Hope's Drowning by Vixen Raign

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Buffy and company belong to great and powerful Joss and the genius that is Mutant Enemy. Poems are the work and property of Shel Silverstein, I do not own them and I am making no money in my use of them.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse /mysticmuse.net
Forever Faith: /mysticmuse.net/faith/indexfaith.htm
Take it! Read it! Love it, or Hate it! I don't care, and don't tell me (I don't want to be a controlling writer), but don't try and pass it off as your own stuff . . . that's all I ask.
Spoilers: Bad Girls
Author’s Notes: This is the first Fan Fiction I have ever posted, but NOT the first I've written. I've been writing Fan Fiction since 6th grade, and started a club at my high-school for readers called "Fan Fic's Anonymous" (for people who were so hooked that their grades were dropping {there were about 8 of us}). Please tell me what you think; flames about grammar and spelling will be used to roast marshmallows! So don't bother sending them! :-P
Pairing: Buffy/Faith

Faith was just finishing her last book when Xander walked in to the library. He sat down next to her and looked at what she was going.

"Since when is reading some of Giles' fun? I've been doing it for years and I've never enjoyed it."

"There are other books in the library you know." She glanced at him quickly, "Have you even read for fun?" she asked, as though the thought was unlikely.

"Sure I have!" he lied, "All the time!" she closed the book and turned to him with a penetrating look.

"Why do I find that unlikely?" she said in falsely sweet voice, she hated to be bothered while she was reading. "Tell me some of the books you've read then."

"Uh," he faltered slightly. "I've read THE GIVER!" he named, remembering that he had read it in the fifth grade for a book report.

"School project, and don't lie. Every school makes you read that book, even the ones in Boston." She got up and went to put her books back on the shelf. Xander sat in his chair feeling sheepish.

"So," Buffy said as walked threw the doors, "Where's my favorite Slayer?" Faith blushed slightly from her hiding place in the stacks.

"I'm back here!" she yelled, "Just putting my books-" Buffy grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, "Back."

"Oh," Faith blushed slightly again, turning back to the book shelf so Buffy wouldn't see. "I love that poem. It was just, you know, fitting." She grabbed the second Harry Potter book and started walking down the stairs...until Buffy stopped her.

"Wait," Buffy turned her back around. "I..." she faltered, not knowing how to say what she wanted to.

"What?" Faith looked worried, "Tell me?" she asked in such a caring tone Buffy cracked.

"I loved it. And not just the poem...the fact that you left me something like that. No ones even given me little notes in my locker before." She blushed and looked at the floor.

"Won't be the last time," Faith put her arm around the Blond and led her down the stairs towards the Weapons Cage. "Promise."

"You girls ready for training?" Giles asked, stepping out of his office, book in hand.

"Sure thing G-man," she tossed him the second Harry Potter book (which he caught) and smiled. She

walked into the cage and pulled out a sward "What are we training with today?" she asked excitedly.

"Great!" she smiled, throwing the sward back into the cage, "Come on B, let's get started!" Buffy giggled, she had always found in funny how eager Faith was to train with her.

"You need a new Hobby, Faith. Sitting down all day reading leaves you too much energy in the afternoons." She grabbed her bag so she could change into some clothes to train in.

"Whatever, B." she said grabbing her own bag to change, "You're just sore 'cause you know I'm gonna kick your ass."

"WHAT?!" Xander yelled. Giles looked at her amiss too, wondering what on earth she could be talking about.

"I just meant...you know...they're funny when they fight." She knew it was a flimsy cover, but it was enough apparently, as both men when back to their respective activities.

Later the two slayer were training in library, having pushed the tables back and sent the rest of the Scoobies home. They were doing a sparing exorcize, trying to disarm and pin their opponents. Both were armed only with sticks (unwidled stakes), and their Slayer Powers.

"Come on B!" Faith said as she stopped circling the blond, "This is getting stupid!" they had been sparring for over and Hour and neither had managed to pin the other. They had disarmed each other a few times, but they always managed to get their weapons back.

"DON'T LIE TO ME! I know you are! Xander could hit me harder then that!" she yelled, "Okay, maybe not Xand, but Red could...- NOT THE POINT!" she said shaking her head, "B, how am I supposed to be prepared for the worst if you're babying me?"

"I don't want to hurt you, Faith. Plus, you weren't hitting so hard yourself!" Faith blushed, she too was afraid to hurt the other Slayer.

"Okay then," Faith said seriously, "We don't hold back. From now on we go full contact, no holds back, and no phantom punches. Okay?" Buffy shivered, she knew she could easily injure the other Slayer due to her insufficient training and lack of strategy, but as far as strength goes, Buffy knew she was matched. She didn't want to beat Faith out right, that would kill Faith's ego.

"Okay..." Buffy said slowly, and Faith advanced, "BUT!" Faith stopped in her tracks. "If one of us says stop, the other has to listen. Deal?"

Who flipped her on to her back as soon as she came into contact. Faith slammed into the ground, back first. Buffy tried hard to keep in the smug smile of her face, but it didn't work. Faith got up and started circling the blond like they had been doing before, only this time she was worried about really getting her ass kicked.

'How much was Buffy holding back?!' she wondered as Buffy punched past her face, forcing her look in the other directing. This was adequate distraction for the blond to sweep Faith's feet out from under her. Buffy caught her before she fell though, not wanting to see her bruise her self, she had to do all the Patrolling tonight.

They stood at the ready, Buffy giving her an encouraging smile, waiting for the brunette to attack. She ran at Buffy again, making it look like she was just going to tackle her like before, but at the last minute, she dropped to her knees and slid between the older Slayer's legs. She hopped up, and just as Buffy was turning she grabbed the girl's arms and slammed her down onto the ground. Buffy used all her strength to roll to the side, until she was on top, she tugged her arms to get them out of Faith's grip and hopped up. Faith got up too.

"Good Faith!" she said as she threw her steak at the brunette. Faith's eyes bugged at the fact that Buffy would try and stake her. She caught it between her hands, and looked up at Buffy. Buffy tackled her and pinned her, knocking the stakes away. Faith bucked and squirmed, trying to get free.

'This is SO embarrassing!' Faith thought, 'It was MY idea to do the full contact thing and here I am getting my butt kicked! UGH! What was I thinking..." Faith looked up into Buffy smiling face and stopped fighting. 'This isn't so bad.' Faith thought, realizing that the girl she loved was on top of her, holding her down.

'She smells like fresh bread and vanilla ice-cream. . .' Faith thought wistfully. She could feel the heat of Buffy's body melting into her. The warmth at the apex of Buffy legs was what got her attention the most. She was feeling kinda hot her self. 'STUPID POST-SLAYAGE LUST!' she thought to her self.

Buffy's hold on the younger girl softened, and she looked into her eyes. They were dilated and wide. She looked nervous yet eager all at the same time. Buffy could feel Faith's intense heat too. That combined with both their chest heaving against each-others' they were on the brink of losing control.

"Buffy..." Faith whispered, tilting her head up to meet the blonde's lips. Their speeding hearts slowed and it seemed like time stopped altogether. The feel of their lips together felt amazing. It was the most intimate thing Faith had ever felt, and she knew because it was she was in love.

"Holy Shit!" she whispered. Buffy eyes popped open, just as Faith pushed her off and started to run down the hall. Buffy got up and started running after her. They ran out of the library and down the hall. Faith noticed Buffy fallowing her, so she ran up the stairs. Buffy took one huge leap and landed at the top of the stairs, but Faith pushed past her and kept running. Buffy followed.

Buffy finally caught up with her and grabbed her by the shoulders, pushing her against the lockers.

