I'll see you in my heart
by Norwalker
Part 2
[reviews]
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I'll see you in my heart
Part 2
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The school bus pulls up in front of the Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
The door to the bus opens, and Faith steps out. She heads up towards the double doors of the Emergency Room entrance, and goes through them. While this is happening, Buffy, Willow and Kennedy get off the bus, and go to the back door. They open it, and clear the way to start carrying out the wounded.
Faith comes back out of the double doors, followed by ER technicians with rolling gurneys. They head for the back of the bus, to start loading the wounded for entry to the hospital.
Buffy, accompanied now by Faith, Willow, Dawn and Kennedy, watches as the wounded are being carried into the hospital. She talks to each girl, holding a hand, giving encouragement. This is far cry from the Buffy of even a month ago, who everyone thought was such a hardassed, uncaring leader. Buffy has learned that being leader doesn't mean you have to cut yourself off. The girls have learned that at heart, all the time, Buffy only wanted them safe. Everybody has learned a little something from this.
As the wounded slayers are wheeled into emergency, Buffy is at the head, being sure all is ready to receive them. If you look at her closely, she is not looking 100% herself. She is limping a little, her face is pale, and she occasionally is holding her side, like she has a pain there. But she still commands a presence, and looks like a general caring for her troops. They get inside, and the wounded are triaged, and cared for by various ER interns.
A tall man, dressed in dark clothing, well built, approaches Buffy. She sees him, and, despite their history, smiles. It is Angel, after all, and they still have a bond of affection, despite the rough times they have shared. She walks to him, and casually, almost automatically, they hug. She leans against him, and looks up at him.
"Thank you," She says. She still holds a strong affection for Angel. Despite the pain they have caused each other, the vestiges of the love they once shared still holds a place in her heart.
"It's the least I could do" He smiles down at her." I see the 'second line of defense' wasn't needed." However things may have changed between Buffy and himself, Angel still carries her in his heart. He still loves her. He probably always will. He knows that their love can't ever be, not the way he is. His only hope is that someday the Shanshu prophecies will come to pass, and The Powers that Be will grant his most fervent wish: To be human. But he's not counting on it. All he wants now is that somehow, Buffy finds happiness.
" No, we were lucky. Well...actually, Willow cast a spell, making all the potentials slayers. She, and Faith, and the girls did an excellent job of defeating The First. They, and of course, Spike." Buffy said, her thoughts going back to that last moment with Spike under Sunnydale High.
" You, of course, had nothing to do with it" Angel smiles. Even after all this time, after...7 times saving the world, Buffy always minimizes her role in the save-age. Just another one of the reasons he loves her. He looks around, his brow furrowed." So, where is Spike, anyway? Not that I don't trust him. Ok, I don't. There is a lot of blood around here..." Angel says, his mouth a grim line.
"He... didn't make it" Buffy says, her tone regretful.
"He took off?" Angel says. Figures, that's like Spike...soul or no soul.
" No, he....was killed . The amulet sent out powerful beams of light...sunlight, and that is what finally finished off the Turok-Han and sealed the Hellmouth" Buffy said, her tone quiet, and reflective." But, he didn't survive it"
Angel pulls Buffy a little tighter into his arms, as she buries herself a little deeper. He can tell it ...is affecting her deeply, and he wants to comfort her. Also, he is quite surprised at Spike's sacrifice. That is very unlike the Spike he knew. Somewhere, buried deep inside, is a grudging respect for Spike. Don't get it wrong. He wasn't broken up by the news, by any means. But there was a sense of...loss.
Buffy stays where she is for awhile. She needs the feeling of comfort and safety she is finding in Angel's arms. She hadn't realized how much, until she was here. Angel just holds her, letting her take whatever she needs from him.
Willow walks up, and sees Angel and Buffy embracing. She quietly waits back a bit. She knows that right now, that's where Buffy needs to be, and what she has to say can wait a few minutes.
Finally, Buffy breaks the embrace. Almost embarrassedly, she looks at Willow.
" Ummm. Buffy? The wounded girls are all settled in. Angel had most of the paperwork done, but Faith and I took care of the final details. But the other slayers? We need to find someplace for them to be. A motel or something." Willow says.
