For @Plasma
For @HowiMetdaSlayer
For @ILLYRIAN
For @Joan the Vampire Slayer
The Slayers Memories of her past.
Buffy remembers a time her guides hunted for a cot,
for the baby of the future slayer to find her sleep.
The starts in the heavens watched her to find her peace,
and like Gods child Jesus she found her sleep on the hay.
About her the cattle were moo-ing, most babies cried,
though the sound only caused our Buffy to smile.
Buffy remembered how the God’s son looked to her,
as he sought to wait by our slayers side ‘til mornings light.
The child of God chose to be a friend to our Buffy,
to remain close to her, to love her forever and a day.
Just as God’s child would care for all children,
the son knew a place was there in heaven for her.
As her watcher offered to keep a care for her,
Buffy knew of a time when God’s child did also,
and the slayer was happy that God had a plan for her,
to face the enemies of the sons father - God.
For @Miss Muffet
For @Fuffy Baith
Faith, hurry you don’t want to be late,
You and Buffy have a date,
In the pouring snow,
Where your love for Buffy sets aglow.
A table for two,
Buffy’s red dress all new,
Faiths heart lights up as Buffy smiles.
They could be here for a while.
For @TamsinValencia
For @Nix
Twas the night before Christmas & in Slayer Towers,
Came the sound of soft footsteps despite the small hours.
Tip-toeing slowly came Dawny, the Key,
To checkout the presents piled under the tree.
She looks at the labels, she's checking them twice.
Hoping the presents for her were all nice.
She had to look closely for the ones with her name.
As in the poor light they all looked the same.
But somethings not right, these gifts all feel weird.
And then out of nowhere, the Slayer appeared.
Hands on her hips & a trace of a sneer.
"I've been expecting you sneaking down here!"
"I had to be cunning, do whatever it takes"
"You can squeeze all you like, for those presents are fakes!"
She shook her head slowly, the smile came unbidden.
"You'll just have to wait, the real ones are hidden!"
Dawn stood up all flustered, she tried with a whine.
"Was just checking I'd taken the price-tags off mine!"
Buffy said nothing, but her face said 'Yeah, right'
That's just what you do in the dead of the night.
"You never trust me", the younger girl snapped.
"This year I paid for the gifts that I wrapped."
Buffy was happy, she'd stayed quite tight lipped,
She didn't let on they were stashed in Spikes crypt.
Smugly she smiled, she felt she'd been shrewd.
When she goes to collect them she might just get, erm, a cup of tea?
Things can get tricky at this holiday time.
But if you get sneaky you'll handle it fine.
If you live with a Teenager you have to be,
Careful of what you leave under the tree.
But if you out-fox their peeking,
You'll have nothing to fear.
For a Merry Olde Christmas.
And a Happy New Year!
For @BuffyNvrForgets
For @Last Watcher
Since Faith had helped Willow re-ensoul Angel, he’d been on her mind. The experience had been a rough one for Faith. She’d been inside Angel’s head. She tried to play it off like it was no big deal, but it had been. She thought about it a lot.
Don’t get her wrong, Faith was busy. Almost too busy to think about Angel. But she still did.
She’d broken out of jail to help them with Angel. Faith had no desire to see Angelus again, but figured she owed Angel, and Buffy for that matter. After Angel had regained his soul, Faith had left Los Angeles with Willow to come back to Sunnydale to help Buffy and the gang with the upcoming battle. It hadn’t seen easy. Day in and day out, training the Potentials was tiring and frustrating, and Faith had no outlet to release her pent-up energy. And frankly she was bored. And she wanted to see Angel.
She needed to get away, if only for one night.
She had heard Angel had been laying low. She doubted that. But really, she didn’t know much. She didn’t dare ask. Angel was a touchy subject with the gang, and it wasn’t really a topic Faith could just casually bring up.
But Faith wondered. She thought about Angel more than she likely should. That morning she’d finally called Angel and asked if he could get together with her that evening in Los Angeles. He’d agreed, and suggested a place they could meet.
It was just another night at Slayer Central, and the others were gearing up for the big fight. Buffy was giving another one of her endless, grand and solemn speeches, and Faith just couldn’t spend another night listening to that.
