The Birthday Present
by Faithful_chickie
Rating: NC-17
PROLOGUE:
When Willow was in England with Giles, Faith was also there going through rehabilitation. The two grew close, and when Willow returned she tried to convince Buffy to give Faith another chance. The attempt fell flat; however Dawn and the L.A. crew did forgive the former rogue slayer, and Faith went to work for Angel.
"Hurry up!" Fred squealed excitedly as Gunn stapled the decorations to the wall. "Willow and Dawn will be here soon."
Cordelia came out from behind the counter. "Did they say what their gift is?"
"No." Fred tied up another balloon, peering over at the seer and Lorne who finally arrived. "But from the way Dawn described it, Faith is going to love it."
The ex-cheerleader arched an eyebrow. "We'll see about that. Faith has very particular tastes."
"Shhhh! I heard a car!" Fred giggled as her boyfriend scooped her from the ladder.
Seconds later, Dawn came trundling through the door. "Hey guys!" The teenager waved excitedly, hugging Cordelia and glancing around for Angel.
"He's not here. He has Faith out with him." Cordy turned and gave Willow a hug. "How was the drive?"
The redhead rolled her eyes but grinned. "Gunn, can you and Wesley help me carry in Faith's present?"
"Ooh, so it's big?" Cordelia's eyes lit up. "What is it?"
"Nope. You'll just have to wait until Faith opens it." Dawn rushed out after the guys to instruct them. She didn't want them dropping the package.
"Surprise!" The gang called out, leaping from their hiding places.
Faith grinned, walking over to hug Willow and Dawn first. "Hey peanut, does your big sis know that you're here?"
Dawn lowered her eyes. "Sort of. She knows that I was coming up to L.A., but she doesn't know that it's your birthday."
"Oh." The slayer turned away quickly. "So where's the cake, dead boy?" Faith slugged Angel in the arm. "I told you that I'd only do a party if there was a cake."
Lorne came into the room, carrying the two-tier cake while singing. The rest of the gang joined in as Dawn nudged close to Faith. "Wait until you see what Willow and I brought you. Our gift rules!"
Dawn bounced excitedly when Faith finished opening the last gift. "Now it's time for your special present!"
The slayer's eyes went wide as Angel and Gunn carried in a very large and gorgeously wrapped box. "Geez Red, how'd you and Dawnie get this thing into the car?" She smirked, circling the package.
"A lot of determination," the little witch stated proudly, leaning back on her heels. "And of course Spike and Xander."
"Open it! Open it!" Dawn sang out, ready to rip into it herself.
"But it's wrapped so perfectly. I should just leave it like this."
The group groaned in unison.
"Open it already. Before Dawn and Fred burst." Gunn insisted, peering over at his girlfriend who now seemed as eager the teenager next to her.
Faith lingered, seizing it up. "Seriously, this would look great in the corner of my room just the way it is." She chuckled at the tittering and grumbled complaints. "I'm just kidding." Faith gave a sly smile, tugging the very tightly tied bow.
As it came undone the carton seemed to collapse, and inside stood Buffy. The brunette jumped back. "Is this a frickin' joke?!"
The whole room went silent as the group stared in shock.
"B?" The dark slayer hesitantly stepped close. She tilted her head examining the blonde from the box. "Red, wha... what?" Faith looked up baffled.
The witch paled when she saw the expression on the younger woman's face. Maybe giving Buffybot to Faith wasn't the right thing to do.
Before anyone could speak, Dawn rushed over. "This is Buffybot. She cooks, cleans, slays, and plays games. She can be like your assistant." The teenager babbled on, not noticing Faith's eyes misting up.
The room remained quiet as the others cleared their throats and exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Faith finally found her voice. "What is she?"
"A robot." With a flick of her wrist, Dawn switched the tiny blonde on. "See."
The long lashes fluttered against the soft rosy cheeks as the little doll's eyes popped open and a bright smile graced her features. "Hello." She cocked her head cutely, examining the group. "I know you and you." The bot pointed excitedly from Willow to Dawn before shaking her head. "But I do not know the rest of you."
Faith and Angel wore identical face splitting smiles as they stared at the gift in amazement. The little Buffy replica was just too adorable.
Willow immediately went over to the confused blonde. "Then let me introduce you, Buffybot." The witch led the pretty robot around the room, saving her introduction to the other slayer for last. "Buffybot, this is Faith. You are going to stay here with her and help her slay. Is that okay?"
Buffybot smiled brightly. "Yes, I like to slay."
Angel stepped close and tentatively touched Buffybot's cheek, whispering, "She looks so real."
"Because I am." The tiny blonde explained patiently before turning to smile at Faith again. She pointed excitedly. "You are the other slayer. Willow told me about you. You like to eat ribs and to wear tight leather clothing."
