I Must Be Dreaming
by helenakyle2002
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Author's Notes: This is an AU fic.
This is my first BTVS fic, so be kind please.
Thanks to my grammar nazi Stacie and to my inspirational buddy
Norwalker.
Feedback: Please feed the feedback junkie.
AT SUNNYDALE LONG TERM CARE HEALTH FACILITY
Buffy walked into her fellow Slayer's room. *God she looks so young and peaceful. DAMN! I put her here.* "I don't know if you can hear me Faith, but I'm soooo sorry for what I did to you. I do know that what happened was an accident and if I had been there for you, like I should have been...none of the other stuff would ever have happened."
Buffy thought she was all cried out. She was wrong. Hot tears fell down her cheeks and she felt the thrust of a knife in her own heart. *Guess it serves me right, after what I did to her.* Buffy wrung her hands.
"I know you will wake up soon, you probably had the same 'Slayer dream' that I did. I will protect you this time, I promise."
Buffy pulled the new clothes she had bought for Faith out of the knapsack she had brought. She was concentrating on getting the leather pants on the still comatose Faith and she didn't hear the doctor come into the room.
"What are you doing Miss Summers?" The doctor knew that both women were Slayers.
"She's gonna wake up in a little while. I don't expect you to believe me, but I know it's true."
"Did you have a 'Slayer dream'?" The doctor's understanding statement floored Buffy.
Buffy's mouth dropped open in surprise. No sound came out when she tried to speak.
"Rupert is an old friend, so I know that you are both Vampire Slayers. I have learned to trust Rupert over the years and he says that if you say something, then it must be true."
Buffy saw the concern written all over the redheaded doctor's face. Buffy also noticed the weariness deeply etched there.
"Uhhhh, yeah I did see her wake up in a dream. But she will be attacked first and I mean to see that it doesn't happen. She has been hurt enough." *Especially by me.*
"Would you like me to help you dress her?" She held out her hands hoping that the blonde slayer would allow her to help.
"Okay, she loves leather. So I got her black leather pants, white t- shirt and a black leather vest." *God, she looks so sexy...where the hell did that come from?*
Faith was properly dressed in minutes. The doctor checked the readings on the machines. "I will tell security that under no circumstances are they to enter this room...no matter what they hear. You do realize that, even when she wakes up, there is no guarantee that she will remember you or anything from her past?"
"I know that, but I will be here to help her in any way I can." Buffy looked down at her feet, the guilt was written all over her tear-stained face.
"You didn't have a choice Miss Summers, she had to be stopped. You could have killed her, you didn't." *Both of these women are going to need help in dealing with their guilt.*
"I wasn't there for her when she needed me. I am as much to blame for what she did, maybe more so."
"When you say she will be attacked just before she wakes up, do you mean by vampires?" The fear shone clearly in her eyes.
"Yes, I don't know how they know where she is, but I will dust them before they get to her." Buffy pulled out two wooden stakes, hefted them, and took a few practice swings. "You need to leave now Doctor, I'll press the call button when it's over and she's awake."
Buffy's Slayer Sense was off the wall, she knew vamps were close by. She shoved the doctor out of the room quickly and turned to the open window just in time to see three vamps. She dusted the first two, but the third surprised her and smashed her in the mouth. She could taste the copper from her bleeding lip and it pissed her off no end.
IN FAITH'S MIND
*B needs me, I have to wake up.* Faith moaned softly and opened her eyes. Faith saw her fellow Slayer being held against the wall before Buffy managed to kick him. *Guess a good swift kick to big Jim and the twins works on the undead too.*
Buffy was gasping for breath when Poof, he turned to dust. She saw Faith standing there with a stake in her hand.
"Faith? Oh thank god, are you alright? How do you feel? Thanks for the assist." Buffy was babbling and she knew it, but she couldn't help it. They were the Chosen Two again and it felt right, like the missing piece of her was finally back.
"Whoa B, slow down. One question at a time." Faith shook her head and grabbed the bed. Her knees felt weak and were about to give out on her.
Buffy helped the brunette Slayer to sit on the bed. She pressed the call button and the doctor rushed in, closing the door behind her.
"Welcome back Faith." She pulled out her stethoscope and listened intently before checking her patient's pulse. She flashed a penlight into the brunette's brown eyes. Faith blinked and pulled back. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm starved, can I have real food?" Faith knew she had been out of commission for awhile and thought pizza would be good right now.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea just yet. You haven't had 'real food', as you put it, in almost two years. I think you should start with soup and jello." The doctor laughed at the pouting expression on Faith's face.
"Two years? No wonder I'm so hungry. How about mashing a pizza...please?"
Buffy laughed, "Give yourself some time Faith. I promise to bring you the biggest pizza that can be made when the doctor says it's okay." *She's so cute when she pouts. HUH? What's wrong with me? I don't...I mean...she's a girl...Faith, what are you doing to me?*
Faith didn't miss the myrid of emotions crossing Buffy's face. *Whoa, I think she likes me...as more than a friend, and it's weirding her out. If she knew what the majority of my dreams were about, she would run screaming from the room.*
"Come on doc...how about a sandwich at least...pleeeease?" Faith begged.
"Okay Faith, I'll see what I can do. Is tuna okay with you?"
"Better than soup or jello." Faith smiled.
"I don't know Faith, jello is pretty good with Cool Whip." Buffy winked at her fellow Slayer.
"Umm doc? Can we have red jello with Cool Whip?" Faith licked her lips in anticipation.
"I'll be back in a few minutes. You take it easy young lady, your legs will still be a little weak from lack of use." *Why do I have the feeling that she will take that as a challenge?* "Rupert warned me about your stubborness. He seemed to think it is a Slayer trait." The Doctor gave Buffy a strange look.
*Oh oh B. I wonder what G-Man has been telling her?* "Don't under estimate Slayer Strength or recouperation abilities." Faith grinned and stuck her tongue out at the doctor who just laughed.
"I won't, as long as you don't over estimate them." *I just know as soon as I leave, she will get up and try walking around.*
After the doctor left the room, Faith turned to Buffy wondering how to say what she felt. "B, how come you aren't beating the hell outta me?"
"I think I've done enough damage to you to last a lifetime, don't you?" Buffy's guilt overwhelmed her and a tear rolled down her cheek. Faith brought her into her arms and just held the blonde until she stopped shaking. The brunette pulled back and looked into watery blue eyes, "I deserved it B, you know I did. What I did...it was way out of line and you did what you had to do to protect everyone from the psycho bitch."
"Is that who you are now Faith?" *Please say no...please say no.*
"I don't think so, but that part of me will always exist." Faith was ashamed of her past behavior and wasn't sure how to explain why she did what she did. She stood up and started pacing. Buffy was right beside her in seconds in case her legs gave out again. Good thing she was, Faith almost collapsed and was caught by Buffy.
"You need to stay in bed for now Faith. I promise to help you get back on your feet."
"I've been in bed too fucking long as it is. Please B, I just wanna look out the window...see the stars, feel the fresh air." The last words were spoken so softly that only another Slayer could hear them.
"Okay, the Doc will kill me but...Give me your arm, and lean on me." Buffy slowly walked the younger Slayer over to the window. The smile Faith gave her made her heart pound rapidly.
"B, what's the date?"
"December 20th, it's almost Christmas. I got what I wanted, you woke up and are gonna be fine in time. What do you want for Christmas Faith?"
"Your forgiveness and maybe we can try to become friends...real friends this time around." Faith looked a lot younger than she was as she sucked in her bottom lip wondering just what Buffy wanted or needed from her.
"You have that Faith, I meant what kind of presents do you want?"
Faith's eyes watered and she didn't know what to say.
"Shhh, Faith...it's okay. I guess I shouldn't push you so hard. Would you like to come to Christmas dinner at my place, if the Doctor releases you in time?"
"I don't think your friends or family would appreciate that B. I mean I did try to kill all of them. Your mom would probably have me arrested and Dawn and the Scoobies would...would..." Faith broke down crying. Hugh sobs came from deep within her soul.
Buffy pulled the girl into her arms to comfort her. "I can handle Dawn and the Scoobies."
Faith didn't miss the fact that Buffy had failed to mention her mother. "B? What about your mom?"
"She...she died six months ago." Buffy tried to contain her tears and was gratified to feel Faith hug her tightly.
"I'm so sorry B, believe it or not...I liked your mom."
"She cared about you too Faith. She told me I should forgive you because it was the right thing to do. I wasn't sure I could, but I promised her I would...would try. After she died, I started coming to see you occasionally. I realized that I had forgiven you, I'm not sure I can forgive myself."
"What the fuck! Why not B? You did what you had to do."
"If I had been there for you when you accidentally staked that guy, you would never have gone off the deep end. You turned yourself in to the Mayor, not knowing he was a high level demon. He used your insecurities and tried to make you as evil as he was. But he didn't succeed Faith. In the end it was you who helped defeat him." Buffy knew it would take time and patience to bring Faith around.
"I had to," Faith said quietly. "He was gonna kill you and I was still furious at you and wanted to do that myself. That's why I attacked you on the roof. I wanted to make you feel the same pain I felt every day."
Buffy was shocked at the truth coming out of Faith. "Do you still want to kill me?" The older slayer gulped and prayed for a negative answer.
"No. I want, even though I don't deserve it, I want a second chance B." Faith looked like she was just waiting to be slapped down again and it hurt Buffy to see it.
"I think we both need a second chance. This time I think we should take the time to really get to know each other." Buffy blushed, hoping she wasn't pushing her fellow Slayer too hard.
*This has to be some kind of game, Buffy doesn't give a rat's ass about me. What is she up to?* "Why B?"
"Why what Faith?" *She's skittish, I have to go slow.*
"Why are you willing to give me a second chance? I mean I wouldn't blame you if this is some kind of setup...ya know?" *I won't cry, I won't cry...shit!*
"Faith I promise you, this is not a game, a psyche or anything else. It's just me trying to do the right thing, and it's something I want to do. You said you wanted a second chance...so I'm giving it to you. Will you give me the same?" Buffy gently wiped the dark girl's tears away.
Faith just nodded, speaking was impossible right now. Buffy assisted Faith back over to the bed. Faith leaned against the backboard and patted the bed beside her. Buffy smiled and sat down beside her.
The Doctor came back in with a tray. It contained a small portion of lasanga, a tuna sandwich and two bowls of cherry jello with whip cream. "I want you to eat this slowly Faith, not inhale it."
"Yes M'am. Gimme, I'm starved." Faith reached for the tray and set it across her legs. "After I eat, can I leave here?"
"Not at least til tomorrow Faith. I want to run some tests to make sure you are alright. Here, I also want you to take these mutli- vitamins for a little while."
"Vitamins? You're kidding right Doc?" Faith looked like a kid that had been given broccoli.
*She's cute when she pouts, who am I kidding? She's always cute. Whoa there girl, chill out now.* Buffy smiled at her counterpart and said, "Just think of them as space food Faith." Buffy giggled.
Faith's eyebrow flew up and her mouth dropped open. *She's cute when she giggles, aw hell...she's always cute. Stop right there Faith, she is offering friendship, don't push it.* "Space food B? Nice try. Here you take em." Faith handed the blonde two pills large enough to choke a horse.
"Faith! You have to take them or I will take the tray away right now."
Faith recognized the serious tone in the Doctor's voice, so she swallowed one of the pills. She gagged and made a face.
"Poor Faith," Buffy laughed out loud.
Faith handed the other one to Buffy, crossed her arms and gave her a look that said, 'Your turn.'
Buffy looked at the Doctor and shrugged. She took the vitamin and gagged herself. "UGHHHHH." Buffy saw the genuine smile on Faith's face.
"Faith, Buffy didn't need that. I will be back and you WILL take the second one."
As soon as the Doctor left Faith turned to Buffy, "Get me outta here B...please."
"I will bring you home tomorrow Faith, I promise. I need to get your room ready at the house. You will be using Dawn's old room and I don't think you want toy boy band posters on your wall, or pink paint."
"Dawn isn't gonna like losing her room B."
"She is away at college in New York. She was accepted to the school of Drama and Arts a year ago. She left four months ago, swearing she was never coming back to the Hellmouth. She is spending this Christmas with her boyfriend's parents in Bermuda."
"Dawn, College? Boyfriend?" It was a lot to take in for Faith, who was slowly coming to the conclusion that she had missed a lot during her two year nap.
"She turned eighteen six months ago Faith, she's not the kid you remember. She is a lot like you. She knows what she wants and is going to move heaven and earth to get it." Buffy shook her head, she was still having a hard time accepting Dawn as an adult herself.
The door opened and the girls expected it to be the Doctor with another football sized pill for Faith to take. When Giles walked in, they were totally flabbergasted.
"Uhhhh Giles, why are you here?" Buffy was afraid that the Watcher's Council wanted to take Faith away.
"Hey G-Man, what's the what?"
"Robin called me to inform me that you had woken up Faith. How do you feel?" Giles took off his glasses and cleaned them for lack of anything better to do.
"Only four by four right now. But you know Slayer healing, I will be fine. Are you here to take me back to the Council?" Faith's breathing hitched a little and Buffy unconsciously took her hand.
"No, Faith. I just came to see how you were. The Council has given me the choice of becoming your watcher or sending you back to England. I think you would rather put up with me, wouldn't you?"
"Yeah G-Man, if I have to have a watcher, then you're okay." Faith wondered what her future would bring now that she was almost back in the saddle again. "Look, G...Giles, I know you don't trust me and probably never will...but I will do whatever it takes to prove that I'm not crazy anymore."
"Considering that you just used my name, I wonder." Giles gave the worried Slayer a small smile.
"Giles, you made a joke!" Buffy was stunned, but not as much as Faith was.
"Check his temperature B. He's not setting off my Slayer Sense, but something is really freaky here."
