Love's Song
by Samantha
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Joss owns Buffy and Faith and all them, story is mine, and Britney Spears is also mine, no wait, damn it, she's not mine, she's hers, and this story is an act of fiction, Britney did not do any of this. Lyrics belong to Britney.
Notes: Good challenge idea, Britney is hot.
Feedback: Please please.
"Baby, I'm so into you You've got that something, what can I do Baby, you spin me around, oh The earth is movin, but I can't feel the ground Everytime you look at me My heart is jumpin, it's easy to see"
Faith sat on the porch railing smoking her fourth cigarette of the half hour. All around her darkness had already settled over the city. Not such a bad place really, better than Sunnydale, although no less hellmouthy. Since that place had finally been sucked into hell, Giles had advised them to move on to one of the other large hell mouths, this one in Meadow Brook NY. It was like people sensed the evil and tried to compensate by giving their town some goofy sounding safe name.
Meadow Brook was fine with Faith, although quite a bit colder than the balmy weather of southern California, Faith was used to Boston, so this was no big deal. Buffy however was not loving the cold. Which was why Faith was now waiting patiently, or not so patiently really, outside the new Scooby house, waiting for Buffy to finish dressing so they could meet the others at a local club. After waiting most of the half hour the others had gone ahead to guarantee seats for the show. Dawn especially had not wanted to wait.
"Buffy," Faith yelled without moving from the railing. Since it was still not far into fall she knew Buffy's window was open, even though she was complaining about the cold. Inside the house was still stifling from the days heat.
"I'm almost ready, like two seconds," Buffy yelled back.
"Heard that about an hour ago," Faith murmured taking a hit off her cigarette.
"I heard that," Buffy yelled.
"So come down and do something about it," Faith yelled smiling.
"Fine," Buffy answered. Faith smirked knowing Buffy would not be down to 'do something about it' for at least another five minutes.
Ten minutes later the front door opened and Buffy stepped out into the night. Faith stifled a laugh looking at her. Where Faith was wearing jeans, a black tank top, and a jean jacket, Buffy was dressed in a pair of jeans, a sweater, which Faith was sure there was a tank top or something under, a scarf, and a long winter coat.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"You're like the kid from that Christmas movie, you know the one with 'you'll shot your eye out'." Faith laughed.
"What?" Buffy asked looking down at herself. "It's cold." This only made Faith laugh even harder as she started down the steps. "Shut up," Buffy smacked her arm.
"Ohhh Oww, my arm, oh it hurts so bad," Faith gripped her arm mocking pain.
"Faith," Buffy shook her head.
"Sorry Princess," Faith said straightening and throwing an arm around Buffy's shoulders. "It's just you're gonna have to get used to the cold, this right here is nothing."
"I know," Buffy said looking down as she wrapped an arm around Faith's waist. She would never admit it, but these little displays of affection had been becoming more and more important to her of late. Just Faith's arm across her shoulders made her blush a little at the thoughts it put in her head.
Not that she really thought anyone would have a problem with her having those thoughts. Willow and Kennedy would fully support it, and Xander, well he would be Xander about it, Dawn loved Faith now, so she would be cool. And Buffy had always thought that Faith was into girls, but not really knowing for sure, and just having their friendship worked out, she didn't wanna ruin it by trying to make it sexual.
"Poor baby," Faith said still forcing playfulness as she felt Buffy's arm snake around her. More and more Buffy had been touchy like this. And it was driving Faith crazy, cause she knew it was just the way Buffy was. Affectionate with her friends, not like in the dirty way that Faith was thinking, just friendly. But every time Buffy hugged her, linked arms with her, held her hand, Faith just wanted to kiss her. Sometimes she would swear to god that Buffy wanted it to. But she knew that wasn't true about straight and narrower than thou Buffy.
"So Dawn's excited," Faith said to break the silence that had fallen between them.
"Ya think?" Buffy asked with a little laugh bumping Faith's hip with hers. "She has only like idolized Britney since she was like 10."
"I think Dawn is happy the world almost ended, and we moved across the country, and people had to die, just because she gets to see Britney Spears live and close up now, and to win those free front row tickets too."
"Oh she totally is," Buffy nodded.
"Can't say I'm bummed about it," Faith said with a shrug, thinking about Britney's last concert she had been to. A fact she did not share with anyone.
"Faith, are you a closet Spears fan? I'm shocked." Buffy said with mock horror on her face.
"No, I'm not, just, Happy for Dawn," Faith stuttered.
"Uh huh."
"She's fucking hot man," Faith burst out with, then realizing with who she was talking she pulled away from Buffy pulling them apart. "I mean.." Faith trailed off.
"Uh huh," Buffy answered lost in her own little world of Buffy thought. Faith thinks Britney is hot? Maybe tonight wouldn't be such a bore after all. Buffy was smiling as they entered Wonderland.
Backstage was hectic as always. Made even more hectic by the cramped space. Wonderland wasn't the smallest club in the world, but it wasn't very big either, there wouldn't be any pyrotechnics tonight. Britney was currently stretching with her dancers, her heart pounding at what was about to take place.
It wasn't just the show, she had done millions of shows, no there was going to be someone special here tonight. If everything had played out right, then Faith, the dark haired slayer would be out there, and when Britney left town, Faith would go with her.
"Britney," Nick a good looking guy with a dark complexion and bleached hair came into the practice room. "Fader says she's here."
"Yes," Britney lay back on the floor stretching, before standing up. "Alright ya'll listen up. Now you know why we're here. I know it's gonna be a little cramped out there, but trust me it will be worth it."
"Yeah, yeah, we know slayer energy and all that," Krista said with a smile.
"Right," Britney smiled, thinking of how much better her tour, and the rest of her CD's would be when she could use the slayer's power for herself. "Now let's get out there and show these people a good time alright?" Britney clapped as the dancers all hooted, as excited as she was about the prospect of having the power. Britney smiled to herself, barely able to contain her excitement.
Her spiritual advisor back in Louisiana had told her how valuable a slayer's energy was, how well it could be harnessed. It hadn't been till the woman mentioned it that she remembered her old babysitter telling her about slayers back when she was only four or five, she had called the woman Nana, an old black woman from the deep bayou hunch backed, and bent over, gray hair that reached past her waist when she wore it down. Britney had been the woman's favorite. She hadn't disliked the other kids, she had been warm and affectionate with all of them. But it was Britney who she took a special interest in, telling her she was someone special, someone with a destiny, foretold by the voodoo spirits. In fact it was that woman who was probably most responsible for her success. At that tender age of six, Nana had given her a drink infused with the energy of a slayer.
It had been all up from there, and soon Britney's parents decided there wasn't a need for the woman anymore, Lynn had quit her job to ferry Britney around, and when they weren't doing that she was home. So no need for Nana, she had stayed in Kentwood only a little longer before her own kids moved her to a home in New Orleans. Britney hadn't seen her or thought of her since then. Until her advisor had mentioned the slayer's energy, since then Britney had thought of the woman often, and had dedicated much time to finding the slayer, much to her surprise to find there were now two of them, and many more with the potential.
Now with her most trusted dancers in the know, she was ready to put her plan into motion. When she left Meadow Brook one of the slayers would be leaving with her, and hopefully it would be the dark haired one. Through the curtain Britney heard the announcer.
"And know what you've all been waiting for, Miss Britney Spears!" Applause filled the room as Britney took the stage.
Disclaimer: U know i don't own them. Lyrics are from slave 4 u and Boys.
Notes: Britney is hot.
::What would it take for you to just leave with me? Not tryin to sound conceited but you and me were meant to be::
All around her the crowd erupted in cheers, Faith stood up along with everyone else, even though they were in the front row, it was like an unspoken rule at concerts to stand up.
"This is so cool!" Dawn yelled jumping up and down tugging on Faith's arm. Faith nodded smiling at her, trying not to let quite all of her excitement show. But as the first notes of "I'm a Slave 4 U" came on she felt herself bouncing a little, to her left she saw Buffy smirk at her, and forced herself to stand still. Buffy elbowed her smiling, starting to dance a little, for a few seconds Faith just watched her looking her up and down as she did a decent imitation of Britney dancing, the crowd started screaming louder and Faith's attention was drawn back to the stage.
Rising out of the stage came Britney Spears, forgetting herself Faith screamed jumping up and down with Dawn. Fully on stage Britney stood for a minute giving the crowd her patented once over, smiling teasingly, eyes resting for a minute on the first row, her smile widening a hair as she lifted the microphone to her mouth.