She needed to drive to Los Angeles, but first she needed a car.
While Buffy, the gang and the Potentials were upstairs, Faith headed down to the basement to talk to Spike. She found him standing with his back to her, shirtless, polishing his weapons and listening to a punk rock record on an old record player. He loudly sang along.
Faith took a moment to admire the sight before clearing her throat. She knew Spike was Buffy’s man now, but that didn’t keep her from looking.
“Spike!” she said, no response.
“SPIKE!” she yelled again, causing him to drop his weapon, stop the record and turn around.
“Sorry luv, didn’t hear you there” he apologized.
“Aren’t you vamps supposed to have super hearing?” Faith said, raising her eyebrow. “That music wasnt that loud. Or maybe you’re just getting old,” she smirked.
Spike scoffed.
“Hardly. I was just focused on my weapon.”
“You were, were you?” she teased.
Spike lifted an eyebrow.
“Don’t be flirting with me now, Slayer. Buffy would not be pleased.”
Faith rolled her eyes.
"I’m not hitting on you, Spike. I know better than that, come on, give me some credit. But seriously. I need to get away for a bit. The girls are driving me nuts.”
Spike nodded. He knew exactly how she felt. He was just lucky enough to have the basement to escape to when it became too much.
“Want to go to the pub?” Get a couple beers?” he suggested.
Faith shooked her head, though that was tempting. She wanted to see Angel.
“Nah, raincheck? Actually, I want to uh, go see an old friend. Can I borrow your car?”
“Sure,” Spike said. He walked over to the dresser and picked up his keys, handing them to her.
“Is this a friend I know?" he asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Faith said, turning around and heading back up the stairs. She didn’t want to lie to Spike’s face, but saying it in passing felt less bad for some reason.
“Thanks Spike, I owe you one. I’ll be back late.”
“Drive safe and all that,” he called up to her, but she was already gone.
Spike went over and turned his record back on.
—
The drive to Los Angeles had been a long one, and when Faith finally arrived at the tavern Angel had suggested they meet at she was more than ready for a beer.
Faith entered the tavern and quickly scanned the room. She didn’t see Angel, so she sat down at the bar and ordered a beer.
The bartender brought the beer and asked if she wanted to close or keep it open.
“Yeah, actually, can I have a shot of whiskey too?”
Faith was nervous to see Angel, but wasn’t sure why. She knew him well, they were friends. Faith was not the type to get nervous around any man. Not even a man like Angel. It’s not like this was a date, but for some reason, Faith felt anxious like it was one.
She chauked up her nervousness to just the slight guilt she felt at meeting up with Angel without telling Buffy about it. But Angel was her friend too, Faith told herself. And they shared a bond that Buffy would never understand anyway. They’d been through a lot together. If anything Buffy would be threatened by it. Faith knew it was best to keep this visit to herself.
Faith downed her shot and washed it down with a gulp of beer and waited.
*
Faith was about to call Angel when he bustled in, long coat flying, and walked up to her, giving her a hug.
“I am so sorry," he apologized. “I got held up. Have you been here long?”
Faith had been there a while and already had two shots of whiskey and two beers, but didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.
“Nah, just got here,” she lied. “Here, sit down,” she motioned to the stool next to her.
“I’m glad you showed. Creep over there was giving me me the eye, I may have had to bust a cap in his ass,” Faith joked.
“Aren’t you still a fugitive?” Angel asked, sitting down. “Shouldn’t you be laying low?"
“Shh,” Faith laughed. “And I was just kidding. And yes, I am, so barfights are not on the table for me these days.”
The bartender asked Angel what he'd like to drink.
“Um, do you have any holiday beers? Seasonal?”
“We have a stout on draft, pecan and toffee, it’s called Drunken Santa.”
“Drunken Santa, that’s cute,” Faith remarked.
“I’ll have that,” Angel replied quickly.
Faith chucked.
“I woudn’t guess you as a seasonal beer guy.”
“No big deal.” Angel shrugged, taking a sip of the beer the bartender placed in front of him. “I like flavored beers."
“So is everyone ok?” he asked. “How’s Buffy?"