"I'm sorry! I'm Sorry!" Faith whispered over and over, she then dropped to the floor and started sobbing uncontrollably. Buffy was surprised, she hadn't expected this.

"Faith, shh," she said taking the girl into her arms and comforting her. "It's okay. It's okay. Nothing wrong. We didn't do anything wrong. Shh, shhh, it's okay." she rubbed Faith's back in long slow strokes, rocking the girl in her arms. 'Wow,' Buffy thought, 'Big Bad Faith burst into tears over kissing me...was it really that bad?' she thought smiling sadly.

"Buffy I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it! It'll never happen again I PROMISE! Please don't hate me!"

"Shh Faith's it's okay," she gave the girl a squeeze, sorry to hear that she didn't mean it and that it's never happen again. "I could never hate you Faith. It's okay, we didn't do anything wrong."

"But I kissed you!" Faith yelled, practically in hysterics, "How can you say that?! Why can't you hate me? I would! I'm dirty and gross and I took advantage and-"

"FAITH!" Buffy shouted, giving the girl a gentle shake, "CALM DOWN! So you kissed me, what's so wrong about that. Like you said, slaying makes you hungry and...you know. The Need takes control of you and you can barely control what you do. I mean look: you slept with XANDER! It's happened to me too Faith1!...Well, not the sleeping with Xander part, but the losing control."

"Let me put it this way, Faith. I was more shocked by the fact that you called me 'Buffy'." Faith's eyes bugged slightly. "Come on Slayer," Buffy helped the brunette up, "I need to get home to write a paper, and you need to check the parks." The Blond put a comforting arm around Faith and led her back down to the Library.

Faith walked down the path, thinking to her self. She had a lot of thinking to do, that's why she took her time and checked ALL the parks in Sunnydale. She wasn't eager to head home.

'Home,' she thought to herself, 'I wonder if she'll still let me call it that . . ?' She worried about Buffy's reaction to their kiss.

'What if her initial reaction was just out of shock? What if she just said all that to get me to stop crying?' then she cringed.

'I can't believe I cried in front of B! She must think I'm nuts. How do I explain this to her? How do you tell a girl that you love her? What about Angel? I know Joyce said that he wasn't around anymore, and I'll admit that's true...but he's the love of her life! Her soul-mate! How am I supposed to compete with that?' She stopped and thought about what it meant to be a soul-mate.

'Is it possible to be soul-mate with someone who's soul is mated to someone else?' she stopped walking. 'Did that sentence make ANY sense?!' Faith started walking again, no wanting to be out TOO late. She knew Joyce would worry. The thought made her smile.

'I can't lose B.' she thought sadly, knowing it was true. 'I don't know what I'd do if I lost her. I don't want to find out either. I don't care how long it takes, and I don't care how hard it is: I WILL STAY AWAY FROM HER...But...I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HER.'

Faith realized just how much Buffy meant to her, and she was shocked by how important the blond had become. 'What was I thinking?! I kissed her?! I could have lost my house, I would lose Joyce's trust with her daughter, I would lose B...' she stopped and worried about what would happen if she slipped again. 'Don't want to think about that!'

'Joyce is pretty cool for a mom. I bet Buffy doesn't know how lucky she is.' Faith's senses went off.

"NOT ANOTHER ONE!" she grumbled to herself. He popped out and did the roaring scary-face thing. He was blowing in the wind before he knew what happened. "Now serving number 9..." she said to no one in particular. The parks had been quiet, and they still were. She had staked 9 vamps in 7 parks, and she was ready to shower. She felt gross.

'I had to move in with the object of my desires!' she thought, slightly bemused. She tried to push down her post-Slay lust, but decided that she'd just have to deal with it when she took her shower. She had killed over 15 vamps since she moved in with Buffy, and she had convinced herself that she wouldn't have cracked and kissed Buffy had she dealt with her desires properly.

'I think I'm losing it!' she thought as she realized she had walked right past 1630 Rovello Drive.

Faith walked up the porch, and stood in front of the door, about to knock when she remembered something. She reached into her bra (since she didn't have any pocket in her leather pants) and pulled out the warm piece of copper. Buffy had given Faith her key to the house. Buffy said she didn't need it as she knew how to get into the house without a key.

She put the key in the lock and slowly turned it. The latch popped, and she turned the knob. Walking in side felt different, having used her very own key to enter house.

'HOME' she thought to herself, liking the sound of it. She didn't want to do anything that would change that. Not if it meant losing Buffy.

"Well, as a mother who's trying desperately to get her daughter to go to collage: Thank you." Joyce laughed slightly. "So, how did things go?"

"Um, Fine." Faith got the weird feeling that she was being stalled. "I got 9 tonight. I'm feeling kinda gross though. You mind if a take a shower?"

"Oh. No, not at all." Joyce looked apprehensive, "Why don't you come down and chat with me when you're done?" Faith gulped, worried that Buffy had told her mom about what had happened this afternoon and she was pissed.

"Okay." Faith said, then to try and get the older woman to laugh she added "How is it that the wind always shifts towards you after you stake a Vamp?" she gave a nervous laugh and walked the stairs slowly.

Faith got into the shower, enjoying the feeling of the hot water washing away her long and hard day. She stopped and thought though. She was happy. For the first time in a long while, she was happy. She got to do something today that she had dreamt about since she had arrived in Sunnydale. She kissed the woman she loved today.

'I love Buffy. And today I kissed her. And now I have to stay the hell away from her, or lose everything I've even wanted and finally have.' She washed and dealt with her Passions as quietly as possible.

'Better get some clothes to sleep in...' in reality it was an excuse to see Buffy. She thought the blond looked cute when she was working. 'She's so adorable when she does her Homework, the way her nose scrunches when she's thinking hard about something...' Faith slapped herself mentally, reminding that she couldn't think like that anymore.

Faith held her towel tightly to her self, and opened the door. As soon as she entered the room she wanted to run back out of it. Angel was sitting on the bed, facing the desk where Buffy sat. He was talking to her, and both stopped and turned to see who had interrupted.

"Faith!" Buffy said cheerily, "How'd it go? Are you okay?" she asked that last question in such a worried tone that it made Angel give her a questioning look. Faith steeled herself, and answered.

"Yeah, B. I'm fine." She walked over to where her bag lay on the floor, and opened it. It was empty!

"Oh! Faith, I put your stuff in my top droor. I hope you don't mind. This way you don't have to live out of a suit case." She gave the brunette a eager smile, and waited for her to respond.

"Thanks." She said smiling, then when back to her steeled, careless attitude as she said 'Hello' to Angel.

"Hello Faith." He said, rather curtly. She grabbed her stuff, and went to change in the bathroom.

Once Faith had changed into a Tank-top and a pair of work-out shorts she walked back down to the kitchen, to find Joyce waiting.

"Yeah. It's sorta hard to miss a big, tall, broody Vamp sitting on the same bed where you sleep." Seeing Angel had put her into a sour mood. It was easy to hate the guy from far away, but to see him sitting there with Buffy doing...what ever it was they were doing-IT JUST BUGGED HER!

"It's not like they were doing anything wrong. They are together, or whatever it is they do with each other. I really don't like that guy."

"I can't imagine why." Joyce said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Faith was too distracted to catch it.

"I'll tell ya why! She's a Slayer and he's a Vamp, and it's just WRONG! Soul or not that thing should be filling an ash-tray!" she caught the look and realized that Joyce had been kidding.

"So, what happened today?" Faith gave her a look as if to say 'Who Wants To Know?'

"Come on Faith, something must have happened. It doesn't take that long to check a park for Demons. Something happened to make you want to stay out as late as you did. Just tell me, totally unbiased."

