6<\/u><\/b>
\nThe clock ticked the seconds away as morning turned into noon.<\/p>\n
Xander glanced at it, heaving the basket of laundry in his arms into a free machine. The laundromat was mostly empty, except for the large woman on his far right and the Vanilla Ice wannabe opposite him.<\/p>\n
Xander reached into his pocket, pulling out his change and inserting the coins into the slot. He\u2019d spent enough Fridays with nothing better to do than a week’s worth of dirty clothes to know he had time to kill. Wash 30 minutes, dry another 40, assuming he picked a dryer that actually worked.<\/p>\n
If no brawls broke out among the clientele over who was entitled to which machine and he didn’t bother to fold, Xander could be back at his apartment in time for the “I Love Lucy” marathon.<\/p>\n
Yes siree, his life had reached a new level of loserdom<\/p>\n
He groaned, sliding into a plastic seat. He could go get a coffee, maybe a magazine while he waited \u2013<\/p>\n
\u201cHarris, you wash? Who knew?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander closed his eyes at the familiar voice, a smile inadvertently sliding onto his face. He looked up at the new arrival.<\/p>\n
Faith grinned at him, her laundry bag swung casually over her shoulder. She placed it down on the machine next to his, leaning against it.<\/p>\n
Xander shook his head. \u201cQuit flirting with me, Faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith snorted. \u201cYeah right. Like I would stoop that low.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander only smiled. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t put it past you.\u201d He glanced at her laundry bag. \u201cAnd it\u2019s good to know *you* wash. God only knows where you\u2019ve been\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith chuckled, punching him playfully in the arm as he walked over. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you in forever, Xan-man. How you been?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Xander said earnestly, smiling. \u201cAnd you -?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood huh?\u201d Faith interrupted, her eyes twinkling. \u201cYou seeing anyone? Oh no, wait \u2013 women *still* haven\u2019t taken to dating boring losers.\u201d Her grin took the bite out of her words. \u201cThat\u2019s gotta suck, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, well,\u201d Xander grabbed her arm, taking a step forward so that his face was inches from hers. \u201cGood for you that\u2019s where men differ.\u201d He looked her once over. \u201cThey\u2019ll do anything<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOoh, the tension.\u201d Faith laughed when Xander released her, stepping back. \u201cI always knew you had a thing for me.\u201d At his snort, she frowned. \u201cOr was it Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m ignoring you,\u201d Xander said, grinning and turning away as he leaned against the machine. A comfortable silence settled between them. He could feel her eyes boring into him, contemplating him, but he didn\u2019t look up.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou still have a thing for Buffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
The question came out of nowhere, throwing him completely. His eyes shot to hers. \u201cWhat? No.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t!\u201d Xander yelped indignantly, hoping he wasn\u2019t blushing. \u201cI never – Buffy\u2019s my best friend, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith looked suspicious for a second, before she released a breath, reaching for her laundry bag. She began to unload the clothes into the machine. Xander watched her, looking away when his eyes landed on a lacy bra.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you wanna go out?\u201d<\/p>\n
That question threw him even more than the Buffy one. Xander swivelled around to face her. \u201cYou \u2013 what?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith shrugged, not looking at him. He didn\u2019t know whether he was grateful for that or not. \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen each other in a while. It\u2019d be fun, ya know, to catch up. Maybe go see a movie, grab something to eat\u2026\u201d She glanced at him.<\/p>\n
Xander opened his mouth, uncertain whether to say yes or no. Was she asking him out on a date? Wasn\u2019t that supposed to be his job? Or was he misinterpreting it completely? Maybe it was just a friendly invitation \u2013<\/p>\n
\u201cBesides,\u201d Faith said, standing and shutting the machine door. \u201cIt\u2019s not like you have anything better to do. You\u2019re not seeing anyone else. Unless of course a TV heroine from the 50\u2019s qualifies.\u201d She grimaced. \u201cWhich, by the way? Scary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander snapped his mouth shut, glaring at her, despite the fact that she was right. Faith only smirked, raising her eyebrows challengingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d Xander said, crossing his arms. \u201cDinner it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat.\u201d Faith grinned winningly and Xander found himself smiling back. \u201cIt\u2019s a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel sank into the leather sofa, laying his head back. He released a long, low groan, closing his eyes for a few moments. He twirled the calling card between his fingers, his other hand cradling the phone.<\/p>\n
