The Badass Thang
by Nikita
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Not my characters etc.
Faith strolled across the parking lot towards UC Sunnydale. As it came into view, she stopped and grinned to herself. Eight months in a coma and the first thing she did was come looking for Buffy. Not that there was much else to do, she'd been bumming around Sunnydale since her watcher was killed, just keeping Buffy company when she could, slaying some vamps when the situation arose. Faith was well aware that she gave off the impression that she was a loner, but she had been living entirely for Buffy since they'd met. Not that it was always a positive thing. At first it had been fine, sisters in arms, synchronised slaying, the two slayers doing the damage to the undead residents of Sunnydale. Faith knew when it had all gone wrong. The day when Gwendolyn Post had arrived. Faith laughed when she remembered what she had said to her. It was true, she definitely had a problem with authority figures. They always ended up kind of dead. And of course that was the day she found out how little Buffy trusted her. That was hard to deal with. No scooby gang membership for Faith. And of course finding out Angel was back. Faith sighed when she thought of the pain of seeing him, worse than any broken bones, and Faith had gotten her fair share of them. She had almost left that day, but something had held her back, something she didn't quite understand.
She started walking again. Faith realised she was sweating, Sunnydale was far too hot a town to wear leather pants in. Or maybe it was the thought of seeing Buffy again. The idea made her want to run to her and hide at the same time. She had no idea what she would do. Faith didn't even know why she herself was here. Revenge? Redemption? Buffy had been all she thought about in her coma, and yet she didn't have the first clue what she was going to say.
Faith sighed again as she entered the grounds. Yeah, Buffy had been all she had thought about for months, but that included hurting her. Extremes and opposites were what the two slayers had always been about. Buffy's light to Faith's darkness. Good and evil. Open and closed. Faith grinned. Blonde and brunette. Opposites. Buffy even brought out Faith's inner extremes. When Faith wanted to help her, she gave herself wholly. Unfortunately, the same was also true when she wanted to hurt her. She grimaced, thinking of the pain she had caused her. The pain that they had caused each other.
Faith walked into the dorms of UC Sunnydale. She knew it would be easy to find Buffy, the slayer connection was still strong. She just hoped she was alone. A fleeting thought crossed her mind, what if Buffy knew she was here? What if she was ready for her? Of course, Buffy hadn't come to see her once in eight months. She probably wasn't even thinking about her. That would give Faith the edge.
She felt drawn to a room and walked towards it. Standing outside, she realised she still had no clue what she was going to do. She took a deep breath and knocked. Her stomach churned when she heard footsteps. Then the door opened.
"FAITH?!"
Damn. "Hey, Red. You miss me?"
"What? I mean, how? Why? What do you want?"
"I got kinda lonely, Red. Thought I'd look B up." Faith smirked, seeing the shock and confusion on Willow's face.
"She's not here and I don't think she'd want to see you anyway." Willow tried to close the door, but Faith put her foot against it. "Where is she?"
"Look Faith, do yourself a favour and get out of here. Why can't you just let us get on with our lives?"
"Red, is that the way to treat an old friend? I just want to catch up with my fellow slayer. Why wouldn't you want me to do that? Still jealous?"
"Jealous? Of you? Yeah right."
"C'mon Red, I saw the way you looked at her. You hated me because we had something you couldn't share with her." Faith smiled. "Scared she loves me best?"
Willow laughed. "Faith, she hates you. Even before you turned all evil, she only put up with you because she felt sorry for you." Willow smiled, seeing Faith's smirk fall from her face. "You screwed up, Faith. There's no way back."
Faith punched the door next to Willow's face, leaving a sizeable dent. "Tell me where she is!"
"Get out of here Faith."
Faith grinned at Willow. "Well, Red, I'm impressed. Finally grew a backbone, huh? I'll find her. Don't worry." She turned and strode away.
"I hope you don't Faith! For your sake!" Willow called after her.
Faith went back outside and kicked a wall a few times. Damn! Willow would tell Buffy she was back, violent as ever. Maybe she shouldn't have punched the door. So much for the dramatic entrance. What now? It was quite late, she guessed Buffy was probably patrolling. She decided to walk around the less populated areas of the campus.
She guessed almost right. Buffy had gone back to the dorm to pick up some weapons.
"Buffy!" Willow shouted when she returned.
"Hey, Will, you OK? What happened to the door?"
"Faith, she, she's back. She was here looking for you."
Buffy slumped down on the bed. "She's back?" She whispered. "How was she?"
"How was she? She's Faith! Remember, psycho slayer from Hell?"
"I mean, she didn't hurt you, right? Do you think she wants to fight?"
"Buffy, it's Faith. Do you think she knows how to do anything else? And no, she didn't hurt me, just the door. I stood up to her. Think I scared her a little."
Buffy smiled. "Good for you, Will." She stood up and collected some weapons.
"You're not going out there are you? She'll still be looking for you."
"Don't worry, I beat her the last time we fought, I can do it again."
"What are you going to do?"
Buffy sighed. "I'm going to set a new slayer in motion."
"Watch your back Buffy."
Faith was losing hope of finding Buffy tonight. The campus was almost deserted, apart from a few vamps which got the pointy end of Faith's stake. Where the Hell was she? Faith laughed, realising she was doing Buffy's job for her. She heard a yell from the other side of some bushes and rushed round, finding a vamp attacking a guy. Dusting him from behind she found herself face to face with Xander, who jumped up and backed away.
"I think I prefer the vampire...."
"Xander, I just want to find Buffy." Faith attempted to look non threatening, difficult while in slayer mode. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"Yeah? First time for everything."
"Where is she?"
"Why do you want to know? Can't wait to get back to that coma? That's where she'll put you, you know. Or worse. Or better, from my point of view."
"Not gonna happen Xand."
"Yeah? It's not just the slayer you have to worry about, her boyfriend and his commando buds kick ass too."
"Angel has commando buds?"
"Not Angel. Riley."
"What?! She guts me to save the love of her life and now they've broken up?!"
"Oh, I think she'd gut you just for the fun."
Faith sat down. "Where is she Xander?"
"Look Faith, just leave, OK? Since you saved me from that vamp, I'm going to let you go." He said, backing away.
