Trust
by Rob Sorenson
Chapter Twenty-five
******Hyperion Hotel, 3:30PM******
“They should have been back a while ago, right?”
Buffy gave Spike a glance before nodding. He shrugged.
“Few hours ago you almost tore the front doors off their hinges. Gave the green Toastmaster General quite a turn. Now you’re all calm?”
“He’s with Faith now.”
“He wasn’t before?”
“Well…yes, but now she knows he’s there.”
“Of course.”
Buffy sighed at his tone.
“It’s just…with this big battle coming, I can’t help thinking the bad guys might not play by the rules.”
“Right. Meaning?”
“Meaning there’s one obvious way to stop this ritual battle before it starts.”
Spike’s face cleared. “Ah. Divide and conquer.”
“Exactly. If I were the bad guys, who would I choose to take out?”
“Putting Xander on house arrest, then?”
“Well…I didn’t exactly tell him that yet. But…until tomorrow afternoon, it’s the logical thing to do.”
They were seated together on the bed. Though he’d never completely stopped worrying whenever Buffy went on any sort of mission without him, Spike had conceded that G.I. Snore was capable enough backup in a minor scrape. Tracking down Xander almost certainly qualified in that regard, so Spike contented himself with passing time in the usual way.
The incessant chant of ‘Jerrrry! Jerrrry!’ had been echoing for several moments. Spike noticed Buffy’s grimace and nodded toward the television.
“Think this is bad, do you? Worse writing on display earlier. Silly buggers think I’m actually going to believe Marlena could be a serial killer? Honestly.”
Buffy shook her head. “Can we just turn this off? There are only so many lesbian love triangles I can watch in a lifetime.”
“Might wanna take another look.”
“Huh?”
“Not women.”
Buffy leaned in slightly, mouth twisting in disgust. “Ok, once more with feeling: can we PLEASE turn this off?”
Spike fished the remote out from behind his pillow, denying himself of his daily sleaze fix for the sake of domestic harmony. Buffy slumped back, rubbing her thumb and forefinger against the bridge of her nose. Spike looked at her with concern.
“Got hairy out there today?”
“No more than usual.”
Spike took her hand. “Tired, then? Haven’t slept much.”
Buffy sighed. “Some. Add a dash of worried with a pinch of confused, you get me in a stew.”
“Understandable. Find out anything useful?”
“Just that we have no time.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “No surprise there. Faith was right about this Jimmy bloke’s involvement, then?”
The Slayer nodded, looking away. Spike tilted his head. “Anything else you want to share?”
Buffy shrugged. “Dwelling on the past yet again.”
“Ah. Lot of that going ‘round.”
They shared a glance.
“Why do we obsess about stuff we can’t change?”
“Example?”
Buffy broke away from his gaze, fingering the bedspread. “Faith was never big with the sharing.”
“Still isn’t a trademark, I’d wager.”
“Spike…she’s one hundred percent better about it now. You didn’t even meet her until what, two years ago?”
The vampire cleared his throat. “Well…sort of.”
Buffy looked at him quizzically. Spike shrugged. “Came upon her once before. Thought it was you at the time.”
“How could you possibly mix that-“ Her face cleared. “Oh. OH. You mean-“
“Right. That switching thing.”
“Ok, I suppose Faith inside my body could count as a meeting.”
Spike got a faraway look in his eyes. “Mmmm.”
Buffy squeezed his hand hard. “Get that visual out of your head!”
He blinked, trying to appear confused. “I’m sorry?”
“Don’t play dumb. Neanderthal.”
Spike spoke in his best caveman voice. “Ugh. Spike want threesome.”
Buffy squinted. “Spike going to wind up lonesome.”
He grinned lazily. “Right then. Image deleted.”
Buffy couldn’t stifle a grin, finding it impossible to remain annoyed when he smiled like that. She laid her head against his shoulder.
“I’m all you can handle anyway.”
“God knows. Anyway, about Faith? What happened?”
Buffy related the events at Jimmy’s compound, omitting nothing. After a few minutes, Spike shook his head slightly.
“Xander didn’t try to kill the blighter?”