"I know I may be young, but I've got feelings too.
And I need to do what I feel like doing.
So let me go and just listen."
"She looked at me, did you see that she looked at me, I'm gonna get with Britney," Xander yelled happily over Dawn's head.
"Yeah right, she was looking at me I'm gonna get with her," Faith yelled back, Xander stared at her open mouthed for a second, Faith saw Buffy looking at her from the corner of her eye. "I mean that is about as likely as her wanting you Xander," Faith covered punching him lightly (in slayer standards) on the arm and smiling as she turned back to the stage.
"Yeah," Xander laughed rubbing his arm as he refocused on Britney, and immediately questioned his sanity for ever looking away from the lithe woman writhing in front of him.
"Baby, don't you wanna, dance upon me,
(I just wanna dance next to you)
To another time and place.
Baby, don't you wanna, dance upon me,
(Are you ready)
Leaving behind my name, my age.
(Lets go)"
Faith didn't feel like she could take her eyes off the woman in front of her, the way she moved was ungodly, immoral and wrong. It was also the sexiest thing Faith had ever seen. In the videos the girl was hot, at the last concert she was damn hot. But now standing mere feet from her the sexiness radiating off her was almost too much to handle. The first song ended with Britney and her dancers striking a pose at the front of the stage. Faith whooped along with the rest of the crowd, clapping loudly as the next song started.
Out of the corner of her eye Buffy watched Faith grind around to the music. She was surprised by how much the girl was getting into it; she was also surprised by what she had heard the younger girl say to Xander about getting with Britney. She had tried to make it seem like a joke, but Buffy was sure she saw honesty in the statement. More and more she was thinking she should tell Faith how she felt, maybe tonight later on while they patrolled.
Britney could hardly control herself as she sang the rest of the concert, Faith was front row center, right where she had wanted her, Fader had done well for her and would be reimbursed accordingly. And already the girl's full attention was on her, eyes brimming with lust, while it was true that hundreds of eyes in the room filled that way, Faith's were the only ones that concerned her. It was the opening beats for the last song that drove her over the edge. As "Boys" started she knew she was going to have to be naughty. Smiling at the crowd she jumped off the stage.
Buffy was taken aback as Britney left the stage, landing almost directly in front of her. She inhaled sharply at the sight of her close up. It was evil, pure evil, that someone could look that good. Singing and walking in a sexy stride Britney paraded toward Xander, for a moment keeping Buffy's eye contact as she passed.
"For whatever reason,
I feel like I've been wanting you all my life
You don't understand."
Now as Buffy watched Britney stopped in front of Xander, turning and shaking her ass provocatively, before smiling back over her shoulder at the boy, then facing him again she ran her fingertips down his jaw.
"I'm so glad we're at the same place
At the same time, it's over now."
Faith watched in awe as Britney then turned abruptly from Xander, leaving him with wet dreams for years to come, heading back towards Faith. Past Xander Faith could see Willow and Kennedy cheering loudly, Kennedy slapping Xander on the back proudly. Britney smiled at Dawn as she past, ruffling the girl's hair. She came to a stop again in front of Faith leaning forward, stopping her mouth inches from Faith's lips, from all around them cheers went wild.
"I spotted you dancin'
You made all the girls stare
Those lips and your brown eyes (oooh)
And the sexy hair"
She had ran a finger down Faith's lips for emphasis, Faith unconsciously parting her lips a little. Somehow Faith's hands had also ended up on Britney's waist, she could feel the motion of her hips rolling towards her with her palms, before Britney whipped around her back to Faith, only inches away, Faith couldn't help but focus her eyes downwards.
"I should shake my thang
Make the world want you."
She turned her head looking at Faith with her patented giggle, and Faith felt her knees get weak. Again Faith's hands had worked their way onto Britney's hips, now trailing a finger down Faith's arm, Britney headed away, back up onto the stage.
"Man, you get all the chicks," Xander said looking a little dejected next to Dawn. Faith however could not speak. And this was not something Buffy really liked. Britney Spears had just given her girl a lap dance. Ok, so maybe Faith wasn't her girl, but after tonight she damn well was going to be. Fuck the concert was almost over.
"Faith we gotta talk, wanna patrol?" Buffy had to yell in her ear.
"No," Faith shook her head blushing, "I, I just gotta go, I'll see you guys at the house." Before Buffy could object Faith had taken off through the crowd. On the other side of Xander Willow raised an eyebrow toward Buffy, who only shrugged. Britney Spears was not her favorite person of the moment.
Disclaimer: Joss owns them, Britney owns lyrics from Me Against the Music, Britney owns herself.
Notes: Britney and Faith are sexy.
::If you really wanna ride Saddle up and and get ya rhytm Try to hit it, you could die In a minute, I'ma take ah ya on, I'ma take ah ya on::
Faith made her way through the graveyard, marveling at how dark it was out, clouds covered the moon and made the usually creepy graveyard even worse. Not that many graveyards were bright and sunny places at night, but with no moon or stars, it was extra dark. Mostly though Faith was thinking about Britney. If it hadn't happened to her she would not have believed the events of the last two hours.
First free tickets to Britney concert? Check. Front row center? Check. Almost a lap dance from Britney? Priceless. And that was what it had been. If Faith had been sitting down she would have had a lap dance. Not even Xander's dance had been that up close and personal. And all that left Faith severely wondering about the reigning princess of pop's sexuality. Not that she hadn't spent a few spare moments fantasizing about it ever since the famous VMA Britney Madonna kiss. Well to be honest, the thinking about it had started long before the kiss, the kiss was just fuel to the fire.
"She is so fucking hot," Faith said out loud to no one in particular. Just needing to get it off her chest. Britney Britney, Britney. It was like the name wouldn't leave her head, she was so focused on that one thought that the scream reverberating through the cemetery barely registered.
"Huh?" Faith pulled herself out of her Britney trance, cocking her head and listening carefully, there it came again in the distance, a shrill high scream of a girl, or possibly woman, being attacked. Time for Faith to be knight in shinning armor!
Faith took off at a run, the graves and shrubbery blurring as she past them. The scream had been close, but not so close that she felt a leisurly stroll would get her there in time to save said victim. Up ahead she saw them, the girl was probably about her age, and right now both the girl and the vampire had their backs to Faith. She could see the girl struggling, trying to kick the vamp, but to no avail, slowly, laughing and drawing out the fear from the girl, the vamp was lowering his head to her throat, ready to get a little sip of what he loved best.
Faith jumped at the vamp from the side, pulling him away from the girl, but unfortunately landing with him on top of her, and all the breath knocked out of her. Wheezing for the moment Faith tried to stand, the vamp was up in a heartbeat, and kicked her in the gut, which did nothing to help the breathing situation, but as he drew back to kick again she lashed out with her foot knocking his legs from underneath him, and scrambling to her feet finally catching her breath, she turned facing him in fighting stance.
"Slayer? Oh wait, you're just the knockoff Wal-Mart brand one aren't you?" the vamp sneered at her.
"What?" Faith asked still breathing heavy, trying to regulate her breath.
"The blonde one, she's the real slayer isn't she."
"Both of us are the real deal fucker."
"Whatever you say, doesn't matter to me really," the vamp punched at her, she blocked it effectively knocking him to the side a little.
"That's good," Faith said, round house kicking him away."It's been my experience that when you can't afford the real deal, just buy the store brand, cause it usually tastes the same," he dove at her catching her off balance and again they both tumbled to the ground, him snarling and reaching for her neck, before he let out a surprised gasp.
"Huh?" was all he said before he disintegrated into dust.
Faith stood up coughing, and wiping vamp dust of her jacket, she stowed her stake back in her pocket, and put a hand to her side. The vamp had been long winded, but had a strong kick, and she could tell she was going to have a wicked bruise in the morning.
"You saved me!" the girl cried, and before Faith could hardly get a look at her jumped into Faith's arms hugging her tightly, and sobbing a little. Faith didn't know what to do. She was never so good at the comfort thing, and she didn't even know this girl. Plus with all the pent up Britney feelings this girl pressing her body against her was making her not think much about comforting, and more about how much she would like to invite the girl home. Biting her lip Faith slide her arms around the girl's waist, and tried out her best comfort voice.
"There, there," she patted the girl's back awkwardly. "It's ok babe, he's gone."