"Har har." Giles threw a punch at Faith. She stopped it and before Giles knew what had happened, Buffy had him up against the wall. He could see the angry flashes in her eyes.
"What the hell was that for Giles? You could have hurt her? She just woke up, are you brain dead or what?" Buffy let go with both barrels. "If you try anything like that again, we will have a big problem...understand?" Buffy let the man down.
"Uh well, she needed to know that she still has it," Giles said weakly, glad to be back on the ground. "Since when are you her protector Buffy?"
"Since...since...I just am. Deal with it." Buffy was still trying to come to terms about what she felt for the younger Slayer.
*Don't read too much into that Faith, she just...just...* Faith ate the lasagna while keeping an eye on Giles and Buffy. She handed Buffy half of the tuna sandwich and they made it vanish quickly.
"Yes...well umm, Faith please contact me when you are ready to start training again. I assume that I will see you at Buffy's house for Christmas dinner?"
"Yes Giles you will. When the Doctor releases her, I'm taking her home...with me." The look on Buffy's face brooked no argument and Giles knew this.
"How did the vamps know where I am?" Faith hadn't forgotten the earlier attack, the one that woke her up to help Buffy.
"What vamps Faith? Bloody hell, if they know you're here now, you aren't safe. Let me talk to Robin, I will see if it's plausible for you to be released tonight." Giles walked out of the room.
"B?"
"Yeah Faith?"
"How many times have you protected me from vamps or other butt uglies?"
"Tonight was the first time." Buffy got up off of the bed and started pacing.
"B, you need to relax. Here, have your jello. Faith spooned the whip cream off of hers and added it Buffy's. She blushed as she handed it to the older blonde woman.
Buffy spooned part of the whip cream and fed it to Faith. "We will have to learn to share a lot of things Faith." *Like showers, okay so not what I need to be thinking about now.*
"Are you sure about taking me home B? The Scoobies will give you a hard time, you know they will." Faith was ready to cry again and that was something she hated to do.
"Never been more sure of anything in my life Faith. Leave the Scoobies to me. I will let them know that if they give you a hard time about the past, I will come down on them like a ton of bricks."
Faith took a chance, she pulled Buffy back down on the bed and hugged her. She whispered heartfelt thanks. When they reluctantly pulled apart they were staring into each others eyes. Time stood still as they slowly leaned towards each other. The moment was broken as Giles came in pushing a wheelchair and the Doctor followed him back into Faith's room. The girls pulled apart quickly, blushing as they did so. The Doctor handed Faith another multi-vitamin and a glass of water. Faith didn't fight her. With great difficulty, she swallowed it. The Doctor handed the brunette a bottle of vitamins, "You need to take three a day for the next two weeks. Then I want to see you."
Faith made a face, but knew better than to argue. She got up off of the bed and Buffy was beside her immediately. "Hey B, I can walk that far on my own ya know? But thanks." Faith sat down in the wheelchair as Giles handed her the release papers. She signed and they went out to the parking lot. Buffy helped Faith get into the backseat before joining her.
AT BUFFY'S HOUSE
Buffy put her key in lock of the front door and almost pushed it off its hinges in an effort to get the tired young brunette inside. *She's here, Faith's really here...with me.*
Giles arm snaked around Faith's waist unobtrusively, offering silent assistance. Once Faith was seated on the couch in the living room, Buffy mouth started to run a mile a minute.
"Faith, are you tired? Would you like a snack? Do you need or want anything?"
"I'm fine B, sit...take a load off." Faith knew how the older blonde felt because she was nervous as hell too.
Giles cleared his throat. "Yes...well, I think we need to find out just who is looking for Faith. I believe a full meeting should be called for tomorrow morning. I will call Willow and she will contact the others."
Faith smiled, Giles in geek mode was hilarious. "G-Man, they aren't gonna want to help me. They probably would turn me other to whoever wants me...not that I'd blame them." That last part was said so softly that only Slayer hearing could have picked it up.
"Giles, make sure they all understand that anyone messing with Faith has me to answer to," Buffy huffed.
"I understand Buffy." *The bloody hell I do.* Giles shot a look at Faith that was correctly interpreted as the 'If you hurt her again...'
Faith shook her head and pointed to Buffy behind her back, mouthing the words, 'Tell her.'
For the first time Giles saw uncertainty in Faith's eyes and quickly, but not totally masked,...fear. *She is not in control here. This does not bode well.*
"Maybe I should stay here tonight." Giles suggested timidly.
"Giles...Faith and I made a pac. She doesn't want to kill me and I don't want to kill her. We will be fine. Go home. We'll see you tomorrow afternoon, say around two. Faith could use the extra rest."
"So could you B. You're looking kinda wiped yourself." Faith hadn't missed the tiredness in the older blonde woman. Faith stood up, "So where is my room?"
Giles let himself out as her watched Buffy rush to Faith's side to help her up the stairs.
Buffy showed Faith to her room, apologizing for the decor, all the way.
Buffy was mumbling under her breath, but Faith could hear every word thanks to Slayer hearing. "Pink...Faith hates pink. Way to make her feel welcome."
"B, it's okay. It's better than I've had in years and certainly more than what I deserve." Faith still didn't know why Buffy was being so friendly and it bothered her. *I'll think better after a good night's sleep...I hope.*
Buffy went into her room and grabbed a night shirt for Faith. When she took it back to Faith, she saw that Faith had stripped and gotten into bed naked. She was fast asleep and had already kicked the covers partially off, showing her in all her glory from the waist up. Buffy stared for a minute and shook her head. *God, she is so beautiful and...and I should leave now.* Reluctantly tearing her eyes from Faith, Buffy quietly closed the door behind her and went to her room.
DECEMBER 21
Faith woke up to Buffy knocking on her bedroom door. The brunette Slayer got up and opened the door. Buffy came in carrying a tray with burnt bacon, semi-raw scrambled eggs, dark toast with peanut butter and a glass of mango juice on it. "Get back in bed Faith and I'll hand you your tray. Eat up while I go take a shower, I'll be back soon."
Faith didn't have the heart to tell Buffy what she really thought of her breakfast. She saw the pleased look on the older Slayer's face and just smiled. She figured the toast looked to be the safest edible thing on the tray. As soon as Buffy left, Faith jumped out of bed and tossed the runny eggs down the toilet and flushed. Next she threw the burnt bacon out the window. She just gotten back in bed and was eating the second piece of toast when Buffy walked back in.
When Buffy saw the almost empty plate on the tray, she beamed. She handed Faith a pair of black jeans and a black 'TAZ' sweatshirt.
Faith smiled and set the tray on the dresser.
"Gotta love Taz." Faith took the clothes and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Buffy stared as the nude brunette walked in front of her. *She's hot, I'm getting hot...I should leave.* Buffy stumbled over her own feet as she rushed out of the room.
*I know B was checking me out. I am hot, but B? I didn't think she swung that way. Maybe...Down girl, let whatever is happening... happen.* Faith took a long hot shower, luxuriating in its warmth.
*Damn, Faith saw me checking her out. I hope she doesn't run.* Buffy knew that she would have to get her raging hormones under control before facing Faith again.
The girls ended up in the kitchen together. Faith stuck her head in the fridge and pulled out a drumstick. "Wanna bite B?" Faith said with her mouthful. She grinned at her light counterpart, holding out the leg.
"Uhh...no thanks, enjoy." Buffy shook her head. *Where does she put it all?*
Faith smiled and sat down at the table. Buffy filled their cups and handed Faith the sugar while she grabbed the cream out of the fridge.
The brunette sat back and looked around. *Don't get to used to it, you know you will fuck it up somehow.* Just the thought of leaving caused unbelievable pain deep inside her soul. *Please God, or whoever is in charge...don't let me fuck this up this time.*
Buffy saw the frown and quick flash of fear pass across Faith's features.
"Are you okay Faith?" Buffy leaned forward and took the younger Slayer's hand in hers.
Faith squeezed Buffy's hand before letting go. "You know me B...five by five." *Her hand is so small and soft.*
*Holding her hand felt so right.* Buffy was brought out of her musings when Faith knocked on her forehead.
"Hello? Porch light's on and no one's home." Faith laughed quietly.
Buffy jerked back and saw a smirking Faith. "Hey," the blonde said rubbing her forehead.
"Welcome back B. Looked like a nice place, care to share?"
Buffy took a chance, she reached out and took Faith's hand in hers again. Faith looked confused for a moment and then went with how good it felt to be holding Buffy's hand.
Both girls had closed their eyes, letting their Slayer Bond speak for them. They knew there were a lot of unresolved issues, but they would make it through them together.
"Are you up for a short run Faith?" Buffy knew she had to do something before she babbled out her feelings.
"Uh...run? Yeah, sure B." Faith recognized that Buffy needed to do something with all the stored energy. "Where are we going?"
"The park down the street has a nice runner's path. But if you start getting tired, I expect you to tell me." Buffy said sternly.
"Relax B, I'm fine." *Does she really care, or is she just afraid if I get hurt, she will be blamed?*
*She certainly is.* "Let's go," Buffy grabbed a waist purse that held the house keys. Faith tossed Buffy her coat and put the other on herself. Buffy held the front door open and Faith walked out into the sunshine. Buffy locked the door and looked at Faith. *She really likes being outside in the sunshine. I bet she doesn't even realize that it's snowing.*
Faith smiled and held her tongue out to catch snowflakes. "Ughhh, they taste terrible."
Buffy laughed, she couldn't help it. The look on Faith's face went from childlike glee to totally disgusted in a fraction of a second. Buffy should have know better than to zone out.
SPLAT. Buffy felt the snowball hit between her shoulder blades.
"Faith! Oh you are so gonna get it." Buffy made a quick snowball and nailed the brunette right in the middle of the chest.
Faith threw several snowballs over Buffy's head. Buffy stuck her tongue out, "Missed me...Nyah Nyah." Just as the blonde was about to throw a snowball...WHOMP. All the snow on the branch above her head dropped down on her and buried her good. Faith burst out laughing so hard she fell back on her ass. She was holding her sides, trying to stop laughing. When Buffy came up sputtering, Faith lost it again. "Doesn't look like I missed B." When Faith saw the look in Buffy's eye, she tried to get up. *Oh shit, I'm gonna get it now.* The snow was too slippery and Buffy pounced on the surprised brunette, shoving snow down Faith's front and back.
"Gaaaaaaaa, B! Uncle. Fuck that's cold," Faith said shaking the blonde off and finally managing to her feet under herself. Both girls looked at each other and burst out laughing. Buffy got up and held out her hand. Faith grabbed it and got to her feet. She noticed Buffy had the other hand behind her back. *That's okay, I have a surprise for her too. Come on B, make your move.* Buffy brought the snowball from behind her back and dropped it. Faith was surprised, but she dropped hers too.
"B, look out!" Faith knocked Buffy to the left and was encompassed by the rest of the snow from the low hanging branch.
In between giggles Buffy said, "You're right Faith, it is funny... when it's someone else."
Faith cursed under her breath, but Buffy heard her..."Gonna get you back B, just you fucking wait."
"Hey, you started it...I ended it." Buffy ran back towards the front door, pulling out the key. Faith caught her and shoved a handful of snow down Buffy's pants. The blonde squealed and turned to shove Faith. Faith being the reasonably intelligent person that she was, had run into the house. Buffy followed her inside and closed the door.
"I'm fucking cold and wet, and I haven't had that much fun in... well, never. Thanks B." The younger Slayer blushed and looked away.
"We should get some dry clothes on Faith. I don't want you getting sick because of me." *She really means it, she had fun. So did I. God when she was laughing at me being covered in snow, she was so beautiful.*
"Chill out B. I'm not made of porcelin ya know. Besides, you're wetter than I am."
*How does she know...oh yeah, she means the snow.*
"I need to go to the Mayor's mansion to see if my clothes are still there and other stuff." Faith knew that Buffy would insist on coming along with her, but would it be out of a lack of trust or for her own protection?
"Do you want me to go in with you or just wait outside with the car?" Buffy didn't want to crowd Faith right now because she knew it wouldn't help matters. "For now though you will need some of my clothes." Buffy walked past Faith on the stairs deliberately running the back of her hand across the brunette's thigh. Faith swallowed hard and shivered at the first touch from Buffy. Buffy kept walking up the stairs. She had seen Faith's reaction to being touched and was pleased. "Are you coming Faith?"
*Touch me like that again and I just might.* "Right behind ya B." *And what a hot little behind you have too.*
Buffy handed Faith a pair of black jeans and a pink sweatshirt with a bunny on it.
Faith took the jeans, "I don't do pink, or bunnies B." Faith grumbled as she grabbed a plain white sweatshirt.
"But you'd look cute in it Faith." Buffy smiled when Faith's eyebrow flew up.
"I don't do cute either B." Placing her hands on her hips, Faith glared at Buffy.
Buffy stuck her tongue out and was surprised when the young brunette returned the gesture. Faith walked back to her room and closed the door. She dressed quickly and was wandering around the room mumbling, cursing, throwing her hands in the air when Buffy knocked.
"Faith? Are you alright in there?"
Hearing the concern in her fellow Slayer's voice, Faith answered; "Yeah B, five by five. I'll meet you downstairs in a minute." *Breathe in, breathe out...calm down. I am calm...I am calm. Like shit I am...Damn B, why do you have to be so sexy and hot. FUCK! I need a very long, really cold shower before I face B.*
Faith laid the clothes Buffy had given her on the bed and walked into the bathroom. She turned the shower on cold and stepped in. "AAAAAAAAAAA, coldddddd...need fur...B on a bearskin rug...B's skin rubbing mine. Listen up brain, you aren't helping anything. As for you, body, we aren't getting outta here til you chill out.*
IN BUFFY'S ROOM
Buffy watched as Faith disappeared down the hall. *God, she is all curvy, sexy...I want...I need a cold shower.* She walked into her bathroom, turned on the cold water in the shower and stepped in.
