Chapter Fourteen
They rested all day and were on the run all night. Apparently Spiran didn't see the funny in their attack, and he was determined to deliver a firm response of his own. The vampires were always right behind them no matter where they went, but the Slayers were able to turn the pressure to their advantage.
Thanks to their skill at eavesdropping and also some very creative interaction with their foes, they had gathered tons of valuable information. Faith was particularly adept at extracting what they needed, but as the time wore on, Buffy noticed she was becoming increasingly silent.
During their next mini-break, she decided to find out what was going on.
"Hey, what's with all the quiet?"
"Nothing."
"Right, that's definitely a 'nothing' face you're wearing."
"C'mon, we need to get moving. Be daylight in a couple so..."
"Faith, what's wrong?"
She answered casually, but Buffy noticed her eyes never really looked at her.
"Just told ya, nothing's wrong. Course I am getting sick of running from a buncha lame ass..."
Buffy grabbed her arm, pulling her backwards as she did. Faith found herself wrapped up in a tight hug, her back resting snugly against Buffy's front.
"B, no time for this. Let go and let's..."
Buffy began nuzzling along Faith's neck, murmuring sexily as she went:
"God...You smell so good. How is that possible?"
"I don't know...B..."
"Mmm, you smell just like...Faith."
Faith jumped as Buffy's tongue snaked out and traced a leisurely path up to her ear. It swirled softly around the lobe, only to be replaced by lips and teeth that sucked and nibbled until Faith groaned out loud. Buffy's voice came out in a low whisper:
"And you taste like cinnamon...and sex."
"Fuck...B, knock it...off."
"Ooh, look at all the goose bumps."
"Jesus..."
"Baby, what's wrong?"
As far as Faith could tell, nothing was wrong. Buffy's hands were starting to roam, what could possibly be wrong?
"Faith, tell me what's bothering you."
Reality was easing its way back into Faith's brain, but she no longer had any barriers up. She just blurted it out:
"Too close to the old me."
"What is?"
"Me...When I torture them, makes me feel like I used to."
"It makes you...Oh Faith, I'm sorry. I didn't think."
Buffy turned her around so that they were face to face.
"God, I can be such an idiot."
"Not your fault. Gotta be done."
"Yes, but not by you. I can..."
"No! I don't want that. There's no reason for you to..."
Buffy's hand stroked soothingly along Faith's arm:
"There's every reason. It's hurting you and I can help."
"Look, I don't want you getting your..."
"Not a debatable topic."
"B, we've already been over this. You're not in charge, so don't try acting like you..."
Her protest died as Buffy's lips glided over her own. She managed to gasp out a few desperate words as Buffy headed back to her neck:
"Can't settle...everything...with sex."
"Hmmm..."
"I mean it B...I..."
"Uh-huh..."
"Don't want you..."
Buffy's laugh was low and sexy:
"Oh yes you do."
"Huh? No...I mean...Yeah...I meant...doing...Fuck..."
"Shhh...God, I so wish we had time."
"...Yeah."
"Later, I promise."
"...Gonna...hold ya...to that."
"Good."
With one last searing kiss, Buffy reluctantly pulled away:
"Okay, I'll be good now."
"Not sure if I won or lost."
"Both. Listen, I'm thinking we already know what we need to know."
"Yeah, guess that could be true."
"Well we know we wiped out about a hundred of them, we know the focal point's in the basement..."
"Fucking ritual's in two days..."
"So what else do we need?"
Faith's answer was immediate:
"Know I definitely need..."
"I mean information wise."
"Oh...Fuck if I know."
"So I propose we put it to a vote. All in favor of no more torture?"
"Got my vote."
"Then it's unanimous. Time to be all avoidy for the next...hour and a half."
"B, you sure we don't need..."
"Positive. No more interrogations required."
"...Good."
"So come on, we need to get moving."
They linked hands as they started walking.
"How many ya figure he's got left?"
"It can't be more than forty or fifty, not if you don't count the ones who are too messed up to fight."
They both laughed at the memory:
"Guess getting a building dumped on your ass hurts, even if you are dead."
"Yep, I'd say they've got a long healing process ahead of them."
They walked in silence for awhile, alert to all the sounds around them.
"Faith, I want you in the next meeting."
"Not a good idea. Don't wanna leave you unprotected."