“Yeah, everything, everyone's fine. I just needed to get away for a night you know? Have a conversation with someone who’s not 15. Like, there’s only so much time I can spend with the teenyboppers, you know.”
Angel nodded.
“I get that,” he studied her, like he was trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. “It’s nice to see you. I’m glad you called.”
He added, “You look good."
“You too,” Faith responded.
They sat for a bit in silence, which with anyone else would have been awkward, but it wasn’t with Angel. Faith felt comfortable with him, like he understood her. And there had always been that underlying sexual tension between them. The whiskey made Faith feel a bit less inhibited, and she felt her anxiousness melting away.
“So, what have you been - “
“So, about what happened -“
They both laughed.
“You go first,” Faith said, taking another sip of her beer.
Angel looked at her intensely.
“So, about what happened. That was intense. I never got to thank you. You left so quickly, and I was…well, there was a lot going on.”
“It’s cool,” Faith replied. “I get that. I’m just glad it all turned out okay.”
Angel thought about Conner and wished in that moment he could tell Faith that had happened, but he knew he couldn’t.
“So what have you been up to?” Faith asked. “I mean, other than the usual. Helping the helpess and all that.”
Angel sighed.
“Well, after you left…a lot happened and I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to make a bigger impact…and well, I don’t really know how to tell you this.”
“Angel, oh no. You got married in Vegas.”
Angel looked horrifed. “God, no.”
He had a quick flashback of his time spent at Sinatra’s birthday party in Vegas in ‘61. It was a raunchy and wild gala filled with celebs. He thought about telling Faith about it then decided against it.
Faith laughed. “I’m kidding. I know you’re too old school for that."
Angel laughed in relief. He flagged down the bartender and asked for another.
“You good?” He asked Faith.
“I could use another shot, but only if you have one with me.”
“Only if it’s Jameson,” Angel replied. “I am Irish after all.”
“Deal!”
The bartender brought over two shots.
“To the world not ending” they cheered, glasses clinking together.
“So,” Faith said, "seriously. What have you been up to?”
“You’re not going to believe it.”
“Try me,” Faith said, turning in her stool to face him and looking a him intently. “I’ve heard it all, buddy.”
“I agreed to take over Wolfram and Hart.”
Faith just stared at him in disbelief.
"The law firm."
“Yeah, I know who they are,” Faith said. She shook her head in disbleief. “Why the hell would you agree to do that?"
“You know about them?” Angel asked, surprised, avoiding the question.
“Unfortunately. Had a lawyer for a bit while I was in the slammer who claimed to be associated with them.”
Angel raised his eyebrows. “Do tell.”
Faith shrugged and leaned back in her chair, taking a swig of her beer. she gathered her long hair into a ponytail and took off her jacket, hanging it on the hook under the bar.
“Not much to say, really. He as a jackass. I didn’t want to get out anyways. He said he could get me out, get the charges dropped. Then I called some people and asked around and learned about all the bull they do. The lawyer, he wanted to figure out a way to drop the charges. I said no. But now, I’d take it. I worry the feds will find me in Sunnydale. And Buffy needs me in this fight."
It made sense to Angel that Wolfram and Hart had an interest in keeping Faith out of jail. She was a good figher and could play a major role.
“I’m glad you’re out. We need you here. There’s a lot coming. We need all hands on deck.”
“Don’t I know it,” Faith laughed bitterly. “That’s all General Buffy ever says these days."
“So, uh how’s Buffy?” Angel asked, trying to sound casual.
Faith laughed.
“You already asked that. She’s fine, Angel. Well, as fine as we all can be, facing a big battle we’ll all likely die in.”
“You guys will be fine,” Angel said.
“I don't know man,” Faith signed, downing the rest of her beer. “This one is pretty big.”
“You guys need help?”
“Nah, we’re okay.”
There was a television above the bar and on it was playing It’s A Wonderful Life. It was at the end of the movie and the final scene in which the little girl says the iconic line, “Everytime a bell rings an angel gets its wings.”
Faith chuckled. “What do you think about this movie, Angel? I always thought it was kinda cheesy.”
