Author: MachaBadb

Disclaimer: “Buffy: the Vampire Slayer” is not mine. The show is the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

Websites: I can be found on many websites! Gah… I’m just leaving information to the livejournal though. I'm quotherav on there. New format I’m working on for the story. Here’s wishing for luck. Finger crossing
Pairings: None as of yet. Well… Willow/Tara, but that’s already established. There’s another in the wings though… I think. Heh.
Spoilers: A few…but that was likely in previous chapters… Yeah…right. Haha.

Author Note: I like feedback. Please give me some! Leave me some reviews! If it sounds like I’m begging, it’s because I AM. Thanks!

Subterfuge

It was a strange place to begin with, the sky dark, along with the ground. All around, nothing but blackness could be seen. Swinging a hand towards the sky, along with twirling in a circle, revealed the space to be open. But the ground was hard… The surface under her bare feet felt so very solid and cold. The temperature sent pinpricks of discomfort through nerves. It was almost akin to standing on a thick block of ice. Shivering began then, though breath could not be seen.

And ahead…a small ball of light. Was it worth it to look? Walls appeared around them, beginning to grow closer and indeed if the sole occupant here spread their arms out now, the very tips of fingers brushed the sides. Behind them was closing in faster and soon the wall touched their back and began to gently ‘push’ them along. The decision was being taken out of their hands and without any other recourse; a path was slowly made towards the light.

Walking along this dark path towards the only source…this luminary body, the steps turned into a staggered run, the rhythmic wet smacking of skin against the ground mingling with frantic gasps for air. There was a momentary blast of heat and suddenly, the person was tumbling through space. Is this the end? Is it finally to be over? Am I so damned to end up tumbling for all of eternity? The person’s belief seemed founded as they fell. Looking ahead as best they could, they saw nothing had changed. Maybe it’s best this way. No one ever complained about the abyss…living forever in oblivion and inaccessible to the outside world. Mayb--

Only to land with a sickening thud on the dry, cracked earth. Through the confusion, one shaky hand touched the ground, feeling the tickle of a few blades of dry grass against inquisitive skin. The hand jerked back and the person attempted to lift up enough to see. Able to roll onto their back at last, the person found themself briefly blinded by a bright sun and curled both arms over to block it out. Only seconds later, they moved their hand away to find it was the moon looking at them.

This orb did not seem as cheerful as the sun had been; making the being it gazed upon feel almost…self conscious. Nevertheless, it had been for some time and this one made it question so many things… It moved closer for a better look, or so the person believed. They backed away quickly then, from the light -- the moon -- with its accusing cratered eyes. Eyes that were nothing but gray and endless pools. The frantic scramble away from it continued until fingers met abruptly wet earth. Taking a chance, the person glanced over their shoulder, finding that they had backed almost to sit on top of someone’s grave. Turning around to sit, light having filled the area and was just enough for them to read, the person slowly mouthed the words. Lightning cracked overhead and it began to heavily rain. The deluge seemed to wet the stone and highlight the words even more:

“Here Lies Faith Lehane.

She Won’t Be Missed.”

Scrapping and scratching could be heard from below them and without warning; a hand erupted from the ground and grabbed them around one ankle. Alarmed, the person struggled and managed to pull free, crawling away from the wetted mound of dirt, which was quickly blending in with the rest of the area. The hand struggled towards them still. And sitting on the wet ground, soaked from head to toe, Faith Lehane glanced at her own tomb and began to scream.

The land heard her request and began swallowing her down into a muddy hole and her screams only intensified.

Summer’s Residence: Eight A.M…

“Tara? Oh God!” Dropping to her knees, the redhead’s eyes overflowed, her sobs joining Dawn’s.

“What’s…Oh…” Swallowing hard, Xander knelt next to his long-time friend and pulled her into a hug. His own eyes were moist. He remembered Tara at first as being the shy girl that Willow had brought with her to meetings. But overtime, she too became a fellow Scooby. And now…now she was gone. It wasn’t fair! Hadn’t they lost enough already? First with Buffy and now with Tara…

“W-W-What happened to her?” Lifting his head, Xander looked over to Dawn, who was now sitting on the stairs, knees pressed to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs. Her tear soaked face was buried between her knees. There would be no going to school today.

