All I Have To Say Is Goodbye

I OWN NO CHARACTERS. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER WAS WRITTEN BY JOSS WHEDON.

"I hate her." I mumbled to myself sliding farther into my bubble bath. I had to. What other feelings could I possibly have for Faith? Love? I think not. Not after everything she did. Impossible. But here I am..Absorbed once again in thoughts of Faith. The "what if's". The "maybes". And the "if only". She's done her time. Angel says she's completely rehabilitated. Honestly, I don't know if that's a good thing. I mean, murder and mayhem not so good, but I can't imagine her not being...You know, Faithy.

I was ripped back to reality by a knock at the door. "Buffy?" Dawn called. "You haven't drowned have you?" I can't help but roll my eyes.

"No, Dawn." Unfortunately. "I'll be out soon." I waited until she heard her footsteps fade away to get out of the water. I slipped on my oldest, rattiest t-shirt and face planted on the bed.

IOIOI

*buzz*

Groaning, I tumble to the other side of the bed to my phone. Angel texted.

-She won't shut up about you. –

I catch myself smiling, reply that I will call him after patrol, and got up to change clothes. It's a little weird, talking to Angel. Especially about Faith. He's the only one, besides the ever observant Dawn, I've confided in about my…tendencies. He was surprisingly supportive.

IOIOI

"Did you need something?" I asked Dawn passing her in the hallway.

"Nope, just checking on you, ya know? Making sure you didn't drown thinking about Faith." She smirked, turning to follow me downstairs

"I hate you." I mumbled without looking at her.

"Love you, too, Buff." She laughed. "Call her!" I heard her yell as I shut the door. Call Faith? No. No way. That is ridiculous.

IOIOI

Patrol went as expected. Minor dusting, nothing world endy. Reporting to Giles could wait till morning. It's not like he's a Watcher anymore.

It was late, or early…whatever, when I finally got home. I snuck up to my room. I guess it couldn't hurt to call Faith, leave a voicemail, I thought to myself. Much easier than an actual conversation.

One ring. Deep breaths.

Two rings. Heart racing.

"Hello?" Faith's voice shot through me like a bullet. "Hello?" She repeated mockingly in a sing song voice.

Crap, she answered. Say something! I told myself. "I..B-buffy" Smooth. I felt my face get hot.

"Buffy… I was hoping you would call."

"You were?"

"Of course I was, B." I could almost hear her smile.

Buffy didn't know what to say now. It was all so unreal.

Faith spoke again, "Could I maybe see you?"

"Come over." I couldn't believe I said it. Had I gone crazy? I seriously said come over. I haven't seen Faith in a year, and last time I did, I tried to kill her. AFTER totally ignoring and practically exiling her to the point of her going all dark side. How am I going to face her?

"Okay, then. I will." She laughed. "Wont I wake the kid?"

I didn't even think about Dawn. "Uhh.." I'm obviously eloquent tonight. "It'll be ok. Call when you get here? Yeah. See you soon."

IOIOI

I hung up. I thought I may be sick, so I went into the bathroom. It was when I was splashing cold water on my face when I realized how terrible I looked. My eyes widened. "Oh God." I panicked and tried to get cleaned up. Jeans and a t-shirt? That is seriously the only clean laundry I've got? I looked at my dirty laundry basket. "I'll make time for you one day." I looked myself over one more time. It'll have to do.

*Buzz*

She was calling. I look outside and she's standing in the street looking at my window. "Hey" I answer, just staring at her. It felt like a dream.

"Here." She smiled.