16<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
From the corner of her eye, Buffy could see Cordelia standing absolutely still, glancing from her to Xander and back again.<\/p>\n
She wasn\u2019t entirely sure how she afforded to be so perceptive given the circumstances\u2014her heart pounding against her ribs, her palms sweaty, her head spinning\u2014but when Cordy muttered, \u201cI, uh, have to be\u2026 not here\u201d and ran for the door, Buffy tore her eyes away from Xander to stare at her friend\u2019s retreating form.<\/p>\n
Cordy shot her an encouraging smile before the door closed with the quietest bang Buffy had ever heard.<\/p>\n
Leaving her alone with her best friend. The same best friend she soooo never planned to confess out her feelings for in such a complete blurtfest. Oh. God.<\/p>\n
Slowly, Buffy lifted her eyes to him, her stomach turning cartwheels. \u201cXander\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust\u2014\u201d He held up a finger, silencing her as he strode forward, his entire body trembling with emotion. He stopped a foot away from her, breathing heavily. \u201cYou love me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy felt tears prick behind her eyes, unable to say a word. Oh, God, she couldn\u2019t breathe.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove like\u2014\u201d Xander made various nervous hand gestures that normally would have made her smile but instead merely added to her hyperventilation. He released a breath. \u201cDo you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy bit her lip, blinking furiously as her vision became blurry. Looking into his eyes, she managed to force a reedy breathe but no recognizable words. Say it. For God\u2019s sake, say it before he totally freaks or you pass out! She could no longer deny it\u2014not to him and definitely not to herself. \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander\u2019s eyes teared up almost instantly and he opened and closed his mouth several times, as though searching for the right words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you.\u201d Buffy admitted. \u201cBut, Xander\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no buts.\u201d He bridged the gap between them, sliding his fingers through her hair and framing her face. Her eyes fluttered shut, the tears she\u2019d withheld escaping and rolling down her cheeks as Xander gently, tentatively laid his lips atop hers.<\/p>\n
Joy filled her soul, her heart rocketing as love flooded every cell in her body. Xander deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth across hers and taking her breath away. Buffy wrapped her arms around him, holding on for dear life as she kissed her best friend, amazed that this was even happening.<\/p>\n
In all their years of friendship, in all her times of happiness and despair and everything else, he\u2019d been there, right by her side. And she\u2019d loved him for it\u2014for the man he was and the woman he allowed her to be. It had taken almost losing him to realize it but she was here now, in this moment and in his arms, her body bursting with exhilaration and delight.<\/p>\n
It seemed like a lifetime later but Xander pulled back, his hands still cupped around her face. He leaned his forehead against hers and smiled.<\/p>\n
Her heart fluttered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Buffy,\u201d he said softly, rubbing his nose with hers. \u201cI always have, I always will.\u201d He grinned. \u201cAnd you have no idea how long I\u2019ve been waiting to say that to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy smiled, resting her hand on his cheek. \u201cI\u2019m sorry it took me so long to tell you.\u201d Her heart broke a little at what she was about to say. \u201cBut, Xander, we can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
His face fell. Buffy swallowed. Make that broke a LOT.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d His hands slipped from her face to her shoulders, squeezing. His eyes widened in realization. \u201cI broke up with Faith, Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked that out.\u201d Buffy nodded, winding her fingers through his. She half smiled. \u201cKinda figured you wouldn\u2019t have kissed me like that if the two of you were together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander shook his head in confusion. \u201cThen why\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you,\u201d Buffy interrupted. \u201cI love you so much. But we can\u2019t do this.\u201d She brought their joint hands to her chest. \u201cNot so soon after you\u2019ve broken up with Faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander stared at her, silent.<\/p>\n
Buffy released a shuddering breath, pursing her lips together when her eyes began to tear again. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt her.\u201d One tear after another wet her cheek. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want to hurt you.\u201d She pressed her forehead to his chest, gathering her strength. \u201cSo this can\u2019t happen. Not just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a pregnant pause before Xander said a word, mulling over her declaration. It was difficult to give someone up so soon after you\u2019d found them. And while Buffy was tempted to throw it all to hell and keep going, she couldn\u2019t,<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Xander said finally, kissing the top of her head as his arms tightened around her. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded, allowing herself a few more seconds in his arms before she pulled away from him, the crestfallen expression on his face mirroring her own. She knew she\u2019d go to bed with a shattered heart, even though it was the right thing to do.<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
