Faith woke with a start, suddenly aware that she could move her own body again. She knew it was still inside her, she could feel it's prescence, like a deep pit in her stomach.
Sam's breathing distracted her from her own predicament and she glanced over at him, her expression becoming less troubled as she watched him sleep. She sat up, staying still for a long moment to make sure whatever was inside of her was still dormant.
Assured that she was still in control, Faith continued to watch Sam and her own breathing slowed and calmed her down.
You like him, don't you?
Faith jumped slightly, and suddenly felt like she was in a speeding car driving down a hill. She felt her own body betray her and stand up, walking over to the window where her weapons were.
"Leave him alone."
Think I hit a nerve. The demon laughed mirthlessly in her head. But do you really think you could stop me if I wanted to hurt precious Sammy?
To demonstrate the point, Faith's fingers curled around the handle of her knife.
"But you won't," Faith called the demon's bluff. "You obviously have a plan."
Plans can be changed, little girl. The demon lifted the life up, studying the blade in the moonlight. I could slit his throat right now and you'd be helpless. You'd watch him die, confusion and betrayal in his eyes and you would have to live with that memory for the rest of your life.
"Do it then," Faith challenged. "If you think that I can't stop you, do it."
She let go of the knife, letting it fall softly on the carpet.
"See, told you. You have plans."
For now, at least. Faith's lips curled up in a cruel smile. How's the lack of control, Slayer? Enjoying being a passenger in your own body? Knowing that Sam is really looking at me. He is responding to my words, my actions, and you, well, you have very little to do with it. Apart from being my vehicle.
"If you're going to kill me, I suggest you do it now, before I find some way to do it myself. You're really kind of boring."
Faith's eyes flashed dangerously and she bent to pick up the knife, resting the tip of the blade against her own flesh.
"Try it," Faith challenged. "You need me."
There was no answer, but the blade dug in a little, breaking the skin. Blood started to seep through her singlet.
You're just trying to trick me into killing you. But no, you're right. I do need you. I need you because of the way Sam trusts you. The way he looks and talks to you. And that, little girl, will be his downfall. In the end, the last thing he'll see is your eyes, before I slit his throat.
"You underestimate him," Faith replied evenly, somewhere aware of the fact her body was in pain. "And that will be *your* downfall."
Poor Slayer. Faith walked over to the bed and lay down on top of it, pressing her fingers down against the little cut on her stomach. You have too much, pardon the pun, faith, in the boy.
"And you don't have enough in him."
We'll see.