Categories > TV > Buffy the Vampire Slayer > Ordinary Lives
Amy stared at the phone. It had been a while since she had heard from Gunn. It wasn't like her to wait around for a guy to call her. She was usually the one that pursued the guy. Didn't care how others saw that. She always went after what she had wanted.
But something was different with him. Almost from the minute they met. He had been more of a pursuer then any other that she had dated. He was at ease with her boldness. It was part of what had attracted her to him so much. That, and he was a great looking guy.
As of late, there was that difference. Like he was hiding something. She couldn't help but wonder if he hadn't done something. Or if something else hadn't happened. For he was closed off. He would barely even speak to her. And it was not something she was used to or that she liked very much.
They weren't really in a real relationship. They were just two people that had a lot in common and really like one another. And yes, they could always have a good time together as well. That really was what the whole thing was about. But still, for him not to call. It was quite unusual. At least, for this long a period.
That's when she decided it was time to take the bull by the horns. She was not just gonna sit around all alone when she knew that Gunn was there and just waiting for her. So, she grabbed her purse and took off into the night.
It wasn't long before she was standing outside his apartment. She knocked a few times, but there was no answer. She tried the door and it was unlocked. Cautiously, she let herself in. The place was almost spotless. That was so not like him. He wasn't exactly a slob, but he wasn't a neat freak as well. Something about being in the military had made him less then a perfect housekeeper. Yet, he couldn't stand too much of a mess.
Slowly, she made her way in. There weren't any signs of anyone living there. It was starting to give her the creeps. She went to the refrigerator which was empty. It wasn't even running. The more she saw of the apartment, the more creeped out she was getting. In fact, it was time to leave.
She ran smack dab into someone, knocking her back a step or two. "Amy. What are you doing here?" That familiar deep voice brought her back to her senses. And there he was, the guy that she had a thing for standing there.
"I was wondering where you were." Amy tried to walk past him, but he blocked her path. "What's the big deal? You weren't answering either your home phone or cell. So, I just wanted to check and see if you were all right."
"You shouldn't have come here." Gunn made his way past her and into his bedroom. Before she could follow him, he picked up what he had come for and hid it under his shirt. "I don't live here anymore."
"What?" Amy tried to protest as he dragged her out of the apartment. "Gunn, what is going on? You are acting so weird. This whole thing as me all creeped out. It would be nice to get some answers."
Gunn had her outside the door and shut it before she could say another word. He locked the door so that she couldn't even think about going back in. "It's not creepy. It's just that I've been moving up in the world. And I have a new place to call home. Sorry I didn't tell you. Been busy moving. I'll show it to you now if you'd like."
Amy followed Gunn down the hallway. Something still didn't seem right. Something told her that it wasn't exactly as it seemed. That Gunn wasn't telling her everything. Especially how he could afford anything different then what he had. Something was up. And she was going to find out exactly what it was.
Dawn couldn't sit still. This was the night that she had been waiting for. It was her first date. Well, she didn't know if it was actually a date or not. She had those feelings for Sharron. She just didn't know if she had those same feelings for her. Friendship ones, definitely. But was there more? Could there be more?
She felt nervous waiting for her to show up. They were just going to the movies. It wasn't like it was a big deal like dinner or dancing or that kind of thing. But it was a big deal if she had the same kind of feelings. It would be great if she could feel the same way that she felt. To make a connection would be wonderful.
But she was also still worried about Willow. Her cousin was now only a day away from her fate being decided. One more day of guaranteed freedom. Then the trial would start and with all the evidence stacked against her, it was likely that she would end up in jail. It wasn't fair that they had decided to try her as an adult. But that's what they did these days.
"Hey." The voice startled Dawn so much that she jumped up. "Sorry to scare you. It looked like you were in deep thought there. What's up? Or just waiting for me to finally show up? Sorry I'm late. You know how it is with rents giving you a hard time."