Both girls dressed after their separate showers and met downstairs in the kitchen. Buffy handed Faith the sugar for her coffee and they sat down together, trying very hard not to devour each other with a look. The low down tickle was just something both girls would have to get used to. Both knew that giving into their mutual lust would not help them form a lasting relationship and that was what they both wanted.
"We should go meet Giles before the Scoobies get there." Buffy wanted to make sure that Giles understood that Faith would apologize to everyone for her past transgressions and that after that, they would never be mentioned again by anyone.
AT GILES HOUSE
KNOCK KNOCK
"B, I know I have to do this but...a pissed off witch, a former vengeance demon and Xan man...it's all too much. And you know Giles doesn't want me anywhere around 'his Slayer'." Faith's look of defeat was breaking Buffy's heart. Buffy took the younger girl's hand and said, "I'm here for and with you Faith."
Giles opened the door and let the girls in. He could see the fear in Faith's eyes and he thought it would make him feel good, but it didn't. *Faith is still a teenager who has had more than her fair share of problems. Buffy is willing to give her a second chance... can I do any less?*
"How are you feeling today Faith?" Giles asked, showing his concern. He took off his glasses and cleaned them.
"Okay G-Man, let me have it...both barrels and get it out of the way before the rest of gang gets here to put me in my place." Faith said with some of her old fire.
"Yes...well, I..." Giles stuttered.
"Spit it out, if I can't take one person's verbal abuse for my past...then how the hell will I deal with the Scoobies reaction?" Faith just wanted this day to be over with.
"Why did you do all those terrible things to us Faith? We were your friends." Giles knew better than to look at Buffy, he knew he would see sparks of anger in her eyes, but Faith was right. She had to run the gauntlet of everyone's emotional storm before she could ever begin to set things right.
"I couldn't deal with my feelings, so I lashed out at everyone around me. When I killed that man, I expected you all to help me somehow. You weren't there for me then, so I wasn't gonna be there for you to fight the good fight."
"But Faith, you did come around. In our shared Slayer Dream, you told me how to defeat the Mayor. You did the right thing in the end. We weren't there for you...I wasn't there for you and I know what happened was an accident. It just freaked me out so much, I was so afraid that something like could happen to me too. I just couldn't deal with it. I blamed you and that was wrong. You know that the Scoobies rarely argued with me about anything I said or did. I never gave them the chance to help you when I couldn't. I just decided arbitrarily that you had gone bad and needed to be stopped. They just followed what I said. Then when they came after you, you fought back and hurt them all...like they hurt you. It's time to stop the hurting for everyone Faith, especially you." Buffy pulled the upset brunette into her arms and hugged her tightly. For once Buffy's libido stayed out of the equation. Faith needed reassurance, and she would give that to her. Hoping that it wouldn't be a case of too little, too late.
"Faith, when Buffy turned away...why didn't you come to me?" Giles realized he was hurt that Faith didn't ask him what to do.
"You were and are 'her' watcher G-Man. I went to the Mayor to turn myself in...that's what you would have told me to do isn't it?"
"No Faith, I would have made arrangements for you to be assigned somewhere else. You are THE Slayer, the bloodline rests with you. I would have helped you set up shop in any city you wanted."
Faith was surprised by what Giles had said. Silent tears began to fall and Giles handed her his silk handkerchief and looked away. "I need to know G..Giles, why did you agree to become my Watcher again? Was it because you really want to help and work with me, or just to keep me outta the Council's hands?"
"A bit of both actually Faith. The Council's methods leave a lot to be desired. Buffy was right, the only way to get past your past is to stay here with the people you want and need forgiveness from. I think you know it won't be easy. As a matter of fact, it could get very ugly soon enough. But I do believe you want to earn redemption, so I will do everything I can to assist you."
"Thanks, that means a lot to me. The two people I hurt most are willing to help me. I won't ever go back to being that bitch again, I promise. I would like to start training today...after the scream fest which is about to go down."
KNOCK KNOCK
Giles nodded at Faith who went to answer the door. She silently let the Scoobies in.
"What the hell are you doing here Faith? Looking for more torture victims?" Xander was angry and didn't care who knew it.
"No Xander, I'm here to try to make amends and to clean up the mess I left behind. So go ahead, get the rest of it out of your system."
Willow was watching the exchange wondering. *What does she really want?*
"Make amends? Yeah right. I should believe you because?" Xander was clenching his fists tightly against his side. "You will always be psycho slut as far as I'm concerned."
"That's enough Xander." Buffy said in a voice that silenced him immediately. "I believe her, and Giles is her Watcher now. If you can't get beyond the past, then you should leave."
"Since when do you give a rat's ass about her?" Xander liked his anger, it was familiar to him and as comfortable as an old blanket.
"What do expect from us Faith?" Willow asked softly while keeping her distance.
"Expect? Nothing Red. I just want a second chance like most of you have given each other. Xander did some terrible things as 'Bug Boy', and as 'SnakeMan' and was forgiven. You lost it for awhile when you turned to black magic Red. You killed a lot of people and were forgiven almost immediately. I killed one person by accident and it snowballed from there. Why is it so hard for all of you to forgive me?" Faith was determined not to cry in front of the Scoobies.
Willow chewed her bottom lip. *Faith is right, we have all done things we are sorry for.* Willow walked over to Faith and held out her hand. Faith looked at the redhead and seeing nothing but a willingness to try, she shook the offered hand. It felt good.
Buffy turned to Anya, "You've been very quiet during all this."
"Faith never did anything to me personally and I have had twelve hundred years of being what Faith doesn't want to be. I know better than anyone the allure of that kind of power. She beat it by herself. That tells me she is a very strong young woman. I won't interfere with her unless she hurts Xander and I don't think she will do that again."
"I won't Anya, and thank you for understanding what I was going through." *Forgiveness from a Vengeance demon, wow who'd a thunk it.*
"Well, ummm...yes. If we can all agree to work together and not snipe, I think we can deal with this and put it in the past to stay." Everyone put their hands out and piled on top of Faith's. Xander's hand was placed over Willow and capped off by Giles.
"To a new beginning for all of us." Giles hoped this would be the outcome of today's talk. "Okay, we need to find out how the vamps found out where Faith was and who sent them."
"You were attacked already Faith?" Willow frowned.
"Well not exactly, Red. They came for me and B dusted two of them and I nailed the third one. A definite rude awaking, lemme tell ya."
"Doesn't a vampire need to be invited into a room?" Willow asked.
"No Willow, a hospital is a public place and vampires don't need to be invited in." Giles turned to Buffy, "Was there anything different about those vampires Buffy?"
"Different, how? They came in through the open window and we took care of them, right Faith?"
"Yeah B, we did. Open window...did you open it B?"
"No it was open when I got there."
"Who would open a window in a coma patient's room in the middle of winter? Faith, please think hard. I need a list of the Mayor's accomplices. Maybe I can find out who is left now and has a grudge against you." Giles handed Faith a notepad and pen.
"G-Man, I only ever saw two men talking to the Mayor. One was a vamp, as a matter of fact it was the one I dusted in my room. The other man seemed like a rich business man. He had on a very expensive silk suit, Armani loafers and...a large diamond ring on his left pinkie. The diamond was in the mouth of a serpent. I don't know his name or where he is now." Faith looked at a spot on the floor until Buffy took her hand and smiled at her.
"We will find him Faith, I promise you." Buffy said in a no nonsense voice.
"No B, I need to find him and deal with him." Faith saw the look on Giles faces and quickly stated, "Relax G-Man, I mean turn him in to the cops, not kill him."
"Faith, if he's not human then the cops won't be able to deal with him. We need to work together on this." Giles was worried about what Faith would do.
"If he's not human, then he will be worse than I ever was and I won't let him hurt any of you."
Willow looked at Faith, "Do you trust me Faith?"
"Yes, why Red?"
"Then let me find him and see if he is human or not. Then we can decide what to do. Please give me a couple of days."
"Okay Red, but if he shows up...then what?"
"Then WE will deal with him in whatever manner is called for."
"You don't go anywhere without B or me with you, understand Red? That's non-negotiable."
"Are you worried about me or is it a matter of trust?" Willow thought Faith seemed a little afraid and that was unlike her.
"I'm worried about ya Red. I know you have magic powers, but it takes time to say a spell. Time you might not have. So promise me you will let B and me protect you."
"I can locate him using a computer a lot faster than using a locator spell Faith. But I promise I will not go anywhere without a Slayer. Thanks for wanting to protect me. Can you describe him to me?"
"Well built, about forty something years old, dark brown wavy hair, about six feet tall, speaks several languages, and is almost as good as you on a computer. Does that help?"
"Yeah, give me a few minutes to put those perimeters into the data base of my laptop and then see what it finds." Willow typed in everything that Faith had told her.
Giles looked thoughtful for a minute and went into his office off of the living room. When he came back he handed Faith a picture. "Is this him Faith?"
"Holy shit G-Man, yeah that's him. Who is he and why do you have a picture of him?"
Giles handed the picture to Willow to scan into the computer. "Well, he was the youngest head of the council."
"Was? What happened to him?" Faith was no longer surprised that this group could find out anything.
"He went rogue, and as far as I knew he was assassinated five years ago. Let me go make a few calls. I need everyone to stay here for now." The look on Giles face worried Scoobies and Slayers alike.
"Come on Faith, lets go train for awhile. I know standing around isn't exactly something you do well." Buffy led Faith towards training room in Giles basement.
"Buffy as you reminded me so forcefully yesterday, Faith just came out of a two year coma yesterday. So go easy on her until she says otherwise or you can gage her strength and speed. We will need both of you very soon."
"Don't worry about me G-Man, Buffy always could kick my ass but never deliberately hurt me in training." Faith laughed and grinned at her light counterpart.
"Ummmm...guys." Willow spoke out. "There are two death certificates for this guy. It says he died five years ago and then again three months ago. That's weird, how can someone die twice?"
"It's not too hard Will," Buffy said tonelessly.
Buffy grabbed Faith's hand and they went to the training room, leaving the Scoobies to figure out what was going on.
IN THE TRAINING ROOM
"Okay Faith, I want you to come at me." Buffy tensed up and waited for the brunette to make her move.
Faith ran forward, stopped directly in front of Buffy and tried to sweep her legs out from under her. Buffy was waiting for that move and knocked Faith backwards.
"Come on Faith, I know you can do better than that in your sleep."
Faith grinned and threw a punch which Buffy ducked. The blonde Slayer didn't see the other fist which doubled her over and Faith using interlocked fingers on the back of Buffy's neck, dropped her to the floor.
"Shit, B are you okay?" Faith helped the stunned girl back to her feet.
"I'm fine Faith, nice move. Let's see you try that again." Buffy watched Faith, she knew that Faith telegraphed her moves and she needed to break her of that habit.
As Faith was getting up off of the floor she said, "I never even saw that. What did you do to me B?"
"I used your own momentum to knock you off balance and then swept your left leg as I brought my hand around your neck."
"Won't work again B, ya know that right?"
Faith cursed as she got up off the floor again. "Okay, I could be wrong." Both girls laughed and traded punches and kicks for a little while longer. Buffy hooked Faith's hip and came crashing down on top of her.
"Were you planning on getting off...of me any time soon B?" Faith felt a warmth run down her body and she needed to get out from under Buffy before she said or did something wrong.
*Getting off with you...god Faith, you have no idea.* Buffy leaned down and gently kissed Faith on the lips. She felt Faith return it and both girls felt a bolt of electricity run down their spines. Their Slayer bond made it more intense.
"B?" Faith pulled back to look into the greenest eyes she had ever seen.
"I just had to know." Buffy licked her lips and knew she wanted more...much more.
"Know what B?" *Please don't let this be a setup.*
"If your lips were as soft as they looked." Buffy smiled when Faith didn't freak out by being kissed.
"And...?" Faith prayed that Buffy had enjoyed their kiss as much as she had.
"They are the softest, sexiest lips I have ever tasted." *God, she is such a good kisser. How could I have not kissed her before now?*
"News flash for ya B, I've been dreaming of kissing you and the real thing was much better. But where do we go from here?"
Notes: < > denotes the words of a ghost. (not telling ya who)
"Dinner. I mean, will you go out to dinner with me Faith?" Buffy blushed as she looked at her fellow Slayer.
"Like a real date?" Faith couldn't believe her ears, this was what she had wanted for so long.
"Yeah, I mean, it's up to you." *Bad Buffy, you're pushing too hard.*
Faith smiled and Buffy knew it was an honest smile involving real happiness.
*I have a date with B! I have a date with B!* Faith's lost look gave Buffy her opportunity for a little payback. She rapped on Faith's forehead.
"What the fuck?" Faith shook her head and refocused on the beautiful blonde in front of her.
"How did you put it? Oh yeah, porch light's on and no one's home." Buffy giggled and Faith shook her head and laughed too. "You didn't answer my question Faith. Will you go out with me tonight?"
Faith licked her dry lips, "Yeah B, I'll go out with you and I'll even keep my elbows off the table."
"Faith!" Buffy leaned in to gently kissed those ruby red lips.
"MMMMM, B you better stop 'cause I can't." *Don't ever wanna stop kissing B.*
"Ahem," Giles cleared his throat. The girls jumped apart, both absolutely certain they had never blushed so hard in their lives.
"G-Man, I uhhhh..." Faith stammered.
"Giles, what...is something wrong?" Buffy took Faith's hand to let her know she didn't care what Giles saw or thought about what he saw.
"Buffy, I need you to check this warehouse. Willow felt a bad vibration from the building." Giles showed Buffy the address and told Faith that Willow wanted to talk to her.
"Try to be careful B."
"I always TRY...Faith. Don't worry, I'll see you at home later. I'll call the restaurant and make the reservations for seven thirty." Buffy smiled and kissed Faith's hand before walking out of the training room, heading for the shower.
