Everything's Changed
by Phable
Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Spoilers: Up until season 6 but this is an AU fic so things are a little different.
Author's Notes: Buffy's a slayer, Faith is not. In fact, Faith doesn't even know about it.
Feedback: I'm a first timer so constructive criticism is good. This Sucks in crayon, is not.

+1=2=3=4+

PART 1

Faith glanced up at the road quickly before changing CD's for the sixth time that hour. She just couldn't find the right music to fit the mood. She knew that she should be mourning the death of her best friends mother and in all honesty she was. She felt terrible about it. Joyce was a wonderful person who didn't deserve to go yet. But at the same time she was excited and anxious to see Buffy. It had been seven years since they last saw each other and she had missed her so much. "Damnit." Faith cursed out loud. She hit the steering wheel hard with her palms and swerved off the road. "Why can't I be seeing her under different circumstances? This isn't fair!" She put the car in park and with any remaining energy, gently put her head down and began to cry.

*****

"Is there anything I can get you, Buffy?" Riley looked at his girlfriend with a concerned expression. To the other guests she looked like she was handling everything well. Greeting people as they came with a half but noticeable smile. Talking to the lawyers and relatives about her mothers last wishes and such. But Riley knew better. He knew Buffy was dying inside. He knew that she had to stop trying to be a hero and let it all out sooner or later. But he had yet to see her cry a single tear or even ask to talk about what she was feeling. Now she was just sitting there. Staring at her glass of water. Buffy broke out of her daze and looked into Riley's sympathetic eyes.

"No, Riley, thank you. But can you go check and see if we still have ice?" Buffy stood up and left a frustrated Riley standing there.

*****

Faith smiled as she saw the dim but visible lights of Sunnydale in the distance. Welcome To Sunnydale, the sign read. Well Faithy you're back. Let's see if you can remember where everything is. Man I missed this place she thought to herself. I wonder if the Cinema's still there? Faith drove her car into downtown Sunnydale, the heart of the city. She slowed down to see all the new businesses that had opened up and those that had closed. "Aww… you closed down Eddie's Pizza? You jackasses!" She turned the corner to see Sunnydale's finest movie theatre. "Still open? Yes! Now that's what I'm talkin' `bout." But as quickly as she had entered downtown she was out of it even faster. "Good ole Sunnydale, still hasn't grown." Faith found herself driving through the residential part of town. Her trip through the past was over now and she had to focus on what she came here to do. But what was that exactly? Was she supposed to just walk in there, tell a few jokes and then everything would be all right? It had worked in the past but seeing as how Joyce's death didn't really compare to a lost My Little Pony, she thought she had better find a different approach. What if Buffy doesn't even want me here she thought to herself? Willow's the one that called me.

Suddenly she wasn't so anxious to see Buffy anymore. All these `what if's' flooded her head and she couldn't think straight. Stop it, girl. This is Buffy we're talking about. Nothing's changed. She'll be glad to see you. Besides, you're here to help your friend out. Quit thinking of yourself.

Before she knew it, she found herself driving down Buffy's block. She past her old house first. Wow, she thought. They really cleaned that place up, it looks great. Mom was always more of a tear it up rather than fix it up kind of woman. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the view of Buffy's house up the block. Suddenly she got this strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. Butterflies? No, knots, they're definitely knots. You're scared shitless, girl. Pull it together. Faith parked the car out front, shut off the engine and sat there. This is it, Faithy. Now just open the door, get out and walk. That's simple she thought. So why aren't my legs moving? "Screw this." And with that, Faith got out of the car and walked up the path to Buffy's house.

*****

Willow heard a soft knock at the door and looked around for Buffy. "Have you seen Buffy?" She asked Dawn. Dawn looked up from the TV screen, her only escape from reality and shook her head no. Willow look around the room but only saw a mass of unfamiliar faces. She frowned. I probably should get that then she thought. She walked over to the door and slowly opened it. There stood a brunette woman with black slacks, a white button up shirt and a long black coat. Both women stood there, starting at each other. Finally the brunette spoke up.

"Willow?"

"Faith?" Faith smirked.

"Yeah. How are you?"

"Faith, you really came." Willow step forward and hugged the girl. Faith was surprised by the display of affection because she had only known the girl for a couple of months or so before she moved away. But Faith wasn't one to dismiss a hug. "I never told Buffy you were coming. I didn't know for sure and I didn't want to get her hopes up you know?"

"I completely understand, Willow. Thanks for calling. How is she by the…"

"FAITH!" Faith stopped mid-sentence when she heard her name being shrieked from across the room. It came from a tall, long brown haired teenager. One who was running towards her at full speed.

"Dawn… Oomph!" Strands of light brown hair muffled Faith's words.

"Oh my god Faith, what are you doing here?" Faith pulled herself away from the girl's arms to get a good look at Buffy's kid sister. But she wasn't a kid anymore. She had to have been 17 by now.

"I came to see you guys. Wait, Dawn, you really remember me?" Faith asked shocked.

"Of course I do. Faith I was ten. Not five."

"Right." Faith said sheepishly. Faith then became very serious. "How are you, Dawn?"

Dawn looked into Faith's eyes. "All things considered I think I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, Faith. I mean there are no words to explain how I'm feeling but I'm dealing." Faith put her arm on Dawn's shoulder.

"I'm here now so if you need anything."

Dawn moved forward to hug Faith again. This time softer, as a thank you.

"I'm so glad you're here Faith." She whispered into her ear. "Buffy's going to be so happy." Faith pulled away from Dawn's embrace again.

"About Buffy, Dawn how is she?"

Dawn looked away then down at the floor. She was about to speak up when she saw Buffy standing at the end of the hall in the corner of her eye. "Why don't you just ask her?" Faith looked over to where Dawn was pointing and saw a wide-eyed Buffy staring back at her. She looked amazing. She hadn't changed at all. Her hair was darker and a little longer but she still had that gorgeous face only an angel could possess. She was wearing a black turtleneck and long black skirt with knee length boots. Faith was motionless, she couldn't take her eyes off of her yet at the same time she wanted to run to her and tell her everything would be okay. Dawn saw the wordless interaction and took it as her cue to leave.

"I'll let you two talk."

*****

Buffy had just finished taking out a bag of trash when she heard someone yell inside. It sounded like Dawn. But what did she say? Faith? She hadn't heard that name in months. Faith, her best friend. Why hadn't Buffy called her? Maybe she could have helped. Helped her make sense of everything. But she knew why she had been avoiding her long time friend. Because calling Faith meant having to lie to her again and she didn't want that. Every conversation she had with Faith since she was called to be a slayer was a lie. "How are you doing in school Buffy?" "Well Faith, my vampire boyfriend went psycho and decided to kill people so I sent him to hell. I'm not in school anymore, I kinda dropped out." Or more recently. "How's the love life, B?" "Just great, I met this guy. He works for this top-secret military organization. He kills demons and monsters just like me." Buffy sighed and walked through her kitchen to get back to the living room. I have guests to attend to, no time to bring up the past.

Buffy walked into the hallway and saw her sister hugging a strange woman. When they broke apart Buffy saw whom it was. Her heart stopped. It was Faith, Faith was standing there in her living room. It was Faith wasn't it? It looked like Faith, kind of. Faith was a woman now. She looked so mature and classy. Nothing like the tomboy she remembered from seven years ago. She had changed so much. But when Faith looked up at her and caught her stare she realized that she hadn't changed at all. She was still the same Faith that made the days sunny when it rained. That took the blame when it wasn't her fault, that would help her up when she would fall, the same Faith that made everything better. All she had to do was look into those soulful brown eyes.

Buffy fought back the tears that were threatening to spill out. And without a word walked slowly towards her best friend. She stopped just inches short of the taller brunette woman and looked deep into her eyes. "Faith," she whispered. Then she leaned forward and Faith brought her into her arms. Buffy buried her head deep into her chest to make sure she was real. That all this was real. She held on tighter every time Faith made a movement, whether it was to rub her back or stroke her hair. She just didn't want to let go. Ever.

*****

Faith could smell the coconut oil off of Buffy's hair and it engulfed her. She was over come with an array of mixed emotions. She dreamt about the day she would be able to see and hold Buffy again but at the same time her heart was tearing in two. Her best friend was suffering. She was in pain and that made Faith hurt. "Buffy I'm here for you." She softly stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. She felt the girl tighten her hold and it made her feel warm inside. She liked the feeling of knowing that her presence mattered to Buffy. Buffy pulled back slightly to look at Faith, not letting go of the taller woman. They stood there in silence for a few moments then Buffy was finally able to find her voice.

"Take me away from here?" She looked so young and so fragile. Like a child pleading for help.

"That's what I'm here for. Do you want to talk?"

"Yes I just… I just, not here. I.. I can't be here anymore. I can't be here." Buffy rubbed her temples and Faith pulled her back into another embrace. Without a moments hesitation Buffy wrapped her arms around the brunette again.

"Okay, okay, you go wait outside. I'll take care of everything."

Faith's soothing words brought Buffy a temporary veil of comfort. She nodded and let Faith go.

Faith walked towards the living room to find Dawn or Willow but was greeted with a heap of unfamiliar faces. She turned around for a brief moment to see a worried Buffy staring back at her from the doorway. She smiled and nodded at her. Buffy took that gesture as an indication of encouragement and walked outside. She was going to make everything all right.

Faith walked further into the house hoping to see someone she recognized.

"Faith?" Faith spun around and saw a tall man with short black hair standing before her.

"Xander? Shit is that you?" Faith couldn't believe her eyes. The skinny, dorky boy she knew when she was 14 was now 22. He's worked out Faith thought.

"Heh, yeah it's me." He looked down because he wasn't sure if he should be offended or happy he just received a compliment.