“Would’ve gotten super messy if he had. Guns pointed in all directions and stuff.”
“I s’pose. So…not to sound insensitive, but why does Faith’s past give you regrets? Can’t control everything.”
“I realize that. I’m talking about when we first met. If I’d just known-“
“Couldn’t very well know anything, could you? Doubt she told anyone.”
Buffy looked away. “Yeah. Thing is, we could have done things differently. More…I don’t know.”
“More what?”
“Please don’t feel offended by this, but your crypt was homier than where she lived back then.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “I should hope so. Put a good bit of work into that old fixer-upper.”
It was Buffy’s turn to tilt her head. “You do understand my point, right?”
“Where was she livin’?”
“Sunnydale Motel.”
Spike’s jaw dropped slightly. “You’re comparin’ my place to that rathole? Thanks ever so.”
“Honey-“
“My bed was clean. Telly worked…usually. Had to give it a smack every now and again-“
“Ok, change the comparison to the Harris basement if that makes you feel better.”
There was a hesitation. “Yeah, I can live with that.”
“Anyway, my point was…we should have made more of an effort. I saw where she was living, and just left her there.”
“Maybe she wanted it that way.”
“Maybe I never acted like I cared. I could have given her the choice. There was room at our house.”
“Probably room at Giles’s flat too. Why didn’t he say anything?”
Buffy rose from the bed. “Oh, he had things to say. Stuff like I should go to college while Faith hangs around to do the slaying by herself.” She began to pace around the room. “God, what was wrong with us?”
“Being a little hard on yourself, I think. Hindsight 20/20, and all.”
“Could we have avoided it all? That’s what I’ve been asking myself. All the stuff everyone went through…”
“Buffy, you were 17 going on 18. Expecting yourself to have that kind of insight is a bit too much to ask. Far as Giles went…he loved you. Didn’t see much past that.”
Buffy said nothing, continuing to pace the floor. Spike patted the space next to him on the bed. “C’mere.”
“Spike-“
“Please.” He offered a pale hand. She sighed before taking it, joining him on the bed.
“No one among us can avoid regrets. Not gonna learn anything without stuff we wish we handled differently. Since I got this soul back, can’t tell you how many times I think about what might’ve happened if I’d never ducked into that alley and met Dru.”
Buffy’s face softened. “You had no way of knowing-“
“Right. Neither did you. Can’t know everyone’s circumstances. You make your own way, best you can. That’s all there is. If I could take back the things I did…over the years…but there’s no point. You close the book, ‘cause you have to.”
Buffy quirked an eyebrow toward him. “That simple, huh?”
“Well…” He looked at her apologetically. “I was overdoin’ the whole ‘wise old man’ bit, wasn’t I?”
She interlaced her fingers with his. “Your heart was in the right place.”
“Plus, I may have even had a point.”
“Somewhere in there.”
There was a long silence before Spike spoke again.
“Thing about life…you hang in there enough, things might just work out. If I don’t go into that alley, I don’t find my way to you. Not sure I deserve a happy ending, but looks like I got one anyway.”
Buffy disengaged her hand from his, adjusting herself so that her feet were tucked underneath her. Now directly facing him, she resumed her hold on his hand.
“I want to make something clear.”
“Ooh, this gonna be a speech? Love those.”
Buffy squinted. “Are we trying to be extra funny today?”
“Surely not, luv.”
“Just shut up and let me finish for once, please?”
“Sorry. You were saying?”
“You’re a big part of everything that happens to me.”
Spike said nothing. Buffy tilted her head.
“You understand what I’m-“
“I do.”
Buffy leaned toward him. “I meant what I said last year about a future with you…and children.”
“Or the lack thereof. Buffy-“
“You’re going to make a wonderful father.”
Spike looked away, feeling a surge of emotion. “Getting me mixed up with someone else, I think.“
“Hey, they changed the rules with the whole three parent thing. Why not go all the way with it? Someone said it takes a village to raise a child. I think in the case of this one, that applies even more. Spike, this child is going to have power beyond all of us. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”
She caressed his cheek.
“Especially from a wise old man. I need to know you’ll be with me. Ok?”