He glanced at the card for the umpteenth time, taking a deep breath. A sudden burst of courage filled him and he punched the numbers into the phone, holding the receiver up to his ear.<\/p>\n
He heard the dial tone, then a single ring before he panicked, swiftly hanging up. He swore under his breath, exasperated and a little amused. This was supposed to be so simple. He\u2019d done it a number of times and yet he\u2019d never felt so much like a shy little boy before. *This* time seemed more important somehow.<\/p>\n
Taking another deep breath, he picked up the phone, bracing himself for another try.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a date.\u201d Buffy blurted out.<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s head jerked up and she looked at Buffy in surprise. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought about what you said.\u201d Buffy said, nervously playing with the material of the sofa. Cordelia covered her hand, stopping her fidgeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you\u2019re right.\u201d Buffy shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t *need* a man, I just want one. And I shouldn\u2019t let it distract me because it\u2019s not like I\u2019m gonna end up alone, right?\u201d She stared at Cordy. \u201cRight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course not.\u201d Cordelia laughed softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Buffy nodded, a smile sliding onto her face. \u201cBut it also doesn\u2019t hurt to date<\/i> in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Cordy grinned at her, waggling her eyebrows. \u201cSo who\u2019s the lucky guy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy blushed. \u201cYou remember that really cute blonde from my building?\u201d Cordy\u2019s brow creased. \u201cYa know? Tall? Gorgeous? Southern charm?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah!\u201d Cordy smirked, slapping Buffy\u2019s knee. \u201cDamn!\u201d<\/p>\n
They both laughed. It was good to see Buffy\u2019s spirits high. Cordelia had been worried about her the previous night. But looking at her now, giggling cheerfully, she appeared a little better.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Faith unlocked the main door and stepped into the large room, grinning at the three familiar faces. She blew Wesley a kiss as he appeared from the back room and headed towards the sofa, taking a seat. She caught the tail end of the girls\u2019 conversation \u2013 Buffy had a date. Which reminded her\u2026 Faith opened her mouth to tell Buffy about Xander and the morning\u2019s events but Wes cut her off swiftly, his tone cranky.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore we start,\u201d Wesley said, crossing his arms indignantly. \u201cNow that you\u2019re all here, I\u2019d just like to voice my displeasure at not being informed of Angel\u2019s agreement to work with us right away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith rolled her eyes, mock-snoring loudly in her seat. Across from her, Buffy snickered.<\/p>\n
Wesley narrowed his eyes. He took a deep breath. \u201cGood GOD, sometimes I just\u2026\u201d He paused, shaking his head in apparent despair.<\/p>\n
Faith sat up quickly, feeling guilty. \u201cWe\u2019re sorry, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVERY sorry.\u201d Cordy added, nodding.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom now on, you will be the fourth person to know.\u201d Buffy said enthusiastically. \u201cUh, fifth actually, I mean there\u2019s Angel\u2026or possibly sixth cos the Powers are all seeing – \u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy raised an eyebrow at her. \u201cShovel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d Buffy grinned.<\/p>\n
Wesley appeared to be fighting a smile but slowly, it slipped over his face, lighting it. \u201cAlright, I\u2019ll settle for sixth.\u201d He straightened, rubbing his hands together. \u201cRight then. Now that that\u2019s sorted \u2013 how are we going to go about this? Any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we have Angel,\u201d Faith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d Buffy sounded doubtful. \u201cBut other than that we don\u2019t have a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we\u2019ll start with what we have.\u201d Wesley said. \u201cBuffy, you and I will look over our Wolfram & Hart files \u2013 see if anything\u2019s relevant to this case. Faith, use our books, the internet \u2013 any resources from which you can garner research. \u201d<\/p>\n
