Don't Lose Your Faith In Love

by Huntress
Rating: NC-17

Disclaimer: Oh, if wishes were slayers... The only thing I own is this PC and my dog. Definitely not worth suing, so please just let me find the fun. Oh, the song's Devil Doll's "Faith In Love". It's great.
Spoilers: Not really, it's AU and is there really anyone who doesn't know Faith yet?
Feedback: Nah, only if you really want to... Who am I kidding! Of course I want feedback! I could live off of that stuff...

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CHAPTER ONE

Buffy sighed, watching the mass of bodies dancing to the sound of some band. < Must be a new level of boredom. I wonder what Will and Xander are doing right now. > Her friends had gone to a school trip. Giles had persuaded her to stay. < Why was that again? Nothing's happened. This place is dead. I'm leaving. What was he thinking, anyway? >

"What's with the thoughtfulness?" a husky voice, so seductive it made her blush, asked.

Buffy looked up to find a dark brunette sitting across from her. < Wow. Wow? No, I didn't mean wow. I meant what is she doing with *my* drink? > Buffy watched annoyed as the girl downed her drink and heaved a satisfied sigh. < I can't believe she had the nerve to do that. Who is she anyway? I've never seen her around. >

"So..." the taller girl grinned, her chocolate eyes teasing as she seemed to search for any kind of intelligent communication. "You sure the porch light's on, girlfriend?"

Buffy widened her eyes slightly. "Uh," she shook her head, "Huh? I'm sorry, what did you ask?"

"Nevermind," the brunette smirked, her charming grin never leaving her face. "Name's Faith. You're...?"

"Buffy," she replied absently. < Why is this girl making small talk with me? Is she hitting on me? Or maybe she's just new, you perv. How come she finished my drink? I didn't have more than a couple of sips. Is she actually reaching out for my buttery bagel? >

"I'd go for hot myself, but whatever floats your boat," Faith winked with a low chuckle that made the small hair on Buffy's neck stand on their ends.

"My *name* is Buffy," the petite blonde said with a scowl. < She's actually eating my buttery goodness! Could this night get any worse? Why am I still here? I'm so gonna get Giles tomorrow! Prophecies, schmophecies. >

"Say B, do you come here to think?" the brunette asked, finished wolfing down Buffy's bagel.

< Ok, that's it. I'm drinkless, foodless, and now I'm going back home to sulk amidst the tediousness of my room before I do something to this irritating human being who's...oh, she's talking to me. She must think I'm retarded or something. Oh, yeah, what is she saying again? > Buffy blinked a few times and stared at Faith for some moments. "Huh?" she asked. "I'm leaving," she blurted out, not really waiting for any kind of response. "It was great sharing my snack with you. Of course sharing would imply that I actually had some of it."

Much for Buffy's aggravation, Faith just smirked at that. "Ok, I'm walking you home then," she got up as well.

"Yeah, whatever," Buffy said, waving her hand dismissively and leaving the Bronze. < What? She didn't just... > She looked back and jerked as she saw Faith walking next to her, the ever charming grin on her face. "No! I don't even know you. I have two perfectly functional legs that can take me home on my own."

"Perfect indeed," Faith said in a lower tone, her dark eyes unabashedly fixed on Buffy's referred members.

Buffy blushed. "I really don't want to be here right now," she whined, a cute pout forming on her lips. < My life's a disaster. On second thought, no, for it to *be* a disaster I would first have to *have* a life. >

"Can't wait to get me in private, huh," the taller girl grinned teasingly.

Buffy was stumped. She opened her mouth trying to get something coherent to come out. < She's flirting with me. She is *so* flirting with me. I wonder if she means it? What should I do? Maybe I'll just pretend I didn't hear it. > She resumed walking, Faith right beside her. She peeked at the brunette from the corner of her eyes. < She seems so cocky, look at her. The world's sexy gift. I mean the world's gift. Plain gift. >

"See, maybe you could just talk to me 'bout it, ya know? Cuz you look really troubled if you ask me," Faith offered. "Is it boy trouble? Girl trouble? School trouble?"

"I wish. No way. You could say that," Buffy replied. < Oh my God, I'm talking to her. Why am I talking to her? She's stalking me. I'm having a conversation with a stalker. >

"You think your attention span might have something to do with that?" the brunette teased lightly.

Buffy let out a small smile. "I think excessive not attending might add points as well," she shrugged.

They were passing through a graveyard and heard a cry. Both turned to the source of the scream really fast and faced each other, concerned.

"Stay here, I'll be right back," they said in unison.

They did a double take and after a second cry for help they went together. There were two vamps fighting over a girl. Faith walked to the one on the left and Buffy to the one on the right.

"Hi boys," Faith greeted. "Can I crash the party?"

"Hey I do the punning," Buffy frowned.

"Slayer!" the vampires growled and attacked them.

"Run!" Buffy said to the victim, who ran for her life.

The vampires posed no real threat. Each slayer dusted one and both were left in an awkward silence afterwards.

"So...you're a slayer, huh," Buffy raised her eyebrows at the brunette. "Let's go back to my place. This place doesn't exactly inspire conversation."

CHAPTER TWO

"Oh great," Buffy stomped her feet in frustration, frantically searching her pockets, then her purse. < It just keeps getting worse. I wonder if there will be a tomorrow. >

"Lemme guess, forgot your keys," Faith chuckled at what seemed to be the other slayer's constant state of stress.

"I did not," the blonde defended herself quickly. Then she added in a miffed murmur, "More like I lost them." < This can't be happening. I have never ever lost my keys. Why now, why with her? >

"Maybe your mommy could open the door," the taller girl blinked rapidly in mock innocence.

"She's out of town," Buffy deadpanned, her hazel eyes boring into brown ones. "Wait here."

Faith kept chuckling to herself as she watched her sister slayer walking to the back of the house. Not really keen on doing as she was told, she followed. Buffy was so baffled by the absurdity of that situation she didn't even notice Faith climbing the tree just as skillfully as herself.

"What a nice room," Faith remarked, sitting on Buffy's soft bed. "In a pinkish and girly kinda way," she added with a disapproving scowl. "Oh well."

"What part of 'wait here' don't you understand?" Buffy asked sarcastically. "And of course it's girly, see, I'm a girl. How is *your* room decorated anyway?"

"'S not like I have one," Faith shrugged, her eyes caught by a pink stuffed piggy.

"What do you mean you don't have a room? Where do you live?" the blonde asked, giving her a strange look. < What the hell is she doing, smelling Mr. Gordo? >

"I just got in town, B," the brunette replied, poking the pig then tossing it up and catching it back in her hands.

"Don't do that to Mr. Gordo," she frowned, grabbing the offended piggy from Faith's hand and holding it close to her. Ignoring Faith's teasing snort, she put it back in place and sat down next to the brunette. "How do you intend to find a place at this time in the night?"

"I thought I had," Faith replied with a smirk. "Are you gonna feed me anytime soon?"

Buffy stared at her long enough for her to start fidgeting again. "You better pray my mother never finds out I brought a stranger into the house," she warned, and Faith nodded with a huge, genuine smile. < That's beautiful. I wouldn't mind if she did that again. I didn't just think that. >

"I'm not a stranger though," Faith said, getting up and starting to pace. "I'm your sister slayer. We're the Chosen Two, girlfriend. As of from now on, we work together, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, two girls in all the world, blah, blah, blah, I get it," Buffy rolled her eyes playfully, "But my mother doesn't know I'm a slayer. She doesn't know about the forces of darkness," she said, pausing dramatically. "Keep it that way," she gave Faith a serious look and much for her discontent the other girl just mimicked her. < Does she ever take anything seriously? She's making fun of me. To my face. >

"Can we eat now?" the dark slayer asked, gesturing to the door.

Buffy heaved a resigned sigh, leading the way to the kitchen, her foul mood from before strangely disappearing. < So much for slugging around with nothing to do. Yeah, you know you've reached the bottom when feeding a stalker is the better part of your night. Thrilling. >

Faith shamelessly opened the fridge, picking several stuff and placing them on the table.

"Do you want fries with that?" the blonde asked sarcastically, pointing to the amount of food on the table.

"Sure," Faith seemed surprised for a moment, then it hit her that Buffy didn't mean it. "Sarcasm, right," she let out a sheepish grin and went back on her quest for edible goodies.

Buffy chuckled helplessly and decided she might as well entertain her starving guest. So she took a few potatoes and washed them while Faith sat down and started her meal. "Why don't you tell me more about yourself," the petite blonde said, chopping the potatoes into sticks.

"Born in Boston," Faith said, her voice muffled by the food she had in her mouth. "Called a couple of months back," some more chewing, and a sip of orange juice she had found. She wolfed down some more food, then remembered she was in the middle of conversation and went on, "Watcher died," she said, her whole stance dropping for a brief moment before she could shake if off, "Hitchhiked," she added quickly, hoping Buffy had missed the whole 0.1 second she had let her guard down and drank some more. "Met you."

"That was brief," Buffy raised her eyebrows, dropping the potato sticks into the hot oil and turning to her. "I mean if you leave aside all of the munching little noises."

Faith smirked, then finally smelled the potatoes. "Oh, you're actually making those for me?" she asked, seeming off guard and suddenly lost. "I didn't think you would. I mean, you didn't have to."

"You're welcome," Buffy smiled. "You said your Watcher died? How did he die?"

"She," Faith rectified her quietly, averting her eyes.