"Yeah." Dawn smiled nervously. "I was just thinking about my cousin. Feeling a bit guilty having any kind of fun when someday soon she could not have anything at all to look forward to. She could end up in jail. And be pretty much alone. Kinda scarey when you think about it."
"Very." Sharron sighed. "I've been thinking about it as well. I hate to ask, and I don't want you getting all defensive on me, but do you think your cousin could really have done it? I mean, I hear all kinds of talk."
"What kind of talk?" Dawn crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't like how this was sounding. And if this girl that she liked so much would even have to ask such a question, then was she really the girl that she thought she was?
"Just bout how all the evidence is against her." Sharron put her hands up in mock surrender. "Sorry to get the evening off in such a bad way. You know, personally, I don't think she could do it. Willow tutored my older sister once. She was geeky, but very cool too. And way to nice to hurt anyone. Again, my opinion is that everyone is just seeing what they want to see."
Dawn smiled and relaxed quite a bit. "Yeah. I mean, if these people knew my cousin at all there would be no way that they would be questioning how she could do it. I mean, I know that Mr. MaClay was a real jerk. Killing his wife and then trying to kill Tara. But I just don't see her as the type that would kill anyone."
"Exactly." Sharron took Dawn's hand in her own as they started for the movie theater. "I'm beyond what people think anyways. I say that we go for what we want. If others don't like it, that's too bad for them." She stopped suddenly.
"Something wrong?" Dawn got all worried and looked around. "Don't want to go to the movies? We can do something else if you want. The video arcade is still open for a bit. Or if you're not into that, we could go to The Bronze. I've only been a couple times, but it's really a cool place. Or maybe just hang at the park. Anything you want."
"Anything?" Sharron had this mischievous look on her face. Dawn swallowed as she nodded her head yes. "Cool." She dragged down into the alley out of everyone's sight. "Then this is what I want to do." Before Dawn could say anything else, she felt those lips that she had fantasized about on hers. And all she could do was moan at how good it felt. And hoped that the kiss would go on forever.
Anya woke up with a start. Her head hurt so badly, there were not words to describe the pain. She knew that she was hurt in other places as well. From the beating that she had taken, it was a given that she would be hurt all over the place. She tried to move as little as possible as she tried to find Buffy.
And the blond was there on a cot across from her. She was looking not so hot at the moment. There was still dried blood on her face. Her left eye was black. And there were red marks on her arms and legs where the whip had caught them. They were slowly turning into welts from the recent beating.
Anya couldn't help but grimace at the sight of Buffy. She had received a similar beating as well. First they had been left hanging in chains on a wall. The next bit of torture was to have one of Mr. Summers' goons using them for a punching bag. And the final round of torture so far was Mr. Summers himself using a whip on them.
It was looking bleak to say the least. Anya knew that if they didn't get out of here soon, that they would likely be dead by the time that someone figured out where they were. She wasn't even sure where they were. From what little talk she had managed to overhear, they weren't in Sunnydale. Her best guess was LA or somewhere close.
Not that it mattered much. She knew that Mr. Summers was being careful. He was the prime suspect in his daughter's disappearance. With the threats he had made against her in the past, he had to be. But they wouldn't know the connection between herself and Mr. Summers. That her father that was so wonderful had been working for him.
Sighing, she started to plan. Security had been tightened since the two had nearly escaped. And to try it again so soon would nearly be suicide. But staying here where Mr. Summers seemed to get his kicks out of hurting them, just wasn't an option. It could very easily go too far and there would be yet another dead blond girl out there.
So what was she to do? She was the stronger of the two. Buffy had reverted back into the shell that she had found her in. And no wonder with all that she had been through. More then Anya had been. But Anya was stronger for another reason. She had put up with an abusive father and knew that it wasn't her. It was all his sadistic way.
