tessarin

BTVSFIC - By Erie's Shore - 15 6/?

2008-05-14T19:57:37Z

Title: By Erie's shore
Author tessarin
Rating: 15
Characters: Faith/Xander, Giles, Willow,ensemble
Summary: By the shores of Lake Erie dark forces stir within and without recovering their strength. Faith and Xander struggle towards a new understanding and the forces of the Old and New Council prepare themselves for a new battle.
Warnings; Language (Faith is in it after all)
Disclaimer: Buffy the vampire slayer is owned by Fox. All characters bar original characters are copyrighted by Fox and Mutant Enemy.
Author's Note: This fic is the sequel to 'Running on' and takes place during the following December . As such reading the earlier story is recommended.Thanks to w00hoofor the beta.

"Oh, what's this?" Andrew asked. His hand rested on the leather bound cover of a rather large book balanced precariously on the edge of the all ready over laden desk in the corner of Ashley's room.

"Ah nothing," replied Ashley. She didn’t bother looking up from her note taking. In the end it was only the unmistakable sound of creaking leather that caused her to look up. Her eyes widened in panic as Andrew flipped open the cover of the only book he wasn't really supposed to see.

"Don't touch that," she screamed. It did the trick, causing Andrew to stumble back in horror. He tripped over backwards sending another pile of books cascading to the floor.

"Oops,” he grinned. He reached up accepting a helping hand from Albert who had set his own pile of books down on the floor. Not that you could tell exactly where he had put them down as her room bore more resemblance to an overflowing book storeroom than her bedroom.

"You okay?" Albert asked, sending a puzzled look in Ashley's direction.

"Of course," replied Andrew. He looked a little unnerved before he finally gathered himself and fixed his beady eyes on Ashley.

“But, the inquisitive amongst us might be wondering what it was about this particular book that's so interesting?"

"It's just something Mr Giles has asked me to take a look at," replied Ashley, a little too hotly holding the book closely to her chest.

"The Codex Oraculum. Doesn't sound familiar," mused Andrew.

"Will you just leave it," snapped Ashley. She grimaced as Andrew contrived to contort his face into a semblance of a kicked puppy.

"Look. I'm sorry Andy, its just you weren't here and Mr Giles needed some help. He asked me to give a hand," said Ashley.

"I'm sure if you ask Mr Giles he will tell you all about it," said Albert. He seemed completely oblivious to the ‘you’re not helping’ look Ashley sent him.

"I guess," replied Andrew. He shrugged fiddling with some other books. “Of course I still have to give him my big report. So maybe I can ask him then?"

"Probably," replied Ashley. “Anyway want to help with the rest?"

She grinned in what she hoped was a reassuring manner, as she gestured expansively to the multiple piles of books stacked all around the room including the recently demolished stack.

"Subtle much," said Albert. Her friend shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I swear Ashley you just want pack mules."

"Busted," grinned Ashley. “Well, Andy?"

"Okay," replied Andrew. He set the book he had been fingering gingerly down on the table.

"Good," said Ashley. She smiled at Andrew, relaxing slightly as his attention wandered again. “So I forgot to ask as to how you got on in Europe. Get to see many of the sights?"

"Oh, a few I saw where they filmed Genesis of the Daleks, and I spent many a happy afternoon in Forbidden Planet. Oh and that's not forgetting Playing games and Orcs Nest," said Andrew. “Plus you no doubt heard the great story of my exploits in old Valencia?"

"Yes, I do remember Mr Giles saying some about that," said Ashley non-committally.

"Yes. Actually he seemed most vocal when I discussed it with him on the phone, but I’m sure he would have acted in the same manner had he been in my situation," said Andrew.

"Well, yes that's one way of putting it," whispered Ashley.

"I see you have some of Abremicus' journals," said Andrew.

"Yes, are you familiar with them?" asked Albert.

"Well a little, unfortunately during my too close brush with the dark side, when I dabbled with the ways of the Sith," replied Andrew. He somehow managed to look alternately smug and repentant.

"What?" Albert looked perplexed. Ashley would have been to if she hadn’t had been brought up with a dweeb of a younger brother. Which reminded her maybe she should play nicer with Andrew, maybe she could pick Andrew’s brains about what to buy him for his upcoming birthday.

"So Andy, can you locate the rest of the journals? There seem to be about six of them mixed in with the stuff Albert brought up," asked Ashley.

"Certainly my leader," replied Andrew with a flourish and bow.

"What about these?" Albert asked.

"Over here Albie", replied Ashley. She secreted the Codex onto the shelf behind her back.

****

"I thought I would find you here," said Giles. He settled down on the bench overlooking the lake pausing only to brush some of the light layer of frost that encrusted the seat.

Dawn just flashed him a brief smile before returning her attention to studying the still dark horizon, looking Giles guessed for the first signs of her namesake.

"Sorry, I haven't had much time to talk to you since you arrived. Well one to one anyway," said Giles. He strained his own eyes picking out more shapes, the edges of trees, or the steep steps running down to the boat landing as the sky gradually lightened. He supposed only the most suicidal of Vampires would venture this close to the Council’s headquarters and that would be without the spells woven into the grounds by Willow and the coven.

They sat there a little while, his backsidegetting gradually colder despite the heavy insulating layers of his coat.

Dawn patted his leg before letting out a small sigh of pleasure as the sun finally crested the distant horizon. For an instant it threw Dawn's face into such a stark contrast that Giles couldn't help compare her profile to a Penny Black.

"Sorry Giles. I just don't like to miss it," said Dawn. She treated him with a mischievous shrug that so reminded him of Buffy that Giles couldn't help but smile in return. All grown up he thought. He wished Joyce could have been here to see what wonderful young women her daughters had grown into.

"No, although I must confess this is late, rather than early for me," he replied.

"Been out all night partying? Has that Slayer of yours been corrupting you so you can get your thing down," replied Dawn. She laughed mischief dancing in her tone.

"Ha ha, I'll have you know I was quite the night owl in my youth," grumbled Giles.

"What those happening waltz clubs." Dawn grinned at him her eyes twinkling with barely suppressed amusement.

"Tease all you will, some of us listen to real music," replied Giles.

Dawn stuck her tongue out. She settled back stretching her long legs resting on the grass.

"So, I meant to ask how your studies were going?" asked Giles

"Okay I guess. Actually I'm sort of lying their going great." Dawn grinned at him impishly. "I'm surprised you don't know what with all your spies and worldwide omnipotence."

"Good. Although I think you're sadly mistaken about the strength of my powers or the extent of my network," answered Giles.

"Actually I think you are," replied Dawn.

"Well, I hope you're right," said Giles. He smiled sadly wondering whether it would be a boon or a curse if his young charge was right.

"You know I am," replied Dawn. She stopped for a moment, chewing her lip as if she was considering something, risking a quick glance in Giles' direction before whispering to herself, obviously in an effort to psych herself up.

Giles tried not to let his amusement show having seen Buffy conduct exactly the same internal toing and froing before asking for something heinous like permission to be a cheerleader. Well not exactly that. He could clearly remember that to his exasperation that she hadn't and knowing Dawn he didn't think it was anything quite so trivial.