"Wow, well come here." They quickly hugged and then broke apart. "Hey listen I'd love to catch up and shoot the shit with you but Buffy's waiting outside for me. She wants to talk, soo you know?"

"Really? She said that?" Xander was almost in shock.

"Said what?"

"That she wanted to talk."

"Yeah, so have you seen Willow or Dawn?"

"No not recently, maybe they're in the kitchen." Faith turned towards the kitchen then hesitated. She'd made Buffy wait long enough and she was actually starting to miss her.

"Look, Xander me and Buffy, we're going to go for a walk or something. She kinda needs to get out of her for a while. You think you can take care of things?"

"What? Yeah of course. I'll just make stuff up if people ask for her. Don't worry about a thing. Me and Willow will lock up and everything after everyone's gone."

"Thanks Xander, for Buffy I mean." She put out her hand and Xander accepted it.

"No prob, Faith. You just take care of her now okay?"

"That's what I'm here for." Xander chuckled.

"You haven't changed a bit."

*****

Faith stepped outside to see Buffy sitting on her front step. She turned around when she heard the door close. "Hey." She said standing up and smiling. "I was beginning to think you forgot about me."

"Never." Faith said seriously. Buffy took a deep breath.

"Is everything okay?"

"Inside? Yeah, Xander said he'd lock up and make sure people didn't leave with huge plates of food and all that." Buffy laughed and held out her hand to Faith.

"Shall we then?" Faith silently took her hand and nodded.

*****

They walked quietly down the streets of Sunnydale, shoulder to shoulder. Faith thought about how this felt so right. To be with Buffy again in Sunnydale. Buffy was just hoping a vamp wouldn't come out and ruin this moment. Mostly because then she'd have a lot explaining to do. "There's a bench right there, wanna sit down?" Faith asked. They had been walking for what seemed like over an hour. And as much as Faith loved the feeling of just being next to Buffy, she knew that they came to talk and that was what she planned on doing.

"Sure."

"Geeze, B. Don't sound too excited." Faith said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry. It's just that these past few days I've been doing nothing but talking. Talking to my family whom I've met only a few times. The lawyers, the guys from my mom's gallery, the insurance people, Dawn's school…"

"Hey hey, okay. I get it. No more talking." Faith looked quickly over at Buffy, then straight ahead again. "You're going to talk to me eventually though right?"

"Yes Faith."

"Okay." Faith played with the buttons of her coat for second then spoke up.

"So why…"

"Faith."

"Right noo talking." Faith couldn't stand this. She hadn't seen Buffy in seven years and hadn't had a real conversation with her for months. But all Buffy wanted to do was sit there. There was so much she wanted to say, so much she wanted to tell her. She wanted to fill Buffy in on every detail of her life. Why was Buffy so into this silence thing? "What's up with your dad?" Faith finally broke out.

"I don't know. I haven't talked to him."

"What? You mean he doesn't know?"

"His secretary said he was in Spain. `They're in the process of trying to reach him.' To tell you the truth I don't think he'd care either way."

"Buffy don't say that. Your dad was a cool guy."

"Faith he left us."

"I know, I'm sorry. He's just not as cold hearted as you think."

"Call me bitter then." Faith was upset. This was not going the way she had planned. Her and Buffy were already arguing. Buffy notice this and scooted over closer to Faith. She placed a warm hand on her thigh.

"I'm sorry Faith. I'm really glad you came, I just wish it were different." Faith turned her face towards Buffy's.

"Buffy don't apologize. I came knowing what I was getting into. I'm here because I want to be. I don't expect you to entertain me or keep me busy. I'm not here on vacation, I'm here for you and Dawn. You're my family." Buffy's heart melted and she leaned over and kissed Faith on the cheek.

"Thank you Faith. I feel the same way." Buffy gazed deep into Faith's eyes.

"What's with the staring contest?" Faith smirked at Buffy.

"What?"

"Nothing, I mean you keep looking at me like I'm gonna disappear at any moment."

"That's because…. Oh shit!" Buffy leapt up out of her seat and covered her head with her hands.

"What, what is it?"

"Riley, I left Riley."

"Who's Riley?" Faith was surprise to hear the slight tone of jealousy come out with her question.

"My boyfriend. God, Faith. I just left him there without even saying where I was going."

"I think he'll understand, B."

"No you don't know Riley, he's so self-conscious. He's going to flip."

"Sounds like a fun guy."

"Faith, seriously. We have to get back." Faith reluctantly stood up and motioned for Buffy to lead the way.

*****

Faith stopped just short of the path leading to Buffy's house. The blonde noticed this and turned around. "Faith, what are you doing?"

"I'm gonna get goin, B."

"What? You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I mean I really don't belong in there and if Riley's still there and you two are gonna be arguing, well that's just gonna be weird. Besides, I'm kinda tired." Faith looked away as she finished, she hated lying to Buffy.

"And driving for three days is going to help with that?" Buffy exclaimed. Faith looked confused for a moment then realization struck her.

"Huh? No, no Buffy I'm not leaving back to Boston. I'm just gonna go check into a motel. Don't worry, B. I'm still sticking around for a while."

"Oh." Buffy looked relieved. "Faith, I don't want you to go. Stay here, with me and Dawn." Faith's eyes lit up at the offer but she didn't want to impose. Buffy had too many other things to worry about then to attend to a house guest.

"Nah, B. Really I don't mind stayin' at a hotel. Anyway, I like my privacy." She finished with a devilish grin.

"Then you can take my room. I'll stay with Dawn. Please, Faith?"

Buffy looked at her with those large, expressive green eyes and Faith just couldn't say no.

"Cook me breakfast?" Buffy broke out into an all out smile.

"You trust my cooking?" Faith hesitated and thought about it for a moment.

"I'll cook, you look pretty."

"Done and done."

*****

Faith walked into the house right behind Buffy. "Shhh." Buffy put her finger to her mouth and then motioned over to the living room area. There, sprawled out on the couch were Willow and another blonde woman. To the left of them was Dawn, fast asleep on the recliner.

"Guess he left huh?" Faith looked over to Buffy and saw that she hadn't heard her. Her gaze was fixated on the scene in the living room.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Buffy whispered then looked at Faith.

"What is?"

"That, them. Everything's so perfect when you're asleep. Peaceful. Like nothing can harm you because it's your world. You make it into whatever you want it to be."

"Yeah." Buffy walked over to the couch and softly nudged Willow.

"Will? Willow, I'm back." Willow slowly opened one eye and frowned at Buffy.

"We were worried."

"I know, Will I'm sorry. Did everything go okay?"

"Yeah. Where's Dawn?" Willow shot up and looked around the room and finally settled her eyes on Dawn's sleeping form on the chair next to her. Meanwhile Tara was beginning to wake up herself. She noticed Buffy was back and with another woman she didn't recognize.

"You're back." Tara said groggily.

"Yep, so you two are free to go. Unless you want to crash on the couch. Faith's cooking breakfast." She finished her sentence with a smile. "Oh right, Tara this is Faith. We grew up together." Tara stood up and offered her hand to Faith.

"Hi.. nice to meet you."

"Yeah, you too." Faith answered shyly.

"So what's the what? You two staying?" Willow and Tara both looked at each other and it was evident neither of them was in the mood for a pajama party.

"We're just going to go home Buffy, if that's okay?"

"Yeah, Wills. I was just offering." Faith lightly tapped Buffy on the shoulder and she quickly turned around.

"Is it okay if I use your bathroom?" Faith let her hand linger on Buffy's shoulder for a moment.

"Of course, Faith. You live here now. Well for the time being." They both smiled at each other and Faith finally brought her hand down.

"Wicked. I'll be right back."

"Okay." Buffy said with a slight smile.

Faith turned around and Buffy watched her leave the room. Tara viewed the whole scene with interest. Her and Willow were going to have a little talk when they got home.

PART 2

"Is everything to your liking?" Buffy said with mock politeness.

"Yep, room's clean. Bed is…" Faith ran and jumped on the bed then lay still then wiggled around on it. "Comfy." Buffy giggled at Faith's childish display.

"You're too damn cute."

"I try." Faith moved over to one side of the bed and patted next to her for Buffy to sit down. Buffy took the hint and made her way over to the bed. "So you think Ryan will be mad?"

"Riley."

"Yeah that's what I said." Faith slid down so she was lying on her back and then put her hands behind her head. "So you think he'll be mad?" Buffy followed suit and so that they were both lying on their backs staring at the ceiling.

"Probably. I kinda don't care anymore ya know? It's stupid." Faith turned her head slightly.

"You're so bad." She said smiling.

"Hey I'm the good one. You're the rebel." Buffy exclaimed. "Speaking of which. What's with the clothes? How come you look so… nice?" Faith looked down at what she was wearing.

"As opposed to what?" She said defensively. Buffy laughed.

"Don't get mad. Just the last time I saw you, you were decked out in baggy blue jeans and a Dodgers jersey."

"Yeah well I'm a woman now." Faith said proudly. "My job kinda requires I look nice anyway." Buffy turned completely towards Faith and propped her head up on her elbow.

"Job? This I gotta hear." Faith looked over at Buffy and raised her eyebrow. Buffy took it as a hint to be more nice.

"Okay, well. Let's see. Where do I start?" Faith stared hard at the ceiling as if it would give her a clue as to where to begin.

"Why don't you just tell me what you've been up to these last couple of years."

"Umm. I graduated highschool a year early."

"Really? Why?"

"Well you know how back in grade school I didn't really like going?"

"Oh yeah."

"Well it turns out I was just bored."

"Faith, I could have told you that." Faith turned to look at her and raised her brow again.