"Actually, Willow, I've already taken care of that" Angel says." The hotel...where we used to work out of? We're no longer...using it. So, there should be plenty of room for the slayers there. Until you can find more permanent accommodations, at least. I've had a crew in, and the rooms have been prepared and are ready for you".
Willow, not aware of the changes with Angel and Co., looks somewhat puzzled. Buffy makes a gesture with her head to Willow, indicating she'll explain it later to her. Willow nods at her.
Buffy breaks her embrace with Angel, and smiles up at him." Thanks again, Angel. This was great of you to do" She goes up on tiptoe, and plants a small kiss on his lips. She turns away, and joins Willow. They turn to leave. That is when Angel smells it. Buffy's blood. He looks down, and sees a spot of blood on his suit coat. His brow furrows.
"Buffy, are you sure you're ok?" He asks, concerned.
" Yeah..." Buffy says, seeing him holding up his fingers, with her blood on it. " It's just a scratch, really. I'll be fine. Slayer healing" She smiles at him. He is not so sure, but he knows how stubborn she can be, and a scene right now probably won't help her. He remains quiet.
Buffy, leaning a little on Willow, walks out of the hospital to join the others on the bus.
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The bus pulls up to the former site of Angel Investigations.
The girls stream out of the bus...and a few immediately are taken aback. To greet them is a tall, green horned demon with red hair, and a broad smile. Standing next to him is a lean man, with glasses and slightly scruffy appearance to him. A few of the slayers are wary, taking stances as if they might have to fight. But when first Willow, then Faith goes up and hugs the demon, they relax. He must be ok.
"Welcome, Ladies, to your home away from home. I'm Lorne, and my slightly sourpuss friend here is Wes. We're here to be sure you're all tucked in comfy and cozy" The demon says in a friendly voice. The girls giggle a little, nervous and amused.
"If you'll all follow me, I will be happy to show you you're accommodations."
Buffy gets off the bus, and sees Wes. She is a bit surprised at seeing him...and at his new 'look'. This is not the prissy watcher she had been assigned in Sunnydale. He looked...older(well, duh)...and harder. Like some great tragedy had touched him. She goes up to him, and puts a hand on his arm.
"Hello, Wesley. It's been a very long time" She says smiling a little.
He turns to her, and that's when she notes the scar on his throat. She wonders where that came from, but felt it best not to mention it
" Hello, Buffy. I'm glad to see you all made it through" He smiles. The smile is genuine, but it has a sad air to it.
She lowers her eyes. " Well...not all" she says, quietly." Some of the girls didn't make it. Neither did Anya, nor Spike."
"Spike? Dead? I ...am amazed. I didn't know he was helping you" Wes replies.
"Yes, he was the one that wore the Amulet." Buffy says.
"Really? That's odd" Wes says." I thought the prophecy said that the wearer had to be " More than human, with a soul" as soon as it leaves his mouth, and he sees her look, it hits him like a ton of bricks. "Spike had a soul?" Wes sounds surprised.
"Yes. Didn't Angel tell you?" Buffy asks, looking puzzled.
"No, he never said a word. That would explain him coming back so quickly. But, I wonder why he never said anything?" Wes says, also puzzled. This is indeed interesting. Looks like he's going to have to do some research.
Buffy gently puts her hand on his face, careful to avoid the scar on his neck. She smiles at him.
"So, Wes, how have you been?" Buffy asks. She wonders at what the cause of the transformation in him. But she wants to avoid bringing up bad memories.
" I'm fine, Buffy. But it's been an interesting couple of years" Wes smiles, a bit ruefully. " Sometime, we'll have to catch up. Right now, however, you look a little tired. Maybe you should go up and get some rest?" Wes notes that Buffy really does look exhausted.
" In a little while, Wes. I think right now I just want to get some night air. Think a little" She smiles. She makes her way to one of the benches in the garden. Wes notes she is limping a little and seems a bit...pale. Then he sees the stain on her blouse.
"Are you ok, Buffy?" He says, coming closer. " That's blood! You're wounded!" He is a bit alarmed.
"Wes, I'm fine. Just a scratch, honest" She smiles." You know slayer healing, it'll be great in the morning"
" Alright, Buffy" He says, unconvinced." But if you feel any worse, you let me know, ok?"
Buffy smiles. She often thought that Wes was a bit of a squish, but it seems life has changed him.
"I'll be fine, Wes. You'll see. But, if you happen to see Dawn, would you tell her I'd like to see her?" Buffy asks.