Buffy waited for her to go on for some time before realizing she wouldn't. < I wonder if I'm pushing her too hard. But this is important, I should take her to Giles tomorrow. Should I just leave this aside for now...? > While she braced herself for a course of action, Faith had resumed eating. < She must have the fastest metabolism in the whole world, eating like that and still having that body. It's so toned. >

"You checkin' me out, B?" the brunette arched a dark eyebrow, as if reading her fellow slayer's thoughts.

"What! Of course not!" the petite blonde got all huffy, deciding she's better check on the fries.

Faith smiled mischievously. "Chill, it's cool by me," she teased, actually finishing everything she had put on the table, including her drink. "I know I'm totally desirable and I'm in fact used to it."

Buffy served her a bowl full with fries in rather erratic moves. "I wasn't checking you out, Faith," she stated, annoyed when the other just shrugged it off like 'the important thing is, *you* believe that'. < She's so full of herself. Her lips are full. I like her lips. I mean I *admire* her lips. I wish I had her lips. Not her *her* lips. Lips like hers. I'm babbling now. I'm babbling in my brain. Is that a disorder? Mental babbling? > Buffy smirked at her own thoughts.

"You have this wicked tendency to space out on people or is it just me?" Faith asked, waving her hand in front of the blonde's face. She chuckled when Buffy blinked a few times and looked at her with a deer caught in headlights look on her face. "Anyways, do you have cable? We could share this over a movie or somethin'."

"Yeah, sure," Buffy nodded. "Root beer?" < I shouldn't be doing this. I really shouldn't. >

"Whatever. By the way," Faith replied, taking a brief pause on her way out and reaching for something in her pocket. "Here," she grinned in a cocky way, tossing something that Buffy caught before seeing what it was.

The blonde fumed. "I can't believe you had them all along!" she exclaimed, pointing to her keychain exasperatedly. "Why did you even do that?"

"It was fun watching your face," the taller girl winked and found her way towards the living room.

CHAPTER THREE

Buffy stared at the ceiling. Faith was already asleep beside her, on the floor. The dark slayer had insisted she was used to it, although Buffy couldn't quite figure why she would turn away the comfort of a bed after who knows how long. The brunette didn't seem to have a problem in making herself comfortable; she had after all taken a shower and borrowed an oversized shirt from Buffy's closet without even bothering to ask.

What puzzled Buffy the most though was the fact that she was beginning to enjoy having Faith around. She was fun, in an annoying, irritating kind of way. < I wonder how the Scoobies are going to react. Let's see...Xander will be all receptive and drooling. Will...well Will is always nice. Giles will be pleased to have another slayer around too. So he can prevent her from going into a school trip with her friends as well! > She scowled at that thought then shook it off. < Well at least I met her. Yeah, it's a good thing that I've stayed. >

With that thought and a last look at her fellow slayer, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

*****

Buffy opened her eyes and glanced at the clock beside her bed. < Almost 10 AM? Already? > She yawned and stretched, rolling over and getting up.

"Cut it out!" a husky voice growled from below, startling the blonde who just jumped back to the bed.

"Oops," Buffy smiled sheepishly. "Good morning Faith. Sorry I stepped on you." < Wow. That sounded really lame. >

A mumbling sound came from the dark slayer, but other than that Faith didn't even move.

"Come on, rise and shine!" Buffy chirped teasingly. "It's a beautiful day!"

"You like it so much, shove it," Faith retorted, covering her head with a pillow.

Buffy watched her, her lips parting in what could be called a devilish grin as she reached out for her guest. "So...we're not that peachy in the morning, are we?" she cooed, her fingertips brushing the younger girl's bare foot.

Faith quickly pulled her feet to under the sheet, cursing under the pillow. Muffling a laugh, the blonde tickled Faith's side and was quick enough to dodge a punch thrown in her general direction while Faith squirmed away from her touch. She laughed out loud at that. More cursing ensued, and Buffy finally pulled the sheet away from the brunette, who shrieked as the cool morning breeze caused goosebumps on her warm skin.

"What the fuck is your problem?" Faith asked throatily, her eyes still shut as she sat up. Tentatively, she opened her eye a crack then shut it again because of the light. "It's morning out there!"

"It's nearly noon already, we should get up! I want to introduce you to Giles," Buffy said with a smile.

"Giles my ass," Faith fell back to the floor with a heavy thump.

"He's my Watcher," the blonde explained. "Come on, we can grab something to eat after we've talked to him. My treat," she added, hoping it would do the trick but knowing she'd probably regret that offer. < She's gonna eat all of my allowance. You go, Buffy! > she scolded herself mentally.

"Now we're talking," the brunette was quickly on her feet, seemingly not embarrassed to change in front of Buffy.

The blonde stared at her in disbelief, then her eyes went wild when Faith turned to her wearing only her panties. Buffy turned beet red and looked away. < Oh my God, she's gorgeous. Nice six pack going on too. I wonder why she has so many scars. Can't be just from slaying, I am older and don't have nearly half as many. Why am I even entertaining these thoughts? What do I care how she looks? Gee, I'm not making any sense. >

"You shy, B?" Faith chuckled deeply. "Dude, we're both girls!"

"You just took me by surprise, that's all," Buffy said, looking up at her, careful to never look below her jaw.

"Oh, I see. Like you didn't expect me to be drop dead stunning luscious?" Faith wriggled her eyebrows seductively.

The blonde narrowed her eyes. "I'm surprised you manage to fit in the same room as that ego of yours," she muttered. "Anyway I don't think you can just squeeze a list of adjectives together like that to make it look like one."

"Screw that," Faith shrugged with a laugh. "Where's my backpack?"

"I think you left it in the bathroom," Buffy shrugged. "Do you even have any clothes in there?"

"No, I thought I'd steal some while I'm in town," the brunette replied on her way to the bathroom.

"..."

"I'm clownin' ya, B!" laughter echoed through the hall. "There was an 'accident' at the bus station and I didn't have enough time to pick my bag before I ran away, y'know?"

Buffy sighed. < From stalker to wanted. This keeps getting better and better. > "I assume you're gonna fill me in."

"T'was no big, really," Faith came back into the bedroom with her dark make-up applied and the same clothes as the night before. "Stuck-up bitch tried to piss me off. Then when she finally did it and figured she didn't want it anymore, I had already taught her to fly. Then I thought best to make myself scarce, if ya get my drift."

"You *do* realize slayers are supposed to be the good guys, right?" Buffy stared at her until she made eye contact. "We can't just stroll around slayer slapping civilians."

"I can tell something in your bottle needs uncorking," the brunette said, her chocolate eyes piercing into hazel ones that averted uncomfortably. "See, Twinkie, rules can be bent. The ones that can't be bent can be broken. You need to find the fun. Say, you don't get laid real often, do you?"

Buffy blushed hard. "What does *THAT* have to do with anything?" she asked, flustered, getting up and pretending to look for clothes in the closet. < What does *THAT* have to do with anything? >

"Everything!" Faith laughed. "We're slayers! We have special needs and you should know that."

"Special needs," Buffy echoed sarcastically, mortified with that conversation. < This should teach me to let her sleep. I bet she's doing this on purpose! I think one of my veins just popped. >

"Come on, girlfriend. We're both slayers here," the dark slayer grinned, "Tell me you don't crave a nice *uhhh* after a good slay! If you never get off it's really no wonder you're always so edgy."

"Ok, we really need to let this subject drop. Right now," the blonde said, already exhausted even though her day had just begun. "Do you mind turning around so I can change?" she tried not to plead.

"Whatever, B," Faith snickered, faking a turn. "Nice boobs."

"FAITH!" Buffy yelped. < Oh my God she's making me insane. >

"Ok, turnin' around now," the brunette said, laughing. "I swear, dude, you shoulda seen the look on your face!"

CHAPTER FOUR

"Hey Giles," Buffy somehow found the energy to smile as her Watcher opened the door. < Control, Buffy. It's all about control. Breathe. Good. Breathe again. Great! See? You can do it. > "Yesterday was pretty uneventful concerning undead and demonic things. But," she paused for a quick suspense, "As your favorite slayer I have managed to not disappoint you and found something very interesting that you might want to know."

"Buffy, what are you talking about? You are my only slayer," he said with a puzzled look, wondering who was the dark girl standing there while they talked openly of things they should be secretive about.

"Exactly," Buffy said in mock cheerfulness. "Not!"

"This your Watcher? If I'd known they came *that* younger and cute I woulda requested a transfer," Faith grinned.

Giles had the good grace to blush, choosing to ignore his pupil as Buffy was eew-ing and staring incredulously at her fellow slayer. "Why, thank you. I'm Giles," he said, offering his hand to shake.

"Faith. The Vampire Slayer," the brunette took it in a firm grip.

"Ahem," Buffy raised an eyebrow at that introduction. "The *other* Vampire Slayer."

"Yeah," Faith shrugged. "New model, and improved too," she teased with a wink.

The blonde rolled her eyes. "Whatever!" she retorted.

"Please, do come in," Giles offered a smile and gave them room to walk inside as he held the door for them.

Buffy gave him a stern look but otherwise said nothing. Faith sat across from her so they were face to face. Her trademark grin was starting to get on Buffy's nerves. It wasn't any less aggravating that the brunette stuck her finger inside her mouth and pulled it out making the sound of a cork popping out. < Ok, I'm about to uncork something really nasty. Really, *really* nasty. >

"Tea?" Giles offered, not oblivious to the stare match happening between the slayers. Being a wise man as he was, he knew better than to ask anything else at that moment.

"I don't touch that stuff. Do you have tequila?" Faith asked.

"How old are you?" he asked suspiciously. "On second thought, it doesn't matter. No one should have such drinks this early in the day. Milk?" he suggested as Faith rolled her eyes.

"Tea is fine," Buffy cut in impatiently.

