Reveal
by DawnBTVS
Chapter 19
[reviews]
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, Joss, etc.
Rating: PG-13 (think Buffy show for violence/subject matter/language)
Time Frame: November, 3rd Week, Weekend.
Pairings: G/J, B/W
A/N: Enjoy!
Buffy tugged on the blanket, feeling it tug back slightly. "Come on, Will."
"Nuh-uh. No of the utmost seriousness. I won't do it and you can't make me."
"It's a perfectly tame movie, I swear," Buffy remarked, holding a hand over her breast while tugging on the blanket with her other, clenched fist.
Willow poked her head over the blanket, a soft scowl in place, trying hard to ignore Buffy's foot rubbing against her thigh. "That's what you said about 'Carrie' but then she gets drenched in blood from a defenseless pig!"
Buffy reached over towards the table, trying to grab the remote while maintaining her loosening grip on the blanket that was barely covering her feet. "I didn't think that one through, okay? But this one, I've thought through on like, five levels. No bad can come of this, Willow."
"Right. 'The Changeling' can't be bad? Hello, the title itself sparks transformations and evil."
Buffy bit her smirk at the redhead's distress. "It's not that bad. Just... gimme," Buffy huffed, managing to pull more of the blanket off the redhead and back onto herself. "You need to grow up, sometime. What better than a normal movie about spirits? With what we've fought, you can't be scared of this." Willow peered at Buffy and scrutinized the blonde as Buffy turned the TV on and clicked play with the remote. Willow swung her head at the screen, paled, then ducked underneath the blanket. "Will!" Buffy yelped, feeling the redhead crawling over her.
"If this gives me nightmares," Willow hissed, lying on top of the blonde, "You're so gonna regret it." Willow tugged the blanket up to her throat as Buffy shifted up the arm of the couch, allowing the redhead to turn to her side and rest her head on Buffy's shoulder.
"Xander informed me that this wasn't a scary movie at all."
"You've never seen this?" Willow ventured.
Buffy swallowed nervously and glanced at Willow's stern look as the redhead lifted her head up. "In the literal sense? No... but there's a first time for everything, right?"
Willow tugged the blanket up just under her nose, her voice muffled. "Xander thinks the 'Wizard of Oz' wasn't scary."
Buffy arched an eyebrow but remained quiet, shivering slightly as Willow squirmed against her while the opening credits rolled.
~~~BTVS~~~
Willow reclined against the opposite end of the couch, feet curled up underneath her, blanket tugged to just below her eyes. She glared at Buffy as the blonde lifted two placating hands up defensively. "It's Xander's fault. He made the suggestion," pleaded Buffy.
"The... red ball," Willow answered, a shudder rippling through her. "You said it wouldn't be scary but here I am, chock full of scared."
"I wasn't scared." Buffy's eyes widened, instantly knowing it was the wrong thing to blurt out.
Willow's eyes narrowed. "You screamed louder than me and-and the writing? You left pinch marks," Willow stated, lifting the blanket to show two half moon marks on her arm before hiding her arm again.
Buffy ducked her eyes. "Whoops." Buffy regarded Willow then leaned forward, resting her forearms on Willow's thigh. She caught the redhead's widened eyes and smiled ever so slightly. "Know what I'm thinking?" Buffy asked, getting a squeak and a shake of the head from Willow. "I'm thinking it's terrifying to hide your body underneath that blanket."
Willow lowered the blanket to her chin, open mouthed. "I-I'm not hiding," she stammered.
Buffy gently tugged the blanket, watching it slip down to just above the redhead's chest. "I'd like to argue that, counselor," Buffy murmured, gently pushing herself up so she was level with Willow's face. "I think you look adorable in your pajamas and besides..." Buffy grinned and then pulled back, swiftly tugging the blanket out of Willow's grasp and onto herself. "I want my blanket." The blonde landed with the back of her head on the armrest, letting out a small grunt.
"Thief!" Willow cried out, letting out of a huff of indignation before launching herself on top of the startled blonde.
"Will," Buffy expelled in a breath of air that exploded from her when the redhead's elbows found her stomach. Willow grabbed the blanket as Buffy smiled, pulling back in a mini-tug of war. Willow gave a violent tug as Buffy easily let go, watching the redhead's surprised expression at having no resistance before landing on her back on the couch. Buffy quickly pounced, straddling Willow before lowering herself down onto the redhead.
"Tease," Willow whispered, the corner of her lip tugging up into a smile. Buffy returned a closed lipped smile, just face to face with the redhead. She leaned down, turning her head towards Willow's cheek when the front door opened. Buffy grunted as the redhead purposely shoved Buffy off her, sending the blonde unceremoniously toppling to the ground. Buffy lifted her head, staring at her mother upside down and gave what she thought was an effective wave of greeting but it was hard to tell from her vantage point.
"Have an eventful night, girls?" Joyce asked, glancing at the show on the TV before arching an eyebrow at Buffy and Willow.
"Hi," squeaked Willow, tugging the blanket over her head to hide the heavy blush of embarrassment.