"There was a thing this afternoon." She said, disbelieving that she was actually telling Buffy's mom this.

"And what would this 'THING' be?" she asked laughing at Faith's blushing cheeks.

"I was...and there was this thing...with training..." Faith realized that she was making no sense, so she gritted her teeth and just said it. "We were training, and I kissed her."

"Yeah." She said sadly, as though admitting defeat, "She had to chase me up some stairs and slam me against some lockers just to get me to stop."

"She wasn't though, was she." Again, a statement. "I bet she told you it was okay didn't she?"

"Faith, you're a smart girl. Would she it was Okay if it wasn't? Has Buffy lied to recently? At all besides Angel?" she gave the girl a mug of Coffee, followed by the sugar bowl and the milk carton.

"Thanks." She took it and added the necessary amounts of the two additives. "Is this De-Caf?"

"Yeah, I had to stop drinking Caffeine. Made me jittery." Faith giggles at the idea of Joyce jittery.

They both slowly drank their coffee. Thinking about what an odd couple they made. They both finished their drinks and Faith carried them to the sink. She stood next to it for a minute, thinking about Angel.

"Snyder. The slippery little Nome is a pain in the butt." Joyce nodded as if it wasn't a complete lie.

"At least you won't have to deal with him next year. Well, assuming you graduate..." Joyce said in a threatening tone.

"Why was Angel here then?" Faith asked, keeping as much malice out of her voice as possible.

"Because," Buffy told her, smiling "It's a World War I paper. He was there. I was using him as one of my Primary Sources. I said he was some guy I met at an old-folks home though. It's not like I could said 'I learned that Mustard Gas made your lungs turn to jelly from my interview with a Vampire!'."

"Just think of a bunch of Angels running around killing people and turning a little 10-year-old into a Vampire."

"6 pages, 7 out-side sources (including Angel), and almost 7,000 words." She gave a sigh, proud of her hard work, but then frowned, "I think my fingers are gonna fall off..." she held them up and flexed them.

"Come on B, I'll show you how to deal with finger cramps." With that Faith led Buffy out of the Kitchen, Joyce sending a wink the Dark Slayer's way. She returned it.

"That feels SO much better!" Buffy said with a sigh, smiling thankfully, "How'd you learn that?"

"What? Soaking your hands in warm water when they're sore? That's pretty common knowledge B." Faith smiled at the older girl.

"I meant the whole massaging thing you did. That felt REALLY good." Buffy voice got kind of husky when she said that, causing shivers to run up Faith's spine.

"I used to keep a death grip on my stakes when I first started as a Slayer. I got Finger cramps a lot, so I used to have to do that all the time." She tossed her hand towel into the blonde's laundry basket.

"I used to keep Stakes everywhere! I had then tucked into my socks, I kept them up my jacket sleeves, book-bags, locker, in my gym bag with my cheerleading stuff in it-"

"OH. MY. GOD!" Faith said in shock, "YOU WERE A CHEERLEADER?!" she burst out laughing.

"Hey!" Buffy said, laughing too, "That was from BEFORE I had been a Slayer! Had it not been for that I would have been REALLY out of shape for all the Slayer training I had to do..." Buffy did a big fake pout at being teased.

"Aw, B, it's okay." Faith put an arm around the blonde's arm and shook her lightly, "I forgive you."

Buffy pouted more, and sat on her bed. Faith sat next to her and picked up her Slayer diary.

"Oh, Faith, no." Buffy put her hand over Faiths and shook her head, "I couldn't ask you to do that. You did all the Slaying by yourself, that's more then enough!"

"That's okay, B. I want to." Faith sat there, seemingly waiting to be told what to write.

"Okay then, I will too." Buffy reached into her bed-side table and pulled out her diary. She opened it, and flipped to the first blank page. "Let's just write till it feel okay to stop."

"No way B!" Faith reached over and stole the Slayer's pen, "I just uncramped you're hand! I'm not gonna do it again, so no more writing for you!" Buffy tried to grab it back, but missed. She tried again, but once again missed. She got up and got a new pen from her desk.

"Fine, but tomorrow I'm gonna say I TOLD YOU SO when your hand starts to ache again." Both girls settled against the head board and started writing.

Another long and hard day as a Slayer. I staked 9 Vamps tonight! I went out to check the parks tonight while Buffy wrote a History paper. I checked all seven parks! A lot of walking and a lot of waiting. Other then that, it wasn't so bad. ]

Faith glanced over at Buffy. The girl was sitting about half a foot away from her. Faith fidgeted a little and pulled the cover of the diary up so Buffy wouldn't be able to see what she was writing.

[ I did something amazing today! I was training with Buffy, and we got really into it! We both just totally let go. We were doing full contact, because we had both figured out that the other was going easy, so we took it up a few notches. Of course, the floor is nice and clean since Buffy used my ass to wipe it! Ugh. There's an embarrassing moment! It had been my idea to do it and then she beat the crap out of me! (not really, we where sparring. Trying to disarm and pin) ]

[ Anyways! Back to the 'AMAZING' thing I was talking about! I had just been pinned and disarmed by Buffy when all of a sudden...time stopped. I can't describe it. I stopped fighting, stopped thinking, and I may have even stopped breathing. It was like, the only thought in my head was: 'Wow...Buffy's on top of me...' ]

[ I was REALLY turned on already, and the fact that she was ON TOP OF ME didn't help! WORST of all: SHE WAS HORNY TOO! I could tell! I felt it some how...plus since she was pressed into me I could really FEEL it! And all of a sudden she stopped fighting too. She just let go and we were just...THERE. ]

[ Here's the AMAZING (and also incredibly STUPID) part: I Kissed Her!!! I did it! I really did it! Just like all those dreams I told you about, except this was so much...] Faith couldn't think of a word to discribe it. The feeling she got from kissing Buffy compared to how she felt kissing someone else was no contest! 'Like comparing McDonalds' Big Mac to a Filet Minion from Chez Louis! One is barely USDA certified, the other is a rare delicacy to be savored!'

[ I don't think there are any human words for how incredibly sensual it was. I finally know what all those Poets mean when they talk about Love. How they can write about someone as though they're the center of the universe. Metaphorically Buffy's always been the center of my universe, but for those few short seconds she really was. The world revolved around her, and the feeling she filled me with. ]

[ My whole body stopped, and it felt like dying and truly living all at once. I couldn't breath and my heart wouldn't beat. It felt like being electrocuted. My body filled with Magical Energy and I seized up, and there was this HUGE power boost...! ] Faith looked up when she felt the weight shift on the bed. Buffy was leaning to the side, trying to read what Faith had been writing. Buffy's eyes left the page and caught Faith's. She blushed, and turned away smiling.

"B! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Faith slammed her Diary shut and pulled it to her chest tightly.

"Jeez! I was just kidding!" Buffy laughed at went back to writing, smiling slightly. Faith got up and moved to sit at the other end of the bed. "Oh come on Faith! I was just joking...Buffy got up off the bed and put her Diary away. Faith looked skeptic.

"I'm gonna call Will. Want to see if she finished her paper yet." She walked over to the brunette and wrapped her arms around Faith's middle. Faith closed her Diary again.

"Hey," Buffy said softly in her ear. "I'm sorry, okay? It was just a joke and I should have known better. Your privacy means a lot to you, and I respect that. I won't make any more jokes okay?" Faith nodded, too distracted by the waves of passion running through her at Buffy's closeness and kind words. Buffy kissed the younger slayer on the head softly. She walked out of the room, leaving Faith to her confused thoughts.