"I know, thanks to you," the girl pulled back smiling at Faith, Faith felt her mouth literally drop open, standing in front of her, wrapped in her arms, was Britney Spears.
"It's you!" Faith said in awe.
"And you," Britney said with a little frown. "What, how, I mean," she stammered pulling away from Faith.
"Hey, it's ok," Faith said reaching out to her, yeah for guys being super strong was all hot and sexy, for a girl some people found it weird, and just her luck Britney was going to be one of those people.
""I mean wow," Britney took a step back towards Faith putting a hand on her arm and running it down the skin, Faith found herself swallowing hard as she watched that hand. "You're amazing," Britney said looking up through tear-matted eyelashes at Faith.
"No, I mean, it wasn't a big deal," Faith shrugged. Damn this girl was making her stumble on her words.
"Could you, I mean, would, do," Britney took a deep breath composing herself. "Do you think you could walk me home? It's awful dark out here, and well, that guy just came out of no where, and carried me in here, and now I'm not even sure I know how to get out of her." Faith smiled at the girl's little ramble. She was too fucking cute.
"Yeah I can walk you home. Where are you going?"
"The Meadow Brooke house, we rented it out for the weekend for the show."
"Wow, " Faith breathed. The Meadow Brooke house was famous for its celebrity guests. "Yeah, um let's go." Faith turned heading toward the cemetery gates. After a couple seconds she heard Britney following her, she glanced over as the tiny girl caught up with her, Faith returned the girl's half smile, before looking forward again, at a loss for what to say.
"So.." Faith said, still not looking at Britney.
"Yeah, so," Britney said with a little giggle. "Alright come on, what do you wanna know?"
"Huh? What? No, nothing," Faith said shaking her head.
"Oh come on, I'm not dumb, there's always something someone wants to know about me. Just ask."
"Alright. So..Justin?"
"What about him?"
"Is he good in bed?"
"Oh hell yeah, boy doesn't know one end of a knife from the other, but he knows what he is doing in the bedroom."
"And Madonna?" Faith said glancing over at Britney from the corner of her eye and smiling.
"What? Nothing!"
"Uh huh," Faith smiled again, nudging Britney with her shoulder.
"Serious! Ok the kiss was nice and everything. Really nice, but nothing more than that happened." Britney smiled at Faith.
"But if the opportunity had been there?" Faith asked.
"If it had? Come on she's Madonna, of course I would have," Britney laughed, "I am so gonna see this on the cover of the tabloids next week aren't I?"
"I dunno, how much do they pay for this kinda information now a days?" Faith asked, pretending to think it over.
"Hey, what's that about, you save my life then ruin my career?" Britney asked laughing. "Fine then, guess you're not coming to any Hollywood parties with me."
"Whoa, alright, slow your roll. If I keep my mouth shut I can come to parties? Consider the mouth shut."
"Oh yeah?" Britney asked stepping in front of Faith, causing her to come to a stop.
"Yeah," Faith swallowed as Britney stepped up to her, causing Faith to take an involuntary step back, her knees hitting a headstone, which she found herself then sitting on.
"Not sure I want it closed," Britney stepped between Faith's legs, pushing them apart, hands on Faith's shoulders. Faith's hands slid around her waist.
"Yeah," Faith asked looking up into Britney's big brown eyes, which were now gazing lustily down at her. It was occurring to her that Britney seemed to make her lack a proper speech pattern, but on the other hand she also figured most of America, and over seas as well would not know what to say with Britney Spears between their legs giving them the look she was currently receiving.
"I think I owe you something," Britney leaned down capturing Faith's lips in hers, it wasn't a timid kiss, it was Britney taking what she wanted, her lips felt bruising against Faith's. Not that she cared she returned the kiss with just as much force, standing and lifting Britney, the smaller girl's legs wrapping around her waist before she sat back down, with Britney now sitting on her lap. They pulled apart and Britney smiled down at her.
"What do you owe me for?" Faith asked teasingly.
"Well you did save my life and all."
"True," Faith nodded.
"Plus, let's call this promising fulfilled from the concert," Britney leaned down again, intent on capturing everything Faith had to offer.
Disclaimer: Joss owns them, Britney owns herself and the lyrics to Walk on By.
Notes: See, i didn't forget Buffy.
::I keep my cool I pretend I'm not here Every time you come too near I'm such a fool 'cause, this love is true and If I don't tell you someone else surely will::
Buffy was fuming as she walked home. Britney Spears had given Faith a lap dance, which she had to be honest about had been one of the hottest things she had seen in a long time, but it still made her jealous of the pair. No not the pair, there was no pair here, Britney was Britney Spears, long time singer song writer (ha ha) and STRAIGHT, and Faith, well, Faith was long time hers! Or at least should have been if she hadn't been so friggin scared to approach her. Now she was ready to tell Faith everything about her feelings and the girl had taken off!
Just like Faith to take off like that. But on the up side, her taking off sorta told Buffy a lot about how Faith felt. Not that Buffy hadn't known, but she was now admitting to herself that she had really known Faith was into girls since homecoming when Faith had asked her to go with her. Right than Buffy had thought "Faith digs Chicks" and it had been cool, just not something Buffy needed right then, not something she wanted.
Now years later here she was just aching for a piece of Faith, and that stupid bubbly blonde haired soda pop Madonna kissing Britney had come and fucking lusted up her Faith.
In a rage Buffy punched a nearby street sign bending the pole in half.
"Ow!" she cried as the top of the sign hit her on the top of her head. "I hate Britney Spears!" She said out loud to no one in particular rubbing her head in anger. "This sucks."
"What sucks?" Kennedy asked from behind Buffy, Buffy whirled around to face her.
"Kennedy! How long have you been here?" Buffy asked.
"About long enough to hear you say you 'hate Britney Spears' which I understand, not such a big fan myself. And 'this sucks'. So what sucks?"
"You hate Britney?" Buffy asked, totally avoiding the point.
"Well not the body, gotta be honest, but the music? It's like the crap of the ages ya know?" Kennedy smiled lopsidedly at Buffy.
"Yeah," Buffy nodded distractedly, "where's Willow?"
"Home with Dawnie, and the Xan man. Britney's little show with Faith has me itching for a little release, and with Dawn running Will's ear off I don't think there is gonna be any release that way for a good few hours, so vamp beating it is."
"Gotcha," Buffy smiled.
"So what sucks?" Kennedy asked dropping on a nearby bench.
"Not gonna let that one die are you?" Buffy asked lowering herself next to Kennedy.
"Nope, it seems too full of good juicy gossip to let it go," Kennedy said turning to face Buffy, tucking one foot up under her leg. "So come on, spill it." Buffy let out a little snort.
"I don't even know," from the corner of her eye Buffy saw Kennedy arch an eyebrow. "Alright, can this just be between us for now?"
"Of course." Kennedy nodded.
"Faith," Buffy said leaning her head back.
"Faith sucks?" Kennedy asked, eyebrows furrowing.
"No, she really doesn't and that's the problem," Buffy answered with a small smile, turning her head to face the younger girl.
"She doesn't suck?" Kennedy asked still looking confused, then Buffy saw comprehension cross her face. "Oh, like in a purple telle tubbie way?"
"Not exactly how I would put it," Buffy smiled, "but yeah, I'm looking to take up a spot on the all girl bridge team, and I was really looking for Faith to be my partner."
"Ah, and the Britney lap dance brought this all on?" Kennedy asked.
"No, well, the Britney lap dance left me feeling honest, and Faith left me feeling pissed off. I don't know why though, I mean I'm not even sure if she would be into it."
"Into it? Are you fucking blind Buffy?" Kennedy asked in awe.
"What?" Buffy frowned.
"Buffy, that woman has been in love with you for at least as long as I've known you, and the way she looks at you I would bet a whole heck of a lot longer. But you always give her the cold shoulder. Although I have to admit you have been doing a little less of your ice queen impression lately I must admit."
"Way to be honest," Buffy nodded.
"I'm sorry, but I feel for her, and now that I know how you feel I just want you to get your ass over to whatever graveyard she's in, and tell her." Buffy stood up.
"You know, that's not a bad idea. I'm going to do that. I'm going to go, and I'm going to find her, and," Buffy paused for a minute. "And I'm not sure what we're going to do because, well, aside from what I've learned on Cinemax, I am not quite sure how you do this."
"Well, I am sure you can muddle through it," Kennedy smiled standing. "I've already been through St. Mary's, Fall Creek, and Silent Brook, so that only leaves a few more."