“I don’t know Dawn.” But then he heard it. A sound so soft that at first, he though it his imagination. As he listened closer, he heard it again and tugged a little to get free of Willow. His gaze immediately turned to the door and outside of it, thinking that something was about to make an appearance. But nothing was there. No little men with gray bodies, no demons or vampires immune to sunlight. His mouth opened in surprise when he found the sound was coming from Tara. “Tara?” Moving closer to the blonde, he looked at her closely. Willow lifted her head and leaned over Tara, hearing the sound as well. And what a glorious one it was!

“Tara!” Unfocussed blue eyes opened, but no words were spoken. Tara’s unsteady gaze met Willow’s as the redheaded witch cupped her cheek with one hand, gently running a thumb over the smooth skin. “You came back to us…to me.” Inside, she could let herself relax a little. She’d been a bundle of nerves until this moment. “Goddess, I love you baby.” Moving closer she planted a kiss on Tara’s forehead, then a deeper one on her lips.

The blonde cracked a faint smile, but it didn’t last long. “Where…I was in this place and you weren’t there. And it was dark and hurt. Goddess...” One of Tara’s hands gingerly touch her left eye. “M-My face…how bad?”

“There’s not a scratch on her.” Xander commented.

“You’re fine, baby. Nothing’s wrong with your face.” The perplexed look they received was confusing. Confusion grew to alarm as the blonde shook her head, looking frantically around and feeling all across her face. Dazed blue eyes darted all around, and the contact the redhead had with her now seemed to only cause more agitation. She pulled away.

“N-No. You’re wrong!” Tara barked, startling Willow. “I’m injured…beaten. I’m… I-I’m scarred!” Tara’s breathing picked up in speed until she was hyperventilating. She heard a crackling noise in her ears and became afraid. “Something’s wrong…some…something happened.”

“T…” Willow’s jaw dropped open as her girlfriend’s eyes began to roll backwards and her body began twitching. “What…what’s wrong with her? Xander!” She voiced a protest as her friend forcibly pulled her away from Tara. “What are you doing?! Let me GO!”

“Back up… Don’t touch her Will.” Xander’s voice was calm. Dawn had taken the hint and had backed even further up the stairwell. Helplessly, they watched on as their friend continued to spasm, her body contorting. Muscles tensed and jumped as she violently shook on the floor. Minutes ticked by slowly before she stopped twitching. Her arms and legs jerked a few more times. “Dawn, get the handset. And call 911.” The teen hesitated for a second, but then ran past them into the kitchen.

“Xa--”

“She just had a seizure, Will.” Finally letting his friend go, he knelt close to Tara, listening for breathing. Both of them could hear gurgling breathing. “We need to turn her on her side.” The two friends did this as Dawn ran back in from the kitchen, the house phone firmly attached to her right ear. The teen grimaced, noticing the saliva dripping from a corner of Tara’s mouth. But the gurgle to the blonde’s breathing was nonexistent now.

“Y-Yes! You…you have to hurry. Yes, the address is 1630 Revello Drive.” The teen was visibly agitated and her words weren’t very clear.

“Dawn.” Xander held his hand out for the phone, using his other arm to wrap around Willow’s waist as the Wiccan sobbed into the red cloth covering Tara. After receiving the handset, he immediately put it up to his ear. “Yes. The address is correct. She…she had a seizure. We’re not exactly sure what the cause of it is.” He nodded a few times, a few strands of brown hair falling down his forehead. “Yes, she’s on her side right now. Yes… No…I don’t think she hit her head.” After a few minutes of silence, he spoke again. “Yes. Thank you.” Hanging up, he rubbed Willow’s back and looked at Dawn, who was again seated on the stairs. “They’re on the way.” The clunk of boots and a soft mechanical whirr reached their ears and looking over; the three noticed the Buffybot coming into the room. It blinked a few times and spoke.