THE NEXT MORNING<\/u><\/p>\n
Angel rolled over in Cordelia\u2019s bed, shielding his eyes from the dull light that flowed just short of the bed from either end of the balcony curtains. There was a gaping space next to him and he turned his head towards the clattering sounds coming from the bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah?\u201d She emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed in a simple black shirt and jeans, still running a brush through her hair.<\/p>\n
Angel groaned, ducking his head under the pillow. \u201cBaby, it\u2019s nine o\u2019clock in the morning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d Cordy walked briskly over to the bed, sitting on the edge and pulling her boots on. \u201cBut Faith didn\u2019t answer any calls last night and I want to head over and make sure she\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel peaked out from under the pillow. \u201cDid the boy choose Buffy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cHuh.\u201d Angel shrugged. \u201cI would\u2019ve gone with Faith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shot him a look. \u201cUh-huh, okay, I\u2019ll file that under \u2018information I could\u2019ve done without yet will come back to haunt you.\u2019 And, yeah, well he\u2019s Buffy\u2019s best friend. He\u2019s been in love with her for years and she\u2019s practically the only one who didn\u2019t know.\u201d She rolled her eyes. \u201cWe should\u2019ve seen this coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMake that me and Riley and any other relevant person who is not you or Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel fiddled with the hem of her shirt, pulling it up slightly and placing a kiss on her naked hip. \u201cSo, is this Riley guy still in love with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should go without saying that he adores me beyond all reason.\u201d Cordelia grinned at the change of subject. \u201cBut, no. That was different\u2014we were together and *then* we became best friends.\u201d She squirmed when he traced the outline of her tattoo. \u201cThe break up was a mutual decision. But hey, if you\u2019re still curious, you can ask him tonight over dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm\u2026\u201d Angel agreed, barely listening. Her tattoo was fascinating, dark and brilliant, standing out against a radiant canvas of bronze, flawless skin. When she bent over for her other boot he seized the opportunity, lifting her shirt a little higher. He pressed a kiss to the very centre of the sun, trailing his tongue down to the base.<\/p>\n
Cordelia shivered. \u201cAngel\u2014\u201d She sucked in a breath and the scent of arousal flooded the air. Angel wrapped a hand around her waist, hooking a finger through a loop in her jeans. \u201cAngel, I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
She made an attempt to stand, nearly falling backwards as he tugged at the loop. He tried to pull her back into bed but she was having none of it. Cordy pulled away from him, squeezing his chin between her thumb and her forefinger, placing a wet, mushy kiss on his mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, gorgeous.\u201d She winked as she grabbed her jacket, heading for the door and leaving him aroused and frustrated. \u201cWe\u2019ll finish this when I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
Faith sipped her morning tea, resting her head against the soft pillows of her couch where she\u2019d fallen asleep the night before watching Sex & the City. Man, she loved that Samantha.<\/p>\n
She sighed, wrapping the blanket a little tighter around herself. She wasn\u2019t sure what was worse\u2014the fact that she\u2019d been dumped by Xander Harris, or the fact that she hadn\u2019t had the sense to dump him first.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t like she was really bitter about it\u2014they weren\u2019t anywhere close to serious and she\u2019d never to the day had a guy leave enough of an impact on her to make her give a crap when he walked away\u2014but the logistics of the whole thing irked her a little.<\/p>\n
Xander was obviously still in love with Buffy. He always would be. She wasn\u2019t sure why she\u2019d even pursued it in the first place. She liked the guy, sure, but it wasn\u2019t like she wanted a house with picket fences and a cat named Betty. And she damn sure hadn\u2019t wanted to be the blunt object that brought Xander and Buffy to their collective senses. So what the hell had she been thinking?<\/p>\n
The doorbell startled her out of her thoughts and Faith groaned, uncurling from beneath the blanket and pushing herself off the couch. She looked through the peep hole, smirking as she opened the door. \u201cI was wondering how long it\u2019d take before you showed up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI come bearing gifts.\u201d Cordelia Chase walked through the door and into the apartment like she owned it, dropping the burgundy Prada bag she was carrying down on the kitchen counter and lifting items out of it. One by one she handed them to Faith. \u201cBehind pocket number one\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLiquorice?\u201d Faith asked, staring in confusion at the packet in her hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you love it.\u201d Cordy handed her a CD, delving right back into the bag.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeavy metal music?\u201d Faith cracked a smile. \u201cCordelia\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shrugged. \u201cI know you like pummelling things when you\u2019re angry. Seemed like an appropriate soundtrack Which reminds me\u2026\u201d She frowned, rifling frantically through the bag. \u201cNow where did I\u2014aha! Here.\u201d<\/p>\n