Spike pulled her into an embrace. “I mention lately how much I love you?”
“Nope.”
“Liar.”
“Hey, don’t call your lover names. She’ll cut you off.”
“Heard that before. So…how’s Xander handling things? With Faith?”
Buffy gave Spike a quick kiss on the cheek before disengaging herself. She rolled her eyes.
“If he has a brain in his head, he’ll tell Faith the same thing I just told you.”
Spike smiled. “Hopefully leaving out the ‘wise old man’ part.”
They shared a chuckle. “Talk about being cut off.”
***************************************
Dawn hung up the phone, collapsing theatrically back onto the pillow. Wesley ran the tip of his finger up her arm.
“What did Riley want?”
“I have to get over to the hotel. Preparations.”
Wes looked away. “Right.” Dawn rolled herself on top of him, searching out his eyes.
“Hey. I thought you had confidence in me.”
“Only a fool wouldn’t worry.”
“Fair enough.”
“I suppose I have a phone call to make.”
Dawn grimaced. “Can I not be here for that?”
“That would probably be wise.”
He leaned up to kiss her, which she returned with enthusiasm. After a minute, they broke apart for air.
“You have to be on your way, yes?”
She pressed herself close to him. “Not just yet.”
Wesley shook his head, smiling wearily. “Again?”
“Hey, you started it.”
“That was meant to be a kiss goodbye.”
“Huh. See, I’m just too young to grasp the subtleties.” She ground her hips against his, causing an involuntary moan to escape Wesley’s mouth.
“Dawn…we don’t have much-“
“Riley said I needed to be there in an hour.”
“Ah. Well, then.”
He quickly rolled them over, covering her body with his.
**********************************
“I’m fine. This is just how it happens.”
“Xander, that was scary. Are you sure-“
He sighed heavily. “How many times do I have to say this? Just get me back to the hotel. I need a shower.”
Faith said nothing further, turning toward the Hyperion rather than the hospital. They’d said little since returning from the desert. After he’d gathered himself after his seizure, Xander had pointedly avoided his wife’s eyes, staring at the buildings as they cruised down Wilshire.
Though she’d tried desperately not to show it, Faith had been borderline freaked when Xander’s attack had started. Once she’d helped him into the car, Xander had repeatedly told her it was temporary. Still, the last time he’d appeared this helpless had been in New York…and she’d very nearly lost him there.
Before Xander could even reach for his door, Faith was already opening it from the outside, causing him to jerk with surprise. Somehow she’d managed to move around the car so quickly he didn’t even register the movement.
“Let me help-“
Xander held his hands up, moving away from her grasp.
“Faith, I’m not crippled, ok? This happens all the time.”
She blinked, backing up a step. “Ok. I didn’t mean-“
“I know.” He sighed heavily. “Look, I’m sorry you had to see that. Usually I can sense it coming on, but I was a little distracted.”
Faith looked down. “Yeah.”
Xander got out of the car. “As you can see, fully functional now. I’m fine.”
They stood awkwardly for a moment, still not meeting each other’s eyes. Xander cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
“Like I said, gonna go shower.”
“Xander-“
Again he held up his hands. “Later.”
He moved past her, making his way through the front door of the hotel. Before he could reach the stairs, Riley called out from the front desk.
“There you are. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Xander turned wearily. “Look, I realize I might’ve been a little rash earlier. Thanks for showing up in a pinch, and I’ll try to be less impulsive next time. Now if you don’t mind, I smell like the inside of an Air France nonstop-“
Riley cleared his throat. “Actually, I wasn’t going to mention that. I need your help with tonight. Remember? We talked about this.”
Faith entered at that moment, moving quickly between them toward the kitchen. Xander’s eyes followed her involuntarily, noting the hunch in her shoulders.
“Xander?” Riley spoke quietly.
“I’m sorry, what were you saying?”
“About tonight?”
“Right. Sorry, dude. Long day. I’ll call him now.”
“Will he work on short notice like this?”
“He will for me.”
Riley forced a grin. “Really mastered the art of winning friends and influencing people, huh?”
Xander headed for the telephone with a roll of his eyes.