“Why is recently-gay Willow’s lover down there?”

Graveyard: Noon

“There’s got to be some sort of meaning to all this…isn’t there?” Faith was stretched out on her back, lying atop Buffy’s grave with a pile of seemingly freshly pulled flowers placed right next to her. The sneakers that adorned her feet were absolutely filthy. The front of the gray sleeveless shirt she wore was darkened down the front from sweat. The baggy sweatpants she had on were tightly tied around her waist with the drawstring. A Boston Red Sox cap was covering her face. “Slayer dreams that is.” The brunette was silent for a time. “But that’s just it, B… I’ve no clue if that’s what it was. For all I know…Could have been a nightmare really.” Sitting up momentarily, she rolled onto her stomach, facing but not reading the tombstone. “Wish I could get your thoughts on this…” She lapsed into an even longer silence. Folding her arms, one over the other, she rested her chin atop one wrist.

And waited. Faith wore no watch, feeling that there was no need for one. How long she remained there was anyone’s guess. Only after a while, she rose to her knees, repositioning the flowers to right on top of the grave. “Pulled these up for you, B. Hope they’re alright.” She forced out a laugh. “Of course, they’re the freshest I could find.” She swallowed hard and rose to her feet, brushing her pants off and picking her hat up. Flicking some of the dirt and grass from it, she put it back on her head. Oddly enough, her hair was pulled back into a ponytail today. “Be seein’ you B.” Turning, she walked out of the graveyard. Once she stepped outside though, she returned to her run.

Reveling in the steady contractions and flexing of her muscles, her mind traveled over to her day. After having such a horrid nightmare, she hadn’t been able to go back to sleep. Like a germ, the idea of just drinking herself into a stupor had begun to grow. For an hour, she sat on her bed, her knees against her chest…staring at a bottle of Jack sitting on the night table. It would be so simple. She could just pick up the bottle and let her old friend drag her down into his world. The drunken jaunts she went on didn’t last in her memory too often. But still…

Lightly shifting as she struggled to decide, a familiar object filtered in through her peripheral vision and she turned towards it. Her keys. Why were they in the bed next to her? Lightly licking her teeth, the stale taste of cheap beer hit her then and she remembered. Little bits and pieces of her staggering inside and leaving the keys not where they currently were… Someone else had been here.. was in here. The thought was unbidden and had made her leap from under her sheets, finding herself to be dressed still from the previous day. Immediately, she swayed, the liquor still having an effect on her balance. The idea of another person trespassing in her place had sent her racing to her bathroom to throw up.

Needless to say, that had not been one of her shining moments and was also behind her run. The contents of the JD bottle had followed the contents of her stomach down the sink, though unfortunately, part of the floor, her boots and shirt were splashed a little with vomit. Rinsing her mouth out, she’d looked at her reflection. Taking in the drawn face and smudges under her eyes. How could anyone think she was as young as she was? She didn’t look like a bad girl in the least…right now more like some junkie in a corner outside. And though she knew for a fact that she was no where near the drugged up and alcoholic abuser that her mother had been, if she kept up this pace she would be. She could stop before it became addiction, couldn’t she? Supposing was all that she was doing. Maybe being addicted to things, power…drugs…and alcohol…what if it was all tied into her? What if it had been inherited? Can’t outrun your genes can you? “Can always try...” She grumbled to herself, the satisfying sensation of sweat trickling between her shoulder blades.

The Hospital: 3:30 PM

Xander was seated in a chair in the waiting room. For the last few hours, he’d been amusing himself by reading the months-old magazines in the waiting room. Unfortunately, they were about things he had no interest in. Gossip magazines and fashion for teens, along with gardening books. Frowning visibly, he pointedly avoided the books about breastfeeding and crocheting. Honestly…why would he need to know either of those? But as the lines in the fashion magazines blurred together, he blindly reached for another. “Ah…” Men’s Health… Couldn’t be too bad, right? Except it was an issue dealing with sexual dysfunction. After the fourth advertisement for Viagra, he made a point of putting down both books and grabbing up the crocheting book. In response to the strange stares he received from a few of the men there, he glared and buried his nose in the book.