"I think the risk's minimal. They've been after us all night and they're too depleted to hunt us in the daytime."
"Probably, but I'd feel better keeping an eye out."
"We need your input on this."
"...You 'need my input'? You saying you want me to suggest shit?"
"Yes."
"B c'mon, I'm just a grunt. Point me in the right direction, then let me fight. That's what I'm good at."
"You are so much more than that. We need your ideas, your insight, your experience, we need everything you've got. This fight isn't going to be easy."
"Can say that again."
"Okay. This fight isn't going to be easy."
Faith laughed and raised Buffy's hand to deliver a quick kiss to her knuckles.
"Smartass. Alright, if that's what ya want. Just don't expect Einstein to show up."
"I don't think he ever fought vamps or demons. Anyway, it's you I need."
"Okay then, I'm in."
"Thank you."
"So what's left...an hour and twenty-two minutes 'til the fucking sun rises."
"Are you going to count off every minute now?"
"Well let's see B, somebody got my motor all revved up with no place to go...Fucking right I'm counting down."
"Hey, I'm suffering too!"
"Oh fuck, what a baby. What? Gotta carry your ass around again?"
"No, but I wouldn't mind if you did something else to it."
The look on Buffy's face was not helping, not in the slightest.
"...B, we gotta wait or we could get killed."
"True, that's definitely true......Okay, I'll risk it if you will."
"Hey c'mon Slayer, toughen up. We die, so's everybody else."
"Right now that seems like a small price to pay."
"'Small'? No fucking way am I hittin' the afterlife with Giles all pissed. What am I supposed to tell him? 'Hey sorry about the apocalypse G-man, had to screw your Golden Girl instead'."
Buffy laughed.
"Faith, that's so..."
"It's right on the money, is what it is. Got more than enough strikes against me, no way can I afford another. You just hang on for..."
"...An hour and eighteen long minutes."
"You can do it B, you're the hero of the story. Got all that intestinal fortitude and shit...Ha, ha! 'Intestinal shit', fuck that's funny!"
"For a third grader."
"Wow, no sex and ya get all cranky."
Buffy bumped her shoulder against Faith's:
"Fine, I'll wait...but only because I have to."
"See, now that's how it's supposed to be. You're Buffy, you always do the right thing. Don't try changing that, don't want my world getting all turned around."
"I might be a hero, but so are..."
"Don't say that or I'm gonna have to pound ya."
"But you are Faith."
"Oh yeah, got hero stamped on my ass for sure."
"Okay, maybe not before, but now? No one could do it any better than you have. The things you've..."
Faith cut her off again, clearly wanting to end the discussion:
"Just trying to pay back some old debts."
"But that doesn't make what you've done any less incredible. In fact, it makes you even more amazing."
"Whatever. Guess we oughta head this way. Don't think they'll wanna be out here with the sun on its way, so we..."
Faith's arm was nearly pulled out of its socket as Buffy refused to move.
"Ow! B, what are you..."
"What do I have to do to get you to listen to me?"
"Heard ya, now let's get..."
"Maybe tie you up?"
"Hey if you go all kinky, better make sure the cuffs are up to Slayer code."
"One day you are going to listen to me."
"Wouldn't count on it."
"But I am."
"B, wanna stay on track here?"
Buffy stared into her eyes for a few moments, then smiled.
"Okay, have it your way...this time."
"Really? Fuck, I'm getting something my way?! Damn, call the paper, alert the media!"
"Shut up."
"Aw, just hang on. Only..."
"...an hour and fourteen minutes."
"Don't worry Blondie, they say time really flies when you're fightin' for your life."
"Is that what they say?"
"Something like that. Buncha other stuff too."
"Like what?"
"Hell if I know. Not like I listen to them either."
"Well they must have had plenty to say about the world's most annoying Slayer."
"Now that ya mention it B, they did have a shitload to say about ya."
"Ha, ha, ha. You're a real riot."
"Always figured myself more like a four-star alarm. But hey, who the fuck am I to argue?"
"You're Faith."
"Damn if that's all it takes, ya better stand back."
"There's no chance of that ever happening."
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn ya."
Buffy tugged on her hand as she smiled.
"Consider me warned, but I'm not scared."
"You're not?"
"Nope. Sorry."
Faith let out a huge sigh:
"Well shit, there goes my rep."