“It’s a classic,” Angel responded, “I can relate to George Bailey, that is, having everything you want, then it all being taken away, beyond your control…it’s heartbreaking.”
“Oh yeah?” Faith said, “you sound like you’re speaking from experience.”
Again, Angel thought of Conner. An hour didn’t go by where he didn’t think about Conner. He missed him greatly and hated that he lost him.
“No, I mean I could just see how it could be hard.”
Faith looked at him closely. She could sense he was hiding something. He was always a mystery, no matter how well she thought she knew him she knew that there was so much more to learn.
“Suuure. You vampires. Always hiding something.”
“Creatures of the night,” he shrugged, grinning. “Love us or hate us.”
Faith playfully slapped his shoulder.
“It’s good to see you, Angel.”
“It’s good to see you too, Faith.”
—
Way too many drinks later, the two stumbled laughing out of the tavern into the cool California night air.
Both were very drunk. Faith stumbled a bit and Angel tried to catch her. But he missed and she feel, rather ungracefully, unto the sidewalk. She rolled over, still laughing. Angel helped her up and she leaned against the wall of the tavern and lit a cigarette.
“Man, that’s some funny shit,” Faith remarked, taking a drag of her cigarette. “Mr. “I can’t get a date” and you end up with 10."
Angel had been telling her about the time he got trapped in a demon orgy while trying to save a friend and how he had to run away naked and into a random men’s clothing store for asylum.
“Hey, sometimes I do well with the ladies,” Angel remarked, pret
ending to be hurt.
“Oh I know, I remember…” Faith said quietly, looking off into the distance.
Angel knew she was referring to the time he pretended to be Angelus to trick her. Buffy thinks all they did was kiss but the truth is they did more than that. But Angel didn’t want to think about that. Him and Faith had been through a lot more since then and that was behind them. She was redeemed.
“We’ve been through a lot together, you and me,” Faith said simply. “I trust you, Angel. You know me. I know you.”
“You’re right,” Angel said. “You do. You know you can always count on me.”
“I know,” Faith smiled. “I know."
For @Anyanka Bunny Slayer
For @HowiMetdaSlayer
For @ILLYRIAN
For @Joan the Vampire Slayer
The Slayers Memories of her past.
Buffy remembers a time her guides hunted for a cot,
for the baby of the future slayer to find her sleep.
The starts in the heavens watched her to find her peace,
and like Gods child Jesus she found her sleep on the hay.
About her the cattle were moo-ing, most babies cried,
though the sound only caused our Buffy to smile.
Buffy remembered how the God’s son looked to her,
as he sought to wait by our slayers side ‘til mornings light.
The child of God chose to be a friend to our Buffy,
to remain close to her, to love her forever and a day.
Just as God’s child would care for all children,
the son knew a place was there in heaven for her.
As her watcher offered to keep a care for her,
Buffy knew of a time when God’s child did also,
and the slayer was happy that God had a plan for her,
to face the enemies of the sons father - God.
For @Miss Muffet
For @Fuffy Baith
Faith, hurry you don’t want to be late,
You and Buffy have a date,
In the pouring snow,
Where your love for Buffy sets aglow.
A table for two,
Buffy’s red dress all new,
Faiths heart lights up as Buffy smiles.
They could be here for a while.
For @TamsinValencia
For @Nix
Twas the night before Christmas & in Slayer Towers,
Came the sound of soft footsteps despite the small hours.
Tip-toeing slowly came Dawny, the Key,
To checkout the presents piled under the tree.
She looks at the labels, she's checking them twice.
Hoping the presents for her were all nice.
She had to look closely for the ones with her name.
As in the poor light they all looked the same.
But somethings not right, these gifts all feel weird.
And then out of nowhere, the Slayer appeared.
Hands on her hips & a trace of a sneer.
"I've been expecting you sneaking down here!"
"I had to be cunning, do whatever it takes"
"You can squeeze all you like, for those presents are fakes!"
She shook her head slowly, the smile came unbidden.
"You'll just have to wait, the real ones are hidden!"
Dawn stood up all flustered, she tried with a whine.
"Was just checking I'd taken the price-tags off mine!"
Buffy said nothing, but her face said 'Yeah, right'
That's just what you do in the dead of the night.