"That's not what I meant Fluffy. I was bored because the shit we were learning was below me. They moved me up a grade in highschool. I'm super intelligent baby!" Buffy laughed out loud but continued to listen. It was great just hearing Faith talk again. Especially hearing her sound so happy. "Anyway, I'm going to this really great college and I just applied to Med-School. I started my clinicals last spring and I'm working part time at this really big Hospital. I get to wear scrubs. Ain't that some shit?" Buffy was speechless. She stared at her friend in amazement.

"That's so great, Faith. That's unbelievable. I'm so happy for you. Wow, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything. I sometimes can't believe it myself. Who would have thought it? Dr. Faith Spencer. That sounds wicked cool don't it?" Buffy watched in admiration as her friend repeated the words aloud to herself. She was so proud of Faith. She made something of herself. The girl hadn't grown up in the best of families. If it weren't for Buffy's mom Faith would have had a completely different childhood. One without love and support. It was about time someone gave Faith a break. Buffy leaned over and kissed Faith on the cheek again.

"Dr… what was that for?" Faith asked confused.

"For being you. For making something of your life."

"Oh, thanks." She said smiling proudly.

"You're very welcome. And on that note, I'm going to bed."

"Okay, I'll see you in the morning, Buffy."

"That's right, Buffy, not Fluffy."

"Uh huh." Faith said with a chuckle.

"Goodnight, Faith. Thanks again, for coming."

"No problem, B. Sweetdreams." Buffy switched off the lights and slowly closed the door.

*****

Buffy walked quietly into her old room and proceeded to open the curtains to let the sun in. "Faith, wake up."

"Wha? Huh?"

"I said wake up." Faith slowly opened her eyes only to close them right back again when the light hit them. She made a low grumbling noise, muttered something and put a pillow over her face. Buffy walked over to the bed and lifted the pillow up slightly.

"I thought you were making breakfast?"

"I will, when it's morning time." Faith yanked the pillow back down over her face and turned away from the evil sleep depriver.

"Faith its after 11! I thought you were in school, you should be used to getting up early." Faith finally sat up and looked at her blonde friend through puffy half open eyes.

"Ya know, B. When I schedule all my classes for after noon, it's on purpose and for a reason. A very good reason. To get up any earlyer is like blasphemy. Un-American even. But seeing as how you've already woken me up I guess I'll go cook you some eggs."

"No thanks, not hungry. I got some bagels after I dropped Dawn off at school this morning." Faith stared at Buffy with disgust.

"Why'd you wake me up then?" She proclaimed.

"Because it's almost noon, to sleep any longer is just disgusting. Un-American even." Buffy smiled at Faith and walked out of the room. Faith plopped back down onto the pillows and stared at the door.

"I gotta get a lock for that thing."

*****

"So when do you think you'll be going back to school?" Faith asked.

"Not sure, I'm hoping next semester." Buffy handed Faith another dish to dry.

"Oh, that's good. That you're going back I mean. Look Buffy, I…" Faith was quickly interrupted.

"Yeah, hey what time is it?"

"Little after eight. Why?"

"Dawn. We have to go pick up Dawn from school. Band practice."

Faith looked at Buffy curiously.

"B, I drove past the new high school on my way into town. It's not that far. Make the kid walk."

"At night?" Buffy exclaimed. She realized what she had just said and scrambled for a way to cover it up. "I mean. There's so many wacko's out there, Faith. I'm just looking out for her."

"You're making her lazy is what you're doing." Buffy grabbed the keys off the counter and walked towards the door.

"Maybe so," Buffy replied, "anyway, you coming?"

"Yeah yeah." Faith muttered.

*****

Buffy sat quietly in her chair, carefully looking over the many bills they had accumulated over the past few weeks. Faith sat across from her daydreaming, with a pen and notebook in hand ready to do any calculations Buffy had for her. "We should head to L.A for the weekend!" Faith shouted. Buffy nearly jumped out of her chair.

"Geezus, Faith. Wait what? L.A.?"

"Yeah, I mean look at you, B. You're stressed. You've been this way for the past few days. This is exactly what you need. Just one night of careless drinking and dancing." Buffy looked up at Faith and raised an eyebrow.

"Did you figure out that problem I gave you yet?" She said casually changing the subject. Faith simply stared at her, eyes fixated on her face. "Faith?" Buffy repeated more loudly.

"What? Oh, I'm sorry, B. I got distracted." She leaned forward slightly and brought her hand up to Buffy's head. "I think I see a gray hair."

"What?" Buffy shrieked. "Where?" She quickly ran her fingers through her golden locks in a vain attempt to `see' the so-called gray hair. When she saw the smirk on Faith's face she brought her hands down and frowned at her. "If you want to go dancing we don't have to go all the way to Los Angeles. There's the Bronze."

"That place all the highschool kids go to?" Faith said in mild repulsion.

"College kids go there too and we don't have to go."

"No, no. The Bronze? Wicked. I love the Bronze. Let's go Bronzin."

*****

"Nice." Faith said aloud when she saw Buffy step out of the bathroom dressed in a tight little blue dress.

"Wow." Was all Buffy could utter when she saw Faith decked out in black leather pants and red tanktop.

"Wow?" Faith said. "B, you shoulda seen me in highschool. Now that was wow. I've toned down, girlfriend." Dawn chose that moment to walk in wearing the same outfit as Faith only a purple tanktop instead.

Faith beamed with pride. "Those pants came out nice, D."

"Yeah, I thought so too. Thanks again, I know how leather's expensive."

"Don't mention it Dawny. The look on B's face is all the thanks I need." They both glanced over at Buffy to see her just snapping out of her trance then give them both a much needed scowl as she walked out of the room.

"Real cute, guys. Real cute."

*****

Dawn ran ahead of her sister and Faith when she spotted the rest of the gang seated near the couch area. "You're right, B. This place is pretty hype."

"What?" Buffy shouted. Faith looked over at Buffy and tried again.

"I said.." She moved in closer, put her mouth next to Buffy's ear and smiled. "I said this place is pretty cool." Faith's warm breath inexplicitly sent little shivers down Buffy's spine.

"Glad you like it." She said smiling back at Faith. Buffy grabbed her friend's hand and led her through the pulsating crowd. Instantly they could feel the heat coming from the other dancers body's. The music's heavy bass sent vibrations through their feet and they could smell the sweat and sexual arousal all around them. Buffy continued to push her way through, all the while not letting go of the brunette's hand, sporadically looking behind to check on her. They'd smile at each other until Buffy would bump into someone and be forced to turn around again. Buffy tripped over someone's foot on one of those occasions and stumbled forward. Faith quickly pulled her back into her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Easy there." She whispered into her ear from behind. "Maybe you should watch where you're going huh?"

"What are you two doing, slow dancing?" Dawn shouted from behind. "Come on, everybody's waiting." Neither Buffy nor Faith made any attempt to move right away. Until finally Faith reluctantly loosened her hold on Buffy's waist and took her hand.

"Well lets go, B." Faith led Buffy past the dance floor until they reached the couches. Dawn had taken over one of the arm chairs while Xander, Anya, Willow, and Tara made themselves comfortable on the large couch.

"Okay, this is a dance club, so why is no one dancing?" Faith asked. Dawn leapt out of her chair and ran over to Faith.

"Let's show `em how it's done, Faith." Faith looked at Dawn surprised then laughed out loud.

"That's my girl." Dawn grabbed Faith's hand and pulled her onto the dance floor.

Buffy watched the two dance for a while until they too were lost in the mass of people.

"Buffy?" Willow called out. Buffy turned her head back to her friend.

"Hmm?"

"I said I hope you don't mind I invited Riley tonight. I ran into him while we were patrolling and he asked about you. You two haven't talked in a while?" Buffy looked down and shook her head no.

"I've just been real busy. With everything you know? I called him a few days ago but we haven't really seen each other since after the funeral." Willow gave her friend a sympathetic smile.

"Well you'll get to see him tonight."

"Yep. Thank you, Will." Xander stood up and stretched his arms over his head.

"I'm gonna get a drink. Anyone want?" Everyone accepted and Xander made his way over to the bar. He was a little surprised to see Faith and Dawn seated there. He walked over to them and tapped Faith on the shoulder.

"Ummm…."

"Shit, Xander! Uh, this is my first one. Really."

"Faith I don't care what you drink. Dawn's underage though, you know that."

"Easy Xander." Dawn interrupted. "I'm having a coke. She wouldn't buy me anything stronger. Suddenly Faith here has morals." She stuck her tongue out at Faith and Faith playfully made an attempt to catch it.

"Oh." Xander responded. "I'm sorry, Faith. I didn't know."

"It's cool, you care. Gotta respect that." Faith said not looking at him. The situation suddenly became very awkward and Xander excused himself to go order his friends' drinks.

*****

"You're all still sitting there?" Dawn yelled upon returning to her sister and her friends.

"I used the bathroom, twice." Anya responded. Willow raised her hand.

"Me too, once."

"I thought about using the bathroom." Tara added in.

"I went to get drinks." Xander commented. Suddenly they all got into a big discussion justifying their actions during Dawn's absence. Faith saw the interaction and smiled then she saw Buffy and made her way towards her.

"And you?" Faith said moving to sit down on the arm of Buffy's big chair.

"Me?"

"Yeah, don't tell me you've been sitting there since we left."

"Well." Buffy said shyly.

"B, you're the reason we came out tonight. You're supposed to be loosening up. Look at you." Faith reached her hand out and placed it on the back of Buffy's exposed neck.

"My god are you tense!" Faith exclaimed. Buffy tensed even more at Faith's touch and jerked away.