"See what I mean?" Faith addressed her, raising her eyebrows, apparently unimpressed by the blonde's behavior. "Post-slay tension. Gets worse. Soon enough you'll act even worse than just a cranky 80 year-old. Or I could be wrong," the dark slayer shrugged with an innocent look. "Maybe you're just not, how'd ya say..." she placed a fingertip on her chin in a mock pensive look, "Mm, oh yeah, *peachy* in the morning."

"Argh!" the blonde groaned, throwing her arms up in frustration.

Faith laughed out loud, easily dodging a cushion tossed at her with deadly force.

*****

"Well, I've just contacted the Council," Giles came back from his office cleaning his glasses, "I told them the bits of information you provided me and they have given me permission to become your Watcher as well. You and Buffy will be working together, and I am to train the both of you for that. As you well know, this is unprecedented."

"Isn't that just wonderful," Buffy muttered toneless.

"Wicked cool," Faith grinned, her eyes never leaving her sister slayer. "That all? Cuz Me and B here have some catchin' up to do. Slayer thing, y'know how it goes."

"Obviously, I don't," he replied. "Maybe you can come in the afternoon and we'll set a sparring match."

"Of course," Buffy deadpanned. "Not only I'm not allowed to go in a field trip with my friends that by the way don't happen to make me insane, but also I have no free time of my own. I should write the Council dearest a letter."

"Afraid I'm gonna kick your ass?" Faith arched a teasing eyebrow.

"Hah, hah. Behold my laughing," the petite slayer replied, making her way out of Giles'.

*****

"This is the Pump," Buffy gestured to the Café before walking inside. < Bye, bye, allowance. >

Faith sat opposite to her on the booth and watched her for long moments.

"What?" the blonde finally asked, squirming under her gaze.

"You're so cute, ya know that?" Faith offered a sincere smile before studying the menu on her hands.

Buffy blushed. "Gee. Thanks. I guess," she said, not sure if the word 'cute' from someone so dark was even a good thing. < Menu. Maybe I can pretend I'm still choosing by the time she's already done with her meal. >

Faith wasn't bothered by that and just ordered what Buffy thought to be everything on the menu. Buffy chose a bagel, acidly remarking that she hadn't eaten one in a long time. Then once their order was ready they worked on fitting all of it in just their table, which was a special feat in itself. Faith calmly started to eat, and Buffy felt her blood boiling as she frantically searched for her bagel.

"Faith," she closed her eyes and inhaled sharply to keep from yelling. "Where...is...my...bagel?"

The brunette glanced at her in mock surprise. Buffy held her breath, wide-eyed and ready to jump over the table to choke her sister slayer. "Lighten up, B!" she finally laughed at the blonde's miffed expression. "It's our little tradition! Here, help yourself to anything of mine!"

"ARGH!" Buffy growled at her, realizing too late that there were other people around and they were all looking at her. She sank into the booth feeling self-conscious and embarrassed.

"Nah, I'm just messin' with ya," Faith said good-naturedly, reaching under the table and handing her a plate with a buttery bagel on it. "I'm not really fond of these things, ya know? I was jus' hungry yesterday. *And* I wanted to piss you off," she winked and resumed eating.

Buffy whined, rubbing her forehead. "Faith, you're going to be the death of me," she sighed, then after a moment a small smile threatened to spill in spite of herself.

"So," the younger girl grinned, "Tell me 'bout yourself."

CHAPTER FIVE

Buffy told her everything there was to know about herself, things she would never consider ever telling anyone. She couldn't help it. Faith turned out to be a really good listener. They knew they could relate because they were both slayers, but there was more to it as well. The brunette was genuinely interested in her, and Buffy felt there was nothing Faith wouldn't understand. By the time they headed to Sunnydale High, late in the afternoon, a strong bond had been formed between them. Faith, however, hadn't really said anything about herself, and even though Buffy was curious she knew better than to just pry. < She'll tell me when she's ready. >

"Maybe next time we could fix a schedule," Giles said sternly as Buffy offered an apologetic smile. "Now if we may get this started. You are going to spar for awhile, but do not, and I repeat, *do not* hurt yourselves. This isn't a contest," he warned, eyeing each of the slayers who had the same innocent look on their faces.

They studied each other for some moments then started exchanging blows, none really into it but rather testing the other's skills. Faith got bored quickly and dared them to take it up a notch...or several. They didn't even hear Giles protesting as their moves became faster and stronger.

"My goodness," Giles scrambled notes in his notebook about techniques and moves and flaws he noticed in their attack and defense. Which was a difficult enough task, what with them being slayers with mad skills and exchanging really fast blows.

About an hour and a half later, they paused awhile, none abandoning their fighting stance. Both were drenched in sweat and their breathing was somewhat labored, but they were smiling.

"Ready to cut lose then?" Faith asked with a wide, challenging grin.

"I'm all for it," Buffy smiled back, and they resumed their sparring.

Then there was it. Faith's eyes narrowed as she spotted an opening in Buffy's defense, and with a circle kick she sent the blonde sprawled to the floor. Buffy was quick with a comeback, spinning and kicking Faith's legs from under the brunette, who joined her on the floor with a surprised gasp.

"I think that will be enough!" Giles interrupted quickly before they could move again. He glanced at his notebook and massaged his brow. "Um. Very good. I must sort this out, see how you can complement each other's abilities, and I will get back to you on that. You may go now."

"Spoil sport," Faith teased.

"Oh, and Giles? Faith has lost her bag at the bus station." Buffy gave him an innocent look, aware of Faith staring at her quizzically. Buffy didn't face her for fear of bursting into laughter. "Do you think you could help us get it back?" she asked in a pleading tone.

"Absolutely," he nodded. "I'll drive you. We can go to the bus station and then I'll give you a ride home."

"Thank you," the blonde said, flashing a mischievous wink at the brunette.

*****

"You might be keen on knowing I had to pay a fine for the disturbance my *daughter* caused," the Englishman mumbled as handed Faith her bag and started the engine.

Faith snickered, while Buffy just gave him an angelic 'I really had no idea' look, which he was able to see right through. With an exasperate shake of his head, he drove them to Buffy's place.

"Thanks, G-man," Faith patted his shoulder as she got out of the car.

"You're welcome. Don't call me that," he said, wincing lightly. "Ever."

The brunette just grinned as she and Buffy waved to him and went into the blonde's house. "Feeling good there, B?" she asked, bolting the door behind her.

Buffy laughed in delight. "Just proud of my petty little vengeance," she replied. "He'll get over it."

"So the sweet little B does have a backbone," Faith raised her eyebrows in mock surprise.

"Who are you calling little?" the blonde flashed her a warning look.

"You, obviously. I'm looking at you," the brunette stepped into Buffy's personal space, looking down at her with a teasing smirk on her face. "Shortstuff."

Buffy scowled at that and pushed her halfheartedly. "I'll take you up on that. But not now. I need a bath."

"I wasn't gonna mention it, but since you did, yeah...you could *really* use a bath," Faith remarked, opening the fridge in a quest for anything edible.

"You're not exactly date material right now either, missy," the older slayer snorted. "I'd even go one step further and say you're a mess. In fact, do you want to go first?"

CHAPTER SIX

Faith did go first, and now that she was done it was Buffy's turn to bathe. Faith was glad she had her bag back. Looking at herself in the mirror dressed in pastels would freak her out so much she'd never stop running. She chose blood red leather pants and a black leather top, which was basic but she'd never really needed much to look sexy. It just came naturally to her.

She got changed and applied her make up, then kept her bag away. Buffy was still in the bathroom, so she sat down and ran her hand over the sheets on the blonde's bed, studying it intently as if half expecting Buffy to pop out of it. She let herself slide down to the soft mattress and buried her face on the pillow, inhaling deeply and feeling overwhelmed by the sweet scent that was pure Buffy, closing her eyes and allowing a lazy smile to play on her face.

"Are you smelling my pillow?" the older slayer asked from the doorway. "Gee. And I thought vamps were creepy."

Faith bolted to her feet so fast her spine could have snapped. She couldn't face her sister slayer and cleared her throat. "I wasn't," she said, and mentally cursed herself for coming up with something that lame. "Smelling your pillow. I wasn't," she emphasized, still looking away, apparently finding something really interesting on her boots.

Buffy watched her closely for a moment, delighted to see Faith on the other end of fidgeting and embarrassed, for once. "Well, well," she said in a teasing tone, "Am I making you uncomfortable, 'F'?" she asked, approaching the taller slayer and brushing a few strands of silky dark hair to behind Faith's ear, which was pinkish from blushing. < Two can play this game, you know. Feels rather nice actually, seeing her all hot and bothered because of me... >

"I'll be downstairs finding something to eat while you get ready," Faith announced and left the room managing to get her legs to cooperate.

Buffy giggled and went about her closet.

*****

"Do you mind tellin' me again what the fuck I'm doin' here?" Faith asked as they walked around Restfield.

"Patrolling," Buffy repeated for the tenth time. "Looking for evil activity. Believe it or not, the life of a slayer is *more* than going around picking fights with civilians."

"What the hell that has to do with strolling around in here? This place is dead, no pun intended," the brunette frowned at her in protest. "The only evil activity here is your holier-than-thou speech! Let's hit the Bronze," she decided, pulling at Buffy's arm and dragging her out of the cemetery.

"Ok, fine," Buffy said with a straight face. "But only because you're making me."

Faith laughed at her. "Sure, B, whatever."

"Meanwhile can I have my arm back?" Buffy asked playfully, only to find she missed the contact when Faith let go. < Ooh. That's strange. Why is this happening? >

"B!" Faith exclaimed. "See, you were doing so well for awhile, now you're zonin' out on me again."