Buffy walked down stairs and down to the Kitchen. Her mom had gone to bed a while ago, and she wanted privacy for this phone call. The last thing she wanted was for her mom to hear all about her Love life, especially since it was all about a love for Faith. She picked up the receiver and typed the 7 familiar numbers.

"Oh, Hey Buffy! Need some more help?" Willow sounded almost eager to give the blond some advice.

"No that's Okay, I finished about a half hour ago." A 'Bing' came through the phone.

"Really Buff? That's great! I just finished, I'm shutting my computer down now."

"Ha-Ha Buffy. I got caught up doing my bibliography; I had a bunch of Internet sources that I had to find Page Masters for. How'd you do?"

"I think I did okay. Almost 7,000 words! My hands were killing me after that..."

"I bet! I'm used to it, but then I again I spend about half my free time on the computer...and the other half fighting demons." Both girls laughed.

"So, Buffy," Willow said, her laugher calming down. "What's up? What couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

"BUFFY!" Willow yelled into the phone excitedly, "You told her?! I am SO proud of you!"

"But what if the bad was the result of the good, so I'd have to tell you the good first anyway?"

"Well., we were sparring, and then all of a sudden, I was on top of her. We had been trying to pin and disarm each other, and I had done both to Faith. But she was supposed to trying and escape..."

"Yeah. All of a sudden she just stopped, and she was just looking at me. So I looked back, and it was weird -a good weird-.... . I just got totally sucked in. Here eyes were magnetic, and I couldn't look away. The entire world just melted until all that was left was Faith underneath me."

"And then I stopped too. I let go and she still didn't move. We were there. That place between Overwhelmed and Underwhelmed...it was bliss. Then she whispered to me, and...and she kissed me."

"My heart, the world, LIFE! It was like it all froze, and those few seconds went on for hours and yet it was all over so quickly.........and that's when things got bad."

"Yeah, and I had to shove her against some lockers just to get her to stop running! Then she broke down crying...just repeating 'I'm Sorry' over and over again."

"Well she'd a girl..." no response, "Kissing another girl..." still nothing, "Who owns the house that she lives in, and is the driving force behind her group of friends. NOT TO MENTION HER BUSINESS ASSOCIATE!" Short pause.

"Yeah, right..." Willow said skeptically, "What happened after she started crying?"

"I comforted her! I wrapped my arms around her and told her that she didn't do anything wrong. That I didn't mind. She just kept apologizing and asking me why I wasn't freaking out."

"I told her...I told her it wasn't her fault!" Buffy groaned, she had just realized it had been the PERFECT time to tell Faith how she'd felt! "Ugh! Why am I so stupid?! I told her that it was the Slaying Lust, and that I didn't blame her..."

"You can be really stupid sometimes." She said in just as sweet a voice. Luckily Buffy knew it was said to emphasize the point that Buffy was going to have to tell her sometime, and that she had missed an ideal opportunity to do it.

"Not that!" Buffy interrupted, "The way I feel about her! I don't think I can take much more of this! She came home tonight and she took a shower. I could hear the water running through the walls...Angel was over helping me with my paper, but I couldn't concentrate!" Buffy gave an exasperated groan.

"All I could think about was Faith in the shower! I think I'm going INSANE! I was never this Crazy off Angel...I think you were right when I said I had it bad."

"I don't know about all Witches, or even about the 'Always' thing, but you were right about this..."

"Yeah, we talked about Snyder and my paper." Willow heard Buffy voice drop over the phone as she continued, "Then, when I told her my hands had cramped because of all the typing I did, she soaked them in warm water for me."

"Yeah, and then she started doing this AMAZING thing with her hands..." Buffy trailed off.

"Well, we were sitting on my bad, doing some Slayer Journal entries...and as a joke -It really was only a joke!- I leaned over to tease her. You know, to make it look like I was trying to see what she was writing."

"She slammed the book shut and asked 'What the hell I thought I was doing'...I think she was writing about me. I don't think it was Slayer stuff, otherwise she wouldn't have minded...I don't think."

"Well, she moved to the other end of the bed...I don't think she believed me about the joke thing."

"Buffy, you have to be careful with Faith. I know she tried to act all THOUGH GIRL, but that's not what she's like all the time. She can't keep that up 24/7 and now that you two are living together she needs to be able to be herself around you." Willow was trying to be both supportive and reprimanding.

"I know. I want her to trust me! I want her to be able to be herself around me..."

"Yeah," Buffy said laughing a little. "And I gave her a hug..." Buffy's voice was dreamy.

"Yeah..." Buffy had spaced out, "I wrapped my arms around her stomach and pulled her to me. She feels so good against me...Mmm...She smells like Cinnamon gum and Cherry Cokes..." Buffy was doing a good job of sticking her foot in her mouth.

"YOU'VE GOT IT BAD!" Willow laughed over the phone. Buffy crash-landed back to earth.

"Hey!" Buffy laughed...then she felt it. Her Slayer Senses jumped into hyper drive, Faith was coming down stairs. "I gotta go, okay Will?" Buffy had an edge to her voice and the Witch got the message.

"Bye Buffy!" she hung up her phone. Buffy had just hung up the receiver when the door to the kitchen swung open. Faith looked at the floor as she walked into the room.

"I just wanted to see where you went." Faith whispered, "You were gone a while." she glanced at Buffy then back to the floor.

"Yeah, we got kind of side tracked." Buffy smiled and took Faith's hand. Faith still didn't look at her.

"I'm sorr-" the brunette started, but Buffy wasn't going to let her finish that statement.

"No, Faith, I'm sorry." Buffy put a crooked finger under the younger girl's chin, "That was really dumb of me, and I shouldn't have done it. I won't do it again I promise." Faith looked a little confused for a second, then she realized that Buffy was talking about her Diary.

"Oh, no B, I wasn't talking about that..." Faith paused, trying to figure out what she wanted to say.

"Faith, please don't be sorry." Buffy voice sounded hurt, "Please, be anything but sorry?" Faith was taken aback. This was NOT what she had expected at all. She gave the Blonde's hand a gentle squeeze and answered.

Buffy woke up, snug under her covers. She was warm and happy and ready to start the day. Then she remembered: SCHOOL DAY. 'Now that I think about it, I think I'll stay in bed'

"Mmmm..." came the little moan from Faith. Buffy opened her eyes to find that she wasn't in bed alone again. Faith was holding her around the middle, her face resting against Buffy's back. One of her hands was stroking the blonde's side lightly. Last night had been weird, and yet completely normal.

Faith had led Buffy up stairs and they got ready for bed with out a word. They said good night, and climbed under the sheets. They both fell right to sleep, Buffy tried from writing her History Paper and Faith from staking so many vamps. Both were emotionally exhausted. They had no idea what the other was feeling, but desperately wanted to know. Buffy wrapped her arms over Faiths, and Faith stirred.

"B?" Buffy froze, she thought Faith had been asleep, "B? You awake?" Buffy stayed quiet, not wanting to be yelled at by the brunette. Faith just put her head back down onto Buffy back and pulled her in closer. 'I hope she's not mad' The blond hoped. Then she realized. 'WAIT A SECOND! Faith's awake?! Why is she still holding me?'

Faith nuzzled into Buffy hair, enjoying the light vanilla smell. She loved Buffy's hair, even if she wasn't really blond. Faith used to die her hair black, years and years ago. 'After Dad died...' she thought.

Faith lifted her head lightly, not wanting to bother the blond, and looked past her at the nightstand. It was going to go off any second. Faith dislodged her arms from under Buffy's and shook the slayer gently.

"B..." Faith said quietly, "B, come on. Time to get up." Buffy rolled onto her back and looked at Faith, faking a sleepy look, but her smile was real. "Come on B, time for school." Just then the alarm went off.

