FIC: Back In Boston Ch. 22 (B/F, B/W, D/F) PG-13

["CDS" <callistosdarkside@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Here's # 22. Definitely didn't think it'd go this long when I started, but I
can say that about most of my fics. :)

Enjoy!

-CDS

• Title: Back In Boston
• Author: Callisto's Dark Side
• Email: callistosdarkside@xxxxxxxxxx
• Feedback: The more I get, the faster I write.
• Distribution: Can be found at
http://www.geocities.com/callistosdarkside/BackInBoston.htm
• Spoilers: Season 4, but since Dawn's in it, I guess there's also some of
season 5. It's an alternate universe in which Faith never joined up with
the mayor.
• Rating: Mostly PG-13, but there will be some R and NC-17 stuff as well.
• Pairings: B/F, B/W, and D/F. (Note: It's a love quartet, meaning humor
and angst)
• Disclaimer: All characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are copyright
Joss Whedon and 20th Century Fox.
• Summary: Faith convinces Buffy to go back to Boston with her for Christmas
Holidays, but Buffy only agrees if Willow comes along as well. Dawn tags
along, much to Buffy's dismay.


Chapter 22 - Heading Back Home


"Hey, Will, you fall in or something?" Buffy asked, knocking on the bathroom
door.

"No, I'm fine," Willow answered sadly, while wrapping a towel around her
body.

"You sure? I think you forgot your clothes." Buffy said, holding a fresh
set in her left hand.

"I guess I did."

"You want the ones I'm holding in my hand?"

Willow opened the door slightly, letting the cool air of the motel room seep
inside.

"Thanks," The hacker smiled, taking the offered clothes.

"No biggie. Just being a best friend," Buffy shrugged.

"The best," Willow replied dejectedly, before closing the door.

Buffy turned away from the door, confused at Willow's saddened state, before
she headed back to sit on the bed.

Faith and Dawn had gone out to get breakfast, leaving Buffy alone in the
motel room.

Buffy reached for the remote and began channel surfing, but found nothing of
interest, so she turned off the TV, looking for something else to tide her
over.

Buffy turned her head when she heard the bathroom door creak open.

"Will?" Buffy asked, jumping off the bed, to meet her friend at the door.

"Hey Buffy," Willow said in a low voice, while keeping her head down as she
walked past the blonde.

"You okay?"

"Fine," Willow managed to smile, briefly looking Buffy in the eye, before
turning away.

"You sure, Will? You look upset."

"How do I look upset?" Willow asked, sitting on the bed.

"Well, you got the droopy shoulders for one. You also got, the less than
Willowy exuberance that I'm used to," Buffy explained, as she joined Willow
on the bed, sitting down on the edge next to the redhead.

"Sorry, Buffy. Just a little tired, I guess."

"Tired?"

"Yeah, the last few days, with the snow, and the shopping. That's all."

"You sure it's not from hypothermia?" Buffy asked, placing a hand on her
shoulder.

Willow flinched away from the touch.

"Will, what's wrong?" Buffy questioned, pulling her hand back.

"I don't know, I'm just jumpy, that's all."

"Whatever the problem is, you know you can talk to me about it, right?"
Buffy said, tilting her head slightly to smile at her friend.

Willow nodded that she understood.

"Good." Buffy smiled, tentatively bringing her hand back up to rest on
Willow's shoulder.

Willow lifted her head, to look at Buffy, forcing the most forced smile
she'd ever given in her life.

The Slayer smiled in return, glad that she made her friend smile again.

"Where are the others?" Willow asked, not wanting to say either of their
names at the moment.

"Getting food."

"What kind?"

"Dunno." Buffy shrugged, "Forgot to ask."

"Was that wise?"

"Probably not," Buffy laughed. "They'll probably bring back candy bars and
chips."

"It's okay. Not hungry anyway."

"Okay, now I know something's wrong with my Will."

Willow felt a twinge of hurt in her heart.

"It's okay, really," Willow brushed off the comment.

"How come you're not hungry then?"

"Can't people not be hungry?"

"Yeah, but it's not like you, Will. I'm worried."

"I'm fine, Buffy. I'm sure I'll be all better when we get back to
Sunnydale."

"You mean, where the vampires run rampant on top of the Hellmouth?"

"That's the place."

"Okay, but if you're not alright by then, I'm taking you out on the town."

"We never do that. Except for staking vamps and stuff."

"Actually, that was just my way of saying the Bronze. There's really no
where else to go."

"Oh, okay," Willow blushed at the misunderstanding.

The pair sat silently for what seemed like ages. Both wanted to speak, but
neither could find the words to start. Until finally, Buffy mustered up the
courage.

"Will?"

"Yes, Buffy."

"Do you mind, if I say something?"

"Is it bad?"

"Why would it be bad?"

"Because, you asked if you could say it. Usually, that's a billboard for
bad."

"True, but in this case, it's more awkward, embarrassing, and weird, than
bad."

"Oh."

"Is that an oh, go? Or an oh, no go?"

"You can always go with me, Buffy," Willow replied, knowing she was probably
going to regret it.

"Good, because it's really important, and I wanted to tell you before Faith
and Dawn got back."