How long was it going to take Willow to get out of there? He remembered the doctors saying that they would need to do tests. Tests and taking samples. Willow had nearly fainted when they mentioned needing blood samples. He’d been decidedly squeamish himself, but refused to admit it. He allowed himself to become engrossed in Interweave Crochet. Xander was immersed in one article about a good technique to make a bath mat when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Startled, he jumped in his seat, managing to hold down a yelp. Lifting his head, he met moist green eyes. “Oh… Willow.” He noticed her frown. “Well?” Before she spoke, she plopped down in a seat next to him.

“They said they want to keep her overnight…for more tests. She woke up screaming about things on her face. She tried to claw the doctors and they had to hold her down to sedate her again. She was sleeping when I left. I…I don’t understand.” She paused a moment and then noticed the magazine he was holding. Shrugging, he offered the book over, but she politely declined. “Um.. No thanks.”

“Your loss. Now I know all I need to in order to get cheaply made new bathmats.” He grinned at her chagrin, adding as an afterthought. “Won’t Anya be pleased that I’ve saved her that much money.” That comment managed to get a faint smile from his friend. Standing, he carefully placed the magazine back on the rack. After a bit of stretching, he offered a hand to pull Willow up to her feet. “We’d best get back. I’m not sure how long the B… Er.. I don’t know if Buffy will have any other…engagements later on.” Willow’s smile was shaky.

“Yes. Might as well head back.” Frowning, but nodding in agreement.

The Hospital: Room 202

The blonde lay curled up on her side, holding back groans as the doctor and nurse in the room worked to get good readings from her. “Miss, you do have to be still! And get back on your back please.” The nurse told her.

“Hurts..” She murmured, but she did as she was bid. Gently pushing back part of the nightgown, the doctor warmed up the stethoscope by rubbing it against his crisp white jacket before placing it on the blonde’s chest. He was silent, listening carefully.

“Breath in… Yes, that’s good. And out.” The nurse, on the other hand, was watching a monitor that checked their patient’s blood pressure. “Lungs are clear.” Pulling the earpieces from his ears, he glanced to the nurse. “I don’t quite understand it. She was reporting having problems breathing, but there were no visible breaks in her ribs on the scans. No accumulated fluids in the lungs. There wasn’t any inflammation in her breathing passages. Nothing was found, in fact, that suggest any problem with her lungs. Still… That seizure does have me concerned.”

“More tests?” He nodded. He didn’t’ notice his patient’s saddened look bloom into confusion. And then pain.

“Yes. Until we can find out what’s causing this.” Pulling a pen from his pocket, he began making notes on her chart.

“Back over.” She said, a little louder before abruptly rolling over onto her side again. “Hurts.” She moaned, tears beginning to form. She drew in air raggedly. They spilled over her cheeks and her body stiffened. Outside, with the tests, they still could not have found a problem. But inside, she’d been feeling as if something was burning, pounding against her innards. Her head felt heavy, her ears beginning to ring. Her eyes half closed and she went into sudden convulsions again.

“Doctor!” Dropping his pen as the alarms went off; the writing implement quickly became forgotten as he called for assistance. His patient, a Miss Tara Maclay, was going into another seizure.

Summer’s Residence: Outside…

This is a bad idea. I know it is… Faith thought to herself as she walked the pathway leading to the stairs. Funny… My mind is saying for me to not bother and my body is refusing its commands. Its nerves. The nerves are telling my brain it’s a bad idea to even be here. As she stood in front of the door, lifting one curled fist to knock, she continued her internal battle. Good thing I don’t listen to my brain too often. Blinking, she relaxed a little and knocked. Wait…that didn’t sound so right in my head. But it could have been worse, could have been out loud. The door opened, despite her belief and knowledge that she would not be gazing at those familiar green eyes, the sight still made her choke briefly. Buffy… but this was the bot, not the person that it represented. It was a poor plastic and metal replacement if that was its purpose.