Eventually the young woman settled her internal battle and came out and asked, "Do you think there's sort of an atmosphere here?"

Not quite what he had been expecting and if he was honest Giles' wasn't exactly sure what Dawn was getting at.

"Sorry, I may be being a little slow, but how exactly," he inquired.

"Well, don't you think things are a little tense? Dawn repeated her question. She pursed her lips while at the same time lacing her fingers tightly together.

"No more than usual," admitted Giles sounding puzzled. “If you're worried about what Hans and David said during the meeting. Don't be."

"Well partly, but it was more a feeling I got whilst walking around the school. You know, something in the air, like something was ready to pop," replied Dawn her breath send forth great foggy clouds into the morning air.

"Like a foreboding?"

"Could be! Although to be honest I wouldn't say it was as strong as that. At least it’s nothing like the ones I remember or the ones covered in Drayton’s Compendium," replied Dawn. She peered over at him so that her long hair fanned out forming a lustrous curtain as she rested her head in her hands.

"How long have you had these feelings?" Giles asked concerned now as he took in the suddenly serious look on Dawn's face.

"Since I arrived," replied Dawn. "Do you think it could be something to do with me being the key?"

"It's possible," admitted Giles. "You may have a higher susceptibility to the flow of magic and to the interactions of the various dimensions. Maybe this extends into some sort of sixth sense?"

Dawn tutted and shrugged noncommittally.

"Maybe it’s just empathy, or that your very good a reading people."

"Yeah, like that’s likely! Otherwise I would be able to tell when Buffy was going to ground my ass," complained Dawn with a rueful smile.

"Well, from what I heard I think it was entirely justified," replied Giles.

"Na uh.” Dawn whined." She was so totally unreasonable. Anyway you weren't there."

"Well, it certainly felt like it," groaned Giles.

"She chews your ear off as well?" asked Dawn. She sounded somewhat sympathetic.

"That is one way of putting it. I think the words, grounded, life and throw away the key were used," replied Giles with an amused smile.

"God isn't she impossible," complained Dawn rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

"That she is, but she does love you. She is just a little over protective that is all. Something I must admit we’re all a little bit guilty of," said Giles.

"Ah!" Dawn grimaced before looking down and making as if to study her manicure.

"So your network is working after all," said Dawn.

"I guess you could say in a way it is," agreed Giles. He shifted in a vain attempt at posterior warming before asking," Does this have something to do with what happened in Africa?"

"In a way," admitted Dawn.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Giles.

"No," replied Dawn.

"But you're going to," prompted Giles.

"Yes," admitted Dawn.

****

"You are so going down," taunted Mary. She shot an ever so pleased smirk in Rowena's direction as they strolled down Highland Avenue on the final leg of their evenings patrol. The sky was just beginning to lighten but not enough to do anything other than contribute to a gradual palingof the sky. Certainly it wasn’t warming up the freezing December air or doing anything to melt the snow that crunched underneath the frozen feet of the patrolling Slayers.

"You may think what you wish but the fact remains that it will be you who will be the loser," replied Rowena. She fixed her younger charge with a knowing smile that just caused Mary to look at her like she had just grown two heads.

"Hah," laughed Mary. She suddenly stopped cocking her head to one side. “You hear something Ro?"

"Other than you no," Rowena replied," Although...."

"Down," screamed Mary. She suddenly shoved Rowena to one side sending the Slayer spinning to the ground before she dived after her rolling behind the rear bumper of a parked Chevy.

The heavy quarrel of a crossbow embedded itself into the snow crusted trunk of one of the many trees that graced the sidewalk along the suburban road.

"What can you see," asked Rowena. He breathing was ragged as she drew in great lungful of cold air. All the while her own eyes desperately scanned the darkness looking for any sign of their assailant against the backdrop of dark windows, shrubs and snow covered front stoops.

"Nothing," replied Mary keeping her voice low. "That looks like some heavy duty stuff."

"Shit," groaned Mary. She looked for a moment like a scared little girl as she peered into the darkness before spotting the rest of their team sheltering behind some trash cans on the other side of the street, "Becky's hit."

"There is something, how you say, hinky about that quarrel," mused Rowena nodding in the direction of the tree.

"You think? Maybe we should break out the books," snapped Mary. She shivered and whispered, "Sorry." Rowena smiled reassuringly at the young Slayer.

"Actually maybe we can ask them," replied Rowena her arm outstretched pointing at the dark figures loping from the cover of a van parked in a driveway up the street.

Vampires at least six from the look of it led by a hulking Vampire clad in dock workers overalls.

"Get them, remember follow the plan," he snarled dispatching three Vamps in the direction of Tanya and the wounded Becky before turning in their direction a cruel grin on his face.

"No point hiding bitches cause I can see you," he growled. He pulled up his sleeves as he and a pair of minions started towards them.

"Who said we were hiding," snapped Rowena. She stepped out from her hiding place around the side of the car and sending a flying kick into the Vampire that sent him sprawling to the ground.

Taking advantage of the confusion Mary rushed forward tackling the other two Vampires. A quick flurry of punches drove one backwards snarling to topple over someone’s plastic flamingo in their front yard. Thankfully for Rowena's unspeakable love of the little fellows the garden ornament itself somehow contrived to come out unscathed from the demonic encounter.

"Bitch," snarled the Vampire. He backhanded Rowena so hard that she slammed into the side of the chevy leaving a nice dent that the owner was going to have a hell of time explaining to his insurance assessor.

Rowena slipped to one side the studs on her jeans scouring a nice scratch on the cars paintwork before the Vamps fist slammed through the side window. Fragments of glass richoted into her cheek. Her foot lashed backwards stamping on the inside of the Vamps knee sending his forehead slamming into the door rim. Before, with a reverse swing, she punched her stake through his back and then his heart dusting him.

A quick glance showed that Mary was still engaged with a couple of Vamps although she was looking the worst for wear blood running down her left arm. The nasty cut and slashed clothing testament to the sharpness of the cruel knife being wielded by one of the Vampires. Her sister Slayer also sported some nasty bruises but was fending off the two Vamps gamely. A job that got considerably easier when Rowena drifted up silently behind one who had little time other than to give a panicked squawk before he was a pile of dust on the ground.

Mary stumbled causing the remaining Vampire on their side of the street to over commit as he lunged forward, leaving himself open to Rowena's stake which he didn't even see coming.

"Beth." Mary coughed blood, dropping to the ground. Rowena turned to where her despairing Slayer had pointed.

Beth was down on the ground not moving, a Vamp her bleached blond hair masking her face was feeding on the fallen Slayer. Tanya hung limply in the grip of another Vampire who turned a growling and blood smeared face in Rowena's direction before dropping the dead Slayer to the ground like a discarded fast food meal before backing away into the darkness.

"Gottverdammte Scheiße," screamed Rowena losing it and running over the road only to double over as the bleached blonde surged to her feet sending a massive punch into her kidneys sending her staggering to one side double up in pain.

The Vamp closed on Rowena another punch to her jaw sending her spinning to the ground.

"Run," she screamed blood and teeth spattering the ground as the Vampire leered down at her the blood of Becky still dripping from her fangs.