She handed Faith a small, thick plastic packet with a grin, hands on her hips. Faith studied the packet, feeling a surge of laughter bubble up in her throat. \u201cAn inflatable doll?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was either that or a punching bag.\u201d Cordy smirked, waggling her eyebrows. \u201cI figured you\u2019d have more fun with the doll.\u201d She pointed at the packet. \u201cAnd look, it\u2019s blonde\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith released a snort of laughter, tossing the bag onto the counter and walking around it into the living room. \u201cThanks, Cor,\u201d she said dryly. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll have a few rounds with it later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia followed her to the couch, taking a seat next to her. She intertwined her fingers with Faith\u2019s. \u201cNot to sound all Agony Aunt or anything, but\u2014are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSurprisingly?\u201d Faith said. \u201cYes.\u201d She ran a hand through her hair. \u201cIt bugs me a little, sure, that I didn\u2019t think to dump a guy who\u2019s completely in love with someone else. Or, even better, not get involved with him in the first place beyond casual sex\u2026\u201d She glanced at Cordy, rolling her eyes. \u201cBut we weren\u2019t campaigning to be the next Brad and Jen, so I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMore like a Ben<\/i> and Jen,\u201d Cordy said, a contemplative look on her face.<\/p>\n
Faith mock-glared at her. \u201cDid you just compare me to J-Lo?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2026,\u201d Cordy paused, grinning at her. \u201cIt was a metaphor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Faith snorted, resting her chin on her palm. \u201cTo be honest, I feel bad for the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy look confused. \u201cWe\u2019re back to Xander? Cause Ben was doin\u2019 just fine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith made a face at her. \u201cYes, Xander!\u201d She shrugged. \u201cAll that pining and those unrequited feelings. I just hope he finds\u2026 whatever it is he was lookin\u2019 in all the wrong places for with me? I\u2019d say peace, but then I\u2019d have to question his sanity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy took a deep breath. \u201cFaith, there\u2019s something you should know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith looked up.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy\u2026\u201d Cordelia bit her lip. \u201cBuffy\u2019s in love with him too. That\u2019s why she was so weird about you guys, it just took her a while to figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s mouth opened and closed a few times in disbelief, surprised that she felt somewhat lighter after that revelation. \u201cWell, damn.\u201d She popped a liquorice whip into her mouth. \u201cColour me speechless yet not totally surprised.\u201d She scratched her chin. \u201cI guess\u2026 I\u2019m happy for them?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy raised her eyebrows because Faith wasn\u2019t looking too sure. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Faith smiled slightly at the look on Cordelia\u2019s face. \u201cI mean, my ego\u2019s not exactly jumping for joy or anything, but it\u2019s about time. They were always kinda meant for each other, weren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re not mad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Faith shook her head, shrugging. \u201cI\u2019m not really anything at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rubbed a hand across her back. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, honey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be,\u201d Faith said firmly. \u201cLike I said, I hope they\u2019re happy together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, actually,\u201d Cordy said as she put her hands in her lap, \u201cI think the actual plan is to not rush into a relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith paused, a liquorice whip inches from her mouth. \u201cCome again?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy seems to think it would be in poor taste for them to hook up so soon after your split.\u201d Cordy shrugged. \u201cShe\u2019s afraid it\u2019ll upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, for the love of\u2014!\u201d Faith rolled her eyes, smacking a hand down on her knee. \u201cAre you kidding? Tell me you\u2019re kidding! She\u2019s turning out to be even more of a Sandra-Dee than I thought!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFaith,\u201d Cordy admonished.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Cordy, this is ridiculous!\u201d Faith got to her feet, grabbing the packet with the inflatable doll and ripping it open. \u201cSo you\u2019re telling me, not only did I get dumped by Xander frickin\u2019 Harris for nothing\u2026 but now the Betty to my Veronica has sent you over to hold my hand while I fall apart at the loss?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, back up a sec.