The Stakes of Our Lives
by Reagan
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The usual; not mine, never was, never will be.
Author's Notes: I've written F.F before, but it's been awhile and this particular
piece happens to be my first on 2 accounts. First of all, while I am on a few slash lists,
this is my first actual slash fic, second, it's also my first BTVS fic, so try and go easy
on me. And the title I shamelessly stole from a TwoP recap. Oh yeah one more thing, I may
have messed up on the timeline a little bit (the sad part being, it's my own timeline), so
I tried not to get too specific with Lexi and Sarah's age, and just one more thing and I'll
quit rambling. We all know it probably won't happen any time soon, but lets just pretend for
now that it's about five years into the future (we won't get technical with ages, we'll just
say Faith is 24 and Buffy is 26) and it became legal for Buffy and Faith to be able to get
married.
The car came to a screeching halt as an extremely angry brunette stepped out slamming the door behind her. "What the hell is going on?" She yelled to the other woman who was just returning home herself.
The blonde eyed her warily, before continuing on her way toward the front of her home tugging the two small children along with her.
"Don't you dare walk away from me Buffy."
"Just leave Faith" Buffy called over her shoulder. She then felt a strong arm gripping her shoulder and turning her around. She looked down at the two small children who were looking up curiously at the two women, and then back at the brunette. "Don't do this." She gritted out through clenched teeth.
Faith had the decency to look apologetic for her actions in front of the children, and let Buffy's arm go. "I just wanna know what you think you're doing? I came to pick them up from school today, only to find out that I can't. Apparently their *mother* has revoked my privileges."
Buffy looked at her for a moment before turning around. She continued on her way up the front steps and fumbled with her keys, trying to unlock the door. When she finally opened the door she ushered the two small children in, having to first grab the small brunette girl by the arm when she tried to crawl to Faith. She turned to face the other woman before closing the door, "I just don't think you're good for them right now." She then closed the door.
Faith stood there for a moment looking decidedly pissed. "Damnit" she swore loudly before walking to the front step.
"You can't keep them away from me, Buffy. They're my kids too." She yelled.
Buffy leaned back against the door with her eyes closed as she heard the screech of tires pulling out of the driveway. She opened her eyes when she felt the small hand gently tugging at her shirt. Buffy looked down to see a five-year-old blonde haired boy looking up at her worriedly.
"Is mommy coming back?" He asked in a small voice.
Buffy bent down to her son's level. "No, Lexi. Mommy needs some time by herself for a little while."
"But I miss her" little Alexis whined.
"I know you do, honey, but it's for the best right now."
Lexi looked disappointed with her answer, but sadly nodded his head and trotted off to go play with his sister.
Buffy sighed as she watched the boy go. She hated putting the kids in the middle of her and Faith's feud, but it was unavoidable really. She also knew that Faith was right. Lexi and Sarah were her kids too, and there was no way that Faith was just going to let Buffy take her kids away from her without a fight. What Faith didn't know, nor any of Buffy's friends, was that she was already in the process of petitioning for sole custody of her and Faith's two small children.
She didn't want to do it, but she just knew that eventually Faith would try and do the same. Buffy also knew that she had an advantage because, while through certain magical elements both she and Faith were the biological parents of Sarah and Lexi, Faith was only listed as their adoptive mother and courts rarely sided with an adoptive parent over a biological one, but then again thanks to Faith's habit of working for politicians she had friends in high places, which could spell trouble for Buffy.
With one last sigh the weary blonde pushed herself away from the door and made her way to the kitchen to begin dinner for two hungry children.
"UUGH!" Faith, frustrated, slammed the door as she walked into her apartment. "Who the hell does she think she is?" She ranted as she paced the floor back and forth, running her hands through her hair. "Trying to keep my kids away from me." Faith's rant was interrupted by the sound of the telephone ringing.
"Hello?"
[ "Faith... hey are you okay? You sound a little upset." ]
"Oh, hey Paul" Faith said recognizing the voice "I'm okay, just had a rough day. Did you want something?"
[ "It can wait. Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?" ]
Faith hesitated. She had grown close to the mayor, who had insisted she call him Paul, but she didn't want to burden him with her problems even if he had been a loyal confident these last few months concerning her problems with Buffy. She finally decided it would be good to let off a little steam.
"It's Buffy. She wouldn't let me see the kids today and she's made sure that I'm no longer allowed to pick them up from school."
[ "I'm sorry to hear that Faith" the mayor said sympathetically, "but you do understand what she's doing don't you?" ]
"Yeah, she's trying to piss me off." Faith said angrily.
[ "She's doing more than that my dear Faith. She's trying to turn your kids against you." ]
Faith pulled away from the phone for a moment in surprise before recovering. "Buffy wouldn't do that."