Faith reached over and turned it off. She had to lean over Buffy though, who was blushing profusely once Faith righted herself.

"I was planning on it." She said smiling, "You own me a lunch, remember? Red can come too though, I don't want her to think I'm stealing her best friend away or something." Buffy smiled, and got up out of bed.

"Fine with me, you could use one!" Buffy hit the brunette playfully, happy that they could be so comfortable around one another. Buffy grabbed her bathrobe and left for the bathroom. Faith sat on the bed and thought about a few things: Her father, and her family to name a few. Then she thought about life back in Boston, before things got out of hand. She wished she'd known Buffy back then, things would have been different. But then she thought about her life now.

"This isn't so bad..." with that she got up and got dressed. She put on a pair of dark Blue jeans and a Black tank-top. She pulled on a black leather jacket, and walked down stairs to get some coffee.

"I made enough for 3, go right ahead." Joyce smiled as she watched Faith make her breakfast of sugar, milk and Java. "It's so nice to have another person in the house. Some times it feels like it's just been Buffy and I forever. I'm glad there's some else here," the older woman's voice turned to a whisper "Since Buffy's anything but a morning person..." Both woman laughed at that.

"I know what you mean! She sleeps like the dead!" Joyce stopped laughing at that.

"Are you kidding? She's the lightest sleeper I've ever known! Especially since she became a Slayer...that's why I got her room soundproofed while she was in LA. She'd hear me every time I'd get a mid-night snack."

"Really?" Faith was surprised; Buffy had been a pretty heavy sleeper all the time she'd known her. She didn't wake up this morning when they were snuggling, or the other night when she'd kissed the girl's shoulder. She didn't have much more time to think it about though, she could sense the blond coming. Faith turned to the door, and so did Joyce who wanted to know what the brunette was looking at. A few seconds later Buffy walked in.

"How do you two do that?" the older woman asked, totally amazed. Both girls looked at her, wondering what on earth she was talking about.

"Faith, how did you know Buffy was going to come downstairs before she did? And how did you know exactly when she was gonna walk through the door?" Both girls blushed slightly, though neither knew why.

"We can feel each other." Faith explained, "We can feel when a Vampire is nearby, and we can detect magical beings as well. The stronger the magic, the stronger the vibe. Buffy and I are cut from the same cloth, so we can always tell where the other is." Faith sipped her coffee, and looked at Joyce.

"So, you know where my daughter is, even when you can't see her?" Joyce looked confused as she tried to digest this information.

"Sort of," Buffy explained. "We also have senses a lot stronger then humans do. I can tell Faith's up stairs even without the Slayer Sense. And besides, the sense only works for short distances, and I have trouble with direction."

"You do?" Faith asked turning to her, "I can always tell direction, and it's distance I always have trouble with?"

"Really?" Buffy asked, amazed, "Well, no wonder you and I make a great team." Buffy made herself a cup of black coffee, and sat at the counter next to her mom.

"It depends for me." Faith said, frowning in thought, "If I really stop and concentrate I can find her within about 8 blocks. But mostly I know where she is because my body forces me to know. I go from being regular Human Faith to Slayer Faith." Joyce nodded.

"I can tell where Faith is for a little more then half a mile, but I have a lot of trouble with 'where in that half mile' she is. Maybe it's because she'd always on the move though." Buffy joked. Faith smiled thinking about how true that might be.

"But, say for example," the older woman started, "One of you was captured (heaven forbid this happens), could you find each other?" The girls nodded. And simultaneously sipped their coffee. It was almost eerie how synchronized the two were.

"Come on blondie!" Faith called, finishing off the rest of her coffee, "Time for you to be Edge-imma-kated!" with that Faith grabbed her bad with her training clothes and walked out the back door. Buffy downed the rest of her coffee, and grabbed her bag.

Buffy walked out her English class, and down the hall. She had French next, and she wanted to skip it. She hadn't done the homework for that class anyway, so she decided that she might as well. Buffy wandered out of the school and out side into the court-yard. She'd been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days, and most of it was about Faith. But other then that, she thought about Angel.

Kendra had been right when she'd said "Angel must eliminated", but Buffy knew she could never do it. Not again, the first time was bad enough. She knew that she'd love Angel, and that she always would, but she loved Faith more. They would make a good couple. Buffy was sure of it...'If only I could actually tell her!'

Buffy's absent wanderings had led her out school, and down the street. She was fallowing her feet, who seemed to have a mind of their own. 'What do I do now?' she thought, 'How am I supposed to tell the only man I have ever loved that I'm leaving him for a woman?' Worried addled the slayer's brain. She worried about what would happen if she left Angel for Faith, and Faith didn't want her.

'Faith's always going on and on about "Get some-get gone!", and I don't want that kind of relationship...I want to take her out on dates, and tell people that we're a couple. I want to kill demons with her, but most of all I want to TELL HER how much I LOVE HER!...'cause keeping it in is killing me!' She heaved a sigh, knowing that if she didn't tell Faith the Dark-Slayer would find out in a more unpleasant way.

'How'd I get here?' Buffy wondered as she realized where she was. It was the door to the mansion, and all that stood between her and Angel was a thick black Curtin. Literally.

"Are you gonna come in?" Angel called through the dark fabric. Buffy cleared her throat, and pulled back one of the folds. Buffy smiled at Angel, who was seated on his couch. The slayer slowly walked over to it, and sat down.

"Hey, there, Angel." Buffy said nervously, still not quite sure why she was here, or what she was going to do now that she was. "Thanks for all the great help on the paper last night!" Buffy quickly stated, "Ms. Miller said she'd give me extra credit for my interview-"

"Buffy," Angel said quietly, but sternly, "I know why you're here." His tone changed, to the caring one she remembered from her Sophomore year. "You wanted to talk about us. Our relationship."

"You DO." Angel confirmed. He got up, and walked over to her. "I think it's appropriate, there's a lot we have to talk about." He put his hands on her shoulders, trying to get her to look at him. "why don't you start?"

"Why don't you start by telling me how you're feeling?" he dropped his arms to his sides.

"Do you love me?" he whispered. Buffy faltered at that. Her resolve was weakening, she did love Angel.

"But you also love Faith." The Slayer's head shot up at that, her eyes slightly bugged. "I know you love her Buffy, it's obvious." He gave her a small smile. "I'm not Xander, I do notice these things." Both laughed nervously at the crack about Xander.

"Buffy, I knew from the moment that I saw you that I'd love you for as long as I...un-live. I also knew that we could never really be together. I love you Buffy, but you should be with someone who can take you out into the day-light. Some one who can grow old with you...someone that can make love to you." He walked slowly over to the couch, his back to the Slayer. "I'm going to be unhappy until the day I turn to dust, that's my cause. It is my curse." He sat down slowly.

"It wouldn't. Knowing that you and Faith are happy...would make me feel a lot better then knowing that I'm keeping you lonely." Buffy shifted her weight from foot to foot, not sure if she was going to start crying. "You and I have a very rocky past. I killed your friends, I tortured your watcher, and hundreds of other things I'll never live down."

"Yes I am." Buffy looked at him, slightly teary-eyed. "The demon is inside me all the time, Buffy. I can keep it down, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Every thought I have about something, the demon has another. It's a lot like schizophrenia. Every time I think about kissing you, it thinks about killing you." Buffy gasped. "I'd never let that happen, but that doesn't mean it doesn't think it."

"No. Not now, anyways. I'm going to move to LA at the start of the summer. Seems to be the best place for me." He said, smiling slightly.

"Los Angelus. The city of Angels. Makes sense. Angel and Angelous in the same body, and in the city named after them." Buffy sniffled slightly, unsure of what to say.

