made her feel and she watched his eyes flutter in his dreams. She wondered what he was dreaming about, was she part of those dreams? Maybe she didn't really want to know, all she knew for sure right now was that this man could keep up with her on a level that she had never expected from a human. Not really sure what she wanted at the moment she laid her head on his broad chest and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
In the daylight;
Willow knew she needed to get Angel to a safer place. Giles' apartment was OK as long as the windows were all covered but she didn't want to have to explain a pile of ash if he got caught in one of the more sunny rooms. Angel was sleeping as peacefully as possible considering what he had been through. She herself had not slept well and sat up most of the night keeping watch. Angel stirred some and turned his back to her laying with his face buried in the back of the couch. She supposed that he was turning from the filtered daylight that seemed to enter the room.
Giles came into the room and gave a weary look to Willow, she only nodded and he went on into the kitchen. Willow tucked Angel in somewhat better trying to think of a better place for him to be than in this bright place. She remember the rooms he had kept near the Bronze, but then Buffy would know them too. She would have to do a little research to find a suitable place for him to stay while he was in Sunnydale, she was sure he would not want to leave until the problem with Buffy was handled. He would never leave the rest of them in such danger as the exslayer turned vampire.
Willow still couldn't handle the idea that Buffy her best friend was now a demon. Sometimes the mere thought of it would send her into a dismal spiral of self loathing. That was not what she needed to do at the moment and she knew it. Willow gather her supplies together and took to a quieter room in Giles apartment. His study was small but and over crowded with books but it was the only place that wasn't being use constantly. Once she had gotten he stuff in the tiny room she told Giles she didn't want to be disturbed until she came out. He wanted her to eat something but she had her mind set and her resolve face on, letting him know there was no aguring with her now. Checking on Angel one last time she began to set up the room and closed the door, shutting out the rest of the world.
Giles thought about what she may be doing there, and shook his head. Whatever she had thought up could only be dangerous to her. The higher powers didn't like to be invoked to do human bidding, even from a very powerful witch like Willow. If she misstepped even a little they would take advantage, and she could die, or worse. He didn't want to think about that, so he went back to his research cup of tea in hand. He had already made a call to Wille's to have a delivery made so that when Angel woke he could feed. It was still earily in the day and he had a lot to do, sitting at his desk he went over a few more volumes tapping his fingers on the side of the desk.
She was cold, her sire gone, all she wanted to do was rip the throat out of the witch that had deprived her of her sire's presents. He wasn't the kindest of creatures, but he was all hers now and she needed him to be here with her. She hungered for his taste and touches, the way he would hold her head back just before he would let her feed from one of the victims they had chained to the walls of the dark mansion.
She knew she couldn't stay here any longer. Her sire now resouled, would bring them, or come himself and she didn't want to face him just yet. She wanted him back the way he was when he turned her. His demon was wonderfully evil, taking her body every way imaginable, she could still hear her own screams of pain and pleasure at his well learned tactics. How he would bring her to the verge and then not let her have her release, while he had his over and over again. He was wonderful and she missed him terribly. Buffy sulked as she went over to the dark haired girl and the boy that seemed to tall to her.
The girl was pretty in a dowdy sorta way her doe brown eyes full of fear, it was like a drug to Buffy, she loved when they were really scared of her. She could see the bite marks on the girls neck and she pushed the girls head over looking for a fresh side to sink her fangs into. The boy only whined as he watched the petite vampire looking for a place to feed on the girl. Buffy smiled inwardly and reached a hand out to his groin, rubbing him gently as she used her other hand to hold the girl steady. With a lustful look at the young man who was now in mixed feelings of lust and fear, she buried her face in the girls throat, ripping and tearing at the flesh. While she fed she squeezed and rubbed the boy making soft moans escape his dry throat.
When she finished her feeding she turned to the boy and slowly undid his pants, pulling them down his thin legs. Resting both hands on his hips she could hear the intake of breath as she leaned down to take his member in her cool mouth. Buffy found she liked doing this part, making them want her, making them whimper in need for her touches. This was the only good part about her sire not being here, she was left to do whatever she wanted to do to her victims. Buffy pulled back on his shaft letting her true face cover her human visage.
Moving over to just above his hip she sank her fangs in again, this time taking only enough put him near death. Buffy stood and pulled her shirt to one side, If my sire can't be here, then I will just make myself a new playmate, she thought. Using a sharp fingernail she raked accross her shoulder letting her blood run freely. Buffy pulled the young mans face to her shoulder and squeezed her eyes shut. Letting herself enjoy the sensation, of her childer feeding from her for the first time.