"Okay."

"Well, first off. Faith and I… are… kinda… well… how do you say… in… you
know… love?" Buffy said, her entire body hanging on Willow's reaction.

"Oh," Willow replied flatly, though it felt like a stake had just been
spiked into her heart.

"Is that it?" You're not gonna run away, or say ew gross?"

"Why should I?"

"You do know I'm talking about Faith? A girl? The same girl that you really
don't like, right?"

"Is there some other Faith?"

"No. No. I'm just surprised that you're not more surprised, that's all."

"It's okay, Buffy. It was pretty obvious."

"Since when?"

"I dunno. I just got the vibes."

"Oh. I didn't know I was giving out any."

"Well, mostly Faith was, but I could sense some from you too."

"So, you're okay with it?"

"Uh huh." Willow nodded, forcing a smile.

"Thanks, Will. It means a lot to me." Buffy couldn't help, but throw her
arms around the hacker.

Willow uncomfortably rubbed Buffy's back in response.

"Will, there's something else," Buffy said, pulling out of the hug. "And
this you might get mad at."

"What is it?" Willow asked, knowing she wasn't going to like it.

"You see, I'm not the only one that… likes… loves… Faith."

"You mean Dawn."

"That obvious?"

"Uh huh."

"Well, you see, last night, Dawn kinda cried her eyes out, and was bawling,
and stuff. It broke my heart to see her like that. And here I am, hogging
Faith, who Dawn loves too. So… I kinda made a pretty spur of the moment
decision, which I think I might regret."

"What was it?"

"I kinda said it was okay for Dawn to date Faith. Although, not in so many
words."

"Oh."

"Again, with the oh. Does nothing shock you, Will?"

"It just sounds great, Buffy. I mean, everyone has what they want. Why
wouldn't I be happy?"

"Are you Will?"

"Of course I am, Buffy. If you want to date Faith, and let your sister date
her too, then that's your choice. You don't have to apologize to me."

"You think it's okay?" Buffy asked, surprised at Willow's willingness to
accept it, although a voice in the back of her mind was telling her that
Willow was lying through her teeth.

"Sure. But your mother may be a different story." Willow shrugged, averting
her eyes.

"I know. How am I suppose to tell my mom that Dawn and I are both dating a
girl, and it happens to be the same girl. I mean, I know mom likes Faith,
but I think she might not like her so much when she hears about this.
She'll probably think that Faith is corrupting us or something."

"It's possible."

"Oh, it's more than possible, which is why I need to ask a favor."

"What?"

"Can you keep this a secret, until I'm ready to tell my mom?"

"You want me to keep this from your mom?"

"Well, it's not like I'm asking you to lie. I'm just asking you not to
volunteer any info, but if you don't want to do it, I understand."

"It's okay, Buffy. I'll do it, but I think it's in your best interest if
you tell your mom everything right away."

"Really?"

"Secrets can only hurt you. I know."

"I guess, but how can I tell her?"

"I dunno, but you have to do it some time, and the longer you wait, the
harder it will be."

"Yeah, but can't I just pretend it'll be easier the longer I wait?"

"I think you know the answer to that, Buffy."

"Darn, so no delusional pretending, huh?"

"Nope, it's out with the truth."

"Well, not right away. I mean, I don't wanna give mom a heart attack when I
walk through the door."

"It's really up to you Buffy."

"I know. I should also ask Faith and Dawn, to see what they think."

"That would be best."

"Thanks, Will." Buffy gave the redhead another hug. "It's nice to have
someone to talk to, you know, about the relationship stuff."

"Yeah, nice." Willow frowned, resting her chin on Buffy's shoulder.

"Woah." Buffy pulled back from the hug. "That was a cold breeze."

"That's odd, we're pretty far from the door."

"Yeah, and I think it came from the wall over there?" Buffy pointed in the
opposite direction of the door.

"I told you not to get the cheap room," Willow teased.

******

"So you told her?" Faith asked Buffy, as she watched Willow hand Dawn her
gift on the other side of the room.

"Yup," Buffy smiled.

"How'd she take it?"

"Surprisingly well. She said she already knew."

"Can't say I'm surprised."

"You mean, you knew she knew?" Buffy questioned.

"More or less."

"Which one is it? More or less?"

"More," Faith nodded. "I mean, I was practically throwing myself at you the
entire time. I thought you had some sort of special defense against
Slayer's or something."

"Hey, I was shy," Buffy blushed.

"You weren't shy last night," Faith smirked.

"Faith…"

"See. Shy," Faith placed her hand on Buffy's hip, and pulled her close.

"Hey look what I got!" Dawn announced happily as she bounced her way to
Buffy and Faith holding up a picture.

"It's an autographed… picture of… oh my God!" Faith shouted, as she grabbed
the picture to see for herself.

"Yup, Xena, slash, Lucy Lawless," Dawn beamed.

"Wow, and she's practically wearing nothing too." Faith appraised.

Willow blushed from the other side of the room at Faith's comment.

"I know." Dawn smiled.

"Gee Willow, I didn't know you liked that sorta thing," Buffy teased, as she
took the picture from Faith.