"Gee, thanks. I was kinda scared for a sec!" Faith shouted, watching Xander run off. "Nice work on the screaming by the way! Getting more manly by the day!"
Faith got back up and looked around. She was never going to find Buffy. She decided to go stand in the grounds outside the dorms and wait for Buffy to find her.
Buffy's mind was in turmoil. Faith. She couldn't believe she had the nerve to come back here. She raised her eyebrows. That was Faith though, a risk taker to the end. Buffy tried to shake the feeling that kept engulfing her. The part of her that was excited to see her wouldn't shut up. Buffy tried to control herself. This was going to end in tears. It always did. The feelings between them were too strong, there was too much history. She didn't know what would happen, but she strode on, determined to find the younger slayer.
Faith was about to go back in to the main campus when she felt Buffy's presence. Whirling round, the two slayers found themselves face to face for the first time in months. They stood, just staring, neither knowing what to do.
Buffy waited for the dark slayer to make the first move, knowing it would be a violent one. She resisted the urge to hug her, scolding herself for the stupid feeling of relief she felt knowing that she was OK.
Faith knew it would be strange to see her, but nothing had prepared her for the feelings she had seeing the blonde again. All the pain, all the hurt washed over her and she lunged out with a punch that Buffy blocked easily. Kicks and punches were thrown, the slayers both surprised that they were still so evenly matched. Eventually, Buffy caught one of Faith's roundhouse kicks and flipped her over. Jumping on top of her, she pinned the younger slayer to the ground. Faith struggled beneath her, growing wilder.
"What are you waiting for B? Finish the job." Faith felt tears stream down her face. "Please B, just do it. I'm bad, I'm evil, just do it...."
Buffy looked down at Faith and felt a rush of sympathy. "Faith, I don't want to do this...."
"Please....I'm tired, just help, just do it...."
"Faith, I don't want to fight you."
"You tried to gut me blondie, what did you think? I'd wake up and we'd go for tea?"
"How about coffee?"
Faith smiled in spite of herself. "You're asking me out for coffee? B, I didn't know you felt that way."
Buffy ignored the joke. "What do you say Faith? Can we talk without fighting?"
"There's a first time for everything I guess."
Buffy got up warily and Faith followed.
"I have to go dump this stuff" Buffy said, pointing at her crossbow. "I'll meet you at the Bronze in half an hour, OK?"
"Yeah, OK." Faith replied, slightly confused at the turn of events. "You won't bring anyone will you?"
"I won't bring anyone, and you don't kill anyone on the way, deal?"
Faith smiled. "Deal."
"You're what?!" Willow exclaimed.
"Calm down Will. It's a busy place, neutral ground."
"Yeah, but Buffy, I thought you were going to fight her."
Buffy sat down. "That's all we've ever done, Will. Look where it's got us. Maybe if I'd made her talk to me before none of this would have happened."
"Buffy, remember when Angel came back from Hell-"
"How could I forget?"
"You couldn't see straight when it came to him. Why do I get the feeling it's the same with Faith?"
"It's not the same, I know I'm taking a big chance trusting her, but I can't help it Will, she and I are tied. Nothing's ever going to change that."
"You're not responsible for her."
"That's not what I meant."
Faith walked slowly towards the Bronze, idly remembering that it was the place of their first meeting. What would it be this time? A place to continue their rivalry, or a place to make a new beginning? Part of her thought about running away. What if Buffy betrayed her? You can't trust people, she reminded herself. She realised she wanted to trust her though. She felt so tired, it would be good to just talk instead of fighting all the time, even if it would only be for one night. Faith had tried to be everything Buffy wanted. Her opposite, her friend, and when there seemed there was no place for her in that capacity, she became her enemy. She smiled ruefully when she realised that all she had done she had done for Buffy in a misguided attempt to make her life complete. She wanted Buffy to think about her as much as Faith thought about the blonde. And if the only way to make that happen was to be her enemy, so be it.
It wasn't going to be like that this time though, Faith resolved. If Buffy wanted her to talk, that's just what she was going to do. She'd tell Buffy everything. Faith entered the Bronze. She had let Buffy be her judge, jury and executioner before. This time she'd at least let her have the whole story before she passed judgement. She sat down and waited.
Buffy arrived at the Bronze a few minutes later and saw Faith sitting at a table fidgeting. Fidgeting! Buffy smiled seeing Faith so nervous. That was one word that she never thought she would use to describe Faith. Walking towards the table, Buffy realised that she was nervous herself. She still wanted to help the dark slayer, even after all she had done.
Faith looked up and Buffy caught the look of relief on her face. It broke her heart to see the lack of trust in her eyes.
"I got you a coke."
Buffy relaxed, the small gesture spoke volumes. No fighting tonight, at least.
"So, B, you invited me out. What now?"
"I thought we could chat."
Faith laughed. "That sounds so light after everything."
"I know. Are you OK with this?"
"Five by five."
Buffy sat down opposite her. "Where do we start?"
"From the beginning, I guess."
"Logical." Buffy took a deep breath. "When you first came, I was just getting my life back together. You showed up and I freaked. I didn't want to have to share it."
"I know, I kinda gatecrashed."
"But after I got used to it, it felt good to have someone around that knew what I was going through, you know?"
"Yeah, synchronised slaying." Faith grinned. "New Olympic category."
Buffy smiled back. "I didn't know how to handle you though. You're not like anyone else I know. I'm sorry I didn't push hard enough to find out what was wrong. You seemed so self assured."
"It's wasn't your fault, B. I don't think you could have got me to open up whatever you did. I was in a bad place then."
"And now?"
"I can see the light." Faith laughed, "I just don't know if my train will stop there."
"Why couldn't you trust me?"
"C'mon B, I'm not stupid. I knew I was surplus to requirements. You had the friends, the boyfriend, the scooby gang, the family. Red was right, you were putting up with me because you felt sorry for me."
"That's not true."
"B, you never let me in. We all know I think you can't trust people. Do you really think I was going to open up to someone who didn't even let me in on their secret meetings? I was never part of the group B."
"I didn't think you needed it. I should have taken the time to find out. I should have taken time to ask you."
"You had a lot on B. Especially with Angel back and all." Faith dropped her eyes to the table. "I wanted to kill him."
"You almost did. Twice."