With there being so many ways of getting hurt, she figured it was safer to bide her time. She had already made an impression with one of the guards. If she could get him alone, perhaps then she could persuade him to help the both of them escape. For there was one thing she vowed right then and there. And that was to not leave Buffy alone.
Sighing, she closed her eyes. She needed to sleep. She needed to regain her strength. Her focus. For she was the key to her own survival. And survive she would. She had a sister to make up trying to kill to. That wasn't an easy thing to do.
But she would. That was what was keeping her going now. The thought of making up all there was to make up for. For Willow, Tara, Xander, Buffy, everyone that she had to lie to. But Tara and Donny most of all. For not telling them that she was their sister. And losing out on knowing them as family. Instead of strangers.
Tara sighed a sigh of relief. As much as she loved visiting Donny, she was glad to be home. Anya was still out there somewhere, hopefully close and of course she wanted to be there for her girl. The trial of the century was to start in only a day. And she would not be anyplace but by her side.
It didn't take long for her to unpack her things. She looked at the clock and could not help but wonder where her girl was. It was a school night. And it wasn't safe to be out on the streets at night. Sunnydale was not a safe place even if it was just a small California town. For, looks could be deceiving.
That's when she heard the voices. One was Willow and her heart skipped a beat. Not because it was her girl, but because she sounded upset. But of course she would be upset. She was soon to be facing the possibility of losing her life. Not a good thing at all. And to be facing it where everyone thought you were guilty, didn't help at all.
Faith opened the door and stopped in her tracks. Immediately she stood in front of Willow protecting her. Her hand was in a fist in an instant. Her first instinct was to just walk over and knock Tara out. But she had been talking with Willow and knew that's not what she wanted. So, she just held her ground between the two of them.
Tara shot for Willow, her arms open and waiting for a hug. "I've missed you so much." When Faith refused to move, the blond stopped and saw the look of pain on Willow's face. "What happened? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry we didn't get to talk on the phone while I was gone. It drove me crazy."
"Did it?" Willow slowly made her way to the night stand. "I didn't think you'd miss me at all. Not after this." She handed Tara the note that was now barely legible she had read it over and over again. And the tears that had fallen upon it.
Quickly, Tara read what she had been handed. "I didn't write this." She swallowed hard now knowing why her girl was giving her the cold shoulder. "I know the writing looks like mine, but I swear that I didn't write it."
"Really?" Willow sighed heavily. "Try convincing me of that. You didn't seem like you wanted to see me before you left. And did you really try calling that much? I got three messages from you. That's it. That doesn't sound like much of an effort to me. Especially since you knew the trial was about to start."
"But I did call." Tara looked pleadingly at Faith who only shrugged her shoulders. "I called ten times. Donny can get you the receipts if you like. I made them from the army base phone center. They have the records I'm sure of the calls."
Willow shrugged. "Just because you called doesn't mean you wanted to talk. And those messages. What was that all about? You miss me. Yet you write such hurtful things that I just wanted to curl up and die. I don't even care if they find me guilty anymore."
"What?" Tara tried to step closer, but Faith was in her path in an instant. "Listen Faith, I know you are just trying to protect her, but you need to back off. We need to figure out what happened. I swear, I didn't write the letter. I love you more then anything in the world and would never hurt you. You've got to believe me."
Willow looked up, her face tired and full of tears. "I don't know what to believe. All I know is that it's there in black and white. And I hate to say it, but it's easier to believe that then to believe what you are saying now. I just can't believe you."
Faith finally had enough. "Listen, Tara whether you wrote that or not, now is not a good time. It's just best if you go for now. Stay at my place." She reached in her pocket and handed her the keys. "Tell Oz if you see him that I'm staying here for a few nights." She guided her to the door. "I don't know what to believe anymore. All I know is that Willow is hurting. And while she's hurting, she won't listen to you. Give it time. Just be there when the trial starts. That's my advice. If you want it."