Everyone in the room burst into laughter, easing the tension, even Faith. "So Red." The slayer clutched her sides. "That's all I come down to? A rib eating slut?" She smirked at the little witch's bright blush.
"No! There are other things. I mean..." Willow shook her head. "Ugh! Buffybot!"
The small bot looked alarmed. "Is my manner not correct?"
"Dang!" Faith chuckled, glancing back at Dawn. "Does your sister know about this thing?"
The teenager laughed nervously. "Yes, but she doesn't know that Willow repaired her."
"And she can't find out!" The witch stated emphatically, peering around the room. "Do we have everyone's word on that?"
Stealing a peek at Angel first, the slayer grunted. "Yeah."
Cordelia held up her hands. "Leave me out of this one."
"Oh come on, Cordy. When's B ever going to get on the phone and ask if we have a robot version of her?!" Faith paused to let the absurdity sink in. "B will never know. She doesn't even come to L.A. Right, dead boy?" The slayer let the decision rest with Angel. She knew the vampire was just as entranced.
Angel swallowed hard, staring back at the radiant and happy blonde bot. "Ummm... huh?" He turned and looked at the group before asking Willow. "She slays?"
Faith smiled triumphantly. "And she stays!"
Dawn ran over and hugged the awestruck brunette. "So do you like your present?"
Cordelia snorted, her eyes flickering from the slayer to the vampire, both still gazed in wonder at the gleeful bot. "Dawn, I think her answer is yes."
As soon as the switch was flipped, the little bot's sensors hummed to life. Her eyelashes fluttered while her internal display experienced a momentary flicker, then she suddenly came online.
The Buffy bot opened her eyes to find many people looking at her. She smiled brightly and greeted the group. "Hello."
Two faces instantly set off her recognition transducer. *Willow! Dawn! They are friends of mine!*
Buffybot excitedly announced, "I know you and you." She shook her head while looking at the others. "But I do not know the rest of you."
"Then let me introduce you, Buffybot." Willow led her around the room, telling her everyone's name. The pretty little bot dutifully stored the data as she politely greeted each potential friend.
Finally they stopped in front of a very pretty, dark-haired girl. The bot had noticed this one watching her carefully. It made her wonder if something was expected from her.
She listened attentively while Willow told her what to call the girl and gave her further instruction. She accepted the input and processed her friend's question, "You are going to stay here with her and help her slay. Is that okay?"
The little blonde calculated the appropriate reply to be, "Yes, I like to slay."
That must have been correct, since it seemed to please everyone. Buffybot smiled proudly, allowing several of her processors to step up their speed. She wanted to adjust and fit in with these new friends as soon as possible.
Willow and Dawn reluctantly said their goodbyes, giving Buffybot an extra hug and kiss. The party had gone wonderfully, and they were both pleased with the sacrifice they'd made. The little robot should be happy with her new home. Back in Sunnydale, she wasn't even allowed to be switched on. But they'd still miss her. Knowing the bot was living a life somewhere else would be difficult at first.
Glancing over at Faith, Willow felt her spirits rise. The slayer was beaming. Obviously, she loved her gift. Then again, Buffybot was always a big hit with everyone, everyone except Buffy. The witch sighed and waved one more time before climbing into the car. She could hear Buffybot's cheerful voice. "Goodbye Willow. Goodbye Dawn." Choking back a sob, the redhead pulled away.
"We did the right thing." Dawn patted the witch's leg. "She'll be allowed to help out and have like a real life. You know Buffy would never let Buffybot operate back in Sunnydale. And besides, she made a great present for Faith."
Willow grinned. "She did, didn't she?"
Following Faith up the stairs, Buffybot continually stopped and surveyed her surroundings. The lack of familiarity made her nervous. She hurried along to avoid losing sight of the brunette.
"Okay Buffybot. This is your room." Faith threw open the door and flipped on the light. "Whaddya think?"
The blonde bot stepped in clutching her suitcase. She peered around the room. Her display was having trouble with providing a response. The fear mechanism had interrupted her normal functions. Buffybot hesitated then smiled weakly. "Okay." Her voice was barely more than a squeak.
*Well holy shit! She looks afraid.* Faith stared in amazement. She didn't think that robots could feel afraid... or feel anything for that matter. "Hey, my room's right next to yours. If you need anything, you just come over. Alright?"
Buffybot nodded, hugging her belongings tightly as she gazed out the window at the traffic. A horn honked making her jump. She wasn't use to busy streets. Sunnydale was pretty slow paced in that regards.
The little bot's eyes grew wide. She backed away from the window, allowing her hearing processor to step down its sensitivity setting.