"What is it?" Buffy turned her attention to the brunette.

"I said, do you want that one?" she gestured to the vampire staring at them. "Gee, attention disorder much?"

The blonde was startled for a brief second, then her slayer sense kicked in and she charged at him. < Funny, I really thought she'd go for it herself in a situation like this. I thought slaying was her idea of fun. >

While she fought the vampire completely lost in thought, Faith watched her with a very naughty smile on her face. "Mm, mm, mm...looking hot there, B," she whispered to herself, not missing a single blow delivered by her sister slayer's hands. She heaved a somewhat disappointed sigh when Buffy finally dusted the vampire.

*****

"Well, look who's here," Xander smiled when she approached their usual spot.

"Hey! When did you guys come back?" Buffy greeted with a surprised look.

"A couple of hours ago," Willow smiled sweetly. "We wanted to surprise you."

"Hey guys, I want you to meet Faith," Buffy said, giving room for her fellow slayer to join them.

Xander did a double take and stared at the cocky brunette wide-eyed. "Gah?"

Faith gave him a strange look then turned to Buffy. "He retarded or somethin'?"

"Only around hot chicks," Willow rolled her eyes playfully, then blushed as she considered the meaning of her words. "Not that I think you're hot! But of course that doesn't mean you're not! I mean...! Ah... You're beautiful, in an innocently put kind of way. I mean, as a compliment. I'm not hitting on you," she looked desperately at Buffy for help, her hands clasped together. "Nice to meet you Faith," she finally managed to say.

"You too, Red," Faith winked and turned to Xander, giving Willow time to consider whether she liked her new nickname. Not that it would change anything really. "What about you, X-man? Cat got your tongue? It obviously didn't catch Red's," she grinned.

Xander just gawked in response.

"Porch light's out," Faith arched her eyebrows. "Well, can you dance?"

Xander nodded, and Faith dragged him towards the dance floor under Buffy and Willow's unimpressed look. Buffy smiled at the redhead and sat down before her.

"So how was the trip? Did you guys have a lot of fun?" she asked.

"Yeah, lots and lots!" Willow exclaimed happily, then remembered Buffy probably needed consolation. "Well...you know. Not a *lot* of fun. Just fun. Or maybe...a little fun? Littles and littles?" she risked in a cute frown.

Buffy smiled and placed a supportive hand on her friend's arm. "It's alright, Will. You can tell me. I'll stick to the 'I'm happy for you' thing, you know, that friends do."

Willow got excited again. "Well you see, so there we are near a waterfall, right? We had endured a half hour walk through the woods listening to Cordelia's constant complaints and wow, that was exhausting! So Cordelia approaches the river because she needs to wash her hands from touching the trees, when out of nowhere comes this skunk and she falls right into the water with the wildest screech! That scared the poor animal back into the woods but not before it sprayed her with this really unpleasant smelling thing."

Buffy laughed out loud. "There IS a God! I'm just sorry I wasn't there to witness that."

"You're lucky you didn't have to ride the same bus as her on the way back," Willow pointed out.

Buffy wrinkled her nose as she tried to picture the whole thing. "I hear you."

"What about the prophecy? Did anything happen?" the redhead asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"Nah," Buffy shook her head. "Well, *Faith* happened. She's a slayer. But other than her, no evil came to disrupt the tediousness here in our cozy old Sunnydale."

"She's a slayer?" Willow huffed. "Buffy! That means you don't have to do it anymore!"

Buffy considered her friend's words for a moment. "I don't think so, Will. It's what I was born to do, you know? Whether I like it or not it is part of who I am," she sighed, surprised as the words came out of her mouth. "Besides, strength in numbers, right?" < Oh my God, I think I'm drawing a Faith. >

The redhead seemed unsure, but offered a smile and nodded.

"Hey again," Faith smiled, plopping down next to Buffy. "Where's my drink and snack?"

"Do I look like a waitress to you?" Buffy glared at her.

"No, but you do look good enough to eat," Faith's lips spread in a predatory smile as if in slow motion, her eyes appreciating the view next to her. "I could settle for you and just forget about the drink, how's that sound?"

Willow's jaw dropped in disbelief as she felt all of her blood making its way up to her head. Shallow intakes of breath ensued and she started hyperventilating, waving her hands frenetically. Xander on the other hand, had a dreamy look on his face, as he entertained the images of Buffy and wild Faith getting it on in his mind.

Buffy could feel the steam out of her own ears. "Faith!" < Oh my God, I think Willow is going to pass out. I knew she'd try and get me back because of the smelling my things...thing. > "Cut it out!" she swatted the brunette's arm making sure to throw in a little slayer encouragement.

"Breathe, Red," Faith suggested, an eyebrow arched as if telling her sister slayer she wasn't buying the innocent act thing. "She from a convent or somethin'? Jeez. Wanna stay here and play nun, five-by-five. I'll find and play some stud now..." she said with a devilish grin.

"Five-by-five...?" Willow echoed, trying to make sense of it.

Xander was still daydreaming, and Buffy let out a small sigh, her eyes finding Faith dancing in a very provocative manner amongst some guys. < Doesn't that thing require rating or something? That's not just dancing! It's...it's sex! She shouldn't be doing something like that in public! >

"Buffy, are you alright?" Willow asked, noticing Buffy was acting weirder than usual.

"Oh my God," the blonde stared at the dance floor, and her friends followed her gaze to find Cordelia arguing with Faith, probably for having the attention of every male in the area. "Get Cordelia away from her!"

With that, she rushed towards Faith and got there just in time to hold her fist from connecting with the shocked brunette. Faith tried to free her hand from Buffy's grasp, her eyes sending daggers Cordelia's way.

"Buffy?" Cordelia acknowledged her, eyes fixed on Faith as to not back off from the challenge. "Of course this freak is a friend of yours, what was I thinking?! Would you please keep all your losers away from me?"

"Back off," Faith said in a really dangerous tone, addressing Buffy. "I promise I'll make it slow and painful."

"Sorry, not the kind of encouragement I was hoping for," Buffy joked, pulling her away.

Willow and Xander quickly hauled Cordelia to the opposite direction from the slayers. Buffy tried to get Faith's attention at all costs, and was relieved when the brunette finally snapped from the frenzy she was in.

"Let's go outside get some air," Buffy said, hand still holding Faith's in a death grip.

*****

"Who the fuck was that anyway, B?" Faith asked, considerably calmer now that Cordelia was out of sight and the night breeze cooled her down. "The bitch was asking for some major bone shattering."

"Can I watch?" Xander asked excitedly as he and Willow walked towards them.

"You're not helping any," Buffy gave him a warning look.

"Faith is a slayer, Xander," Willow pulled him aside to explain. "I'm pretty sure when she says major bone shattering she means...well, major bone shattering. As in actually shattering bones...majorly."

"Gee, Red. Never pegged you for a people reader, guess I was wrong," Faith sneered. "Thanks for explaining that."

"I stand by my phrase," Xander shrugged. "Can I watch?" he insisted hopefully.

"Look, Cordelia is...difficult. But she knows about us and she's helped out a lot of times," Buffy said, nudging Xander to give him the evil eye. "She acts like a bitch but she turns out to be a good person once you really look."

"Screw that," Faith mumbled.

"Okay," Buffy linked her arms with hers and pulling her along as she started to make her way home. "I think we should call it a night," she said, some alien part of herself relieved that she would have some more alone time with Faith. "You guys wanna do something other than going back inside?"

"I want to go to France one day!" Willow said excitedly, receiving weird stares from Buffy and Xander, and a look of utter disbelief from Faith. "I just wanted to get it out there in the open. Ice cream?"

"Nah. Maybe a movie?" Xander suggested.

"Throw in the ice cream and food and I'm in," Faith shrugged.

"Fine," Buffy agreed halfheartedly. < No such thing as alone time. > "You guys go rent a movie, Faith and I will do the food shopping. I don't think you guys are prepared to witness Faith around food, can get ugly," she teased with a straight face, aware of chocolate eyes staring at her in a very 'I'm less than amused' look.

Willow and Xander nodded and walked to an opposite way, laughing at stuff they always seemed to come up with.

Buffy leaned into Faith and sighed, a delighted one. < Feels so nice having her around. I wonder if she feels the same...niceness, I mean. > She looked up at the dark slayer, wondering if she was alright with the touchy-feely, because she certainly didn't *look* the type. Then she looked at their arms linked together and smiled. "You're not upset about the food thing, are you? I was just teasing," she said, wondering why Faith was all quiet like that.

"No," the brunette grinned. "I'm kinda nervous about this whole hangin' out thing."

"You mean with Xander and Will?" Buffy asked in surprise.

"Yeah," Faith admitted it to Buffy and to herself. "Not something I've done before. I don't do the friends thing. With me it's get some and get gone. Never was around enough time to learn people's names."

< She's opening up! Do something! > "But that's changed now. You're my sister slayer and if you even leave like that I'm gonna hunt you down and kick the hell out of your slayer ass," Buffy said in a joking tone, but Faith got the feeling she really did mean that.

"Think you can take me?" the taller girl wriggled her eyebrows, amused.

"Just try me," the blonde winked, pulling her into the store.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Author's Note: A HUGE thanks to Dallas, who's helped me in times of insecurity :D You rock, baby!!

They were all squeezed on the couch of Buffy's living room, bowls of popcorn and candy bars all over the place. There was Faith in one end, Buffy next to her, Willow, then Xander on the other end. They were watching Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl, or at least Xander was. Faith was too busy eating, drinking and trying to make up her mind if Buffy was snuggling up to her or was just sore for sitting still for too long. Buffy wondered if she was being too pushy and why. Willow was having a visit from some famous green demon named Jealousy.