Buffy eased herself into a sitting position, avoiding her mother's eyes. Joyce gave a small smile and turned, heading towards the kitchen. "I think it's time for bed. A weekend isn't a reprieve for you two to stay up until 2:17 in the morning, even if I wasn't here for supervision, Buffy."
"Would it be a reprieve if I told you that we whiled away the night by copious amounts of studying?"
Joyce snickered from the kitchen. "Buffy, how does 'The Changeling' factor into any of the subjects you're studying?"
Buffy stood up, tugging Willow into a seating position. The blonde pulled the blanket down, giving Willow an accusatory look as the redhead blushed even more. "Points for extracurricular, independent education outside of the classroom," Buffy quipped as she and Willow hastily made their way to the stairs.
"N-night, Ms. Summers."
~~~BTVS~~~
Buffy scowled at the library doors as they came into view. "It's the weekend," she grumbled as Willow smiled softly. "And I'm lacking the proper amount of sleep, thanks," Buffy added, tossing a glance at the redhead who pouted.
"I warned you."
"You almost made me deaf last night. Plus, a bruised cheek."
Willow wrapped her arms around herself. "I thought your fist was the ball," Willow huffed as Buffy pushed the door open. "You were mumbling in my ear anyway."
Buffy arched an eyebrow as she pushed the doors open. "I don't mumble in my sleep or talk, thank you very much. You were the one with the mumbling, talking about scrolling out how to tickle my feet," Buffy remarked, smirking at the end as Willow turned away, embarrassed.
"Ah. The group has assembled."
Buffy and Willow stopped, both jerking their faces towards the voice. A man with graying hair and a worn face stood next to Giles besides another girl. Xander, Cordelia, and Jenny were seated at the table. "Are you being replaced?" Willow asked, directing it at Giles.
"No. His job is... intact despite conventional wisdom that his methods are arbitrary to what we teach and that he is a liability in some circles. Buffy Anne Summers."
Buffy scowled slightly. "Only my mom gets to say my middle name."
"I presume Giles has told you who I am. As way of introduction, my name is Quentin Travers, head of the Watcher's Council."
Buffy and Willow shared a glance. Buffy and Willow continued forward, skirting around the girl, and taking seats at the table. "Who's she?" Buffy questioned.
"Name's Faith. Heard a lotta 'bout ya, B. They speak of you like you're a saint or something."
"Really?" Buffy answered, not helping the note of pride in her voice.
"Word was you passed. So, I'm here to cover for ya while you continue to pick up your disability check."
Faith smirked as Willow scowled slightly. Xander lifted a hand. "You can hang out, enjoy the coffee, and lap up the sun but Buff's our Captain Kirk."
"I always preferred Picard myself," Faith retorted with a challenging stare.
Jenny exhaled. "Rupert. Is Faith aware of what we're up against?" Giles glanced at Faith, then at Quentin.
Faith grinned. "Something needs an ass kicking; I'm your hook up."
"I've debriefed Faith on what has arrived on your shores. Need I remind you, Rupert, we've been retrieving reports from our... scout team that progression of violence is escalating along with the growing colony?"
Giles stiffened slightly and shook his head. "We are aware of the alterations, thank you for the expressed concern. I'm sure Faith can prove to be a valuable asset."
"How's Amy?" Willow piped up, worry on her face. Quentin gave a calm smile and inclined his head. The redhead's eyebrows scrunched in concern.
"Your spell registered amongst the highest recorded we've ever seen without adequate setup. Jenny and Rupert have announced that you are under control since that incident and I've been resolute in trusting them, as misguided as it may be according to other Council members. As for Amy, she's coping."
"Good," whispered Willow, no longer smiling, and instead looking more disconcerted over the news. Buffy lifted a hand to hold hers but instead placed it on the table, deciding that the head of the Watcher's Council may not be particularly open minded to such an action.
"Mmm. Faith will be stationed at a motel in town but there will be a working phone for contact," Quentin informed the gang as Faith rolled her eyes.
"That's great but you should do something about your face. Plastic surgery is probably out the window but you could try a goatee to appear younger. Your skin's pinched too. Exfoliation cream would be the best way... what?" Cordelia asked as Quentin shot her a harsh glare. Faith sniggered quietly, stopping when Quentin turned his look at her.
"I must admit... I find the addition of such civilians highly troubling. At best, you have an out of control witch, two Slayers one of whom has died already under your charge, and a... what was it? Techno pagan I think you referred to yourself as?"
Willow and Jenny both crossed their arms as Buffy leaned back, pursing her lips together. "As the Slayer," Buffy started, emphasizing the word 'the' while staring at Faith, "I have a bead on what happens in Sunnydale. While you're locked up in a posh villa in London over the sea, I'm the one risking my life nightly. These civilians as you refer to them, risk their lives right by my side, Quentin." Buffy stood up, edging around the table as she moved towards Quentin, stopping when Faith stepped in front of the man. "I've read the journals and right now, I'm one of the longest reigning Slayers on record even with my very brief hiatus."