"Yeah, Red, way to go. Why didn't I get a half-naked Xena for Christmas
though?" Faith questioned.

"I dunno," Willow stammered, "I just knew Dawn liked Xena, and that was the
best one I could find on the net."

"Wait till her mom sees it," Faith laughed, taking the picture back.

"Hey, it's my present," Dawn frowned, taking the pic back from Faith, before
moving back to Willow. "Thanks Willow, I love it," Dawn said, giving the
hacker a quick hug.

Faith turned to Buffy, and whispered, "Does Red know about the whole, Dawn
sitch too?"

"Yup."

"So we don't have to sneak around or anything?"

"Nope."

"Damn, I was sorta hoping I could. That's the best part."

"What, you mean you wanted to sneak around with Dawn, while me and you were
out in the open?" Buffy questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What's wrong with that? It's not like you wouldn't know. Plus, you wanted
this to happen, remember."

"I guess, but if it makes you happy, we don't have to tell my mom right
away."

"Ooh, that sound's interesting. Although, I kinda feel bad hiding this from
Joyce, I mean, I really do like your mom."

"Yeah, but it's not like I can say, hey mom, I'm dating Faith now, and so is
Dawn, although technically, Faith and Dawn aren't dating yet, because Dawn's
too young, etc. etc. the moment I walk through the door."

"True," Faith agreed. "But I pretty much figure Joyce will be curious as to
why we have identical bracelets," Faith smirked, holding up her wrist.

"We can just say they're friendship bracelets, because technically they
are."

"I didn't know friends showered together," Faith whispered in Buffy's ear.

"Faith…" Buffy blushed.

"I love it when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Say my name and blush."

Buffy couldn't help but blush some more.

******

"Oh, here's your gift," Dawn handed her sister an envelope, as Buffy sat
down next to Faith on the plane.

"Let me guess, a gift certificate?" Buffy asked, as she took the envelope.

"Nope, and why do you get to sit next to Faith?"

"Because she's my girlfriend, that's why," Buffy stuck her tongue out at her
sister.

Dawn blushed at Buffy's openness.

Buffy looked around the plane horrified, and found that everyone seemed to
be staring in her direction.

"You got a problem?" Faith growled at the woman sitting in front of them,
who had turned her head at the comment.

"No," The woman quickly shook her head at the fearsome brunette and turned
back around in her seat.

"Anyone else got a problem?" Faith asked, threateningly to the entire plane.

Her answer, was that everyone turned back in their seats, and looked away
from Faith's menacing stare.

Dawn hurried over and sat by Willow, on the other side of the plane, only a
row in front of Buffy and Faith.

"You know, you should really be a teacher, Faith. I don't think anyone
would ever question you," Buffy smiled.

"Only problem, is that I'm more interested in the extra-curricular, than the
curricular."

"Yes, that would be a problem," Buffy blushed.

Faith smiled, as she watched her girlfriend's cheeks turn a rosy red.

"So, what'd Sunshine get ya?" Faith nodded toward the envelope in Buffy's
hands.

Buffy opened the envelope, and pulled out a piece of paper. She unfolded
the paper to reveal in big letters, IOU.

"An IOU?" Buffy frowned.

"You got me an IOU?" Buffy shouted.

"What?" Dawn asked, shrugging her shoulders as she turned in her seat to
face her sister's wrath.

"This isn't a present, it's a piece of paper, and besides, you already owe
me plenty, but you never pay up."

"True, but now it's on paper, so it's like a contract."

"What use is it?"

"Well, I can cover for you on doing the dishes, vacuuming the house, doing
the laundry, filling in on patrol, or sorts of things."

"Ah, so this is a really, you wanna go on patrol sort of gift, huh?"

"No?" Dawn said, unconvincingly.

"Well, good." Buffy smiled, "Because you're not going on patrol… of… the…
chicken's… den?" Buffy said, as she began feeling the eyes of the other's
passengers on her once again.

"You, know?" Faith stood up and plucked the glasses off the woman sitting in
front of them, who had turned around once again. "I really like these.
It's too bad you're not using them for anything productive," Faith smiled
mischievously.

"Please, I need those to read," The woman pleaded.

"Really? You mean to read our lips while we're having a private
conversation?"

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"You sure?" Faith asked, dangling the glasses like she was going to drop
them.

"Positive." The woman nodded frantically.

"Good," Faith handed the glasses back to the woman, satisfied that she'd
finally gotten her message across.

******

Willow looked out of the window of the plane and had to do a double take,
thinking she'd seen the ghostly form of a woman flying beside the plane.

She rubbed her eyes and looked again, making sure she wasn't seeing things,
but the ghostly outline was gone.

She shook her head, figuring that it must've been a figment of her
imagination.

The redhead had to throw her arms around her body, as a cold breeze came in
through the window.

"Chilly," Willow commented, as she saw Dawn do the same with her arms.

Willow then turned her head back to see Buffy resting her head on Faith's
shoulder, sending a jolt of jealousy through the hacker.

"You okay?" Dawn asked, seeing the concerned look on the redhead's face.

"Peachy," Willow replied, forcing a smile.


To be continued in Battle for Buffy.