" Sure Buffy." Wes says, then moves to go inside. He calls back" Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes, Wes, fine" She says, maybe a little impatiently.
Still not entirely convinced, he walks inside the hotel.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Buffy sits in the garden in front of the hotel, watching the night sky.
The day has been wearying, and she is not feeling particularly well. But, she also doesn't want a fuss made. Frankly, and she won't admit this to anyone, since her mother's death, she's had a fear of hospitals. Being in them, especially as a patient. She is pretty much able to deal, as long as she knows she's not going to have to stay long. But, with her wound, she's afraid they might keep her there. It's giving her a major case of the wiggins.
I'll be fine, if I can just get some rest. But, I'm a bit woozy. Need assistance getting upstairs. Know if I let anyone help me upstairs, gonna be a big deal made of the whole thing. I think I can get Dawnie to help me without her squealing on me. I hope so anyway. Not sure it'll be so comfy sleeping downstairs. I guess I can sleep on the bus, if worse comes to worse. Sigh. I hate this, but no way I'm gonna be in some hospital. That'd just make it worse.
Dawn walks out of the front door of the hotel, into the garden area. She sees Buffy sitting on the bench, and sits down beside her. She looks at Buffy and notices she looks a little pale.
"Hey, Buffy. Wes said you wanted to see me?" Dawn asks, wondering if Buffy is ok. She never wants to see me unless something's up. Well, ok, maybe not fair. But she isn't looking too well.
"Hey, Dawnie" Buffy smiles. " How you doing?"
"Fine, Buffy" Dawn answers, growing more suspicious. Yes, something's up alright. " Maybe still a little pissed you tried to send me away"
Buffy sighs. " You're not going to let that go, are you?" Buffy says." I was just trying to protect you, Dawnie"
"Buffy, I thought we got this settled back when Willow went all evil and stuff. That you'd stop trying to protect me from everything. I'm not a child anymore, Buffy. I can help, you know"
Buffy smiles to herself. Yeah, Dawnie's not a little girl anymore. She's become quite the young woman. I'll deny it to my dying day, but I'm so proud of her, I could bust. Damned if I'm gonna tell HER that though. Her head is big enough already. She's strong, she's brave...too brave, sometimes. And she's getting pretty good with a sword. Hope that won't be a needed skill anymore. Sigh. Mommy, you're lil girl is growing up. Buffy chuckles to herself.
"Yeah, well, I'm STILL gonna tell if you get hurt" Buffy teases Dawn. Dawn giggles, and playfully punches Buffy. She grows concerned when Buffy winces a little.
"Ok, Buffy. Spill it. What's wrong!" Dawn says. She's no fool
"I'm feeling a little punk, Dawn. I'll be ok in the morning" Buffy hastens to add, seeing Dawn's look." Just need to get some rest. But, I'm feeling a little woozy...and...ummm...wondered if you'd give me a hand getting to my room?"
"Buffy, what's wrong?" Dawn is worried now. Buffy never asks for help...especially her. She then sees the bloodspot on Buffy's blouse." You're HURT!"
"Shhh...Dawn, it's nothing. Just...feeling wiped. So, can you help me?" Buffy asks, her eyes pleading
Dawn, despite Buffy's protests, lifts her blouse. She sees the wound, which looks not so good.
"Buffy, you should have this looked at. It doesn't look that good!" Dawn insists. She's not wanting to play along
"No, Dawn! No!" Buffy's voice has a note of finality in it. " I'm good, and I'll be fine in the morning. I just want to get upstairs to my room without a fuss being made, ok? Geeze, if you don't want to help me, just say so, Dawn. I'll sleep on the bus, or something"
" Buffy, I gotta tell someone. You're hurt. This could be bad." Dawn says, starting to get up.
"Dawnie, I swear. If you tell anyone, if you make a deal outta this, I'm not gonna tell you anything ever again! This is no big, so don't make it one!" Buffy says, or growls rather.
Dawn is not happy. She doesn't want to be left out of the loop...she already feels like she is anyway. And, if Buffy says it's no big, it probably isn't...but she doesn't like the way that wound looks. And ...damn, she'll just do something stupid. I better go along, at least for now. God, why does she have to be such a baby about this anyway? Sometimes I feel like the older sister!