"Whoa Bbot, are you going to be okay?" Faith came up behind the blonde bot, startling her. "Hey, shhhh... It's just me, the other slayer, Faith. Remember? I like ribs, tight clothes..." She tipped Buffybot's chin up so that the gorgeous green eyes focused on her.
The tiny slayerbot tried to smile, but her reasoning center was returning information that made her sad. She was all alone now. Willow and Dawn left her somewhere with lots of loud machines, and people that she did not have programming on.
"Awww... fuck!" Faith flinched when she realized the bot wasn't just scared. *My little doll is sad too.* Guiltily, she released the bot and sat heavily on the bed. She might have to return the present after all. *Dang it!* Keeping the bot if she didn't want to stay would be wrong.
Faith sighed as she watched the tiny, trembling bot carefully set down her suitcase and begin to unpack. "Buffybot, come here."
Placing her small stack of neatly folded panties back down, the pretty blonde bot approached Faith with some uncertainty.
"It's okay. I'm not mad or nothing. Sit down for a sec. so we can talk." The slayer patted the bed next to her. "Is there anything you want to say or ask?"
Buffybot sat next to Faith and scanned her cache for questions in the queue. Shyly, she peered up at the brunette. "Do I belong to you now like the way I used to belong to Spike?"
Faith shifted around, suddenly uncomfortable with the question. Buffybot was given to her... wrapped in a box even.
She glanced down at the tiny blonde. *Technically, I do own her.* Studying the bot for a moment, Faith replied, "No. And I don't want you to think that you're just a thing either. You're going to be important here, because you're needed. And besides, everybody really likes you, Bbot."
The little bot's face lit up. "Important?"
When the brunette nodded, Buffybot's eyes seemed to twinkle. She felt special, like she was programmed with a purpose again. Her chips hummed as this new input traveled along her tiny circuits causing a slight tingling sensation. It was quite pleasant. She smiled warmly at Faith. "Thank you."
"Yeah. Sure... whatever." The slayer quickly got to her feet, spooked. Something about the way Buffybot just gazed at her made the brunette uneasy. She hedged toward the door. "So are you feeling better now, Bbot?"
"Yes. Much better. Will we go slaying soon?" The tiny bot tilted her head, studying Faith curiously. Her visual sensors detected discomfort, but could not deduce the reason.
"Yeah, we can do that. You finish unpacking, and I'll go get Angel." Backing from the room, Faith could hear Buffybot sing out enthusiastically. "Time to slay!"
Angel, Gunn, and Wesley crowded into the car with Faith and Buffybot. Apparently Cordelia had a vision, and some big bad was rising across town. They decided they should go in force.
Gunn glanced over the back seat, taking a look at the smiling blonde bot. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" He gestured at the tiny robot. "We've never even seen it fight."
Angel and Faith blurted simultaneously, "Don't call her it!"
Gunn peered over at Wesley, rolling his eyes. The watcher cleared his throat, slightly uncomfortable. "Gunn does have a point. We have never seen... uhh... the Buffy robot fight."
"Oh, you can call me Buffybot." The blonde informed him cheerfully, pleased by Faith's wink.
"Don't worry about her. Red and Dawn said that the baddies in Sunnydale called this little one slayerbot. So I'm pretty sure she can take care of herself, but if not we'll back her up." The last part was as much of an order as a statement. Patting the bot's hand, she whispered to her, "Stay close to me, okay?"
Running alongside an entering delivery truck, the group managed to slip into the warehouse unnoticed. The plan seemed to be going well, until Buffybot stood up.
The small slayerbot pointed, loudly calling out. "Look! Evil Creatures! Over there! Angel, Faith, Wesley, Gunn, friends of mine, time to slay!"
With a little war cry, Buffybot rushed forward before anyone could stop her.
"Christ!" Faith cursed, chasing after the slayerbot. Angel was close on their heels.
"Knew it! What'd I tell you?" Gunn grumbled as he and Wesley joined the fray.
As soon as they had managed to get back to the car, the dark slayer shot them a warning glance. *Not one word! Not one motherfuckin' word!*
Angel gave a discreet nod to Gunn and Wesley, indicating that he would handle it later. Riding home in silence, each of them stared out the window fuming over the failure. Each of them except for Buffybot of course, she merely sat observing their changed demeanor.
Battered and worn, the group stumbled back into the Hyperion only to be greeted by Cordelia and Fred's stream of questions. Faith immediately took the bot's hand. "C'mon, time for you to go to your room."
"Faith, we need to talk."
"Not tonight, dead boy," the brunette flared, ushering the increasingly alarmed slayerbot from the scene.
Once they were in Buffybot's room, Faith softened. "Hey, are you doing okay?"