"As you are," Quentin acknowledged.
Buffy folded her arms and Willow recognized it as the pose where the blonde would accept nothing short of yes. "I do things my way. Until I die or Faith runs me out of town," Buffy spared Faith a look before staring back at Quentin, "I'll fight with these civilians backing me up. If you don't like it, anoint Faith as the new Slayer, and watch Sunnydale go down in hell."
Quentin exhaled and turned to Rupert. "You're right, Rupert. Your Slayer has quite the temperament when it comes to authority figures. If we learn anything, we'll brief you of the information. I hope you don't rush into situations with as narrow a mind, Buffy."
Buffy grit her teeth, watching as Faith stepped up to her, and looked her over. "Spunky, B. Can't wait to see how ya work in action."
"Just stay in line, Faith."
Faith shrugged, moving to follow Quentin. "We're five by five. Tag me and I'll be happy to play. Just don't expect me to book read. Not my gig." Faith smirked as Quentin pushed the doors open, letting Faith through first.
Giles turned to face the table as Buffy glanced at him. "Charming," she noted, moving to take a seat next to Willow.
"Yes. Faith seems to be a bit more abrasive albeit willing to fight it seems. She'll help us."
"Think she'll fit in?" Jenny asked.
Xander chuckled. "We're a motley crew, Ms. Calendar. What's one more square block in the round hole of our battle?" Buffy and Willow exchanged a look, both frowning at each other.
"Shame the Texan hasn't improved anything about you. Although her fashion sense is just as bad so maybe you two are a perfect fit," Cordelia sniped, smiling smugly. Xander glared.
"Guess I should be glad that you've developed the smarts to follow the word of Tommy Hilfiger. If I were that way, I'd be jealous too."
"Jealous?" Cordelia scoffed. Buffy and Willow rolled their eyes, turning to look through the books behind them as Giles and Jenny quickly disappeared to the office. "I'm jealous of a guy who can't even wear a proper tie? Please."
Willow paused the rifling through her book and peered closer, the action getting Buffy's focus. "Buffy," Willow murmured, mumbling words under her breath. "I found out what one of the medallions says." Willow pushed the book towards the blonde. Buffy skimmed it and glanced at the redhead before standing up and dashing towards the office with the book in hand.
"Giles, 'The burden of ascension is sewn in the deprived.' That's what it says on one of the medallions," Buffy blurted. Giles stared at the blonde, confused.
"Erm, what?"
Buffy handed Giles the book, watching as he skimmed it with Jenny over his shoulder. "Lord. They seek nothing more than utter annihilation, through any means."
Willow frowned. "But I thought they were mostly hidden in Russia?"
"Not much is written about them. Maybe they weren't. Where did you find this, Willow?" Jenny asked.
The redhead glanced at the table, not surprised to see Cordelia and Xander still trading comments. "It was stuck in the back of the shelf. Behind the second row of books that had been squeezed in."
Giles gave an exasperated look at Buffy and Willow. "No more letting Xander help readjust the shelves."
"Bigger than The Master and Hell taking over?" Buffy asked, knowing the answer.
Giles returned with a small smile. "I have a contact, currently training his Slayer. His name is Sam Zabuto."
Buffy lifted a hand, confusion evident on her face. "Whoa, hold on. One Slayer isn't enough for me to keep a leash on? You want to call a second Slayer to try and usurp me? Giles!"
"Buffy, this is no longer about your standing as Slayer. Technically, you are no longer the reigning Slayer. Faith is, no matter how you choose to refer to yourself."
"Fine. So I'm not the woman, but Giles, I'm not stepping down as leader. We need her, don't we?" Buffy admitted quietly.
"Buffy, any help can't hurt," Willow commented. Buffy gave Willow a resigned look and nodded her head.
"Contact him. I want you to step up training with Xander. Will and I can work together. Faith can work with Xander in my place if you need a Slayer."
"I'll make sure his Slayer understands her role here."
"Good. Jenny, see how the tracking is going. I want as accurate a body count as possible. I'll contact Angel and see if we can try and cut down the numbers some during patrol."
"On it," Jenny confirmed, stepping past the girls, and heading out of the library.
"We're gonna head home and get started training. Um, you want to inform Xander and Cordy of what's going on?" Buffy asked, glancing at the bickering duo. Giles groaned, turning his head away as Willow smiled.
"Just break it to them gently. You don't want to rush them too soon or they'll become unresponsive." Giles and Buffy both arched an eyebrow as Willow frowned. "Well, you were being all witty earlier and I wanted a try," Willow stated defensively.
"Points for effort, Will." Buffy and Willow ducked out of the office, walking towards the doors.
"Think you can control Faith?"
"We'll see. Maybe she's one of those types that respond more to a backhand."
~~~BTVS~~~
Joyce glanced at the phone, pulling it off the cradle, before punching in a series of numbers. After several moments of ringing, a voice came in on the other end. "Sheila? Hi, it's Joyce. I may be reading into things but I think there's something we need to talk about. It concerns Buffy and Willow."
TBC