He turned to Cordelia then, pausing briefly before he spoke, as though trying to find the right words. \u201cCordy, I hear you have a special relationship with Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Cordy yelped, her eyes widening. They flew to Faith and Buffy, who were suddenly looking everywhere but directly at her. \u201cWhat are you talking about? I do not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked a little embarrassed. \u201cWell – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh please!\u201d Buffy interrupted him, highly amused. \u201cHe was *totally* into you!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was \u2013 no, just NO.\u201d Cordy raised a hand, closing her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m not even going to dignify that with a response.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d Faith shrugged. \u201cYour body language said it all. You like him too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI do NOT!\u201d Cordelia stood, an outraged expression on her pretty face. She turned to Wesley. \u201cI do not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley cleared his throat. \u201cWell, regardless of whether or not you do, he sounds as though he was quite taken with you. If that is the case,\u201d He cut her off when she opened her mouth to argue, \u201cHe may be willing to trust you. And he may be able to provide invaluable information for you, not just about his deal but about Wolfram & Hart itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe followed her home last night,\u201d Buffy piped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe did?\u201d Faith swivelled to face the blonde.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what?\u201d Cordy frowned, annoyed. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean anything.\u201d She turned back to Wes. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not just going to use him like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it\u2019s hardly \u2013 it\u2019s to save his own bloody soul, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Wesley asked, his nostrils flaring.<\/p>\n
\u201cYa see? She\u2019s already worried about hurting his feelings.\u201d Buffy said. \u201cShe lurves him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy and Angel sittin\u2019 in a tree.\u201d Faith sang out gleefully. \u201cK-I-S-S-I – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will break your<\/i> arm off and beat you<\/i> with it.\u201d Cordelia growled, pointing individually at each grinning girl. \u201cThis is ridiculous. I *don\u2019t* have a thing for the guy, he *doesn\u2019t* have a thing for me, and if anyone thinks otherwise, they\u2019re crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The shrill ring of the telephone had them all jerking their heads towards it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s that bloody prank caller again,\u201d Wesley muttered, walking over to it and swiftly picking it up. \u201cWesley Windham Price. Yes. Oh, yes, pleasure to finally speak with you. Yes, I am their boss.\u201d He shot Faith a dirty look when she snorted. \u201cYes. I see\u2026\u201d He looked at Cordelia, his eyebrows shooting up. \u201cCertainly, one moment please – \u201d He held the receiver away from his ear, covering the speaker. \u201cCordelia? It\u2019s for you.\u201d He grinned cheekily. \u201cIt\u2019s Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy stared at him, her jaw dropping slightly. She turned to Faith and Buffy, looking a little nervous.<\/p>\n
Faith raised an amused eyebrow. \u201cCrazy\u2019s starting to sound a little closer to home, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy narrowed her eyes, turning back to Wes. \u201cWhy does he want to speak to me<\/i>?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWould you like me to ask him that?\u201d Wesley asked patiently.<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed. \u201cOh, you *know* why, Cordy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI still can\u2019t believe he followed you home,\u201d Faith said, amazed.<\/p>\n
Cordy shook her head like a petulant child, striding stubbornly over to the phone. \u201cYou\u2019re all reading way too much into this. It\u2019s probably just something to do with work.\u201d She snatched the phone from Wes and turned her back to the rest of the room, speaking as quietly as she could.<\/p>\n
\u201cAah, the drama,\u201d Buffy said with a smirk.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Faith was vainly struggling to make out what she was saying, until Wesley interrupted the process.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo time for eavesdropping, Faith, we have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith rolled her eyes, standing reluctantly. \u201cAlright, dad. Where do you want me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley stared at her. \u201cPlease tell me you never said *that* to your father.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith grinned and Buffy laughed.<\/p>\n
Wesley chuckled, handing her a large book from the bookshelf. \u201cResearch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Faith looked down at the book. \u201cFun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is like guesswork, Wes.\u201d Buffy frowned, flipping through one of the large tombs. \u201cI hate to moan, but- \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d Wesley sighed, glancing up. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need access to Wolfram & Hart\u2019s files and records in order to gain specific information. I\u2019d prefer to perform as legally as we can here – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot a bad idea considering we\u2019re dealing with lawyers<\/i>.