"Right, and I've been through all but one of those, so alright, I'm going." Buffy turned striding purposefully away, a few yards away she turned. "Thanks Kennedy."
"Hey, don't thank me," Kennedy raised her hands, "I'm just here to inspire." Buffy smiled.
"Go home, send Dawn to bed, inspire Willow," Buffy turned heading even quicker toward the graveyard.
"Direct orders from the head slayer? Can't say no to that," Kennedy answered as she turned, hands in her pockets heading for home.
"Alright, just going to do this, going to tell her how I feel, and everything will be all good," Buffy coached herself as she entered the graveyard.
"I like you Faith," no that sounded dumb.
"I have feelings for you Faith," if the last one sounded dumb, she didn't even know what that one was.
"I wanna fuck you hard," ok, maybe too direct. Buffy was still trying to figure out exactly how to say it Buffy rounded a corner in the yard, and hearing rustling up ahead ducked down behind a tomb.
She peered around the edge of it looking up and down the path. No one around, looking further each way she finally saw where the noise must have came from. A couple wrapped in each other sat on one of the headstones, kissing passionately. Buffy smiled to herself watching the happy couple; suddenly she knew exactly what to say to Faith. I love you, it sounds crazy but I do. Buffy stepped away from the tomb planning to just make it past the couple without disturbing them. Once she got close to them however she stopped short.
"Oh shit," she cried out. The couple stood up right away, looking over at her. "Faith," she called.
"Buffy?"
Disclaimer: Joss owns the characters, Lyrics are to Britney's song "Girl in the Mirror".
Notes: Some of you are going to hate me I'm sure.
::'Cause the girl in my mirror Is crying out tonight And there's nothing I can tell her To make her feel alright Oh the girl in my mirror Is crying 'cause of you::
"Buffy?" Faith stood staring stupidly at Buffy. What the hell was she doing here? Faith looked from her to Britney, whose hand she was still holding, she dropped the girl's hand like it was on fire. Britney gave her a hurt look, great now she had just pissed of the princess of pop, who had just been kissing her, what kind of a moron was she. "Sorry," she whispered to Britney, gently taking her hand back. She turned her attention back to Buffy. "B, I can explain."
"You're a lesbian." Buffy said simply.
"Okay, you can explain," Faith nodded. "Are you weirded out?"
"Me? No, not weirded at all. And with Britney Spears."
"Oh, yeah," Faith glanced at Britney who was smiling shyly at Buffy, which was damn cute. "Well, yeah, I mean, just since like, I don't know maybe a half hour."
"Hi, you were at the show with her right?" Britney stepped forward extending her hand.
"Yeah, hi, Buffy," Buffy shook Britney's hand stiffly. "Well, that's great. Um..listen, I'll see you back at the house okay?" Buffy started backing up.
"Yeah, at the house," Faith nodded, frowning slightly, Buffy was acting weird.
"Or not, I mean whatever you do, you know." Buffy turned.
"No, I'll see you at the house," Faith called after her.
"Your friend seems nice," Britney said leaning her chin on Faith's shoulder.
"Yeah," Faith answered distractedly.
"You okay baby?" Britney asked wrapping her arms around Faith's waist.
"Yeah," Faith tilted her head back kissing Britney's forehead. "Come on, I'll walk you home," taking Brit's hands she started pulling her toward the gate again.
Buffy sat slowly on the porch steps, feeling like if she moved too fast she might throw up. No, wait even moving slow she still might, she felt her stomach turn as she settled onto the stairs. Finally get up the nerve and then it's too late.
"Fuck me," Buffy said through grit teeth.
"Thought that was Faith's job now," Kennedy asked from the doorway where she stood wrapped in a comforter.
"No, Faith's job now is Britney," Buffy answered without turning.
"What? Britney as in Spears?" Kennedy asked stepping forward and plunking down next to Buffy, glancing over Buffy caught a glimpse of boy cut underwear, and a tank top she wrapped herself in the comforter again. Still in that glimpse she knew what Kennedy and Willow had been up to.
"Yeah, that would be the one. Will asleep?" Buffy asked with a hint of a smile.
"Oh yeah," Kennedy said stretching with a proud smile, which faded quickly. "So how do you know Britney is her job now?"
"Saw them with the kisses," Buffy answered.
"Oh. Damn," Kennedy winced.
"Yeah, well that's what happens when you're stupid and let your fear of being even more different than you already are, get in the way of what you feel, you know?"
"I'm sorry Buffy," Kennedy said putting her hand in Buffy's and squeezing it gently.
"It's ok," Buffy answered, forcing a smile. "I think a bath's in order." She stood, letting go of Kennedy's hand. "You coming?"
"Nah, gonna enjoy the fresh air," Kennedy answered.
"Alright," Buffy pulled open the door slipping inside, hoping that maybe a bath would help her not feel so much like dying. She highly doubted that but, seems she was good at denying things, so maybe she could just force it all to go away. Sighing, she started up the stairs.
Faith walked Britney inside the house and up to her room, marveling the whole way at the interior of the place. Not that Faith usually was into the interior decorating, but she could tell a lot of talent and money went into decorating the place, and visually it was beautiful. Decorated in rich creams, pale, and midnight blues, thick plush carpets, and mind boggling modern art.
Britney unlocked her room leading Faith in by the hand, Faith glanced around the room as Britney dashed around picking up loose items of clothing, and other odds and ends off the floor, tossing them all in her suitcase. The carpet was pale blue, slightly darker curtains covered the windows; everything else in the room was pure white, the bed covered in the plush looking white comforter.
"Pure," Faith said with a smile.
"Yeah, I think that's the look they were going for here," Britney nodded looking around. "At least the bed's comfy, you should feel some of the beds I've slept in." She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"Well, it's been my experience that even the most rock hard beds can be made softer with the right bed mate," Faith said pulling Britney towards her by the wrist, and wrapping her arms around the girl's tiny waist.
"Is that a fact?" Britney asked looking up into Faith's face, shaking her head a little to scare the loose hairs away from her face.
"Mm..hmm," Faith nodded lowering her mouth to Britney's. She slid her tongue past her lips teasing against Britney's, which opened willingly, her own tongue pushing against Faith's.
Still kissing, Faith started to walk her back towards the bed, when her knees hit the bed Britney let herself be pushed down onto the bed, Faith crawling on top of her, kissing her feverishly.
"B," Faith breathed, her hand pushing up under Britney's shirt, she slid her hand up underneath reaching for one of those much talked about breasts, half thinking in the back of her mind that she was finally going to find out if they were real or not. But before her hand could reach it, Britney sat up pushing Faith's hand down and pulling away from Faith's mouth.
"Faith," Britney said wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "Not to be rude, but I think you should go."
"Oh, yeah, sure, sorry," Faith scrambled off Britney ready to get out of there as fast as possible.
"No, don't be sorry," Britney grabbed Faith's arm, halting her escape. "It's not that I don't want to. It just feels kinda skanky you know? First night and all that."
"Oh, oh, skanky, no." Faith stepped back to where Britney was sitting on the edge of her bed, she ran a hand through her blonde hair, and down her throat letting it rest above her heart which she could feel beating rapidly. "I didn't mean to make you feel that way." She leaned down giving Britney a gentle lingering kiss, leaving the girl licking her lips when she pulled away. "Let me know when you're ready B." Faith smiled backing away towards the door.
"I will," Britney smiled back at her.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Faith asked opening the door.
"Yeah, I'll call."
"Bye," Faith stepped outside closing the door behind her. She leaned against the hall wall looking up at the ceiling and closing her eyes breathing deeply, mentally reliving their goodbye kiss already.
"Damn," Faith whispered to herself, smiling and shaking her head as she started down the hall.
Disclaimer: Joss owns character, Britney owns lyrics to "what it's like".
::Baby Tell me Do I Look Like the kinda girl That you wanna take me home Wanna meet me alone Do you even know what I like Just what I'm living for, What I adore::
Faith walked home feeling better than she had in a long time, the chill in the air was refreshing, something she hadn't realized she missed all these years in California, most people moved south west to escape the chill, not Faith, she had just moved to escape.
Everything felt so right now though, hands in her pockets, kicking loose leaves the wind blew across her path, thinking back on the night. It had been so long since she had felt a connection with someone new. The last real connection she had felt was Buffy. Buffy fabulous Buffy. The girl who had occupied her every waking, and a shit load of her not waking moments for the past five years. A little more than that actually, in fact every thought it seemed up until the moment Britney walked on stage tonight.