The bot looked up at her, disappointed. "Was I not good?"
*Dang!* The slayer gazed at the little blonde's pretty pout. *Just like Buffy.*
It took her a moment to respond. "No, Bbot. You did great. This kinda shit just happens sometimes. Things don't go well, and people start placing blame. It doesn't mean that they're right. Got it?"
The bot nodded but still looked unconvinced.
Faith fidgeted. "So... um... do you sleep or somethin'?"
"Yes. I have a sleep mode." Buffybot headed toward her dresser to retrieve a pair of pajamas, intent on demonstrating the procedure. "I change into my nighttime clothes."
The brunette stood transfixed as Buffybot brazenly stripped. Smiling, the small slayerbot strolled over to Faith nude. "See. Willow said that I am well made." She proudly indicated the exacting detail of her body, announcing, "The other Buffy looks just like me."
Faith's eyes slowly traveled along the bot's beautiful body, from the swell of Buffybot's round firm breasts... over her pretty pink nipples...down to the flat stomach... and... Faith's head snapped up. "Put on your pajamas now, Bbot."
Giggling, the little bot pulled on her cotton pj's. Her visual analyzer had evaluated Faith's facial expression and returned 'a funny', causing a tickly feeling.
"What are you laughing about?" Faith asked, scowling slightly.
"You were making a silly face." Buffybot responded, carefully buttoning her top.
Still grinning, the pretty blonde crawled under the covers. "Goodnight." Closing her eyes, the bot selected her power profile – sleep mode. An indicator light began its brief rhythmic blink, triggering a relaxed sigh from Buffybot.
Faith watched mesmerized. Even the way the robot went to "sleep" seemed real.
A crackle of thunder activated the little bot's wake up routine. She scrambled from the bed in terror, scanning the room for danger. With the alert still flashing on her internal display, Buffybot crept out to investigate.
Her small bare feet padded silently down the hall as she moved from door to door, pressing her ear close and listening for evil things. Not finding a sound that seemed out of place, the tiny bot turned back.
"Fuck... ahhhh... yeah..."
Buffybot's eyebrows shot up. *Moans... Someone is being hurt!* Her protective programming activated, spurring her to action.
Quickly, the bot approached the room and crouched low. Another hoarse whisper filtered through.
Despite earlier evidence to the contrary, the element of surprise was not unknown to the little bot; carefully she snuck in.
"Mmmm..."
*Faith! That is Faith!* The blonde bot peered into the darkness, trembling slightly. If this beast could hurt the other slayer, what would it do to her?!
Grimacing, Buffybot maneuvered closer to the bed, where her analyzers detected the movement. She soon froze in confusion, cocking her head slightly as she watched.
Only Faith was in the bed. *Faith is hurting herself...? No, that does not compute.* Reaching down, Buffybot yanked away the sheet.
"What the fuck?!" Faith's eyes snapped open.
"I don't understand." The little bot glanced around. "Who was hurting you, Faith?"
"Huh?" The sweat soaked slayer stared up, instantly jerking her hand away. "Fuck!"
Buffybot processed the scene. *Naked Faith... breathing hard...* Her pupils dilated. "What were you doing?"
"Nothing!"
"Yes, you were." The tiny bot grinned mischievously and pointed. "You were touching your private place."
Faith was still panting as she glanced at the bot. Her annoyance gave way to amusement.
"My private place?! I thought you were Spike's little sex bot. What's with the innocent act?"
"Spike's sex bot?!" Buffybot squeaked. "I do not think so. That is not in my programming."
The slayer arched an eyebrow. "Oh?" Shrugging slightly, she moved to cover herself.
"No, don't do that." Gesturing toward Faith's body, the little bot announced, "I want to look at you."
Unable to keep the grin from her face, Faith laid back and patted the bed beside her. "Okay, then come here."
Perking up, the petite blonde perched near while leisurely letting her eyes roam her fellow slayer's nude form. With great interest, she poked Faith's breast and smiled. "I like these."
Chuckling softly, Faith gazed at the bot. The little present was turning out to be more of a delight than she could have imagined.
Before she could reconsider her decision, the sexy brunette quickly suggested, "Bbot, take off your clothes too."
PART 6 - Buffybot Learns Something Fun
"Okay." Buffybot brightly responded. Her nimble little fingers began undoing the buttons to her pajamas.
"That's right, Bbot. Take off your clothes, and I can show you what I was really doing," Faith encouraged, watching with delight as the pretty bot stripped nude.
Laying down next to the slayer, Buffybot annouced, "I am undressed now." She peered at Faith expectantly. "Show me!" The tiny bot engaged her learning program. "I am ready."