"She loves you too." Angel said, his head bowed. "I went to find you after I'd heard what had happened. I saw the two of you together at the cemetery. She cares about you. More then I know, probably. Plus, she has a real problem with me, and a vampire can practically smell jealousy."

"I'm not so sure. That's why I'm scared." Buffy started to cry, silent tears running down her pink cheeks.

"Give her a chance. If she says no, then..." Buffy waited to her his plan B, "...the sky is falling." He smiled sadly at her. "Trust me Buffy. She won't let you down." Buffy smiled as she walked towards the curtains.

Buffy slowly walked back to school, Angel's kind words filling her head. It seemed more out of habit then reason that she walked into the Library. Faith rushed over to her.

"B, where've you been? I was waiting for you so we could go have lunch." Faith could some how see the dried tear marks on the Blonde's face and whispered, "B, you okay?"

"You sure?" Faith asked quietly, taking Buffy's hand. Buffy looked down at their hands, realizing that maybe Angel was right.

"Yeah. I'm sure." She looked up, smiling at Faith (who still looked worried). "Is Willow gonna come or is she staying with Oz?"

"YES! Please! One more day of Mulligan Stew and I think I'm going to hurl." Both the Slayers laughed at the Witch's comment. They all linked arms, and made their way out into the town.

The three girls had a wonderful lunch. They chose to go to a small Café near the Espresso Pump were you could get sandwiches, and sat at a table talking about all things non-HellMouthy. While Buffy went to the bathroom Willow turned to Faith.

"Faith?" Willow started, wanting to be kind yet direct, as the Older Slayer could be back any second, "I need to ask you some thing." Faith nodded, chewing her sandwich, "Xander told me you were in love." Faith audibly gulped.

"Why would you say that?" Faith said, acting as though the very idea was ludicrous. 'Faith's not gonna be winning the academy award anytime soon!' Willow thought to herself.

"Oh, you know, 'cause I'm not blind." The witch answered causally. "The note you left in her locker, the way look at her, not to mention the fact that you take every opportunity to touch her that presents itself. Faith, I think you should tell her how you feel." The Dark Slayer snorted in sad laughter.

"Yeah, sure thing Red. I'll just go tell Straight-As-A-Slide-Rule Buffy, WHO HAS A BOY-FRIEND (point of fact!), that I'm in love with her..." Faith heaved a sigh, staring at the remains of her sandwich, no longer hungry. "She's happy Red. I don't want to ruin that." She glanced up at the witch to find her smiling at her.

"Faith. For your information, Buffy's about at linier as a U-Turn." Faith's head shot up at that, eyes slightly bugged. "Yeah, I didn't see it comin' either. But it's true."

"Um hmm. Told me so her-self. I'm not saying she's as queer as black sun-shine but..." Willow trailed off, seeing Buffy come back from the toilets. The short blond walked over and wrapped her arm around Faith's shoulders. She looked at Willow and asked

"Do we have time to grab some mochas be fore we go?" The witch nodded excitedly.

"I dunno B," Faith said in mock fear, "Mixing caffeine with Red might be a bad idea, do you own life insurance?" Buffy laughed and suggested Decaf as she went to pay the bill. Faith turned back to the copper-top to quickly ask "You don't know from 'Experience' do you?"

"What?" Willow asked, slightly confused. Then it sunk in, "OH!...Oh! No! Not like that, she just told me. I think you should tell her Faith." Faith shrugged.

"Right, and when was the last time you saw her hug ME or put her arm around MY shoulders?" Faith stopped straightening her Jacket, the thought hitting her like a ton of bricks.

"Ready to go?" Buffy asked, getting a nod from Willow. "I love this jacket." She said turning to Faith, and straightening it for her. "How come you can pull of the black leather thing so well?" Buffy asked with a fake pout. Faith shook herself out the naughty thoughts that comments ignited, and shrugged her shoulders.

"Must be the Attitude. Some people are just born with it." Buffy linked arms with Faith and they walked out of the café.

Later that afternoon Faith sat in the stacks reading from a book she'd been interested in. She knew that Xander, who was supposed to be doing research a few feet away, kept looking at her. She knew that he wasn't really doing the work (the book was upside down), and this was kind of pissing her off. She knew that they needed to find something to help them defeat the mayor. The fact that he was wasting time when he was supposed to be working really annoyed her.

"Hey Xand," Faith asked without looking up, "How's the up-side-down reading going?" Xander coughed and righted the book, Faith smiled smugly. She closed her book and walked over to the table. Giles walked in sipping tea, a book in the other hand.

"I was hoping that you and she could do some weapons training today." He said smiling slightly at Faith.

She jumped out of her chair and jogged to the book-cage, flinging it open. After she'd unlocked the weapons closet she took her time admiring all the shinny objects, thinking of which to pick. She felt that familiar tickle, and knew Buffy was close. She grabbed an Ax and walked out of the cage, facing the Library doors. Buffy walked through seconds later.

The blond dropped her books as soon as she saw Faith. They hit the floor with a 'Snap' that made Giles drop his book and Xander come out from behind the stacks. Both men watched curiously as Buffy slowly took off her Book-Bag. Suddenly, she tossed it at the Dark Slayer. Faith knocked it away as Buffy made a dash for the weapons closet, laughing.

Faith dropped the bag and got to the Book Cage just in time to see the Older Slayer grab the Long Sward. Faith froze. She knew Buffy was REALLY good with swards, and she herself was just learning how to properly use the Ax. She slowly backed away as Buffy stood at the ready.

"Maybe not. To risky with the weapons." Buffy nodded, and advanced. She swung the sward, aiming for Faith's shoulder, and the Dark Slayer ducked. Faith made a swing at the Blonde's stomach but the other girl jumped back in time. They continued like this for several minutes, completely oblivious to the fact that Giles and Xander were watching. They didn't even notice when Willow and Oz walked in, closely followed by Cordelia.

The fight took up a lot of space, and the three teens cowered by the entrance. Giles stood behind the counter while Xander stood by the railing at the top of the stairs. At one point they had started fighting on top of the table. Then it happened! Buffy let Faith knock the sward out of her hand. The blond made a dive for it, but it was too late. She felt the back of the Ax being held at her neck. Faith had won the round.

Both girls were breathing raggedly, and their hearts were pounding. Faith threw the Ax so that it stuck in the floor, and held out her hand to Buffy. The blond took it, and thanked her. Both smiled as they made their way back to the weapons closet.

".... . wow.... ." came Willow's whisper from near the door. Both girls stopped at turned. They had totally forgotten that they'd had an audience. Four mouths were hanging open and eight eyes were slightly bugged (Oz looked as surprised as he ever did). Buffy glanced at Xander to see that he was drooling slightly. She held in a laugh and grabbed a wooden staff and scarf from the Closet. She tossed the staff to Faith, who caught it.

"Hey Giles? Any updates on the whole Mayor thing?" Buffy asked as she tied the blindfold over Faith's eyes. Giles shook himself back to his senses. The entire interaction between the two slayers had taken him completely by surprise; he had no idea that Faith was so capable of holding her own against Buffy (little did he know that Buffy had let her win, fulfilling her mother's wishes).

"Um, no. Nothing new as of yet, but we're sure to find something soon." Oz, Cordy and Willow all walked over to the table. Oz reached down and struggled with pulling the Ax out of the floor. He tossed it at Buffy who caught it without looking. She put it down on the counter, smiling at Giles, and went back to Faith.

"Ready Faith?" she nodded, gripping the wooden staff tightly. Buffy crept silently around Faith, circling her slowly. She stuck her arm far out to the right and snapped. The brunette made a wild swing, and missed completely. Buffy giggled, and got a knock in the stomach. Buffy fell to the floor, surprised. She looked up to see Faith taking off the blind fold smiling knowingly.