"I know, I'm sorry. I hated him for being so close to you, and I hated him for hurting you so bad. I can't believe that I ended up doing the same thing. I should of supported you. He was the love of your life."
"We broke up."
"Yeah, I bumped into Xander. He gave me a big hug, overjoyed to see me, y'know? He told me about your new stud."
"Are you OK?" Buffy asked, seeing the look of Faith's face.
She smiled. "I was ready to beat something up. Can you blame me B? You were ready to kill me for dead boy, and now you're not even together."
"I loved him so much."
"I know. Kinda puts me in my place."
They sat in silence for a moment until Faith broke it quietly. "I wanted to make you happy, B. When I saw that I didn't have a place in your life as a friend, I decided to be your enemy."
"Why would that make me happy?"
"When I killed that guy, I saw how guilty you felt. I thought I could push all my own guilt down inside and take yours too. If you saw me being the bad guy, you could go on and be OK."
"You felt guilty?"
"I killed a man B! Of course I felt bad. The thing is-"
"It's easier to play the villain than deal with it."
"Got it in one, sweetie."
"Faith, I would have helped you. If you'd just let me in...."
"I'm letting you in now. Kinda late, I guess, but hey." Faith looked at her. "I'm sorry. I wish I could change what I did."
"You can't, but you can deal. You can own up."
Faith sighed. "I know. I will. I promise."
"I trust you."
"Thanks B."
"Faith, I can't believe you're opening up so much."
"On the road to redemption, huh?"
"Definitely. I knew you could do it."
"So is this too much for you to handle? Want to hear more?"
"Hey, while we're on a roll...."
"OK, first, fill me in. What's new around here?"
"Well," Buffy leaned back. "Angel and Cordelia have moved to LA, Oz is gone, Xander and Anya are together, oh, and big news, Willow's going out with a girl called Tara."
Faith almost spat out her drink. "Red?! Are you serious? Way to go."
"Yeah, I was kind of shocked, but she's happy."
"And you've got a new stud."
"Yeah, Riley. He's great."
"How so?"
"He's just such a NICE guy. Just what I needed after-"
"Dead boy."
"Uh huh." Buffy looked down.
"What's up?"
"OK, since we're into the truth thang, I guess I'll tell you. He's a great guy. Really."
"But?"
"He's kind of boring."
Faith grinned. "See B? I knew you loved the danger."
"I think he's kind of a rebound, but I don't want to hurt him. He's so nice."
"I hate nice. It's just another word for dull."
"So what about you? Got any guys on the go?"
"B, I've been out of a coma for a day."
"Yeah, what's taking you so long?"
"Ha ha."
"I bet you had some good dreams though."
Faith coughed. "Can't remember."
"Faith? Open, remember? You're not one for being shy."
"I can't believe we're sitting here `chatting'"
Buffy grinned. "Feels good. But don't change the subject."
"Are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Yup. Spill."
"I was in a coma for eight months. Every dream I can remember was about you." She looked at Buffy's surprised expression. "Freaked?"
"Slightly."
"I'm not gonna tell you this."
Buffy leaned forward and took her hand. "Talk."
Faith took a deep breath. "OK. Here goes. I don't know how much you remember about hanging out with me before I betrayed you."
"Let's not use that word."
"Went to the dark side then, whatever. I don't know what you remember, or what you realised, or anything, but I...."
"What?"
"Everything I did, it was to try to get you to think about me in a certain way."
"Yesss...." Buffy prompted.
"You know, `hungry and horny', `all men are beasts' asking you to homecoming, drawing the heart on the window in your chem test. You get the picture."
"What are you saying?" Buffy asked quietly.
Faith sighed again. "I loved you from the first time I saw you. There's been times when I`ve hated you, but I never stopped loving you."
"I never realised."
"C'mon B! Why did you think I hated Angel so much? Why did you think I hung around here for months after we killed Kakistos? Even when we were on opposite sides, you were all I thought about. Just like Angel when he turned into a badass."
"Faith, I don't know what to say."
"What can you say? It's OK B. I never expected anything. I just wanted to be part of your life."
Buffy looked the slayer over. "When we were together, it scared me. I don't think I ever felt so free." She admitted. "There was always this connection, something I never had with anyone else, but I thought, hey! Slayer thing. But since I broke up with Angel, I started to wonder if it could be more."
Faith looked up quickly. "What do you mean?"
"When you went to work for the mayor, I was so hurt. I felt like I'd lost a part of myself. I tried to hate you, but I couldn't. I stabbed you. I put you in a coma and I never came to see you because I wanted you out of my life. You scared me. The thing is, it never worked. I never once stopped thinking about you. I missed you! And even after everything that happened, I couldn't stop loving you." Buffy looked at her straight in the eye. The new hope there warmed her heart. "Riley was definitely rebound. But not just from the bad boy thing. From the bad girl too."
Faith was speechless. It had been all she ever wanted Buffy to say to her, and now she didn't know what to do.
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know, Faith."
"Do you trust me?"
Buffy grinned. "I hope this isn't stupid, but yes, I do."
"Do you still love me?"
Buffy paused, pulling the question around her mind. "Yes."
Faith brushed her hair out of Buffy's eyes and leaned forward. "I love you B."
Buffy took a deep breath as Faith slowly brought her lips to hers. They kissed carefully until Buffy drew back. She looked into the dark slayer's eyes and broke into a smile. She took Faith's hand. "Come on."
"Where are we going?"
"Your place, I don't think Will would be too happy with this."
They walked slowly towards Faith's motel room, savouring the anticipation. Hand in hand they walked through the door and closed it behind them.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Faith asked gently.
"Yes."
Faith pulled her close, gentle kisses turning quickly to heated passion. Slipping each other's clothes of they made love slowly but passionately, until, both satisfied, they lay back in each other's arms.
"I love you B." Faith smiled.
"I love you too."
The younger slayer rested her head on Buffy's stomach and peacefully drifted off to sleep. Buffy lay awake listening to Faith's breathing. She had no doubts that Faith would give herself up in the morning and when she had served her sentence, Buffy would be waiting there for her. The bond between the two, always passed off as a slayer thing, was undoubtedly more. This was love, pure and simple. Buffy smiled, watching the younger slayer sleep. There would be some hard times to come, but she knew the two slayers would face it together. She kissed the dark slayer softly.