"Ummmm, G-Man?" Faith was worried about Giles reaction even if Buffy wasn't.
"Yes Faith?" Giles knew what was coming.
"Are you okay with me and B dating?" *Please say yes, please say yes.*
"Would it matter if I weren't?"
"Yes, it matters."
"Then, no I don't have a problem with it, as long as the two of you don't let your personal feelings interfere with the job at hand."
Faith knew she was the seeing the 'father' figure right now as well as the Watcher. She gulped and tried to speak, but no words came out.
"And Faith, this had better not be just a fling a la 'get some, get gone'. It has become very obvious that Buffy has real feelings for you and she has for some time. I think you have those same feelings for her too. Am I wrong?"
"No G-Man, you're not wrong. I uh...I..." Faith was cut off by Willow who had entered the room.
"Faith, if you were serious about being my body guard...I need you to go somewhere with me at four o'clock."
"You're still going to the orphanage to help the kids no one wants, aren't you?" Faith remembered this little tidbit of information from when she had stalked her in the past.
"Yes, how did you know?" Willow was surprised and a bit fearful.
"I followed you for a week a long time ago, I saw you go there twice. I can meet you at your place at three thirty and then we will go. I have to go get my things from the mansion, that's if they are still there."
"Okay, thanks Faith. Have Buffy drop you off at my place and I will drive us there and back." Willow was still a little leery about spending time with the dark Slayer. *Even when she was nuts, she never hurt a child.*
"Um...Red?" Faith said softly.
"Yeah?"
"Could I come a bit earlier, I wanna...talk about..." *Grrrr why is this so hard?*
"I'll be home in an hour, come by then." *I bet she wants to talk about Buffy. Damn, Faith is kinda cute when she blushes.*
Buffy came walking back into the living room and everyone noticed her bleeding nose and head.
"B! What the hell happened? I'll beat them within an inch of their lives. Here, sit down and put your head back. GILES! Get a couple of towels and a suture kit. Buffy's hurt."
Giles rushed into the room and took one look at the blonde Slayer and handed Faith the first aid kit.
"No stitches Faith, Slayer healing remember? Just clean it and put a bandaid on it please." Buffy felt a little woozy and was trying to hide it. She knew from the look on Faith's face, she wasn't doing a very good job of it. She used her patented puppy dogs eyes to beg the brunette to keep quiet.
"What am I gonna do with you B?" Faith whispered softly in Buffy's ear as she cleaned the nasty looking gash on the blonde girl's forehead. Faith looked into the greenest, most expressive eyes she had ever seen. *God, I could get lost in there and like it. Damn B, don't look at me that way.* Faith squirmed trying to calm her raging libido and being this close to Buffy wasn't helping at all. "What happened B?" Faith demanded.
"Nothing magical was there, just a bunch of drunken bikers. We had a difference of opinion, that's all. We should go get your stuff Faith, but since I have a really killer headache, you drive and be careful."
"Yes mom." Faith laughed as she helped Buffy up off of the couch. She handed the kit back to Giles and shook her head as if to say, "What do you want me to do?"
"Keep an eye on her Faith, if she shows any symptoms of a concussion, get her to the emergency room immediately... understand?"
"Chill G-Man, personally I would take her there now, but I don't want an unecessary ass kicking...ya know?"
"Hello? Still in the room." Buffy huffed.
"Relax Huffy, I said only if you get worse." Faith back peddeled quickly.
"What did you just call me?" Buffy scowled as she swung a fist in Faith's general direction.
"Uhhh, we should leave now B." Faith reached for Buffy's hand and squeezed it gently, letting her know that she, Faith, would take care of her.
AT THE MANSION
Buffy opened the car door and started to get out.
"B, you don't have to come in. I know this place gives you the heebie jeebies. I'll be right back." Faith pulled out her key and put it in the lock. She felt the older girl's presence behind her.
"It won't be a picnic for you either Faith. Let me be here for you." The blonde ran her fingers across Faith's face and watched as the frown lines disappeared. Faith leaned into the touch and sighed contentedly.
Once inside, Faith pointed to the stairs saying, "My room is the second one on the left, or at least it was." Faith took the stairs two at a time. Buffy followed her silently.
"ALRIGHT! All my stuff is still here. Look B, even my Playstation and all the games." Faith looked like a kid on Christmas morning. Buffy smiled, she loved seeing Faith's smile.
The blonde looked in the closet and found a beautiful leather jumpsuit. "Oh Faith, will you wear this tonight please? It's so soft and will look great on you. *And even better off. Down girl.*
"Huh? I thought you would have wanted me to wear a dress for our first official date." Faith blushed and looked at her feet which she scuffed along the carpet.
"You'd do that for me Faith?" Buffy was flabbergasted.
"Don't you know by now, that I would do anything for you B?" *Shit did I just say that out loud?*
Buffy smiled and brushed her lips across Faith's full, luscious ones.
Faith looked around the room and her memories kicked in. She froze on the spot and started crying. "I'm so sorry Joyce, I didn't mean to hurt you. Oh god, it hurts."
Faith felt Buffy's loving arms wrap around her and she heard, "She forgave you long ago Faith. Don't you think it's about time you forgave yourself?"
Just then both girls Slayer Senses went off the wall. They turned around and let out a shocked scream. There, not five feet away from them, stood the ghostly figure of Joyce Summers.
"Mom?" Buffy said tentatively.
"Mrs. S? Oh god, I'm so sorry for what I did you to you. I never got the chance to apologize." Faith broke down and collapsed on the carpet.
< I know you are Faith, that's not who you are in here. > Joyce put her hand over Faith's rapidly beating heart. The older blonde woman slowly raised Faith up into her arms.
"How is this possible?" Both Slayers said at once.
< The PTB's owe Angel several favors and he called in one so that I could be here for both of you. I don't have a lot of time, so I need you both to listen very carefully to me. >
"You have our undivided attention mom." Buffy reached out to touch the mother she missed so much.
< First Buffy, you did a great job with Dawn. I'm so proud of you. I know going to school, taking care of Dawn, slaying and nursing a broken heart all at the same time wasn't easy for you. >
"It was so hard mom, I don't know how you did it. I messed up, lots. Dawn hated me for a long time."
< She never hated YOU Buffy, just the situation. >
"I miss you so much mom," Buffy hugged her mother, not wanting to ever let her go again.
< I know dear, I miss you too. >
Faith tried to quietly slip out and let the Summers women have some privacy.
< Where do you think you're going Faith? >
Faith had the 'deer caught in the headlight' look on her face.
"I uh...you and B...privacy." That last word was mumbled softly.
< Sit down Faith, please. I know that most of the bad stuff that happened here in Sunnydale was a result of both of you not being able to deal with your feelings for each other. Tell me Faith, do you still love my daughter? > Joyce could feel the dark girl's nervousness and wanted her to know that she was okay with the girls being in a relationship.
Faith nodded, not looking at either of the blondes.
< Buffy, do you still love Faith? > Joyce knew the answer, but needed the girls to admit it to themselves and each other.
Buffy looked at the dark Slayer and nodded, "Yes mom I do, more than ever."
< Good, then stop beating yourselves up over the past. Start with a clean slate. You know you are both stronger and happier together. As the Chosen Two, you need each other. The fact that you love each other is a bonus that should never be taken for granted. Now come here and give me a hug.? >
Both girls flew into Joyce's welcoming arms.
< I always thought of you as my third daughter. I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy Faith. I now know about your disgusting childhood, and I am sorry you had such a rotten upbringing. They, your parents, were wrong. You are not a useless screwup, and you never were. >
Faith cried like she had never cried before. Both Buffy and Joyce held her while huge wracking sobs continued to come out of her. Joyce whispered in Buffy's ear, < Give her time and all of your love Buffy, but go slow. She is not used to anyone caring, really caring for her. >
"I will mom, I love her and I want her to be happy. I will do everything in my power to do that for her."
Faith had heard the quiet exchange, but was too busy trying to stop the waterworks.
< I don't have much more time here... >
Faith grabbed her stuff and started to walk out of the room.
"Thanks Mrs. S, Buffy really lucked out getting you for a mother. I'll just take my stuff downstairs and put it in the car. Don't waste what few minutes you have together, talking about me please." Faith came back and hugged the older woman and left.
< Talking to or spending time with you isn't a waste of time Faith. I really did enjoy your company. I just wish you wouldn't sell yourself short so much. I love you Faith and I will never stop. I'm here, if you need me. > Joyce placed her hand over Faith's heart again. Faith felt the tears start again, so she walked quickly out of the room.
< She loves you so much Buffy, it scares her. You need to know why she is so closed off and so afraid of love. She spent her whole childhood taking beatings that would have killed anyone but a potential Slayer. She was told over and over that she was a useless piece of shit. The days after the most severe beatings, she was told it was done out of love and for her own good. The fact that she healed quickly only angered her parents more. >
"Oh my god, mom. How could she survive all of that?" Buffy cried for her soon to be girlfriend.
< She is a strong individual Buffy. There's more. She is actually brilliant. Her first Watcher found out her I.Q. was almost off the scale. Faith graduated high school when she was fifteen. Just before she became a slayer. She crammed a two year course in ECE into one year and graduated with honors. >
"What's ECE?" Buffy was shocked that Faith was so smart. *She hides it well, I wonder why?*
< Early childhood education. She is qualified to look after kids with severe emotional problems and physical ones as well. She wanted to prevent other kids from going through the hell she did. She knows better than most what that can do to a child. But then she was called as a Slayer and never had a chance to put her degree to work. You might tell Willow and let her speak to some people. Faith needs to feel like she is making a difference in the world, not just from her Slaying duties. >
"I will talk to Willow mom, but I need to talk to Faith... really talk to her." Buffy could feel the solidness of her mother begin to fade. "I love you mom."
< I will always love all three of my girls, don't you forget it. >
Joyce faded out and was gone. Buffy stayed on the couch for a few minutes, composing herself. She went downstairs and saw Faith waiting in the living room.
"Let's go home Faith." Buffy knew they had both been put through the wringer this day.
"You have to drop me off at Red's place B. Can you just throw my stuff in my room and I will unpack when I get back?"
"Okay, ummm Faith?"
"Yeah B?"
Buffy held out her open arms and Faith came right into them.
"Thanks B, I needed that." Faith ran her fingers through soft spun silky blonde hair.
"Me too Faith. We will be together, and we will be happy." Buffy stomped her foot comically causing them both to laugh.
Faith looked up and yelled, "Ya hear that? We are gonna be happy, so there." Faith stuck out her tongue.
"Do you want me to come with?" Buffy saw that Faith's nervousness had returned as she pulled up in front of Willow's apartment.
"No, it's okay Buffy. I mean, unless you need to talk to Red."
Faith looked over at the beautiful blonde girl and thanked the gods that she had been given a second chance.
"Call me when you're done, or have Willow drop you off at home."
Buffy leaned over and kissed the startled brunette. Faith got out and knocked on the right door. Willow answered immediately and let the dark Slayer in.
"Hi Faith, is everything okay?" Willow could sense something had happened that had unnerved Faith.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told ya." Faith smiled at the redhead.
"Try me, I'm pretty unflappable."
"Okay, well me and B saw...Joyce at the mansion." Faith's eyes teared up again.
"Buffy's mother? What happened? What did she say? If it's not too personal, I mean."
"She forgave me Red, just like you did. She knew how B and I felt about each other even back then, and she's okay with our getting together." Faith shook her head, still surprised that anyone would accept her.
"Is Buffy what you wanted to talk to me about Faith?" Willow asked softly, not wanting to push.
"Yeah Red. She's taking me to dinner tonight and I want...need to know what to talk about, how to act proper. I don't want to embarrass B, ya know? She asked me to wear a leather jumpsuit I have, but I thought maybe...I should wear a...a dress. What do you think?"
"Do you have a dress that you feel comfortable wearing and doesn't look...?"
"I have one green silk dress, but it's kinda tight. The rest, you would say are sluty and we both know B deserves better than that."
"Come with me Faith." Willow took Faith by the arm and led her to the room that still had Tara's clothes. "You're pretty much the same size...as Tara." The last two words were said so softly that only Slayer hearing would have picked them up.
"Red, I can't wear your late girlfriend's clothes. That would make you cry and I've done that enough to you." Faith knew Willow spent a lot of time in this room, her scent was strong.
"It's okay Faith. I think she knew about you and Buffy too. She said the two of you would make a great couple if you didn't kill each other first. Oh my God, Faith...I'm so sorry. I didn't mean, I mean..." Willow covered her face with her hands which Faith pulled away gently before speaking.
"Babbling Red. Got anything in..." Before Faith could finish the sentence, Willow handed her a black silk dress with gold threads running through it.
"Wow! That's beautiful Red. Can I try it on first?"
"Bathroom is right through that door." When Faith came out Willow whistled. "Buffy is gonna love that on you Faith, it looks like it was made for you."
Faith did a little twirl and grinned. "Thanks Red, and I take back all the shit I ever said or thought about you. B was right, I never gave you a chance because smart and powerful people make me nervous."
RING RING
"I'll be right back, check out the long black leather coat. It's in the closet." Willow walked out to the hall and answered the phone.
"Hi Will, don't say my name if Faith is in earshot. My mom told me that Faith is super smart and she has a degree with honors in Early Childhood Education. Do you think you might be able to help her find a job?"
"Faith went to university? Wow. She said smart people make her nervous. I wonder why, since she is one herself."
"Yeah well you know Faith, she prefers to kick ass. But she wouldn't have done so well in that course if she wasn't interested or good at helping troubled kids. I mean she's been there and done that, so she can empathize with them."
"I'll talk to the people at the orphanage we are going to. Maybe she could volunteer for awhile to show them how good she is. Um...Buffy?"
"Yeah Will?"