[ "I don't mean to contradict you, but six months ago would you have thought that she would be trying to keep your children away from you." ]
Faith was silent for a moment. "I-I just don't think she would do that."
["You don't sound so sure" Paul said quietly.]
"I am sure." Faith said more confidently. "Let's just not talk about this anymore okay."
[ "You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sure she wouldn't do that to you. So about what I was calling for..." ]
"Buffy, I'm home."
"Hey, Will." Buffy came out of the kitchen cleaning her hands off, "the kids are fed. They're in their room playing right now."
"Okay, I'll make sure they're in bed on time. Be careful patrolling." Willow plopped down on the sofa and grabbed the remote.
Buffy, after grabbing her weapons, headed toward the door. She reached for the handle and stopped, hesitating. "Willow" she said quietly.
Willow glanced away from the T.V. over to her friend. "Yeah?"
Buffy nervously looked down, playing with her hands. "If, uh, if Faith comes by tell her the kids are asleep. Don't let her in."
Willow furrowed her eyebrows at this request. "Buffy, did Faith do something to the kids?"
Buffy immediately looked up, eyes wide in alarm. "No, no, Faith would never hurt Lexi or Sarah. It's just that... I've decided she shouldn't see them for a while."
Willow studied her friend's face for a moment before speaking. "Buffy, you can't keep them away from her forever, they're her kids too."
Sighing, Buffy moved over to the couch where she dropped down beside Willow. "I know. That's exactly what Faith said," she looked away, "and that's why I'm petitioning for sole custody."
Willow looked at her, surprise written across her face. "Is that really wise? I mean, no offense, but we all know what Faith's capable of."
"I know, I know," Buffy nodded her head, "but I'm afraid if I don't, she will."
"Buffy, Faith's still in love with you. I don't think she would do that... but what ever you decide you know we'll all back you up."
"Thanks Will, you always know how to get me out of a funk" Buffy smiled.
Notes: I used to like Spike. Really, I did, until he became a pathetic whiny puppy. Now, I just wish Xander would stake him already (We all know he wants to) but what I'm trying to get at is that I'm going to try to be as fair as possible to his character...at least for now, but don't worry never will you see a B/S pairing with me. Oh, and I'm sorry I wasn't quite clear on the fact that Buffy and Faith were divorced in the last one.
Lost in thought, Buffy paid little attention to her surroundings while patrolling, until finally she found herself shoved up against a tree with her arm behind her back.
"Keep your eyes open Slayer" Spike whispered in her ear from behind her.
"Spike!" She wriggled herself away from him. "Would it kill you to *not* do that."
"Just keeping ya on your toes there" Spike lit a cigarette while walking along side of her. "So, what's got you distracted, that ex-honey of yours?"
"It's none of your business." Buffy said, not wanting to discuss this.
"Oy, Buffy I'm hurt. Is this how you treat all of your friends." Buffy scoffed but Spike continued, ignoring her, "Ya know, I think this does has something to do with Faith. Only she's been able to get you all worked up like this lately."
"Please, Spike. I don't want to talk about this right now." Buffy rubbed her eyes warily.
Spike took one last puff of his cigarette before throwing it to the ground. He looked over at Buffy and noticing the dark circles under her eyes, decided to stop goading her. "Are you alright?" He asked, his voice softening and taking on a concerned tone.
"I'm fine."
"If, uh, you ever need someone to talk to... well you know." He looked down uncomfortably, not used to being sensitive. He kept walking until he noticed that Buffy had stopped. "What?"
"You can be such an ass at times." Buffy smiled at his look of outrage, "but at other times you can be really sweet. It's almost creepy."
Spike was surprised at the sudden hug he received, but quickly reciprocated. "A guy could get used to this."
Pulling into a parking space at her usual speed, Faith slammed on breaks, the tires screeching. Stepping out of her car, she pulled the glasses from her face and looked around at the busy sidewalks. She crossed the street at a light jog and made her way to the front door of the Magic Box.
"Xander, these slayer spawns are disrupting business, please come remove them." Anya yelled to her husband while glaring at the two small hell raisers who were busy either crawling up the side of a customer's skirt or pulling the lids off of the jars of spices.
"Coming, Coming." Xander called as he rushed to the front of the store. "Sorry, folks" he apologized, going first for Sarah before she pulled the poor woman's skirt completely off. "There you go kiddo," he said as he deposited her into the playpen. "Now for the other little tyke" Xander turned around to grab for Lexi when he noticed a pair of arms wrap themselves around the boy. "Oh hey thanks for grabbing...him" he looked up realizing whom the arms belonged to.
First smirking at Xander, Faith turned to her son who had wrapped his arms around her neck as soon as he realized who it was. "Hey, there little guy. I've missed you." She said kissing his cheek.