"You'll live."
"Don't know about that. How long now?"
"An hour and eleven minutes."
"Damn."
"I know......I think we have the hots for each other."
Faith looked her in the eye then, her face completely serious:
"B, I got the infernos for you."
"Hey, I was totally willing to cast aside my sacred duty for a quickie with you."
"True. Just took a pissed off Giles to bring Little Miss Perfect back onboard."
"Well a disappointed Giles is a scary Giles."
Faith stopped walking, pulling Buffy close to her, so close their breath began mingling:
"B, for real now."
"Uh-huh?"
"I think time's standing still here."
"Faith..."
"Maybe a spell."
"There's no spell."
"Then let's go find some vamps and kill the shit outta them."
"We can't."
Their hips were pressed against each other, and Faith was moving seductively.
"Faith..."
"It'd make the time pass and help us blow off some steam."
"We can't...just start...hunting."
"C'mon B, feels like I'm gonna blow a gasket."
"We have to...Stop moving...stick to...the plan."
"...Okay...Fuck, okay!"
She pulled back a couple of shaky steps:
"Sure's a bitch doin' the right thing."
"Yeah."
"You always make it look so easy though."
"I do?"
"Course ya do."
"How's that?"
"'Cause you're Buffy, B."
Faith seemed to think that said it all, but Buffy was still waiting for an explanation.
"And?"
"And nothing. That's the only way to explain it."
"Well that doesn't really clarify anything for me."
"Sorry, that's all I got. Just kinda somethin' you gotta see to get."
"I guess I'll just have to take your word for it."
"No you don't, ask anybody. They'll all say the same thing."
"God, you are so sweet."
Faith moved closer again:
"Yeah, big mushy sap when it comes to you."
"I told you, I like it when you're all mushy."
"Why I keep doing it."
"Speaking of which..."
"Fifty-eight ass dragging minutes."
"Maybe you're right, maybe time really has stopped."
"Just gotta hold on. We'll be each other's support group."
"Okay, but you probably shouldn't put your hand there."
"Why?"
"F..."
"Just being supportive. Ya never know when ya might collapse into the splits or somethin'."
"...We won't last fifty-eight seconds if you don't move your hand."
"Like this?"
"Oh God..."
"Or maybe more like..."
"...Faith, please..."
It took her a minute, but Faith finally removed her hand.
"...Fine."
"Thank you."
"Yeah, fucking hero over here."
"A-ha! You just admitted..."
"Shut up B."
"Ooh, now who's all cranky?"
"Never said I wasn't."
They began walking again and Buffy leaned into her:
"Aw, poor baby."
"Don't worry, I'll live."
"My hero."
They met up with the others the next morning to discuss their strategy, and Faith was surprised at how easily she fit in. Everyone welcomed her and acted as if she had every right to be there. It was like she was where she belonged, and she couldn't have been happier.
"Faith, we all owe you a debt we can never repay, but I feel we must again focus on the task at hand. With time growing short, perhaps you'll excuse my seeming lack of gratitude?"
"Sure. Wouldn't be the G-man if ya didn't keep your eye on the ball."
"Rest assured when this is all over, I shall be heaping vast quantities of praise upon you."
"Throw in an ice cold one and we got us a date."
"You may count on it. All right then, the bad news first. Everything we've turned up so far indicates that it is highly unlikely we can prevent them from opening the Hellmouth. I suggest we not waste our time trying."
"Boy when you say 'bad news', you really mean bad news."
"Yes Buffy, unfortunately I do. And that's not all, I'm afraid."
"There's more of the bad? Gee Giles, I know I'm a Slayer and you're a Watcher, but would it kill you to offer up some news of the good? It doesn't have to be big, I'd settle for a memo or even a headline. At this point, I'm not gonna be picky."
Giles looked somewhat confused:
"I'm fairly certain I should just charge ahead, yes?"
"Woot, woot!"
"Willow, please."
"Hey, I'm just trying to provide a little of the back-up and...sorry."
"As I was saying, I believe our efforts will be best spent trying to close the Hellmouth after it's been opened."
"Right, because trying to close it before it opens sure wouldn't make much sense."
"Xander, if you don't mind?"
Buffy was all business:
"So any ideas on how we do that?"
"No, not as yet."
"But that's not really true, is it?"
"Anya, we've already discussed the merits of..."
