FF::RoL II:: Revelations and Realizations (12d/?)

[keeper444@xxxxxxxxx]

Here we go again, part d of chapter 12, and yes there is a part e on the
way. Thanks for staying with me so far and please hold o just one more
after this and that's all for today. I'll hold on to 13 till tomorrow or
later depending on how this goes over.

So trays in their upright and locked position and seatbelts fastened,
the ride is about to begin again.
Later
Alex
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Full disclaimers can be found with part 1 at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buffywantswillow/message/8661
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Revelations and Realizations (12d/?)
by: Alex P.
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Dr. Cheryl began to look at this strong willed and very protetive young
woman in a different light, her underlaying strength was now easily seen
as well as the dangerous posibilities of her earlier words, and it
caused her to rethink her approach.

<>Yes I see what Jeffery is worried about<> the trauma surgeon told 
herself as she studied the brunette closely <>There is something 
about her that is telling me to be careful of the way I see her and 
to listen to what she has to say. There is a powerful other worldly 
glow about her and it is quickly spreading to the woman laying in the 
coma bed.<>

Cordelia watched them for a few moments her eyes suddenly focusing on 
Jeffery again and it appeared that she had come to some decision. 

"Jeffery, I don't think you are lying to me but you have to 
understand I can't trust you anymore," she began holding up a hand to 
forestall his immediate protest. "These are my instructions and I 
want them followed to the letter. First I want Faith transferred to 
my room where I can be with her" she stopped for a second to wait for 
his nod then continued, "You are no longer her physician Jeffery, she 
is. I'm sure you understand."

Cheryl looked on in shock as Jeffery simply nodded his agreement to 
this young woman's orders and she wasn't sure why but she too felt it 
was the right thing to do.

"I'm not sure I like the way you are doing this Ms. Chase." Cheryl 
said feeling she should at least defend her friend. "Dr. Fallon is a 
fine physician and was only considering the request of Mr. Giles. I'm 
not sure I can take this case, besides I have some problems with this 
whole thing. I know all about the other side of Sunnydale, spending 
time with Dr. Fallon lately has been very enlightening, but this is 
going way beyond the realms of credibility and I feel I must voice my 
misgivings."

Cordelia looked closely at the female physician and a slow smile 
spread across her face as she recognized the look of determination to 
defend her friend and knew their relationship was destined to become 
so much more than mere friendship and for a moment she was very happy 
for them. Then she again grew serious, just as determined to see to 
the care of her mate.

"Alright doctor, what are your questions?" Cordelia said warily not 
wanting to be backed into a corner by these two, "I warn you though I 
have little patience when it involves my Faith and if you are 
incapable of handling her care I will find some other who will." 

This response surprised Cheryl, she hadn't expected this young woman 
to be as forceful and as powerful as she was projecting not only by 
her words, but by her attitude as well. Something was telling her to 
fully believe that Cordelia was not the shallow young woman she had 
been told about. 

This was a strong willed confident woman that would tolerate no 
disregard in the care of the woman in front of her, and was very 
capable of defending her mate with violent action. Apparently Jeffery 
held the same opinion judging by his acceptance to her seemingly 
outrageous demands. 

She knew she must be careful how she voiced her objections or the 
entire situation would be taken out of their hands and Cheryl was 
sure that it was necessary to remain in contact with these two women, 
for the welfare of all concerned. Also to find a way to protect them 
from Giles until they could find out what was going on with him.

"Alright Ms. Chase you do get right to the point, I like that." 
Cheryl began then after a second to gather her thoughts into 
order. "I suppose the first thing I must ask is what gives you the 
right to determine and decide about Ms. Spencer's care and management 
of her case.  She is after all over 18 and now that she is awake, I'm
sure she is 
quite capable of seeing to her own health care. And second how can 
you possibly entrust her to my care when I am sure it is obvious that 
Dr. Fallon and I work closely together and share our case loads, that 
means like it or not Ms. Chase he will still be involved in Ms. 
Spencer's case, as long as I am."

Cordelia narrowed her eyes and scrutinized the woman before her. She 
could feel that while her questions were valid this was also some 
kind of test to see if she was seriously intending to handle all the 
aspects of her recently awakened soulmate.