"Mommy!" Lexi squealed happily. "Are-are you here to take us home?" He rushed out while tugging on her hair.
"Uh, not today Lexi." Xander interjected before Faith could speak. He reached for the child who shook his head no, burying his head in his mother's shoulder. "Come on Lexi, I think Anya's got some chocolate in the back," he coaxed.
Lexi's head shot up as he squirmed in Faith's arms, until she put him down. "Be right back mommy."
"I'll be here," Faith smiled, watching him go. She turned back toward Xander, who was shifting nervously. "I was hoping to take the kids out to lunch."
"Uh, well you see, I'm not supposed to let them go anywhere today."
Faith's eyebrows rose at this. "I'm their mother Xander. I don't think I have to ask for permission to take my kids to lunch. What's the problem?" She asked impatiently.
"I really think you should talk to Buffy. I'm just following orders." He said anxious to get out of the uncomfortable situation.
"Wait. Buffy specifically told you *not* to let me have the kids?"
Xander opened his mouth several times to speak. "Well... you see..."
Just then the bell signaled a new arrival. Both Xander and Faith looked over in the newcomer's direction.
Buffy stopped in her tracks as she noticed Faith. She took a nervous breath and walked over toward her. "Faith" she acknowledged softly.
"Buffy." Faith said much more harshly, glancing briefly to the rapidly retreating figure of Xander, before turning fully to face her query. "I came by to take *my* kids to lunch, so if you'll excuse me," she turned around, ready to retrieve the children only to be stopped by Buffy.
"I'm sorry Faith, but I don't think that it's a good idea." Buffy kept a calm voice, knowing anger would not solve anything.
Faith whipped back around and glared at Buffy. "And why is that?"
"You know why." Buffy immediately responded.
Faith's eyes softened as she sighed wearily. Yes, she knew why, and even if she disagreed she understood Buffy's reasoning. "Look, can't we talk about this. This whole thing with keeping Lexi and Sarah away from me isn't going to work, you know that."
Buffy looked around, thinking of a response before finally turning back toward Faith. "You're right. We should talk, but I can't right now. Maybe tomorrow afternoon."
Faith shook her head. "Can't. I've got work. Why don't you come by my place tonight." Seeing the hesitation in Buffy's eyes she added, "no yelling, I promise."
"Yeah, okay. I'll come by after patrol."
Faith nodded and glanced back at where the children were and then back at Buffy. She noticed the tired look in the blonde's eyes and decided that she wouldn't push it about taking the kids out. Walking over to the play-pen Faith reached in and picked Sarah up. "Hey there, how's my baby girl?" She cooed, and kissed the little girl on the head, closing her eyes and inhaling the unique scent that babies give off. Sarah looked up at her and smiled, garbling out words that only one and a half year olds can.
Buffy watched the scene unfold before her. She felt a pang of remorse at having to go through all of this. She watched the unguarded look on Faith's face as she protectively held their giggling baby girl and remembered why she fell in love with her in the first place. Despite the bad girl persona Faith was one of the most loving people that Buffy had ever met and she knew that Faith would die to protect their children. The problem was that Faith didn't seem to know what safe was.
2 years earlier
Pulling some juice out of the frig Faith looked back excitedly at Buffy, continuing. "...And the best thing about it is he agreed to work it out so that I can be home anytime you need me. You know for that Lamaze shit and all." She turned to close the frig door, completely missing the scowl on Buffy's face. "This is an awesome opportunity. I really think things are starting to look up for us."
Buffy listened as Faith rambled on about this sudden new job opportunity. She couldn't help but feel worried. As soon as Faith stopped to take a drink Buffy voiced her concerns. "Faith I know you need a job, but don't you find it a little odd that this guy hires you on the spot when you don't really have any experience in politics?"
Faith frowned and took a seat on one of the nearby stools. "I have experience, in case you've forgotten."
Buffy looked down for a moment contemplating what to say. "Of course I haven't forgotten, but it isn't the same thing. You weren't exactly working for a saint and it's possible that this guy knows that. I wouldn't be surprised if he's an old friend of Wilkins, hoping that you'll provide him the same service-"
Faith cut her off, slamming her juice down on the table causing the blonde to flinch "and what? You think I would actually go back to that life?"
Buffy stood up and took her hand. "No, I completely trust you Faith, I'm just afraid for you, but never of you."
Faith thawed under Buffy's gaze. She pushed a strand of blonde hair aside and stroked her wife's cheek. "I promise you, it's just a job. Nothing bad is gonna happen. If I even suspect that this guy's dirty I'll quit. There's no way that I'd jeopardize my family. You and Lexi are my world, and so is this little rug rat on the way." She smiled, placing her hand on Buffy's stomach...