"No, we didn't discuss anything. You just yelled at us until we all stopped talking."
"Be that as it may..."
Anya wasn't backing down:
"Giles, they're the Slayers. I think they should know."
"Yes, well I'm afraid that's not your decision to make."
"Hey, this Slayer wants to know what you're arguing about."
The sudden quiet was complete and absolute as all eyes studied the ground.
"Giles?"
He did not utter a sound, nor did he look at her, so Buffy turned her gaze to Anya:
"O...kay. Anya?"
"We have plenty of ideas Buffy, it's just that they all end up with both of you dying a horrible death."
"All of them?"
"Well no, that's an exaggeration. There is one you might live through..."
"Okay, I vote for that one. All in agreement?"
"...unfortunately you will both go insane as well as become hideously disfigured."
"Oh."
"Guess we can scratch B's gung-ho approval."
"Yeah, strangely I'm not that fond of it anymore."
Giles seemed to have regained his composure:
"Hence my suggestion we not waste time going over options we cannot use."
"Boy, this sure is peachy with a side of keen."
"It is? I thought it was terrifying and upsetting."
"She's doing the sarcastic thing now, An."
"Oh, well good. I thought maybe she didn't fully understand just how awful the situation truly is."
Giles was back on target, trying his best to put a positive spin on things:
"The bright spot amidst all this doom and gloom is the fact that we need not have all the answers by the time they open the Hellmouth. Willow shall be able to buy us an extension of sorts by maintaining the barrier until we can..."
Willow did not look all that overjoyed.
"Okay now, this is the part of the plan I'm not all that crazy about."
"And I think that's a good thing because the last thing we need is a crazy all-powerful witch trying to destroy all of us and The Magic Box again."
"Willow, I assure you this is well within your capabilities."
"I'm not worried about being able to do it, I'm worried I might do it too well. What happens if I lose control and go all 'Grrr' again?"
Giles patted her shoulder reassuringly:
"Just as we did when we raised the barrier, I shall monitor you closely. If at any time you exhibit the slightest sign of losing control..."
"He's got a stun gun."
"Anya, please!"
"A stun gun? You're prepared to use a stun gun on me?"
Giles took off his glasses, then abruptly put them back on.
"...Well, yes I am. It seems only prudent as you'll be dealing with..."
Willow's hug cut off the rest of his sentence.
"Giles, it's perfect!"
"...It is?"
"Yes, this way I'll feel safe! I'll know if I start going all power hungry, you'll be able to stop me before I get going."
"And Giles is going to show all of us how to use it, just in case!"
"Dawn, you may not go near the stun gun."
"Buffy, come on!"
"No, and that's final. Giles I mean it, no matter what she says."
"I'm not a little kid anymore!"
"I know that, but you and weapons with moving parts do not mix."
"Yeah, two words Dawnster...'Miss Kitty Fantastico'."
"That's three words you moron, and who even asked you?"
"No one, but I think I make a great point."
Dawn shoved him slightly:
"Nobody cares what..."
"Excuse me, why am I the bad guy because I don't feel like getting accidentally stunned into next week?"
"What makes you think it'd be an accident?"
"Excuse me, but does it even have the capability to do that? I thought the effects lasted no longer than an hour or so."
Buffy had heard enough.
"Hello! Guys, we so don't have time for this. No stun gun Dawn, that's final."
"But Buf...Fine..."
"Okay, so what do we..."
"...but that crossbow had a hair-trigger...trigger."
"Enough! Giles, what's our best option so far?"
"I see no reason to go over it Buffy. Clearly it's not something..."
"That bad, huh? Let's hear it."
"Perhaps we should focus on..."
"Giles, Watcher to Slayers now. We need to know...just in case."
He looked unhappy and somewhat angry, but his duty as a Watcher could not be avoided.
"If a Slayer throws herself into the opening, The Hellmouth will seal itself closed. There is energy in every living thing, and a Slayer's energy is like concentrated goodness. The opening would not be able to withstand the pressure and the spell would be severed."
"And?"
"And those who cast the spell would be destroyed almost instantly."
"What would happen to the Slayer?"
"...That's a bit more dodgy, but everything indicates that she would be consigned to an eternal torment. There would be no way out...She would be trapped inside The Hellmouth, literally forever."
Everyone was silent as they pondered the imponderable.