“Hello again, person I now know!” Faith blinked at that one. “You are Faith, and an enemy. And you were recently gutted after becoming evil.” Faith stepped back as the bot closed in on her. “And now we are to fight! Because I am Buffy, the ONLY vampire slayer and you are evil, like the vampires I slay.” Despite the mild distraction of Dawn looking outside the door along with the baleful glare sent towards Faith, it wasn’t distraction enough for her to miss the robot’s punch. In fact, the blow was severely off course. With creeping disgust, the dark slayer realized a few things. Though it resembled her former rival in appearances -- that was where the similarities ended. The voice was the same, but what came out was far more stupid than anything the real Buffy had ever said.

Easily blocking blows, Faith seemed to almost yawn as she swayed to and fro, right out of the way of the bot’s attacks. Watching the slayer closely at any time would have resulted in a more coordinated machine. The moves were also becoming predictable and soon Faith grew bored. At any time, she could have easily crushed an arm or leg part. Ducking under yet another lazy swing, she rolled forward, and turned to her left, coming up behind the bot. She picked the thing up by the back of its shirt and shook it lightly. “Now listen up and listen carefully. You can do that, can’t you?” She didn’t wait for a response. “Your threats need almost as much work as your lackluster fighting skills. How the hell have you passed for so fucking long? Have the undead in this backwards town gotten that lazy? Hmm… Tell me…Buffy.” She grit her teeth together.

“Let her go!” Recognizing the voice, Faith turned around, still holding the bot up by the shirt. The thing was flailing its arms about, as if that were going to do anything.

“Dawn… Care to explain this thing? ‘Cause lemme tell you.” Her eyes narrowed to slits and her voice lowered. “Sooo not gonna cut it.” She walked back up the stairs and through the door before the teen could slam it shut in her face. Setting the bot down, she looked to Dawn for a second before ducking and turning around, finally fed up. The bot’s fist passed effortlessly over her head. Rising sharply, Faith angrily delivered a right cross to the bot’s cheek, feeling the metal collapsing under the impact, accompanied by a loud crunch and the sound of breaking glass. The Buffybot that looked back at them afterwards was missing a good portion of her face on the left side.

“Stop!” Dawn exclaimed, raising and waving her hands in a pacifying gesture to the robot. “See?” Having its attention, she kept speaking. “See? I’m… I’m fine. There’s no need to attack her, okay?” Nervously, she swallowed and looked at Faith. “No need to break her…please?” To the teenager’s surprise, Faith crossed her arms and seemed to be… “Are you pouting?”

“No. And if the bot tries anything else, she’ll be getting her very first bath.” Properly chastised, the Buffybot put some distance between herself and Faith. “Dawn…” The brunette mumbled, keeping an eye on the machine in front of her. “Care to explain this thing?” Dawn lowered her head. “Today before I have to remove more parts would be a good idea.”

“Ah…y-yeah.” Walking past Faith to close the door, she turned back around to see the bot and dark slayer eyeing each other. But luckily, neither of them attacked. “Where should I start?”

“The…beginning would be nice.”

Across Town…

As the teen began to fill Faith in on the details, across town, Xander and Willow were on their way back to the house. As he was the more in control of the two, Xander opted to drive. Unfortunately, he was the less well rested as well. His eyes kept closing of their own will, until, frustrated, he pulled over to the side of the road -- somehow successfully parking behind another car. Willow, who had been drowning herself in fears and ‘what ifs’, looked over at him. “We stopped? Xan--”

“Sorry Will. Need to get some shut eye before getting back on the road.”

“But..” She quieted as he held up a hand. “Xander.”

“Need to do it. My eyes kept closing and you know closed eyes aren’t good when trying to drive anywhere.” Her eyes widened, but he didn’t notice. “It’s just a couple of hours.”