"Hold up, B. Just relax." Faith began to massage the back of Buffy's neck with her one free hand. She moved her thumb and index finger up and down and in small circles, trying to relieve as much tension as she could. She massaged every muscle and bone she was able to reach with her limited flexibility. After a while, the blonde began to relax under the brunette's soft touch. Faith could feel the knots undoing and the blonde relaxing. "How's that?" She whispered into her ear. Buffy opened her eyes which she had unconsciously closed and mumbled something that sounded like gooooood. The group chose that moment to end their argument on which cellular phone company provided the best service. How topics changed so dramatically remains a mystery.

"What do you think, Faith?" Dawn asked.

"Gonna have to agree with you there, D. Don't need long distance if everyone you know lives in the same town as you."

"Just in case." Shouted Xander. "I said just in case, it's good to know you have it."

"Right." Responded Faith. She then looked over at Buffy who seemed to be distracted by something. "B, what's up?"

"Buffy." Faith heard a deep male voice and looked up to see a large man standing over her.

"Riley, hey." Buffy said. Faith quickly pulled her hand off of Buffy's neck where it had been resting.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?" Riley asked without any emotion evident in his voice.

"Yeah. Of course." Buffy stood up and followed Riley over to a table. Faith slid down and took Buffy's spot on the chair. She looked over to where Buffy had gone and saw her and Ryan sitting across from each other holding hands. She slouched further down into her chair and put her head back.

"So Faith…" Tara began. Faith sat up and looked over to the blonde girl who had called her.

"Yeah?"

"Are you seeing anyone in Boston?"

"What?" Faith asked chuckling. She was surprised the shy blonde's blunt question. "No, not at the moment."

"Oh." Was Tara's response. "Just not interested in anyone, ooor…?"

"Faith!" Dawn interrupted. "You're sayin there's no hot stud in Boston waitin on ya?"

"Ha ha, no Dawn can't say that there is."

"So what, all you do is go to school and work? Where's all the play?" Dawn said with enthusiasm.

"Well there was someone. We dated a while but it didn't really work out."

"Why not?" Asked Willow. Faith's gaze drifted over to Buffy's direction.

"Just wasn't what I was looking for. If that makes any sense." She said looking back at Willow.

"Perfect sense." Said Tara smiling sincerely at Faith.

*****

Buffy and Riley walked back over to the group hand in hand. "Where's Xander and Anya?" Buffy asked.

"Bathroom." Responded Dawn between sips of her drink. Riley walked over to the extended couch and scooted over to the edge to make room for Buffy. But to everyone else's surprise she had already seated herself on Faith's lap. Needless to say, even Faith was shocked.

"So you two talked?" Willow interjected cutting the silence. She could smell the beginning of a bad situation.

"Yes." Buffy said smiling at Riley.

"And..?" Willow continued.

"Willow!" Tara exclaimed.

"What, I want to know." Willow said defensively. Buffy laughed.

"It's okay Tara. Well he was right. I have been neglecting him." She looked over at Riley and smiled. "And that's going to change." Buffy felt Faith shift underneath her and Faith turned her head away from the group to roll her eyes. "Oh my god." Buffy shouted hitting her own head with her hand. "You two haven't met." Buffy hopped off of Faith's lap and pulled her up. She got behind her and pushed her towards Riley. "Faith, Riley. Riley, this is Faith. My other best friend." Faith hesitantly extended her hand while Riley stood up.

"Nice to meet you." He said as he took her hand and shook it. He couldn't help but stare coldly down at her. She was the reason he hadn't seen Buffy in days. Faith was more than willing to meet his challenge as she griped his hand tighter and took a step forward.

"Likewise." She said seriously.

"I've heard so much about you." He added in.

"Funny, I haven't heard much about you." Riley took another step forward so they were only inches apart. Buffy, oblivious to entire interaction took them both into her arms and said.

"My boyfriend and my best friend meeting. This is so great!" Amid the group hug Riley had Faith's hand in a death grip while Faith made good use of her long nails. Buffy sighed happily as they broke apart. Faith then grabbed Buffy's hand and led her to the dance floor.

"Come on, B. Let's do what we came here to do."

Faith and Buffy sauntered over to the middle of the floor and began to sway their hips to the music. Slowly at first, getting a feel for the vibe. As the rhythm increased so did their movements. Faith ran a hand through her hair and the other went for Buffy's hand. Now they were dancing together instead of just near each other. Buffy moved closer to the brunette as she felt her run her hand down her arm then back up again. Suddenly she felt two strong hands around her waist and she turned around to see Riley standing there.

"Riley? You don't dance."

"I know." He said. "I just came to say goodnight. I have to get up early and the only reason I came at all was to see you."

"That's sweet, honey. Thank you." Riley looked over Buffy's shoulder and saw a patient Faith waiting for her.

"No, thank you." He moved in close and pulled Buffy into him. He bent his head down and kissed her passionately. "Goodnight Buffy." Riley made sure to give Faith one last look before heading out of the club. Buffy watched him leave and then turned around to find her dance partner but found that she wasn't there. She looked over to the couches and saw that she had settled back into one again.

*****

"You tired already?" Buffy asked, moving in to sit on the arm of the chair, the same position Faith had sat in earlier.

"Little yeah. Why don't you dance with Dawn?"

"Not interested." Said Dawn from the other chair. She was currently in deep conversation with some guy.

"But I don't want to dance with Dawn." She slid down back onto Faith's lap and tapped her on the nose. "I want to dance with you, silly." Faith looked at Buffy then laughed out loud.

"Geezus B, are you drunk?"

"No, I am not drunk. I had a few drinks from Xander then some from Riley. Faith, I can hold my liquor thank you."

"Yeah, B. It shows." Buffy playfully elbowed Faith in the stomach but she caught the blonde's arm and held it hostage for a while.

"So did we miss anything?" Said Xander fixing his shirt while Anya trailed not far behind him.

"Faith and Riley almost fought." Dawn quickly added in before returning to her conversation with the guy.

"Damn, see An. This is why we wait for `feelin good time' until we get home."

"We did not almost fight. There was no fighting." Faith said in her defense.

"You and Riley almost fought?" Buffy asked clueless.

"There was some tension. But no fighting." Said Willow to clarify.

"There was tension?" Asked Buffy again. Tara in the meantime was too busy watching Faith subconsciously rub her thumb in tiny circles over Buffy's arm.

"No, there was no tension, B. Ryan's a good guy. If you like that type. You know, no personality and shit."

"See, she likes him." Buffy stated proudly.

"So." Dawn asked standing up to stretch. "My guy just left. You all ready to go?"

"Yes." Everyone said in unison.

*****

The next week was spent cleaning out the attic and the basement. As much as Buffy wanted to put it off, Faith had convinced her that she had to start doing it sooner or later. Buffy figured with Faith here it would not only be easier but the brunette would find some way to make it fun. She was wrong.

"Can we stop now?" Faith pleaded.

"I thought you wanted to get this out of the way?" Faith put down the box she had been trying to lift on her own.

"I did. Only I'm tired now. We're not going to finish in one day." She took a deep breath and sat down on the box.

"True." Buffy looked around then back at Faith. "I got dibs on the shower!" Buffy ran up the stairs giggling and shrieking but not before Faith could put one hand around her ankle.

"Gotcha!" Faith started to pull Buffy down towards her. Buffy was laughing so hard she was unable to use her slayer strength to fight back. Suddenly Faith was crawling over Buffy's body trying to get ahead of her.

"Oh, no you don't!" Buffy shouted. She reached for Faith's leg but came out empty handed. Faith scrambled to the top of the stairs and stood victorious over Buffy.

"Tee Hee." She said while pointing at the loser below her. "Dibs my ass…..Omf!" Buffy had pounced on Faith and now had her pinned down on her kitchen floor.

"What's that Faith? What was that? I can't hear you from beneath me."

"I said… get off.. me!" Faith was struggling to get free but was no match for the slayer.

"Ooooh. Okay but if I get off. I get the shower. Deal?"

"Yesh." Buffy slid off Faith and both sat there smiling at each other gasping for air. "What a work out huh? Wheeew." Faith blew out a breath of air and layed back on the floor.

"I guess, anyway, I won't be long."

"Don't use all the hot water." Faith shouted to Buffy as she began to walk away.

Faith lay on the floor catching her breath for a few minutes when the phone rang. "Buffy phone." She shouted at the top of her lungs. When she didn't respond she went to answer it herself. "Hello? > Faith, who's this? > Rupert what? > No, she's in the shower, can I take a message? > Urgent huh? > Yeah sure, as soon as she gets out. > No problem. > Bye." Weird Faith thought.

*****

"Are you sure he said urgent, Faith?" Buffy demanded as she tied her damp hair into a pony tail.

"Well no, he said utmost importance so I improvised." Buffy bent down and was looking under her bed. "So who's this Rupert guy? Bookie?"

"No." Buffy replied frustrated that she couldn't find her other shoe.

"So who then?"

"There you are." Buffy slipped on her other sneaker and quickly made her way downstairs. "I'll tell you when I get back. I just really have to go right now."

"Okay." Faith said disappointed. Buffy grabbed her keys and took one last look at Faith. "Be good." She smiled and left.

*****

Faith was blow drying her hair when she heard the phone ring again. Aren't we Miss Popular she thought to herself? She turned off the blow dryer and hurried to the phone. "Hello? > Oh hey Dawny what's up? > Got out early? No prob. I'll come get you. > Yeah it's cool, I got my car. > Okay, gimme like 10 minutes."

Faith quickly got dressed and went downstairs to leave Buffy a short note on the fridge so she wouldn't be worried. Faith walked down the path to her car that was parked across the street and looked into the horizon. She noticed the sun had just set. "Screw this. It's a beautiful night. I'm just gonna walk." She couldn't help but smile when she thought to herself, man I can't wait to see the look on Dawn's face when she sees I came on foot.