"Gee, you guys are on our side, right?"
"So what's the problem Buff? All you have to do is take one for the team, again, and we're off for pizza."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't get any."
"Man, how selfish can you get?"
"Xander, I don't think it's fair to call Buffy selfish. She's merely following a biological imperative we all have: the desire to stay alive. That's not at all selfish, it's just human nature."
"Thanks for understanding, Anya."
"You're very welcome, Buffy. Besides Xander, there are plenty of other examples of her being selfish. When you really think about it, there are probably too many to count. If you just wait a few minutes, I'm sure she'll do something that..."
"All right, clearly we need other ideas. There must be something we've overlooked."
Dawn's voice rang out forcefully in the silence that surrounded the group:
"Well I'm all for overlooking the part where my sister throws herself into The Hellmouth."
"We're with you there, Dawnie."
Willow coupled her words with a comforting hug that Dawn leaned into.
"Can promise ya Squirt, big sis stays topside."
"She's right Dawnie, I'm not going anywhere. We'll find another way."
"Oh God no!"
"Xander? Good Lord, what's the matter?!"
"Research...you're going to make us do more research."
"Oh for...Do stop being such a ponce."
"Buff, Faith, a little compassion here. What's an eternity of torment compared to several hours of research?"
"Like to help ya, but way too attached to this life now."
Buffy looked at Faith and smiled warmly.
"What she said, times a million. I guess you're on your own, Xander."
"Boy, some friends you two are."
"Right then, I think it prudent we meet again before sunset."
"Hey, I've got it!"
"Anya, you've something you wish to..."
"Faith, is there any chance you might turn all evil again?"
Faith looked around more confused than offended.
"Me? Uh...not too likely."
"But there is a chance?"
"Don't think so."
"Anya, if it wouldn't be too much the bother..."
"No it's no bother, it's just not going to work."
"Honey, what's not going to work?"
"Of course I have to admit I feel a huge sense of relief. It's hard enough making friends, I wouldn't want to lose my best one so soon. We just started this relationship and..."
"Anya, what the bloody hell are you going on about?!"
"Isn't it obvious? I was thinking if Faith was going to go all evil again, Buffy could just toss her in when the time came. Problem solved."
"Anya!"
"What Xander? I didn't say I wanted that to happen. Even if Faith did go all evil, I'm not sure I could ever approve of something like that. Plus we're friends and she'd be trapped in The Hellmouth forever...I wouldn't wish that on anyone...not even a lying, cheating, scumbag of a man."
Everyone was staring at Anya with varying degrees of horror and amazement.
"No offense Faith."
"None taken. Like how your mind works."
"Really?"
"Hell yeah, it's wicked cool."
Anya looked happy and relieved.
Oh well, it's just another great idea shot all to hell...mouth. Ha, ha, ha! I just love it when I make these accidental puns."
"Oh you're definitely laugh out loud funny."
"Thank you Buffy, I think so too."
"I know you do. Okay then, so I guess that's all cleared up. There will be no throwing Faith into The Hellmouth."
"That's unbelievable!"
Faith looked at Buffy:
"You do it B, way too scared here."
"What's wrong now, Anya?"
"So you were already thinking about doing it?! Well thankfully we had this little chat before you had the chance. Honestly Buffy, sometimes I forget just how ruthless you can be."
"Yeah. Hey, wanna see just how..."
Giles stepped in quickly:
"Perhaps now that we've ruled out homicide as a viable option, we can turn our attention to our immediate problem?"
"Like how me and B survive in here with The Hellmouth open for business. Last time I saw it, the shit coming outta there wasn't exactly a day at the circus."
"Quite true, but I believe it will be manageable at first. The opening will be small at the outset, much too small for anything daunting to emerge. Eventually it will expand, allowing all manner of creatures to burst forth, but we will have a bit of time before that actually takes place."
"So what do we do while you guys are researching? Should Faith and I poke around and see what..."
"No, it's imperative that you both stay clear of The Hellmouth for now. We aren't at all sure of the magicks involved in the spell they're using, and given Spiran's unique abilities, well I feel it wise to exercise all possible caution. Just let them open The Hellmouth, no matter how tempting it might be to try and stop them."
"So we just sit back then, Giles?"
"Shit, do we gotta?"
"I understand your frustration, but we must..."