"So, Buffy, when does your mom come back?" Willow asked out of the blue. She was a little upset that Buffy seemed so into Faith that she wasn't even that interested on the field trip. Or her.

"What?" Buffy said absently. "Oh. Probably in a couple of days."

"Why the sudden concern, Red?" Faith asked sharply, knowing full well what was going on in Willow's mind.

"N-nothing, I was just wondering," Willow squeaked, blushing.

Faith just snorted and took a long sip of her beer. "Whatever, chick, just messin' with ya," she said, deciding to take it light with the redhead, who was, after all, Buffy's best friend ever since the slayer had moved there. No need for her to purposefully get on anyone's bad side this soon anyway.

"I'd rather see Orlando Bloom in his blonde Legolas hair," Buffy grimaced, not oblivious to that brief exchange but not willing to deal with it right away either. "Johnny Depp looks hot though."

"If you work on the not looking at his teeth," Faith stuck out her tongue. "I mean, hello lack of hygiene!"

"I guess pirates never heard of toothbrushes," Xander remarked in an almost philosophical tone.

Then they were quiet again, eyes to the screen but, apart of Xander, minds wondering somewhere else. Willow's mind was in hell as she thought Buffy liked Faith better and she had been replaced. Buffy's mind was on her sister slayer sitting next to her and on her mixed feelings on the aforementioned girl. Faith's mind was on the store they had shopped and currently in a regret trip of why she hadn't bought more popcorn, seeing as the bowl was now empty and she was still hungry enough to eat a horse. Then she ran out of beer as well and for some moments her mind was in the same hellish neighborhood of Willow's. So she decided to watch the movie, seeing as there was nothing else to do and she wasn't fond of the whole 'let me sulk with my tortured bad self' act.

*****

"Are you sure you guys will be alright?" Buffy insisted.

"Yeah, Buff, don't worry," Xander smiled.

"B, maybe we should escort them," the dark slayer arched an eyebrow.

"We'll be alright," Willow assured. "We've had Slayer 101."

Faith grinned. "Tell you what, B," she said, "I'll take them to their places and you stay and clean up the mess so I won't have to," she suggested in mock euphoria.

"Witness me laughing. Not," the petite blonde deadpanned.

"Hey that's a great idea," Xander interjected with a quick nod. "Then we can get better acquainted."

Willow and Buffy glared, while Faith just grinned. "That being said, let's go," she said before Buffy could protest.

*****

"Bye, X-man," Faith winked. "Sweet dreams."

Willow rolled her eyes with a scowl. "Goodnight, Xander."

"So," Faith smiled as they made their way to Willow's, well aware the witch had fastened her pace. "'S just the two of us now. Say, you worried 'bout me and B, yeah?"

The redhead gasped at her bluntness.

"Cuz you really shouldn't. I'm not here replacin' you and shit," the brunette stated calmly. "You're her best bud. I dig. No way I'm gettin' between the two of you, cool?"

Willow nodded weakly, and offered a small smile. "Thank you, Faith. I'm sorry I've acted all weird on you like that."

"Nah, just forget it," the dark slayer grinned. "We five-by-five then?"

"Um...yeah. Sure. Five-by-five," she echoed, chuckling softly.

*****

Faith sneaked into the house by climbing the tree to Buffy's window. The blonde wasn't in her bedroom, so Faith made her way downstairs noiselessly, as skilled as a tiger tracking its prey. She scanned the living room and found it had been cleaned up, then moved towards the dining room. She leaned against the wall and smiled, sensing Buffy was there. She took a deep breath, but before she moved in for the kill she felt a tight grip on her ankle and let out the girliest yelp, jumping away in a mix of surprise and fear.

"Shit, B, you fuckin' tryin' to kill me?" she snapped, embarrassed for being caught at her own play.

Buffy stood straight and appeared from behind the wall, laughing her brains out. "Can I just tell you..." she wiped tears from her eyes, "You are *SO* never going to live that down!"

Faith smirked at the sound of Buffy's laughter and soon joined her in spite of herself. "You suck, B."

"Are you insane, Faith?" the blonde was still laughing lightly, "Slayer senses, remember?"

Faith gave her an incredulous look.

"Ok, fine, that and I saw you climbing the tree," Buffy admitted. "I kind of figured you were up to something."

Faith grinned. "Alright, B. I gotta hand it to ya, you're fuckin' fun."

"Well, seeing as I'm also very nice, I won't tell anyone about that girlish shriek of yours," she teased with a cute wink, and Faith mocked a relieved sigh that was partially true. "And I got you some real food."

At that the brunette's face lit up. "Please, don't be kiddin'?" she rubbed her stomach.

"No, I'm actually nice," Buffy smiled, pulling her towards the dining room and pointing to a chair. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll bring in the food."

Faith watched in awe as Buffy brought in Chinese. There was chicken, shrimp, noodles, rice...the whole lot. She felt something warm inside, and realized it had nothing to do with being fed. Her big eyes found Buffy's in this huge smile, and it never crossed her mind that being close to someone could feel that good.

"Thank you," she said earnestly, looking into those hazel eyes she was beginning to trust.

< Wow. Deal with that look for a moment. Her eyes are the most precious thing I have ever seen. I think she felt like crying back there. It didn't show, but I got a vibe. Must be a slayer thing. Well, if she's as confused about this whole thing as I am, we're really in for surprises. > Buffy was deep in thought again and never saw Faith hoarding food on her plate, having a good taste of everything before realizing Buffy was still standing there and staring at her.

"You gonna eat or just check me out?" Faith asked, her hunger finally getting the best of her. "Again," she added.

"I'm not checking you out, Faith, how many times do I have to tell you that?" Buffy plopped down on the chair.

"Well, I'm pretty sure you're gonna have to remind me every time I catch you at it," the brunette replied, a cocky grin playing on her lips. "Which by the looks of it, I'm guessin' it's gonna be wicked often."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "You wish," she muttered, getting some food on her plate.

"So B, you should talk to Red, ya know?" Faith studied her for a moment, wondering when she had turned into a pussy like that. So much for her tough girl act.

"I know," Buffy nodded. "I will. I just hope she can understand that you being important to me doesn't make her any less important. You're just...different."

Faith was suddenly drawn to the intricate design on the part of her plate she could see. "Why?" she asked unpretentiously, trying to sound casual.

"Because I could be friends with every single person in this world, but none of them would get even close to understanding me like you do," the petite slayer said as if it were obvious. "We were born different from everyone else, Faith. And I am so happy and relieved that you're here, because I know that even though I love my friends and that they love me, this part of me would have always been lonely if it weren't for you."

"Wow, that was wicked mushy," Faith stared at her, and noticed Buffy flinching. "But I'm glad," she added quickly, in a soothing tone. "Thanks. I mean, I don't know what else to say. You're the first person who's ever seen past the slut. Or wanted to. You...do see past the slut?" she suddenly felt insecure all over again.

"Of course I do," Buffy scowled. "I can't believe you even asked that."

"Jus' makin' sure, I guess," the brunette smiled, looking down at her hands. "I like it here, with you," she said awkwardly, gesturing between the both of them.

Buffy could tell Faith was terrified of that kind of conversation and decided to give her some space. The older slayer knew it had been difficult for her to even say the little she had. < Bad ass, my...well, ass. In due time, I'm sure I can help her out of her walls. If she wants. Why am I feeling so strongly for her? > she whined mentally.

*****

"Faith, come on, we can share the bed," Buffy insisted, slightly annoyed by the other slayer's stubbornness.

"I told ya, B, I'm fine here," Faith mumbled from the floor.

"But Faith, there's plenty of room," she pouted, and the only reason it didn't work was that Faith couldn't see her, head being under the pillow and all.

"Not listenin' to ya!" the brunette smiled.

"Argh, I can't win with you!" Buffy gave up, making sure she made a dramatic thump as she threw herself back on the bed, arms crossed in front of her chest.

CHAPTER EIGHT

< Look at her. I bet the house could fall apart and she wouldn't even stir. She looks so beautiful in her sleep. Not that she doesn't when she's awake. But now there's no makeup, no walls, no cocky, sexy grin...just her. Well, I wouldn't really mind if she did the cocky sexy grin while she's asleep. Oh. Getting off topic here. God, she's gorgeous. > Buffy sighed, reaching out to play with the silky waves of hair cascading all the way over the pillow.

"Faith?" she called out very softly.

A protest that could only be described as whining came from the other girl. "Why, why, WHY do you keep doing this to me?" the brunette moaned, her voice deep from sleep.

"I have to go to school," Buffy announced.

"Bye," Faith mumbled, pulling the sheets over her head.

Buffy chuckled. "Meet me there later?" she asked.

"Yeah, whatever, now fuck off and lemme sleep," the brunette replied, her hand out from under the sheets for a dismissive wave.

*****

Buffy talked to Willow that morning before they headed to class, and other than talking to her friends her morning was a total drag. Well, it was high school.

"Summers!" the history teacher, some old guy whose name she didn't remember, called her attention. "Focus!"

She blushed, nodding and ignoring some of the classmates' teasing remarks. < No more Faith in my mind now, I'm in school. I wonder why Faith doesn't go to school. School, Buffy, school. Not Faith. School. I wonder what she's doing right now. I bet she's still asleep. I wish she could be here. At least I wouldn't be bored out of my mind. I'd have more fun poking my eye with this pen. And who *is* this guy? I don't think I've ever seen him before. What? Cordelia's saying something and giving me a weird look. >

"Buffy," the cheerleader hissed. "I said your freak is by the door! I *told* you to keep them away from me!"