"I can't believe I'm actually gonna say this but, Faith is kinda nervous about your date tonight. She really wants to make a good impression, so I hope you tell her how good she looks when you see her."
"Will, Faith always looks good." Buffy licked her lips, she could still taste Faith on them and she smiled. "We both want to do this right Will, so we are gonna try to go slow forming this relationship. But considering how sexy she is, it's killing me. I just want to take her in my arms and carry right up to my bedroom and never let her leave."
"Oh yeah, you got it bad." Willow laughed, but loved that Buffy finally admitted her feelings for Faith. "Listen we have to get going soon, so I'll drop her off at your place in a couple of hours."
"Thanks Will...for everything. But especially for trying to be friends with her. She may not say anything, but it does mean a lot to her."
"I think she tries really hard to hide her heart because she has been hurt so many times by so many people. It's hard for her to trust, but when she does...it's forever."
"Yeah, that's basically what Mom said earlier today. Did Faith tell you that we saw and spoke to her?"
"Yeah, she told me your mom forgave her and accepted the two of you as a couple. It brought tears, that she didn't want me to see, to her eyes."
"Me too Will. I guess I'll see you later. Take care of her for me."
"I will Buffy, bye." *They are gonna be so good together.*
Willow came back into the bedroom and saw Faith holding the leather coat. "Red, this fits perfectly...when I get a job, would you consider letting me buy this? I understand if you won't."
"You don't have to buy it Faith, keep it. It's way too long for me, and I don't do leather. Now, do you have shoes to match the dress?"
"I don't know why, but yeah I do. Black pumps, and I even have a matching purse. Ummm Red, what goes in a purse?" Faith looked shy and embarrassed.
Willow laughed out loud but stopped as she saw Faith pouting. Then both girls laughed together.
"Well you had to have used it before, what did you put in it then?" Willow thought a flustered Faith was just the funniest thing ever, but knew better than to tease...too much.
"Um, just a stake actually. I mean what else do I need?" The clueless look on Faith's face was priceless.
"Okay clueless, come here." Willow patted the bed and Faith pulled back for a moment then sat down waiting. "You put your keys, smokes, lighter, kleenex, makeup and considering your night job, a stake."
"Why do I need to put makeup in there? I will put it on before I go out." *Is she screwing with me?*
"Faith, you might need to touch up your lipstick after locking lips with Buffy." Willow loved that the dark Slayer was capable of blushing.
*Kissing Buffy...MMMMM* "Okay Red, and why the kleenex?"
"They are the universal cleaner upper of messes."
"Right, you think I will make a mess?"
"Faith, why are you so nervous about going out with Buffy. I think you really love her, so what's the problem?"
"I do love her Red and I am so afraid I will screw this up."
Faith chewed her bottom lip until Willow swatted her hand away. "Kissing with a sore lip isn't fun."
Faith smiled shyly at the redhead.
"Stop worrying, just be yourself. She loves you Faith."
"Yeah, I know Red and it still floors me that she does." Faith was showing signs of being uncomfortable so Willow switched gears.
"I need to download and print some pictures of wolves for Peter. I did kinda promise to draw one for him, but I can't even draw stick people." Willow's face matched her hair.
"Gimme a piece of paper and a 4HH pencil Red."
"Paper I can do, what's a 4HH pencil?"
"Show me the pencils you have."
"Okay, here." Willow handed Faith several pencils and Faith explained the difference between each and what each was best used for.
"How do you know all that Faith?"
"Art was the one class I never skipped. I uhhhh...like drawing and if you tell anyone, I will deny it."
Using some of her Slayer speed, Faith sketched a lone wolf howling at the moon in under twenty minutes. Ten minutes more and it was properly shaded. She handed the picture to Willow.
"WOW! Faith, this is amazing. You have real talent," Willow gushed. "You have to give this to Peter yourself."
"Uh uh Red. I scare people, even when I'm not trying. You don't want me anywhere near kids."
"Bullshit!" Willow surprised herself, but didn't back down.
Faith's eyebrows shot up. *Red doesn't swear...often.*
"Faith, I know about your degree and I think you may be the person to help Peter. His father was a bastard who beat his mother while she was pregnant. It caused her to go into premature labour. Peter's twin sister was still born and he was born deaf and possible mute as well. He has been in his own little world for most of his whole life, all seven years of it. He just started learning sign language a few months ago."
Faith was silent as she took in all the Willow had said. "How did you find out about my degree?"
"Uhhh, Joyce told Buffy and she told me. Please don't get mad at either of them Faith, they just want to help you. So do I."
"What happened to Peter's father?"
"He went to jail and was killed in a knife fight and before you ask, his mother turned to heroin and died of an overdose."
Faith scowled for a minute. "Red can you lend me twenty bucks?"
"What for?"
"We can get him a stuffed wolf from the toy store."
"Sounds like a plan, just let me print a few pictures and we can go." Willow printed out three colour pictures of wolves and put them under Faith's drawing. "Let's go." Willow picked up the pictures and grabbed Faith by the arm, dragging her out to the car.
AT THE TOY STORE
Faith went immediately over to the stuffed wolves. "Hey Red, check this one out, it's perfect." A sales clerk over and nodded to Willow.
"Faith that one is more than I have with me. I'm sorry." Willow looked at her feet.
Faith looked at the clerk and said, "Is there anything I can do to earn this toy? It's for a special kid."
"I'll make you a deal. I will cover the difference if you can find someone to change my flat tire."
"Change a flat...that's all you want in exchange for this?"
Faith couldn't believe she would get what she wanted that easily.
"Red give her the twenty bucks and I will go change the tire right now. Then we can go see Peter."
Willow handed over the money and the wolf was put into a box and then in a bag. Faith followed the clerk out to the parking lot and asked where the spare was. It only took her five minutes to change the flat. The clerk was impressed and thanked Faith repeatedly.
"No problem, the smile I hope that toy puts on Peter's face will be worth it."
Unbeknownst to Faith, the clerk slipped the twenty dollar bill into her pocket. Willow came out and asked Faith if she was ready to go.
"Yup, let's hit the road Red."
AT THE ORPHANAGE
Willow parked in a lot across the street. Faith grabbed the pictures, leaving the toy for Willow to bring.
"Are you sure you want me to come in Red?" Faith was uncertain, again.
"Yes, Faith. I think this is where you are meant to be." Willow thought that Faith would be the one to reach Peter, if only she would trust herself.
The girls were greeted at the door by one of the counselors.
"Hi Willow, who's your friend?" He gave an approving look at the brunette.
"Anthony, this is Faith. Where's Peter, we have something for him." Willow looked around and didn't see Peter.
"Hi Faith, any and all help is gratefully accepted. Peter has a bit of a fever today, so he is laying down in his room. Go on up, he's been waiting for you."
"Faith, his room is the third on the left straight up those stairs, I'll join you in a few minutes." Willow pointed to the pictures, "Give those to him."
Faith looked scared for a minute. *Christ, I beat on butt ugly things that go bump in the night, so why does meeting a kid scare the hell outta me?* She found the right room and knocked gently. She hesitated for a moment, then walked in.
Faith made sure to look at Peter and to speak slowly. "Um, hi Peter. Willow will be here in a few minutes. My name is Faith."
Peter looked at Faith and shook his head. His fingers started moving, using the sign language he was learning.
Faith read his question and signed back, "My name is Faith. Willow brought these pictures for you and I drew this one. I hope you like it."
The small boy reached for the pictures. His face lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw the one that Faith had drawn. He pointed to Faith and to the picture. Faith signed, "Yes, I drew that." Peter held out his arms and Faith came forward to sit on the bed. She hugged him and found she liked the feeling.
When Willow came in, she saw Peter and Faith signing back and forth. "I didn't know you knew sign language Faith."
"Yeah, well...my first Watcher called it silent battle language. My telling her that people without Slayer sight, couldn't see what was being said at night didn't faze her. I learned it and never forgot it. You've been coming here forever Red, why didn't you learn it so you could talk to Peter?"
Willow's face matched her hair. "I am trying to learn it Faith, will you practise with me?"
"Sure thing Red, now get over here and at least say hi to this handsome little gentleman." Faith showed Willow that holding the first two fingers sideways, meant the letter 'h' and holding the pinkie upright was the letter 'i'. Together they said 'hi'.
Peter smiled and started signing fast, which confused the redhead. Faith reached over to slow down Peter's fingers and explained to him that Willow was still learning sign language.
Peter looked at Faith and signed a request and pointed to Willow.
"What did he just say Faith?" Willow loved that Faith could communicate with Peter. *I knew I was right. She belongs here with Peter and the rest of the kids.*
"He wants you to go ask the counselor if he can have a frame for the picture I drew." Faith took her coat off and the twenty dollar bill fell out. "Hey Red! The manager slipped this into my pocket." Faith handed the bill to Willow and suggested a pizza run. "How many kids are here Red? Will twenty bucks buy enough pizza for everyone?"
"It will if you use your 'gimme what I want, or I'll mess ya up good' stare." Willow laughed and blushed, not believing she was actually teasing Faith and getting away with it.
"There's hope for ya yet Red. Do you think they would let me take Peter to the Pizza Hut down the street?"
"They might, if his fever is gone."
Faith gently placed her hand on Peter's forehead and cheeks. "Maybe next time, he's still a little warm."
Faith got up off of the bed and Peter reached for her again. She signed, 'I'm just gonna go get some pizza for everyone, I'll be right back.'
Peter got out of bed and swayed until Faith caught him. "Whoa there little dude." Faith noticed right away that Peter had on faux leather pants and smiled. Peter rubbed his hand on his pants and then Faith's. He signed, 'same.'
Faith laughed and signed, 'you have good taste in clothes Petey."
Peter smiled in a way Willow hadn't seen come from him...ever.
"Hey Red, don't you think you should give him his present?" Faith pointed to the bag Willow was absentmindedly carrying.
"Oh yeah, I forgot." The redhead tapped him on the shoulder and handed him the bag. Here Peter." He pulled out the box and opened it. When he saw the stuffed wolf, he hugged it tightly to his chest for a few minutes. He grabbed the small calendar on the desk and pointed to the circled date. Faith looked at it and grinned. She signed, 'me too.' Willow looked and saw that December 24th was circled and it said birthday. Peter decided then and there that Faith was his angel. He carefully set the toy down on his bed, went over to his desk and drew a picture for Faith. When he finished, he handed it to the brunette.
"For me Petey?" Faith took the drawing and almost cried. It depicted her holding his hand and they were blowing out candles on a birthday cake together.
"Faith, your birthday is Christmas Eve too?" Willow realized that in all the time she had known Faith, she never mentioned her birthday.
"Yeah, Red it is. Everyone's got one ya know?" Faith looked everywhere but at Willow.
Holidays weren't something Faith enjoyed too much. They were just days spent hiding and praying not to be found. Being found meant being used as a punching bag or worse.
"Faith, we have to have a party for you at the Bronze. Buffy will go nuts."
"No Red, please don't say anything to anyone. How about we plan a party for my man Petey instead." Faith didn't want a fuss made about her birthday. *Damn, gonna be twenty-one. I Never thought I would live this long.*
"If I tell Buffy, you'll beat me up and if I don't tell Buffy, she'll beat me silly. No fair, caught between two strong Slayers." Willow looked up and whispered, "Take me Lord...now would be good." Peter had been watching and now he squeezed Faith's hand to get her attention. He signed, 'will you come here Friday?'
Faith signed back, 'if they let me, I will.' "Hey Red, can we come here on Friday?"
"I don't see why not. You like Peter, don't you Faith?"
"Yeah Red, I do. Thanks for letting me come along with you." Faith pointed to the board games and asked the little boy which one he wanted to play.
Peter grabbed 'Snakes and Ladders.' Faith's eyebrows went up and she laughed. "Beware little dude, I used to be good at this at Juevie." *Shit, I'm glad I wasn't looking at him when I said that.*
"I know Red, inapropriate behavior." Faith looked ashamed of what she had said, grateful that Peter had, while setting up the game, missed the entire conversation.
"Okay, you two play nice and I'll go order the pizza. I still think you should pick it up Faith. Growl at them and maybe you can get a bottle of pop thrown in for free." Willow blushed, not believing her boldness at asking the brunette to get extra's for free. *It's for the kids.*
When Willow got back she heard laughter coming from both the dark Slayer and the little boy. She walked in and saw Faith running her man down the longest snake on the board. Peter was giggling and pointing to his man which was on the top of the longest ladder.
Faith signed, 'the game ain't over til it's over Little Dude." Faith watched as Peter rolled the exact number he needed to win. She signed, 'Okay, now it's over, but I want a rematch later k?'
Peter nodded vigorously and looked at Faith with dancing eyes. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a mumbled Faaa. But to a Slayer's ears, it said Faith.
Willow squealed and ran for a counselor. Faith gently adjusted Peter's lips and slowly pronounced her name again.
"Faaaa...iiittthhhh," spit flew everywhere. Peter ran and jumped up into the stunned brunette's arms.
Anthony came back in with Willow. "I understand someone is getting chatty now." He saw Peter in the beautiful girl's arms and waited patiently for them to disentangle from each other before asking Peter to repeat what he had tried to say.
"Can you say something else for us Peter?" Anthony had known all along that Peter had the ability to speak, but hadn't used it.
Peter looked at Faith again and said clearly, "Faaa...iitthh...fri..en..." Faith cupped his small lips to add the 'd' to friend. She heartily agreed that she was his friend.
Anthony and Willow clapped loudly. This brought the rest of the kids and workers to the small room.
"What's the ruckus all about Tony?" The director of the facility asked.
"That gorgeous brunette got through to Peter. He spoke her name and called her his friend. It was amazing."
"Who are you and why are you here Miss?" The Director asked Faith.
"Ummm, I came with Willow to see Peter. She told me he was deaf, but only MAYBE mute. I would like to come here more often to help him...if you'll let me."