Tara swallowed hard. She knew that Faith was right. And it was nice to know that Faith wasn't letting her anger get the better of her. Instead, she was using calm and reason. So, Tara did the hardest thing that she could. She left her girl alone.
But something was different with him. Almost from the minute they met. He had been more of a pursuer then any other that she had dated. He was at ease with her boldness. It was part of what had attracted her to him so much. That, and he was a great looking guy.
As of late, there was that difference. Like he was hiding something. She couldn't help but wonder if he hadn't done something. Or if something else hadn't happened. For he was closed off. He would barely even speak to her. And it was not something she was used to or that she liked very much.
They weren't really in a real relationship. They were just two people that had a lot in common and really like one another. And yes, they could always have a good time together as well. That really was what the whole thing was about. But still, for him not to call. It was quite unusual. At least, for this long a period.
That's when she decided it was time to take the bull by the horns. She was not just gonna sit around all alone when she knew that Gunn was there and just waiting for her. So, she grabbed her purse and took off into the night.
It wasn't long before she was standing outside his apartment. She knocked a few times, but there was no answer. She tried the door and it was unlocked. Cautiously, she let herself in. The place was almost spotless. That was so not like him. He wasn't exactly a slob, but he wasn't a neat freak as well. Something about being in the military had made him less then a perfect housekeeper. Yet, he couldn't stand too much of a mess.
Slowly, she made her way in. There weren't any signs of anyone living there. It was starting to give her the creeps. She went to the refrigerator which was empty. It wasn't even running. The more she saw of the apartment, the more creeped out she was getting. In fact, it was time to leave.
She ran smack dab into someone, knocking her back a step or two. "Amy. What are you doing here?" That familiar deep voice brought her back to her senses. And there he was, the guy that she had a thing for standing there.
"I was wondering where you were." Amy tried to walk past him, but he blocked her path. "What's the big deal? You weren't answering either your home phone or cell. So, I just wanted to check and see if you were all right."
"You shouldn't have come here." Gunn made his way past her and into his bedroom. Before she could follow him, he picked up what he had come for and hid it under his shirt. "I don't live here anymore."
"What?" Amy tried to protest as he dragged her out of the apartment. "Gunn, what is going on? You are acting so weird. This whole thing as me all creeped out. It would be nice to get some answers."
Gunn had her outside the door and shut it before she could say another word. He locked the door so that she couldn't even think about going back in. "It's not creepy. It's just that I've been moving up in the world. And I have a new place to call home. Sorry I didn't tell you. Been busy moving. I'll show it to you now if you'd like."
Amy followed Gunn down the hallway. Something still didn't seem right. Something told her that it wasn't exactly as it seemed. That Gunn wasn't telling her everything. Especially how he could afford anything different then what he had. Something was up. And she was going to find out exactly what it was.
Dawn couldn't sit still. This was the night that she had been waiting for. It was her first date. Well, she didn't know if it was actually a date or not. She had those feelings for Sharron. She just didn't know if she had those same feelings for her. Friendship ones, definitely. But was there more? Could there be more?
She felt nervous waiting for her to show up. They were just going to the movies. It wasn't like it was a big deal like dinner or dancing or that kind of thing. But it was a big deal if she had the same kind of feelings. It would be great if she could feel the same way that she felt. To make a connection would be wonderful.
But she was also still worried about Willow. Her cousin was now only a day away from her fate being decided. One more day of guaranteed freedom. Then the trial would start and with all the evidence stacked against her, it was likely that she would end up in jail. It wasn't fair that they had decided to try her as an adult. But that's what they did these days.
"Hey." The voice startled Dawn so much that she jumped up. "Sorry to scare you. It looked like you were in deep thought there. What's up? Or just waiting for me to finally show up? Sorry I'm late. You know how it is with rents giving you a hard time."
"Yeah." Dawn smiled nervously. "I was just thinking about my cousin. Feeling a bit guilty having any kind of fun when someday soon she could not have anything at all to look forward to. She could end up in jail. And be pretty much alone. Kinda scarey when you think about it."