“Yeah, funny how a few pictures of Ben Franklin can make you the coolest guy on the block.”
*************************************
(Miss Morgan? You have a call on line-)
“Nicki, I’m on my way out the door. Take a message.”
(Yes ma’am, I know. I just thought you might want to-)
Lilah glared at the intercom.
“I have a meeting. Now, unless you want to personally explain to the Sapovro demons why the contract signing is being delayed, you might want to do what I say. Bear in mind that bad news is usually shortly followed by a ritual disembowelment.”
(Sorry, Miss Morgan. I’ll tell him you’re unavailable.)
Lilah snapped her briefcase closed and rose from her desk, shaking her head in annoyance. She took a brief glance at the blinking line before reaching for the door knob…then stopped. Turning back around, she took a longer look at the phone. After hesitating a moment, she quickly made her way back to the desk and pressed the intercom button.
“Nicki, is this the right line?”
(Yes, Ma’am. Line sixty-nine. That’s why I thought you might want to take this one. I’m taking a message right now-)
“Don’t do that, you moron! I’ll take it in here!”
(I thought you said-)
“Just do it! Getting really tired of repeating myself here.”
(Yes ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.)
Only one person in the world had that particular phone number. Lilah smiled slowly.
“Nicki, please run to the lobby and let the Sopovros know I’ll be a few minutes late.”
There was a beat of hesitation.
(I thought you just said they-)
“Oh, right. Ok, if they get cranky, drown one of the Elder’s minions in the fountain. They don’t like water.”
(Ummm…we don’t have a fountain in the lobby-)
Lilah switched off the intercom and put on her headset, taking a deep breath to compose herself before pressing the flashing button.
“Phone sex line. If you’d like missionary, please press one. For oral stimulation, press two. For ‘holy shit, how did she make her legs do that?’ press three.”
(I don’t have time for your games.)
Lilah leaned back in her chair. “Wesley? What a lovely surprise.”
(We need to talk.)
“Do we?”
(I know what you did.)
“Last summer? Did it involve a skanky lookin’ guy with a big hook?”
There was a moment’s hesitation.
(What are you talking about?)
Lilah shook her head. “Christ, Wes…rent a movie every now and then.”
(I prefer more intellectual pursuits.)
“Right. So you pursued a high school girl. Really intellectual there, Hawking.”
(You had no right-)
“Oh, get off your high horse. You two were the ones being dishonest.”
(If we wished to keep our relationship quiet, that was our prerogative.)
“Look, Dawn’s already been here threatening me. Consider my allowing her to get out of the building a peace offering.”
(If you’d touched one hair on her head-)
“Let me guess: there’d be hell to pay?”
(In your case, literally.)
“Oy vey. Can we dispense with the threats already? Little punk’s not worth it.”
She grinned when she heard Wes swallowing hard to control himself.
(I called for two reasons.)
“Ok, but that’ll cost you double. Press the star key for multiple orgasms.”
Wes went on as if she hadn’t spoken.
(Firstly, I wanted to make one thing clear: the relationship problem between Dawn and myself is merely temporary. Your plan is going to fail in the long run, because we are in love. As you know, I haven’t been in love for many years.)
Lilah closed her eyes briefly; this was hitting below the belt.
“We’ll see what the Slayer has to say about that. What’s the second reason?”
(I don’t like the hostility that has developed between us. We’re both adults, Lilah…or so I thought.)
“Hey, I’m not the one trying to re-capture lost youth here.”
(I was wondering if we could meet.)
Lilah blinked. This was faster than she’d anticipated.
“Ok, sure. Your place or mine?”
(Don’t misunderstand, Lilah. This is not-)
“I got it. Let me rephrase. Name the place.”
(Well…your apartment would be preferable.)
“Really? You hardly ever came over when we were dating.”
(Technically speaking, Lilah, we were never-)
“Right. We never did agree on a name for it, did we?”
(I would simply prefer we meet in private.)
“Ohhh…I get it. If we’re at your place, Mary Kate might just drop in unannounced, right?”
(Could we please dispense with the-)
“Sorry. Is it Ashley? I mix them up.”
Wesley spoke wearily. (Have you any plans this evening?)