"Don't worry you'll get to live Slayer. I think my mistress will be happy with tonight’s work. Who would have thought two Slayers could be taken so easily," sneered Clarice, "As for you. You're safe at least until my mistress decrees your death."

"Verdammte Scheiße," snarled Rowena until the Vampires arm snaked out and gripped her throat, an iron vice choking the air from her before with a snarl Clarice tossed Rowena to the ground.

"Free ride is over Slayer, Cleveland is our town and you can tell your precious Council we'll be coming for you all soon enough." With that Clarice turned on her heel and strode off into the darkness the silhouettes of other Vampires joining her from the shadows.

Rowena just laid there her breath burbling in her throat, the night sky tunnelling in as the pain narrowed her vision.

"Ro, are you okay?" Mary asked, she staggered to her side and helped her team leader to her feet.

"Nein." Rowena shuddered as she clambered to her feet, her arms couldn't stop trembling. Each step felt like she was walking on hot charcoal.

"Oh God, Beth," sobbed Mary. Her hand trembled as she closed the blank staring eyes of the girl who until a few minutes before had been smiling along as she teased Ro.

Rowena reached out taking Mary's hand as they stared down at Tanya, the bruises on her arms and face showed she had fought and struggled as the Vampire had drained away her life’s blood. No easy death due to Vampiric rapture for Tanya.

Rowena reached down slid her arms under the body and then braced herself before lifting the body.

"Ro," asked Mary.

"Ro!"

"What are you doing?" Mary asked looking around, panic seeping into her tone. "We need to get back and warn the others."

"I'm not leaving them here," replied Rowena her voice sounded flat, dead in her ears.

"But they're..." Mary paused as a sob bubbled past her lips. "They're dead Ro there's nothing we can do for them now."

"No, you don't understand they're my team," replied Rowena.

"Ro," pleaded Mary. She tugged ineffectively at Rowena’s sleeve. "We've got to go."

"I'm not leaving them!!" Rowena screamed. She rounded on Mary causing the young Slayer to take a step backwards. She bit her lip as she ignored the tears running down her face.

"Okay, but I'm not leaving you. I can't lose you as well. So we go together," replied Mary biting down a cry of pain as she bent down and lifted Beth's body free of the ground.

"Let's go home," said Rowena.

****

The knock at the door for all its gentleness might as well have been the marching band at Penn state for the effect in had on Ashley's concentration. Even this slight disturbance forced her to look up from her study of the cryptic passage.

Oh god please no she thought as she prised herself wearily out of her chair, her limbs protesting through lack of use as she hobbled over to the door.

"Coming," she snapped. Her lack of sleep and the consumption of too much caffeine expressed itself in a waspish temper that she usually managed to keep under check.

She prised open the door and peered through the gap praying that it wasn't Andrew again. She swore if he compared his role in the last battle as like that of Kirk’s battle with Khan she would brain the little idiot.

Her heart sank as she spied the back of a tweed jacket, but then the figure turned and she sighed in relief.

"Oh Mr Giles," she exclaimed.

"Do you mind if I come in?" Giles smiled and Ashley became suddenly aware of her half clothed state her robe hanging half open.

"Of course," she stepped aside desperately trying to suppress the blush as the head of the Council moved past her into the disaster zone that was her room.

"Sorry about the mess," she said as she hurriedly straightened her robe and fixed anutterly fake smile on her face.

"Oh sit down Ashley I haven't come to pry," said Giles. He favoured her with what she was coming to recognise as one of his trademarked amused smile. He looked around before gently moving a pile of books from a chair and gesturing for her to sit.

"Thanks," replied Ashley sinking into the more comfortable armchair. “I would offer something but unfortunately I've only got cold coffee.”

"Thank you, but I'm fine. Actually I was lying about not coming to pry," replied Giles smiling as he took in the multitude of half empty mugs.

"Oh," replied Ashley.

"You're not pushing yourself too hard?"

"No, I'm fine. I was just trying to finish translating this passage," replied Ashley.

"Good," answered Giles. Although Ashley could tell he was far from convinced.

"So how is it going, if I might ask?"

"Well the transcription of the Sanskrit into Aramaic seems a little too literal, at least in my opinion," replied Ashley.

"So you question the veracity of Marcus' concerns?" asked Giles. He studied her so intently that Ashley could feel the flush on her face as she stammered out her response.

"No, not precisely although I think he may be being a little too literal in his translation. Which as you know is always a problem where prophecies are concerned."

"I see." Giles removed his glasses giving them a gentle clean with his rag. "You haven't spoken of this with anyone?"

"No!" Ashley snapped then regretted it immediately as Mr Giles drew back slightly surprised at her rebuke.

"Sorry," she apologised.

"There's no need. I shouldn't have asked. I know you promised you wouldn't speak of it to anyone other than me. I trust you, it’s just..." He replied trailing off and looking slightly embarrassed causing Ashley to boggle at him.

"Just," she asked.

"Andrew caught me in the kitchen earlier asking if he could help with whatever top secret hush hush project it was you were working on," he admitted.

"Oh God. I'm sorry Mr Giles. I thought he didn't really get a chance to see it. It was literally only a peek before I snatched it away. That’s why I've been translating it in my room rather than in the library."

"Ashley, I don't think there’s any reason to worry. Andrew knows the title and might do some digging on his own especially if he knew the identity of the suspected principals but I've given him some other work to do that should keep him tied up a while," replied Giles.

"Thank you," replied Ashley.

"But I do think from the looks of it that you could do with some help," suggested Giles. He reached out givingher knee a gentle squeeze when he saw how crestfallen she was.

"This isn't a judgement on your abilities Ashley; you're one of our brightest hopes." Giles smiled.

"And don't worry I wasn't thinking of asking Andrew. No, actually I was thinking of asking Dawn."

"Oh," replied Ashley.

"So what do you think?" asked Giles.

Ashley didn't have an opportunity to give her answer as the heavy sound of running feet, slamming doors and other commotion out in the hallway drew both their gazes to her doorway.

There was a heavy banging on her door and before she could even get up to open it someone tried the handle and finding it unlocked shoved the door open.

"Ashley come quick, there's trouble," said a half dressed Albert. He flushed with embarrassment as he took in the presence of Mr Giles.

"What is it Albert?" asked Giles.

"It's Rowena's team they've been attacked and there have been casualties," he replied.

****

"Ro, please you've got to put her down," pleaded Kennedy trying to edge a fraction closer to the distraught Slayer. Her normally composed face a picture of misery, eyes red raw from crying, her tee-shirt, oh god her tee-shirt covered in Becky's blood.

She tried to ignore the sobbing coming from the corner of the entrance hall where Willow comforted Mary. She was holding her tight to her chest, gently rocking her as the young Slayer finally broke down as she set the body of Tanya on the floor.

"Ro, speak to me," pleaded Kennedy taking a step closer and gently touching the girls arm. She paused and then gently reached up pressuring Rowena's chin so that she could look her in the eyes. She resisted Kennedy at first but then the fight seemed to go out of her.

"She's gone Ro," said Kennedy. the taste of salt on her lips proof of the tears running down her own face.

Rowena broke then. The tears coming in a steady stream, her wail of despair echoed round the hall causing Willow to send a concerned look in her direction. Rowena sagged to the ground and Kennedy braced her gently shifting her hands out of the way so that she could ease Beth's body to the floor between them, her arms reached and she pulled the Slayer into a hug.