“I’ll drive.” Blearily, he looked at her. “I will, Xander. Please…I don’t want to spend all that time th--leaving Dawn by herself. Whatever reached Tara might come after her too.” With a little coaxing and physical support, as the Xand-man was falling asleep on his feet, they switched seats and Willow pulled out of the parking space. Her friend had nodded off after buckling himself in, and as she began meticulously adjusting the mirrors and her seat. She carefully pulled out into traffic.

Summer’s Residence: 4:30PM

Early evening found Faith sitting cross-legged in a kitchen chair. Her left elbow rested on the table and she rested her head in the upturned palm. Idly, one finger of her right hand traced little patterns on the condensation built up on the glass she was drinking from. “Again…” She murmured, looking across the table to Dawn. The teen at this point, looked exasperated. Quietly, Faith took another sip from her glass and set it down, resuming her creating of patterns on the glass. Dawn was quiet for a time. “Not doing this to be irritating, pipsqueak.” The bot sat silently next to the teenager. “I just.. I want some answers alright?”

“I’ve told you what happened to Buffy. She… I told you that my sister is dead. And that the BuffyBot is used to fight like she did.” Faith’s gaze remained on the glass, and she slowly shook her head.

“I know. Just…doesn’t make any sense.” Dawn bounced out of her seat and began to walk around the kitchen, the bot wisely remaining seated after receiving a steely glare from the dark slayer. “Telling the truth here, kid.” Least she knows I’m not a threat anymore. One down… the rest to go. She frowned. “Wish I had a cig.” If Dawn had been surprised by the comment, she didn’t show it.

“What part of this made little sense to you, Faith?! The part where the bot’s here to fill in or where… where she’s gone?” Her voice cracked and she struggled to hold back tears. Crying in front of the older woman was the last thing she wanted to do. Faith heard the break in the teen’s voice, but forced herself to remain seated. She had to get this out. Had to voice it… Before the urge left her.

“No…it’s not--” Faith tried to explain, but was cut off.

“Oh god…” Surprised at the new voice, Faith looked towards the exit to the kitchen and spotted Willow and Xander standing there. She stared at them and the gaze was returned. The brunette blinked a few times before cracking a smile.

“Things just got interesting.”

“Get out.” Willow nearly growled. Xander remained quiet. He knew that Willow had a dislike for Faith and how…explosive Faith could be. He was ready to jump in if the rogue slayer tried anything.

“Good to see you too, Red.” Faith ignored the audible threat and reached for her glass again. Only to be splattered with bits of glass and liquid as it exploded in front of her. She blinked a little and carefully brushed herself off as she rose to her feet. She noticed the other three people in the room stiffen. They really think I’ll just… She pinched the bridge of her nose. They think I’ll attack them. And hurt them… Looking Willow in the eyes, she could tell that quiet talking was the least thing on the redhead’s mind. Destruction and kicking her ass on the other hand… Fine… I brought this on myself. “If you’ll…kindly move out of the way…I’ll leave.” Faith had surprised them, that was much obvious.

Ignoring the boggle-eyed look she was on the receiving end of, she brushed past the two older Scoobs. “Take care, pip. We’ll chat later.” And before she left the door, she added another comment, to make herself feel better. “See you at the grind, Robocop.” It was after the front door closed that both Willow and Xander looked at the Buffybot.

“Oh Goddess!” Willow exclaimed, running over to it and checking it over. “What happened?” She glanced at Dawn. “You know, right?” The teenager had been uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange. “Tell us, Dawn..”

Instead of answering the immediate question, Dawn posed another. “How’s Tara? Is…is she going to be okay?” Her shoulders drooped as she spoke and her gaze was fixed on the opposite side of the table, where the broken glass still lay.