\u201d Buffy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cExactly. We, or dare I say Cordy, may be able to get Angel to access those files for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if he can\u2019t?\u201d Faith asked. \u201cWolfram & Hart practically have him on a leash.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue, but it\u2019s worth a try. Meanwhile I\u2019ll call detective Lockley and see if she can lend a hand in the matter.\u201d Wes looked back down at the page he held open. \u201cThere are more general things we could be looking into though, as dull as you may find it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sound of the receiver being placed back into its cradle caught Faith\u2019s attention and provided a much-wanted distraction. She spun around, smiling when she saw Buffy do the same. Cordelia stepped away from the phone, looking slightly nauseous. When she caught Faith\u2019s eye however, her stubborn expression quickly rebuilt itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo?\u201d Buffy asked, throwing an arm across the back of the sofa. \u201cWhat did lover-boy want?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you.\u201d Cordy crossed her arms defiantly. \u201cIt was just business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy looked disbelieving. \u201cAha. What did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy winced, releasing a breath before she spoke, reluctantly. \u201cHe wants to take me to dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a brief silence. Then Faith wolf whistled, loudly, and Buffy squealed, clapping her hands, both delighted at their being right.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018I told you so\u2019 just doesn\u2019t do it justice!\u201d Faith grinned broadly, slapping her hand against Buffy\u2019s in a high-five.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s only dinner!\u201d Cordy protested lamely. \u201cHe probably just wants to talk about the case and get an update. Remember, he said he wanted to be involved?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, he wants to be involved alright!\u201d Faith leered, tongue between her teeth.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does seem odd, Cordy.\u201d Wesley said. \u201cWhy would he invite only *you* if it were simply about the case?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe he\u2019s just more comfortable around me.\u201d Cordy said.<\/p>\n
Buffy rolled her eyes. \u201cLady, I love you and you are one of the smartest people I know \u2013 BUT, you\u2019re dense as an ox when it comes to stuff like this.\u201d She punched Cordy\u2019s shoulder playfully. \u201cTonight is a DATE, and the boy\u2019s got it BAD.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Ya know what?\u201d Cordy shook her head, annoyed. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go, if only to prove you wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith shrugged. \u201cHey, you win either way. If you\u2019re right, you get the pleasure of being right and if you\u2019re wrong \u2013 well,\u201d She grinned wickedly, \u201cyou get the pleasure of something else entirely\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFaith\u2026\u201d Wesley grimaced.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut,\u201d Faith ignored him. \u201cYou won\u2019t be right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley rolled his eyes, muttering something about \u201ccalling the detective\u201d and disappearing into the back room.<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed as Cordelia sank resignedly into the seat next to her, banging her head against the back of the sofa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, well\u2026\u201d Faith grinned. \u201cLook at us. We all have dates.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a date.\u201d Cordelia growled, rubbing her forehead. She glanced at Faith. \u201cAnd I thought you didn\u2019t *do* dates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy frowned. \u201cYeah, who\u2019s your<\/i> date?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith gave her a long look, bewildered as to why she suddenly felt uneasy. Taking a deep breath, she said, \u201cActually, it\u2019s Xander.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
A silence followed the revelation.<\/p>\n
Buffy stared at Faith, her stomach lurching and sinking beneath her. A mixture of emotions raced through her, her good mood promptly evaporating. She felt shock, anger, outrage, deceit, fear, dread\u2026 And what troubled her most was that she didn\u2019t know WHY. She didn\u2019t understand the strange tinglings of discontent and resentment. Feelings this bitter had never enveloped her before, at least not where someone so close to her was concerned.<\/p>\n
And yet, they were there.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going on a date with Xander?\u201d Buffy asked lowly, her eyes narrowing. She could feel Cordelia\u2019s surprised gaze boring into her but she didn\u2019t spare her a glance. She knew Cordy\u2019d assumed she was okay and she was certainly getting there, but it wasn\u2019t that simple and this new revelation wasn\u2019t exactly helping.<\/p>\n