"Yes, you are." The brunette's dark eyes slowly roamed over the nude bot. Gently, she slipped her hand between Buffybot's legs causing the little bot to squeak with surprise.
"I think something is wrong. I am all wet."
"No, nothing is wrong Bbot. Don't you like how this feels?" Faith merely grinned as she delicately stroked Buffybot's pussy. "Hmm?"
The little blonde tilted her head considering the question, but with each touch of Faith's skilled fingers, the bot found herself hopelessly distracted.
Finally giving in to the lovely sensations, she giggled and lowered her eyes. "Yes, I like it." Each flick over her clitoris sent current surging through her pleasure sensors. The little bot leaned back and closed her eyes.
Faith used the opportunity to explore Buffybot's perfect breasts with her tongue. Eagerly the slayer closed her lips over a pink little bud, sucking and nibbling the tender flesh to the bot's pleased whimpers.
"Oh yes, I like that too Faith. Hehehe... that tickles... oh my... that feels... ohhhhh..." Buffybot licked her lips and turned her head to the side. The tiny bot thought she might lose power, every circuit seemed to be experiencing an overload. "Oh dear, Faaaaiith..." The small slayerbot wailed the brunette's name as Faith's tongue lightly curled over her clit.
Inhaling deeply, the sexy slayer enjoyed the unmistakable odor of Buffybot's arousal. She smelled like Buffy, and to Faith's delight she tasted like her too. Burying her lips against the bald, sweet little pussy the dark slayer groaned in ecstasy as the small bot came into her mouth.
"Oh fuck, yeah!" Faith lifted her head and smiled down at the cute bot's surprised expression. She licked her lips and murmured softly in Buffybot's ear, "You're delicious, Bbot."
"Thank you." Buffybot wore a proud look on her pretty face.
Faith wiggled her eyebrows and laid back. "Okay, you wanted to explore my body. Have at it."
Clapping her hands, the grinning bot sat up. "Hurray! We are going to play more. I like these new games. I like you!"
"Come here." Faith pulled the slayerbot against her and kissed her hard. "And I like you too. More than anyone... ever."
Still beaming, Buffybot carefully ran her fingertips over Faith's glistening flesh. "Show me what you were doing here." The little bot pointed at the brunette's well groomed pussy and giggled. "Can I touch your private place?"
Smirking, Faith spread her legs. "Sure."
The pretty little bot lightly ran her fingers over the slickness. Bringing her hand up to her lips, Buffybot stared at Faith and licked her fingers, greatly curious. Instantly an enormous smile spread across her face. "It tastes good. See." She held her sticky fingers out for Faith.
Laughing, the brunette pushed her hand back. "I know what I taste like, Bbot."
"Can I put my tongue there too?"
"Yes." The word came out as a hoarse whisper. Her dark eyes widened as she watched Buffybot descend down between her legs. "That's it Bbot. Just like that. Ahhhh... yeahhhh!"
So how's the Buffy toy?" Cordelia asked in a wry tone as Faith entered the room.
"She's not a toy," the slayer snapped angrily, opening the weapons cabinet.
Angel and Cordelia exchanged a look before the vampire spoke up. "Faith, Cordy and I have been talking and..." He paused when the brunette spun around and sneered.
"Yeah?! Lemme guess! You two are worried, right?!" Clenching her jaw, she turned quickly and grabbed an ax and Buffybot's favorite weapon, the crossbow. "Just mind your own business!"
"Faith, we're all worried about you." Angel anxiously tried again. "You're spending too much time with just her."
"Jealous, Angel?" Faith snorted as the vampire's expression darkened. "That's what I thought."
The lilting voice of Buffybot interrupted them. "People, friends of mine, why do you argue?" The tiny bot appeared alarmed as she came down the stairs.
Faith and Angel smiled lovingly at the little blonde. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Cordelia waved the bot over. "Come here, Buffybot. Sit by me and let these two lugheads cool off."
Buffybot smiled brightly at Cordelia. Her memory chips told her Cordy was a friend and an ex-cheerleader. She sat down, and began assisting. The slayerbot knew Cordelia liked her paperwork organized. Quickly, she placed all the files on the desk in alphabetical order. "There," Buffybot announced once the task was completed. "In order." The little bot then turned to Faith. "It's time to slay!" Her internal clock was telling her this.
"Yes, it is Bbot." Faith walked over and pushed back a little golden lock, giving the Buffy bot a quick kiss. "Let's go."
"Okay. Evildoers beware!" The small slayerbot excitedly accepted the crossbow and followed Angel and Faith out.
Cordelia glanced at Fred, shaking her head. "We have to do something about those two."
The shy Texan gave Cordy a dubious look. "They seem happy."
"It just doesn't feel right." The seer reached for the telephone.