"You never trust me", the younger girl snapped.
"This year I paid for the gifts that I wrapped."
Buffy was happy, she'd stayed quite tight lipped,
She didn't let on they were stashed in Spikes crypt.
Smugly she smiled, she felt she'd been shrewd.
When she goes to collect them she might just get, erm, a cup of tea?
Things can get tricky at this holiday time.
But if you get sneaky you'll handle it fine.
If you live with a Teenager you have to be,
Careful of what you leave under the tree.
But if you out-fox their peeking,
You'll have nothing to fear.
For a Merry Olde Christmas.
And a Happy New Year!
For @BuffyNvrForgets
For @Last Watcher
Since Faith had helped Willow re-ensoul Angel, he’d been on her mind. The experience had been a rough one for Faith. She’d been inside Angel’s head. She tried to play it off like it was no big deal, but it had been. She thought about it a lot.
Don’t get her wrong, Faith was busy. Almost too busy to think about Angel. But she still did.
She’d broken out of jail to help them with Angel. Faith had no desire to see Angelus again, but figured she owed Angel, and Buffy for that matter. After Angel had regained his soul, Faith had left Los Angeles with Willow to come back to Sunnydale to help Buffy and the gang with the upcoming battle. It hadn’t seen easy. Day in and day out, training the Potentials was tiring and frustrating, and Faith had no outlet to release her pent-up energy. And frankly she was bored. And she wanted to see Angel.
She needed to get away, if only for one night.
She had heard Angel had been laying low. She doubted that. But really, she didn’t know much. She didn’t dare ask. Angel was a touchy subject with the gang, and it wasn’t really a topic Faith could just casually bring up.
But Faith wondered. She thought about Angel more than she likely should. That morning she’d finally called Angel and asked if he could get together with her that evening in Los Angeles. He’d agreed, and suggested a place they could meet.
It was just another night at Slayer Central, and the others were gearing up for the big fight. Buffy was giving another one of her endless, grand and solemn speeches, and Faith just couldn’t spend another night listening to that.
She needed to drive to Los Angeles, but first she needed a car.
While Buffy, the gang and the Potentials were upstairs, Faith headed down to the basement to talk to Spike. She found him standing with his back to her, shirtless, polishing his weapons and listening to a punk rock record on an old record player. He loudly sang along.
Faith took a moment to admire the sight before clearing her throat. She knew Spike was Buffy’s man now, but that didn’t keep her from looking.
“Spike!” she said, no response.
“SPIKE!” she yelled again, causing him to drop his weapon, stop the record and turn around.
“Sorry luv, didn’t hear you there” he apologized.
“Aren’t you vamps supposed to have super hearing?” Faith said, raising her eyebrow. “That music wasnt that loud. Or maybe you’re just getting old,” she smirked.
Spike scoffed.
“Hardly. I was just focused on my weapon.”
“You were, were you?” she teased.
Spike lifted an eyebrow.
“Don’t be flirting with me now, Slayer. Buffy would not be pleased.”
Faith rolled her eyes.
"I’m not hitting on you, Spike. I know better than that, come on, give me some credit. But seriously. I need to get away for a bit. The girls are driving me nuts.”
Spike nodded. He knew exactly how she felt. He was just lucky enough to have the basement to escape to when it became too much.
“Want to go to the pub?” Get a couple beers?” he suggested.
Faith shooked her head, though that was tempting. She wanted to see Angel.
“Nah, raincheck? Actually, I want to uh, go see an old friend. Can I borrow your car?”
“Sure,” Spike said. He walked over to the dresser and picked up his keys, handing them to her.
“Is this a friend I know?" he asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Faith said, turning around and heading back up the stairs. She didn’t want to lie to Spike’s face, but saying it in passing felt less bad for some reason.
“Thanks Spike, I owe you one. I’ll be back late.”
“Drive safe and all that,” he called up to her, but she was already gone.
Spike went over and turned his record back on.
—
The drive to Los Angeles had been a long one, and when Faith finally arrived at the tavern Angel had suggested they meet at she was more than ready for a beer.