Faith raised her chin, her own surprise at Buffy\u2019s reaction evident in her features. \u201cYeah. Is that a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy crossed her arms. \u201cWell, I\u2019m just surprised you didn\u2019t ask me first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith raised an eyebrow, a bark of genuine laughter escaping her. \u201cAsk you? Buffy, we\u2019re both adults. We can make decisions without running them by you first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s my best friend, Faith,\u201d Buffy said. \u201cYou\u2019re my co-worker. This decision concerns me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo it doesn\u2019t.\u201d Faith shook her head, her voice firm but still gentle. \u201cWhat we do in our personal lives has nothing to do with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI AM Xander\u2019s personal life,\u201d Buffy snapped, rising to her feet. \u201cHe\u2019s one of the most important people in the world to me, just as I am to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re his friend<\/i>.\u201d Faith sounded aggravated now. \u201cNot his girlfriend. You have no claim over him, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about claim, it\u2019s about respect. He\u2019s *my* friend. And I don\u2019t question what you do on your own time but I do NOT want Xander to become a part of that<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s eyes narrowed to lethal slits. \u201cA part of what<\/i>, exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGuys\u2026\u201d Cordelia warned, sensing the lows the conversation had the potential to sink to.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know exactly what<\/i>, Faith.\u201d Buffy glared at the other girl. \u201cXander\u2019s a good guy. He\u2019s not one of the *many* scumbags you sleep with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith took a step forward, pointing an accusing finger. \u201cDon\u2019t you start judging me. I may not be the chaste all American girl next door but that doesn\u2019t make me a bad person.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t say you were a bad person,\u201d Buffy said coldly. \u201cI implied that you were a slut<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beside her, Cordelia gasped but Faith only smirked, cocking her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter than a frigid nobody.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God, ladies stop.\u201d Cordelia pleaded, coming between them. It made no difference whatsoever.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may not have as much sex as you, Faith, but at least men don\u2019t do it with me and then go off and laugh,\u201d Buffy seethed, her head still reeling from Faith\u2019s insult.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t they? Considering it\u2019s probably like fucking a fifteen year old,\u201d Faith shot back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are easy and promiscuous -\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you\u2019re just a sad little goody-two-shoes with nothing or no-one<\/i> better to do than involve herself in her best friend\u2019s love life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLove life?\u201d Buffy scoffed. \u201cHa! With *you*? You don\u2019t have a love life, you have a sex life and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell maybe I WANT a love life, Buffy,\u201d Faith spat angrily. \u201cMaybe I\u2019m ready for one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Xander\u2019s what? Your guinea-pig?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI really like Xander!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh please!\u201d Buffy laughed mirthlessly. \u201cLike I\u2019m gonna believe that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d never hurt Xander like that Buffy,\u201d Faith said, shock colouring her features. \u201cWhat the hell is wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is wrong with ME?!\u201d Buffy finally exploded, her voice breaking into a harsh scream. \u201cJesus Faith, is it not enough that you\u2019ve already spread your legs for *every* man in LA, now you have to do it for my best friend<\/i> as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy!\u201d Cordy exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.<\/p>\n
Faith reared back as though she\u2019d been slapped. The onslaught of Buffy\u2019s screaming, vicious words had clearly hit her hard, but her expression remained cold as ice. The two glared daggers at each other from the centre of the room, anger blazing and blistering in them, making their bodies rigid and their faces hard.<\/p>\n
Buffy knew she was out of line, they both were. Despite the seemingly irrational anger, she could tell they\u2019d both crossed the line a while back and left it far behind. She\u2019d initiated it but the terrifying thing was, she didn\u2019t know how to, nor did she *want* to stop. The momentary regret that had shown on her face disappeared instantly and she straightened her back, glowering defiantly at Faith.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, Faith moved, grabbing her jacket and the book Wesley had given her as she swivelled on her heel. \u201cI knew you were a lot of things Buffy.\u201d Buffy noticed she was blinking furiously as stomped towards the door. \u201cSelfish bitch wasn\u2019t on the list until right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