Kennedy wasn't how sure how long she held Rowena. It could not have been long but she pulled back studied Ro's face, took in the bruises already fading courtesy of the wonders of Slayer healing.

"We need to get you looked at," said Kennedy.

"I failed them," repliedRowena her tone devoid of all emotion.

"You didn't," snapped Kennedy. She was pleased to see an answering flash of anger in the girl's eyes. That was better; let the anger come and burn away the guilt she was obviously feeling.

Kennedy didn't know what had gone down but she knew Rowena and doubted this was her fault. First though they needed to get her and Mary checked out and then find out what had happened.

"Come on," she gently pulled Rowena to her feet peripherally aware of the groups of Slayers and Watchers who clustered around the edge of the entrance hall, watching as she and Willow ushered the pair of injured Slayers towards the medical room. She caught Giles' eye as they passed the bottom of the stairs he gave her a quick nod.

****

"Right, Annabelle, Trixie, Satsu and Elbelle can you see to Tanya and Beth. The rest of you I want three teams sweeping the area out there in the next ten minutes. Keep your eyes peeled and report back. Don't go haring off after revenge. At least until we know what we're facing," said Giles as he addressed the fifteen or so Slayers and Watchers who crowded the stairs and the hallway.

"Do you want me to take a team?" asked Ashley.

"No, I need you to help me coax what happened out of Rowena and Mary," said Giles.

"Albert, go and find Faith and Xander, they'll want to be in on this," said Willow.

"Trudy, please arrange for the other members of the High Council to meet with me in twenty minutes," asked Giles. He watched as Trudy shouldered her way up the stairs before she disappeared into the gloom.

"This is terrible," whispered Ashley as the two bodies were removed from the hallway.

"I fear we may have become too complacent in our superiority," replied Giles sadly. He reached out giving her arm a comforting squeeze.

"Come on we have the living to see to," he said.

"And the dead to avenge," added Ashley.

****

Faith stretched still drowsy her breasts gently brushing against Xander’s chest bringing back pleasant memories of earlier in the night as she moved past him to check what the fucking time was. Unfortunately it wasn’t that time. Although the doofus smiled obviously enjoying whatever dream he was having. Faith was pretty damn certain she would feature in it in some way given last night and she felt a momentary warm rush… She wasn’t sure what it was but it took all her willpower not to reach out, to run her hand across his chest or reach down and kiss those lips. Shit she was becoming such a sappy loser. Problem was much as she wanted to do it the fucking banging on the door was getting damn insistent.

“All right, I’m coming and this better be fucking good or you’re a dead man,” she snapped ripping the door open.

Albert was standing on the other side, he gawped as Faith opened the door, blushed a deep red making Faith suddenly aware of her naked state. So what let the guy get a freebie look its not like she was bothered .Although she was pissed about being stopped from waking Xander up in an interesting way, her irritation died as she caught sight of his own rumpled half dressed state.

“Well, are you going to tell me what you want, or am I going to spend all night freezing my nips off when instead I could be tucked up in a warm bed,” growled Faith.

“Sorry, I didn’t realise,” replied Albert desperately trying to cover his eyes. He steeled himself removing his hand and looked Faith straight in the eyes although Faith couldn’t help grinning at the obvious effort it took the young Watcher not to look south of there.

“It’s Rowena’s team, they’ve been attacked. She’s pretty bashed up and…” Albert paused and then delivered the bad news.

“Two of her team are dead. We lost Tanya and Beth.”

“Fuck,” hissed Faith all her irritation evaporating. She didn’t recognise the names; she might have recognised the faces not that she would ever get to put the two together now.

“Mr Giles asked me to get you and Mr Harris,” explained Albert.

“Tell him we’ll be right down Albie,” replied Faith. “Just give us a couple of minutes to throw on some clothes.”

“Okay, Miss Lehane I’m sorry… If I had realised,” apologised Albert.

“Don’t sweat it Albie, you did the right thing,” replied Faith with what she hoped was a comforting smile.

“I’ll be going then, I need to get something more than this on if I going to help one of the teams,” replied Albert gesturing at his dressing gown.

Faith turned to find herself being regarded by Xander propped up the covers fallen away.

“So you hear,” she asked shucking on a pair of jeans and pulling her old rank tee back over her head.

“Yeah I did!” Xander sighed swinging his legs out from under the covers and running his fingers through his tousled hair. He looked over at her his face a study in regret.

“You know this royally sucks! I mean we bring the girls into this life and you know they think it’s all great. Hot chicks with superpowers,” he snapped not noticing in his need to unload Faith’s wince.

“But what are we giving them really? A short and terrifying life that ends in death. Having your throat ripped out by some evil bastard and not having anyone know the reason why?”

“Hey, we’ll get the fuckers that did this babe. I promise,” said Faith. She circled the bed, pausing only to pick up her boots, her hand reaching out to brush his face before she pulled it back suddenly uncomfortable with this gesture of intimacy. It somehow felt more real, more dangerous than the other stuff she had been doing to Xander with the lights out.

“I know we will. It’s just…” Xander smiled ruefully, his hand snaking out quickly and snaring her fingers before she could finish pulling them away. He rubbed his thumb, rough but gentle over the calluses on her fingers, his gentle smile provoking a husky groan of frustration from Faith who finished pulling away.

“So you ready? The others will be waiting,” she asked. She looked down at her boyfriend, her breathe hissing out in an audible stream between her teeth as she registered the look on his face. She recognised the look. After all she had seen it on his face before, even been the cause of it. Fear, Xander was afraid but for the life of her Faith couldn’t figure out why.

“Yes,” replied Xander.

****

Giles looked up from his place sat on the small two seat settee next to Mary as the door to the medical room burst open.

It wasn’t who he had been expecting though, no swirl of lustrous brunette hair marking Faith’s arrival instead it was Robin’s bald pate that greeted him.

“Giles, we have to talk,” said Robin. He was clearly out of breath and his eyes widened in surprise as he took in the two shrouded bodies on the slabs and Rowena being tended to by Annabel.

“I agree, we need to understand what has happened and how to respond,” replied Giles getting to his feet. He gave Mary a comforting smile before turning his attention to Robin.

Robin grimaced, his fingers rubbing his eyes.

“I don’t think you understand Rupert,” he sighed drawing Giles aside.

“Oh,” replied Giles.

“I wasn’t talking about this,” replied Robin gesturing. “I’m sorry I didn’t know. I guess I should have realised when I saw all the Slayers and Watchers milling around.”

“I hate to be the bearer of more bad news.” Robin glanced around checking to see if they were being overheard but Ashley was busy sketching a likeness of the Vampire who had lead the attack in response to Mary’s description.

“Please explain Robin. I really haven’t got time or inclination to play games.” Giles half snapped in reply before grimacing himself in regret. “I’m sorry. Please do go on.”

“I had a call from Wilhelmina. You remember that mission I told you about?” asked Robin.

“Yes. Jez wasn’t it?”

“Right, well something has gone wrong. Jez is overdue and Wilhelmina hasn’t heard from the two Slayers she sent to investigate. In fact I have reason to believe they may all be dead.”