The blonde blinked a few times and saw Faith standing there, looking desperate. She was talking to the teacher, nervously gesturing while he nodded.

"Ms. Summers, I think you'd better gather your things," he said in a serious tone. "I can give you a review later."

Buffy did so and walked to the door. Faith pulled her away quickly and the blonde had a concerned look on her face. "Faith, talk to me! What happened?"

"Your aunt is hospitalized, apparently there was a car crash," the brunette replied quietly.

"What!" the older girl huffed. "When did this happen? Is she going to be alright?" < My aunt on my mother or my father's side? Wait a second...I don't have any aunts! > She stopped dead on her tracks. "Faith! I can't believe you just did that!" she exclaimed, looking around to make sure no one could hear them.

Faith laughed out loud. "Gimme a break, I bet you don't even know which class you were takin'!"

Buffy raised her eyebrows. "For your information, it was History."

"And the teacher's name was...?" Faith arched an eyebrow with a teasing grin.

"Alright, fine, you saved my life, I owe you," the blonde smiled, leaning in and placing a light kiss on her cheek. < WHOA! Where did THAT come from? I hope I didn't freak her out. >

Faith gave her a curious look, but otherwise chuckled. "You're a weirdo, B, ya know that?"

Buffy just grinned as they made their way to the Library.

"'S up, G-man?" the dark slayer asked cheerfully.

"Hello, Faith. I seem to recall asking you to not call me that," he glanced at her from over his glasses.

Faith just shrugged and hopped onto the counter, receiving a stern look from the librarian but really not minding. Buffy flashed a small grin at that and the brunette just winked in response.

"So Giles, I have this free period," Buffy said slowly, a small pout on her lips. "I was wondering if Faith and I could go work on our, um, slayer connection."

That picked his interest, and he smiled. "Slayer connection?"

Buffy mouthed to Faith, "Work with me."

The brunette's lips parted in a mischievous smile. "Yeah, we figured we have this thing 'tween us, like this tingling sensation we get when vamps are about, but slightly different. Kinda faint, but we think we can make it stronger."

"See, I didn't feel anything when I first met Faith here, but now there's this...thing I feel when she's around," the blonde congratulated Faith with her eyes, which were sparkling. < And when she's not around, too. >

Faith gave her a strange look, obviously wondering about the meaning of Buffy's words. "Yeah," she nodded hesitantly, "So we've been hangin', maybe we could use it to our advantage."

"Fantastic," Giles said excitedly. "I knew this would be a unique experience! Alright, I think you're on the right direction. Don't forget to keep me informed, and meet me here at 3 P.M. sharp for training."

"Will do," Faith replied, and they rushed out.

*****

"Your mom's back by tomorrow, right?" Faith said as they strolled about the streets of Sunnydale.

"Yeah," Buffy nodded absently.

"Isn't she gonna be pissed?" the brunette asked.

"Yeah," Buffy nodded again. "But she'll get over it. She's very understanding."

"Might as well check some motels today," Faith shrugged. "No time like the present, right?"

"Wrong!" the blonde turned to her abruptly. "Very wrong! You're so not staying in some motel!"

Faith chuckled. "Sorry, didn't mean to offend you," she remarked sarcastically.

"I'll ask my mom if you can stay with us," Buffy said with a bright smile.

"What? Wow, wow, wow. I don't think that's such a good idea, ya know? It'd be embarrassing if she said no," the taller girl shook her head in disagreement. "Besides, need privacy at night. For real, I'll be fine."

< I won't. And what's that about night? Mental note, don't forget to bring this up later. > Buffy frowned, then she got that look. "Angel!"

"Your ex," Faith furrowed her brow. "What about him?"

"He used to stay in this apartment," Buffy explained excitedly. "He's in LA now, so we just have to call him and let him know we're using it! I'm sure he won't mind."

"Thanks, B," the brunette said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. She wasn't really used to the kindness of others. Not that she took any shit from people, mind you; she knew how to stand up for herself, but she never relied on anyone before. And yet, in a way it felt good to be cared for.

"We can stop by later to clean up and we'll fix it up tomorrow," Buffy said, loving her idea.

They found themselves at the docks. It was a busy morning there, it seemed, and they decided to go to the extreme end of the pier. Faith sat down, her feet hanging several inches above the water. Buffy looked around for anything that would spoil her skirt. Finding nothing, she sat down beside the dark slayer.

"This is quite poetic, don't you think?" Buffy asked with a wide smile, basking in the sunlight.

"Yeah," Faith replied. "If you can not barf your guts out with the stench. B, it stinks of rotten fish!"

"Thanks for the poetry," Buffy nudged her and glared.

Faith laughed. "Feeling romantic, slayer?" she teased.

"You know me," the blonde shrugged. "I'm this sensitive soul in search of a -"

"Hung dude?" the brunette cut in with a devilish grin.

"Shut up!" Buffy pushed her in a friendly manner. "Faith, you're just so...so crude!"

"You love it," Faith replied with her best overconfident look, eyebrows wriggling charmingly.

Her eyes met Buffy's, and the sunlight had them look so clear. Buffy drowned in them, and Faith didn't turn away. She wasn't scared that Buffy could find out some secret of hers, and at that moment, she just knew that if Buffy asked anything, she would tell the blonde everything. They just sat there in peaceful silence for awhile, enjoying that closeness they couldn't understand. It had happened so fast, but at the same time it seemed as if couldn't have gone any other way. It was fluent and comfortable, and they felt like they'd been around each other forever.

*****

"So...this the place?" Faith smiled as they walked into the small apartment.

"Yes," Buffy said in a small sigh.

"You ok?" the brunette asked, sensing the demeanor on the petite blonde's attitude.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah. It's just...I have a lot of memories of this place. Ok, not a lot. More like one."

"Your first time," Faith said, her hand brushing Buffy's slightly in a supportive manner. "Maybe we shouldn't do this. I'd really be fine somewhere else, ya know?"

"No!" Buffy replied quickly. "I'm sorry about that. I'm alright now, and you're staying here."

Faith just shrugged. "It's nice. And free."

The blonde chuckled at that. "Well, we could get the cleaning part done, eat and then might as well go to Giles'. The sooner we're done, the sooner we'll party. I'm thinking Bronze tonight, are you up for it?"

"Always," the brunette grinned.

"No picking fights though," Buffy said seriously. "And I mean it."

Faith snorted. "I wasn't really gonna hurt her...much."

"Yeah, sure," the blonde gave her a stern look.

*****

Training was uneventful. Giles didn't take notes this time, as he decided to tape it, and Xander and Willow were there to watch the slayers in action. Buffy on her part was glad that she'd had the chance to see how they looked sparring like that; she suspected it would be a sight for sore eyes.

< Oh my God, I'm in love with her. I've fallen in love with Faith. Someone I've known for less than a week. Does that make me easy? I know I should be thinking things like 'she's a...she' or 'what's everyone going to think' but...well, look at her. It's impossible to know her and not fall for her. She's so charming, irritating, cocky, sexy... >

BAM!!

Buffy flew across the room and landed on one of the tables. Faith wouldn't be faster if she had teleported next to the woozy slayer, who groaned in pain.

"B!" the brunette said truly worried, her hands trembling as she tried to touch Buffy but seemed afraid to break her. "Were you zoning out again?" she whispered, looking everywhere for bruises.

"You can touch me, you know," was the first thing Buffy said, causing Faith to blush.

Willow and Xander gawked. "It's getting hot in here," he breathed.

"Ahem," Giles interrupted them and helped Buffy to her feet. "I think we're done for today. Faith, I understand you're staying at Buffy's. I want you two to watch this tape and write down your mistakes so we can work on them tomorrow. Is that agreeable?" he asked, handing them the recorded sparring session.

Both slayers nodded, and the four Scoobies walked off.

*****

Hangin' at the Pump, Faith was entertaining them with her stories of alligators, naked slayers and priests. They were all amused and laughing between sips of their mochas, and generally having a good time.

"You know, isn't it great how things have been calm and uneventful?" Xander remarked happily.

"Dude, what the fuck you tryin' to do?" Faith slapped his arm in frustration.

"You jinxed us!" Willow whined her protest.

"Yeah!" Buffy scowled, with a pout.

He looked confused between the three of them. "What are you talking about?"

"You can't just go around saying stuff like that!" Buffy said, with a disapproving shake of her head.

"Yeah! Because you said that, now we're jinxed and you should be glad the sky hasn't fallen on our heads, Mister!" Willow scolded her clueless friend.

"Why? Nothing's gonna happen," Xander defended himself.

"Shit, dude, that's it! I'm headin' back before he says anything else," Faith said, and stood up.

Just then Cordelia walked in, and three very upset girls looked at Xander with their eyebrows arched.

"Believe us now?" Buffy muttered.

"Ok, this place used to be better frequented," Cordelia stopped by their booth with a disgusted face.

"It was," Xander nodded. "Then you walked in."

Faith laughed out loud just to piss her off, while Buffy smiled and Willow giggled. Cordelia gave them a sarcastic look and went to sit on the opposite corner.

"Ok," he whispered to them, "Faith, work with me on this, alright? You all watch and learn the master."

The three girls gave him a strange look but were curious. He made sure Cordelia saw him looking at her, then he leaned closer to the girls and whispered for them to chuckle really lightly, as if in secrecy.

"Faith, stare at her hair just for a minute, will you," he whispered.

Faith did so, looking amused. She could see Cordelia was bothered by their actions, and finally sputtered in a fit of laughter. Much for everyone's surprise, at the exception of Xander himself, Cordelia got up with a desperate look and bolted to the toiled. The four of them shared a great laugh.