But Faith didn't quit when things got suspicious or when the mayor began asking her to do illegal things for him, and Buffy couldn't help but feel that the other woman had broken her promise to her family, She should have put a stop to it that day, but she had trusted in Faith. She should have known that no matter how good Faith is there would always be a part of her that's drawn to darkness, drawn to someone like the mayor.
Buffy looked up as Faith put Sarah back in her playpen. She ruffled Lexi's hair and said goodbye to him as well before strolling out of the shop, briefly glancing at Buffy on her way out.
Tonight would certainly be interesting.
Notes: I had this whole fight (verbal, not physical) scene planned out in my head at the beginning and ending of the 'meeting', but I just couldn't seem to write what I wanted to convey, so I'm a little disappointed in the interaction in this section.
..."And that's the responsibilities of being SunnyDale's mayor." Mayor Paul Jacobs gave the two young college students, who were taking notes for their class assignment, a toothy smile.
Faith surreptitiously watched him as she sat at one of the tables, half-heartedly going through some paperwork. He reminded her so much of the late mayor Wilkins, maybe that was why she defended him so much against Buffy. She thought back over the last two years. She and Buffy had countless arguments about what went on at the office. Sure, some of the stuff that she did for the mayor wasn't completely ethical, but it was politics. Ethical politics was like an oxymoron. Who had ever heard of such a thing? Besides it was harmless stuff really, just trashing a few files that the public was better off not knowing about, intimidating a few people who were causing trouble, normal stuff. Sighing Faith rubbed her temples. All this thinking was giving her a headache.
Paul looked over to where Faith was sitting as soon as the two young men left. "You look beat. Why don't you take the day off?"
Faith smiled, "thanks but I'm fine and these really need to get done" she indicated the papers in her hand.
"Afraid I'll make a mess if you leave me alone with them." The mayor joked.
"Something like that."
The two continued to work quietly for a few minutes after that before Faith was brought out of her work focused thoughts by her boss' voice.
"So how are things with your two little ones?"
Faith thought for a moment, "Better", she finally decided on. "Buffy's coming over tonight so that we can talk, I really think that I'll be able to get through to her."
"Well, I'm sure all she needs is a stern talking too."
Slightly amused at the thought of scolding Buffy, Faith shook her head. "You don't know B. She's stubborn, pig-headed, demanding... but that's why I fell in love with her." She finished quietly. Her eyes momentarily twinkled at the memories before she suddenly frowned realizing that she had called Buffy 'B'. It was a nickname that she had gotten out of the habit of saying when the two of them split up. Faith pursed her lips realizing that with Buffy in her head she wasn't going to get much work done. "So, uh, listen I think I'm gonna take you up on that offer and get out of here early."
"Yeah, yeah sure" the mayor eagerly encouraged. "You shouldn't be cooped up in here all day anyways. Go out, have fun. Go to a party or a rave or whatever it is you kids do these days."
"Thanks" Faith gave him a tired smile and got up to leave.
The mayor waited until she was out the door before picking up the phone. He tapped his fingers patiently on the table while waiting for the other end to pick up.
"Kevin Frazier, please. Yes, I'll hold...Mr. Frazier I wanted to call and personally thank you for that little tid-bit of information you sent me last week, and I was hoping that you could do me another favor...I'm sure I could make it worth your while... I was hoping that you could have those papers served tonight...Well, I certainly appreciate it...alright, goodbye."
Mayor Jacobs pressed 'end' and with a satisfied smile went back to work.
Faith nervously paced the room while waiting for Buffy to show up. She wasn't quite sure how the conversation would go. She honestly hadn't thought past the invite, and now Buffy would show up expecting her to start first.
"God, what am I supposed to say?" she muttered to herself.
She had already cleaned her apartment twice and changed clothes six times. It was safe to say, she was starting to go crazy waiting. Buffy usually ended patrol around midnight, and looking at the clock Faith noticed it was five past. The other slayer would be there any minute.
As if on cue there was a light knocking at the door.
Buffy was trying to get her breathing under control as she hesitantly knocked on the door of Faith's apartment.
She had only been there once. It was not long after their divorce that Faith had gotten the apartment and Buffy had only been there a second to drop the kids off, leaving immediately after saying goodbye to them.
She crossed her arms nervously as Faith opened the door.
"Hi."
"Hi."
They both stood there for a moment, awkwardly, until Faith finally remembered to invite the blonde in.
Buffy looked around the apartment noticing how tidy it was. She smiled inwardly; remembering how people had always assumed that she was the neat freak while Faith was the sloppy one. In reality, it was Faith who had insisted on alphabetizing everything they owned, while Buffy couldn't remember what in the world had possessed her to put the phone in the freezer.
Faith held her breath as Buffy surveyed her apartment. She didn't know why, but even after their divorce she still had this inane urge to please the other woman, and she hoped that her place met Buffy's approval.