"Fair enough doctor, I'm sure you are `only´ interested in seeing 
that my Faith gets the best care available and not on some 
vindictive "witch" hunt trying to defend the behaviour of a fellow 
physician, when they have been so closely involved in the near murder of
a 
patient under their care." Cordelia asked, the sarcasm clear in her 
voice, she smiled at the surprised incredulous look on the doctor's 
face, she again put up a hand to still the womans protest of 
innocence. "You see doctor I am not quite the airhead you seem to 
believe I am. Now to ally your "concerns" for my mate, first I am 
taking over only until Faith is caught up with everything that has 
occurred in the past four years while she was impersonating Rip van 
Winkle."

Cordelia had to fight off the grin when she heard Faiths burst of 
laughter at her summation of her condition over the last four years 
of cosmic exile. As sure as she knew that Cordelia was her soulmate 
she was also sure that Cordelia knew exactly what really happened 
four years ago on that roof top and why she was here now. 

Faith was floored by these sudden revelations and she couldn't help 
but look up at her protective lover with a new awe and respect. 

Cordelia looked down for a moment and gave her amazed lover a knowing 
smile and one of those looks that every woman gives their mate when 
that mate finally discovers the real strength of their 
supposedly "weaker" half. 

The one that says yes dear I know but don't worry our secret is safe 
and your reputation is intact. A look that every couple that is truly 
in love knows well.

"I am doing this because I am her mate and no one is more concerned 
about her than I am." Cordelia restarted as she once again focused 
her very sharp eyes on the female doctor that was learning a whole 
new lesson in humility "If you have a problem with it I suggest you 
find Joyce Summers as she has the guardianship of Faith while she was 
in the coma. I am quite sure she will surrender that position to me 
when I request
it, and that will be as soon as we are done here. 
Now second, I am 
not trusting you because of him, I am trusting you because my friends 
do. I think that if Joyce is willing to entrust Buffy to you and 
Buffy is willing to entrust the most important thing in her life to 
you, Willow, then I too will trust you with the one being in the 
universe that means more to me than life itself. I realise that Dr. 
Fallon will still be assisting in my soulmates case and I wouldn't 
have it any other way but I can no longer trust him completely so you 
are in charge, making you personally responsible for all decisions 
concerning my beloved's care.  Does that answer your questions 
doctor? 
Did I pass your little test?"

"Ah..er...yes...yes quite..well." Cheryl stammered taken by surprise 
by both Cordelia's logic and her aggressive attitude, but was 
determined to regain her control of the situation knowing now she 
would accede to the young woman's demands. "You do realise that I 
will have to perform several tests on you both. Your sudden and 
miraculous recoveries will be questioned and scrutinized by my 
colleagues. It can not be helped."

"That will not be a problem doctor O'Bryan," Cordelia answered, 
already expecting this kind of response. "As long as you and your 
people understand where she goes I go and vice versa. We will gladly 
submit to your tests to a point. You too must realise that as in the 
case with Buffy and Willow, and I am sure soon Xander, you will not 
have an easy time finding mundane explanations for our state of 
health. We are being watched and cared for by beings that have more 
power than you, Jeffery or any of us mortals will ever be able to 
understand. So there are things about us that no mere doctor will be 
able to explain and it is best to simply put it off to a probable 
misdiagnosis and that our previous conditions were not as grave as 
first suspected."

Cheryl agreed silently with a nod and as Cordelia had ordered she was 
on the rooms phone to transportation and to maintenance arranging for 
Faith's transfer to Cordelia's private room. As an after thought and 
as a concession to their new found relationship Cheryl ordered a 
special bed, that could be joined to the one Cordelia already had. 

She remembered when Buffy and Willow had been her patients and she 
knew of their need for contact even when sleeping. While Cheryl was 
busy handling the details of the move Jeffery stepped as close as he 
dared in order to get both of the young women's attention.

"What is it Jeffery?" Cordelia snapped not wanting him too close 
right now. "Do you have something to say to us?"

"I will of course do as you have said Cordelia," The contrite 
metaphysician said so only Cordelia and Faith could hear. "I am very 
sorry that you have lost your trust in me, and I want you both do 
know I will do everything in my power to regain it. I do just want 
you both to also know that I am not the only one you have to worry 
about, don't forget that, you both will have acquired enemies I can 
assure you that you have far more to worry about than me."

Faith's eyes darted back and forth from the smallish man Cordelia had 
called Jeffery and her protective lover. She saw the fire in her 
lover's eyes and a feeling of warmth and safety engulfed her like a 
warm well comfortable blanket. 

Cordelia regarded the man with a cold fire burning in her eyes as if 
she were almost daring her enemies to make themselves known. 