"I love you." She whispered again, before falling asleep.
<One Year Later>
Buffy stood outside the gate of Sunnydale prison and waited. It was a typically warm December in Sunnydale, the sun shone brightly and people went about their business as if today was like any other. For Buffy however, this was the day that she had been waiting for all year. It had been a long time, Faith hadn't wanted Buffy to see her in prison. She grinned as she remembered Faith's trademark bravado the last time they saw each other, "Let's wait a bit before we see each other in handcuffs." This would be the real test though. Waiting would seem easy compared to introducing the gang and indeed, the world, to slayer love.
Buffy had been surprised that the gang had seemed OK with Faith being released, especially since her sentence had been relatively short. Faith had been lucky, her age, background, and questionable sanity had all worked in her favour. Buffy didn't think they'd be so cool when they realised Faith would be sticking around though, and as for them being together.....but that was tomorrow, and this was now.
Buffy looked around at the other people waiting. There were a few men, a few women, and some older people with kids. She sighed, wondering what it would be like to lose a parent for so long. Would they understand? Some of them were so young, maybe they'd forget how to trust people, just like Faith. The clock struck 3 and the gates were opened. Buffy looked up eagerly, searching for the brunette amidst the crowd of people. Then she saw her looking around nervously. Buffy stood and waited for her to see her. Faith caught her eye after a moment and Buffy could see the relief on her face, even from so far away. Walking towards her, Buffy smiled. She was as beautiful as ever.
When they reached each other, Buffy caught the younger slayer in a warm embrace and kissed her gently.
"I missed you."
"Ditto, B." Faith replied. "I'm glad you came."
"Like you could stop me!"
Faith grinned sheepishly. "I wasn't sure, a year's a long time, and all those hot college studs...."
"Faith, you're not getting jealous on me are you? You were the one locked up with hundreds of women...."
Faith laughed. "C'mon B, I only have eyes for you. Of course, I had to persuade most of them that...."
Buffy hit her playfully. "Well, I guess I have to expect competition when I'm with Miss World here."
Faith kissed her. "There's no one even in the same league."
Buffy eyed her hungrily. "I think we should make up for lost time...."
"We better get me a place to stay first. I doubt Red would be too happy with `Hey, Faith just got out of prison! Now we're going to make passionate love, can you clear out of here?'" "Good point. Let's go."
The next morning, Faith woke up to find Buffy gazing at her.
"Morning hon." Buffy smiled.
Faith rolled sleepily on to her side to face the blonde and stroked her hair. "This feels good."
"Yup. Can't last too long though."
"Huh?"
"I have to get to class."
"Oh, right." Faith looked disappointed.
"Hey," Buffy kissed her. "I'll see you later, OK?"
"Of course. Do you want me to meet you someplace?"
Buffy kissed her again and rolled reluctantly out of bed. "Well, I was thinking we should tell the guys today."
"Get it over with?"
"Yeah." Buffy pulled on some clothes and headed to the bathroom.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Faith called after her.
Buffy walked back out brushing her teeth and sighed. "I think it might be easier if I do it alone."
"Right."
"Is that OK?"
"Five by five."
She put the toothbrush back in the bathroom and walked over to Faith. "I'll be back as soon as I'm done." She kissed her softly. "I love you."
Faith smiled. "I love you too B."
Buffy stood in front of her friends in Giles' apartment and felt like she was on trial. The silence was making her nervous.
"Will someone please say something?"
Giles took off his glasses and cleaned them thoughtfully. "Well," he began, "She's served her time, I suppose we ought to give her a second chance...."
"No!" Willow interrupted. "Buffy, you can't trust her."
"I have to agree with Will on this." Xander put in. "I knew you guys had made peace, but this?"
"Anyway," Willow continued, "I thought she'd be moving on after this. Fine, she served her time, and y'know, maybe she's OK right now, but you don't know when she's going to go psycho again."
"Maybe she never will." Buffy replied. "She's changed."
"Buffy, what if she does? What if she flips again? You might have to kill her."
"Hey, I'm getting pretty used to killing people I love."
"I'm serious. I don't like her and I don't trust her, and I don't want to see you have to do that....you love her?"
"Yes. I do."
"How? How can you forgive her after all she's done?!" Willow exclaimed. "What is it with you and the bad thing?" Willow was silenced by a hand on her arm. Tara looked at her shyly.
"I know I wasn't here when all the bad stuff happened," she began quietly, "but everyone deserves a second chance. Especially for love." She smiled gently at the redhead and Willow felt her resolve face melting.
"Look," Anya butted in. "Who cares? If she goes bad, you'll kill her, if not, then we'll kill vampires." She turned to Xander. "Wait, you had sex with her didn't you?" Putting her arms round him, the ex-demon looked back at Buffy. "Just keep her on a leash. Xander's mine."
Buffy concealed a smile. "I think it'll be OK."
Xander leaned back. "We're your friends, Buff. We just want what's best. Be careful, OK?"
"Yes," Giles agreed. "Don't let yourself be blinded like you did with Angel."
"Why is Angel always brought up? Hello, different people!" Buffy replied. "Also, he only went bad because he lost his soul, Faith has that added bonus, no matter how much s-"
"Enough!" Giles interrupted quickly.
"No, go on." Xander grinned before Anya hit him over the head. "OW!"
Willow sighed. "OK, Buffy. But don't expect me to like her. Or trust her."
"Thanks guys." Buffy smiled. "How do you all feel about a reunion?"
Buffy returned to the motel to find Faith watching TV and smoking a cigarette.
"This is new."
"Yeah, have to break the monotony somehow." Faith replied, switching off the TV. "How'd it go?"
"Better than expected, actually. We're meeting at the Bronze in an hour."
"What? Already?" Faith stubbed out her cigarette and rushed to her wardrobe. She began pulling clothes out and throwing them on the bed.
"Running away? They're not that scary." Buffy grinned.
"Haha. I gotta find something to wear!"
Buffy laughed and lay down on the bed. "OK, if that's how you want to spend this hour...."
Faith stopped and turned. "Got a better suggestion?" She asked, walking towards her.
"Maybe...." Buffy said, pulling her down.