"So, do you, uh, want a drink?" She asked as she gestured for the blonde to take a seat on the couch.
"No thanks."
"Okay" Faith sat at the other end of the couch and another couple of minutes passed by.
"Faith?" Buffy ventured, still nervous, but wanting to get everything out in the open.
"Yeah?" Faith eagerly responded as soon as her name was spoken. She was desperate for the silence to end.
"I'm sorry."
"What?" Out of all the things she imagined Buffy saying that was definitely not one of them.
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry that we didn't work out. I'm sorry that our love wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry for not letting you see the kids. I'm just...sorry." Buffy looked up at her somewhat miserably.
"Buffy", Faith breathed, "you...you have no reason to *ever* apologize. We grew apart, but if anyone's to blame it's me. I lied to you for months about what I was doing, and I can understand how you may not trust me now, but you have to know that I would never put our kids in danger."
The blonde blew out a frustrated breath. "I know that you wouldn't ever *intentionally* put them in danger, but that's the problem Faith." By this time she had stood up and began to pace the floor, while Faith sat there silently listening. "The mayor, he's just like Wilkins, but you won't see it. I mean, really Faith, do you even know what's in those mysterious boxes that he has you pick up from the docks? Because the Faith I used to know wouldn't have just taken someone's word for it, but you won't even open the boxes will you?" She looked intently at the brunette. "Don't tell me that it's *not* because you're afraid of what you'll find" Buffy kneeled down in front of the seated woman, "you know I'm right," she whispered.
"You don't understand." Faith whispered back, lost in Buffy's eyes.
"Then explain it to me."
"Paul, he's one of the only people who's ever believed in me, besides you there was no one, but then here comes along this man who's willing to take a chance on me despite my past." Her eyes pleaded with Buffy's to understand. "I finally had a respectable job. I was no longer the slutty psychopath that everyone looked down on. I just wanted to be someone that my kids could grow up to be proud of."
And Buffy did understand, she understood how much being a good parent meant to Faith. "God Faith, you have no idea how much I understand that. I worry everyday if I'm doing right by Lexi and Sarah, but just because your job looks good on the surface and just because you're doing it for your kids doesn't make it okay...But I was wrong not to fight for you."
"I've missed you so much." Faith exhaled, tears streaming down her face.
"I've missed you too." Buffy admitted, in the same emotional state as Faith. She gently cupped the other woman's face and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Faith?"
Hearing her name never sounded so sweet and just for a moment Faith closed her eyes reveling in the feeling of being so close to the person she always believed was her soul-mate. Opening her eyes, she looked into Buffy's questioning ones and knew what she was asking. She gently placed her hand over the one resting on her cheek. "I want to come home."
And with those words they both understood what she was saying. Faith would give up her job with the mayor. It hurt because he truly had become an important person in her life, but she would give up the world for her family.
Buffy leaned in and captured the brunette's lips. They both moaned, savoring the feel of what they had desperately been deprived of for so long. It had been over a year since either one of them had had a kiss as passionate as the one they were currently experiencing. Struggling to stand up with out breaking the kiss Faith pulled Buffy to her. She trailed kisses down the blonde's neck, loving the feel of fingers running softly through her hair. She pulled back long enough to look into green eyes questioningly; she received a simple nod in answer. Wordlessly, the two made their way to the bedroom, removing clothes along the way.
The door closed with an almost inaudible click.
"Wow...wow."
"Is that the extent of your vocabulary these days."
"After that, definitely." Buffy snuggled closer to the brunette, almost purring at the feel of Faith's hands lightly running down her back.
"Well, let's hope the kids get their brains from my side" Faith joked with mock superiority.
"Uh, huh. Excuse me miss intellect, but I caught Lexi telling Mrs. Brown that her dog shit in our yard the other day. Any idea where he learned that word?"
"It's that little crippled midget that lives down the street. I'm telling ya, he thinks he can get away with teaching kids that shit just because he has one leg."
"Stop it." Buffy swatted her arm, chuckling lightly. She closed her eyes focusing on the sound off her lover's heartbeat. After a few minutes of silence she spoke up. "This feels nice."
"Mm-hmm" Faith agreed contentedly. "I spoke to Dawn this morning."
"Really? She hasn't called me in a couple of weeks."
"Yeah, she says she's been 'super busy', her words, not mine."
"What'd all she say?" Buffy yawned, spent after the night's vigorous activities.
"Not much, said school was great. We talked about where she was planning on applying to graduate school, talked about the kids some, nothing to imp-"
Faith's words were cut off and Buffy's eyes opened curiously at the sound of the doorbell. The blonde groaned, rolling over and burying her head in the pillow. "God Faith, who comes over at this time of night?"