"I know more about our enemies than even you doctor." She stated 
flatly "I know you are not totally aware of the extent but much has 
changed since I entered this hospital doctor. I am far more aware of 
our station and position in the universe and I am not about to 
underestimate ANY of those that would wish us harm. Rest assured that 
my mate and I are very capable of seeing to each other better than any
well 
meaning interloper could hope to."

The former monk and the ex prom queen locked eyes in a silent battle 
of wills. Before her prolonged sleep Jeffery had always won these 
challenges easily, but now he saw a new confidence and intensity in 
her eyes belying an internal strength that had never been there 
before. Something about this new Cordelia shook the ex clergyman to 
the core. He averted his eyes conceding the confrontation, as he knew 
he would eventually lose anyway.

His eyes instantly returned to the young woman's when he heard her 
gasp. Her eyes were closed a look of intense pain crossed her face. 

She raised her free hand to her temple refusing to release her 
connection to Faith, and her body swayed as if she was about to lose 
consciousness.  

Then as quickly as it began it ended, it was gone and the strong 
confident Cordelia was back. She looked into Jeffery's eyes and a 
strange look came to her face.

"Doctor I do believe you should allow Dr. O'Bryan to finish up here." 
She stated coldly "You are going to be busy caring for Xander as he 
too will soon awaken. This seems to be the time of returnings doesn't 
it? You should be there for him doctor, he still has confidence in 
your abilities. I on the other hand do not."

As if Jeffery no longer existed Cordelia turned her attention to the 
still speechless Faith. She and her new found soulmate gazed deeply 
into each others eyes exchanging silent messages of eternal devotion 
as only new lovers can. 

Without breaking eye contact with her beloved soulmate she began 
talking to Dr. O'Bryan about her interest and considerations on 
Faith's care.

"I don't mean to sound too abrupt doctor," Cordelia said, her voice 
clear and unwavering and with Faith watching her with absolute love 
and faith in her lover's judgment showing in her dark eyes. "I'm only 
concerned with Faith's care and continued safety. I will not be 
leaving her side from now on."

Faith tightened her grip on her lover's hand in approval of her 
statement. She preferred not to talk as her throat still hurt when 
she tried. So silently giving her lover her complete confidence she 
just sat back and nodded her approval whenever necessary, her 
expressive dark eyes never leaving the sight of those amazing 
chocolate brown orbs that held her heart and soul.

"I would also like you to disconnect her from these damnable 
machines." Cordelia continued, she didn't like the way the machines 
kept beeping and making noises while curtailing her complete contact 
with her Faith. "I am sure she no longer requires them."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that." Cheryl said expecting 
the young woman to concede to her authority as a doctor, she had 
seriously miscalculated Cordelia's tolerance of her profession. "I'll 
need to deter....."

"NO!" Cordelia interrupted turning her now scorching gaze on the 
beautiful trauma surgeon who shifted uncomfortably feeling those 
burning eyes on her. "I will be the judge of that! Something far 
greater than yourself has cured both my mate and myself. 
We only submit ourselves to your examinations as a courtesy to a 
fellow warrior of the light. Do not presume that we have any more 
trust in you than we do in Dr. Fallon. 
The only difference to us between the two of you is that you haven't 
contemplated 
murdering my lover."

Cheryl started to protest the young woman's statement and to defend 
the man she had become extremely fond of, but then remembered their 
dinner conversation and stepped around the still stunned Jeffery and 
began disconnecting the monitors as Cordelia had ordered. 

She noticed that no matter what happened or what was said Faith's 
adoring eyes never left the beautiful and forceful woman that had 
risen to her defence and had made it very clear to all the they were 
in love and were determined to be together.

"I will have the patient transferred to your room ASAP, in fact the 
transportation people should be here ay minute." Cheryl said as she 
disconnected the final connection and the machines were finally 
silent, she was amazed at the muscle tone and skin pallor of the long-
term coma patient. "You know I can't release either of you without 
running a large battery of tests on both of you."

"I know doctor, I have no doubt we will pass them easily." Cordelia 
answered confidently "We will submit to your tests but only if we go 
together. I will not be apart from my Faith again, at least until we 
are both away from this place. If I can have my way I will never again
be 
parted from my beloved ever."

With that comment Cordelia felt Faith tug on her hand and when she 
turned a tender eye to her lover the dark eyed woman indicated that 
she wanted Cordelia to lean down. When the brunette was closer Faith 
reached out with her other arm and pulled her defender and lover down 
to her capturing lips and gave Cordelia a long slow wet kiss 
successfully conveying her agreement with her lover's last statement. 

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END 12d
TBC
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One more I promise then I'll get out of here and leave you alone for a
while.
~AP~