And wow, was it nice to have someone else on her mind, not to mention nice to have the memory of kissing her lips, looking into her eyes, the feeling of her body underneath hers. Faith smiled to herself pushing open the gate, and walking up the path to the house.
"Kennedy?" She asked seeing the girl wrapped in a comforter on the front steps. "What'd Red kick you out into the cold?" Faith asked smiling and lowering herself next to the girl.
"Course not, she can't live without my charm," Kennedy smiled over at her, adjusting herself so she could lean on the porch railing facing Faith. "How was your night?"
"You wouldn't even believe me if I told you," Faith answered shaking her head, still in awe.
"Try me," Kennedy coaxed.
"Alright," Faith turned toward Kennedy, and quickly relayed the fantastic nights events, all the way up to leaving Brits room.
"Wow," Kennedy said, honestly in awe, she already knew Faith had been kissing Britney, but hearing it in detail from Faith's perspective had left her kinda breathless, as much as Britney's music sucked, and Faith sometimes royally pissed her off, the idea of them together was tantalizing.
"Yeah," Faith smiled.
"And Buffy saw?" Kennedy lead.
"Yeah, she was like totally cool with it," Faith answered, then frowning, "I think. I don't know she seemed kinda weird, took off real fast. But I mean she should be fine with it right? I mean she is okay about you and Red."
"She doesn't want to take either of us to bed though as far as I know," Kennedy answered looking off into the night before turning back to Faith.
"Well, no, wait," Faith's eyes widened. "Are you saying?"
"Yup, Buffy wants you, in a big time, 'get it on till it feels so good it hurts' kinda way," Kennedy confirmed.
"Shit," Faith breathed, "no wonder she looked all weird. Damn why didn't she tell me before?"
"Scared I guess," Kennedy shrugged.
"Fuck," Faith thought for a minute. "Well, too late now I guess," she shrugged; now Kennedy stared at her open mouthed.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, you're telling me you are taking pop star slut over Buffy?"
"First, I would appreciate you not calling her that, and second, fuck yeah I am, she is hot and famous, and wasn't afraid to admit what she wanted."
"Buffy loves you Faith, Britney doesn't even know you."
"She knows me alright," Faith said standing. "I'm not budging on this, Buffy had her chance." Without another word Faith strode into the house, unsure why she was so angry at Buffy. Up until tonight a revelation like that would have sent her shooting into the sky with excitement, but now she was just pissed, and wanted more than anything to get outa the house and back to Britney's.
Faith pulled herself upstairs and into the bathroom, changing on the still damp floor, someone had just showered or something, and forgot to lay down the bath mat.
"Probably Buffy" Faith murmured to herself as she stepped in an extra big puddle.
Shaking her foot off Faith gathered her clothes going to stash them in the room she and Buffy shared. As she stepped inside the dark room she saw the other girl's head pop up.
"Hey Faith," Buffy said with forceful brightness.
"Hey," Faith mumbled before throwing down her clothes and grabbing her blanket and pillow.
"You're not sleeping in here?" Buffy asked, her voice straining.
"Nah, I think I am gonna sleep on the couch," Faith was out the door before she heard the faint reply.
"Ok."
Britney lay back on the bed smiling at the night gone by. She knew she had Faith right where she wanted her..well not where she wanted her, because truth be told if she hadn't been looking to steal all her energy the girl would still be in her bed right now..so she had Faith where she needed her. A timid knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called sitting up; Nick poked his head in looking around the room for a minute as if checking the all clear.
"Why'd you let her go?" He asked when he concluded that Faith was in fact gone. "What about the energy? The power?"
"Nick, why you always so hot to trot?" Britney asked smiling softly at him. "Now if there's one this Nana taught me it's that a Slayer's energy has to be simmered. A quick lap dance, and a hot roll in the hay isn't gonna get you the good stuff, sure our next show would rock, and maybe the one after that, but that's about it. I gotta make her really want me, an all consuming sorta want, guarantee I am all she thinks about tonight." Britney stood off the bed advancing towards Nick, who swallowed hard as she pressed herself against him. "When she's diddlin away at herself you can bet it's my lips," she pressed his finger to her lips, "breasts," she used his hand to kneed her own breast, biting her lip and inhaling sharply, "and ass," she wrapped his arms around her placing his hands on her ass, he needed no encouragement to pull her towards him. "She's thinking about." Britney pulled away from him turning back towards the bed. "Same as you will be now," she smiled over her shoulder at him climbing under the covers. "Be a doll Nick and shut off the light on your way out would you?" The slamming door reverberated through the room, Britney rolled onto her side looking out the window smiling.
Faith tossed and turned on the slightly lumpy couch, which seemed to be growing lumpier by the moment. She lay on her back, flipped to her right side, back on her back, over on her left side, flat on her stomach. Finally she sat up elbows on her knees head in her hands.
Her mind was chanting, Buffy, Britney, Buffy, Britney, and she was feeling wicked bad for icing Buffy earlier, Faith glanced at the clock, she'd been laying on the couch for over an hour. Not anywhere near sleep yet, sighing she stood and stretched, this couch was not going to be the place to sleep tonight. She grabbed her pillow and blanket again, making the trek back upstairs. No one else was still up, not even the slightest crack of light slinked under any of the doors.
As quiet as possible she pushed open the door to her and Buffy's bedroom. Thanks to her advanced slayer seeing she was able to make her way to her bed no problem, she lay down pulling the blanket up to her chin, she lay for a second eyes closed, listening to the breathing of the other slayer.
"Still awake Buff?" she asked quietly.
"No," Buffy answered rolling away from her.
"Ok," Faith sighed. "I'm sorry I was a bitch earlier."
"Whatever, it's fine," Buffy answered, her voice hollow.
"No, it's not. You didn't deserve that, it's just that Kennedy told me something about you."
"I know what she told you."
"Oh, you heard?" Faith asked pushing herself up on her elbow.
"Yeah, it's fine, I understand I missed my chance," Buffy answered rolling back over to face Faith.
"I'm sorry Buffy, it's just me and B have something special."
"You and B? You and B? Something fucking special? You call her B now? That was your name for me, and now you're calling her that?"
"No, B, I'm sorry!" Faith tried to backtrack, no luck.
"Fuck off F," Buffy rolled over putting her pillow over her head, making it plenty obvious the conversation was over.
"Fuck," Faith said under her breath, turning away from Buffy, she had really done it now.
Disclaimer: Joss owns them, Britney owns lyrics to "Boombastic Love".
::And I, I'm here to testify That you're the only one I belong to I don't know where to start It turn into an art Not to show the world that is was you::
Buffy was running, not quite sure where she was going, but she was following someone, and gaining on them. She could see blonde hair up ahead, she dove, catching the person around the knees and knocking the person to the ground. She crawled quickly forward grabbing the girls shoulder and flipping her over.
"Britney?" Buffy asked stunned at who was under her, and smiling up at her no less.
"Hey B," Britney winked at her.
"Fuck off," Buffy answered punching her in the face, Buffy smiled as she realized what she was holding in her other hand, she lowly pulled the gun forward placing the muzzle against Britney's temple. "Bitch." She pulled the trigger, waking to the bang.
Buffy sat straight up in bed, breathing hard in the bright sunlight, she was in her own room, but looking around it seemed strange, the bed on the other side of the room was already empty, covers thrown about it, Faith was obviously long gone. Buffy lay back down trying to slow her breathing, she had had plenty of dreams about killing things, but most of the things were "demony" and most of the killing was not done with a gun.
"Fucking Britney," Buffy murmured throwing the covers off and climbing out of bed, she pulled her hair back using the hair tie on her wrist to secure it, she glanced at her clock radio, almost noon already she was more than a little surprised that Faith was outa bed. "Probably out fucking Britney," Buffy said to herself slamming open the door, where Faith stood leaning against the doorframe.
"Not actually," Faith answered a half smile on her lips.
"Yeah well you should be," Buffy attempted to push by her, but Faith whipped her arm out blocking the door. "Faith, you really need to back off," Buffy growled at her, Faith had to hold back a smile at how damn sexy Buffy looked all primal like that.
"No B, you need to," Faith walked into the room, forcing Buffy in front of her, and shutting the door behind them.