"I dunno" Faith frowned, hastily pulling on some clothes. She exited the bedroom as the irritating sound continued, "Alright, knock it off will ya." She yanked open the door to a scrawny looking guy in a rumpled suit.
"You Faith Lazotte?"
"Maybe" she answered cautiously.
"This is for you." He shoved a yellow envelope in her hand. "You've been served. Have a nice night."
"What? Served?" Faith questioned, confused, but the man was already walking away. She shut the door with her foot, while turning the letter over in her hand, scrutinizing it. "Damn civil servants, always so rude. Since when did they start working so late anyway?" She muttered while tearing open the envelope.
Tired of waiting for Faith to come back to bed, Buffy got up to see what was keeping her, pulling on a robe on her way. Coming out of the bedroom she noticed Faith, standing near the front door, facing away from her.
"Faith, who was at the door?" She asked, wrapping her arms around the brunette from behind. Receiving no answer she tried again. "Faith?"
Disengaging from the embrace, Faith spun around, an odd look on her face. "What is this?" She asked, eerily calm.
Confused, Buffy took the papers from the outstretched hands. Her eyes went wide when she realized what she was reading. "Oh... Faith it isn't what it looks like."
"No? That's good because it looks like a summoning to discuss custody of Lexi and Sarah." Faith retorted, her calm voice no longer present.
"It...well, it is, but it-it was some stupid thing that I regret ever doing."
"What was this Buffy?" Faith asked completely oblivious to whatever the blonde was trying to tell her, "One last fuck for old time's sake, BEFORE YOU TOOK MY KIDS AWAY FROM ME?"
"NO!" Buffy immediately responded. "God Faith, this" she gestured with her hands, "this is exactly why I did what I did. You just blow up without giving me a chance to explain. I-"
"SHUT UP!" Faith yelled. "JUST. SHUT. UP. I've been so patient with you, letting you call all the shots, stupidly hoping that we could be a family again. Paul tried to tell me, but no, I wouldn't listen to him. I should've known." She stated, looking off into the distance, sounding more like she was talking to herself than Buffy.
"It was a stupid move, I admit that, but I was only thinking of our children!" Buffy tried to rationalize.
The desperate word brought her back to reality and Faith whipped her head back to look directly at Buffy. She jerked the blonde by her arm until they were close enough to kiss.
"You have know idea what kind of fire you're playing with," she whispered harshly into the other woman's ear. "I'll kill you before I'll let you take my kids away from me."
With those words she threw the blonde away from her, Buffy having to catch her balance before she fell.
"Get. Out."
Seeing the maniacal look in the brunette's eyes, Buffy scrambled to grab her clothes from the bedroom. She stopped to look at the enraged woman on her way out. "I don't know what I was thinking ever coming here tonight. Get help Faith." She closed the door quietly.
Once alone Faith tried to get her breathing under control. She paced the floor for a few moments, then turned around and grabbed a nearby lamp, which she proceeded to throw against the wall. "FUCK!"
Flopping down on the couch, Faith ran her hands threw her hair, still raggedly breathing. "I can't believe I almost turned my back on the one person I've always been able to count on. That bitch has no idea who she's messing with."
"So that was it?"
"That was it."
"Wow, Buffy you sure know how to make a mess of things." Anya chimed in while counting the shop's weekly income, and totally missing the glare everyone was shooting her way.
The Scoobies were currently all seated around the research table in the Magic Box. Buffy had just relayed her meeting with Faith, editing certain parts, namely that she and Faith had slept together before the big blow up.
"So what now?" Xander asked glumly. They were all feeling bad for not only Buffy but for Faith as well, not to mention the kids who were in the middle of all of this.
"I don't know." Buffy sighed. "Maybe her finding out was for the best in the long run. She was just so... angry. I don't know if I would ever feel safe letting her see the kids when she has such serious issues. I don't know what possibly possessed me to think that maybe we could work things out."
Willow noticed the haggard look her friend wore. She gently placed a hand on top of one of the slayer's in a silent show of support.
Buffy gave her best friend a tired smile, squeezing the hand gently before standing up. "Listen guys, thanks for being here and sympathizing with my woes, but I think I'm gonna go now. I need to pick the kids up from daycare."
"No problem Buff. That's what best friends are for." Xander gave the blonde one last hug before seeing her out the door. Turning around he looked at the other two occupants of the table. "Poor Buffy."
They all shook their heads in silent agreement.
"What am I gonna do?" Faith muttered while tugging on her ear anxiously. "I threatened to kill her. I can't believe I did that, but she just makes me so mad. Ugh." The slayer rubbed at her eyes frustrated.
The mayor sighed and leaned back in his chair, contemplating the situation.
"Well, it's obvious that you're going to have to take some legal action of your own." He pointed out.