Wow. Just keeps getting faster, Lilah thought with surprise.
“As it happens, I probably have to arrange for the quiet disposal of my personal assistant because of this conversation. After that, I’m clear.”
(Will seven o’clock be all right?)
“Sounds fine. I’ll run by the Gap and get some floods and a cami. Just so you feel at home.”
Wesley hung up without responding. Lilah removed her headset, biting her lip in thought.
***********************************
Dawn emerged from the shower, blindly reaching for a towel as she cracked the window to vent the steamy bathroom. After taking a minute to dry off, she wrapped her hair and checked the mirror. Frowning, she grabbed another towel from Wesley’s linen closet and wiped away some of the condensation, managing to acquire a marginally clearer view of her reflection.
Well, I look the same.
Except I can’t seem to get this stupid grin off my face.
A mild breeze blew in, chilling her slightly. Dawn took a deep breath and slipped into the same robe she’d worn only a few hours earlier.
It felt like so much longer.
Aside from some mild soreness (which Wes never needed to hear about), Dawn Summers had never felt so good. Her chaotic life – fictional and otherwise – had been filled with sorrow and uncertainty. Whatever normal was, she’d never crossed paths with it. Of that she was certain.
Until now. This was a normal human rite of passage…and by God, she’d gotten it right. This is how it was supposed to work.
She shook herself out of her reverie. Riley had called 40 minutes ago, and it was a 10 minute drive to the hotel. After hastily plugging in the hair dryer, she realized her brush was still in the bedroom. Quickly walking out of the bath, she spotted Wesley hanging up the phone and sighing deeply.
That was enough to take away her smile.
**************************************
Bread, ham and cheese had all been easily within reach, but the tangy zip of Miracle Whip was not quite so readily available.
Faith dug through the assortment of blood and fruit smoothies (their similar appearance had created several culinary near misses), trying to find her favorite condiment. Sighing to herself, the Slayer spoke for the first time since she’d entered the Hyperion’s galley.
“You hypnotized by my ass or something?”
Angel blinked in surprise from his seat in the corner of the room.
“Didn’t think you knew I was here.”
“Get over yourself, Mr. Stealth. Sorta born with the instinct—score!”
Faith emerged from the fridge with her prized sandwich spread and turned, forcing a grin.
“Girl’s gotta eat.”
Angel held up a mug of O negative. “Don’t we all?”
“Want some bread to dip in that?”
“I’m good, thanks. So how did it go?”
Faith shrugged, turning away to fix her sandwich. “Train wreck. Didn’t learn enough to make it worth anything.”
“Was anyone hurt?”
“Nothing serious.”
Angel saw the hard expression and decided to stick to business for the moment.
“So…Jimmy’s not involved-“
“Shit yeah, he is. Up to his scrawny neck. Thing is, he’s small potatoes in the grand sack race. Just gets paid to look the other way while Drusilla kills his people.”
“I guess he’d be the only one to-“ Angel trailed off awkwardly. Faith grabbed a paper plate from the cupboard as she nodded.
“Notice them gone. Yeah. That was the whole point, remember?”
“Others on the street would know.”
“Doesn’t matter if Lilah has the cops in her pocket.”
Angel simply nodded, though Faith didn’t see it as she looked through drawers in search of a napkin.
“Don’t you people ever spill anything?”
“Roller’s on the other side of the fridge.”
“Ah. Cool.” She tore off a couple of paper towels and headed to the corner table to join him. Angel took a long look at her before speaking.
“Anything else you want to-“
“Nope,” Faith interrupted, meeting his eyes.
Again Angel said nothing for a long moment as Faith took a prodigous bite. She’d leave one hell of a neck mark, he thought for no reason.
“I wish you could have learned more.”
Faith shrugged, speaking with her mouth full. “Found out it’s gonna happen tomorrow. Same time as the big fight at the stadium.”
“Yeah, but what?”
“Whatever’s goin’ down. Anybody come up with a thought on that ‘staples’ clue? Still pretty much our only lead.”
Angel sighed and shook his head. “Nothing.”
Faith shook her head. “Guess we have to hope the girls come through tonight.”