“Yes…” Willow spoke slowly and Xander wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He knew what she wasn’t saying, what she refused to say. Because both of them were aware that nothing was okay and wouldn’t be for some time. They were all still hurting from losing Buffy and now there was a chance that Tara wouldn’t make it… The witch found herself suddenly caught in the teenager’s gaze. It was distrustful…accusing…

“What aren’t you saying?” She got out of her seat. “There’s s-something else, isn’t there?” Her eyes narrowed. “What are you not telling me?”

“Dawn…” Dawn pushed her seat back to the table and threw her arms up.

“You know what? Never mind. I’m going up to my room.” She glanced at the table again for a moment. “She really liked that soda.” Then, she passed the two adults, more harshly than Faith had. Willow and Xander were left staring at each other in confusion. After a few minutes ticked past...slow as they were, Xander began walking away from the kitchen.

“Xan…Xander. Where are you going?” The redheaded witch’s face read uncertainly and confusion. She couldn’t understand why she’d done what she had. Sure, she wanted Faith to suffer, but what she had cast could have done serious damage. Faith hadn’t even attacked -- nor done anything -- to anyone. There was no anger. None of the aggression she remembered Faith to possess. What’s happening to me? Willow asked herself. She…she didn’t hurt people. Or did she? Was this what she was turning into after… She felt Xander’s arms around her as he hugged her tight.

“I’m not going too far. Just to get a broom to clean that up.” Simple and yet so unclear. He hadn’t voiced his displeasure at her actions. But he hadn’t agreed with them either. When he returned, the two of them began cleaning the floor up.

July 12th, 2001 – The Hospital: Room 202

She was happy, smiling even. Even if the smile was on the outside. Currently, Tara was propped up in bed, listening to her visitors. Or trying to. The ringing in her head didn’t help any. Twice, she’d felt as if she was going to have another seizure, only for the sensation to pass. It was strange, as if the source was…teasing. She hugged the stuffed bear that Xander had brought and loved the flowers Willow had given her. But still..

Something was there.

It was bothering her still. Her stomach was upset, but she wasn’t letting on. Willow had noticed her unusual silences and climbed into the bed with her, careful to not dislodge anything. And she’d held Tara. The blonde relaxed into the comfortable hug; Xander had excused himself to get a soda, asking if either of them wanted anything. After hearing Willow’s request, he headed out the door. His offering had been more for giving them privacy, of which Willow was grateful to have.

“This is nice.” She murmured. Willow looked down then.

“Hmm?”

“I just…thank you for coming to see me.” Tara’s voice was so soft, fragile. It made Willow very nervous. She held Tara tighter to her, afraid that the blonde would suddenly vanish from her arms and her life.

“You’ll be okay, sweetie. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine. Just fine.” She didn’t dare look Tara in the eyes. She didn’t want to see the denial gazing right out at her. Something was wrong and all of the tests and samples and examinations that the doctors were doing came up with inconclusive results. Medically, there was nothing wrong with the blonde. And despite the seizures, she didn’t seem to be having serious damage from them. There were no scars or lesions on her brain, so the medical professionals were pulling at straws at this point. A new sound found her ears then and she relaxed further as Willow hummed to her.

The blonde was lulled into a state of half sleep and barely acknowledged it when Xander came back with the drinks. “A refreshing coke for myself; the same for Willow. And…” He walked around the bed and gently touched Tara’s shoulder. A nice, cold green tea for the lady.” Softening his voice, he spoke to Willow. “She awake?” A blue eye looked up at him then and Tara yawned, rubbing her eyes. “Guess that’s a yes. Tea’s for you.”

The uncomfortable feeling in her guts returned with a vengeance and she grimaced, feeling her mouth watering. “Tara?” Now, Willow was aware of it. She felt Tara stiffen in her arms. “Baby? Xander, get the doctor!” He ran out the door to do just that. Good thing he did, because one moment Tara was scrambling to get the bedpan and the next she had decorated Willow’s top with the partially digested contents of her stomach. The redhead was a little grossed out, but she was more concerned with her lover’s reaction. Tears fully fell from the blonde’s eyes.