"What are you doing F?" Buffy sneered crossing her arms in front of her, and giving Faith her custom "you bore/piss/annoy/ I'm gonna kill you" look. Faith just shook her head smiling.
"I love you B."
"Whatever, can I get breakfast yet?" Buffy tried to push Faith out of the way, and had Faith not also been a slayer she most likely would have been thrown across the room, she didn't budge however and instead grabbed Buffy's arms and forced, with much effort, Buffy over and down onto her bed, sitting her down Faith squatted in front of her.
"I love you B."
"Heard the lie the first time," Buffy looked away glaring out the window. Faith gently took her face and turned it back towards her, almost casually wiping away the tears that had started to fall.
"No lie B, I don't know what I was thinking last night, it's like, I don't know it felt like a spell or something, like I was in her thrall."
"Yeah whatever," Buffy murmured.
"B, come on, you know I've been in love with you since I met you, one night with some pop tart isn't gonna change that, you gotta believe me." Faith looked up into Buffy's eyes trying to put everything she felt into the look. As soon as she woke up this morning, at like six fucking AM no less, she had known that something was massively wrong. She had spent years wanting Buffy, and now one night could make her forget all that? She was pretty sure that wouldn't happen on its own.
Buffy looked down into Faith's chocolate eyes, she felt like she was looking into deep twin pools of longing. In her gut she knew Faith was telling the truth now, last night had been just as wrong as it seemed to be. Buffy slid off the bed curling herself onto Faith's lap, she wrapped her arms around Faith's neck, slowly bringing her lips to Faith's for one gentle kiss.
Faith stared in awe at Buffy as she pulled back. Now Buffy was smiling shyly at her, as if not sure that what she had done was right, Faith was not about to let her think that, her lips followed Buffy's back for a more forceful, and deep kiss, her tongue sneaking out as Buffy's lips parted for her. Again they pulled apart, each breathing a little deeper, foreheads pressed together.
"Wow," Buffy whispered. "Faith, I love you."
"Whatever," Faith teased smiling at Buffy.
"Shut up," Buffy slapped at her playfully, Faith grabbed one of her hands kissing the palm gently. "Can we get breakfast now though?" Buffy asked seriously.
"It's noon B, you missed breakfast by a few hours. Maybe we could scrounge up some lunch though."
"Sounds good," Buffy nodded.
"Well good, we have a plan, but this plan first involves you moving so that I can get up."
"I know," Buffy smiled leaning in and kissing Faith again. "But I like it here now."
"Alright then," Faith smiled playfully grabbing Buffy under the ass and in one motion standing while lifting Buffy.
"Whoa," Buffy started to fall backwards, but grabbed tightly to Faith's shoulders to keep herself up. "Faith!"
"What B? You liked it there, so now you get to stay." Faith carried her out of the room, and down to the kitchen.
"Faith put me down," Buffy squirmed.
"Nope," Faith smiled.
"Faith!" Buffy started tickling her as they reached the first floor.
"B, no I'll drop you," Faith cried.
"Put me down then," Buffy giggled, as the pushed through into the kitchen Faith finally set her down reaching out to tickle her just as mercilessly.
"No, Faith, not fair, Faith!" Buffy finally pulled away from Faith, both of them laughing as they turned to get something to eat.
From the kitchen table Xander, Willow, Kennedy, and Dawn all starred open mouthed at them.
"Morning?" Xander asked in awe. The others still only staring. Buffy and Faith looked at each other breaking into a new batch of giggles.
Disclaimer: Joss owns them, Britney owns lyrics to Let Me Be.
::You think I might act out but I won't Think that I might have doubts but I don't No insecurities Won't you just let me, let me be::
"Sooo..Buff?" Xander raised an eyebrow at the two giggling slayers as they sat across from him.
"What Xan Man? A little jealous of all the play I get?" Faith asked grabbing a ship off his plate and wiggling her eyebrows at him.
"Well..yeah...but not the point in this situation. So I ask the question again. Sooo...Buff?"
"Soooo..Xander, seems you're going to be the only guy in a house full of lesbians, how's that make you feel?" Buffy asked standing to grab a banana from the counter.
"Makes me feel like a lucky, lucky man. Just to be clear about this, I am allowed to tell the guys at work right?"
"Damn straight you are, I want you to let everyone know how many times I can make her scream."
"Faith!" Buffy threw an empty plastic cup at the back of Faith's head, Faith turned winking at her, and Buffy couldn't help but smile. Faith turned her attention back to the gathered at the table.
"Not that I'm not pleased as punch about everyone's interest in my sex life, but Red I gotta ask you about something."
"Sure what?" Willow asked leaning forward, trying not to concentrate on Kennedy's as it slid supportively onto her thigh.
"Well, Ken already knows all this, but some stuff went down last night with me and Britney."
"You saved Britney?" Dawn asked in awe, completely forgetting her glass of soda raised halfway to her lips.
"Well yeah, but then there was some other stuff."
"Did you guys hang out? Is she coming over?" Dawn realized the looks all the rest of them were giving her, especially the glare coming from her sister. "What? Did Faith hook up with her or..." The intense glare from her sister shifted to Faith and Dawn's mouth dropped open. "Oh my god! You did not?"
"Ok, so new topic ok?" Buffy asked icily.
"B," Faith held out her hand to her, Buffy glared for another second before excepting the hand and allowing herself to be pulled around and down onto Faith's lap. Faith kissed the side of her neck gently before continuing.
"Anyway, so I felt all like woozy and shit, like she was inside my head, as soon as she spoke, I just wanted to do whatever she said you know? In a more than usual way. Is there any spell that could do that?"
"Well sure, there's lots that are for that really, you've got the Darwits curse, the Shortontin medallion, and probably three or four more of the top of my head. You really think it was like that?" Willow asked not looking sure.
"Trust me Red, I know how it felt, when I woke up this morning I felt like I was pushing up through a mile of water. It wasn't normal." Faith asked tracing small circles on the back of Buffy's hand as she talked.
"Alright, well I can look into it. Did you see any sort of necklace, or ring or anything?"
"No," Faith's brow furrowed thinking back. "No, nothing, but I never seemed to feel it till she spoke, or sang, I felt it even more when she sang."
"So we should look into the voice thing then right?" Kennedy asked.
"Well it would explain her Kareoke-esque CD's selling like hot cakes." Xander nodded contemplating.
"Xander!" Dawn glared at him.
"Sorry pumpkin butt, the boy's got a point," Faith said shaking her head.
"Ok, besides being deeply disturbed at you calling my sister that...I think you've got a point, we should start looking into this right?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah, Kennedy you up for being my study buddy?" Willow asked.
"You know it," she nodded kissing her girlfriend's forehead.
"Right, while you guys do that..." Buffy didn't finish her sentence before jumping off her girlfriend's lap. Faith laughed pulling her vibrating cell phone out of her pocket.
"Sorry B," Faith glanced at the display. "Shit, it's Britney."
"Answer it, see what she wants," Red urged, Faith looked at Buffy who stood biting her lip, after a second she nodded. Faith flipped open the phone, placing it to her ear.
"Hey," Faith answered, standing from the table and moving to stand by the door for clearer reception.
"Hey baby, what's going on?" Britney's bubbly voice greeted her, Faith smiled without thinking.
"Nothing, just chillin, whatchu doing?"
"Laying in bed, thinking about you."
"Really?"
"Really," Britney answered "am I gonna see you later, alone maybe?" Faith could hear the promises in her voice.
"You know it baby," Faith told herself she was just acting to get what she wanted from Britney, but in truth she could feel herself slipping into Britney's thrall again.
"Seven sound good? I've got practice later on, and a few meetings, but I should be home by seven."
"Alright babe, see you at seven." Faith started to turn back towards the others.
"Hey Faith?"
"Yeah?" Faith faced the door again.
"I've been thinking about kissing you ever since you left," that caused Faith to swallow hard.
"Me too," she squeezed out, shutting the phone and slowly turning to the others, looking sheepishly at Buffy.
"Faith?" Buffy asked.
"What did she say?" Willow asked as Faith pulled herself up into the corner of the counter.
"We're meeting up later," Faith answered distractedly.
"Research mode then babe," Kennedy stood up pulling Willow with her. She could tell that Faith needed to be alone with Buffy. In the moments she had been on the phone, Kennedy had seen her fall under the spell again. For her and Buffy to have a chance, they needed to work a lot on this, and right now Faith seemed ready to leap into Britney's bed again, and Buffy ready to cry.