PART 3

Faith turned around for the fifth time that night. She could swear someone was following her. Ever since she had walked past the cemetery she had this strange, creepy feeling that she was being watched. She turned around again after she heard a noise but saw nothing. She then faced forward only to come face to face with what looked like a seriously grotesque looking man. He had beady yellow eyes and long, dog like teeth. "Hey. Wanna party?"

Faith staggered backwards unable to find the strength nor will to run away. "What the fu…?"

"That's not really what I'm after, beautiful." Snickered the vampire.

*****

Buffy walked into her house and slammed the door shut behind her. That's what I get she thought to herself. I should have said, "Faith, did he want me to go there as soon as possible or just call?" Giles had only wanted to talk to Buffy about more of her mother's final wishes. She replayed the meeting in her head "Buffy, I didn't expect to see you here, you could have simply phoned."

"Ahhh." She shouted to no one in particular. She kicked off her shoes and walked into the living room. "Faith, I'm back." When she heard no answer she made her way upstairs. "Faith?" Still no answer. She proceeded to check every room upstairs and when she still found no sign of her friend she went back down to the first floor. Basement, Buffy thought to herself. She opened the basement door but saw that it was dark. "Where the hell is she?" Then a little yellow post it hanging on the fridge caught her attention.

	Buffy,  
	Dawn got out early, went to pick her up.  Should be home by Sunday, 
	if I'm sober enough to drive.  

	Faith

She ended the letter with a little cartoon character winking.

Buffy smiled and shook her head. She hung the note back up on the fridge and opened it to find something to cook for dinner. She had just pulled out a package of boneless chicken when a thought struck her. "No, no, I'm wrong! God, please let me be wrong." She dropped the chicken onto the floor and ran to her living room window. Sure enough, there was Faith's car parked across the street. "No! What did she do?" Buffy darted out the door and ran to her jeep. "If anything's happened to her….. Shit! God, what have I done?"

*****

The Vampire lunged at Faith but she managed to move away just in time to avoid the hit. "Get away from me you sick fuck!" She yelled. She was completely terrified. What was this thing and what did it want from her? The Vampire tumbled over after his miss and Faith took that as an opportunity to run. She had gotten no more than 30 feet away when he came up behind her and tackled her to the ground. "No, no! Get off of me please!" The Vamp was straddling her waist and had her arms pinned above her head.

"Stop moving. This will be quick I promise." He laughed and brought his head down to her neck. Faith closed her eyes and braced herself for some sort of pain but instead found that her arms were free and her chest felt lighter. She looked up to see a tall, blonde man in a black trench coat fighting with the beast that had just attacked her. The man pulled out a sharp piece of wood and stabbed the beast in his chest. Then, it just disappeared. The beast had vanished. The blonde man walked over to Faith and held out his hand for her to take. She was hesitant at first but figured the man had just finished saving her life.

"What the hell was that?" She said standing up and dusting herself off. Her voice slightly trembling.

"Pardon?"

"That thing you just stabbed. What the hell was wrong with his face? Why was he so strong? What did he want?" Faith fought hard to keep herself from crying. The blonde man looked at her confused.

"I take it you're not from Sunnydale?"

"No, well yes. I used to live here but I'm just visiting with a friend now."

"And your friend lets you walk around at night unprotected?"

"What? No, she didn't know."

"Then it's your own fault eh? Didn't think you'd run into one? Took a chance?"

"No, I didn't know either. I mean, what the hell what was that?"

"That, kid was a good ole fashion Vampire." Faith simply nodded. Having gone through what she just went through she was willing to believe just about anything.

"What do you mean you didn't know? Your friend didn't tell you Sunnydale's filled things that go bump in the night?" Faith looked down and thought about what he had asked.

"No, she didn't know either. She couldn't have known. She would have told me."

"You sure about that, lass? You don't look very sure." Faith looked up and tears started to form in her eyes. Buffy did know. She knew everything. That's why she didn't want Dawn to walk home at night. But why didn't she tell me she thought? Faith felt her knees giving out and she stumbled forward. The blonde man rushed over to keep her standing.

"Hey hey now. I only kill the bloody vamps. I don't do the comfort routine."

"FAITH!" Both turned around to see two bright headlights shining at them. Then Buffy leapt out of the jeep and ran to aide her friend.

"Faith oh my god, are you alright? Spike what happened?"

"Slayer!? You're the friend?" Faith looked up with tears in her eyes and gave Buffy the most miserable look she was capable of giving. Buffy moved to hug the girl but Faith backed away.

"Faith, please don't do this. Come here." Buffy saw a single tear fall down Faith's cheek and her heart sunk deep into her chest. She had caused this. She had done this to her friend.

"You…. you knew. Buffy you knew."

"Faith, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." She kept repeating the words but they seemed to have no effect on her friend. Faith turned away from her and began to walk away.

"Faith please!" Buffy shouted after her. "Just let me take you home." She stopped and turned around and walked towards the jeep. As much as she would have liked to walk home and cool down it probably wasn't the best idea. Buffy looked over at Spike who was still standing there speechless.

"Thank you." She said. He looked over at Faith who had just hopped into the passenger side then back at Buffy.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do, Slayer."

*****

After seeing the expressions on both Faith and her sister's faces. Dawn found it best to not question as to why they were late in picking her up. Instead she sat back and added to the silence. Buffy pulled up to their house and looked over at Faith but she was already out the door and walking up the path. Luckily it was left open after Buffy's frantic exit so she didn't have to wait for someone to let her in. Dawn and Buffy walked up the sidewalk together. Dawn glanced over at her sister and gave her a questioning look. "Tomorrow, Dawn okay?" Buffy sounded so small and exhausted, Dawn took it as hint not to push.

"Okay."

*****

Faith sat in the dark, in a chair in Buffy's room, staring out the window into the night. One would think her head would be running a muck, thought after thought, trying to make sense of everything. But instead there was nothing. She couldn't think. She didn't want to think. Whenever she would, only two words would come to mind. Two words that she thought would never be in the same sentence. Buffy and betrayal. The door slowly opened and Buffy poked her head in. "Can I come in?" Faith made no attempt to answer or respond. Buffy walked further into the room and kneeled down in front of Faith. She reached forward and took the younger girl's hands into her own. "Faith please let me explain." Faith continued looking out the window but then spoke up.

"What's a slayer?"

"I'm a slayer. I kill demons and save the world." She looked up at Faith who was still staring out the window. "I'm stronger than normal humans. I heal faster. I can tolerate more pain. I'm the chosen one. I'm the slayer. I fight the good fight so people can live. That's my life, Faith. When one slayer dies, another is called. I was called after you left." Faith looked down at her long time friend. Then back out the window.

"So you didn't start lying to me until after I left. I feel much better now." Buffy put her head down and sighed.

"Faith, I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you every time I talked to you. Do you really think I liked lying to you? It killed me every time you called me and asked me what was new. I wanted to tell you everything. But I couldn't."

"Because I would think differently of you? You really don't know me at all do you?"

"No, Faith that's not it! I didn't tell you because you were the only thing I had left that was normal!" Faith looked back down at Buffy.

"You were my last link to a normal life. When I talked to you it was about Buffy the person. Not Buffy the slayer. I needed you, Faith. I needed you to keep me sane, to keep me human. I could have told you, I realize that now. But I didn't want to. If it meant losing my humanity, it wasn't worth it." Faith continued to look at her friend while she talked and even after she had finished. But when Buffy looked up to meet Faith's eyes she turned her focus back towards the window. The slayer took a deep breath and stood up.

"That's all I wanted to say. Goodnight, Faith."

*****

No more than an hour had passed when Faith walked out of Buffy's room and heard the TV on downstairs. Dawn's still up she thought to herself. She made her way over to the teenager's room and carefully opened the door. There was no one there. She thought for a moment then backtracked and stood in front of the door leading to Joyce's room. After a moment or two she reached for the doorknob and gently pushed the door open. There she saw Buffy sitting on the floor against the foot of the bed with her arms wrapped around her knees. Faith walked over to her and put her arms around her. "I'm so sorry Buffy. This is the last thing you need. I understand everything you said. I don't hate you. I'm sorry Buffy. I love you." Buffy looked at Faith and then broke down into tears.

"I miss her so much, Faith. I miss her so much. Why?" Faith held her friend closer and let her cry.

*****

The next morning, Buffy took Faith to The Magic Shop. "This place is kinda like a visual aide to everything I said last night."

"Yeah? Well can't wait to see it. Your friend Rupert will be there?"

"Giles, yeah. I told him you were coming."

"Okay." They continued walking down the street in silence.

"Do you miss him?"

"Miss who?"

"Angel."

"Why would you ask that?" Faith stopped walking and turned to face Buffy.

"I don't know. Just almost everything you said last night led back to him in some way. He was just this huge part of your life. Do you ever wish he would have stayed in Sunnydale?" Buffy looked down trying to think of an appropriate response.

"Sometimes yes. I do miss him. But I've moved on. As for him staying in Sunnydale… Well you know that saying. If you love something let it go."

"Yeah, your true love will always come back to you." Buffy looked up at her friend but her face was unreadable.

"That's right they do." She said making eye contact and holding it. Faith looked away and continued walking.

"Come on, your friend's probably waiting."

*****

When they arrived at the Magic Shop, Tara was seated at the table reading a book about Otsilak Demons and Willow was at the counter busy with Giles discussing something. Faith walked behind Buffy and smiled at Tara when she spotted her. "Giles, this is Faith." She said presenting her friend. Giles happily walked over removing his glasses and held out his hand to her.

"Hello, Faith. It's a pleasure."

"Hello, Mr. Giles. It's good to meet you. Buffy's told me a lot about you."