She slammed the door shut, making Cordy and Buffy wince.<\/p>\n
The silence was deafening to Buffy\u2019s ears. She stared at the closed door and then, just like that, the weight of everything, every harsh word, every shout she\u2019d thrown at Faith came down on her. She grabbed the edge of the sofa for balance, daring a look at Cordelia.<\/p>\n
The brunette was staring at her, shock and confusion evident on her face. Buffy braced herself for the reprimanding that she thought would follow but Cordy only said five simple words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you were okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am.\u201d The question took her by surprise and she responded almost immediately, as if unconsciously.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you\u2019re not.\u201d Cordelia said softly. \u201cYou\u2019re a bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy winced at that, confused. The words were sharp, however Cordelia\u2019s tone was gentle, her eyes were kind, and she was looking at Buffy with a certain sympathy and concern that made her feel incredibly tired. She collapsed onto the couch, her head in her hands. She *was* a bitch, and she wasn\u2019t okay, and Cordy understood that.<\/p>\n
But even she didn\u2019t understand *why*.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel stared at the phone still clutched in his lifeless hand, wanting to smack himself over the head. Put it down, put it down\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
PUT IT DOWN!<\/p>\n
The phone dropped from his fingers and clattered noisily to the table. What the hell was with him??? He\u2019d been described as suave, smooth \u2013 a Casanova of sorts. What was so special about this girl that it made him feel like an incompetent adolescent?<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s eyes widened as realization dawned. He\u2019d done it. He\u2019d called and asked her on a date. Only it wasn\u2019t really a date, or at least she didn\u2019t think so. He didn\u2019t blame her considering he\u2019d panicked and blabbered something about discussing work.<\/p>\n
Work was the last thing on his mind.<\/p>\n
Right now, he needed to decide what to wear.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201c12 o\u2019clock. Guy who looks like the 80\u2019s threw up on him,\u201d Xander said, staring at said man. He glanced at Buffy, seated next to him on the park bench.<\/p>\n
Her smile didn\u2019t quite reach her eyes. \u201cHmm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re awful quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy breathed in deeply, then turned to face him, her expression stern. \u201cYou never told me you had a date with Faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander\u2019s eyes widened and he was surprised at the way his stomach suddenly dropped. He rolled his eyes inwardly. He was being ridiculous. \u201cIt only happened this morning. I didn\u2019t exactly get the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy raised an eyebrow. \u201cWe\u2019ve been sitting here for a half hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t think it\u2019d be a big deal, Buffy. I was going to tell you. \u201d He sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s not like it matters now anyway. She cancelled it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander looked up at her. \u201cWhat, what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe cancelled the date?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. Didn\u2019t really give a reason.\u201d Xander shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m thinking I\u2019ve set a new record. You think there\u2019s one for guys who drive girls away even *before* there\u2019s been a first date?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy had a strangely guilty look on her face. \u201cNo, it\u2019s not like that. Xander, I\u2026\u201d She paused, blinking furiously. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault. She told me and I got really angry about it. We both had words and I ended really upsetting her.\u201d She bit her lip. \u201cThat\u2019s probably why she cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander stared at his friend, confused as hell. \u201cWhy were you so angry?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy swallowed. \u201cI don\u2019t really know. I guess I felt protective of you\u2026\u201d Though she looked uncertain when she said it.<\/p>\n