"Got ya B!" she tossed the staff to Buffy and untied the scarf. Buffy got up to see that the rest of the Scoobies had focused in of their reading. Faith tied the Scarf around Buffy's eyes carefully, asking quietly if it was too tight. Buffy shook her head, which felt kind of swimmy, do to all the fighting and Faith's closeness.

Buffy could see nothing but blackness. She concentrated on listening, trying to hear Faith's breathing and Heart-beat. She could tell that Faith too circling her. She could hear the Dark Slayer's Docs shuffling on the floor. She pulled the staff in close, and turned to the right. She knew that Faith was right in front of her now. She could hear the faint whispers of the younger Slayer's even breathing. She could tell that she was trying to be a quiet as possible. Fast as lightning she swung at Faith. She felt the end of the staff make contact with her stomach. She didn't realize just had close Faith had been...

"Jesus B..." Faith groaned from the floor. "At least sharpen that before trying to stab me with it. . . ugh, I think I'm gonna puke." Buffy pulled the Blind Fold off quickly and dropped to her knees by the younger girl. She tossed the staff aside with a 'Clunk' and laid Faith down on the floor. She ran a worried had over Faith's cheek, and told her to lie still. She carefully started pulling the bottom of Faith's shirt up.

Buffy's mouth had gone rather dry. She had just hurt Faith! And now she trying to look under the girl's shirt. She pulled the shirt up a few inches, and found nothing. She ran her hands over Faith's pale-olive skin. It was so smooth and warm. Just touching it made shivers run up her spine. She felt Faith's abdominal mussels jump and twitch under her fingers. She looked up at Faith's face. Her eyes were pinched shut, but not in pain. She saw that Faith's chest was rising and falling rapidly.

"It's higher then that." Faith whispered. The feel of Buffy's hands on her skin was amazing. She had never felt so alive. Her heart was racing and her blood was almost boiling. 'How is it that just this simple touch from Buffy can get me so HOT!?' Faith asked herself. It took incredible self-control not to arch her back when Buffy had run her hand over her stomach.

Buffy pulled her shirt higher, stopping just below the girl's breasts. There, slightly to the left, she saw it. A circular welt, identical in width to the staff Buffy had hit her with. It was turning a light shade of blue in front of her eyes. Faith's Slayer Healing was taking over. Buffy gently ran her hand up Faith's side, wanting to check to see if she'd broken the girl's ribs.

Faith gasped, and her Back arched slightly. Buffy was being so gentle, it felt incredible. She was and the verge of panting. Her brain was in desperate need of oxygen as wild thoughts raced threw her brain. All she wanted to do was lie back and indulge in the soft caresses that Buffy was lavishing on her.

Buffy's heart was racing. Either she had REALLY hurt Faith or some thing else was going on. She ran her hand the rest of the way up Faith's ribs, and applied a light pressure to the bruise. Faith let out a small 'Urgh!' and winced at the touch. No ribs were broken, but she was going to have quite a welt for at least a few hours.

She heard Xander let out a groan, and Faith's eyes shot open. They both turned to look at the boy. Apparently their heightened Slayer Senses had heard it, because no one else had noticed it. Faith cleared her throat and pulled the shirt back down...over Buffy's hand. The blond looked down at the outline of her appendage through the thin fabric. Her eyes shot up to meet Faiths.

Both girls looked away as Buffy quickly retrieved her hand. Buffy nervously ran her fingers through her hair, and got up. She held out a hand for Faith as the brunette had done for her earlier. She grasped it, and pulled herself up, groaning in pain as she did so.

"Oh, Sorry." Buffy said quickly. Faith waved it off, but refused to make eye contact with the Blond. Buffy gently put a hand to Faith's face and whispered "You want me to get you an ice pack?" Faith could only look at the other girl for a few seconds, but nodded. As Buffy walked in to Giles' office Willow caught the Younger Slayer's eye. She had a slight 'I Told You So' smile on her face. Faith blushed.

Buffy and Faith walked through the Cemetery later that evening, both almost silent. Faith wanted to listen to Willow and tell Buffy how she felt, but she was too scared. She knew how SHE felt about the other Slayer, but she didn't know how Buffy felt about her. 'How am I supposed to find out?!' she asked herself, 'I need to know if it's worth even mentioning...I could handle just being Buffy's friend, but if I don't at least say something I'm gonna regret it for the rest of my life!...and Slayers don't live that long.'

"Hey, Faith? You okay, you've been awful quiet?" Buffy put a soft hand on Faith shoulder. Faith brushed it off, not wanting the Heady feeling she got every time the two of hem touched to distract her from what she needed to do.

"Yeah, B, I'm fine." Faith took a deep breath and was about to continue when Buffy interrupted her.

"Is this about what happened this afternoon?" Faith looked confused, "Because I really didn't mean to hit you that hard...I didn't know how close you were." Faith Shook her head.

"Like what?" Buffy walked forward, linking arms with the brunette, "Think out loud so I can at least join in!" Buffy gave her a winning smile. Faith shook it off, still not wanting to be distracted.

"B?" Faith started slowly, "Where were you today?" Buffy's smile faded, and already Faith knew the answer.

"I was with you almost all day. Except for classes..." Buffy trailed off, not sure why she was avoiding what she knew the brunette was asking. She had no reason to hid it from Faith ('I did it for her!').

"You were late to meet Willow and I for lunch. You must have been off campus because I tried to feel you out...you were too far away." Buffy started walking again, head bowed. "Where did you go B?"

"I went off campus. Had some thinking to do." Faith caught up to her, avoiding the blonde's eyes. Buffy knew that Faith and Angel had some problems, but she didn't know why. Angel thought it was Jealousy, but Buffy wasn't so sure.

"Why couldn't you think on campus?" Faith asked, a harsh tone to her voice, "Or is the kind of 'thinking' you did allergic to Sun Light?" Buffy was surprised to hear the coldness in the other Slayer's voice. She walked a little faster, heading towards a mausoleum with a flickering light inside. Faith Followed her, realizing how mean she must have been. "B! Wait! I'm sorry!"

"Shh!" Buffy grabbed Faith, and pulled her behind an ornamental statue just in time. Six Vamps, all well dressed, were walking out of said mausoleum. "Mayor's guys. They came looking for something, and I think they got it. You think we can take 'em?" She turned to Faith who nodded mutely. Buffy pulled out a stake and tossed in to the younger girl.

"Apologize later, we have demons to kill." With that she jumped out of their hiding place, taking a Vamp by surprise. She staked him in the back, his dust filling the air with the stench of stale death. The other five turned around, Faith appeared staking another unsuspecting monster. They split and ran three ways. Two attacked Buffy, one attacked Faith, and the last one headed for the metaphorical hills.

Buffy kicked the first Vamp in the stomach, and ducked as the second swung at her. She was too slow, though, the First one managed to hit her in the gut. She staggered slightly, but regained her balance just in time to jump over a sweeping kick from the first vamp, dressed in a green business suit. She staked the second vamp in mid air, his dust blowing away in the wind as she landed, full force on her remaining attacker.

Faith, however, didn't have it so easy. Her opponent, though singular, was armed. And, oddly enough, with an Ax. He made some wild swings at her, but they were powerful. One came too close her comfort and she had to use her stake to block the impact of the blade. Fortunately, the Ax got stuck in the Stake, so when he tried to pull the handle back, he found his palms empty. Faith grabbed the Ax (with the stake still stuck in it sideways), and swung at the demon. He ducked, and she swung again. Miss, but he was looking scared now. With one last swing she managed to stick him with the stake end of her oddly arranged weapon. He burst into dust, and so did her stake (still imbedded in the Vamp).