Writing

2008-05-12T12:21:55Z

For those very few looking for the next chapter of 'By Erie's Shore' this was delayed by the weekends football. I know it should have gone up on Thursday but pre game stress meant I didn't manage to update the chapter based on the notes sent back from my beta. Hopefully it should be up in the next couple of days.

Mind you it might mean that I finally get around to writing the Spike & Giles footballing piece that I have been mulling a while. I did manage to get some work done on another WIP just not the one I was supposed to be working on.

Oh I also had a thought , Neil Pearson for Avon ?

Football & Chocolate

2008-05-12T11:07:03Z

Needless to say I am pleased. Although my head is still killing me with a tension induced headache. Watched the player awards last night which were somewhat raucous. Also watched 99 again which brought the usual laughter. No matter how many times Ole put's the ball in the Germans net I laugh.

Also saw this today which cheered me up. Marathon bars making a possible comeback.

Judgement Day

2008-05-11T15:00:09Z

Nails are gone. Media bias is doing my head in. Yes Scholes should have walked but Rooney's was a stonewall penalty. Still way too close for comfort. Strange they're not mention how Cheatski managed to walk out 3 mins late. Hopefully the half times will be synched up. Still some turns yet . Expect Chelsea to score. Wigan are up for it due to being wound up all week by Chelsea players, the media and everyone else.

Birthday Greetings

2008-05-09T08:28:00Z

Happy Birthday to empressvesica

Local Elections

2008-05-02T11:38:42Z

There were no local elections around our way. But maybe the faint stirrings of the people waking up are being heard. Hopefully Boris can slay Red Ken tonight. The election speak is as amusing as always. Listening being code for these are appalling results and we will definitely not listen.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/fixed_article/0,,91211-1314737,00.html

Apparently there has also just been a court ruling on an EU referendum. Have to investigate that. Still whilst the call for small government is gaining pace I sense I am still in a minority here.

BTVSFIC - By Erie's Shore - 15 5/?

2008-05-01T18:32:08Z

"It's not fair." Andrew grumped, as he trailed behind Kennedy. Kennedy risked a quick glance in his direction. He looked like a character from Southpark thought Kennedy. She looked away irritated at the distraction as she tried to keep her attention on her team, her eyes scanning the edge of the nearby cemetery for any hints of danger.

"What's not fair Andy," replied Kennedy, not bothering to turn back to look at the little twerp otherwise he might see the grin on her face. Still she had an idea what he was talking about even before the words came tumbling out of his mouth.

"You know we should be there. Even if it was only as negotiators like Picard in Darmok," replied Andrew his tone wistful.

"What?"

"You know like observers,” said Andrew. “Don't you think we should be more involved? Aren’t we also stalwart warriors who fought at the battle of Sunnydale?"

"Welcome to the B list or in your case the Z list," grumbled Kennedy.

"Hey not fair," complained Andrew.

"Sorry Andy, but hey what exactly would we get to do? Besides it’s likely to be pretty boring. Wouldn't you rather be out here, playing the part of the unsung soldier of the Council's growing army," she teased. She dropped back to trudge through the snow alongside Andrew as they trailed the other Slayers on the way back after a nights patrol.

"But?"

"No ifs or buts. Look if there were anymore people involved then nothing would get done. As it is Willow sometimes wishes that she could get rid of everyone else and make all the decisions," explained Kennedy.

"I don't believe you, not after her brush with the dark side she would never do such a thing," scolded Andrew.

"Believe what you want but she can be quiet domineering when she wants to," replied Kennedy. She smirked knowingly back at Andrew.

"I'm not sure I get....oh." Andrew trailed off going a bright shade of red, his blush visible to Kennedy even through the depths of his hood.

"So you up to anything whilst you’re in Cleveland, seeing anyone?" asked Kennedy, kind ofinterested despite herself.

"No,” he replied. “Actually I was hoping to catch up with Xander. Maybe watch some of the DVD’s I brought back from London."

"Ah," replied Kennedy. She shrugged giving Andy a comforting smile.

"But he's not been around; he's been like Tom Bombadil in Fellowship of the Ring." Andrew sighed, rubbing his hands together in an effort to warm out the cold. Unlike her he hadn’t really had a chance to get involved in the small amount of action that had gone down that night.

At Kennedy's look of incomprehension he added, "Missing!"

"Well you know how it is with a new relationship how all consuming it is," replied Kennedy.

"Yes," said Andrew. "It's like when I saw the X-files for the first time and the heavenly form of..." Andrew trailed off causing Kennedy to look to the heavens in exasperation.

"So he's spending all his time with Faith. He won't forget his buddy. I mean this is Xander we’re talking about," said Kennedy. She winced, promising she would make it up somehow to Willow.

"I suppose so,” mused Andrew. He looked contemplative before suddenly grinning. “I guess Xander is like Luke Skywalker to her Mara.”

"What?" asked Kennedy mystified and not for the first time at one of Andrew's geeky references.

"Leading her back from the dark side, the love in his heart like a beacon in the darkness," explained Andrew. He fixed her with such a quizzical look that she felt like she was a nerd missing something obvious.

"Only without the light sabre of course."

"Not from some of the stories Faith tells," said Kennedy. She smirked over at Andrew.

This time it was Andrews turn to be lost.

*******

Xander barely registered the half cry from Dawn. There was just a moment of dizziness, a sense of burning heat and the shadow of a thumb and then he was falling, slumping forward his head making a rather satisfying thunk as it hit the highly polished table before rebounding sending him tumbling to the ground in a tangle of chair legs and arms that grasped just that fraction too late.

He could hear voices, cries of alarm and shouts, then the cool smooth caress of trembling fingers across his cheek.

"Xander?"

The words seemed fuzzy, distant somehow and they needed to be repeated before they entered his befuddled brain, worming their way in to merge with the throbbing pain emanating from his eye and the feel of cold wooden floor against his skin.

"Willow," he groaned, attempted to twist to one side and only succeeded in getting his legs tangled in the legs of an expensive chair sending it clattering to the floor. He prised his eye open, ignoring the sudden flaring of painful light and forced himself to concentrate, forcing the blurs to resolve into things he could recognise. Worried faces, Willow leaning down her red hair falling forward to frame her face and to her left Dawn crouched, the worry clear on her face and beyond them he caught a glimpse of Hartford as he hurriedly poured water into large glass.

"Here," said Hartford. He held the glass out to Willow his hand trembling until she took it with a smiled thank you. She held the rim to Xander's lips.

"Hey you scared us there," said Willow. Xander could hear the hitch in her voice as he sipped ice cold water from the glass.

"You scared all of us," said Dawn. The tears still clearly visible in the corners of her eyes she reached out and gave his knee a gentle squeeze.

"Sorry," answered Xander. He winced slightly as fresh tendrils of pain seemed to lance outward from the hollow of his eye socket. It felt like someone was probing his brain with hot needles as he levered himself to his feet.

"Maybe we should take a break," suggested Slazenger sending an apologetic look in Xander's direction.

"Hey guys I just fainted that's all," explained Xander. He tried unsuccessfully to shrug off the ministrations of Willow and Dawn. Not that he minded, his mind was still trying to parse what the hell had just happened and his legs still felt like jelly. Last thing he remembered they had been arguing about, Faith.