The tiny swell of hope that had bloomed in Xander\u2019s chest vanished. \u201cOh.\u201d It was replaced by an equally small surge of annoyance. \u201cI\u2019m not a kid, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that.\u201d She said, avoiding his gaze. \u201cI just\u2026 I would never want you to get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ve known Faith for nearly as long as you have. And I know her\u2026ways.\u201d He waited until Buffy looked at him. \u201cI know what I\u2019m doing, Buffy. I know you care about me but it really wasn\u2019t your place to interfere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s face fell, and for a moment, Xander felt awful. But then she nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right, I know, I just, I don\u2019t know what got into me.\u201d She covered his hand with hers and pulled it into her lap. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander leaned back against the bench, sighing resignedly. \u201cLike I said, doesn\u2019t matter. There\u2019s not gonna be a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, there will be.\u201d Buffy said firmly, catching his eye. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Faith. I\u2019m the one who started this whole thing. I\u2019ll sort it out, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander stared at her. \u201cI think I\u2019ve reached a new low. My best friend is gonna *force* a girl to go out with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy cracked a smile. \u201cShe wants to go out with you. She cancelled because I put myself in the way.\u201d Xander noticed her lip quivered slightly, but she continued. \u201cI\u2019ll bow out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander frowned at her as she stood, releasing his hand. \u201cBuffy, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d She smiled a little too widely, leaning down and kissing him on the cheek before grabbing her jacket from the bench. \u201cI have to go see a girl about a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot BELIEVE you\u2019re making me do this.\u201d Riley groaned, smiling briefly at a pretty salesgirl who walked past him, only to resume his previously hard-done-by stance a second later.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuck it up, Finn,\u201d Cordy said, examining a deep brown wrap-around shirt with a frown.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow *that* I wouldn\u2019t mind do – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo NOT even finish that sentence!\u201d Cordelia whirled on him, raising a finger. Riley grinned, making a grab for it. He caught it between his palm and his fingers and she yelped.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet go!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Riley considered it. \u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s shoulder\u2019s sagged and she released a tired breath. \u201cYou know, there are times when I *really* regret not having a girl as a best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGirls bug you,\u201d Riley said, the grin still firmly in place. As was her finger, to Cordy\u2019s dismay. She tugged once again and he pulled her hard, spinning her in a tango-like move so her back was pressed against his chest. Another salesgirl walked past, stopping to stare at them.<\/p>\n
Riley grinned winningly. \u201cWe\u2019re newlyweds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia snorted.<\/p>\n
The salesgirl blushed and giggled, clearly a romantic. She muttered a quick \u201ccongratulations!\u201d before scurrying along.<\/p>\n
Riley released Cordy\u2019s finger, sighing. \u201cAah, kids these days.\u201d He looked down at Cordelia. \u201cWhat\u2019s next, Miss Millionaire?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re a dork.\u201d She removed a simple white halter-neck from the rail, holding it against her. \u201cHow does this look?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike a top. What?\u201d He snapped at her irritated look. \u201cI\u2019m not programmed to express myself in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA simple \u2018nice\u2019 or \u2018not nice\u2019 is usually sufficient.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright. It\u2019s nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cNot too slutty?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I love slutty,\u201d Riley answered, so honestly that Cordy had to laugh. \u201cBut no. Why are you dressing up for this guy, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not!\u201d Cordy yelped indignantly, turning on him. \u201cI want to find something simple and\u2026 not date – like.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not? It\u2019s a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not what he\u2019s thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRiley! I don\u2019t care what he\u2019s thinking,\u201d Cordy said, reaching for a slim white belt with a silver buckle. \u201cIt\u2019s just business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley ignored her completely. \u201cSo, if he\u2019s like a potential boyfriend, I get to meet him right? Cos that\u2019s the rule, Chase. Although,\u201d He wondered aloud, \u201che\u2019s a vampire, so how gross would that be? He\u2019d probably stare at me like I was a juicy steak or something – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you\u2019re flattering yourself,\u201d Cordy muttered. \u201cMore like a veggie burger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley spared her a brief glare, crossing his arms. \u201cSo? When do I get to meat him?\u201d At her lack of response, he raised an eyebrow. \u201cCordy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m ignoring you,\u201d She sang out, reaching for a dark pair of jeans.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, when?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy turned around, mock-contemplating the idea. \u201cUh, let\u2019s see, today\u2019s Friday, so\u2026\u201d She paused. \u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Riley\u2019s eyes widened in outrage. \u201cBut I always – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRiley!\u201d Cordelia cut him off, waving her arms exasperatedly. \u201cHe is NOT a boyfriend. This is NOT a date. He\u2019s just a client and I am just doing my job.\u201d<\/p>\n