"Cordy, who are you calling?" Fred watched Queen C nervously.
Cordelia held up her hand to silence her. "Hi. Buffy? We need to talk."
PART 8 - Big Trouble For the Little Bot
Tapping her foot impatiently, Buffy stood waiting at the front desk. According to Cordelia, any moment now and Faith and Buffybot would be coming down the stairs. It was time for her to personally dismantle that abomination. Blowing wearily at a stray lock the little blonde leaned back and closed her eyes. Seeing Faith wasn't exactly on the top of Buffy's list. But apparently she needed to be proactive girl and get rid of this toy herself. *I swear this Buffybot has been passed around like candy. Ugh!*
Stepping quietly into the room, Faith spied her precious little doll leaning against the counter. *Fuck, Bbot looks more like Buffy every day.* Grinning, the brunette snuck up and grabbed her.
Buffy blinked back surprise as she was delicately dipped in Faith's arms. The sexy slayer smiled down at her before kissing her tenderly.
"How's my little Bbot? Hmm?" Snuggling with the tiny slayer, Faith kissed her and whispered sweet things into her ear. "I love you... you're the cutest girl in the whole frickin' world... wanna go upstairs and play your favorite game?"
Buffy shivered, gazing up at her. Slowly, Faith let go. "Fuck..."
"Buffy, if you're tired of waiting just go up..." Cordelia's voice trailed off as she entered the room and saw the slayers holding each other.
Faith instantly let go causing Buffy to stumble slightly. The chipper voice of Buffybot could be heard from the other room.
"I win!" The slayerbot sang out, excitedly placing down her straight flush. Gunn and Angel groaned, but Fred gave her an approving look. "Want to play another?"
"Very good, Buffybot. Yes, we'll play more, but you better go find Faith. I think she was looking for you." Fred squeezed the bot's tiny hand. She was quite fond of the Buffybot too. Buffybot had been like a little ray of sunshine for everyone. Smiling, she watched the happy bot get up to eagerly search for Faith.
Neither slayer had found their voice yet when Buffybot practically skipped into the room. The little bot immediately spotted Buffy and became fearful. She cried out and cowered behind Faith.
Pointing, Buffybot frantically informed Faith, "She's not my friend."
"Shhh... Bbot, it's okay." Faith stood protectively in front of the tiny bot as Buffy's face grew red with rage.
"Uh-oh!" Cordelia worriedly fled the room to find Angel.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Buffy shouted at the top of her lungs, lunging at the brunette.The rest of the gang piled into the room.
Fred nervously reached for Buffybot's hand as the two slayers wrestled on the floor.
"Fuck you, B! She's my birthday present." Faith groaned as Buffy landed another punch to her stomach.
"Angel, do something!" Cordelia demanded, almost wishing that she hadn't made the phone call, but she was just so jealous of that cupie doll. Everyone had been constantly fawning over the Buffybot since her arrival; even Gunn and Wesley had become smitten. It was just too much, that even in toy form Buffy was more desired than she. Ugh!
Grabbing the bot's hand, Cordy tugged the nervous little blonde past the fray and to the front doors. "Buffy, just take the robot and leave."
"NO!" The rest of the gang screamed in unison.
"Buffybot is part of our team. Man, nobody's taking her nowhere." Gunn rushed over and grabbed the little bot's other hand, pulling her away from the doors.
"I'm going to have to agree. Buffybot belongs here with us." Wesley walked over the stand near the terrified slayerbot.
Angel meanwhile had his hands full, trying to pull apart the slayers. "Faith! Buffy! Stop it!"
Gunn released the bot and rushed to the vampire's aid. Giving the brunette a bear hug, he managed to pull Faith away. Luckily, she didn't really struggle.
Angel had more of a fight as he firmly grasped Buffy. "Buffy, just wait a minute. Cool off... That a girl."
"Angel, how could you?!" Buffy pushed against him. "You can let go."
He released her, lowering his head guiltily. "Willow and Dawn gave her to Faith for her birthday."
"I know, I managed to get those dirty details from Cordelia. What I mean is how could let this walk around with my face?!" The little blonde angrily pointed at her trembling counterpart causing the small bot to peer around the room, searching for an escape. She did not want to be deactivated. She liked her new friends, and they needed her.
Faith glanced over and saw Buffybot shaking. "You're still a bitch, B. You know that?!" She went over and hugged the little bot. "Shhh... It's okay. I won't let her take you. You know I love you."
"Oh that's rich! This coming from the girl who spent a good portion of her life trying to ruin mine!" Buffy sneered, watching Faith comfort the nervous robot. "Look, you can't keep it! This is my choice."
Angel took a step toward the furious but still undeniably cute blonde. "Buffy, I can't let you take her. She's a part of something here... we all care about her."