"Right. You're right." Faith answered eagerly. "I'll just hire a lawyer to make sure that I get my share of time with the kids. Yeah. Why didn't I think of that?" She smiled, thinking she had it all figured out.
Paul looked incredulously at the standing slayer. "Faith, have a seat." He stated as if talking to a five year old. "I can't believe I just heard the word 'share' come out of your mouth. Don't you understand? This is war. There's no more 'sharing'." He spit the word out as if disgusted by it. "It's all or nothing. These papers make that pretty clear." He leaned forward, making sure she understood him completely. "Think about it. You may never see your children again."
Faith slumped in her chair, digesting everything. Worriedly, she looked up into the face she trusted. "I just...I never thought that it would come to this." She sighed. "Will you help me?"
"That's what I'm here for Faith." The man responded, offering the brunette a Cheshire grin. "I have the best legal team in the state of California at your disposal." He pulled out a business card.
Beginning to feel better about the situation, Faith smiled back. Looking down at the card handed to her she read aloud, "Wolfram and Hart. I've heard of them somewhere." She racked her brain, not realizing that it was the same law firm who had hired her to kill Angel. At the time it hadn't mattered who they were, as long as they were offering her money. The ringing of her cell phone brought Faith out of her thoughts.
"Yeah?" she answered absentmindedly, still studying the card.
The Mayor looked up as he saw the slayer's body stiffen and her tone became more demanding. He couldn't quite discern what was going on from only listening to her side of the conversation.
"What?!... How did it happen? ... I'll be right there." Stuffing her phone back in her jacket, Faith stood up. "I gotta go. Lexis' at the emergency room."
Looking concerned Paul stood up also. "Well I do hope he's alright."
"Me too." She answered on her way out the door.
"Dr. Jacobs you have a call on line one." The P.A. system announced to the somewhat quiet hospital. The morgue was usually the busiest place in Sunnydale, not many people actually made it to the hospital.
The peace was disrupted by the loud squeaky sounds of tennis shoes on the hospital floor. Running at slayer speed, Faith skidded to a stop at the front desk. "Alexis Lazotte." She looked anxiously at the nurse.
Punching in a few keys on the computer, the nurse turned to Faith. "He's in room 148 with Dr. Rosen. That's down the hall to-" Before the woman had time to finish the brunette slayer was already taking off yet again.
"Ouch, it huwts." A little voice whined.
Stopping in front of the room marked 148, Faith stepped into her son's line of vision.
"Mommy!" He yelled happily from his seat on the hospital bed upon seeing the frantic brunette.
First hugging him, Faith then stepped back to assess the damages. She noticed a slight scrape along his left brow and his arm encased in a white cast.
Noticing the concerned look on the brunette's face, the young doctor, who had been standing off to the side while mother and son embraced, stepped up. "Hi, you must be mom. I'm Dr. Rosen. Lexi here has been a brave little guy tonight." Lexi beamed at the comment.
Faith absently stroked the boy on the head while focusing on the doctor. "What happened? Is he gonna alright?"
"Oh he'll be fine, just a minor sprain and a scrape along the side of his eye." The doctor then bent down to kneel eye level with Lexi. "You, young man, need to stay out of trees." He playfully poked him in the chest before standing back up and turning to Faith. "I need to go check on a few of my other patients, but when you're ready to check out just go to the front desk. The nurse will have a few papers for you to sign and then you can be on your way."
"Thanks, doctor" Faith called after his retreating form. Turning back to Lexi she gave him a raised eyebrow. "Climbing trees were we?"
"I missed you mommy." The small blonde sniffled.
Faith grinned. "You little sneak, all to aware that you have me wrapped around your little finger, aren't ya?"
"Does that mean you're not mad at me?" He asked hesitantly.
"How can I possibly stay mad at you with that lip poking out?" She picked him up in her arms, playfully sticking his lip back in and getting a giggle in response.
As they were about to walk out of the room a disheveled blonde appeared in the doorway.
"Oh my god, Lexi, baby, are you alright." Buffy looked the boy in Faith's arms over. Hugging him and seeing that he was alright, she turned to Faith as if just noticing her presence. "Faith, What are you doing here?"
"The hospital called me." The brunette slayer answered, refusing to make eye contact with Buffy. After a couple moments of uncomfortable silence Faith spoke up. "So... What were you doing up in that tree anyways, Lex? Who was watching you?"
Lexi let go of the strand of hair he was playing with on his mother's shoulder. "Uncle Spike. He told me to stay in the twree if I wanted to watch him kill a vampiwe. It was cool."
"Uncle Spike, huh?" Faith narrowed her eyes at Buffy. "Listen, Lexi. Why don't you stay in here for a minute why I talk to your mom outside, okay?" She set him back down onto the bed.
"Okay." Lexi crawled over to the counter where he began playing with a spare stethoscope.