A smirk slid across his lips. \u201cThat sounds like a different job altogether.\u201d<\/p>\n
She smacked him. Hard. \u201cAss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley laughed. \u201cLove you too.\u201d He grabbed his arm, though Cordy noticed his expression remained the same. Regardless, she smirked at the movement, knowing male pride would never let him admit that it actually hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d She said, pulling the same top against her chest and holding it there. \u201cNow really, how does it look?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Buffy took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, tapping her foot against the doormat. It was a whole twenty-three taps before Faith jerked open the door, looking up inquiringly. Her expression immediately hardened.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFaith,\u201d Buffy said, swallowing her pride and allowing the guilt to emerge from its little hiding place inside her chest. \u201cI just\u2026came to apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith raised an eyebrow. \u201cYou what now?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy sighed. \u201cYou were right, it\u2019s none of my business. And you\u2019re my friend and I should have known better than to assume that you would hurt Xander.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith crossed her arms. \u201cWhat changed your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy shrugged. \u201cXander\u2019s old enough to make his own choices, whether they end up being good or bad. And in the event that they\u2019re bad, he can handle it.\u201d She stared at Faith. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll be there for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith looked at her for a long moment before she sighed, letting her arms drop to her sides. \u201cBuffy, I would never deliberately hurt Xander. I like him, a lot.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s just a date. No-one\u2019s saying it\u2019s going to result in a wedding or an illegitimate child. We\u2019ll just see how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy ignored the sudden wave of nausea Faith\u2019s words provoked. \u201cRight. Sure. I just don\u2019t want Xander to suffer for my bad reaction.\u201d At Faith\u2019s confused look, she continued. \u201cI heard you cancelled the date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh.\u201d Faith said, leaning against the doorway. \u201cThat was because – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m okay, Faith.\u201d Buffy said, trying to control the small tremble in her voice. She concentrated on sounded as sincere as she thought she should have felt. \u201cAnd I hope you have a great time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith looked unconvinced. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded. \u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith sighed, shrugging. \u201cOkay. Thanks, I guess. For coming over and making me feel a little less guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy glanced up. \u201cYou felt guilty?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, a little. You were right. I should have made sure it was okay with you first,\u201d Faith said. \u201cI think it was the shock that got you, more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Buffy agreed half-heartedly. \u201cLook, about what I said earlier. I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t mean – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, you did. But it\u2019s okay,\u201d Faith said quickly, when Buffy opened her mouth to protest. \u201cWe are who we are. And we\u2019re friends despite that, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Faith stepped forward suddenly and embraced Buffy in a hug, squeezing her tight. \u201cI\u2019m sorry too. I don\u2019t like fighting with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMe neither,\u201d Buffy said, when Faith pulled back.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want to come in?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I should get going,\u201d Buffy replied. \u201cI have to drop by the office and you have to get ready anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, that reminds me.\u201d Faith disappeared behind the door and re-appeared seconds later with a small file. \u201cCould you get this to Wes? I did some research. It\u2019s not a lot, but it\u2019s something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d Buffy nodded, tucking the file under her arm. \u201cWell, I\u2019m gonna take off.\u201d She looked up at Faith, forcing a smile onto her face. \u201cYou have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d Faith grinned. \u201cYou too.\u201d She waved and slowly shut the door, humming lightly to herself.<\/p>\n
Buffy stared at the closed door, unnerved by the sinking feeling of dread in her stomach that wouldn\u2019t subside.<\/p>\n