Faith and Buffy entered the Bronze hand in hand and walked over to the already assembled Scooby gang. The conversation stopped abruptly as they reached the table.
"You don't have to stop on account of us." Buffy commented, pulling up a couple of chairs.
"Hey." Faith greeted them, looking around.
"Hello Faith." Giles filled in the silence. "How are you?"
"Yeah, how was Sunnydale prison? Not too much fun, I hope." Xander asked.
"Five by five." Faith replied, looking down.
"Five by five. How nice." Willow said sarcastically.
They sat for a few moments, no one quite knowing what to do. Buffy looked from person to person. As uncomfortable silences went, this was excruciating.Then, surprising everyone, Tara extended her hand.
"I'm Tara." She said in a voice barely above a whisper. "It's nice to meet you."
Faith looked at her gratefully and shook her hand. "You too, I heard a lot about you."
"I'm Anya" The other blonde said. "Xander's mine now. I'm glad you're a lesbian."
Faith laughed. "So am I. No offence, Xander."
"Hey, none taken. Anya gives out abuse almost as well as you do. OW." He finished as Anya hit him again. "See?"
Buffy relaxed, the gang seemed to be thawing, all except Willow. As the others chatted, she took the red head to the bar.
"Will, I know how difficult this is for you."
"No, you don't, Buffy. I saw this happen before, and I don't want to see it happen again."
"Can't you give her a chance? She's trying really hard."
"I don't trust her. What do you expect?" Willow shrugged.
"I'm not asking you to trust her, but Will, I love her and you're my best friend. I want you to get along."
Willow sighed. "I'm going to lose you."
"To Faith? Will, I love you both. It's different with her, that's all. You're not going to lose me."
"I love you Buffy, I don't want to see you fall apart again."
"I won't, I've got you."
Willow nodded. "OK, I'll try."
"Thanks Will."
They walked back over to the table where Faith was getting up.
"Where d'you think you're going?" Buffy asked.
"Outa smokes. I'll be back in ten."
"OK." Buffy sat down.
"I'll come with you." Willow said, grabbing her jacket. The group looked at each other.
"Sure?" Faith asked. "Out in the big bad night with a badass slayer?"
"Oh, come on." Willow sighed, walking towards the door. Faith shrugged at Buffy and followed her.
"So, Red. What's up?" Faith asked as they walked towards a gas station.
"I don't like you and I don't trust you."
"Really?!" Faith exclaimed in mock surprise. "I'd never have guessed."
"Don't make this more difficult Faith."
"Why are you out here then? Buffy ask you?"
"Not exactly. She asked me to give you a chance, and I'm going to because I love her. But if you hurt her...."
"I'm not making you any promises Red, But I'll tell you this. I love her. I always have, and I'm going to try my hardest to make this work because she loves me too."
"Yeah, so I gathered."
"Big problem with that, huh?"
"Do you blame me?!"
"No, I guess not." Faith turned to her. "I didn't want all that stuff to happen. I messed up."
"Hello, understatement."
Faith sighed. "I'm gonna get smokes. Wait a sec."
When she returned, Willow was sitting on a wall. "Let's talk about this properly."
"OK." Faith sat down next to her.
"I'm going to be open here."
"Shoot."
"I'm guessing the gang will all be OK with you being here. Giles is the voice of reason, Anya and Tara weren't here when all this happened, and Xander will just think of you and Buffy in bed and that'll satisfy him."
"And you?"
"I don't understand how Buffy can forgive you so easily, but I guess when you're in love you see people differently."
"That's true." Faith said, lighting a cigarette.
"Tara's right though, everyone deserves a second chance. Even though I think you've had a lot of them already."
"She's a sweetie."
"Don't get any ideas."
Faith laughed.
"So," Willow continued, "Don't expect me to trust you, but I'm going to withhold judgment."
"Thanks Red."
"I'm doing this for Buffy, not for you."
"I know."
They returned to the Bronze as everyone was getting ready to leave.
"No fighting?" Buffy asked Faith quietly, who shook her head.
"OK guys, later." Xander said, pulling on his jacket. Buffy squeezed Willow's arm as they left.
"Thanks." She whispered. Willow nodded back. "Are you coming back tonight?"
Buffy looked at Faith who was staring thoughtfully into the mid distance, "I think I'll see you tomorrow."
"OK."
Faith and Buffy walked slowly back to the motel.
"Went OK." Faith commented.
"Yeah, better than planned." She laughed. "I don't think Anya was too pleased about Xander's subtle questions about our sex life though."
Faith smiled absentmindedly. "Sure."
"What's up?"
"Dunno."
"C'mon. Is it Will?"
"I can't believe she hates me that much. She's never going to trust me again."
"You did hold her hostage." Buffy reminded her gently.
"Yeah, she's got every right."
"She'll be OK."
"I hope so. Look, you go on. I'm gonna do a quick patrol."
"On your own?"
"Yeah, I feel some major slaying coming on."
"OK. Don't be too long." Buffy smiled and kissed her. "I'll be waiting for you."
A few vamps later, Faith felt calmer. She headed back to the hotel room resolved to make things up with Willow in the morning, for Buffy's sake if nothing else. When she returned, she found Buffy lying on the bed in the dark. Grinning, Faith slid up the bed quietly until she was face to face with her lover. She kissed her neck gently, trying to wake her up. When Buffy didn't stir, Faith scratched at her stomach with her nails. Still nothing. Faith frowned and turned on the light. Then she saw the blood.
"Buffy!" she yelled, shaking her. She was breathing, but only barely, and there were symbols carved into her arms and chest. Grabbing the phone, Faith called Giles.
"Hello? The voice on the other end asked sleepily.
"It's Buffy! She's hurt, get over here!"
They had taken Buffy to Giles' apartment where the rest of the gang met them.
Tara began dripping a general healing remedy into Buffy's mouth and Willow headed straight for the bookshelf.
"How's she doing?" Xander asked, looking at the unconscious slayer.
"She's losing a lot of blood." Giles replied clinically. "Help Willow find out what these markings mean."
"What can I do?" Faith asked, never letting go of the older slayer's hand. "I can't just sit here."
"Talk to her. There's nothing else you can do at the moment." Giles assured her. "I'm sure she knows you're there."