"Anthony, Faith has a degree in ECE with honors. She would be a great addition here, don't you think?"
"Will! I just wanna help Petey, getting a paying job can wait." Faith knew that since she was the one that had reached Peter, she would have to stay in his life or the small boy would crawl back into his shell again.
"What Univeristy did you graduate from? And what is your name?" The Director was not a man to waste words.
"Boston University and my name is Faith Winters." Faith felt tingly all over and wondered if this meant something good was going to happen or if she was reading too much into it.
"Well Miss Winters, we aren't budgeted for another full time worker, but we can hire you part-time. How does noon until five o'clock, five days a week at twelve dollars an hour sound to you?"
"When can I start? UMMPHHHHH," Faith found herself sandwiched between an excited Willow and an ecstatic Peter.
"Well how about tomorrow? That way you will receive a small cheque in time for Christmas. I need to check out your references first of course, but I don't see a problem. Anthony, get Miss Winters five sweatshirts with our logo on it. Jeans are preferable to leather pants. Will that be a problem?"
"No sir, I have a few pairs of black jeans and I will get some more each week. Thank you for giving me this chance."
"Peter will be your main concern, but not your only one. I think that during dinner, you should speak to some of the other kids too."
"I...I can do that." Faith felt overwhelmed and her nervousness was apparent. *These people really want me here.* She smiled at Willow, who smiled back.
"Do you drive Miss Winters?"
"I have a license, but I don't have a car sir." Faith sucked in her bottom lip. *Please don't let this interfere with the job.*
"Okay, I'll get you some bus tickets for the next three days. We do supply a monthly bus pass, but since it's too late this month, I'll see to it you have the tickets. On Friday, come see me and I will give more for next week. Welcome aboard Miss Winters."
Faith grinned like a loon and it was she could do not do a little happy dance. Not thinking, she kissed the Director on the cheek. "Thanks Boss Man. You won't be sorry."
"Hrumphhh, uhhh yes Miss Winters, see to it that I'm not." He smiled to himself as he walked back to his office. *She's young, but I see an old soul in her eyes.*
"I know Red, kissing the boss...not cool." Faith laughed.
"I don't think he minded Faith, got one for me too?" Anthony pointed to his cheek, grinning expectantly.
"Sure T-Man." Faith leaned over and kissed the offered cheek.
"I'll never wash it again," he said sighing contentently.
Faith swatted him on the arm and Peter poked him in the ribs.
"Hey, no fair. Two against one. I'll fix you junior." Anthony started tickling Peter. Anthony found himself being lifted off the ground. He saw Faith holding him by the shirt and shaking her finger at him. "Don't get him riled up, it's almost dinner time."
"ULP...yes M'am. Can you put me down now?"
"The magic word is?" Faith smirked as Peter and Willow just laughed.
"Please, put me down and I promise not get him all excited again." *Damn, she's a lot stronger than she looks. I better mind my 'p's and q's around her.*
Faith heard the doorbell. "Pizza's here, Red. Where do I bring Petey?"
"Follow me Faith." Willow took the money and went to pay for the pizza's. They had thrown in two large bottles of pop for free. Willow and Faith cut the pizza into square slices. Anthony had rounded up the rest of the kids and workers. Paper plates and napkins were on the table beside the open boxes of pizza. One had pepperoni on it and the other was plain cheese.
"PIZZA!!!" Several kids yelled and lined up. Faith handed out the pepperoni slices and Willow handed out the cheese ones. Once everyone had a slice of each, they all sat down and began eating. Peter, of course sat next to Faith. The hero worship in his eyes was unmistakeable.
Faith signed to Peter that she was going to take a couple of slices to the Director and she would be right back. She asked where his office was and headed off carrying the plate with two slices of pizza on it.
AT THE DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
Faith knocked and waited to be told to come in.
"Come in."
Faith walked in and handed the plate to the Director.
"Thank you Faith. I just spoke to one of your instructors from Boston University. She said you have a special way with kids who come from abused families. I need to know that you will stick around for Peter's sake, as well as the rest of these kids. Will you?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I like Petey."
"He obviously cares a great deal about you too Miss Winters. Your name was the first word he has ever spoken. I think you may be just what he needs. I see that one of the courses you gained honors in was speech therapy. Will you be able to work that in with Peter?"
"Already planned Boss Man. He just needs to practise mouthing words and then breathing properly. Do you have flash cards that I can use?" Faith was already three steps ahead.
"I don't know, I will have Anthony look around. Could you use kids books if we don't?"
"Yeah, books work too. I need books about wolves and other animals. Also, I would like to see his medical records. I need to know if his deafness is total and permanant. If there is even a small range of sound he can hear, I can work with that. But I don't want to waste his time with frustrating exercises that won't gain him anything. When was the last time his hearing was actually tested?"
"I will try to find his medical records for you, but for now, just help him to speak. We know of his obsession with wolves and there are a couple of books you can use to start with. I think you will be a great addition to our staff. Now why don't you get back to the kids and make sure they clean up after themselves."
"Okay, Boss Man. Clean up squad in da house." Faith chuckled as she left the office.
When she got back to the dinning room, she saw the Willow and Peter had cleaned up and were just waiting for the brunette to come back. Willow pointed to her watch when Peter wasn't looking.
"Faaa...iitthhh," Peter handed Faith a slim paperback. Faith smiled, took the book and opened it. She patted the floor in front of her and Peter sat down.
"Red, will you call B and tell her we will be a bit longer, please?" Faith started signing the words in the book while showing Peter the pictures.
Willow nodded and went to call Buffy.
AT BUFFY'S HOUSE
RING RING
*That better be Willow or Faith, it's been over three hours.*
"Hello?"
"Hi Buffy, Faith asked me to call to tell you that we will be a little while longer. She's reading a book to Peter right now."
"Isn't that the deaf kid?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well how will he hear what Faith is reading to him?"
"Buffy, Faith knows sign language and she talks to him that way. And you'll never believe what happened."
"Tell me." Buffy felt her stomach doing flip flops.
"He spoke...he said Faith's name. Buffy, you should have seen it, it was like finding the Holy Grail or something. The Director hired her part-time starting tomorrow. She will work with Peter most of the time, but be here for the other kids too. She really is amazing Buffy. I didn't know she could be so compassionate or thoughtful for anyone but you."
"WOW Will, she does good work huh?" Buffy promised herself, nothing Faith did would surprise her again. *Yeah right.*
"She does great work Buffy. She had done more for Peter in the last three hours than anyone has been able to do for years. Don't be surprised if your dinner conversation is full of Peter this and Peter that."
"Thanks for doing this for her Will, I appreciate it." Buffy was glad that her best friend and soon to be girlfriend were getting along so well.
"I didn't do it for you or even for her Buffy. I did it for Peter. Listen, I bet you didn't know that this Friday, Christmas Eve, is her twenty-first birthday...did you?"
"No, I didn't. Oh man, now I need to get her a birthday present and Christmas present. What should I get her?" Buffy's mind pictured exotic things and she shook her head. *Slow down there girl, ya don't wanna scare her away.*
"Well, leather pants are a 'no no' around here. So I would suggest that you get her a pair of blue or black jeans and maybe a pair of running shoes."
"That's a great idea Will. Wanna go shopping with me tomorrow while she goes to work there?" *Faith working and happy...gotta like it.*
"Sounds like a plan to me and I want to hear all about your first date too." Willow knew that both Slayers were nervous as all get out about it.
"We'll see Will. Now as soon as she finishes reading to the kid, bring her home. Our reservation is for seven thirty. I want to have plenty of time to get ready and it's already five thirty."
"Eager much Buffy?" Willow laughed, remembering how long it took for Buffy to get ready for a date. Faith would just shower, dress and be ready in about a half hour.
"You have no idea Will." Buffy wanted to spend as much time with the sexy brunette as possible.
"I'll bring her back in one piece soon Buffy, don't worry."
"Not worried," Willow didn't need to see Buffy to know that she was pouting. *She looks so cute when she pouts. Faith won't be able to resist her.*
"Just anxious." Willow stiffled the giggle this time.
"Yeah...I mean no...Willllll!!!"The blonde exclaimed showing her exaspertion. Buffy blushed from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes.
Faith came out into the hall and Peter was holding her hand. Willow smiled at both and handed the phone to Faith.
"Hi B, I got a job!" Faith's excitement was contagious.
"Well then, we have even more reason to celebrate tonight."
"Umm, B?"
"Yeah Faith?"
"Hang on for a moment, Petey wants to say hello." Faith handed Peter the phone and signed, 'say hello to Buffy.' Faith put the phone on speaker.
"Hellloooo....Bufff." Peter shouted out loud.
Faith knew that Buffy would have pulled the phone away from her ear.
"Hello Peter, oops...Faith tell him I said hello back at him."
Faith signed Buffy's response and Peter smiled. "Hey B, I gotta get Petey changed for bed. I'll see you soon, you have no idea how much I'm looking forward to our date tonight."
"Me too Faith. See you soon."
Faith took Peter upstairs and ran a bath for him. "I know you are a big boy, so I will wait here while you take your bath."
Peter kissed Faith and grabbed his pj's. He took the quickest bath on record. When he came out, he was already in his pj's. Faith tucked him into bed and signed another story for him. He fell asleep half way through it, so Faith placed a bookmark in it and put it on the nightstand. She leaned down and gently kissed the little boy on the forehead. "See ya tomorrow Little Dude."
Faith went to look for Anthony. When she found him, she asked that he check on Petey a little later. "His fever is down, but keep an eye on him please."
"I will Faith. I need to give him the medication in two hours, so for now, I will let him sleep. You really are good with him."
"He's a great kid, I just wanna help him." Faith was surprised at how quick the kid had gotten under her skin.
"See you tomorrow at lunch time Faith." Anthony went about his business.
"Come on Faith, if I don't get you home soon, Buffy will kill me." Willow loved the look on Faith's face whenever she mentioned the blonde Slayer's name. "We need to stop back at my place to pick up the dress and coat. Consider the coat an early birthday present."
"Really Red?" Faith couldn't believe how much help the redhead had been for her today.
"Yes, really Faith. Let's go."
BACK AT WILLOW'S APARTMENT
Willow ran upstairs and put the dress and coat in a plastic dry cleaner bag and brought both downstairs. She found Faith at the kitchen table drawing another picture for Peter. This one showed three cubs playing with a rolled up armadillo. The curiousity of the cubs was clearly shown in the eyes of the cubs.
"That's...that's, WOW Faith. Peter is gonna love that one too. Could you maybe draw me a unicorn or winged horse that I can frame?"
Faith flipped the page over and started drawing a river. She then drew a unicorn on one side and a winged horse on the other side. She shaded the picture and in ten minutes she handed it to the waiting redhead.
"I can do a better one when I have more time. But I need to go get ready for my date with B. Can you drive there...now?"
"This is perfect Faith, and yes we can go now. Here is your dress and coat." Faith took the plastic bag. Her hands were shaking so Willow gently cupped them saying, "Relax Faith, it will be an evening neither of you will ever forget."
Faith's face fell. Visions of vamps spoiling their date, and of Faith saying the wrong things, ran through her mind.
"I mean in a good way," Willow said quickly.
"Do you want some help with your make-up Faith?"
Faith nodded. "I don't want to...to look...ughhhh."
"Come on nervous girl, let's get you ready." Willow took the dress and followed Faith to the front door which was thrown open by Buffy.
"Faith! You're finally here." Buffy brought the dark girl into her arms and kissed her with a passion she barely recognized.
Willow walked by the lip locked Slayers and sat down on the couch. *They look good together. I hope their nervousness cancels out so that they can enjoy this evening.*
When Faith pulled back out of a need for oxygen, she sighed contentedly...again. *Kissing B is like an addiction. I want more...lots more.*
Buffy felt the cool air where Faith's lip's were and she wanted to feel the warmth again. Willow grabbed Faith's hand, "Which room is yours? Buffy, you need to go get ready and I will help Faith."
Buffy scowled, she wanted to help Faith get dressed and...*Okay mind, see if you can stay out of the gutter for a little while longer.*
Buffy hurried upstairs without a backward glance.
Willow followed Faith up to her room. "Okay, you go shower and I will set out your dress and make-up. Scram," Willow shoved the brunette towards the bathroom. When she heard the shower start, she laid out the dress on the bed and began to take out the make-up she had brought.
Faith went into the bathroom to take a shower. She didn't like feeling nervous. She seriously prayed for the first time in her life, *Please God, don't let me fuck this up.*
Buffy stripped and got in the shower in her room. *I have a date with the most beautiful woman in the world. Now if only I can control myself. I know I have to show Faith that I really love her and don't just wanna jump her gorgeous body.*
Willow could feel the nervous vibes eminating from the bathroom where Faith had disappeared to, and she tried hard not to giggle. She knew that wouldn't help anyone.
When Faith came out, Willow saw that she had somehow made peace with herself.
"I do deserve to be happy with B, don't I Red?" Faith asked softly.
"Yes Faith, you do. Now start getting dressed, I have the make-up ready for you."
"Why are you so willing to help me Red? I really do appreciate it, but I need to know why."
"You really don't remember do you?" Willow looked over at the brunette.
"HUH? Remember what Red?" Faith was putting on pantyhose and hopping around in a comical fashion.
"You were the first to see how Tara and I felt about each other." Willow voice cracked when she mentioned her dead lover's name. "You told me to go for it or I would always wonder what could have happened. I also know you talked to Tara. It was because of you that we...we were so happy, even though it was only for a little while. That's the kind of happiness I want for you and Buffy."
Faith blushed deeply. No one had ever spoke to her like that.
"I can see why B chose you as her best bud. You really are an amazing friend Red." Faith picked up the dress and was about to put it on when Willow handed her a bra.
"UGH...Red. Do I have to?" Faith whined holding out the bra at arms length like a piece of roadkill.