"Fine, Buffy. I'll help you. But I swear, if you get really sick, I'm telling!!!"
" I won't, ok? " Buffy says, relieved. She didn't want to have to sleep on the bus." Go check the lobby, see if it's clear, pretty much anyway"
Dawn goes into the hotel, and then comes back "Ok, Buffy, it's clear, lets go" Dawn says.
"Ok, I'll be fine 'til we get to the stairs. Then I'll need some help." Buffy stands up...and weaves a little bit...then steadies out.
Dawn, watching her, winces. "Buffy, I don't like this!"
"Dawn, you promised!" Buffy retorts.
"Buffy!" Dawn says
"Dawn!" Buffy says.
Grrr....someday, Buffy, I'm gonna so make you pay for this!
The sisters enter the lobby, and head for the stairs. Once there, Buffy puts her arm around Dawn's shoulder. Slowly, they make it upstairs, and Dawn helps Buffy to her room. She helps Buffy to her bed. Buffy sits, winded. But she smiles up at Dawn.
"Thanks, Dawnie. See? I'm ok. Be great tomorrow " Buffy says, smiling. She sees Dawn's expression, and says" Honest, Dawn, it's just a scratch. Tomorrow it'll be all healed. Now, go to bed, sweetie, and I'll see you tomorrow"
Dawn takes a final look at Buffy. She's so not buying this story, but arguing with Buffy can be detrimental to your health. She sighs, and walks out of the room.
Dawn goes to her room, and prepares for bed. All the time, her mind is on her sister. She didn't look none too good when she put her to bed, and she can't get over the fact that Buffy needed help getting up the stairs. This really had Dawn worried. In all her life she'd never seen Buffy ask for help, in anything. It kinda scared her. But there is no arguing with Buffy when she gets this way. Damn, she's got rocks for brains, sometimes. Dawn slipped under the covers, and tried to sleep.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
An hour later, she was still staring at the ceiling. This is so not good. I can't do this. I gotta tell... someone. But who? If I tell Angel or Giles, she'll freak. She'll be on me like white on rice. I gotta think. Faith? No... she won't listen to Faith. Xander...puhlease. I won't even listen to Xander. Damn... That leaves Willow. Dawn sighs. Even after a year, Dawn is still skittish about Willow. But there were no other choices. She dragged herself outta bed, and left to go get Willow.
Dawn heads down the hallway, trying to remember what room Willow is in...hmmm... 19, that's it. She stops at number 19, and hesitates. She knows she gonna have hell to pay if it's really nothing. But she doesn't care. She lost her mom, she's not gonna lose Buffy too. Even if she's too damned stubborn and stupid to see that's she sick.
Dawn listens a minute at the door(don't want to interrupt anything, that'd be...gross) Not hearing anything, she hesitantly knocks on the door. She waits a minute, and is ready to knock again when the door opens a little, and Willow is looking out at her. Her face is a combination of anger and puzzlement. The anger changes to concern when she sees who it is .
"Dawnie?" Willow says, sounding a little sleepy." What is it? What's up?"
"I-I-It's Buffy, Willow" Dawn says, a little unnerved." I...think she might be sick"
"What do you mean, Dawn?" Willow asks, her face becoming more concerned. She remembered that Buffy hadn't looked all that well at the hospital earlier.
"I..I" Dawn begins, then tells Willow about what she saw on Buffy's blouse, and having to help her upstairs. Willows face changes to serious-resolve face.
" Please, please don't tell her I told you, Willow. She'll kill me. Just...say you saw her or something, ok? Please?" Dawn begs.
Willow smiles. She wants to reassure Dawn, and Dawn can still be 14 years old at times...like now
"Don't worry, Dawn, it'll be our little secret" Willow says." You go back to bed. I'll take care of it".
Willow turned back into the room, and turned on the lights. A somewhat cranky Kennedy rubbed her eyes, and looked at her.
"Wills? What's up?" Kenny says, then looks at the clock." God, it's midnight. What's goin' on, Wills?"
" It's Buffy. She's not well. Go back to sleep, Kenny" Willow says, looking through her drawers. She makes an impatient noise.
" So? What's that got to do with you? Dawn can handle it" Kenny says, sounding a bit upset. Damn, she always does this.
"That was Dawn at the door. She had to help Buffy upstairs. She's worried, and I'm just going to check on her" Willow says, still looking through her drawer " Did you see the med kit?"