"Very." Sharron sighed. "I've been thinking about it as well. I hate to ask, and I don't want you getting all defensive on me, but do you think your cousin could really have done it? I mean, I hear all kinds of talk."
"What kind of talk?" Dawn crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't like how this was sounding. And if this girl that she liked so much would even have to ask such a question, then was she really the girl that she thought she was?
"Just bout how all the evidence is against her." Sharron put her hands up in mock surrender. "Sorry to get the evening off in such a bad way. You know, personally, I don't think she could do it. Willow tutored my older sister once. She was geeky, but very cool too. And way to nice to hurt anyone. Again, my opinion is that everyone is just seeing what they want to see."
Dawn smiled and relaxed quite a bit. "Yeah. I mean, if these people knew my cousin at all there would be no way that they would be questioning how she could do it. I mean, I know that Mr. MaClay was a real jerk. Killing his wife and then trying to kill Tara. But I just don't see her as the type that would kill anyone."
"Exactly." Sharron took Dawn's hand in her own as they started for the movie theater. "I'm beyond what people think anyways. I say that we go for what we want. If others don't like it, that's too bad for them." She stopped suddenly.
"Something wrong?" Dawn got all worried and looked around. "Don't want to go to the movies? We can do something else if you want. The video arcade is still open for a bit. Or if you're not into that, we could go to The Bronze. I've only been a couple times, but it's really a cool place. Or maybe just hang at the park. Anything you want."
"Anything?" Sharron had this mischievous look on her face. Dawn swallowed as she nodded her head yes. "Cool." She dragged down into the alley out of everyone's sight. "Then this is what I want to do." Before Dawn could say anything else, she felt those lips that she had fantasized about on hers. And all she could do was moan at how good it felt. And hoped that the kiss would go on forever.
Anya woke up with a start. Her head hurt so badly, there were not words to describe the pain. She knew that she was hurt in other places as well. From the beating that she had taken, it was a given that she would be hurt all over the place. She tried to move as little as possible as she tried to find Buffy.
And the blond was there on a cot across from her. She was looking not so hot at the moment. There was still dried blood on her face. Her left eye was black. And there were red marks on her arms and legs where the whip had caught them. They were slowly turning into welts from the recent beating.
Anya couldn't help but grimace at the sight of Buffy. She had received a similar beating as well. First they had been left hanging in chains on a wall. The next bit of torture was to have one of Mr. Summers' goons using them for a punching bag. And the final round of torture so far was Mr. Summers himself using a whip on them.
It was looking bleak to say the least. Anya knew that if they didn't get out of here soon, that they would likely be dead by the time that someone figured out where they were. She wasn't even sure where they were. From what little talk she had managed to overhear, they weren't in Sunnydale. Her best guess was LA or somewhere close.
Not that it mattered much. She knew that Mr. Summers was being careful. He was the prime suspect in his daughter's disappearance. With the threats he had made against her in the past, he had to be. But they wouldn't know the connection between herself and Mr. Summers. That her father that was so wonderful had been working for him.
Sighing, she started to plan. Security had been tightened since the two had nearly escaped. And to try it again so soon would nearly be suicide. But staying here where Mr. Summers seemed to get his kicks out of hurting them, just wasn't an option. It could very easily go too far and there would be yet another dead blond girl out there.
So what was she to do? She was the stronger of the two. Buffy had reverted back into the shell that she had found her in. And no wonder with all that she had been through. More then Anya had been. But Anya was stronger for another reason. She had put up with an abusive father and knew that it wasn't her. It was all his sadistic way.
With there being so many ways of getting hurt, she figured it was safer to bide her time. She had already made an impression with one of the guards. If she could get him alone, perhaps then she could persuade him to help the both of them escape. For there was one thing she vowed right then and there. And that was to not leave Buffy alone.
