Darkness Is In All Of Us

Goodbye.

"No history of mental problems?"

"Minor depression but-"

"And when did that start?"

"A few months ago, wh-"

"Any major changes in her life around that time?"

"Yes, her girlfriend was shot and didn't make it. Liste-"

"Her girlfriend?"

"Yes. Would-"

"I see. Well, Miss Rosenberg can go home. But, she will need to stay on medication for a few months. At the end of this period she will see a therapist who will ensure that she will be okay off the medication."

"Willow's not craz-"

"She should keep on the down low. Not leave the house to much. At least until Faith Lehane is caught. Understand?"

"I understand." Buffy sighed. She clenched and unclenched her fists, before heading into Willow's room. Willow was standing over her bed, picking up the last of her things. "Damn, that doctor pissed me off."

Willow smiled as she turned around. "Tell me about it. By my second day here, I swear I was gonna magic his mouth shut."

Buffy laughed, glad to see her friend in such good spirits.

"So are we ready?" Willow asked.

"Ready!" Buffy said. She put an arm on Willow's shoulder as they walked out the door, causing Willow to giggle.

As they got into Buffy's car, Buffy looked over at Willow. "Hey, Will. I gotta ask you something."

"Ask away Buff." Willow smiled.

"How are you feeling about seeing Faith again?" Buffy asked.

"What? Why would-"

"C'mon Will!" Buffy laughed. "I know there's something there!"

"No, no, no, there's nothing there except for a big empty space, nothing at all, an-"

"Willow, you're blabbering." Buffy grinned. "You can tell me anything."

"Listen, maybe there's something. Just a little bit of a something. But.. I'm just not ready for.. No one can replace her." Willow sighed.

"Of course not." Buffy nodded as she started the car. "But if you were ready. Would you..?"

"Yeah. Maybe."

Willow made to grab her luggage, but Buffy got there first. "I got it Will." Willow smiled and headed into the house. The moment she stepped inside, Xander took her up in his arms, holding her tight.

"Finally! Jeez Will, how long were they gonna keep you there!" Xander cried. Willow laughed.

"As long as they could I guess." She smile.

"Willow!" Dawn Summers came thundering down the stairs and grabbed Willow by the waist, hugging her.

"Hey Dawnie!" Willow chuckled. Her smile slipped as she looked up to see a certain dark slayer leaning against the door jam.

"Hey Red." Faith said, allowing a small smile.

"Faith." Willow nodded awkwardly.

"So, you're out of the nutter house." Faith said.

"Yeah."

"I'm glad."

"Me too."

There was a long awkward pause. "Well," Xander broke the silence. "I bet you're starving Will. We can order pizza." 

"Cool." Willow smiled. 

That night, the whole gang, including the potentials piled into the living room with pizza and rented movies and fell asleep on the floor and squished onto the couch. Willow was fast asleep with her head resting on the arm of the couch, and Buffy was lying against her friend's side and Dawn lying against her sister's. Xander was sitting with Anya's head on his chest, the two dead asleep. All the potentials were on the floor in sleeping bags. Andrew was dozing in a chair and Faith was asleep in a different one. This was the first time in a while that everyone felt relaxed. Yes, they were all in grave danger and the First could attack at any time. Yes, Faith couldn't leave the house or she would be arrested on the spot. Yes, Willow felt like she was going crazy and had scabs on her knuckles from hitting the walls and table of her cell-like-hospital-room. Yes, Spike was certifiably insane, Xander and Anya were a mess, the potentials were terrified and Buffy felt like she was disconnected and alone. But for this one night, everyone could forget about all that and just be normal kids for once. But we all know that couldn't last for long. 

A few days later

The time had come. As they entered the high school, Faith watched Willow. The witch looked pale, but determined. Her hands were clenched into fists and her teeth gritted. Faith once again regretted that she was unable to stay with Willow while she performed the spell. Kennedy had volunteered but Willow had politely turned her down. Buffy wanted to, but obviously couldn't, Faith as well. Xander had hoped he would be able to, but he was needed else where, as well as Anya. So that was how Dawn had been chosen to stay with Willow. Faith knew there was a large chance that Willow would die and there was an even greater chance that Faith would. She just wished that she could.. 

"Okay, Faith, potentials, you go to the basement and prepare. I'll be there soon." Buffy said. 

Faith took one last longing look at Willow before turning and walking down the hall with the potentials. She had just reached the stairs when she felt a soft hand on her shoulder. Faith turned in surprise and saw Willow standing there. "Oh, hey Red." 

"Hey." Willow said "Listen, Faith, I just.. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Oh, yeah, goodbye." Faith stammered, trying to act casual. 

"That's all I get?" Willow teased. She slowly and tentatively put a hand on Faith's cheek. Faith's eyes widened and Willow allowed a small smile as she gently put her lips on Faith's. Before Faith knew what she was doing, she was kissing Willow back. It was tender yet passionate and it was over to quickly for Faith's liking. As they pulled away, Faith tried to drink in every little thing, so she would never forget. The way Willow was biting her lip and the way red was creeping up on her cheeks. Her bright, flaming hair glinting in the sunlight. Her green eyes and the way they looked at Faith like it was the first she had ever seen the slayer.  

"Goodbye Red." Faith whispered. 

"Goodbye Faith." Willow smiled before turning on her heel and heading back to the Scoobies.

"Goodbye.. Willow."