Faith entered the tavern and quickly scanned the room. She didn’t see Angel, so she sat down at the bar and ordered a beer.
The bartender brought the beer and asked if she wanted to close or keep it open.
“Yeah, actually, can I have a shot of whiskey too?”
Faith was nervous to see Angel, but wasn’t sure why. She knew him well, they were friends. Faith was not the type to get nervous around any man. Not even a man like Angel. It’s not like this was a date, but for some reason, Faith felt anxious like it was one.
She chauked up her nervousness to just the slight guilt she felt at meeting up with Angel without telling Buffy about it. But Angel was her friend too, Faith told herself. And they shared a bond that Buffy would never understand anyway. They’d been through a lot together. If anything Buffy would be threatened by it. Faith knew it was best to keep this visit to herself.
Faith downed her shot and washed it down with a gulp of beer and waited.
*
Faith was about to call Angel when he bustled in, long coat flying, and walked up to her, giving her a hug.
“I am so sorry," he apologized. “I got held up. Have you been here long?”
Faith had been there a while and already had two shots of whiskey and two beers, but didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.
“Nah, just got here,” she lied. “Here, sit down,” she motioned to the stool next to her.
“I’m glad you showed. Creep over there was giving me me the eye, I may have had to bust a cap in his ass,” Faith joked.
“Aren’t you still a fugitive?” Angel asked, sitting down. “Shouldn’t you be laying low?"
“Shh,” Faith laughed. “And I was just kidding. And yes, I am, so barfights are not on the table for me these days.”
The bartender asked Angel what he'd like to drink.
“Um, do you have any holiday beers? Seasonal?”
“We have a stout on draft, pecan and toffee, it’s called Drunken Santa.”
“Drunken Santa, that’s cute,” Faith remarked.
“I’ll have that,” Angel replied quickly.
Faith chucked.
“I woudn’t guess you as a seasonal beer guy.”
“No big deal.” Angel shrugged, taking a sip of the beer the bartender placed in front of him. “I like flavored beers."
“So is everyone ok?” he asked. “How’s Buffy?"
“Yeah, everything, everyone's fine. I just needed to get away for a night you know? Have a conversation with someone who’s not 15. Like, there’s only so much time I can spend with the teenyboppers, you know.”
Angel nodded.
“I get that,” he studied her, like he was trying to figure out if she was telling the truth. “It’s nice to see you. I’m glad you called.”
He added, “You look good."
“You too,” Faith responded.
They sat for a bit in silence, which with anyone else would have been awkward, but it wasn’t with Angel. Faith felt comfortable with him, like he understood her. And there had always been that underlying sexual tension between them. The whiskey made Faith feel a bit less inhibited, and she felt her anxiousness melting away.
“So, what have you been - “
“So, about what happened -“
They both laughed.
“You go first,” Faith said, taking another sip of her beer.
Angel looked at her intensely.
“So, about what happened. That was intense. I never got to thank you. You left so quickly, and I was…well, there was a lot going on.”
“It’s cool,” Faith replied. “I get that. I’m just glad it all turned out okay.”
Angel thought about Conner and wished in that moment he could tell Faith that had happened, but he knew he couldn’t.
“So what have you been up to?” Faith asked. “I mean, other than the usual. Helping the helpess and all that.”
Angel sighed.
“Well, after you left…a lot happened and I had been thinking for a while that I wanted to make a bigger impact…and well, I don’t really know how to tell you this.”
“Angel, oh no. You got married in Vegas.”
Angel looked horrifed. “God, no.”
He had a quick flashback of his time spent at Sinatra’s birthday party in Vegas in ‘61. It was a raunchy and wild gala filled with celebs. He thought about telling Faith about it then decided against it.
Faith laughed. “I’m kidding. I know you’re too old school for that."
Angel laughed in relief. He flagged down the bartender and asked for another.
“You good?” He asked Faith.
“I could use another shot, but only if you have one with me.”
“Only if it’s Jameson,” Angel replied. “I am Irish after all.”
“Deal!”
The bartender brought over two shots.
“To the world not ending” they cheered, glasses clinking together.
“So,” Faith said, "seriously. What have you been up to?”
“You’re not going to believe it.”