"Yes, now put it on and you better have put underwear on too Faith." This time it was Willow who blushed and looked away.
"I do. Or the pantyhose would drive me nuts." *B is worth it, B is worth it.* This became Faith's new mantra.
Buffy got out of the shower and threw open her closet door. She grabbed a red silk body fitting dress that had silver threads running through it. Needless to say, it was bought at the same time as the dress borrowed from Tara. She quickly dressed and put on a little bit of make-up. Last, she put on the cross that Faith had bought her when she first came to town.
Faith was fidgeting as Willow tried to put on her make-up. Finally an exasperated Willow said, "Hold still Faith or you will look something out of the Creature From The Black Lagoon."
Faith stilled and she gave a shy smile to the redhead. "I'm sorry Red, I'm just...antsy ya know?"
"Faith, you could be wearing a burlap bag and Buffy wouldn't care. She loves you and you love her. So chill out, everything will be fine as long as you both get over this nervous thing you got going."
"B...nervous? Not bloody likely Red. She is so together."
"Wanna bet? I can feel the vibes coming from down the hall, she is just as nervous and afraid of screwing up tonight as you are."
"I think you have been smelling your potions again Red. Buffy doesn't do nervous."
"Neither do you Faith." Willow put the finishing touches on Faith's make-up. "Well? How do you like it?"
Faith slowly turned to look at herself in the mirror. "WOW! That's me?"
"Yes Faith, that's you," Willow said in a parental tone of voice. Now you stay here and I will go check on Buffy."
"Tell her...I..uh." Faith stuttered and then blushed.
"She knows that you love her Faith, but you can tell her later. Those three magic words never lose their power. I'll be right back."
Willow went down to Buffy's room and knocked gently. "Buffy? Can I come in?"
"Sure Will, come in."
Willow walked in and stared at the dress Buffy was wearing. She remembered the day that she, Buffy and Tara had gone shopping to buy the dress. "Faith is gonna love that dress on you Buffy."
"I hope so Will, I just want everything to be perfect for Faith. She means everything to me and I am so afraid that I will scare her away."
"You won't, the two of you belong together Buffy. So just chill and let things happen naturally. She loves you so much Buffy. It scares her, she doesn't think she deserves to be loved. You already know to go slow, even if it is driving you nuts."
"God Will, she is so beautiful inside and out. She really is a compassionate person. I never took the time to see her...really see HER. When she smiles at me, a real smile...it lights up her whole face and I just wanna take her in my arms and never let her go."
"Yup, you got it bad Buffy...as bad as she does." Willow laughed.
"We need to get you two on your merry way before you both chicken out. Let's go Buffy." Willow walked out and back to Faith's room.
Faith saw the redhead and smiled, "Is she ready?"
"Yes Faith, let's go."
Faith followed Willow out into the hall and what she saw caused her to freeze. Buffy was standing there playing with a piece of her hair.
When Buffy looked up, she saw Faith.
Both woman growled deeply in appreciation of how the other looked. The smoldering looks being given caught Willow by surprise. The intensity was off scale.
"Whoa, down girls. You almost turned me to ashes with the way you are looking...did I say looking? What I meant to say was devouring each other. Fresh air...cool air. The kind you get going to dinner. Food is good and I'm gonna stop talking now."
"Babbling Will." Buffy smiled.
"Babbling Red." Faith poked her in the ribs.
"Ummm, ya right. You two need to get going, or you'll never leave." Seeing the looks the Slayers were giving each other, Willow said, "And not leaving is not an option."
"Coming mother." Faith said happily.
Willow scowled and took both girls by the arms and led them downstairs and out to her car. "I'll drop you off at the restaurant and I'm sure you can make you way home later."
"Later...yeah," Faith grinned lasciviously at her soon to be mate.
Buffy returned the grin and reached for the brunette's hand.
*Man they are so hot for each other, I wonder if they will be able to sit through dinner.* Willow's musings were cut short as she pulled up in front of the fancy restaurant that Buffy had made reservations at.
"Faith, don't forget you have to be at work tomorrow by noon. Do you want me to drive you?"
"No, it's okay Red. The director gave me car tickets and I wouldn't dare be late, especially on the first day. Besides, I'm looking forward to seeing Petey."
"Okay Faith, he will be waiting for you."
"You might wanna call me around eleven, just to make sure I'm upwardly mobile." Faith grinned, thinking about what she hoped would happen later.
"I will Faith. Have fun you two." Willow took one last look at the Slayers and smiled at them, giving them the universal shooing gesture.
Faith and Buffy walked hand in hand into the restaurant. Buffy told the maitre de their names and they were shown to a small table lit with candles. After being seated, they were handed menu's. "I will send a waiter over in a few minutes."
"Thank you." Buffy opened the menu and peeked over the top of it. She saw Faith doing the same and both cracked up. When the waiter came by, they both ordered the surf and turf special.
Buffy reached over to run her finger gently across Faith's jawline. Faith leaned into the soft touch and sighed. They only had eyes for each other until their dinner arrived. When they finished the waiter brought dessert menu's.
"B ya gotta try Cherries Jubilee. Don't freak out, it is supposed to be on fire to start with."
"Okay, I'll trust you. How do you know about it?" Buffy wondered how, where and when Faith had tasted such a rich dessert.
"My first Watcher took me out to dinner for my sixteenth birthday and she ordered it. It was fantastic. Unless you don't like cherries and brandy that is."
"I'm game, order it for me. I need to go to the little girls room, I'll be right back." Buffy gave the brunette a whisper of a kiss on the cheek as she passed by. Faith smiled and put her hand up to catch the waiter's attention. She ordered two large Cherries Jubilee.
"*B will love this...I hope. God she is so beautiful tonight, well always, but tonight...WOW.* Faith pleasant musings were interrupted when a large shadow came over the table. Faith looked up and blanched. Her breath caught in her throat. She was frozen in fear. *Can't show how scared I am. Breathe Faith, breath Faith. Gotta get rid of him before B gets back.*
"Well Faith, you are a hard lady to track down." He started playing with his snake ring as he sat down across from Faith.
"Whatever you have to say, I'm not interested. We will bring you and your friends down. You should leave...NOW!" Faith was reaching into her purse to grab her stake. For the split second when she turned from the man, he grabbed her right hand and held it over the candle until both could smell burning flesh. Faith wouldn't give him the satisfaction of crying out or showing her pain. Her lips were pressed tightly together as she finally managed to pull her hand back out of the flame.
"You will come back to the fold or the redhead, your girlfriend and that deaf kid will pay the price. You have twenty-fours to present yourself to me. You know where, I will be expecting you. Oh and Faith, I have an undead army to help persuade you."
Faith growled more in anger than pain. She curled her injured right hand and tried to find her centre. *There is no pain, there is no pain. Like hell there isn't. Damn him, what the hell do I do now?*
The manager of the restaurant came over as soon as the man left. "Security tossed him out and he will not be allowed back in. Would you like me to call the paramedics to look at your hand?"
"No, I will have it checked out by my doctor as soon as my date gets back. I could use a phone though."
"Right away." The manager hurried away and brought back a phone for Faith to use.
Faith thanked the manager and carefully holding the phone in her left hand, she used the fingernail on the first finger of her burned hand to dial. *Come on, come on pick up.*
"Hello?"
"RED! I need you to perform the best mojo of your life. 'He' was here, he threatened you, B and Petey. I need you to make with the protection spell right fucking now."
"Faith? What happened? Where is Buffy?" Willow's fear could be heard in her voice.
"He was here, he made me an offer and I refused. I only have one day to...to protect the three of you before this bastard goes off side. Do you still need a personal item from people you want to put the protection spell on?"
"Yes, Faith I do. I'm sorry your date was so rudely interrupted. But you still didn't answer where Buffy is."
"She is in the ladies room. She is unhurt Will. I won't let him hurt her, you or Petey...I promise. As soon as B gets back to the table, I'll send her to you. I can go get something of Petey's and get out quick. I'll meet you at your place. Take care of B for me." Faith hung up just as Buffy walked past her.
Buffy sat back down and she wasn't happy. She had heard the last part of the conversation.
"Faith what is going on?" Buffy noticed that Faith was keeping her right hand hidden. She reached out to take the brunette's hand...and said, "OH MY GOD! Faith! What happened to your hand?"
"You need to go to Red's place while I go get something from Petey. Red will explain. Come on, we need to leave now."
The manager came back and asked if they would prefer their desserts to be takeout.
"Yes, but make it three please." Faith waved him off after thanking him. Looking at Buffy, Faith said, "I think Red will need a sugar rush to do what I asked her to do."
"Faith, why didn't you ask her to protect you too?" Buffy was both angry that Faith had been hurt and threatened and scared of what would happen next.
"Red will protect me....after the people who are most important to me. Again everything gets fucked up because of me. B, I'm so sorry. I wanted tonight to be special and..." Faith was almost in tears, but still had enough 'tough girl' in her to prevent the tears from falling. It wouldn't do to be seen crying in public.
When the manager brought back their desserts to go he said, "You bill has been taken care of and we would like to offer you both a raincheck." He held out the paper and Faith smiled and took it.
Grabbing their coats and juggling the desserts, the girls left the restaurant.
Faith hailed two cabs, "B go home and grab our patrolling clothes and I will meet you at Red's place in a little while. Be careful B, I don't want anything to happen to you."
"You be careful too Faith." Buffy knew better than to argue with the brunette at this point. But they would have words later.
AT THE OPHANAGE
Faith quietly climbed the tree next to Peter's room and slipped in soundlessly. She went into the bathroom and took a few hairs out of his brush. She also grabbed his blue crayon on the table. She took a minute to check on the small boy. *Damn, he still had a fever.* She went back into the bathroom and got a cold washcloth. She placed it gently on his forehead before kissing him on the top of the head. She whispered, "See ya tomorrow little dude, I hope you are feeling better then." Faith left the same way she came in. Once down on the street again, she realized she had no money for a cab to get to Willow's.
A well placed smack on the side of a payphone and voila.
RING RING
"Hello?"
"Hi Red, it's me. Did B make it there safely?"
"She is just driving in now. Where are you? Are you okay?"
"If you have some magic cream to take the sting out of a burn, I wouldn't say no. I'm down the street from the Orphanage. I uhhh...don't have any money to take a cab to your place. B gave me the money to get here. It will take me about thirty minutes to walk there. Hang on to B, no matter what you have to do."
"Uhhh Faith, Buffy heard our conversation and she...she is on her way to pick you up. Go back to the front entrance and she will be there soon."
"Fuck...Red, it's not safe out here. Did you do the protection thing for her yet?"
"Just finishing it now and I did it for you first because I knew you would be out there trying to protect all of us. So you two should be safe until you get back here. And Faith?"
"Yeah Red?"
"I do have burn ointment waiting for you. Please be careful, you are important to more than just Buffy. You're my friend now too, don't make me turn you into a frog." Willow laughed but Faith didn't.
"Gulp, being careful Red. I promise." Faith smiled, she wasn't used to people caring, really caring about her.
"Red?"
"Yes Faith?"
"Do you blame me or will Buffy blame me for what's gonna happen?" Faith was learning to like being part of a group and she didn't want to lose that feeling.
"Of course not Faith. Contrary to your belief, you are not responsible for everything bad that happens here. What ever happens, IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT. Repeat after me, it's not my fault."
"But Red, it is my fault. He wants me to work for or with him and my saying no is what pissed him off. Fuck! if he hurts any of you..."
"Faith, do you honestly believe that if you had said yes to his offer, that he wouldn't track us down and do whatever he pleases anyway?"
"FUCK!!!!" Faith slid down the glass wall of the phone booth. Her hands covering her face as the tears of anger, fear and uncertainty took over.
TAP TAP
Faith looked up and saw the most beautiful site. Buffy was there and she was holding out her hand.
"Red, B is here now. We will see you soon. Bye." Faith got up and opened the booth. Buffy pulled the upset brunette into her arms and hugged her tightly.
"It's gonna be okay Faith. I'm here." Buffy hated seeing Faith in so much pain. *Christ, when does she get a break? When do WE get a break?*
Faith loved the warmth of being in Buffy's arms. For the first time in her short life, she felt safe and loved.
Buffy walked Faith over to the car and put her in. She put the seatbelt on her and kissed her gently on the lips. Shuting the door, she ran around and got in the driver's side and put her seatbelt on. Faith still clutched the hairs and crayon in her left hand.
BACK AT WILLOW'S APARTMENT
Willow was pacing back and forth. She hated waiting...waiting for what she wasn't sure. "Please Goddess, protect them both and lead them back here safely."
A few minutes later the redhead heard a car pull in the parking lot out back. She raced to her door and swung it open. Buffy had her arm around Faith's waist and they looked scared, each for the same reason.
*God, don't let Faith be hurt anymore...please.* Buffy wanted to hurt the man that had burned Faith.
*If you exist God, protect B. She's one of the good guys.* Faith didn't want Buffy involved in this problem but knew she would get several severe ass kickings if she tried to keep the blonde out of the loop.
Willow went into 'mother-hen' mode as soon as she saw Faith's hand. "Sit down Faith, let me take care of your hand."
Buffy snatched the ointment from Willow's hand. "I can do that Will, you need to cast the protection spell on the kid," Buffy said in a jealous voice that even she was ashamed of. "Sorry Will, didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"B! It can wait, Slayer Healing remember?" Faith watched in fascination as the witch cast the spell of protection on Peter.
"Done," the tired redhead said. "I put the strongest spell I could do on all of us."
"B, since I have to go to work tomorrow, I can keep an eye on Petey. I really need you to shadow Red. Now, where are my clothes?"
"Here Faith, you know I can patrol by myself. You can't hold a stake in that hand. Maybe you should stay..." Buffy's words were cut off by Faith shushing her.