“Yeah. I can’t say I’m thrilled with that idea.”
“Thought Fred was pretty much a whiz.”
Angel nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. There’s nobody better. I’m more concerned about Dawn-“
“Hey.” Faith frowned. “Dawnie can get it done.”
“This operation Riley’s describing is pretty advanced. That’s all I’m saying. Plus, the physical side of it-“
“Were you not at Disney with us last year? My girl’s a little badass. Where is this bullshit comin’ from?”
Angel glared at her. “I was going to say the physical side of it might be a bit much to ask of Fred. Apparently you’ve forgotten that Dawn worked out with me during the school year.”
Faith looked down at her plate. “Right. Sorry.”
“You defend her pretty hard.”
The Slayer shrugged. “She busted her ass to get out from behind B’s shadow. Let’s just say I can relate.”
“You were never-“
Faith waved her hand dismissively as she took another bite. “Ancient history.”
Angel shifted uncomfortably. “Actually there was one time…”
Faith stopped chewing. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“Angel.”
He shook his head. “Just forget it.”
The Slayer put down her sandwich. “No way. This is gonna be good. I can tell by the look.”
“All right, but I already swore her to secrecy. Same goes for you.”
“Done. Share.”
Angel sighed. “When we were working out last fall, Dawn might’ve put me on my back once or twice.”
Faith’s eyes widened. “You’re shittin’ me.”
“I thought I might show her a few things, and she played the innocent act. As you may know, she’s a lot faster and stronger than she looks-“
Faith covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. Angel’s face darkened.
“She caught me off guard, all right? I underestimated her. After I adjusted, it never happened again. I’m just making the point that I’m well aware of her capabilities.”
“Who else knows about this?”
“As I said, I swore her to secrecy. She knows I know, and that was enough. Anyway, we were just working out.”
“This is classic.”
“Not like I was in battle mode or anything,” Angel grumbled to himself, looking at the floor.
“This would make Spike’s year.”
Angel’s head snapped back up. Faith raised her hands.
“I know, I promised. Just sayin’…”
“We’re dropping this now.”
Faith gave him a mock salute. “Gotcha. It dies with me.”
Angel’s face softened. “Anyway, just because Dawn and Fred are good doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”
“Never said I wouldn’t worry. I got confidence in Dawnie, though.”
“Duly noted.”
There was a long, companionable silence as Angel took a sip of his dinner. After a long minute, he spoke quietly.
“I’m sorry you had to put yourself through today. I guess that goes without saying.”
Faith put down her sandwich. “Whatever.”
“So when did the derailment happen?”
“Huh?”
“You said it was a train wreck. What haven’t you told me?”
She pushed the plate away. “Got followed.”
“That part I knew.”
“Xander got careless. Jimmy’s goons jumped him.”
“Is he all right?”
“I had it under control, you know? Then in comes Xander, and Jimmy pulls a gun.”
“Faith, did you hear-“
“Told you earlier. He took a little bump, nothing major. Buffy and Riley showed up in time to tip the scales.”
Angel merely nodded. After a long minute, Faith glanced down at her food.
“You want the rest of this?”
The vampire raised an eyebrow.
“Right. Dumbass question. I’m so used to havin’ my leftovers scarfed up…” Faith’s voice broke. “Shit.”
Angel spoke softly. “What did Jimmy-“
“I’m losing him.”
“What?”
“One way or the other.”
“Faith, I’m sure it’s not-“
“He deserved to know before. I just couldn’t do it. It was finally something real, you know?”
Angel got up from the table and moved to the other side, sitting closer to her. “Xander knew about your past already. That didn’t stop him before.”
Faith’s voice was quiet. “He didn’t know everything.”
“Ok, so Jimmy might’ve shared some specifics. That doesn’t mean-“
Faith stood abruptly. “Don’t you get it? It doesn’t matter anyway.”
Angel frowned. “You lost me.”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “Jimmy didn’t tell him one percent of the shit I actually did. Hell, it was nothing. Ok, I didn’t react well, but eventually we’d deal.”
“Exactly. He isn’t perfect, but Xander loves-“
“You had to see him to understand.” Faith had whispered so softly, even Angel had to strain to hear.