"Oh yeah, right," Willow followed her girlfriend's lead. "Dawn, help please?" Willow asked tugging at the other girl.
"What? In a minute, I'm eating," Dawn answered.
"How bout you eat in the living room," Kennedy squeezed Dawn's shoulder a little tighter than necessary.
"Oh ok," Dawn stood grabbing her plate as she went.
"Me too," Xander stuffed the last of his sandwich into his mouth, following the girls out. Willow squeezed Buffy's shoulder gently as she passed. As the door closed behind them Buffy took a step forward.
"Faith," Buffy said again.
"Yeah?" Faith still looked a little out of it. Buffy sighed walking over to right in front of the younger girl, placing her hands on Faith's thighs.
"Faith," Buffy tilted her head to look up into Faith's eyes, they were clearer now, every word from Buffy seemed to be bringing her closer.
"B," Faith placed two fingers on Buffy's cheek, sliding them slowly down and off her jaw, she brought the fingers back to her own face resting them on her lips, her tongue flicking quickly, unconsciously out, as if to taste the fine trace of Buffy she had collected.
"I'm sorry, she speaks and I just loose it," Faith said moist eyes finally meeting Buffy's.
"I know babe, don't worry," Buffy slid her hands into Faith's hair resting them on the back of her neck, her thumbs caressing the girl's cheeks.
"No," Faith tugged her head away, leaning back on the cupboard. "I'll end up hurting you again, I don't want that."
"Faith I know it's not you, it's not what you want to do when you do it. Don't close up on me now, ok?" Faith let out a loud sigh, shutting her eyes briefly before nodding.
"Yeah. Yeah ok." Faith nodded again taking Buffy's hand. "Thanks B." Faith leaned in kissing Buffy gently, before pulling back and resting her forehead on Buffy's.
"Shit B, you fucking got me all twisted up like she does without any magic."
"That you know of," Buffy smiled playfully. "Come on, let's go help the others." Buffy back away from the counter, and headed toward the living room where they always did research.
Faith watched her from the counter, smiling as Buffy leaned back in the door to smile at her one last time before letting the door swing shut. Faith took another deep breath, gathering her thoughts. Shit was going to go down, and she was going to be in the middle of it whether she liked it or not. All she could hope was that her and Buffy emerged on the other side in one piece.
Kennedy sighed flipping the page of the massive book in front of her. They had already been researching for over an hour. Although considering she had been looking up at the clock every five minutes since Buffy and Faith had entered the room, roughly, she glanced quickly up at the clock, an hour ago, it was going much slower. She sighed again and received a look from Willow; Kennedy stuck her tongue out at her and turned back to the book in front of her.
Seconds later she stole a look across the table at Faith, who, somehow, was currently getting away with staring off into space as opposed to reading the book open in front of her. Kennedy studied her for a second hoping to see what her trick was.
"This is so stupid," Buffy growled throwing her book back onto the table, making everyone jump.
"Buffy, it's gonna be ok, we'll find out what happened, you know we will." Willow tried to be reassuring and was shot down.
"No, Will, she's not a demon, we're not going to find her in one of these books, I mean what do you think we're just going to open one of these books and find the spell?" Buffy pulled a book from the pile, flipping it open and scanning down the page. "Look here we go, it's the "sirens song"." Buffy tossed the book back down. Willow stared at her eyes wide. "What?" Buffy asked.
"That might be it, gimmie the book," Willow held out her hands waving them for the book, which Buffy handed over to her. Willow flipped through quickly passing the page before turning back and finding the right page. Faith leaned forward. "Ok, ok this might be it. Does this sound right? 'The sirens song can both control masses to some extent, or individuals almost completely when combined with eye contact, or even more with physical contact.' That's it isn't it?"
"Explains a lot," Xander said stretching and leaning back.
"Well that's got to be it," Faith nodded, sliding her arm across Buffy's shoulder. Buffy nodded silently.
"Is there anything to ward it off?" Buffy asked quietly.
"Is there anything?" Dawn asked with a little laugh. "There's always something, course it might take some fresh baby blood or something," Dawn trailed off taking the book from Willow. "Oh, look, not that bad this time."
"No baby's?" Kennedy asked leaning toward Dawn and the book.
"Nope, just some usual witchy stuff and a little snake blood." Dawn confirmed handing the book back to Willow with a smile. Willow looked over the ingredients.
"This is easy Buffy, I'll have this whipped up in less than an hour."
"Good, get it done, give it to her, and send her after the bitch," Buffy left the table abruptly, pushing away from Faith and heading up the stairs. The others watched her silently.
"Ok, and honestly I thought this was a good thing," Faith said leaning back to watch her girl ascend.
"Woulda backed you up on that," Kennedy nodded.
"You're sure you can do this thing red?" Faith asked rising.
"Positive," Willow nodded curtly.
"Alright, get on it and I'll go after her."
"You sure that's safe?" Dawn asked smiling. "She's wicked when she's mad you know."
"Like she's never tried to kill me before," Faith winked ruffling Dawn's hair.
"Her kill you? Phh," Xander smiled. Faith shook her head, and started up the stairs after Buffy. She knocked on their door, even though the room was just as much hers as Buffy's.
"B?" Faith asked quietly.
"Come in," Buffy called quietly.
"You ok?" Faith asked stepping through the door and pushing it shut behind her, she leaned back for a moment. Buffy was on her side, curled up facing away from Faith.
"Yeah," Buffy answered, not turning to her. Faith crossed the room sitting on the bed next to Buffy.
"No, you're not," Faith rubbed her arm gently.
"This is all just stressing me out, and I'm sorry about earlier, but I can't handle it, I mean what if Willow's talisman doesn't work, what if you just hop right into be with her again?"
"Not gonna happen," Faith answered laying down behind Buffy and wrapping her arm around her waist.
"How do you know that?" Buffy asked. Faith leaned over bringing her lips near Buffy's cheek and whispering.
"Because I love you," Faith kissed her jaw gently before laying her head back down. Neither of them spoke and shortly Faith felt Buffy's breath deepen, and allowed her own eyes to shut as she drifted off.
It was dark when Faith's eyes finally lifted back open, it took all her strength not to close them again, she shook Buffy gently.
"B."
"Hmm, no I don't want any," Buffy muttered, Faith smiled shaking her again. "What?" Buffy still didn't open her eyes.
"Sorry B, but it's almost seven, we better get going."
"We?" Buffy sat up, "I'm coming?"
"Well yeah, less you want me to be swayed by the siren again," Faith shrugged.
"I'm coming," Buffy was up and pushing past Faith. Faith laughed at her eagerness following her downstairs where the TV could be heard in the living room, fake laughter issuing from it. The rest of the gang was crashed out on the couches watching an old rerun of "Friends". Willow sat up as they entered.
"Thought you guys were out for the night."
"Nah, we slayers just need our beauty sleep," Faith answered smiling.
"Isn't doing either of you any good," Dawn picked dodging the pillow Faith tossed at her, which instead neatly hit Xander.
"Hey, I didn't do any complaining about the quality," he said with raised hands.
"Sorry," Faith smirked.
"Not to interrupt, but Willow, you got the talisman thingy?" Buffy asked, sliding her hand protectively into Faith's.
"Oh, yeah it's in the dining room," Willow started to get up.
"I'll get it babe," Kennedy stood from the couch, stretching before breezing past Faith into the other room, she emerged seconds later with the talisman in hand. "Here you go," she tossed it to Faith who caught it deftly, wrinkling her nose at the scent.
"Well yeah if the plan is to keep her off me, the smell will probably work."
"That is the plan, and every little bit helps," Buffy said.
"Sorry so smelly, but there really isn't any other way for some of these things," Willow smiled apologetically.
"So this will work? This will keep the uberslut away from her?" Buffy asked anxiously.
"Well," Willow started, receiving a look from Buffy, she sighed. "Honestly I am not sure."
"Why," Buffy asked crossing her arms.
"She still should have some kind of medallion of her own, the text describes a purple jewel that holds the siren's power, so while this may keep her back from Faith, it won't destroy her. To destroy her you need to destroy her power center," Willow explained in a rush.
"Great, whatever, I say we win the battle screw the war," Buffy pouted.
"B, we gotta do the slayer thing and kill the bad guys," Faith wrapped her arms around Buffy's waist pulling her close.