“Sorry. So…so sorry.” She sobbed, Willow racing to shush her apologies.

“It’s not your fault baby.” The door opened then, admitting Xander and one of the doctors on call that night.

Outside the Hospital

They don’t know I’m here, you know. Nope. Not one little idea of it. And if they even had an inkling, I’m sure Red would have found some way to bar me from the building. I mean, soulless creatures can be kept out, so why not me too? Not that I’m lacking in that particular department…but there are stains and scars. I know this. And the Superfriends have made sure that I know that whenever I see them. None of them were ever stellar, but they’d have you think they were. Faith smoothed her hands down the sides of her denim jacket. She wore a white shirt under it. Uneasily, she sunk her hands into her blue jeans and began walking towards the front doors to the hospital.

Her memory served true, as she’d tried to keep her contact with Xander and Willow down to a minimum. The absence of the blonde witch had captured her attention and being more careful the next time she went to see Dawn, she found out where the woman was. You’d think I was doing my final walk. She thought to herself, feeling the tension as she walked up to the reception’s desk. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be remembered.

Thankfully, the receptionist had no clue and after she asked for Tara’s room number, she found herself with another situation. She was nervous about entering the room. Chewing on her bottom lip, she stepped closer, hearing voices. She heard them getting closer to the door and she ducked around the corner as the door opened. Peaking carefully, she spotted Willow and Xander there. “I wish Dawnie had come with today.” A strange smell assaulted Faith’s nose, but she wasn’t sure what it was exactly.

“Can understand why she didn’t though.” Xander commented.

“Yeah…” Her voice trailed off.

“Well… Tara was umm…awake.”

“Yeah… And she was sick. But she talked.” The two of them continued to talk as they walked down the hall. “There was that…which was of the good, right?” Straining her ears, Faith wouldn’t have been able to hear the rest of the conversation. But that was unimportant. As quietly as she could, she slipped into Tara’s room. Hearing the door open, the blonde looked towards it, her eyes widening only a little before she relaxed back into the bed.

“Hi.” The brunette said with a small smile. “Had a little problem finding the place this time.” Off a questioning glance, she elaborated. “Pipsqueak’s not with me today.” Faith walked to the side of Tara’s bed, pulling a chair over.

“No.” Confused, the dark slayer looked at the blonde, who patted an empty spot next to her on the bed. Faith didn’t even question her, sitting down.

“Heard you got sick.” She wasn’t fully facing Tara as she spoke. Lightly, she kicked the floor with one sneaker.

“Y-Yes. And goddess…s-s-so embarrassing!” Her cheeks grew pink at her stuttering, even though she knew the woman sitting on the bed wouldn’t ridicule her for it. “I just w-wanted to h-hide.”

“There’s worse things. So, tell me…” She turned around then, looking at the blonde. “Feeling better?” Tara nodded, a shy smile on her face. “Feeling…up to something?” One of Faith’s brows quirked, an almost sensual expression forming. Tara seemed to consider. “Well?” Faith chuckled. “I’m not a very patient woman, Miss Maclay.”

“Okay okay… I’m feeling much better.”

“Good. Otherwise, I’d have let you play with yourself.” Faith’s grin was a little too wide and she enjoyed the sudden blush at Tara’s expense. “So…” Her fingers tangled a little in the crisp hospital bed sheet. “What are you up for today?”

“You know.” Tara leveled a stare on Faith and the brunette moaned and stood up.

“Fine. Far be it for me to keep your fingers from doing the walking.” Strolling over to the stationary table next to Tara’s bed, she momentarily kneeled, digging under it. She found herself having to move bags around. “You better be happy I like you.” Finding the box she was after, she stood and dragged the portable table, which thankfully had been cleaned, off around the bed to where her chair was. “Scrabble it is.” She opened the box, setting it on the table and began setting up the pieces along with the board.

The two women began to play.

To Be Continued…

Secondary Note: Haha! Almost had you there, didn’t I? Stay tuned for the next chapters… No hints at it this time.