"Mister? My, I haven't heard that in a while." He said looking around the room. Buffy pretended not to hear and walked away to chat with Willow. "So Buffy tells me you're in Medical School."

"Well no, not yet. I just have to finish up this last semester."

"I see, and when does school for you begin."

"Not for another week. But I've talked to all my teachers and it's okay if I miss the first week of school. If I end up staying here longer I mean."

"I understand. And I can't thank you enough for coming, Faith. I realize this is the first time we've met but I already know what kind of impact you have on Buffy. She's more than pleased you came."

"Faith!" Buffy shouted from across the room. "Look Faith, it's that big hammer I told you about."

"The one you got from the troll? Shit, yeah that is big." She said hurrying towards Buffy.

"We'll talk later." Giles said aloud to the air.

*****

After the Magic Shop, all four girls went out for lunch. Buffy and Faith sat on one side of the booth while the Wicca's sat on the other. Buffy looked over at Faith and laughed out loud. "Faith why did you order ribs? Look at your face."

"What?" Replied Faith defensively licking her lips.

"No sweetie, here." She brought a napkin up and began to wipe Faith's cheek. "How did you get it up here?" She said scrubbing at the brunette's skin. Faith merely shrugged her shoulders while taking a swig of her soda. Tara couldn't help but notice the scene playing out before her and smiled knowingly.

"So." Said Faith leaning back against her chair and rubbing her stomach. "Who's up for desert?"

"We all know you are." Responded Buffy wiping her mouth clean.

"Yep." Faith said grabbing the desert menu. "Mmmm ice cream and Oreos. Yeah, I'll have me one of those."

"Honey what are you getting?" Willow said looking over at Tara.

"I don't know. I don't think I could finish anything. Will you help me eat whatever I get?"

"Sure."

"What about you Buff? See anything you like?" Faith asked.

"Is it okay if I just have some of yours, I'm not really that hungry."

"No problem. I can share."

*****

"No, really you can have the last one."

"Faith I know how much you love Oreos, you take it."

"No, I'm full, go for it."

"You're never full."

"I am now."

"It's a whole cookie, I know you want it."

"Nah."

"Fine." Buffy grabbed the cookie and broke it in half. "Here."

"Aww that's so sweet, B."

"Oh look, there's Tanya and Simone." Willow pointed over to another table. "Tara lets go say hi. Buffy you remember them don't you?" Buffy looked over at the two women.

"I think. Did I meet them at the meeting you two dragged me to?" Willow frowned at her friend. "Did I say dragged? I meant willingly went to." Willow smiled and nodded her head.

"We'll be right back."

"What is it you keep staring at?" Buffy asked turning to face Faith.

"My secret passion."

"What?" Faith pointed over to a large glass case with chasing lights and flashing buttons. "The claw?" Buffy asked confused. "They're rigged. You can't win."

"I can, come on." She stood up and pulled Buffy out of the booth with her.

*****

"So you two should definitely stop by," Tanya said to Willow. "And bring your friends." She said pointing to the two woman by the claw machine. Willow looked over and scrunched her nose.

"I don't know. Buffy's not really into the whole gay club scene."

"A lesbian afraid of gay clubs?" Simone said laughing.

"What?" Willow said taken aback. "Bu… But Buffy's not a lesbian."

"Riiiight." Said Tanya looking over at the women again. Everyone turned around to see Faith with a stuffed pig behind her back and Buffy playfully reaching over to try and get it.

PART 4

"Look Mr. Gordo. I got you a girlfriend." Faith said walking into Buffy's room.

"Mr. Gordo does not need a girlfriend thank you." Faith placed the girl pig next to Mr. Gordo.

"Shhhh. I won't tell if you don't." She whispered into the stuffed pig's ear.

Buffy pulled the black duffle bag out from under her bed.

"You sure you're ready to go back out there?"

"I told Giles I was ready and I really think I am. As much as he fought it I know I have to do this."

"Right." Faith said distracted. Buffy moved to sit on the bed next to her.

"Faith I've been doing this for years. It's like second nature to me. It's what I'm built for."

"I just can't imagine you being out there with those things. It makes me feel, I dunno."

"Like you want to protect me."

"Yeah exactly, I mean I don't wanna be like another…."

"Riley."

"Well I was going to say another Giles but I guess Riley would work."

"Oh right, Giles. Like a father figure." Buffy slightly blushed for making an inappropriate comparison. "I'll be back in an hour or two okay? Make sure Dawn does her homework."

"Be careful, Buffy."

"Always." She smiled and walked out of her room.

*****

Later that night, Faith and Dawn were seated in the living room watching TV. Buffy came through the doors quickly and without a word headed upstairs. "Hey to you too, B. Is she alright?" She asked Dawn.

"Probably got hurt. She's a bitch to me too when she comes home hurt."

"Hurt? I should go check on her. See if she's all right." Faith said frantically already heading up the stairs.

"Suit yourself."

*****

"Buffy, you in there? Can I come in?" Faith put her ear to the bathroom door in an attempt to see how she was.

"I'm okay, Faith. Just give me a minute."

"I never asked if you were okay. Now what's wrong let me come in."

Buffy opened the door and let Faith enter.

"Oh my god! Buffy we have to get you to the hospital."

"Faith it's just a cut on my arm. I've had worse. It'll heal."

"Buffy you need stitches."

"No, I don't."

"Come here." Faith reached for Buffy's arm and put it under running water. She began to rummage through the cabinets looking for a bandage. Buffy watched her worried friend open and close drawers. She had never seen someone, other than her mother, so concerned for her well being. And she never lost her cool. She wasn't in hysterics or panicking at all the blood. Her main priority was helping Buffy. "Here now dry your arm." Faith handed Buffy a clean dry towel while she prepared the bandages. "Sit down, I gotta get this on you." Buffy took a seat on the side of the tub while Faith began to wrap her arm. She began to study the brunette's face. Her eyes are so dark, so expressive. If I didn't know a thing about her all I'd have to do is look into her eyes. She used to have freckles she thought. Right above her nose. Her eyes moved lower to Faith's lips. She learned every line, every curve. She memorized everything about them but without knowing why she was doing so. Then Faith brought Buffy's arm to her mouth and kissed it softly. She smiled at her. "All better." Faith's smile faded when she saw the look Buffy was giving her. She couldn't place it. It was nothing like she had ever seen before.

"You're amazing." Buffy finally choked out. Faith stared back at her friend trying to find something in her eyes. Something that would tell her what she was hoping to hear.

"Faith you in there? Buffy didn't knock you unconscious did she?"

Buffy flew back startled at the sound of Dawn's voice against the door. "Shit, Buffy." Faith reached down and pulled her friend out of the tub. "I'm okay, Dawn. We're both fine." She replied,checking Buffy over for any further injuries.

"Okay, just checking." Dawn mumbled walking away from the door. Buffy walked past Faith to leave the bathroom but turned around before reaching the door.

"Thank you. For the bandages." Buffy looked at the floor and walked out.

"You're welcome."

*****

The next morning the two found themselves at the Magic Box again. Buffy was in the back room hitting the bag and Faith was up front with Tara reading about Vampires. Every so often the shy blonde would look up and catch Faith staring towards the back room. "Why don't you just go back there?"

"Hmm? What?"

"With Buffy. Why don't you just go back there?"

"I don't think she'd want me back there. We're kind of not talk talking right now."

"Did you two have a fight?"

"No, nothing like that. It's hard to explain. I actually don't understand it myself."

"I see. Do you want to talk about it?" Faith glanced over at the room again and it looked as though she was thinking about the offer.

"No, it's cool. There's not really anything to talk about."

"Does she know you're in love with her?" If Faith had a mouthful of water she would have spat it out.

"Does she… wha… who, in who?" Tara smiled and let her finish her antics.

"It's okay I know." Faith calmed down and slammed her head on the desk.

"That obvious huh?"

"Lil bit yeah."

"Damn."

"No, Faith it's okay. So does she know?"

"No! And you're not going to tell her."

"I would never. Faith, just know you can talk to me."

"Thanks Tar. I appreciate it."

*****

"What the hell?"

<Whap!>

"Is wrong?"

<Whap Whap!>

"With me?" Buffy hit the punching bag one last time before moving over to the water cooler to take a drink. But it's not just me she thought to herself. Faith felt it too, I know she did. Something happened between us last night. "Ugh. This is not good." She took the tape off her hands and moved to lay on the floor with her arms above her head to block the light.

"So this is how you train. Well shit I wanna be a slayer too."

Buffy moved her arms away and saw Faith standing right above her.

"Hey there. No, just taking a break."

"Me too. I now know everything I will ever want to know about Vampires." Faith extended a hand to help her friend up.

"Great." Buffy said standing up. She took Faith's hand. "You hungry?"

"Starved."

"I figured as much." They walked out of the training room together. "Can you wait a few hours? I thought it would be nice if I cooked tonight." Faith glanced at her friend and raised an eyebrow. "Right, we'll stop and get you a cheesburger on the way home then." Faith walked over to the table to retrieve her jacket. "Do you and Willow have plans tonight?" Buffy asked following Faith.

"No, none that I know of." Faith stood behind Buffy and wiggled her eyebrows at Tara. Tara blushed and looked away.

"Ignore her." She said elbowing Faith in the stomach. "Well I'm cooking tonight so you two are invited."

"Great. I'll tell Willow."

"Good. I'm thinking maybe 7ish?"

"We'll be there."

"Okay." Buffy looked around for Faith and saw that she was standing outside the store window pointing to her mouth and mock fainting. "Gee, think she's hungry?"

"Better go feed her."

"Yeah."

*****

"That was delicious, Buffy." Willow mumbled taking her last bite.