\u201d Cordelia waved her arm in argument even as she quickly pulled her legs up out of Faith\u2019s now ferociously paced path. \u201cBuffy didn\u2019t send me. Nobody sent me. I\u2019m here for *you* because, hey, best girl buds\u2014it\u2019s what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same kinda girl buds that think I\u2019m gonna go to pieces over a guy? A guy! And not just any guy, but Xander\u2026 who wears his heart on his sleeve the way I wear leather!\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith\u2019s speech got increasing louder and more agitated to match her frustrated gait and swinging arms. \u201cSo it\u2019s not as if I shouldn\u2019t have seen this piece of 90210 melodrama coming a MILE away! Guess what\u2026 if I didn\u2019t? There\u2019s the fact that Xander all but broke out in hives at the idea of sleeping with me. Not all women, mind you, just me! Me, the total opposite of Buffy, who\u2019s freakin\u2019 perfect and blonde and smart and full of table manners!\u201d<\/p>\n
She continued to vent. \u201cBut you know what the worst thing is? The worst thing is that they both deserve to be happy and they could be happy together but instead they\u2019re being all noble and considerate of my feeling or some crap like that! Which means I can\u2019t even be pissed at either of them and that is just PISSING ME OFF!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia paused with double raised eyebrows, making sure the other\u2019s woman\u2019s rant was truly over. \u201cBut you\u2019re not upset or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith stopped suddenly, took a deep breath, and finally looked back at her friend. \u201cOkay, maybe I am\u2026 a little.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you can drop the maybe part now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d Faith collapsed onto the arm of the sofa, chucking the inflatable doll she\u2019d been waving wildly during her tirade onto the seat. She groaned and let her head fall into her hands. \u201cThis whole thing is so messed up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTell me about it.\u201d Cordy let her face scrunch up in an exaggerated grimace. \u201cEither of you femme fatales go anywhere near Riley, I\u2019m kicking your ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith flopped back against the sofa cushion as a gurgled laugh escaped her mouth. \u201cYou could try.\u201d Then she turned her head and gave Cordelia a probing look. \u201cYou know I want Buffy to be happy\u2014really honest-to-God, bustin\u2019 out all over happy\u2014right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I know.\u201d Cordy reached over and lightly stroked the other brunette\u2019s arm. \u201cShe does, too, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith let her chin drop to her chest, almost sheepish when she asked, \u201cDoes it make me a total bitch to feel a tiny bit, I don\u2019t know\u2026 temporarily jealous?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled softly and pulled her normally tough-as-nails pal into a deep hug. \u201cNo, honey\u2026 it just makes you human.\u201d<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
\u201cDammit.\u201d Wesley swore under his breath, slamming the large book in front of him shut. This wasn\u2019t right, he didn\u2019t want to do this \u2013 didn\u2019t want to send his girls to hell and back. It was too dangerous, too detrimental to their physical and worse, emotional health.<\/p>\n
And yet there appeared to be no other way. He\u2019d researched every other possible approach only to come up empty handed. He doubted the Powers would be much help \u2013 their intentions for the team had been made pretty clear, this *was* after all their job.<\/p>\n
Wes placed his head in his hands, his heart lifting slightly when a warm hand settled on his back, rubbing in soothing circles.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoffee?\u201d Kate asked, handing him a small mug. \u201cThe kick might help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wes took it with a grim smile. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I\u2019m being so dull.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you\u2019re in overprotective, worry mode.\u201d Kate waved his doubts away with a hand. She grinned. \u201cI think it\u2019s sexy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley smiled, staring at her for a second before returning to the crowded table in front of him. Books and papers were scattered across it, some littering the floor. \u201cI just don\u2019t know what to do, Kate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate frowned, squeezing his arm. \u201cYou\u2019ve done all you can, Wesley. It\u2019s their decision now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but they\u2019ve appeared to have made the wrong one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe.\u201d Kate said. \u201cBut it\u2019s up to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley released a breath, removing his glasses and placing them on the table. \u201cYou\u2019re right. Of course you\u2019re right. I just\u2026don\u2019t like it, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice,\u201d Kate smiled softly, cupping his cheek. \u201cThat you care so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded, covering her hands with his own. \u201cRight now, it seems like all I *can* do.\u201d<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