" No, I haven't seen it" Kennedy says." Wills, she's probably just really beat from the fight today, I can understand that one. Just let her rest, she'll be fine".
"She doesn't sound fine, Kenny. This'll take two minutes then I'll be back, ok?" Willow says, trying to assuage her
"Yeah, whatever" Kennedy says. She makes a disgusted noise, and pulls the pillow over her head to block out the light.
"What?" Willow says. She really doesn't need Kennedy acting like this right now." What is it?"
"God, Wills. Every time one of the Summer's girls calls, especially Buffy, it's like someone lit a fire under your butt. You're outta her in a second, running to see what they need. She probably has a hangnail, and you're acting like its life or death"
"You know , Kenny, sometimes I don't get you. I really don't. That girl put her life on the line for you, and the rest of the potentials when those bringers were knocking you off like flies. She opened her home to you, and did her best to keep you all safe. You, and the rest are HERE today because of her. And you act like it's some kinda burden to help her out when she's in need. I don't get you. You may think you're a Slayer, Kenny. But until you grow up a little, you'll never be anything but a potential. Goddess" Willow storms out in a huff...and almost knocks over Dawn.
"Dawn!" Willow is still angry." Were you listening?"
"No!" Dawn lies." I was worried about Buffy. I ...wanted to go with you"
Willow looks at Dawn, and sighs." Dawn, go downstairs. I think they kept a med kit behind the big desk. Grab it and bring it. I can't find the one I had. Then meet me in Buffy's room"
"Ok" Dawn says, and starts down the hall in a run. Willow watches her, then turns towards Buffy's room. God, I know she heard that. Great. Now it'll probably spread that Kenny and I had a fight...over Buffy. Swell. That's gonna be sooo good.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
Willow enters Buffy's room. Its dark. She fumbles for the light switch, and can hear Buffy muttering to herself. God, she must be dreaming. I hate to wake her, but....
Will turns on the light, and stands still in shock. Buffy is on the bed. The bedclothes are tossed here and there, and she writhing around. Her face is no longer pale, but flushed. Her body is covered in sweat.
Buffy: Oh god , oh god oh god I'm gonna die. Oh...it says it in the book...the prophecy. The master will rise, and the slayer will die. Oh...I don't want to die. I'm only 16. I haven't had a chance to live...god...:
Willow walks over to the bed. She reaches out and shakes Buffy
Willow: Buffy...Buffy! Wake up...it's a dream"
God, she's burning up!!!!
Buffy: Will? WILL!! RUN!! RUN!! It's Angel. He's...gone evil. He's gonna get us all. RUN. SAVE YOURSELF!!!"
Buffy: Will? Oh god, What's happened to Will. God, She's gonna kill us, kill us all. God. Gotta save them. God, I'm gonna have to fight her, kill her. Can't do that. I can't DO THAT!!!! I LOVE HER. How can I kill her? Oh god Oh God oh God
Willow watches, scared. She's delirious. We gotta do something to get her temperature down.
Buffy: NO!!!!! you CAN'T HAVE HER!!!!! Damn you, she's my sister. NO!!!! Gotta run, gotta save her, oh god, Gotta do it. Gotta...oh...no...she's ...cut...bleeding...the PORTALS OPEN....what am I gonna do? I can't do it. I can't kill her. She's so young. She's not even lived. My blood. ...her blood is my blood. My gift. Death is my gift. NOW I UNDERSTAND...I gotta...oh god...but it's the only way. God, I love you Dawnie. Live, baby, live. It's hard, living in this world. But do it. Live for me.
Dawn comes into the room, holding the med kit. She looks scared.
"What's wrong with her? What's happening Will?" Dawn looks at Buffy, her face scared to death.
"She's got a bad fever Dawn. We need to get it down. I think the ice machine still works downstairs. Get some of the girls to help you, and bring as much as you can bring up here. But first, knock and get Kennedy, and have her get Faith. I'll need them to restrain her." Willow is watching as Buffy writhes and moans on the bed.