“Try me,” Faith said, turning in her stool to face him and looking a him intently. “I’ve heard it all, buddy.”
“I agreed to take over Wolfram and Hart.”
Faith just stared at him in disbelief.
"The law firm."
“Yeah, I know who they are,” Faith said. She shook her head in disbleief. “Why the hell would you agree to do that?"
“You know about them?” Angel asked, surprised, avoiding the question.
“Unfortunately. Had a lawyer for a bit while I was in the slammer who claimed to be associated with them.”
Angel raised his eyebrows. “Do tell.”
Faith shrugged and leaned back in her chair, taking a swig of her beer. she gathered her long hair into a ponytail and took off her jacket, hanging it on the hook under the bar.
“Not much to say, really. He as a jackass. I didn’t want to get out anyways. He said he could get me out, get the charges dropped. Then I called some people and asked around and learned about all the bull they do. The lawyer, he wanted to figure out a way to drop the charges. I said no. But now, I’d take it. I worry the feds will find me in Sunnydale. And Buffy needs me in this fight."
It made sense to Angel that Wolfram and Hart had an interest in keeping Faith out of jail. She was a good figher and could play a major role.
“I’m glad you’re out. We need you here. There’s a lot coming. We need all hands on deck.”
“Don’t I know it,” Faith laughed bitterly. “That’s all General Buffy ever says these days."
“So, uh how’s Buffy?” Angel asked, trying to sound casual.
Faith laughed.
“You already asked that. She’s fine, Angel. Well, as fine as we all can be, facing a big battle we’ll all likely die in.”
“You guys will be fine,” Angel said.
“I don't know man,” Faith signed, downing the rest of her beer. “This one is pretty big.”
“You guys need help?”
“Nah, we’re okay.”
There was a television above the bar and on it was playing It’s A Wonderful Life. It was at the end of the movie and the final scene in which the little girl says the iconic line, “Everytime a bell rings an angel gets its wings.”
Faith chuckled. “What do you think about this movie, Angel? I always thought it was kinda cheesy.”
“It’s a classic,” Angel responded, “I can relate to George Bailey, that is, having everything you want, then it all being taken away, beyond your control…it’s heartbreaking.”
“Oh yeah?” Faith said, “you sound like you’re speaking from experience.”
Again, Angel thought of Conner. An hour didn’t go by where he didn’t think about Conner. He missed him greatly and hated that he lost him.
“No, I mean I could just see how it could be hard.”
Faith looked at him closely. She could sense he was hiding something. He was always a mystery, no matter how well she thought she knew him she knew that there was so much more to learn.
“Suuure. You vampires. Always hiding something.”
“Creatures of the night,” he shrugged, grinning. “Love us or hate us.”
Faith playfully slapped his shoulder.
“It’s good to see you, Angel.”
“It’s good to see you too, Faith.”
—
Way too many drinks later, the two stumbled laughing out of the tavern into the cool California night air.
Both were very drunk. Faith stumbled a bit and Angel tried to catch her. But he missed and she feel, rather ungracefully, unto the sidewalk. She rolled over, still laughing. Angel helped her up and she leaned against the wall of the tavern and lit a cigarette.
“Man, that’s some funny shit,” Faith remarked, taking a drag of her cigarette. “Mr. “I can’t get a date” and you end up with 10."
Angel had been telling her about the time he got trapped in a demon orgy while trying to save a friend and how he had to run away naked and into a random men’s clothing store for asylum.
“Hey, sometimes I do well with the ladies,” Angel remarked, pret
ending to be hurt.
“Oh I know, I remember…” Faith said quietly, looking off into the distance.
Angel knew she was referring to the time he pretended to be Angelus to trick her. Buffy thinks all they did was kiss but the truth is they did more than that. But Angel didn’t want to think about that. Him and Faith had been through a lot more since then and that was behind them. She was redeemed.
“We’ve been through a lot together, you and me,” Faith said simply. “I trust you, Angel. You know me. I know you.”
“You’re right,” Angel said. “You do. You know you can always count on me.”
“I know,” Faith smiled. “I know."
For @Anyanka Bunny Slayer
TamsinValencia
Aww how cute i love the banner