"I've got it! Buffy, is there any chance you might turn evil?"
"...Trust me, I'm considering it right now."
"When do you think you'll know for sure?"
"An, maybe you should just..."
"You're right, Xander. I'm sorry to rush you Buffy, but time's a factor here...You know on second thought, maybe you'd better not go evil after all. Dawn would really miss you and we'd all be upset. Just try to forget that I even brought it up. It's a good idea, just not for us. There are too many emotions involved, almost all of them sad ones."
"Okay then, I'm non-evil Buffy only."
"Right, does anyone have anything to add or should we adjourn and..."
"Plus it wasn't that long ago that you jumped to your death. That was such an awful time, and I doubt any of us want to relive it if we can possibly avoid..."
"Xander?"
"On it, Giles. An, could you come with me to the jeep?"
"What? But we're right in the middle of...Hey wait a minute, are you trying to get me to be quiet...or is this about...you know."
"Yes. Come on."
"I'll go with you guys too!"
"The more, the merrier. Shall we ladies?"
"If Dawn's going with us, this is clearly not about sex."
"Right you are."
"Okay, I get it. Bye Buffy, bye Faith. Please be careful and no throwing each other in, no matter how tempting it proves to be."
"Got the message."
"Thanks Anya, we're clear now."
"You're welcome. See you two later."
Everyone watched as Xander linked arms with Anya and Dawn on their way back to the jeep.
"Fuck, not gonna find another one of those, no matter how hard ya look."
"Indeed. All right, may I suggest you girls get some rest? Well attempt to suss out what we need, and I'm quite optimistic we shall turn up something useful."
"You'd better because I'm not too happy with our new 'Hellmouth' future."
"Try not to worry Buffy, we shall figure this out."
"So Will, how long do you think you can hold the barrier?"
"Maybe a day or two...maybe longer...maybe less...I don't know."
"Okay then, we'll need to work fast. Giles, are you sure that Faith and I can't just scout around a little and..."
"I'd rather you didn't. Let's reduce the chances of you two stumbling into the area of the ritual. We should first ascertain exactly which spell they're most likely to use, and once we've narrowed that down, we can proceed from there. Shall we meet up in...say six hours? That should afford us the time we need, as well as allow you both get some well-deserved rest."
"We are tired. Faith?"
"Huh?"
"Did you want to add anything?"
"Not really."
"Okay then. Well I guess that concludes another exciting episode of, 'The Slayers Sit Around and Wait While the Bad Guys Get to Do Whatever They Want to Do'."
"Gee Buff, that title seems a little on the long side to me."
"I'm going to work on it during the intermission."
"Buffy I know how difficult this is, but I assure you, you will have the opportunity to stop Spiran. However, we must proceed carefully at this juncture, no matter the hardship it causes you."
Buffy sighed as she kicked at the ground.
"I know, I get it. It's just frustrating."
"Yeah G-man, getting pretty fucking old running and hiding."
"I understand, but let's not forget your recent destruction of Spiran's headquarters."
"But Giles..."
"'But' nothing Buffy. Not only did you thin the herd considerably, you both managed to come out of it alive. That is our goal, to stop Spiran and have both of you safe and sound in the end. We must take our time and do things right."
Neither Slayer said a word.
"So I may rest assured that neither of you will attempt anything rash until the next meeting?"
"..."
"Girls?"
"Slayer's honor."
"Yeah, onboard all the way."
"Splendid! We must not forget that they still possess more than enough manpower to..."
"'Peoplepower'."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You said, 'manpower'. They have female vampires too."
"Willow, I hardly think now is the time for a feminist lecture. I'm quite certain everyone understood the point I was trying to make, so if you..."
"Well just because it's a stressful time doesn't mean we can be all sexist and..."
"'Sexist'?! Me?! Have you gone completely 'round the bend? I'm probably the most..."
"Well disregarding all the female vampires seems a little on the..."
"Excuse me Abbott and Costello, any chance we could set up the next meeting?"
"Oops, my bad."
Giles was clearly still irritated, but he managed to control himself.
"My apologies as well."
"So we're meeting at Checkpoint Three in six hours."
"And we shall certainly have some answers by then."
"I hope so Giles, but six hours doesn't seem like enough time to..."