"You're all thundering looneys! It's a robot!" Buffy shouted the word enunciating it very carefully. "RO - BOT!"
"Not to us." Fred lifted her chin, and bravely stepped up to Buffy.
The little blonde snorted amused by the slender brunette's show of bravado. She could easily wipe the floor with Fred, but something about it struck a chord with Buffy.
Through gritted teeth, she said, "FINE! But Faith, two can play at this game!" In a huff, Buffy stormed out.
Everyone cheered except Cordelia and Faith. Faith knew it wasn't really over, and Cordelia certainly didn't get what she had wanted.
PART 9 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Buffy's drive home was spent fluctuating between utter outrage that she had been forced to leave without the bot and deep confusion over her unmistakable response to Faith's kiss. It was incredible. The little slayer worriedly reached up and touched her lips. The memory of Faith's lush ones pressed to hers was still very fresh and thrilling.
*Damn Faith for accepting that toy! She did it to spite me!* Buffy scowled. *I'll get her back though!*
"Bbot, it's okay. She's gone." Faith walked the tiny trembling bot to the sofa. Everyone crowded around, except for Cordelia who awkwardly stood back from the group.
The former brunette muttered in a resigned tone. "Okay you guys, let me have it."
No one spoke; they merely stared at Cordelia, uncertain where to begin. Faith and Angel held back because they were still too angry.
Eventually, Buffybot peered up and timidly asked, "Why do you want me to go away? Did I do something wrong?"
Her question was so innocent, and her voice so small, Cordelia lowered her eyes guiltily. "It's not that Buffy... robot." She never quite became accustomed to any of the nicknames that the group had affectionately assigned the bot so Cordy always awkwardly addressed her as the Buffy robot.
"Look, this isn't about you. This is about Faith and Angel and their well-being. You can understand that, right? Your thingamajigs up there." Cordelia gestured to the bot's head. "Chips or wires or whatever's in there, it can make sense that you're not a real person. You're just a thing, and it's not natural for people to grow so attached to... things."
If Buffybot could cry, she would have, but instead the tiny bot raced from the room, heading quickly up the stairs. Faith didn't even spare Cordelia a look; she immediately chased after the shaken little bot. "Wait, she didn't mean it. Bbot!"
All eyes angrily rested on the ex-cheerleader. "What?! Willow obviously needs to do some adjusting on it."
"No, you obviously need some adjusting." Gunn glared. "What's with you Cordy?"
Fred gently pulled him back. "She didn't mean nothing by it. Tell them Cordelia. You were just worried, weren't you?"
"Yes, Cordy. Tell us." Angel folded his arms over his chest. "What really is your problem with that little robot?"
"Okay! You want to know?! It gives me the creeps, the way you all treat it." Cordelia walked up and jabbed Angel in the chest. "Ever since that thing's been here, you've been pretending it's Buffy. Don't lie to me!" She warned as the vampire gave her a perplexed look.
"Cordy, the robot may look like Buffy, but actually she's quite different." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "What do you want me to do? Send away the only thing that's made Faith happy since I've known her?!" Glancing up, Angel continued. "I know, initially Faith was obsessing a little too much, and we were all worried, but she's stopped doing that... and now the Buffybot is like one of the group. Why didn't you talk to us first?"
Tears filled the ex-cheerleader's eyes. "I just wanted you back."
"Aw man, jealousy! I knew it." Gunn groaned, ignoring Cordy's scowl.
Faith arrived at the little bot's door to find it locked for the first time ever. "Buffybot, let me in. Pleeeease..." The brunette was about to knock again when the door opened.
Immediately the suitecase caught the slayer's eye. It was spread open on the little blonde's bed as she carefully packed her belongings. Gently placed to the side were several gifts Faith had given her.
"Aw shit! No! Bbot, what are you doing?" Faith strode over and grabbed the suitcase. "You're not going anywhere! Didn't you hear everyone down there? We all care about you. Cordelia's just a bitch sometimes. So?! I mean, shit, when I first got here you shoulda seen the fur fly! She'll get over it." The slayer took in the bot's pouty lips that were quivering slightly. "Bbot, are you gonna cry?" Faith pulled the bot into her arms and held her tight. "Fuck, please don't cry."
Fred gently pushed open the door. "Hey." She anxiously looked from Faith to the bot. "Can I come in?"
"Yeah, please do. Our little Bbot started packing her suitcase. I think you and Gunn need to have a talk with her."
Fred's eyes filled with tears. "Oh no, Buffybot. You can't leave. Please." Nervously, Fred leaned out and called for Gunn.
Buffybot shyly glanced around at the group. "I have too much to process. I think I may need repairs." The bot sat down heavily covering her face. She felt rather strange, almost broken, but her sensors did not register any physical damage.