"Don't go there B. We will patrol together and that's final. Just give me a minute to change. Faith grabbed her leather pants and black turtle neck and went into the bathroom to change. After hanging up the dress and changing, Faith slipped quietly out the window. *I won't let that bastard hurt the people I lo...care about.*
"Will, she thinks this is all her fault. How do I convince her that it's not?" Buffy felt guilty about not knowing how to help the woman she loved.
"Just keep telling her that. This isn't just Faith believing she is a screwup, which she isn't," Willow added hastily. "Her heart is involved now and she will do anything to protect you, me and Peter. Even if it means losing herself again."
"I won't let that happen Will. I just got her back." The possessiveness in Buffy's voice silenced anything the witch may have wanted to say.
"Come on Faith, get a move on. Let's go." Buffy yelled in the general direction of the bathroom.
Willow looked over at the bathroom door, "Buffy?"
"She's gone, isn't she?" Buffy ran to the door and pounded on it. "FAITH!" The blonde stepped back and shouldered the door open. She saw the open window and knew Faith had gone to try to deal with the problem on her own. *Shit and she got pissed when I wanted to go alone. Just you wait til I get my hands on you Faith.*
"Will, can you do a locator spell?"
"On it Buffy." Willow was chanting some long dead language and looking into a bowl of coloured water. She went into the bathroom and saw the dress, she pulled a hair off the shoulder and put it into the blue water in the bowl on the table. She saw a fuzzy Faith and it took a moment to clearify. "Buffy, she's at the mansion and she's gonna make a deal to protect all of us. You better hurry."
SLAM! Willow felt the front door close and she began praying for the safety of both Slayers.
Buffy peeled outta the parking lot and drove like a woman possessed. She arrived at the mansion in ten minutes. She was outta the car and running before the engine stopped.
IN THE MAIN OFFICE AT THE MANSION
"Well Faith, I think we both know why you're here."
"You and your fucking army leave my friends alone in perpituity and will do whatever you want."
"Like Hell you will Faith." Buffy said as she rushed in.
"B, Damn how did?...Red. You have to leave now."
"I'm afraid it's too late for that now Faith. Will you be on the winning side or the dying?"
Both girls Slayer senses went off the wall. They automatically turned back to back in a classic fighting position.
"The Chosen Two will win asshole, it's what we do, right Faith?"
"Damn B! Fasten your seatbelt, it's gonna be a bumpy ride."
"When this is over, we are going to have a long talk about this death wish of yours Faith." Buffy staked a vamp and he exploded into dust.
"I don't have a death wish B, but if someone has to die...better me than you." Faith dropped kicked a vamp and staked him.
"Neither of us has to die Faith. These vamps are of the stupid variety." Buffy threw two fangboys into the wall. Faith dusted them both.
*Fuck, there are too many of them. Gotta get B outta here.* Faith turned and grabbed Buffy around the waist and headed for the window. "GO! protect Red and Peter for me." Faith shoved the smaller blonde out the window just as she felt a bullet go through her left thigh.
"FUCK!" Faith watched as Buffy fell to the ground before turning to fight.
Vamp dust was flying, Faith had never felt so powerful. She staked a half dozen in minutes. She lost sight of the bastard that shot her but was kinda busy dusting the hired help. She knew the adrenaline would wear off soon and she would be helpless. *Gonna take as many of these fucks with me as I can. Sorry we won't get to finish our date B.*
Buffy had landed on her tailbone and wasn't happy. "FAITH! Buffy felt the hairs on her neck stand up. She looked around and saw her mother float up to the window and disappear.
Faith felt a new surge of energy and dusted the last five vampires before collasping on the floor.
< Easy Faith. >
"Mrs S?" Faith turned to look, but her leg reminded her that moving that way was a mistake. She groaned. "Is B safe? Is Red and Petey?"
< Yes dear, they are all fine for now. My daughter will probably ream you a new one, but I am grateful that you put her safety first. >
"Can't let B be hurt because of me...again," Faith said between gasps of pain. "Where is snake-ring guy?"
< He got away Faith, but at least my girls are safe. >
"Not for long, he hates losing. He's gonna be even more pissed now. Can you help me up?"
< Actually, > Joyce put her hand on the bullet wound and Faith felt a rush of warmth and electricity run through her. When she looked down at the wound, she saw it was almost healed.
"Thanks Mrs. S....uh Joyce."
< Faith listen to me, you are the key to defeating him. Like you knew the Mayor's weakness, you also know his. That is why it's so important for him to either get you on his side, control you or kill you. >
"His only weakness is diamonds. So unless you know of a cursed diamond..." Faith said as she stood up slowly.
< Talk to Giles, say these exact words Faith. Ireland 1438, and then contact Angel. He will know where to look. >
Joyce started to fade, but not before hugging Faith and telling her how much Buffy loves her. < I'll be here when either of you need me. Take care of yourself as well as everyone else close to you Faith. I love you. >
Faith went over to the phone and called Giles.
"Hey G-Man, I need you research something Joyce told me."
"Joyce?...Buffy's mother?" Giles was understandably confused.
"Yes, G-Man. She wanted me to repeat these words exactly... Ireland 1438. When you figure out what that means, I'm suppossed to call Angel."
"Do you have any idea what this is about Faith?"
"Yeah, kinda. I think it's about a cursed diamond of some kind. Diamonds are his only weakness. I'll drop by on my way to work tomorrow, if that's okay with you?"
"Of course it is. I will have something by then. Are you alright Faith? Are you injured?" Giles had visions of a badly hurt Faith run through his mind and he didn't like that one bit.
"I'll be fine G-Man. Joyce healed most of the damage for me. I told B to get back to Willow. Can you call there and let them know I'm on my way back to them?"
"Where are you Faith, I will come and get you."
"Naw, it's okay G-Man. I need to walk the stiffness out anyway, but thanks."
"Stiffness? What exactly did Joyce heal?"
"Relax, the bullet went right through."
"Bullet?" Giles put on his worried face.
"Ruined my favorite pair of pants too."
"Faith please, I'll get you a new pair of pants. Now how badly were you shot?"
"It went through my upper left thigh and now it's just itchy. One night of Slayer healing and I will be fine. Thanks for worrying about me. I'll see you tomorrow morning about 11:30am if that's okay? Oh and G-Man...I take size six."
"I would think that size six would be tighter than your skin. You'll see me in a few minutes missy. Stay there."
"Zig Hiel LP, and that's the whole point of leather pants." Faith smirked. She knew Giles would, against his better judgement, ask what that stood for.
"LP? Do I want to know what that stands for?" Giles gritted his teeth. *Why do I bother?*
"Limey Peeper." Faith laughed. She could picture Giles scrunching up his face, and shaking his head.
"Hrumphhhh, as annoying as G-Man is...it is preferable to that, thank you very much," Giles said as his stiff upper lip trembled and his eyes flashed, showing a bit of the old 'Ripper'.
"Okay G-Man. Hurry up, I need to see that B and Red are okay."
"Yes well, you still haven't told me where you are."
"Ooops, me bad. I'm at the mansion. I'll be waiting outside for you."
Giles pulled up in front of the mansion and looked around for the dark Slayer. He found her asleep on the porch. Gently shaking her, hoping not to get a shot upside the head for his trouble, Giles leaned down and spoke softly, "Faith?"
"G'way...sleeping." Faith grumbled.
Giles leaned down and noticing the dried blood on young girl's leg, carefully picked her up and carried her to his car.
"Huh?, whazzhappening?" Faith opened her eyes and looked around. She grabbed the arm in front of her, ready to do dammage.
"Faith, please. I will need that arm to drive you back to Willow's."
Faith blinked, and let go. "Sorry G-Man, I thought..."
"It's okay Faith. My god, what happened to you?" Giles was not amused when one of his Slayers was injured.
"He didn't like me saying no. He burned my hand and threatened B, Red and Petey. So I was gonna make a deal to protect everyone and B crashed the party. I kinda tossed her out of a window, got shot, ummm...dusted the rest of the hired help, and Joyce came and healed me. She gave me the message to give you and she left again. Oh FUCK!!! Did B get back to Red's place safely?" Faith began to panic, thinking about what could have happened to her blonde counterpart.
"Yes Faith, she is with Willow and they are both worried about you, as am I. If possible, I want you to start training with Buffy tomorrow. Allistar has a bit of a temper problem and unfortunately a way with weak minded fools. He will strike again, as soon as possible. He wants to keep you off balance. He's afraid of you Faith."
"That's what Joyce said too. But the only thing I know is he loves diamonds. Do you have any idea what Joyce meant by Ireland 1438?"
"Yes, I have a vague memory of something about the Slayer at that time. I will of course have to do some research..."
"ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ."
Giles looked over at the sleeping Slayer, *She lookes so young.* He started the car and drove to Willow's apartment. When he arrived he opened the door and gently lifted the dark girl up into his arms and walked to Willow's apartment. Using one knuckle, he knocked and was let in by Willow. He went over to the couch and laid the still sleeping Faith down.
"FAITH!" Buffy came running over.
"SHHHHH, Buffy. She's exausted, let her sleep." Giles admonished the blonde girl.
Buffy got a good look at Faith and cringed. "I knew that was a gunshot I heard. Damn you Faith, why didn't you trust me enough to let me help you fight them?"
Faith rubbed her eyes and sat up. "B, I do trust you. I wanted you to protect Red and Petey. I don't trust anyone else to do that."
Faith bit her bottom lip and looked at Buffy out of the corner of her eye.
"You need protection too Faith. Wait a minute...Willow, you said you put the protection spell on Faith...so how come she got hurt?" Buffy's protective streak was out in spades.
Willow looked away. She knew it wasn't her fault that Faith was hurt, but Buffy's words hurt too.
Faith saw the pain in Willow's eyes and didn't like seeing it.
"B, give Red a break. A gun isn't a magical device. You know anything can happen when we are Slaying. This isn't Red's fault...or yours."
"But...but, you got hurt twice tonight and I couldn't do anything about it either time. I'm so sorry Faith." Buffy, through sheer willpower alone, contained the tears threatening to fall.
"The only thing I'm sorry about is that we didn't get to finish our date. In case I forget to tell ya, you looked beautiful tonight B." Faith blushed and looked shy all of a sudden.
Buffy couldn't help herself, she pulled the dark girl into her arms and kissed her. Unknowingly, Buffy had put her hand down on Faith's thigh and the brunette was feeling the heat. She moaned into the kiss and Buffy growled.
Giles swallowed hard and looked at Willow who was smiling. She explained to Giles, "PSH in action."
As Giles was still confused, Willow whispered. "Post Slaying..."
"WILLOW!" Buffy yelled.
"RED!" Faith said loudly.
Both Slayers went beet red.
Giles remembered Faith's second favorite saying and he cleared his throat. "Well...umm, yes. I think everyone should get a good nights sleep. Buffy, I will assume you can drive yourself and Faith home? Faith please take care of yourself and I will see you in the morning."
"Of course Giles, I will see that she does take it easy."
"Hey, not made of porcelin, ya know?" Faith got up and swayed a bit.
Willow sat her back down. "Buffy, why don't you bring the car around front and I will help Faith."
"Hello? I can walk, it's only a little stiff now." Faith's protests were ignored.
"Wanna live in a pond Faith?" Willow smiled at the brunette to let her know she was joking.
Faith scowled, but decided this was one battle she wasn't going to win. She gave in, somewhat gracefully...muttering under her breath all the while. "I could use a shower, this vamp dust is itching like crazy." Faith scratched her head and dust fell out. She got up slowly this time and leaned on Giles, who picked her up again.
"Hey!" Faith yelped.
"Stop fighting me Faith, let me help you." Giles carried the brunette out to Buffy's car. "Make sure you clean that wound, I know it's mostly healed, but still."
Willow rushed out and handed Faith a tube of burn ointment for her hand.
"Thanks Red, G-Man." Looking over at Buffy, Faith smirked and said; "Home James and don't spare the horses."
"What am I gonna do with you?" Buffy laughed and started the car. She didn't hear the whispered reply of her fellow Slayer.
"Love me." Faith leaned her head against the window and promptly fell asleep. The next she knew Buffy was shaking her gently.
"We're home." Buffy's addrenalin rush was wearing off and she was almost as exausted as Faith.
Both girls walked into the house and upstair to their rooms. Just outside Faith's room, Buffy kissed Faith softly at first. Then harder as she plundered the dark girl's mouth. Faith pulled back. "B, not like this."
"Wha...Don't you want to be with me?" Buffy said in a hurt voice.
"Oh god yes, but I want our first time to be special. I want us to make love because that's what we want to do...not just satisfying horny Slayer needs. Please B, let me for once in my life do something right...for you." Faith's shy look was back.
Buffy cupped Faith's face and she smiled. "For us...Faith. You're right, not like this...at least not for our first time." Buffy winked.
Both girls turned and walked into their separate rooms.
(Faith's body) We need to get off and she was sooo willing. Are you outta your mind walking away from a sure thing?
(Faith's mind) Leave me outta this.
*Both of you just shut the fuck up.* Faith knew a cold shower wouldn't be enough...not tonight. She took her clothes off and went into the shower. As soon as she got in, her hand wandered down. "Beeeeeeeeeeeee...."
Buffy had never been so sexually frustrated before and she didn't like it. *Faith is right, but she is just so damn hot, I need...something.* Buffy stripped and turned the shower on. Her fingers were inside before she was even aware of it. "MMMMMFaithhhhhhh..."
Slayer hearing could be a boon or a pain. Right now Faith wasn't sure which. Hearing Buffy scream out her name as she came sent Faith carrening over the edge screaming out B's name. As if her orgasm wasn't powerful enough, she had felt B cum as well.
Buffy slid down the wall panting. Feeling Faith's orgasm through their Slayer bond had increased her own. *God when we do finally make love, we better not have any plans for the next several days 'cause I don't think I'll let her out of my bed.*
Faith got up and shook her head. *WOW B, when