"It was okay." Added in Dawn. Faith kicked her from under the table and stood up to start picking up the dirty plates.

"Well I thought it was great, B." She said as she leaned over from behind, retrieving her dish.

"Thank you." She replied looking up at her smiling. She handed Faith another plate and watched her head into the kitchen.

"So Dawn you still need help with that take home chem. test?" Willow asked anxiously. Tara smiled at her girlfriend. It was so cute the way she actually liked chemistry.

"You bet, Will. `Cause I have no idea what I'm doing in that class."

"Well come on, lets go upstairs. I'll have you forming chemical bonds before you know it."

"Yay." Dawn said sarcastically.

"You going to be okay down here, honey?"

"Yeah, you go. I'll just sit here and talk to Buffy." She looked across the table and smiled at the blonde in front of her. After Willow and Dawn left the room Tara decided to make her move.

"So Faith's being here has really helped huh?"

"So much. I can't imagine having gone through this without her being here."

"That's great."

"And it's not like she's just a distraction you know. Because that wouldn't be healthy. When I'm with her I'm just so happy. I actually smile. But if I need someone to cry with or just talk to about everything I know she's there for that too." Buffy smiled to herself and got that far-away look in her eyes. "What?" She asked when she saw Tara was simply grinning at her.

"Nothing." She said still smirking.

"Tell me what is it?"

"Nothing, go help Faith with the dishes."

"Tara!" Buffy exclaimed. Tara laughed out loud and nodded her head.

"Why are you two so blind? Why can't you see what's right in front of you?" Buffy looked at her puzzled. "Now Faith, Faith was easy to figure out. But you, you had me there for a while. I wasn't completely sure until tonight. After seeing you two… well there's no doubt in my mind."

"No doubt what? What is there no doubt about?"

"She feels the same way, Buffy. Just ask her." Buffy looked at Tara completely stunned. Then the doorbell rang.

It rang again.

And again.

"You going to get that, Buffy?" Buffy nodded her head and like robot walked to the door to answer it.

"Riley." She snapped out of her trance and came back to reality.

"Hey. You haven't called so I thought I'd drop by. Is everything okay?"

"Uh yeah I've just been…"

"Real busy, yeah I know." Both stood at the door not really sure of what to say to the other. "Do you want to go for a walk?" Buffy looked behind her into the house and back towards her boyfriend.

"Actually I kind of have company over."

"Oh." He lowered his head in slight irritation.

"Want to go in the backyard and talk for a while?" Buffy suggested.

"Yeah, just as long as I actually get to talk to you."

*****

Faith put the radio in the kitchen on softly and began to sing along with the lyrics. She hadn't been in this good of a mood in a long time. I'm back with my family she thought to herself. Everything feels so right. She rinsed off the last dish and looked up out the window to see Buffy outside with her boyfriend. They looked like they were laughing together, having a great time. Faith frowned and began to wipe the sink clean, every so often sneaking a glance out the window. When she saw them kiss she threw the dishrag onto the counter and walked out of the kitchen towards the bathroom. What the hell am I doing here she thought as she slumped onto the tiled floor. She's got everything she needs now. I've done my job. If I stay any longer I'm only setting myself up for a fall I'm not ready to take. What was I even thinking? Of course she wouldn't feel that way for me. Faith brought her knees up to her chest and buried her head into them.

*****

Buffy laughed out loud and broke the kiss between her and Riley. "What's so funny?" Buffy looked at him apologetically.

"I.. I'm sorry." She said between giggles. "I just thought of something Faith said today. Something about going to the car wash without a car." She laughed some more. "I'm sorry honey, guess you had to be there."

"Again with the Faith." He said taking a deep breath and moving a step backwards.

"What?" She asked calming down.

"Nothing."

"Riley, what do you have against Faith?"

"There's just something about her. I don't know, she just rubs me the wrong way."

"You don't even know her." Buffy said defensively.

"Well of course not. I couldn't possibly know her as well as you do. You spend every waking minute with her."

"What is wrong with you? Why are you acting so jealous?"

"Do you think I have a reason to be jealous?"

"I didn't say that, and what are you getting at?"

"Nothing just forget it. Look I'm sorry. How did this turn into an argument anyway."

"As soon as you turned on Faith."

"Right."

"Listen I'm tired. And Willow and Tara are inside waiting. Maybe we should call it a night."

"Yeah, I think we both need to just cool down. Call me tomorrow?"

"I will. Goodnight." She moved to kiss Riley on the cheek and he hugged her.

"I love you, Buffy." He whispered into her ear. She smiled at him and nodded.

"Call you tomorrow for sure. Drive home safely." Buffy walked back into her house in a daze. I don't love him…. I don't love him.

*****

After walking her two friends out Buffy headed upstairs to have a little chat with Faith. What that chat consisted of she wasn't sure yet. All she knew was the she felt the need to be close to her right now. Upon entering her room she was surprised to see Faith packing her bags. "What are you doing?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow."

"What? Why?" Faith stopped what she was doing to look up at her friend.

"Buffy you're fine now. I did what I came here to do. You're patrolling again and you're life's back to normal."

"Faith that's not why Willow called you. To make things better then cut out. No one expects you to leave."

"I know that. Buffy I can't stay. School starts next week and I have to be there. We both knew I was only here for a while." Buffy looked down and nodded. She was right. She knew this was only temporary.

"Don't leave tomorrow. Tomorrow's Saturday. At least spend a full day with me and Dawn. You can leave Sunday."

"Okay, I'll leave Sunday."

"Yeah?" Faith laughed.

"Yeah. I can wait till Sunday. It's not like I'm in a hurry."

"Great." Buffy said with no emotion. "Then I'll let you get back to packing or whatever."

"Okay. Goodnight."

"Night." That night neither girls slept more than an hour. Both had the same thing on their mind. Now how to solve it was the problem.

*****

"What do you mean you have to go to a basketball game?" Buffy proclaimed.

"That's what I said." Dawn replied stuffing a bagel into her mouth.

"But it's Faith's last day, Dawn."

"I know. Buffy I'll be home by late afternoon. We'll all hang out then." Faith chose that moment to enter the kitchen all groggy with big black bags under her eyes.

"Breakfast? Excellent."

"Dawn here is canceling on us, Faith. Apparently band is more important than family." She said scowling at her sister.

"You got a gig? Wicked." She began drumming her fingers against Dawn's chair.

"I play the trumpet, Faith."

"The trumpet? That's so gay."

"Whatever." She heard a car honk outside. "That's for me. I'll be back early. We'll hang out. Don't leave."

"Ha ha I won't. Good luck."

"Thanks. Bye guys." She took one last sip of orange juice and dashed out the door.

"So it's just you and me, B. What you got planned?"

*****

Faith and Buffy stood at the end of a pier watching the most beautiful sunset either of them had ever seen. "I had a great time today, Buffy thank you."

"No, thank you."

"Okay." Buffy smirked and looked back towards the horizon.

"It's beautiful isn't it? It's like art."

"Someone once told me art is anything that doesn't cause you physical pain."

"So you're comparing this moment to physical pain?" Buffy playfully asked.

"No no. I was just tryin to sound poetic. Guess I failed huh?" She laughed. "I don't know, the way I see it. Beauty isn't just in the eye of the beholder. You have to feel it too. Anything can be beautiful even if it looks horrible. It just depends on who you're with. You know?" She looked at Buffy as she finished.

"I agree." She paused and looked up at her friend. "You've changed so much, Faith. I mean you're still the same Faith, you always will be. But it's like you lost any annoying or irritating qualities you had and kept everything that was so wonderful about you. Everything I loved. And it's like you tripled that persona."

"I used to irritate you?" She asked dejectedly.

"Faith you know what I mean."

"I know I'm just teasin." She said putting an arm around her. They stood there in silence watching the skyline changed from pink to yellow to orange to purple and blue. Faith couldn't help but look down again at her friend. Buffy caught this and looked up as well. The wind blew a few strands of blonde hair in front of Buffy's face and Faith moved her fingers to brush them away. "You know you're kinda beautiful." Faith whispered. Buffy swallowed the lump in her throat and inched up closer to Faith's face.

"There you are." Both girls broke apart and turned around to the sound of the voice.

"Riley!" Buffy yelped startled.

"Sorry, did I interrupt something?" He said bitterly.

"Yes." Faith quietly mumbled to herself while hopping up to sit on the rail.

"What? No, Riley we were just talking."

"Dawn told me I could probably find you here. Why didn't you call me?"

"Riley, I'm sorry. Just something came up and..."

"That's what you said the last time. And the time before that. But you sure can find time to spend with her though can't you?" He spat out looking at Faith. Faith jumped off the rail and began to walk towards Riley.

"Leave her out of this." Buffy said coming between them.

"You two got things to work out, I'm going for a walk." Faith said walking away from them both.

"Faith, no!" Buffy shouted after her.

"I'll stay within earshot, B. Any goblins come at me, I'll hollar."

Buffy watched her friend leave and turned back towards her boyfriend.

"Riley, this is between us. Faith has nothing to do with it."

"No, I think she has everything to do with it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that ever since she showed up out of the blue, I haven't seen you for more than 5 minutes."

"Out of the blue? In case you forgot, Riley, my mother just died."

Riley looked at her sympathetically and grasped her by the shoulders.

"Buffy I know. And I tried to be there for you. But what did I get?" His tone became more harsh. "The cold shoulder. You wouldn't let me in. You won't let me in." Buffy broke free of his hold.

"That's what this is about? Because I didn't cry on your shoulder?"

"No, that's not what I meant."

"Well I'm sorry Riley. I apologize for not needing to be rescued." She said interrupting him.