"Are you sure Xander? You do look kind of ropey," said Robin. He leaned forwards with both hands planted on the table. His look showed genuine concern and Xander had to bite down on the wisecrack that he felt bubbling up.

"I agree, you did take rather a heavy bump to the head," said Giles.

"No, I'm fine thanks besides I'm used to it. Look I probably really just need to get something to eat," replied Xander. He looked meaningfully at Willow hoping that she would take the hint. Luckily for him, by happy coincidence, his stomach chose that exact moment to rumble.

"What am I your waitress?" Willow grumbled with a half smile.

"Yep, I kind of missed breakfast so some pancakes would good. Make sure to drown them with plenty of maple syrup," replied Xander trying, he hoped, to stop the pain he felt showing on his face as he grinned over at Willow.

"Me too?" asked Dawn. She looked at Willow with puppy dog eyes before giving Xander a quick surreptitious wink.

"Actually that may not be a bad idea," suggested Giles looking at his watch, "in fact I was planning to break for lunch soon anyway."

"Good so we're agreed then," said Slazenger looking rattled as he settled back down into his chair.

And just like that the atmosphere cleared.

********

Faith took the stairs two at a time, pushing her way roughly past a couple of probies ignoring their complaints.

"Where is he?" she asked, bursting through the door panting, her heart pounding in her chest. She whirled to find him, with his mouth full of pancakes, maple syrup dribbling down his chin.

Fucking unbelievable!

"What the fuck is going on here?" she snapped, fixing a spluttering Xander with a look. Well, let’s just say he knew she was pissed. She didn't remember much of the run from the derelict warehouse. Just one second being there the next being here confronting the High Council. The in between was just a blur of fear, worry and anger , anger that even now bubbled beneath the surface looking for a new outlet.

"Faith, Xander fainted," said Giles. Her Watcher was getting to his feet a troubled smile on his face. He glanced quickly over at Willow drawing Faith's attention to where Red was sitting just beyond Xander.

"Hey collapsed," complained Xander. He glanced at her with mock indignation before catching Faith's look, he gulped, “I’ll be quiet now.”

"Faith, look I..." said Red. She trailed off with a guilty look.

Oh yeah Red knew she had fucked up.

"Is there anything else Miss Lehane?” asked some tweed suit on the other side of the table.

"No I think we're done here," snapped Faith. She turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

******

"Faith," called Giles starting after his Slayer as she stormed from the room.

"No this is my fault," said Xander scrambling to his feet and running after Faith.

He caught up with her whaling on a punch bag in the training room, and from the look of the savage beating his girlfriend was giving it he was pretty certain she had somehow found time to paint his face on it before his arrival. He edged round, certain despite her giving him the cold shoulder treatment that she knew he was there. So he just propped him self against the wall of the gym and watched her take out her frustrations on the bag. He toyed for a moment with leaving her to work out her anger, to talk to her later when she had calmed down. Yeah that would work; he settled back for what he figured would be a long wait and just drank in the sight of Faith's toned form as she beat the shit out of whatever it was.

She stopped; it might have been five minutes might have been ten. Xander wasn't sure and he hadn't been counting. He just grinned wryly as Faith her chest heaving in a very distracting manner fixed him with an angry look that told him she was ready to talk to him.

"So you want to tell me what the fuck is going on? As all I know is that I'm dusting some Vamps and then Red is screaming in my head wicked loud that there's something wrong with you. So guess what I come running and what do I find...you making happy with the pancakes," said Faith. Her voice crackled with such anger that Xander would have taken a step backwards if he hadn't been backed against a wall.

"Well I did collapse," admitted Xander. He attempted to smile in what he hoped was the correct manner to disarm the enraged predator in front of him.

She paused then, some of the heat and tension going out of her. She slumped down besides him her hand reaching up to gentle trace the outline of his patch.

"So what happened then?" she asked, her voice suddenly soft.

"Not much to say we were discussing something and then I collapsed," replied Xander. He wasn’t ready, at least not yet, to tell Faith that they had been talking about her, knowing her she would somehow think that she was to blame.

"Fine don't tell me then," growled Faith. She clambered to her feet, her absence leaving a sudden cold void at his side as she stalked away before turning to regard him with a conflicted expression a few steps away.

"Hey look what am I supposed to say? Other than sorry, but you know what I was in blinding pain. Besides how was I to know that Willow had sent out a SOS," snapped Xander, trying to ignore the throbbing again, remembering that he had left his medication back in their room.

"Yeah, well she had and I..." Faith paused still breathing heavily and for the first time he could see the moisture in her eyes, their dark pools drawing him in, captivating his soul like they always did.

"Hey, I'm okay. Look I'm an idiot, well you know that already," he added with a wry grin feeling a little warm inside when there was an answering twitch at the corners of Faith's mouth.

Then she was there pressing him back against the wall, her mouth hungrily seeking his. He could taste the salt, sweat mixed in with the taste of her skin.

She snorted snot coming out of her nose before stepping back, "look at me anyone would think I'm B, must be going soft."

"Well I'm known to have that effect on the ladies." Xander grinned turning Faith's snort into a belly laugh. Despite his hurt male pride he let her get on with it before she grinned back at him.

"Yeah right, that bang to the head must have done more damage than we thought. Maybe you need some medical attention?" She fixed him with a predatory look that made him feel like a gazelle confronted by a lioness with a hunger to feed.

"Much as I'd love to unfortunately we've still got that High Council badoba to settle," grumbled Xander. He stepped into her, his arms snaking around her waist, marvelling when she leaned into him rather than pulled away. Her body, all softness and steel, the hammer of her heart beating into his chest.

"So tell them to take a hike, not like they can make a big deal of it or anything what with your girly fainty thing" said Faith, her tone half serious half teasing her hand moving places he would rather not think about. Not here, despite the gym being empty.

"Actually it was kind of important," he replied steeling himself for the explosion to come.

Faith snorted. "What how many pencils you're going to buy for the Slayer house in London?"

"No, we already dealt with that and it was six I was angling for seven but had to cut a deal with Willow in exchange for the pancakes." He teased breathing in her aroma, sweat, arousal all mixed in a complex cocktail of emotions.

"So what's so important you’re ready to blow me off." Faith grinned at her obvious innuendo.

"You actually," admitted Xander.

He felt her go still in his arms, her look was quizzical rather than angry, her tone though.

"What about me?" Faith asked.

"About you being offered the vacant Slayer seat on the High Council," said Xander.

"Your spazzing right?" Faith laughed, stepping away before turning and smirking at him. "Me and this Council thing not going to happen."

"You mean Giles hasn't spoken to you about this," asked Xander astonished. He could feel the ground shifting dangerously under his feet.

"Nah me and the G-man, no..." answered Faith trailing off. She shrugged, "probably knew what my reaction would be."

"But he proposed it," explained Xander.

"Well no offence babe but it’s not exactly my thing. Besides in case you hadn't noticed I'm not exactly winning any popularity contests around here recently. Plus me and B whilst we're sort of trucey don't think it would really be a good idea to lock us in the same room for a long time."

