Title: The Last Word

Author: Alan Hitchen

Email: darkmere2000@yahoo.co.uk

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: BtVS belongs to Joss Whedon and others

Pairing: Faith/Cordelia

Summary: A 'what if' story that refers to the events of Temporary Secretary (qv)

Faith reached the door of Cordelia's apartment. She paused to psych herself up for the task ahead. Facing a roomful of demons would be a snap compared to dealing with Cordelia Chase in a bad mood, and after hearing what Faith had to say to her, she would be in the mother of all bad moods. But there was no going back now. Faith had made the decision. Now it was time to act. She put her key into the lock and entered the apartment.

The room was in darkness. She could just make out the figure of Cordelia sitting on the couch, waiting for her to come home. Oh, my God, she's already mad at me, thought Faith. Well, I'd better get on with it. I won't switch on the light, it'll be easier if I can't see her face.

"Hi, Cordy. Look, sorry I'm late, but I'm here now, and if you'd just let me say my piece first you can shout at me all you like later, okay?"

She didn't wait for Cordelia to reply and carried on with her speech.

"We've been together for nearly a year now, and I can't deny it's been a pretty good year. You took a chance on me that few others were willing to take. You gave me your love and support when I needed it most. You made me feel wanted and worthwhile as a person, and for that I will always be grateful, but the truth is I've never loved you as much as you deserved to be loved. The reason for that is my heart has always belonged to someone else. She said she wasn't interested in me, but it turns out she was lying. We've been phoning each other for the past few weeks now, and since she arrived in the city I've been cheating on you. She wasn't happy about that. Nor was I, but I didn't want to hurt you, especially after all you've done for me. So I kept putting off telling you. You already know who the other person is - it's Buffy. I'm sorry it has to end like this, but I love her and I want to be with her, and I'm so sorry. You can shout at me now."

She reached out and switched on the lights. Cordelia, looking pale and deeply hurt, was sitting on the couch, unable to bring herself to look at Faith. All around the room were decorations and a huge banner that read 'Happy Birthday Faith'. She looked through into the next room, and there they were. Waiting to bring in the birthday cake was Angel, Kate, Wesley, Gunn, and a mortified Buffy! As Faith turned bright red there was only one thing left for her to say.

"Oh, fuck!"