Her skin glistened in the late afternoon sun, all smooth and golden, her body a masterpiece of slim curves, inherent elegance and delicate, subtle strength. The bikini she wore was barely there, a colourful combination of bright vertical stripes that glimmered brilliantly in the setting sun.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t play fair.\u201d Angel rasped, his throat dry with desire as he stood at the edge of the shadows, watching her, his hands itching to reach out and touch.<\/p>\n
Cordy lifted her sunglasses, raising an eyebrow. She took a sip from her drink, leaning back in her deck chair. \u201cPlease, this is the most sun I\u2019ve had all week.\u201d She rested her hand beneath her breasts, sliding it down her stomach, knowing the effect it would have on him. Angel growled, his hand tightening on the sliding door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWasn\u2019t there something we were supposed to be finishing?\u201d He grumbled. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know, together?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s lips quirked up at the sides. \u201cQuit your pouting, Angel. The sun will set soon enough and then you can haul your luscious ass out here and join me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She was right. It didn\u2019t take long for the sun to disappear beneath the faint line of the horizon and Angel strolled out from the kitchen and onto the patio, throwing his towel onto a deck chair. He glanced down at Cordy, swiftly turning on his heel and sliding into the luke-warm water of the pool.<\/p>\n
He smirked when she sat up. \u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm?\u201d He began doing laps, his body submerging and emerging from beneath the surface, water sluicing between his shoulder blades as he swam the length of the pool. Frustration and annoyance radiated off Cordelia in waves and Angel bit back his smile, doing a final length before stopping at the side, just short of her tapping feet.<\/p>\n
She had gotten out of the chair, her hands on her hips as she glared down at him. \u201cWeren\u2019t you supposed to join me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel spread his arms wide in the water. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you join me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia huffed, rolled her eyes, then huffed again. Finally, she moved, dropping to her heels and sliding one long leg after the other into the water. She glided down the side of the pool and into the water, swimming leisurely over to him until she was about a foot away. When he stretched out his arm she linked her fingers through his, bringing his hand to her lips.<\/p>\n
All the blood in Angel\u2019s body rushed south as she sucked a finger into her mouth, holding his gaze and kissing the soft skin between his index finger and his thumb. Her lips trailed along his forearm, slowly bridging the space between them as she gave in, linking her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not a big fan of games.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grinned widely. \u201cSo I see.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up.\u201d She kissed him, teasing his lips with tiny close-mouthed kisses, never quite letting the weight of her mouth to fully rest on his. His body stirred, feeling incredibly alive and Angel cupped a hand around Cordelia\u2019s neck, putting the slightest bit of pressure and holding her lips in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I\u2019m the impatient one?\u201d She mumbled, nipping his lower lip.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up, Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her laughter was beautiful, the moonlight making her body, her eyes, her very *soul* glow before him. Something tugged at his heart and Angel swiftly buried it deep, thinking of his son, of his own little private hell that still awaited him. This place, Cordy\u2019s arms, they were refuge. And yet somehow, by just being herself she made him feel like a human being, made everything in this moment seem totally perfect –<\/p>\n
\u201cTherapy.\u201d Came a strangled voice from the kitchen doorway and Cordy and Angel jerked their heads up to see a man \u2013 young, good looking – leaning against it with his arms crossed, looking ill. \u201cAs in *I* am going to be needing a LOT of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s arms tensed around Cordelia as he braced himself for a fight, pausing when he noticed Jack standing at the guy\u2019s feet, looking up at him and zealously wagging his tail.<\/p>\n
\u201cRiley.\u201d Cordy said breezily, not bothering to unwrap her legs from around Angel\u2019s waist. \u201cHow\u2019d you get in?\u201d<\/p>\n
Oh.<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cI have a key, remember?\u201d Riley winced. \u201cSpeaking of which, can you UNLOCK your limbs from around him long enough to actually introduce me to the guy?\u201d<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, Planet of the Apes is by FAR Heston\u2019s best movie!\u201d Riley slammed his fist down onto the small table between the deck chairs, making the glass atop it rattle.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re wrong,\u201d Angel retorted, sipping his red wine. \u201cBen-Hur is a classic. There\u2019s no beating it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever. My dad made me watch Planet of the Apes when I was eight.\u201d Riley smirked at the memory. \u201cBest damn day of my entire childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy raised an eyebrow. \u201cDull childhood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley shot her a dirty look. \u201cThere were scantily clad primitive women.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course there were\u2026,\u201d Cordy deadpanned. \u201cWhy am I not surprised?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSee? Planet of the Apes is just a sensationalist movie.\u201d Angel dismissed it with a flick of his wrist. \u201cBen-Hur\u2014now that\u2019s one of the greats of our time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re both dorks of our time!\u201d Cordy snapped. \u201cSpeaking of time, you\u2019re wasting mine. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re bonding but yeesh. I\u2019m going to get some juice.\u201d She stood up with a huff and walked into the kitchen.<\/p>\n