"I think you should take it, if it’s offered, which it will be," he hastened to add when Faith's eyes narrowed and not wishing her to start too far down that road.

"You’re kidding right? I'd be bored out my skull. Hell you fell asleep and banged your head," she teased, reaching up to brush a strand of sweaty hair out of her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. Look I'm being serious Faith, I really think you should do this, or at least talk to Giles about it. He's got to have his reasons, don't you think," said Xander.

"No I don't, and don't you get it. I don't want to do it," growled Faith.

"What is this? Some stupid hang-up about you paying your debt, about punishing yourself,” snapped Xander. So angry with her for failing to see how great she would be, how much they needed her, how much they owed her, how much he owed her. Sure it was only a crappy title and a boring job. She was a hero after all but she deserved some recognition not spending her life skulking in the shadows looking for atonement. She deserved more than that, why couldn't she see it.

Faith's eyes darkened, the light in their depths winking out, the smile disappeared from her face giving it a curiously blank look. Like one of those perfect china dolls, no anger, no rage, just silence.

"If that's what you think then fuck you as I certainly won't." She turned her back on him and resumed her pummelling of the punch bag.

"Faith, Faith look I'm sorry," said Xander. He wanted to reach out, to soothe away his fucked up attempt to baulk her into something she didn't want to do. But he was aware of the risk if he did so. He did anyway his fingers brushing lightly against her shoulder.

She stopped turned and he could see the tears running down her face.

"Go away Xander," she said, her voice quavering.

He ignored her reaching for her but she interposed her fists between them and ever so gently pushed him away.

"I said go," she said. She turned her back again.

He watched her pummelling the bag her shoulders quivering until he felt his heart crack and the implications of the words they had exchanged forced him to flee.

*****

They all looked up as he wandered back in to the High Council room. Willow's welcoming smile died as she caught glimpse of his face. Giles welcoming hand fell unused to his side as Xander brushed past him and slumped down into his chair.

"Where's Faith?" Dawn’s question was so whispered he almost didn’t hear it as he buried his head in his hands.

"I don't know," he sighed.

"So are we ready to resume?" asked Hartford. He seemed oblivious to the undercurrents flowing around the room. "That is if Mr Harris is okay to resume?"

"Yeah I'm fine, let’s just get this over with," replied Xander.

"I think that maybe we should just move onto other matters," suggested Robin sending a concerned look in Giles' direction.

"No, we have been putting off the matter of Faith's membership of this Council for too long," said Giles sitting down again at the head of the table he sent Xander a pointed look.

"There's no point, she'll not accept anyway," said Xander.

"Hey we don't know that? Do we?" asked Willow hesitantly, stealing a look at Xander, “Do we?"

"Well that settles it then, there's no point voting on it if Miss Lehane is only going to throw the offer back in our face," said Slazenger.

"I hardly think that's what would characterise Faith's response," replied Robin a little of the earlier heat creeping back into his voice.

"So shall we put it to a vote then," suggested Hartford.

"Well if we must," groaned Slazenger.

"We must," said Giles not meeting Xander's eye. In fact he seemed to be making a show of cleaning his glasses.

"Okay so all those in favour of offering Faith Lehane the Council post of Slayer secundus raise your hands and say aye," said Giles.

And just like that by a vote of seven to one the High council of the Watchers council agreed to offer Faith the role and all Xander could do was feel sick to his stomach and judging by the look on Slazenger's face he wasn't the only one.

"Good," said Giles.

*******

Faith could feel the bag shudder; it had become almost like a constant companion. The repetitive jab, kick followed by the shuddering giving response.

As for her fists she felt nothing other than a dullness. In fact the only thing she could feel was the deep pleasant ache in her arms that came courtesy from a really good workout.

There was movement in the corner of her vision and for the first time she became aware of something outside of the reach of her arms and the confines of the mat. A group of probies and ex potentials amongst them Caridad and Rona were engaged in a gentle limbering up obviously in preparation for a more vigorous training session. Faith ignored the glances sent in her direction and the whispered words exchanged. Oh they had her pegged and catalogued alright, one of the originals a mixture of awe and a need to test their measure colouring their exchanges.

She bent her will back to beating the shit out of the bag. The problem was it wasn't really working. She was still pissed and it didn't seem to be getting any better. Fuck it who was she kidding, not like it was the first fight they had had but...she threw a final punch sending the bag spinning like little Jo had at the end of that rope.

Her breath was ragged, the bag swinging in ever decreasing elliptical circles as she watched, gradually coming back to herself, feeling the cooling sweat on her skin. Speaking of which she reached for her towel ignoring the gentle clapping that came from her left where Rona stood a akimbo, sneer on her face, the clapping so obviously an obnoxious commentary on the current state of their relationship.

"What do you want?" asked Faith, towelling down her arms.

"Nothing, just finishing up," replied Rona. She gestured to where her group was clearing out of the gym. Faith caught a glimpse of Trudy and Mary limbering up beyond them on one of the other exercise mats.

"That all?" Faith grunted in response. She really didn't want to deal with Rona at the moment.

"Yeah that and proving that your really can fuck your way to the top, at least from the way I heard the news," said Rona.

Faith ground her teeth together and just smiled at the bitch resisting the urge to smack the little smirk offof Rona's face.

"Course you know what's really great," said Rona. "That really you’re just a convenient fuck. You'll never be more than a murderer to him!"

Crack!

Her fist connected with Rona's jaw sending the Slayer spinning to the ground. Faith surged forward kicking the legs out from underneath the girl before she could get to her feet her other hand snaking around Rona's throat.

Faith squeezed causing Rona to choke as she struggled to break free.

"Yeah and don't you ever forget it," she snarled, releasing her grip even as she felt hands pulling her away.

"Leave it Faith, it’s not worth it," said Trudy pulling Faith up and then man handling her towards the doors and pushing her out into the corridor even whilst Mary blocked off the shocked Rona.

Faith shrugged the red head off.

"Jesus Faith what is up with you," said Trudy. "Look if what she said is getting to you don..."

"Don't you get in Trud," snapped Faith

"No," replied Trudy clearly none the wiser.

"What she said is true," snapped Faith turning and leaving the stunned Slayer standing in her wake.

********

Robin found her in the kitchen nursing a beer, not the first place he had looked not even the second and although he liked to think he would have found her on his own eventually; in fact he'd had to ask around to eventually track down his Ex.

She was sat alone at the breakfast bar, the bud in her hand barely touched, the bottle top lying face down on the faux marble surface occasionally vibrating as her breath caught and tipped the light metal.

She was looking good in fact she was looking mighty good. The stained sweats and bedraggled air somehow enhancing rather than detracting from her beauty and once again Robin cursed himself for being such an idiot for somehow contriving to screwthings up between them. Still that was ancient history and he needed her to see that the mission was more important than any qualms she might have about taking greater responsibility. She had been hiding from what had happened in New York for too long.

Robin retrieved a beer from the cavernous fridge stacked to the rafters with all the delicacies needed to feed a house full of teenage girls. The only response Faith gave him was a slight grunt of acknowledgement as he settled down on the opposite side of the bar from her, cursing for once his height that had his legs mashed against a wine rack filled with bottled water for the Slayer's workouts.