Buffy: Gotta run, gotta run. OH god Gotta catch him. Gotta let him know I love him. WAIT RILEY WAIT. Don't' leave me god. OH god....Too late I'M TOO LATE TOO LATE
Buffy(voice sounding normal): Mom? I'm Home. Oooo.. Flowers. Well, somebody still does it right. Mom? Mom? Hey, whatcha doin'? Mom?(her voice gets a note of concern) Mom?(fear) Mommy?(Panic) Oh god, oh God ...she's...no. she can't be...gotta call someone ....who? 911. "What? What? CPR...yes, I remember" Breath, breath please mommy breath....oh, god I broke her...No, she's not breathing...she's cold...should I try to warm her? Cold...so cold...
Buffy: You cannot begin to know our power. But yours...(she reaches out and pulls on some imaginary object). Is here...
Faith and Kennedy rush into the room.
"I'm gonna start the bath with cold water. You two get a hold of her, and put her in the water. When the ice comes we'll dump it on her."
Willow goes to the bathroom, and starts the water.
Faith and Kennedy look at Buffy. Both register shock on their faces. Faith looks stricken with fear, Kennedy looks guilty and upset. Kennedy grabs her legs, and Faith gets her arms under her shoulders, and they lift her. She struggles with them, so they do their best to restrain her.
Buffy: I killed her. OH god, what HAVE I DONE! Faith, god FAITH I'M SORRY. I ...I didn't want to. OH...my GOD!!!"
Faith looks upset and tense. God, what is she going through?
Buffy: What have I done? What have I done? Oh...god...FORGIVE ME, FAITH...GOD!!!
Faith says, almost whispering, soothingly "It's ok, Buffy. it's ok. I know...I know you didn't mean it. It's ok"
Buffy seems to calm a little.
The two slayers carry Buffy to the bathtub. They gently as possible, with her struggling and all, put her in the tub. At that moment, the first girl with ice appears, and puts ice in the tub. More and more gets added, 'til Buffy is covered with ice.
Buffy: I didn't. I didn't kill them! I tried to save them! You're lying, you always lie. I gotta save them God, I gotta save them. Spike, SPIKE HELP...oh, god, He's...burning up...oh no OH NO...
Buffy: Xander! Have you seen Will. What? Was there an announcement in the school bulletin? Does everybody know about me? Xander. Where would she go? It's Will. If you don't help me, there's gonna be another dead body by morning....
Everybody is standing, staring at Buffy. Willow explodes.
"FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! Somebody call an ambulance. This'll only do so much. We gotta get her to the hospital now!!!
Three of the girls rush off, looking for a phone.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
The ambulance arrives 20 minutes later. Buffy has calmed down somewhat, falling into a semiconscious state. The attendants arrive up at her room, and carefully lift her out of the tub. They wrap her in a blanket, and put her on the stretcher in the hall.
The attendants ask some questions, and one says to Willow:
"You probably saved her life. Sounds like her fever was out of control That was some good work"
"Thank you" Willow says, a bit of pink appearing in her cheek. "But, I still owe her a couple of saves".
The attendant gives her a questioning look, but she doesn't elaborate. He shakes his head, and makes his way towards the stretcher.
On the stretcher, Buffy rouses a little. She looks around, panicked.
"Will? WILL!" Buffy calls out.
Willow comes to her side, and holds her hand.
"Will...please, don't let them take me" Buffy begs, her face fearful." I'll...They'll kill me in there. Please, Will...please!!!"
"Shhh ...Shhh...Shhh. It's ok Buffy. It's ok. You'll be ok. I'll be right with you. No one's gonna harm you" Willow soothes her.
A few feet back of them, Faith and Kennedy is standing side by side. They look worried, and Kennedy is looking a bit guilty. She remembers what she said to Willow earlier, and is sorry.
"Wills...God, I didn't know. I'm...so sorry" Kennedy says, contrite.
Willow looks at her, weary...but sympathetic.
"It's ok, baby. We both said some harsh things. Right now, lets just concentrate on getting Buffy to the hospital. We're going to the Queen of Angels Hospital, where the other girls are. I'm riding with Buffy, because she's so scared. Please meet me there, ok? I ...I really need you to be there."
"Ok, Wills. I'll be there" Kennedy says.
Kennedy and Faith watch as the stretcher bearing Buffy is taken out. Kennedy turns to Faith, her face showing what she's feeling. One look, and Faith more than understands. She looks at the blonde slayer, so vulnerable, as they carry her out the front door. She puts her hand on Kennedy's shoulder, and they follow the stretcher out.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
TBC