"Here!" Willow shouted. "The markings are the signature of a Chaos demon that belongs to a clan called `Viscon'. They're mercenaries."
"So they're working for something else." Giles pondered. "Does it say how they kill their victims?"
"Yes, they draw these markings with their claws." Willow looked up. "Their claws are poisonous. "
"How do we cure her?" Giles asked.
"And how do we kill it?" Xander stood up.
"Killing is the usual, stab through the heart. It says the poison eats through the heart, slowly, thank God. The cure is...." She flipped the page.
"Slayer's blood." Faith said quietly.
"How do you know?" Anya asked.
"It's the same stuff I used on Angel, except I diluted it to make it slower and keep him conscious."
"Like the sweetums you are." Xander chipped in.
"Come on, let's do it." Faith stood up.
"Faith, it took almost all of Buffy's blood to cure Angel. If this is stronger...." Giles laid a hand on the dark slayer's shoulder.
"Less talk, more action." Faith replied.
"You could die." He finished.
Faith looked at him. "It's me or her. If she dies, I'm dead anyway." She looked at Willow. "You're the science girl, can you set up a transfusion thing?"
"I guess."
When it was all set up, Faith kissed Buffy and lay down. "Go for it. Tell her I love her." She said as she drifted into blackness.
Three days later, Buffy sat holding Faith's hand as she lay unconscious on the hospital bed. She was strongly reminded of the last time Faith was in a coma. Both times she had ended up there because of Buffy. In a round about way, both times because of their love. She wondered what she was dreaming about this time.
"I love you." She whispered for the umpteenth time that day. "I love you."
Willow came quietly into the room. "Any change?"
"None. I feel so helpless."
"She knows you're here."
Buffy continued to look at the dark slayer, so much like a child when she slept. "I still can't believe she did that for me."
Willow sighed. "She loves you."
"I know. I guess I just didn't realise how much."
"She really changed." Willow admitted. "But I think she would have died for you even before all the bad."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Everything she did was for you. It was pretty obvious you were all she lived for."
"She moved!"
"Huh? OK, I'll get a nurse!" Willow ran out of the room.
"Buffy?" Faith whispered.
"Yeah baby, I'm here." Buffy smiled as Faith opened her eyes. "Welcome back."
The next day, Faith was released. Back in the motel room she lay with Buffy on the bed.
"So I killed the demon easily enough. Didn't find out who hired it though. But we will." Buffy explained.
"So it's all good?" Faith asked.
"Yup, everyone was very impressed with your heroics by the way." Buffy grinned, stroking her hair. "Not least, me."
"Hey, no biggie."
"Yeah, it was. I love you and thank you."
"I love you too B." Faith grinned and pulled Buffy on top of her. "How about a reward?"
Buffy laughed. "I guess you do deserve something...."
Outside the motel, a blonde vampire stood. Two slayers, he mused. He'd have to come up with a better battle plan. No more chaos demons. This could be fun, he thought. If he didn't get his ass kicked again like the last time he was in Sunnydale.
"You better watch out, slayers." He whispered. "'Cause the big bad is back...."
Faith woke to the sound of Buffy talking on the phone. She stretched and rolled over, enjoying the space in the bed. Buffy's dorm room was nice, but there was something to be said for the sleazy motel that Faith called home. At least it had a double bed.
"I guess," Buffy was saying. "I'll see you tomorrow then? OK." She hung up the phone and lay back down on the bed. Faith groaned and moved over.
"We need to sort these sleeping arrangements, B." She moaned. "Who was that anyway?"
"Angel." Buffy said quietly.
Faith looked at her lover. "Oh yeah? What did dead boy want?"
"There's trouble. Spike."
"Uh huh." Faith scowled. "So?"
Buffy put her arms round her. "I think this is serious. He's coming over tomorrow."
"Great."
"Look Faith, he just wants to help."
"Yeah, I bet." She pushed Buffy off her and began to dress. "I gotta go. Stuff to do."
Buffy sighed. "OK. I'll see you later?"
"Whatever." Faith replied as she walked out of the room.
Willow returned that evening to find Buffy slouched in a chair.
"Hey." Willow smiled.
"You look happy. Been with Tara?"
"Yeah." She grinned. "You know, we understand each other so well. I can't believe we've been together so long. We've never even had a fight."
Buffy sighed. "Must be nice."
"Uh oh." Willow sat down. "What's up?"
Buffy groaned. "Angel called. Says something's up. Spike's on the loose and he's recruiting vampires. I think something big is going to happen."
"And?"
"He's coming over. Faith's less than ecstatic."
"C'mon Buffy. She knows the deal with you and Angel. What do you expect?"
"I expect her to have a little confidence in me! Angel's totally of the past."
"Sure?" Willow asked. "You haven't seen him since Graduation...."
"It's over."
"Fine. Just make sure she knows that. Faith and rational thought don't always go hand in hand." Willow picked up the phone.
"Scooby meeting tomorrow I think."
The next day Buffy called over at Faith's.
"Hey hon." She smiled. "What happened to you last night? You weren't picking up the phone."
"Patrolling." Faith replied, turning the TV on.
Buffy turned it back off. "OK, what's the problem?"
"Nothing. It's all five by five." Faith replied, grabbing the remote and switching it on again. Buffy pulled the plug out the socket.
"Talk."
"Nothing is wrong, OK?" Faith scowled.
"Fine, whatever." Buffy sighed. "You still have responsibilities though. Scooby meeting."
"Fine." Faith replied, grabbing her jacket.
Buffy looked round the room. "This place is a dump. What happened to the wall?" She asked, noticing a huge dent.
"Nothing! If you don't like it, don't come here." Faith shouted, walking out the door. Buffy sighed and followed her.
The gang were already assembled as the two slayers entered Giles' apartment. Angel stood up to greet them. "Buffy." He smiled.
"Hi." She replied. "Good to see you."
"Faith." Angel nodded.
"Dead boy." She said, sitting down in an armchair.
Xander stood up. "This is great! Nothing like an impending disaster to bring the family together!" Willow shot him a look and he shut up.
"Right." Giles said, taking control. "Pleasantries aside, what's happening?"