"Wicked hilarious!" the brunette said between gasps for air.

Xander bowed playfully.

*****

The two slayers went to patrol later on, then headed back to Buffy's so they could do Giles' assignment. After a nice shower and a huge meal, at least to Faith, both had paper and pencils and started to take notes.

"Ok, see B, you're always so guarded," the brunette remarked.

"And you're exactly the opposite! It's like you don't even care who wins," the older slayer replied.

"Carpe diem, girlfriend," Faith shrugged. "As long as the ride was cool. Slaying is supposed to be fun."

Buffy scoffed at that. Then the scene where she spaced out was on the screen and both slayers watched in silence. Faith was particularly interested as she saw the dreamy look on Buffy's face before she got hit.

"You never told me what that was about," the dark slayer said in a tone so low that if Buffy wasn't a slayer she'd probably have missed it.

"You can't tell by watching it?" the blonde said in a murmur, knowing it would be no use trying to hide from Faith.

"Tell what?" the taller girl looked at her. "Wait, don't tell me. You *were* checkin' me out?!"

Buffy rolled her eyes and grinned in spite of herself. "Yeah, Faith. I was checking you out."

"In the middle of sparring?" Faith asked with a cocky smirk. "Wow. I must be hotter than I even know."

"Argh, get out of here!" Buffy laughed, pushing her good-naturedly.

"I gotta tell ya, B, I'm surprised. I thought you liked drivin' stick," the dark slayer raised her eyebrows.

Buffy blushed ten shades of red. "Again with the crudeness," she said. "This," she gestured to both of them, "Never happened to me before. I'd never even considered it until...you."

Faith kept looking at her. Buffy started to feel uncomfortable, even though Faith was obviously alright with it. Then she was hurt by the brunette's silence.

"I hope that doesn't change anything between us," she forced herself to say, but it was more like a murmur. "I don't want us to be awkward or anything."

"Awkward?" Faith grinned. "Nah. But it does change things between us, ya know?"

Buffy swallowed. "W-what?"

"C'mere, B," Faith said softly, pulling the petite blonde in her arms. "I did pick you out at the Bronze, didn't I?"

The blonde smiled. "So you *were* hitting on me!"

"Took you long enough," the dark slayer's lips spread in a teasing smile. "No one's ever resisted my charms before and I kinda thought I was losing my touch. I shoulda guessed 's just cuz you're slow."

Buffy scowled and delivered a punch to her arm. "Shut up!" she defended herself.

"I'm just messin' with ya, B," Faith smiled, leaning against the delicate hand on her cheek. "You've got plenty of smart up there in that pretty head of yours."

"You're so beautiful," the blonde whispered softly.

"You're not so bad yourself, B," the brunette said, leaning in, and Buffy met her halfway.

Warm, soft lips welcomed full velvety ones in a tender kiss. Buffy kept her hand on Faith's cheek, and let her fingertips graze in gentle caresses, which earned a soft moan from the brunette. Buffy shivered when Faith's hand stroked her neck and rested on it, inviting her closer. The petite blonde knew then that she had made the right choice. Her free hand seemed to have a mind of its own, venturing into the dark waves, and Faith took the next step by seeking entrance to Buffy's mouth with her tongue. Buffy gladly complied and let out a soft moan as their tongues caressed each other smoothly, exploring, tasting, accepting. Eventually, both needed air, but they didn't pull away; instead they kept their lips on each other's in light, sweet kisses, until Faith smiled and opened her eyes to meet Buffy's in the most beautiful and loving way Buffy had ever seen, while Faith saw the same reflected in hazel eyes. She brushed a blond strand of hair to behind Buffy's ear, feeling so peaceful.

CHAPTER NINE

Buffy opened her eyes and stretched. It was still dark outside, and she glanced at the clock. 06:00 A.M. < Why the heck did I wake up this early? > She looked at the sleeping figure next to her. On the floor. Again. < Damn, Faith, you're so stubborn! > She poked the dark slayer, but got no response. Then she poked insistently, knowing Faith would be pissed off when she knew what time it was.

Much for her surprise, Faith grabbed her by the hand and gave her a hard pull, and she fell down heavily, half on the floor, half on top of the brunette. It took her some time to figure out what had happened, and Faith let out a deep chuckle after she was sure Buffy wasn't hurt.

"Gotcha," Faith teased, smiling as Buffy found her way under the sheets. "What time is it?"

"Six," Buffy replied in an innocent tone.

"B, one of these days I'll make you so tired you'll be sleeping until noon of the second day," the dark slayer said, snuggling to the petite body next to her, arms protectively wrapped around the blonde. "Then I'll have some nice long sleep," she added with a smirk.

"Promises, promises," Buffy heaved a mock sigh.

Faith grinned. "Take me up on that anytime, girlfriend," she said with kiss on Buffy's head.

Buffy refused to let Faith get away with the last word. "I thought I just had," she said boldly.

"Ooh, I love it when you don't back down," the brunette whispered, making sure her lips brushed Buffy's ear as she spoke. "Makes me feel...hot."

Buffy shivered as Faith breathed the last word and pulled her for a kiss. "You *are* hot," she grinned. "I hate to burst your bubble though, but I have to go to school in an hour or so."

"Fine, wake me up at six AM in the morning, make me all horny, then leave me here, alone and cold," Faith exhaled dramatically. "All by myself..."

Buffy laughed. "Aww," she cooed, pulling closer and gently brushing her fingers along Faith's face, "Come here...I'll make you sleep until it's time I leave, ok?"

"Well, it *IS* the least you can do," Faith smiled, as Buffy pulled her head to rest on her chest.

Feeling comfortable and warm in Buffy's arms and soothed by the beating of the blonde's heart, she didn't take long to fall asleep. Buffy kept running her fingers through Faith's hair even though she knew Faith was asleep.

*****

"B," Faith grinned, blowing on the blonde's ear and watching her stir. "B, wake up."

"Mm...? What?" the older slayer mumbled, looking at the brunette with a confused look.

"I need food," the brunette raised her eyebrows. "Feed me."

"What are you talking about?" she furrowed her brow.

"It's noon. Lunch time. I need my meal. Feed me," Faith said, shaking her. "See? This is me looking hungry!"

"Noon? Did you just say noon?" Buffy sat up abruptly, missing Faith by an inch. "Faith, I missed school!"

Faith seemed amused. "Well, I'd say some shit about not crying over spilled milk, but I'm so hungry I'd cry at the thought," she said with her eyebrows arched.

Buffy yawned. "Faith, how come you don't go to school?" she asked, realizing the brunette was right and relaxing.

The dark slayer frowned and looked away. "I dropped out," she said slowly. "I don't really miss it. 'S not like I have a whole lot of life ahead of me anyway. Slayer thing and all, you know what I mean."

"Don't say things like that!" Buffy punched her in protest and flashed her a dirty look.

"For real, B," Faith said seriously. "You *do* realize you're the oldest slayer that's ever lived."

Buffy scowled at her remark. "Gee. That makes me feel good about myself."

Faith laughed at that. "I don't mean to be crass! If it's any consolation, you're the most desirable too!"

"Why, Faith, I thought you'd say that was *you*," the blonde arched a teasing eyebrow.

"I can't lust after myself, now, can I?" the younger girl pointed out matter-of-factly. "Well, I guess I *could*, being this hot and all, but I'd rather have company if you get what I mean..."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Ok, this is quickly becoming more than just the acceptable level of oversharing."

Faith smiled and was about to say something when the door was pushed open. Both slayers looked up to find Buffy's mother standing there with a look that at first was glad, then became surprised and soon turned into suspicious. Buffy lowered her eyes, and Faith wondered what would she think if she had a daughter and found her hugging an unknown girl on the floor, and looking really comfortable too.

"Mom," Buffy started, but was cut off.

"Buffy," Joyce gave her a look and the petite blonde was silent. "Out. Now."

Faith was motionless. Yet she couldn't seem to look anywhere else but the woman standing before them, even as Buffy slowly got up and walked past her mother to the hall. Joyce closed the door, but for their surprise, she stayed in the room with Faith. The brunette somehow managed to sit up. She had never felt that scared in her whole life...probably because she didn't feel she had much to lose before.

CHAPTER TEN

Author's Note: Hey guys, I've replaced the < thoughts > with //thoughts// because the first caused some problems to one of the lists I'm in. Heh. Sorry for the trouble by the way, I had no idea. And, I'm gonna take this opportunity to thank all of you again for your support and feedback!! It makes me so happy!! :D And Dallas, you totally rock my world!!!

Buffy stared at the door in absolute terror. //Oh my God. It's so quiet in there. Are they even talking?// She leaned closer and put her ear against the door in an attempt to listen to anything. She jumped back when she heard her mother's quiet warning.

"Buffy, I'll talk to you later," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the door.

Resigned, she obeyed her mother and left them to talk, hoping Faith would be alright.

Joyce sat down on a chair and studied the girl who had a desperate and lost look on her face. "I haven't seen you around before," she started in a tone Faith couldn't place.

"I'm new to these parts," Faith replied in a low tone. "My name's Faith."

"Faith," Joyce nodded in acknowledgement. "I'm Joyce Summers. Are your parents not concerned that you've spent the night here? I mean, since they probably don't know Buffy too well."

"I don't have parents," the brunette shook her head slightly.

The woman seemed surprised. "Well, where are you staying?"

"Buffy made a call and her friend allowed me to crash at his apartment since he's in LA," Faith replied, unsure of Joyce's intent with that conversation. "I'm still here because we are still working in the place."

"Angel's apartment?" Joyce asked. "Did you already know Buffy?"