"Cordy better get her bratty self up here to apologize," Gunn growled. Brushing aside Fred's objections he headed back downstairs where Angel, Wesley, and the recently arrived Lorne were talking things out with Cordelia.
In a few moments, the gang came back up. Lorne approached the little bot, smiling. "Hi kitten, they tell me you're having a bad day. Tell you what, why don't you sing for me, and I can help you out."
Buffybot nodded and stood up, softly she began to sing. Her tiny lilting voice soon filled the room.
Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby Somewhere over the rainbow Skies are blue And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true Some day I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh why can't I? Some day I'll wish upon a star And wake up where the clouds are far behind me Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly Birds fly over the rainbow Why then, oh why can't I? If happy little bluebirds fly Beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I?
If Faith didn't love the bot before, she most certainly did at that moment. Everyone stared in amazement as the tiny bot finished her perfect Judy Garland rendition. They stood frozen for a moment before clapping.
"I know B can't sing like that." Faith snickered, wandering over and kissing the bot full on the lips. "Do you have any idea how frickin' cute you are right now?"
"Okay, I have to second that." Gunn raised his hand. The others merely smiled even Cordelia sighed and shook her head.
Lorne took the bot's hands in his and said. "You're going to be very happy and very loved. And you're going to stay here in L.A."
Buffybot gave one of her big happy smiles and hugged Faith before proudly asking, "You really liked my Wizard of Oz song? Willow programmed it special."
Buffybot stood cheerfully filing while Cordelia did some accounting and Fred worked on the research. They were humming a little tune that the bot had taught them.
Grinning from ear to ear, Buffybot did a quick dance move that she had seen on tv the night before. Some old Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movie had been on. She and Fred watched old movies together almost religiously.
Fred squealed as the pretty little blonde spun her around. Giggling the girls all turned to see their loves enter. Faith, Angel and Gunn were talking loudly as they came in, and Wesley took up the rear.
"Did you see that dead boy?! His head actually bounced like a basketball. That was some weird shit!"
"I'm gonna have to agree with you there. But my favorite, is that look they get when they hear that you're a slayer." Gunn chuckled, walking over to kiss his girlfriend and turning to grin as Buffybot ran to Faith.
The little bot was always so excited when Faith came home, but at the moment she looked as if she would burst. Obviously, she had something she had been waiting to tell the brunette.
"Faith! Faith! Look what Cordelia showed me!" The tiny bot dragged the slayer over and opened a catalog, pointing out clothes that she wanted Faith to buy her.
"Thanks, Cordy." The dark slayer gave an exasperated sigh as Cordelia laughed.
"Anything to help out." She grinned wickedly. Angel reached down and pulled the ex-cheerleader up, giving her a kiss before leaning back on his heels.
"So Faith, are you going to take the little wifey shopping?"
"Grrr... thin ice there, dead boy." Faith growled, taking the catalog away from Buffybot. "We'll look at that later. Whaddya say to goin' upstairs for a while?" She wiggled her eyebrows, causing the bot to blush a lovely shade of red. "That's my girl." Faith leaned close and whispered. "We'll play your game that you like... hmmm? Are you up for it?"
Buffybot giggled as her memory banks delightfully flashed across her display the phrase, 'Time for sex!'
"Yes, please." Wrinkling her nose cutely, the bot reached for Faith's hand.
"Um... we have to go do something." Faith cleared her throat, ignoring their snickers. "You know, slayer stuff."
"Yeah, just try not to break any more furniture doing your... *cough*... slayer stuff," Cordelia groused playfully.
The two bounded up the stairs with Buffybot taking the lead. "You lost!" the tiny bot told her, pointing to the floor. "On your knees, slave!"
Faith growled grabbing the gigging little robot and falling back on the bed with her. "Oh, you may think so but not this time, Bbot."
"Hehehe... uh-oh!... hey!" Buffybot squeaked in complaint as Faith tore her shirt. "Awww... I liked this one. You are buying me another," the bot calmly informed the slayer right before breaking into another fit of giggles as Faith starting tickling her again.
"Uh-huh, whatever you say. Now lift your little butt so I can get your panties off or I'll rip those too."
Buffybot's eyes grew wide. She clapped and suddenly insisted, "Rip them! Rip them with your teeth!.... Eeeeeh... *Ripppp!*... hehehe... I love you, Faithy!"
The brunette peered up, letting the panties drop from her lips. "Sing for me, Bbot."
Faith hungrily lowered her mouth to Buffybot's soft sweet pussy, grinning when she heard the tremor in the tiny bot's voice.
Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Faith Happy Birthday to you!
...continued in Buffy and the Faithbot...