Angel walked to the front of the group. "Spike's back, and he's looking for trouble." He turned to Giles. "There's an important day in the vampire calendar soon. An anniversary of a massacre that happened here, five hundred years ago."
Giles frowned. "Any mystical significance?"
"No, just tradition. Every hundred years, one vampire takes it on himself to lead an army on a killing spree. Spike has elected himself."
"This rings a bell." Giles walked over to his bookshelves and picked out a book. "Oh." He said, finding the page. "Last time it wasn't too bad, as these things go." He looked up sharply. "The time before that though, it went on for weeks. A total bloodbath." He closed his book. "And the leader was a vampire called Angelus."
Angel sighed. "Yes."
Faith snorted.
"Right," Buffy said, giving her lover a look. "When is this going to happen?"
"Tomorrow." Giles replied.
Buffy turned to Angel. "Fantastic. What can we expect?"
"This going to be major. Usually vampires don't fight alongside rival clans, but this will be different."
"How do we stop it? We can't fight an army."
Angel sighed. "It's going to be difficult, but the way to stop them is to get Spike. We get the leader, the rest will stop. Like I said, tradition."
"What if we don't?" Xander asked.
"Then they'll keep killing."
"But you stopped, and no one got you." Willow said.
Angel looked up. "Earthquake. I didn't have a choice, thank God."
Buffy stood up. "OK, Giles, battle plan."
"Yes." He took off his glasses and wiped them. "Xander, you go and find Willie. Find out where Spike's going to be hiding. Faith, you better go with him, he's scared of you. Willow, Tara, I want some healing remedies made. Anya, research with me. Angel and Buffy, get patrolling."
The scoobies stood. Giles turned to Buffy. "One more thing. I think the Initiative should be told."
Faith and Xander started the walk to Willy's bar.
"You OK?" Xander asked gently.
"I guess." Faith replied.
"They have to talk, that's all. You don't have to worry."
"I know." Faith sighed. "It's just, I mean, what if there's still something there?"
"Look Faith, there's always going to be something there. He was her first big love, you know?"
"Thanks Xander." Faith grimaced. "Just what I wanted to hear."
Xander stopped and turned to her. "You haven't been in love before Buffy, have you?"
"So?"
"It doesn't go away that easily. She's always going to love him. What you have to understand is that it's you she wants now. Think about Willow. She's so happy with Tara, they love each other so much, but I know there are some nights she cries herself to sleep over Oz."
"But why? That's in the past."
"Yes, it is. She loves Tara, she chooses Tara, but Oz was a huge part of her life. You don't just forget someone like that."
Faith sighed. "I suppose."
"I even miss Cordelia sometimes." Xander admitted. "Don't tell Anya though. See, I miss her, I miss what we had, Sometimes I really want to see her again. But here's the point. I don't want it back. You know what I mean?"
Faith started walking again. "I think so. I just can't help worrying."
They arrived at the bar and went inside. Faith composed herself and got ready to enjoy the interrogation. Slaying was great, but threatening people could be fun too.
Buffy knocked on Riley's door, unsure of how he would react.
"Buffy!" He exclaimed. "What do you want?"
"I need some help." She replied.
"Come in."
Buffy entered and began to explain the situation.
"So, I know we haven't really talked recently," she said carefully "but we're on the same side, right? We can take care of Spike, but an army of vampires is a different matter."
"Uh huh." Riley sat down. "Of course I'll help. I'll brief the team in the morning."
"Thanks, Riley. You're a good guy."
"I know." He said. "How's Faith?"
"Fine. All five by five, as she would say." Buffy lied.
"You know I'm here if you need to talk, right?"
Buffy smiled at him. "How'd you get to be so nice?"
Riley just smiled.
Buffy met Angel outside.
"OK?" He asked.
"Yup. He's getting the team sorted tomorrow, no questions asked."
"Nice guy."
"Yes, yes. I know." Buffy snapped.
Angel frowned. "OK. Look, I'm not expecting much action tonight."
Buffy jumped. "Huh?"
"Vampires." Angel said slowly. "They'll be saving their strength."
"Oh, right." Buffy relaxed. "I think we should do a patrol anyway."
"All right."
Willow and Tara were making remedies when Faith returned to the dorm room.
"Hey." Willow said, "Everything OK?"
Faith sighed. "I'm fine, I'm not going psycho again, I haven't staked dead boy, I didn't kill Willy. All is five by Goddamn five." She slumped down on Buffy's bed.
Willow and Tara exchanged a glance. "Good." Willow said. "But I just meant, did you get the info?"
"Oh. Yeah, Spike's at a warehouse on the other side of town."
"We're meeting at six at Giles' tomorrow." Willow said.
Faith got up. "OK, I'll see you there. I'm going to go get some sleep." She said, walking out the door.
"I told you it was going to be quiet." Angel said as they entered the fifth cemetery.
"Better to be safe and all that." Buffy replied.
"It's good to see you Buffy. I missed you." Angel turned to her. "It's been a long time."
Buffy sighed. "I missed you too. But it has been a long time. You know how things are, right?"
Angel smiled. "I know. It doesn't mean I've changed though."
Buffy looked at him. "Some days you're all I can think about." She admitted. "But thinking is one thing, doing is another."
Angel stroked her hair. He pulled her close and kissed her. Buffy pulled away. "Don't." She said. "Doing is another. I miss you, I still love you. I doubt that'll ever change. But I don't want you anymore. I'm sorry."
Angel closed his eyes. "I know. I just feel like a part of me is missing."
"I'm here Angel. I'm always here for you." She looked into his eyes. "But I love her now."
Angel nodded and walked on.
Buffy slumped on the bed in the dorm.
"How was it?" Willow asked.
"He kissed me." Buffy mumbled into her pillow.
Willow sat down next to her. "And?"
Buffy groaned. "I hate this. It's so complicated." She turned over and looked at Willow. "I miss him. I love him. I still want to be part of his life. But I'm not IN love with him anymore."
"So what's the problem?"
"I think he's still in love with me."
Willow smiled. "Buffy, it only matters what you feel here. I know you're not going to do anything stupid."
"I hate that Faith hates him being here. I want us all to be friends. I don't get what the problem is. I love all you guys, but it's her I want."
"She doesn't understand that."
"It's not hard! Why doesn't she get it? She must have been in the same situation.....oh."