Neither man batted an eyelid.<\/p>\n
Riley made a face. \u201cA great what\u2014fashion statement? It\u2019s about men in short dresses and sandals!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a historically accurate wardrobe!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, because there\u2019s no mandatory loss of balls with that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel rolled his eyes. \u201cAs opposed to your pick where all men are ruled by apes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe apes are intelligent!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about APES,\u201d Angel repeated, the inflection in his voice saying he shouldn\u2019t have to point out the obvious.<\/p>\n
\u201cBite me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel grinned, flashing a hint of fang.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we\u2019re back to therapy.\u201d Riley leaned back in his seat. \u201cWhich I should warn you, you\u2019re getting the bill for.\u201d He mock-glared. \u201cDead man walking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKen doll.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley laughed, taking a swig of his beer. \u201cAlright, I call it even.\u201d He tipped his bottle. \u201cHeston\u2019s a legend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAmen.\u201d Angel clinked his bottle with Riley\u2019s, pausing when the boy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you guys burst into flame when you say shit like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel made a small choking sound in the back of his throat, beer nearly coming out of his nose. \u201cThat would be a no.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re still debating Charleston Whatshisface, I\u2019m leaving you both for a younger, buffer, more trainable cabana boy.\u201d Cordy strolled back onto the patio and Angel held his hand out, spreading his legs when she slipped hers into it and slid onto his thigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne official conversation change coming up.\u201d Riley popped a peanut into his mouth, ruffling Jack\u2019s hair. Then he made a vague gesture towards them, \u201cLet\u2019s discuss this, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia raised an eyebrow. \u201cDepends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow narrow-minded, over protective, and testosterone-laden you\u2019re gonna be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPretty damn,\u201d Riley replied instantly, locking eyes with Angel. \u201cShe likes you. And if I have to tell you that you\u2019re the luckiest bastard to ever walk the planet, you don\u2019t deserve her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGee, Dad, why don\u2019t you just forget all the flowery getting-to-know-you talk and just cut to the chase?\u201d She wiggled around on Angel\u2019s lap, trying to get comfortable and Angel stiffened, tempted to glare at her when she smirked but not dropping Riley\u2019s very serious gaze. \u201cTone down the seriousness, Riley\u2026 it\u2019s starting to freak me out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLikes Heston, seems like a stand-up guy\u2026 no reason for me to not to be tickled pink.\u201d He didn\u2019t look away from the vampire currently cuddling with his best friend. \u201cBut I find it\u2019s easier to keep the math very simple. She\u2019s happy, I\u2019m happy. She\u2019s hurt, you\u2019re dust. Simple enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel didn\u2019t look thrilled with Riley\u2019s tone but to his credit, he extended his hand forward, his eyes totally sincere. \u201cAll smart-ass remarks about \u2018you human, me vampire\u2019 aside \u2013 I get it. You care about her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley raised an eyebrow, reaching forward and shaking Angel\u2019s hand. \u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes at their display. \u201cWell, don\u2019t I feel like a piece of meat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel hid his smile with a kiss on her shoulder while Riley merely grinned at her, unabashed. \u201cThat\u2019s why we love you, Cor.\u201d<\/p>\n
****<\/p>\n
Buffy didn\u2019t much like walking into public parks at night time \u2013 it came with patrolling responsibility every now and then but it still gave her the wiggins. She followed the winding path between the trees, walking several feet until she came to the clearing Faith had described earlier that evening on the phone.<\/p>\n