"That's not it Buffy!" He shouted. He took a deep breath. "I just want to see you more." He sounded exhausted, almost defeated. He took a step back and sat on the ground with his head down. Buffy took a step towards him and crouched down.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you." Riley looked up at his girlfriend and leaned up to kiss her. She closed her eyes and responded. After a moment Buffy opened her eyes and broke free of the kiss. She clumsily stumbled backwards with a slight look of shock on her face.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Riley asked.

"Nu, Nothing. I just.. when I kissed you. No nothing, it's nothing." Riley stood up completely pissed off.

"Who is he?"

"What?"

"Buffy don't toy with me. I know there's someone else."

"There's no one else."

"Then why did you back away when I kissed you?"

"I don't know." She lied.

"Well when you know, call me." Riley turned to walk away.

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"No, Riley. I won't be calling you." He quietly laughed to himself and nodded his head in disbelief.

"Fine. You know what? Fine." He took one last look at her and left.

*****

Faith silently watched the scene from a distance only guessing what they could be saying to each other. She watched Riley walk away and took it as her cue to return. "I take it things didn't go well?" She said walking up to Buffy.

"I think we broke up." Buffy said in a slight daze.

"You what? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Buffy."

"Really Faith, I'm fine." She said sincerely, looking at her friend. Faith put an arm around her shoulder.

"What happened, why did you two break up?"

"I don't know." What happened? Buffy thought to herself. What happened was that when I kissed my boyfriend it was you I saw.

"It's okay you don't have to talk about it. Why don't we just go home?"

"Sounds good."

*****

"Hey, Riley called looking for you. Did he find you two?" Dawn asked as Buffy and Faith walked in.

"Yeah, he found us." Buffy replied.

"So you two wanna go out or just chill here? TBS is playing a Back to the Future marathon." Dawn said excitedly.

"Back to the Future? I'm there." Faith said hopping onto the couch with Dawn.

"Actually I'm just going to go to bed. You two watch your movie."

Buffy slowly shuffled out of the room and made her way upstairs. Dawn waited until her sister left.

"What's up with her?"

"I think her and Riley broke up."

"They did? Why?"

"Don't know. Maybe she'll tell you tomorrow."

"Yeah. Maybe. Want some popcorn?"

"You bet." Faith stared in the direction of the stairs. She wanted more than anything to be with Buffy on her last night. But she knew she needed time alone right now.

*****

"You got everything?" Faith quickly glanced around the living room, surveying everything, making sure to avoid Buffy's eyes in the process.

"Yeah. I think."

"Okay."

"Buffy, you don't have to walk me to my car. I mean maybe it'll be easier this way, you know?" Faith looked down. "For both of us." She whispered.

"Okay."

The taller brunette finally had the courage to look Buffy in the face.

"Then I guess this is it huh?" Buffy simply nodded, trying her hardest to not look up. This time she was the one afraid to face Faith. "Buffy?" She tilted Buffy's chin up with the back of her thumb and smiled. "I'm gonna call you everyday girl, whether you like it or not."

"Okay." Faith looked away frustrated.

"Okay, Okay. Is that all you're going to say? Let's just try and make the best of this, Buffy, all right?"

"You mean there's a bright side to your leaving?" Buffy asked sarcastically. Faith half smiled and chuckled softly.

"Guess you got me there, B." Both girls stood quietly, not sure of what to say. Well, more like not knowing how to say what they wanted to say.

"Soooo. Hug?" Faith asked unsurely. Buffy moved forward and wrapped her arms around Faith's waist. Faith covered the other girl's arms with her own and returned the embrace. After a moment, they opened their eyes and broke apart. "I should get going."

"Yeah." Buffy picked up one of Faith's bags and walked her to the door. "So are you sure you got everything then?" Faith stopped and looked at Buffy directly in the eyes.

"Almost."

Buffy looked at her hopefully. Faith then reached over and took the bag Buffy had been holding.

"Oh right." Faith stepped out the door and walked down the few steps. She stopped one last time and turned around.

"You take care of yourself, Buffy Summers, okay?"

Buffy nodded and turned away to close the door. She didn't want to watch Faith actually leave. The thought alone nearly brought her to tears. She closed the door and leaned back against it. Slowly she slid down, cursing herself for not being more brave. It took Buffy no more than 30 seconds to realize she what a complete idiot she was. She swiftly jumped up and tore open the door.

"Faith! Faith!" She leapt over her porch and ran down the sidewalk. Faith had just finished packing her last suitcase in the trunk and was closing it.

"Buffy?" The blonde ran up to the back of the car and stood face to face with her best friend. "Buffy what are you doing?" Faith asked completely confused.

"Catching my breath." She said slightly panting. More from nerves than from actual exhaustion.

"Yeah I see that."

"Faith…. I…." Faith stood before her friend patiently. Waiting for her to finish. Buffy on the other hand was a wreck. Was she really ready to do this? Admit to not only Faith, but to herself her true feelings for the girl. She waited until she had completely caught her breath, then stood straight up and with more courage than she dreamed she had inside of her, spoke up. "Faith, I don't want you to leave. Missing you like crazy doesn't even begin to describe what I'll feel." She took a deep breath. "Faith I love you." Faith smiled at Buffy and pulled her in for a hug.

"Thank you, Buffy." She whispered. "I love you too. And truth be told, I'll miss you like crazy too." Buffy couldn't believe it. Faith didn't get it. Tara was wrong. Faith really did only love her as a friend. "But you know I can't stay." She said backing up smiling. "You'll be okay, B. We'll both be okay." Faith opened her car door and hopped inside. As soon as she turned on the engine, she stuck her head out the window and yelled to Buffy. "I'll call you as soon as I get back!" She put the car in drive and took off down the street.

*****

"Almost." Faith said taking her bag from Buffy's hands. What she had wanted to say was something more along the lines of "No, I don't have you." She walked down the steps slowly and turned around again. "Take care of yourself, Buffy Summers. Okay?" Man, I'm such an idiot. Take care of yourself? The hell am I thinking? She turned back around and walked towards her car. After a few steps she took another peek over her shoulders at Buffy but found that she had already disappeared inside. Well bye to you too then. She thought somberly. After Faith had finished putting her last bag into the trunk she heard Buffy shouting her name from behind her. What is she doing?

"Faith, I don't want you to leave. Missing you like crazy doesn't even begin to describe what I'll feel. Faith I love you." Faith smiled at her friend. And sadly, that's all she would ever be to her. She just said she loved me. But not in the way I yearn for. Not in the way I dream about. Who would have thought those three wonderful words could bring someone so much pain? Rather than break down in tears Faith moved in to hug her friend and whispered a thank you. She gave her another bullshit goodbye and stepped into her car. "I'll call you as soon as I get back." She shouted from her window. Faith slid back down into her seat and adjusted her rear view mirror. She could see Buffy simply standing there in the middle of the street. God, why doesn't she just go back inside? She put the car into drive and pulled out of her spot, all the while still looking through her mirror back at Buffy who hadn't moved. Then, Faith saw something unexpected. Buffy put her hands over her face and slouched down. Is she crying? Faith thought. Why? It took Faith no more than 9 seconds to realize what a complete idiot she was. She skidded into a U-Turn nearly taking out some one's car and drove straight towards Buffy. Coming to halt right next to her wide-eyed friend she jumped out of the car and stood in front of her.

"Buffy."

"Faith." Buffy pulled her friend into one of her infamous hugs and held her tight. "Faith, I.. I don't love you." Damnit, Faith thought.

"No, I, Faith." She pulled away so she could look at her companion while she said this. "Faith, I'm in love with you." She looked up towards the sky and smiled then looked back at Faith. "God, I'm in love with my best friend. You're it for me. Faith I can't imagine living another day unless you're here next to me."

"Zuh?" Needless to say, Faith was without words.

"No, it's okay. You don't have to say anything. I just had to tell you. You deserved to know. Faith?" Faith hadn't heard a word Buffy had just said. She was too busy grinning like a child with stars in her eyes. "Faith did you hear me?

"So I was in my car just now, thinking about stuff. And it occurred to me that Cali has some of the best Med-Schools around."

"Oh."

"Well I was thinking that and how I'm madly in love with my best friend who lives on the other side of the country. They kinda relate to each other."

"I see." Buffy said smiling and moving a step closer.

"So you don't mind dating a Med student? I hear they hardly ever have spare time on their hands."

"Then we'll have to put a stop to that rumor. Prove them wrong." She said moving yet another step closer to Faith. This brought them only inches apart.

"I can do that." Faith took the initiative to make the next move. She brought both hands up and placed them on either side of the blonde's head and brought her dark, full lips down to Buffy's. Buffy responded by placing her hands over Faith's hips. The kiss was short and sweet but left them both breathless.

"Holy shit." Mouthed Faith.

"Yeah." Responded Buffy. Also trying to regain composure.

"Let's do that again." Buffy moved in once more to capture Faith's mouth with her own. Both their lips slightly parted but neither was willing to make the next move. It resembled a dry, movie kiss, but it was incredible non-the less.

"I can't believe this is happening." Faith said after they broke apart.

"What?"

"This, us. Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Faith do you love me?"

"I came back didn't I?"

"Yes, you did."

"Then I love you Buffy. I think it was written in the stars that I come back."

"I always loved astrology." Faith smiled at her friend and took her hand into her own. Together they walked back towards the sidewalk.

"Ain't it crazy how 2 weeks can change your life?" Faith said enthusiastically.

"It's only been 2 weeks? Do you think we're rushing?"

"You kidding me? I've waited 21 years for this."

"Okay, so maybe you win in the waiting category but that doesn't mean I love you any less." She said giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"So what now?" Faith asked looking at Buffy.

"You mean it's not the end? Happily ever after?"

"The end? Ha ha, hardly. This is just the beginning, girlfriend."

The End