Faith took another swig of her beer before fixing him with an unwelcoming stare.

"What do you want Robin?" Her tone was tired and for the first time he could see the telltale signs that she had been crying.

"Just came to talk, see how you were. We’ve not had a chance to catch up since I arrived," he replied gently removing the cap of his own beer and setting it on the table.

"Yeah right," sneered Faith. "So what are you really after Robin? Your little buddies upstairs send you, or did your hear that Xander and I are on the skids so you came down here sniffing around. Do you still wanting a piece of this?"

She grinned saucily but it didn't reach her eyes and Robin had to bite down on the hot retort that bubbled up. Why did she have to make this so hard? They weren't the same people anymore and whilst her barb hurt he had more important things to deal with. It was all about the mission.

"No, I was being honest Faith, I just wanted to talk. Giles filled me in on what happened in Dover and I wanted to see how you were," he replied. Robin took a small swig before setting his bottle back down on the worktop.

"I'm fine is that what you want to hear me say, that every thing is hunkey dory, top of the world," snapped Faith.

"If it's true yes, but it isn't is it," said Robin.

"What the hell do you know," growled Faith taking another gulp this one longer from her beer.

"Well, enough," replied Robin.

"You don't know me, remember! Or are you still all twisted up inside about..." Faith paused then started to study the label on her beer as if it held the answer to her innermost secrets.

"Fine, I know betterthan to try and talk to you when you're like this," snapped Robin. "Look whatever you think I do care about you Faith. I'm sorry about how things ended between us but that doesn't mean I stopped caring."

Faith looked a little contrite and seizing the opportunity Robin sat down besides her. When she didn't tell him to take a hike he took a deep breath and started to talk, “Look I know how you feel about taking up this responsibility, but you needn't fear it Faith. You’re strong enough. We all think so, well not all as Hans voted against."

Faith snorted. "At least one of you had still got his head screwed on straight."

"We need you Faith, the council needs you and I'm not just saying this, but because it’s true. Look it’s none of my business what is going on between you and Xander," said Robin.

"Damn right," snapped Faith before subsiding.

"I just thought you would like to know that he still voted for you. I don't pretend to know what happened. All I know is he looked like someone had given his favourite puppy a good kicking," said Robin.

"You finished?" asked Faith.

"Yeah," replied Robin getting to his feet chucking his bottle in the recycling and turning to leave.

"Thanks." The word was almost inaudible but in the quiet of the kitchen Robin had no difficulty picking it up.

"No problem," replied Robin. He gave her a tight smile. “You want some advice?"

"No," said Faith. But her reply was accompanied by a wry twitch of her lips.

"Well you're going to get it anyway," replied Robin. "Talk to him Faith. Don't make the same mistake I did and throw something away because you were too scared of what you might find on the other side."

*******

Faith twisted the knob on the door to their room, stifling a grimace as the damn bolt squeaked as it slid back on the other side.

She needn’t have worried though, Xander was waiting, she immediately made out his hunched up form sitting on her side of the bed. He looked up when she slipped through the doorway, the light from their bedside lamp danced across his face, throwing shadowed planes across its contours. He looked like shit she thought, tired, worried but still her heart skipped a beat when a welcoming smile creased his face and he struggled to his feet.

She couldn’t move, her legs seemed to have locked up and then all the pain disappeared. His kiss was gentle, not passionate just filled with something else that still felt alien even after these two months.

Care.

He pulled back his hands resting on her shoulders whilst he searched her face, his eye seeming to trace every contour, every inch of it.

“I’m sorry,” he apologised his fingers reaching out to trace a line down the side of her Jaw. Faith couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips or that she leant into his hand.

“About earlier I was a jerk, what I said.” Xander grimaced and she could see the hurt in his eye, which was freaky, scary and kinda nice at the same time.

“Look…” He started again with that need to explain everything. Sometimes Faith thought he was such an idiot.

“Sssh,” she hissed leaning forward cutting him off with her mouth.

The kiss started tender and then his arms were pulling her close and it deepened into something more passionate, deeper, tinged with the hurts of the barbs they had inflicted earlier in the day. Then she was stepping him backwards, a laugh escaping her throat as he tripped on the edge of the bed and landed flat on his back completely at her mercy. But the idiot just grinned and laughed back and all the hurt dissolved away. She stripped off her sweaty tee tossing it to one side, the rest of her sweaty clothes followed and she saw his eyes widen. She unbuckled his pants and with a quick tug pulled them off.

“Ah burn,” he squeaked.

“Shucks,” she growled. She pulled off his boxers and clambering onto the bed after him, then he was inside her and she lost herself in his heat.

Later, she lay there whilst Xander’s fingers traced lazy circles on her stomach, trying to stop the smile that kept threatening to break out on her face as he circled towards and then away from where she was ticklish.

“I heard you had a run in with Rona today.” His tone suddenly serious as his fingers moved from tormenting her stomach to tracing a tingling line down her neck.

“Where’d you hear that?” she asked, glancing worriedly over at Xander.

“From my spies,” replied Xander with such an exaggerated wink that Faith snorted.

“Little Red been telling tales,” said Faith slightly piqued but still too lost to languid pleasure to make a big deal of it.

“Actually Mary told me,” said Xander leaning on his elbow and blowing teasing wafts of air across her face.

Faith rolled her eyes and glared at him, “will you cut that out.”

“Okay,” said Xander. He shrugged. “So do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” grumped Faith wondering why the hell Xander always had to pick, why couldn’t he just relax and enjoy the aftermath of makeup sex and it had been great sex Faith admitted.

“Okay,” agreed Xander causing Faith to roll herself up onto her side, the covers falling away. She studied Xander as he smiled back at her all the while his fingers did wickedly distracting things.

“That it,” she asked surprised he was giving up so easy.

“No,” he admitted. “Look you know she was wrong right.” He smirked at the pun and Faith could see the little boy that lurked within.

“About?” she asked. She stilled as his fingers stopped and instead he reached up his thumb smoothing a hair from her cheek.

“About us,” he said. His teeth gently nipping her lower lip as Faith could feel her self becoming aroused again.

“What…” She groaned.

“About how I see you,” said Xander leaning back a slightly sad smile on his face.

“And how’s that,” she asked, her breathing heavy with the hints of arousal and her heart paused between the here and now, and then.

“Not with this,” replied Xander indicating his eye. “But with this.” His hand reached out enfolding hers, pulling it unresisting towards him and placing it over his heart.

******

The steady rhythmic throb kept on intruding and no matter how much Robin tried to ignore it, it wasn’t going away, something was interrupting his dream and the damn thing seemed to be getting more insistent.

Robin groaned, forcing himself awake, hand snaking out to grab a hold of his cell.

“Wood,” he growled.

“Oh thank Hecate,” the quiet reply was followed by a strangled half sob which jolted Robin fully awake.

“Wilhelmina, what is it?” asked Robin, the worry that had been troubling his sleep curdling into a full blown dread.

“It’s Jez,” replied the Witch confirming his worst fears and then she went further crystallizing the dread into horror.

“We’ve lost touch with Monica and Lecksi as well.”

Champions League

2008-04-29T20:43:47Z

Happy but a total nervous wreck. I feel physically sick.