Willow nodded. "She loves you, but she has no basis for comparison. I don't think she's ever loved anyone else."
"I never thought of that."
"She's opened herself to you. She's scared, if she loses you, she's not just losing someone she loves, she's losing the ONLY person she loves."
"She's not going to lose me."
"I know that. But what about her?"
The next evening, the Scoobies got ready for action.
"The team is ready." Riley said. "You can all reach me if needed on these beepers. Good luck everyone."
"Yeah." Buffy said. "Be careful."
Tara stood up. "Willow and I, we found a spell. All the vampires have vamp faces tonight."
Angel turned round, in full vamp face. "I noticed."
"Great." Faith nodded to Tara. "That should help."
Buffy smiled. "OK guys, let's go."
Xander drove Buffy, Faith and Angel to the warehouse. "Watch your backs." He said as they got out the car. "I'm going back to get the others, we won't be long."
"OK. Let's do it." Buffy grabbed her crossbow and the three of them walked over to the warehouse.
The Initiative, under Riley's command, moved out in squads. Sunnydale was overrun with vampires.
"You know what to do." Riley shouted. "Stick to your teams. We're going for the kill here. Take no captives, they're just ordinary hostiles. A lot of them. If anything happens to me, Forrest is in command as usual. Let's move."
Buffy, Faith and Angel entered the warehouse, slaying as they moved further in.
"I thought it would be harder than this." Faith gasped, dusting another vamp.
"I think most of the vampires have gone hunting. Spike may not be as in control as he hoped." Angel explained.
They fought their way down the stairs until they reached a large room and found Spike.
"Angel!" Spike grinned. "Honey, look who's here!" He called to a female vampire.
"Drusilla." Buffy gasped. "I thought you left Sid Vicious for a mucus demon."
"Bbbbbbbooooooorrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiinnnnnnggggggg" The insane vampiress cooed. "Spike has an aaaaarrrrmmmmmmyyyy. The moon told me about the blood, she sings to me, tells me to find him."
"Oh good." Buffy commented. "Still insane then?"
Spike growled at her and turned back to Drusilla, motioning for her to come to him, which she did. "My darling has returned, and I feel a celebratory kill coming on." He grinned. "Two slayers! That's number two for Dru, three for me."
"Not going to happen, Spike." Angel hissed.
Spike laughed. "Look my sweet! Daddy's back. It's been a while since we tortured him...." Spike lunged at Angel, who caught him mid flight and threw him against the wall.
Faith took on the vampires acting as bodyguards, talking her anger out on them. Buffy squared up to Drusilla. "I owe you for Kendra." She snarled.
The vampiress giggled. "Oh my pretty slayer, she could not resist my eyes, can you?"
Buffy kicked her in the chest. "Get over it, Drusilla."
Angel was still fighting Spike. The English vampire was not as old as Angel, but his blood thirst matched Angel's in his worst days as Angelus. "Get out of here Spike. Call off these vamps and maybe we'll let you go." He grunted, as Spike kicked him in the stomach and jumped up.
"You should know better, my sire." Spike grinned.
Faith's aggression was making easy work of the vampire henchmen, until one attacked her from behind. He held her as another vampire raised a sword above his head. Seconds before it met her chest, he was dusted by a stake Angel threw. They met each other's eye for a moment before Faith flipped the other vampire over her head and onto a broken wooded pole, and Spike leapt on Angel again. Soon, she had cleared the floor with them and was just in time to see Drusilla get the better of Buffy and catch her in a hold around the neck. Faith jumped her, causing the vampiress to release Buffy, who fell down gasping for air. Crashing to the floor, Faith's shoulder dislocated and Drusilla grabbed her.
Just then, the Scoobies burst through the door with Riley.
"Oh look, the Slayerettes." Spike mocked. "You might as well go home. Your little dark slayer it about to bite it, so to speak." He pointed at Drusilla who was still holding Faith.
"Think again, Spike." Riley shot him in the arm with a crossbow.
"OW!" Spike yelled. "You bloody idiot, that really hurt!"
Angel leapt up and pinned Spike to the floor. Buffy threw him a stake.
"Dru!" Angel called. "Let her go or your boyfriend gets it."
"Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh nnnnnnnnnooooooooooooooo.........." Drusilla whined.
"Let her go." Buffy commanded. "Call of this army of yours and get gone. You let her go, Angel let's him go."
"Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh......"
"Precious." Spike gasped. "Today, maybe?"
Drusilla released Faith. "Call them off." Angel snarled.
"Gone, gone!" She crooned. "All be gone! We be gone!"
"Do you think they'll be back?" Xander asked as they arrived back at Giles'.
"Probably. But we'll get them." Riley promised. "They're just normal hostiles."
"Are you OK?" Angel asked Faith who was flexing her shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm fine." She replied. "Thanks." Angel nodded.
"C'mon, I'll take you home." Buffy smiled.
Faith grinned back. "OK."
Buffy slept through the night and far into the next day. She woke to find Faith getting ready to go out.
"Where are you going?" She asked sleepily.
Faith grinned. "What makes you so tired? I did all the work last night."
Buffy threw a pillow at her. "WHERE?"
Faith looked sheepish. "The Bronze."
Buffy did a double take. "With who?"
"Angel and Riley."
Buffy couldn't help but laugh. "What? Why?"
"Going to compare Buffy details." She grinned.
Buffy laughed. "I can't believe your hanging with my two ex-boyfriends."
Faith pulled on her jacket and shrugged. "Can't hang out with you all the time B. I'd get so bored." She smirked.
Buffy stuck out her tounge at her and smiled. She looked around the room. "This place is such a dump."
"So?"
"So I'm getting my own place after this term. Want to share?"
Faith raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You sure? Live together?"
Buffy grinned and kissed her. "Yeah! I love you, idiot."
Faith hugged her. "That would be great." She got up and picked up her cigarettes from the floor. Her tight leather trousers creaking.
"Faith?" Buffy grinned, staring at her ass.
"Yeah?"
"Do you have to go yet?"
Faith turned and smiled. "I got half an hour...."
Buffy grabbed her and pulled her back down. "Don't ever stop being a badass...."
"I love you B." She grinned as Buffy kissed her.