"But Buffy, you're forgetting that we've already made quite a bit of progress. Also, there are only so many spells that can be used to perform the huge task they have in front of them. We will have the answers at our next meeting."
"Okay, then We'll see you later."
"Be careful, guys."
"Don't worry, we'll..."
"Aha!"
"What?"
"You just referred to Buffy and Faith as men!"
"I did not!"
"Bloody right, you did!"
"When?"
"You just called them 'guys'."
Willow was furious:
"'Guys'? That's not the same thing at all!"
"It is too! You my dear Willow, are a classic chauvinist pig."
"I am not! Giles, you take that back!"
"Not until you retract the rather slanderous..."
"I cannot believe you! You know what I..."
Faith looked bewildered as Buffy took hold of her arm.
"B?"
"Let's just go."
The Slayers merged back into the tree line, alert to their surroundings.
"Christ, look at'em."
"They'll make up by the time they get to the car."
"Yeah?"
"Yep."
Faith looked doubtful, but it wasn't like there was anything she could do about it anyway.
"So B, what do ya wanna do? Hit 'The Bronze' or rent some flicks and stay home?"
"Let's do the rental thing and order pizza too."
"Can we grab some beer to go with?"
"For you, yes. For me, beer bad."
"Aw c'mon B, live a little."
"Okay, maybe one."
"Whoa take it easy, you wild woman."
"Trust me on this, you do not want to see me drunk."
"Why? Think I'd dig it."
"Hmm...you'll probably never know."
"Man, what a tease."
"That's me."
They walked in a comfortable silence for several minutes, their hands linked as they headed to their destination, until Faith let out an enormous sigh.
"What?"
"Wish we could just kill these bastards already."
"You and me both."
"Sick of having my thumb stuck up my ass."
"Ewww...and I agree."
"Six hours to get through."
"I guess we should get some sleep."
"Was a long night."
"I suppose."
They continued walking, and again it was Faith who broke the silence:
"Any other ideas?"
"Maybe."
"I got some."
Buffy smiled because she knew just what kind of ideas Faith had.
"You do? Really?"
"Ah, you know me B."
"Yes I do."
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Ya wanna?"
"Hmm...I don't know."
Faith tightened her grip on Buffy's hand, her eyes pleading:
"C'mon, please?"
"But we just did it."
"Yeah, but that was before. Now it's now."
"True."
"So c'mon B."
"...Oh all right."
Faith gave her a quick kiss:
"Great! Tell ya what, you can go first."
"Well how nice, since it's my turn."
"Uh, no. Definitely not your..."
"Silence!"
"What the...You must be drunk already."
"All bow before the Checker Queen."
"Excuse me Your Highness, I'm like fifty billion games ahead."
"Are you insane?"
"No, what I am is the fuckin' champ."
"Oh you poor girl. We need to find you some shade, the sun's clearly affecting your mind."
"I am in the lead!"
"You wish."
"I fucking know!"
Buffy took her by the arm and led her over to a tree:
"Shhh...here. You can rest here now."
"Admit I'm ahead."
"Well you're certainly 'a head case'."
"No fucking way are you in the lead."
"Except in every fucking way."
Faith was unzipping their backpack and hauling out the checkerboard.
"Okay, right now Blondie. All or nothing."
"Sure, I'll be happy to take it all."
"You are so gonna be sorry."
"Yes, I'm just terrified."
Faith pulled out the baggie of checkers and began setting up the board.
"Would be if ya had any brains."
"When you lose, are you going to throw the board again?"
"Only did that one freakin' time."
"That'd be 'two freakin' times'."
"Who the hell's counting?!"
"I am...since apparently you can't."
"Oh fuck, I am so gonna teach you some respect."
"With checkers?"
"With whatever it takes!"
"God, you are just ridiculous!"
"Look in a mirror!"
Buffy sat down with a sickeningly sweet smile on her face, then deliberately turned the board around.
"What the fuck ya think you're doin'?!"
"I'm black."
"No way! I'm always black!"
"Sorry, not this time."
Faith was furious.
"Fine, be a little weasel!"
"'Weasel'?! Did you just call me a 'weasel'?!"
"Yeah I did!"
"How dare you call me names?!"
"I dare just fine!"
They stared at each other across the checkerboard.
"F?"
"B?"
"Screw the checkers."
"Or somethin'."
"Make it 'someone'."
"My pleasure."