“See what?”
She began to pace the room. “I wanna meet the sick fucks who come up with these things and kill their asses. I swear.”
“Faith-“
“They’re supposed to be all-knowing. Are they blind? Or do they just get a kick out of fucking people up? Maybe this is some karmic punishment thing for me.”
“Stop it,” Angel said firmly, grabbing Faith’s shoulders. She shook him off angrily.
“You don’t get it! Xander is supposed to be in this huge battle to save the universe tomorrow, and he has no shot! None! You should’ve seen him, Angel. He can’t even have an emotional conversation without turning into jello. I had to carry him to the car. He’s totally helpless. I’ve never seen anyone so weak.”
Angel said nothing for a moment. “Buffy and Willow can-“
“You’re not hearing me. It’s not like he can run or something. He just…convulses. It takes everything he has just to say a couple of words.”
“Buffy and Willow know about his condition. Maybe he can…”
“Hide? Got the impression it doesn’t work that way. No…Xander’s gonna have to fight. I think you know that.”
Angel didn’t know what to say. Faith shook her head.
“Normal, healthy circumstances I’d say he has a shot. Xander just finds a way to survive. That’s what he’s always done. But now…”
Her fist moved like lightning, slamming through the wall. Angel backed up a step in surprise.
“Faith, take it easy-“
She spun on him. “Those motherfuckers made it so I can’t protect him!! You know why? ‘Cause the almighty Powers of Whatever know the deal: I’d burn in the fires of Hell before anyone even thought of getting close! I would kill every son of a bitch that looked at him sideways. Can’t have that, though, can we? Gotta have a sacrifice. That’s how these apocalypsy things work, right? Good people need to suffer. Looks like it’s Xander’s turn.”
“You need to calm down. We’ll figure something out.”
“He’ll do it, too.” Faith slumped against the damaged wall. “They made it so he had family on the line. His own flesh and blood. No way he’s backing off from that. I made him promise to stay away from the fighting from now on, did you know that? It was gonna work, too. I saw it in his eyes. But now…”
Faith’s eyes squeezed shut, causing tears to flow freely.
“Now he’s gonna die...and if that happens, I’m gonna die with him.”
Angel caught her just before she collapsed to the floor, holding her close enough to muffle the sobs against his chest.
**********Five Minutes Earlier***********
Xander put the receiver back in its cradle. “It’s done.”
Riley looked impressed. “That was pretty easy.”
“He’s worked with Willow and me on a few jobs before. Ex-military.”
“Good guy?”
Xander sighed. “Actually, he’s a first class prick. Really good at what he does, though. He’ll meet you guys in three hours.”
“Dawn’s on her way over now. Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me. Just part of the job.” Xander began to walk away from the front desk, then stopped and turned back to Riley.
“Oh, one last thing.”
“Yeah?”
“You know I always liked you, right?”
Riley blinked. “Well…sure. I liked you too.”
“Ok. I just wanted you to understand that before I say this: if Dawn gets hurt by this little plan of yours, Buffy’s reaction will be the least of your problems.”
Riley blinked in surprise. “You do remember that she volunteered for this, right?”
“Yup. I trust her, too. Still, I’m going to blame someone if things go bad. So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen, ok?”
Riley held Xander’s gaze for a long moment. Finally the soldier nodded once, making his way to the stairs. Xander watched him go, then looked toward the kitchen. Taking a deep breath to gather himself, he headed for the swinging door.
Just as was about to push his way in, he stopped, overhearing the angry voice of his wife:
“They’re supposed to be all-knowing. Are they blind? Or do they just get a kick out of fucking people up? Maybe this is some karmic punishment thing for me.”
“Stop it.”
“You don’t get it! Xander is supposed to be in this huge battle to save the universe tomorrow, and he has no shot! None! You should’ve seen him, Angel. He can’t even have an emotional conversation without turning into jello. I had to carry him to the car. He’s totally helpless. I’ve never seen anyone so weak.”
Xander backed away several steps, not wanting to hear any more. After another moment, he turned around and slowly made his way toward the exit.
- End Chapter Twenty-five -