A figure was already standing where they were supposed to meet, a man, medium height, dressed surprisingly similarly to –<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cXander?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy?\u201d Xander\u2019s jaw dropped when he saw her. He took an uncertain step towards her. \u201cWhat are you – ? Did Faith – ?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did.\u201d Faith said, appearing as if from nowhere and making Xander jump. \u201cAnd relax, I haven\u2019t lured you both here to kill you, though I\u2019ll admit it is tempting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy felt a wave of guilt wash over her as she took a step forward. \u201cFaith, I\u2019m so sorry – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFinish that thought and I\u2019ll beat your ass,\u201d Faith interrupted her, crossing her arms.<\/p>\n
Xander frowned and Buffy narrowed her eyes, completely lost. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on Faith?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty simple actually.\u201d Faith said, jutting her chin out sharply. \u201cSo I want the two of you to shut up and listen very closely.\u201d She glared at them, pausing to take a deep breath.<\/p>\n
Xander shifted uncomfortably. Buffy only stood silent, listening.<\/p>\n
Faith continued. \u201cYou love each other. It sucks that none of us realised it sooner but you do. And I don\u2019t want to stand in the way of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy swallowed. \u201cFaith – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wont let *you* let me stand in the way of that,\u201d Faith said firmly, looking Buffy straight in the eye. \u201cIf you do then none of this will be worth it. Not this uber-awkward moment in our friendship, not our work\u2026 none of it. Plus, I\u2019ll lose my temper AGAIN, which as we all know, isn\u2019t pretty.\u201d<\/p>\n
She swivelled on her heel, facing Xander. \u201cI\u2019m already over it. But I\u2019d be lying if I said you didn\u2019t piss me off just a little.\u201d Xander swallowed, nodding. \u201cAnd I know you\u2019re sorry but none of that makes any difference if you don\u2019t see this through. Because then you messed it all up for nothing and I\u2019d have to take back my \u2018you\u2019re not a loser\u2019 theory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can take it back.\u201d Xander said softly. \u201cI deserve it and you have every right to think it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t play for sympathy, Xander.\u201d Faith said dispassionately. \u201cI don\u2019t care for it. The only thing that\u2019s gonna make this right is if both of you snap out of whatever holier than thou bubble you\u2019re in and get together so that we can all get on with our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sudden hope that rushed through her veins made Buffy nearly dizzy with it. \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I staged this whole thing because I\u2019ve discovered my inner martyr. Yes, really,\u201d Faith answered, and Buffy swore she saw her lips quirk at the edges. \u201cDo I wish you\u2019d found some other sucker as the catalyst for your romantic not-quite-coupling? Hell, yeah. But my heart isn\u2019t broken and the bottom line is I want you to be happy.\u201d She did smile then, the tiniest curve of her lips though it made Buffy\u2019s heart sore. \u201cThe two of you fell in love. Not exactly end of the world stuff. So just get over yourself already and be together, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
They were both silent for a few seconds after she spoke and Faith raised her eyebrows expectantly, watching conflicting emotions dapple across their faces. It surprised her, how fair and rational she was being, and yet Faith knew she\u2019d dealt her own hand in this too \u2013 she\u2019d wittingly dated her best friend\u2019s best friend who just happened to be in love with her best friend.<\/p>\n
Faith shook her head, having confused herself. Either way, they\u2019d all done a little something wrong here and there was one way to set it right, one way they\u2019d all be happy and all loose ends were tied.<\/p>\n
She came out of her reverie with a shocking realisation – Buffy and Xander both looked like they wanted to hug her. \u201cDon\u2019t even think about it.\u201d Faith said, putting a hand up in front of her. \u201cNone of that.\u201d She shook a finger, taking a step back when they both stepped towards her. \u201cHey! Hey, hey, HEY! I said – \u201d<\/p>\n
She was engulfed in a group hug mere seconds later, the breath rushing out of her lungs as they both ploughed into her, wrapping their arms around her tight. She didn\u2019t want to enjoy it, really, she didn\u2019t, but when Xander\u2019s chin rested atop her head and Buffy pressed her cheek into her shoulder, Faith couldn\u2019t help herself \u2013 a grin broke across her face and she laughed, a strange happiness taking flight inside her.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright\u2026\u201d She conceded, patting their backs almost awkwardly, \u201cNo, really, knock it off.\u201d She rolled her eyes when they didn\u2019t immediately let her go. \u201cGuys, breathing! Becoming an issue!\u201d<\/p>\n
They released her, smiles on both their faces and Buffy grabbed her hand, squeezing it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Faith.\u201d Xander said sincerely, gracing her with a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, yeah, you\u2019re welcome.\u201d Faith pushed Buffy towards Xander, sliding her hands into her pockets. \u201cGo kiss and strike up the violins, or whatever the hell it is you people in love do. I\u2019m outta here.\u201d She winked at them, turning and walking towards the exit of the park, throwing a final look over her shoulder at the couple she left behind.<\/p>\n
Silhouetted in the moonlight, Buffy and Xander stood wrapped in each others arms, the joyful kiss they shared making Faith certain she had done the right thing..<\/p>\n