Like a damn high school reunion.

[stake_n_skank]

I stepped out of the airport and looked around the streets of Sunnydale. Never thought I'd ever end up back here. But then, I thought that once before, back when I turned myself in to the cops. And check how that turned out

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[oh_dear]

I had taken the moment to lay down. I wasn't feeling well, and I suspected I was getting a little...oh gods, one doesn't want to say "old", but that had to be it, to keep crossing the world like this.

Xander had left to find me food, I think he was feeling responsible. Or maybe, he was tired of the crochity old man. Either way...

"It's open. Xander, did you forget your key?" I said, without looking up.

[stake_n_skank]

"It's open. Xander, did you forget your key?"

He was staying with Xander? Well that's one person that I know for sure is here. I walked into the room and saw Giles laying on the bed. Damn he was looking old. But then, it had been twenty years since I'd seen him, so I guess that was to be expected.

I leaned on the corner of the wall. "It's not Xander," I said with a smile. "But maybe if you saw me from really far away, and you were really old and lost your glasses.. then I just might look a bit like him."

I laughed and walked a little closer.

"How you doing Giles?"

[oh_dear]

I had to laugh.

"Faith, I don't think anyone could ever confuse you for Xander. I just didn't know you were here, yet." I sat up, with only a small amount of effort.

"I'm doing ok for an old man. How are you?"

[stake_n_skank]

I smirked. "Five by five."

So it wasn't the truth. Was it ever? Was I ever actually okay when I said that? I had a lot on my mind with Bender and Angel and whatever, but no one needed my woe-is-me tales.

"So who's all here?"

[oh_dear]

"Five by five. Of course." I smiled, but knew she wasn't all right. Call it watcher's instinct. But if she wasn't ready to share, I wouldn't pry too much.

"So far, it seems like everyone but Willow and..." I was going to say Camille, but Camille wasn't coming. Not ever again. I had to look away for a moment.

"I feel like we never left, Faith. Judy and Joyce are 15 and 14. Not much younger than you and Buffy were. I don't know if you've met them. Judy is Buffy's daughter, and Joyce is one of Dawn's twins. She left the other at home. Xander is with me. And Tara is here." I didn't know if she knew what had happened. I was pretty sure she did. "Willow doesn't know."

I took a breath, and looked at her again.

"Faith, tell me how you really are. After all, that is what I'm here for, and maybe it'll help in the future."

Okay, so now was the time to pry. Besides, kept me from worrying about my problems.

[stake_n_skank]

I just stood and stared. B and Dawn had kids? That was so weird. I couldn't believe it. I bet Dawn would make a good mom. But B on the other hand.. Guess it depends on how much she's changed over the years.

"Faith, tell me how you really are. After all, that is what I'm here for, and maybe it'll help in the future."

I sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Nothing gets past you, huh Giles."

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Well.. things have been hard lately in Chicago with me and Angel. We lost a good friend just recently. Hit us both pretty hard. I'm blaming me, Angel's blaming Angel."

I sighed and stood up. Guess I might as well not hide anything. Well, at least not from Giles. He knows when you're lying.

"And now I'm back in Sunnydale, which I hoped to God I'd never see again, meeting with people I haven't seen in twenty years and I'm terrified. It's stupid really. Like a high school reunion I'd imagine."

[oh_dear]

I smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile.

"I know Faith, at least about coming back here. I was happy where I was. Playing chess, and reading most of the day. Xander had taken over the Council for me, and things were pretty okay." I wasn't going to tell her about cancer. No one, not yet.

"But we're here now. To save Willow. And who knows, perhaps the world again." I reached for her hand, and gave it a little squeeze.

"I'd even be happy to have Angel here, at out backs. If that chance comes..."I trailed off, coughing a little.

"Can you hand me some water," I managed, breathing a little hard.

"Long flight, you know?"

[stake_n_skank]

Xander had taken over the Council? Damn, I had a lot to catch up on. First B and Dawn having kids and now even Xander has made something of himself? Who'da thought.

I gave Giles a curious look and got him a glass of water. I forced a smile as I handed it to him.

"Angel.. well, I decided we'd split up. Otherwise he'd go blame himself some more if something happened to someone in Chicago and he wasn't there to help. So we just better not let a damn thing happen to Willow or he'll blame himself for not being here."

I laughed. Don't know why. It wasn't funny. Just.. the fact that you'd think he would have gotten over the brooding thing by now.

[oh_dear]

"I bet," I said after a sip of water, "that he's brooding right now. Still, if he decides to come, we won't be the worst for it. After we see all there is, or at least, get an idea of what we're up against." I settled back onto the pillow, and looked at Faith.

"You were never best of friends. I appricate you coming when I called."

[stake_n_skank]

"No problem Giles. It's kinda what I do now." I smiled.

"I should go get myself a room. I'll check in later."

I headed to the door.

[oh_dear]

"Oh Faith," I smiled. "Thank you, again."