Sighing, she closed her eyes. She needed to sleep. She needed to regain her strength. Her focus. For she was the key to her own survival. And survive she would. She had a sister to make up trying to kill to. That wasn't an easy thing to do.
But she would. That was what was keeping her going now. The thought of making up all there was to make up for. For Willow, Tara, Xander, Buffy, everyone that she had to lie to. But Tara and Donny most of all. For not telling them that she was their sister. And losing out on knowing them as family. Instead of strangers.
Tara sighed a sigh of relief. As much as she loved visiting Donny, she was glad to be home. Anya was still out there somewhere, hopefully close and of course she wanted to be there for her girl. The trial of the century was to start in only a day. And she would not be anyplace but by her side.
It didn't take long for her to unpack her things. She looked at the clock and could not help but wonder where her girl was. It was a school night. And it wasn't safe to be out on the streets at night. Sunnydale was not a safe place even if it was just a small California town. For, looks could be deceiving.
That's when she heard the voices. One was Willow and her heart skipped a beat. Not because it was her girl, but because she sounded upset. But of course she would be upset. She was soon to be facing the possibility of losing her life. Not a good thing at all. And to be facing it where everyone thought you were guilty, didn't help at all.
Faith opened the door and stopped in her tracks. Immediately she stood in front of Willow protecting her. Her hand was in a fist in an instant. Her first instinct was to just walk over and knock Tara out. But she had been talking with Willow and knew that's not what she wanted. So, she just held her ground between the two of them.
Tara shot for Willow, her arms open and waiting for a hug. "I've missed you so much." When Faith refused to move, the blond stopped and saw the look of pain on Willow's face. "What happened? Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry we didn't get to talk on the phone while I was gone. It drove me crazy."
"Did it?" Willow slowly made her way to the night stand. "I didn't think you'd miss me at all. Not after this." She handed Tara the note that was now barely legible she had read it over and over again. And the tears that had fallen upon it.
Quickly, Tara read what she had been handed. "I didn't write this." She swallowed hard now knowing why her girl was giving her the cold shoulder. "I know the writing looks like mine, but I swear that I didn't write it."
"Really?" Willow sighed heavily. "Try convincing me of that. You didn't seem like you wanted to see me before you left. And did you really try calling that much? I got three messages from you. That's it. That doesn't sound like much of an effort to me. Especially since you knew the trial was about to start."
"But I did call." Tara looked pleadingly at Faith who only shrugged her shoulders. "I called ten times. Donny can get you the receipts if you like. I made them from the army base phone center. They have the records I'm sure of the calls."
Willow shrugged. "Just because you called doesn't mean you wanted to talk. And those messages. What was that all about? You miss me. Yet you write such hurtful things that I just wanted to curl up and die. I don't even care if they find me guilty anymore."
"What?" Tara tried to step closer, but Faith was in her path in an instant. "Listen Faith, I know you are just trying to protect her, but you need to back off. We need to figure out what happened. I swear, I didn't write the letter. I love you more then anything in the world and would never hurt you. You've got to believe me."
Willow looked up, her face tired and full of tears. "I don't know what to believe. All I know is that it's there in black and white. And I hate to say it, but it's easier to believe that then to believe what you are saying now. I just can't believe you."
Faith finally had enough. "Listen, Tara whether you wrote that or not, now is not a good time. It's just best if you go for now. Stay at my place." She reached in her pocket and handed her the keys. "Tell Oz if you see him that I'm staying here for a few nights." She guided her to the door. "I don't know what to believe anymore. All I know is that Willow is hurting. And while she's hurting, she won't listen to you. Give it time. Just be there when the trial starts. That's my advice. If you want it."
Tara swallowed hard. She knew that Faith was right. And it was nice to know that Faith wasn't letting her anger get the better of her. Instead, she was using calm and reason. So, Tara did the hardest thing that she could. She left her girl alone.
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