"I know, I just hate it sometimes. So alright, we'll go, fight her, figure out where she keeps her power center, and beat her down. Sound like a plan?" She looked around but no one disagreed. "Alright, ready Faith?"
"Yeah B," Faith followed Buffy out the door and into the night, mouthing an apology to the others who didn't seem to know what to think of Buffy's shortness.
They walked to Faith's car, Buffy climbing in the passenger's seat, and Faith getting behind the wheel. Buffy looked straight ahead as Faith put the car into gear and backed out of the driveway.
"B," Faith broke the silence after five minutes. "You gotta let me know what you're thinking babe." Buffy's hand was on her knee, Faith covered it with her own.
"I'm thinking that I may loose you tonight, that we might get there and you might decide that she really is the one you like better, and hey you might even kill me instead of her." Faith stopped the car, pulling it over to the curb, she stared over at Buffy.
"You are really worried about all that?" She asked incredulously.
"I'm sorry," Buffy sighed, finally relaxing and leaning back against the seat. "It's just Willow isn't sure this is gonna work, and I am so scared it won't."
"B, we got this bitch, this fucking stinking necklace thing is gonna work, and we are going to take her down," Faith leaned over kissing Buffy lightly on the lips before backing away smiling. "Now lemme hear you say it."
"Say what?" Buffy asked looking confused.
"Say that we got this bitch."
"Oh she's going down," Buffy smiled.
"That's my girl," Faith started the car again pulling away from the curb, and back into traffic they headed for the hotel.
Britney was waiting, and not all that happy about it, it was already a little past seven when Faith was supposed to be there, and after the display the night before she had been sure that Faith would arrive in a more than timely manner. That she was almost fifteen minutes late was a little disconcerting, but nothing more than a minor annoyance really.
Less annoying really than Nick who kept poking his head in the door to see if Faith was there yet, finally Britney lost it yelling at him that if he stuck his head in one more time she was going to find someone to cast a spell to make it fall off. He hadn't been by in a few minutes, she wasn't sure if he got the memo or not when there was a knock at the door, she rolled her eyes hoping it wasn't him, she didn't really wanna make good on her threat, she looked through the peep hole, smiling when she saw Faith leaning against the wall opposite the room. Britney unlatched the door opening it with a large smile on her face.
"Hey baby," her smile faded as an awful smell invaded her senses. "What the hell?" she back up across the room trying to get as far away as possible, Faith followed her in, which only caused her to back up more, even as she tried to move forward to meet her. Much to her surprise the other slayer followed her in, smiling as Britney backed up.
"See B, I told you it would work."
"Huh?" Britney asked.
"Not you honey, she was talking to the real B," Buffy answered snottily, Britney sneered at her, Buffy only smiled. "It is working pretty damn good."
"What the hell is going on Faith?" Britney yelled.
"Let's just say that your little plan isn't going to work so well, we got your number babe, and you're about to clock in."
Faith and Buffy advanced smiling as Britney kept backing up till her back was pressed against the wall. Turning she clawed at it screaming for help at the top of her lungs.
Notes: Sorry to anyone reading this, I totally lost interest in writing this, but here is something to tie it all up for you. Enjoy I hope.
"Wow, her screaming is almost as bad as her singing," Buffy said before punching Britney squarely across the jaw, Britney spun with the punch landing in a pile on the floor, shaking her head in pain.
"You know you liked the last CD," Faith teased as she kicked Britney's stomach knocking her up and into the wall, she smacked into it and slid back down.
"I so did not," Buffy answered turning to face Faith, a look of horror on her face, Faith just grinned at her, neither of them noticing as Britney flung herself up and onto Buffy's back, wrapping her arm around her neck, choking her. Buffy clawed at her arms trying to loosen her amazingly strong grip, but with no luck. She bent flipping the girl over her shoulder. "What the hell are you?" Buffy asked staring down at Britney, rubbing her neck. Britney rolled over from her back, glaring up at Buffy, her eyes glowing purple.
"You don't even wanna know," again she flew up at Buffy knocking her back, both of them landing hard on the floor.
"Faith!" Buffy yelled.
"Right here," Faith kicked Britney in the side, reaching down to give Buffy a hand up as the other girl rolled away, they both stood in a fighting stance facing her, both watching in awe, and Britney shoved herself up, eyes glowing purple, black and purple streaks spreading through her hair.
"You girls are good," Britney smiled at them. "Not good enough though, I'd wager." As she said this, a guy and another girl pushed through the door into the room, coming to a stop at Britney's side.
"Aww you brought friends," Faith said dryly.
"Well so did you," Britney smiled. "Trust me, Nick and Krista are a good time. I'll get the blonde," with no more banter Britney was at Buffy again punching and kicking at a rapid pace, while Nick and Krista went after Faith.
Faith knew she would be able to beat Britney's two little friends, but they were surprisingly good, and it would take her a little while. Glancing over at Buffy, she could see that she needed to be fast. She punched Krista, who sidestepped catching her arm and pulling her a little off balance, she stumbled a little, and caught her balance just in time to throw an elbow back into Nick's nose, she spun pulling free, and landing a finishing kick to the side of Nick's head, fairly sure he was dead. Now only Krista to deal with.
Meanwhile Buffy was employing every tactic she had ever learned for a fight. She already knew she had a black eye, and was sure she could feel a rib bruising. Britney was a powerhouse, somehow her fists kept connecting with Buffy's head and it was getting real annoying. Buffy smiled as she landed a decent kick to the other girl's side, watching as she reeled back in pain, giving Buffy the opening she needed launch a round house kick across the girl's face. Buffy heard a crash a looked in time to see Faith throw Krista out the hotel window, sending her flying down to the street below. Faith spun to face Buffy giving her a quick grin, before diving at her and knocking her out of the way, a lamp smashing down where she had been.
Britney growled pulling the lamp back up over her head, exposing that oh so famous stomach, which Faith couldn't help but glance at. She did a double take looking back to where the two stone of her belly button ring were glowing the same deep purple as her eyes. Before Britney could slam the lamp back down on them, Faith jumped towards her catching the bottom stone in her fingers and pulled the whole thing out, she felt the satisfying rip as it tore through the flesh of her stomach.
Britney howled, dropping the lamp, and dropping to her knees, clutching at her stomach, blood covering her hands, and turning from red to a sick shade of purple. She pointed at Faith.
"You," she started to crawl towards Faith, "give it back."
Faith backed up a step, dropping the ring, and bringing her boot down firmly onto it. The gems broke with a flash of purple light. Britney howled again, falling and curling into the fetal position as her skin started to smoke, turning black, and crinkling as she screamed till there was only a husk of her left. Buffy and Faith turned to each other.
"Alright, now that, that was wicked gross," Faith said wrinkling her nose.
"There is really nothing else to say about it," Buffy answered nodding. They both continued nodding for a minute, looking at the body in silence.
"Wanna hit a drive through?" Faith asked turning back to Buffy.
"Yeah, sounds good," Buffy smiled, taking her hand, together they stepped over the body, leaving the hotel in as casual a manner as possible.
Faith flopped down on the bed, throwing her arms up behind her head, watching Buffy as she shut the door behind her. Faith smirked at her.
"What?" Buffy asked, smiling as she pulled her hair back into a ponytail.
"Nothing," Faith shrugged still smirking.
"What?" Buffy asked again, moving towards the bed.
"I said nothing," Faith answered, putting an attitude into her voice, which she knew would annoy her.
"Fine then be that way," Buffy answered, faking a turn to walk away before jumping on top of Faith, pinning her down and tickling her sides.
"Ahh, B, stop," Faith giggled, she realized she giggled and was appalled by it. Taking the upper hand she flipped Buffy over, pressing herself down on her, forcing her down, smiling as she continued to squirm, until she realized it was no use, and finally lay still beneath her.
"That wasn't very fair," Buffy pouted, giving Faith her best puppy eyes.
"You made me giggle, there had to be punishment," Faith answered, leaning down, kissing Buffy's forehead.
"Well, I guess that makes it a little better," Buffy smiled, working her arms free from under Faith so she could wrap them around the other girl.
"Well I try," Faith shrugged.
"Know what would make it even better? Would totally make me not mad at you?" Buffy asked.
"What?" Faith asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Kisses," Buffy answered giving a serious nod.
"Oh, kisses?" Faith asked. "I don't know about all that." She smiled leaning down, her lips meeting Buffy's, her arm snaking over and flicking out the bedside lamp, flushing the room in darkness.