Faith shrugged slowly. "I didn't know her at all. I was going to stay at some motel or something, but I met Buffy at the Bronze and she told me about Angel's apartment, so..."

"I see. Well, Faith, although we've met in a very peculiar moment back there, you seem a nice enough kid. And to be sincere, I don't really like the idea of you being squeezed in that tiny apartment isolated from everyone else," the woman said thoughtfully. "We do have an extra room here, and it would be nice having you around. Call it mother intuition, but there's something else about you that I can't place. Something good."

"You...you're inviting me to stay here? With you and B?" the dark slayer said breathlessly, unable to hide her surprise and happiness.

Joyce smiled. "Yes, I am," she said softly, in her best motherly tone. "Of course, there's just this one thing I expect of you, and that's *both* you and my daughter. Don't make it impossible for me to live in denial regarding your relationship. That being said, I'm going to make us some lunch. Welcome to the family, Faith."

"Mrs. S?" Faith called out before the woman could leave.

Joyce turned to look at her and smiled. "Yes, Faith?"

"Thanks," the brunette said, blushing.

*****

Buffy walked into the bedroom after a long time and closed the door with a thousand-watt smile. "You're staying?!"

Faith grinned. "I dunno, would ya like that?" she asked charmingly.

Buffy practically tackled her with a tight embrace. "I'm so happy!"

"Just have to be careful," the brunette returned the embrace. "Your mom wants to be in denial."

"I got the memo," Buffy chuckled.

"She's great, ya know? I wish I had her as a mom," Faith sighed, a contented smile playing on her lips.

"You do now," the blonde replied gently. "I don't mind sharing her with you. Now why don't you go help her while I take a shower? I'm sure she'd appreciate it. Besides, you can warn her you eat for six people."

"Gotta keep that stamina runnin'," Faith winked, walking towards the door.

"Before you go," Buffy pulled her by the pants and spun her around, sliding her arms around Faith's waist and pulling her for a warm kiss, which ended in a sigh from the blonde slayer and a smile from the brunette.

*****

Faith felt as if she was in a dream as she helped Joyce in the kitchen. Joyce was so nice to her, treating her like a daughter and making her feel accepted and safe. She told Joyce a little about her travels, carefully omitting the slayer parts, and the older Summers paid special attention to what Faith didn't say as well. She knew there was far more to Faith than the girl would allow herself to speak, but they'd have plenty of time together.

"Faith, about school," Joyce stopped chopping vegetables to give her a resolve look.

The dark slayer winced. "What about it," she spoke slowly.

"I want you to consider attending," Joyce smiled. "I won't think any less of you if you decide not to, but I expect you to consider it very carefully, because it has implications for your future."

"Fine," the girl muttered her reply.

"Good," the older woman smiled proudly. "Now go get Buffy, tell her lunch's served."

"Sure thing, Mrs. S," Faith nodded and flew upstairs.

*****

Faith walked in without bothering to knock and found Buffy wearing her panties. Only the blonde was so shocked and embarrassed she froze halfway, gaping at the keen look Faith shot her.

"I gotta tell ya, B," she slowly pushed the door close with an eager smile, "Love the outfit."

"Turn around!" the blonde hissed, mortified, trying to cover all of herself with her arms and hands but obviously failing miserably. "Faith...!" she whined her protest, and the brunette's smile just grew.

"Looks like you need some help there," the dark slayer mused with a seductive wriggle of her eyebrows.

Buffy's voice faded as Faith walked closer to her. She involuntarily closed her eyes as the taller slayer kneeled down and slowly pulled Buffy's panties up her legs, making sure her hands savored the smoothness of Buffy's thighs. Buffy could feel Faith's breath causing delicious shivers on her skin as the brunette slowly stood to her level, beyond invading her personal space.

"B?" Faith called, and by the teasing look on her face Buffy had been zoning out once again.

"W-what?" the older slayer managed to speak, sounding breathless.

"Bra?" the dark slayer asked, amused.

Buffy nodded wordlessly, praying that her legs wouldn't give up on her as Faith picked the piece of cloth and pressed herself against Buffy so she could fasten it on her back. Not one to miss out on her opportunities, Faith placed a kiss on Buffy's shoulder. Then she decided she couldn't leave it at that and trailed more kisses up the blonde's neck to her jaw and finally her lips. Buffy grabbed her by the hair and smashed their faces together, pushing her tongue into Faith's mouth and exploring every inch of it until she was sure she knew it by heart.

"B, B," Faith protested feebly when she felt delicate fingertips venturing under her top, "Your mom is waiting for us. We...B...really...B, she's gonna be upset..." she panted when Buffy nibbled on the curve of her neck.

"You're probably right," the blonde sighed, regretfully leaving the spot on Faith's neck. "It's all your fault!" she pouted. "You should knock, you know?"

Faith grinned in spite of the heat she felt. "I'll try to keep that in mind," she winked.

*****

After a nice family lunch, which Faith quietly appreciated, they headed to the school, where Willow and Xander were waiting for them. They seemed somewhat suspicious of Buffy skipping classes, but didn't insist much on the subject. Giles gave them a lecture about responsibility, which Willow and Xander also had to endure, shooting the slayers dirty looks.

"Now, Cordelia has called," Giles said. "Apparently, things haven't been as quiet in Los Angeles as they have been here in Sunnydale. I'm thinking a slayer might be of significant assistance, and since Faith doesn't attend to school," he paused, turning to face the dark slayer, "I'm hoping you will head to LA to help them."

"No!" Buffy protested vehemently, getting the attention of everyone in the room, including Faith.

"Now Buffy, I'm sure you would like to go there yourself, but let's not forget you have school to attend to," Giles pointed out, trying to ignore the blonde's pouting and pleading look.

"Giles, we don't know what the situation is, Faith could get hurt there!" she protested, suddenly realizing Willow was studying her very closely. "Besides, with two slayers, everything will be back to normal in no time! And Faith and I will have a great opportunity to see how we fit together."

Faith muffled a laugh.

"WORK! Work together," Buffy corrected herself, blushing hard.

Willow finally got it, and blushed too. She looked from one slayer to the other, and by the grin on Faith's lips, the brunette knew exactly what was going on in her head. "Buffy might have a point, Giles," she said, giving Buffy a strange look. "Together they can deal with whatever problem there is."

Xander stared at them, knowing he had missed something. Then this blond girl walked into the library. She looked at them one by one, and seemed uncomfortable as everyone gave her weird looks.

"W-w-well...I-I'm Tara," she said in a low, shy tone, settling for looking just at Willow, who offered a sweet, friendly smile. "I-I need some, eh, b-books...and..."

"W-w-w-w-while we're young," Faith mimicked her, causing her to blush harder and frown. The brunette gave her a friendly pat on the back and added, "'S alright, chick, I'm just messin' with ya! See, we're all freaks here, so get over the whole being nervous thing!"

Tara let out a small smile.

"What kind of books do you need?" Willow asked.

"Wiccan," the blonde replied sheepishly. "I-I have the school ones already."

"Oh! You're a Wicca too? That's great! I'm a Wicca! We can practice together!" the redhead said excitedly, pulling Tara by the hand. The gang could still hear Willow babbling while they disappeared amongst the bookshelves.

"Red doesn't waste time," Faith grinned.

"What!" Xander exclaimed. "No way!"

"A week, twenty bucks," the dark slayer raised her eyebrows with a teasing smile.

Xander pondered for some moments. "You're on!" he said with some conviction.

"I can't believe you guys are doing this!" Buffy said wide-eyed. "How horrible of you!" Then she leaned closer and whispered to them, "Two weeks."

Giles sighed. "Yes, well, if the wager is done, perhaps we could focus on the possible destruction of the world now? Unless of course you have some other pressing matters to gamble," he said, slightly irritated.

"Ouch," was Buffy's remark.

"Chill, G-man, I'll go. Alone," Faith shrugged. "B, Tweedy here is probably right."

"Can I talk to you outside?" Buffy said, not even waiting for her to reply before she stormed out of the library.

Faith sighed. "You just got me in trouble, Mister," she scowled. "Hey X-man, see you later for my twenty bucks."

"To *hand* me your twenty bucks!" he called back before she was out.

She just laughed in response. She walked out of the school building and found Buffy pacing on the grass.

"Faith," she huffed, and looked as if she had the whole speech at the ready. Much for her aggravation though, Faith lifted her hand for her to be quiet.

"B, the thing is, you must be here to protect everyone," the taller girl said in a low tone. "We're on the Hellmouth, after all. Besides, I suspect Mrs. S wouldn't really be pleased if you ran off to LA...again."

"That's low!" Buffy protested.

"You know it's the truth," Faith replied. "You don't think I can do it?"

"It's not that," she frowned. "I've...I've fallen for you, Faith. I don't want anything happening to you," she said, struggling with the words that insisted coming out of her mouth. //Great, scare her off, why don't you?//

Faith stared at her for long moments, each of Buffy's words pouring in. "Nothing's gonna happen to me, B," she finally said. "I can take care of myself. Always have."

Buffy looked as if she was about to cry, but she didn't. Instead, she shoved all of her emotions to some place where she didn't have to deal with them. "Fine. Go alone," she forced the words out, but looked away.

The dark slayer cupped Buffy's face with her hands and looked deep into her hazel eyes. "I feel the same," she whispered. "Don't ever doubt that, Buffy."

//So much for not dealing. How come she always has her way with me?// Buffy was lost in her thoughts when Faith's lips on hers brought her back. //Oh, right. That's why.// They were so lost in the kiss they missed Xander, Willow and Tara gawking at them on their way out.

...continued in chapter 11...