Outside of the hospital room Buffy faced Faith. "Listen Faith, I know what you're going to say, but it was an accident. It was stupid of Spike to let Lexi out there at night and believe me as soon he told me what happened I layed into him big time, but I don't need this from you too."
"No, you listen to me. I have told you time and again that I do not want that monster near our kids." Faith whispered harshly. "You are such a hypocrite, telling me that I put them at unnecessary risk, well what about you? How could you put Lexi and Sarah in that kind of danger?"
"I had no one else to watch them while I patrolled. Everyone else was busy, and besides I trust Spike. He's harmless." The blonde defended herself.
"Where's Sarah?"
"She's with Willow." Buffy responded warily.
Faith came within an inch of slamming her fist into the wall, but restrained herself at the last minute. "Damnit! You know I should take them both right now, but I'm not just going to uproot them from their home. Unlike you I think about them first before I make decisions."
"No. Don't you dare make me the bad guy here!" When she noticed the people passing by, staring at them, Buffy lowered her voice. "It was an accident and I *am* thinking of their best interest."
"And trading me in for that pathetic lovesick moron is in their best interest?" Faith scoffed. "Don't you ever let him near either one of them again, or so help me God, Buffy..." She trailed off.
"I am so sick and tired of your threats Faith!"
Backing the smaller woman up against the wall, Faith put her hands on either side of the wall. "Well here's a promise, you're not going to take those kids away from me so easily. Keep making mistakes Buffy. I will eat you alive in court."
Buffy let out the breath she had been holding when Faith pushed away from the wall and walked back toward the hospital room.
After saying good-bye to Lexi, Faith left Buffy to fill out insurance papers. She walked down the streets of Sunnydale trying to calm down. One thing that she couldn't understand was why Buffy allowed him to live.
After everyone found out about their relationship all those years ago, Spike had went off the deep end. He had tried to kill someone with his chip still intact. Stumbling upon the scene, Faith had initially wanted to stake him right there, but seeing the heartbroken grief on his face, Buffy had convinced her not to, but Faith still hated him ever since.
Originally heading to back to the office, Faith stopped and made a U-turn, another destination in mind.
Hearing the door to his crypt kicked open startled Spike, but he quickly covered it up with a grin on his face.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, slayer?"
Not bothering to exchange pleasantries, Faith strode over and punched him in the face causing him to fly across the room.
With a groan of pain the blonde vampire picked himself up. "Hey, come on now that's cheating. You know I can't fight back." He smirked despite the pain. "Other wise I would've killed you a long time ago."
Faith scoffed disgustedly, "And Buffy let's you live."
"Seriously though" Spike held up his hands. "If this is about the little munchkin, it was an accident. He's okay, right? I dropped him off at the hospital. Told 'em to call you."
"Well, how noble of you." The slayer grabbed him by the throat and kneed him in the stomach.
"Oof. Look, it was an accident alright. I'm sorry."
Pulling him up by the hair, Faith looked him straight in the eyes. "Just stay away from my kids." She proceeded to fling him across the room. While Spike was groaning in pain on the floor, Faith looked over the crypt where her kids had stayed. On the bedside table something caught her eye.
Walking over to the bed, Faith picked up the picture on the nightstand. She smirked when she realized that it was a picture of Buffy. She turned around and noticed Spike still lying on his back. Hauling him up on his feet, Faith pinned him back up against the wall.
Noticing the smirk on the slayer's face Spike gave a confused expression of his own. "What?" He asked suspiciously.
"Lookie what I found." Faith held up the picture. "Any idiot knows why you're doing this. Do you really think she'll ever love you, Spike?" She taunted him. "Let me tell you a little secret. Buffy will never fuck you out of love, and do you know why?" noticing the hard set of the vampire's jaw her smirk grew wider, "because you're a monster Spike."
Spitting some blood on the floor from one of the hits he had taken, Spike allowed a small grin to grace his own face. "You're one to talk, killer. She fucked you didn't she?"
Slamming his head into the wall, Faith screamed at him. "NO! What we did was out of love. We gave ourselves to each other, and that's something you'll never experience. You will never know what it's like to see her looking into your eyes, wanting to know that it's you making love to her. You'll never wake up in the mornings to her begging you to stay just a little bit longer." She punched him in the face a few more times just for good measure.
Attempting to smile through his battered face, Spike looked up from where Faith had let him slump down onto the floor. "Did you forget, slayer? You'll never feel that again either."
"Maybe" Faith conceded, "but we'll always be connected through our children. Enough talk, time to say goodnight, Spike." Picking up a bat she had noticed on her way in, Faith kicked Spike into a fetal position on the floor. She brought the bat down on to the curled up vampire. <thwack> over,
And over
And over
...to be continued...