Faith looked over at Buffy to find that she had lost her stake, and was not fending off an adversary unarmed. Faith took careful aim and called "B! GET DOWN!" Buffy ducked, and the Vamp turned to see what Faith was yelling about.

His dust settled as Buffy looked up at the Ax embedded in the tombstone above her head. Faith Offered her hand to the blond, pulling her up gently. They came together closer then Faith had expected. Their noses touched, both their hot breaths mingled and warmed the faces of the Slayers. Buffy turned away, dusting off her pants. Faith cleared her throat, and tugged the Ax from the block of marble it was wedged in.

"Uh, What were we talking about?" Buffy asked the brunette. The combination of fighting the demons and her face being so close to Faith's had sent her mind reeling. Faith bowed her head, digging the toe of her boot into the fresh gave below her feet.

"I was just saying..." Faith trailed off, It was hard for her to apologize to people. The only person she'd ever REALLY said sorry to had been Buffy, but it was still hard to get the words out. "That I was sorry about all that mean stuff I said about-"

"Angel!" Faith looked up to see a surprised Slayer looking back at her. She hadn't even noticed the hairs on her neck standing up. She turned around, finding Angel right behind her. He didn't look to Happy to see Faith, though he did smile at Buffy.

"Here, I found this on a Vamp on my way in." He tossed Buffy what appeared to be an amulet. It was made of gold and had a meticulously caved jewel in the center of it. Around the edges were what appeared to be engravings, written in runes that probably only Giles could decipher. He nodded at Faith, and gave Buffy a smile before walking off again.

"Well, that was abrupt." Faith said. She turned around to face the other slayer, and was just about to ask if Buffy wanted to take off with Angel when she saw Buffy's face. It was pointed downwards, and when she looked up there were tears in her eyes. Faith froze, not knowing what to do. The slowly, she took Buffy into a hug. As she Held the blond close she heard her whisper.

"I'm Scared Faith." Faith told her that she was scared too, 'though probably for different reasons' she told herself, and held the older Slayer tightly. 'I guess her little rendezvous with Angel didn't go down like I thought it did'. Faith could tell that they were no longer together as a couple, but that they still wanted to work mutually. Faith felt bad for Buffy, she knew that the Slayer loved Angel and here he was breaking her heart (or so she thought).

"It's okay, B. I'm not going anywhere. You'll be Okay. We'll all be okay." She slowly and softly ran her hand down the Blonds back, and felt Buffy shiver. She ran her hand back up and felt her shiver again. Realizing that now may not be the best time to try and seduce the Slayer, Faith simply held her tightly until Buffy gently pulled away.

"Thanks. It's been a long day." Buffy wiped her face, and took Faith's hand. As they walked home the brunette spent a most of the lengthening minutes staring at their joint hands. She loved the amount of warmth this simple act could fill her with. As they came up the path to 1630 Rovello Drive, Buffy felt her neck tickle. She looked to Faith to see if she had noticed, but found the brunette too entranced in the sight of their hands. She looked around and saw Angel hiding around the side of the house, smiling slightly. She smiled back.

Just as they reached the porch the door swung open. Joyce came out, looking rather annoyed. "Where have you two been?! It's past twelve, and you didn't even call? Surely there must be phones in cemeteries!" As they walked into the house, they dropped hands, both not really wanting Ms. Summers to see them acting affectionately. But she had.

Buffy awoke slowly the next morning. She snuggled deeper into the warm soft cushion beneath her head. The smell of Faith beset her senses, reminding the Slayer of Cherry Cokes and Big Red gum. Her eyes slowly opened, realizing that she was not sleeping on Faith, but instead on a pillow that she was keeping in a death-grip. She didn't have long to think, because her eyes fell upon her alarm clock next, telling her she had 15 minutes to get ready for school. Buffy shot up, wondering why the buzzer hadn't gone off like it was supposed to.

"Hey, easy B, you'll get a head rush!" Faith said, putting a hand on the blonde's shoulder. Buffy turned to look at her. Her hair was wet. She was dressed in her red-leather pants, a black tank-top and her denim jacket. "Here, I brought you some coffee." She handed Buffy the Mug, smiling.

"We switched." Faith said, "I always take night showers, and you take them in the morning. Last night we traded, so this morning I took mine. I figured I'd let you sleep in, since you seemed pretty wiped out last night." She rubbed the Older Slayer's shoulder, then got up. "I'll meet you downstairs after you change." She got up off the bed and left the room.

As Buffy put on her clothes, Faith waited by the door downstairs. Not knowing who else to tell, she'd told Joyce what'd happened last night, as it had really been bugging her. In fact, I had kept her up all night. She spent most of it running her fingers through Buffy's hair, thinking about what Buffy had said...and did.

"Sure, I told Willow we'd meet her in the library. She called to say she couldn't walk with us." Buffy nodded and they headed out the door.

"Tell you what?" she didn't want to have to do this now, but if Buffy wanted answers about what'd happened she wasn't going to keep them form her.

"Othello. You said you'd explain it to me?" She said, a note of flirtation in her voice.

"OH!" Faith remembered, relieved that it was only Shakespeare, "Yeah, sure. What Act were you supposed to read again?"

"Act Two. I have a reading quiz on it this after noon. Mostly thematic stuff, not too many quotes...I hope" she added. Faith smiled, and began explaining the book. She had a lot to explain, as Buffy obviously didn't understand the first act either (though she assured Faith she HAD read it).

Buffy asked Faith a few questions about Othello's motives and Faith did her best to explain with out giving away the end, or having to explain the sub-plots that didn't apply to Act Two. They had talked all the way to school, Faith spouting off a few of the more well known Quotes that might appear on the quiz, and Buffy was doing her best to soak it all in. But when they walked into the library, they froze.

"Ah. Buffy, nice to see you again. And this must be Ms. Faith..." Seeing a room full of tweed forced Faith into Slayer Mode. One thought ran through her head: Keep Buffy Safe! She grabbed Buffy around the middle and pulled the blond tightly to her.

"She's got a hostage!" one of the Watchers yelled, pulling out a gun. The others quickly followed suit. Quick as a flash Faith stood in front of Buffy, her arms raised out to her sides.

"You ARE a weapon, Ms. Faith. We made you that way." Quinton Trevors replied dryly.

"I thought this was a public school. Why do they have guns here?" Willow asked, still rather shocked at the turn of events. Buffy tried to move from behind Faith, but the brunette wouldn't allow it.

"B, just stay back, okay?" she whispered to her, "I can handle this. Just stay behind me." Buffy nodded, and watched the Englishmen over Faith's shoulder. "What are you doing here? What do you want?"

"You, to be precise." Quinton said, picking at his nails. "We're here to take you back to The Watcher's Council to stand trial-"

"You can't take her!" Buffy yelled, outraged. Faith shushed her, giving a pleading look.

"For the murder of Deputy Mayor Allen Finch." Both Slayer's eyes bugged, at the realization of who the dead man was.

"She gave testimony. As did Buffy, the only other witness. Why do you need to take her back to England? Wesley assured me that you had received the tapes." Giles asked, sounding suspicious.

"Yes, we did receive them," she said turning from Giles to the two Slayers, "And there's a great deal we've learned from them..." He said cryptically then became monotone again. "But there was extensive water damage to the body. It did indicate that there was one, Fast blow to the heart with a sharp wooden implement. This followed testimony. Most of the damage done to the body was post mortem. We simply want to take her before the Counsel and have her re-testify. Make sure her story hasn't changed."

"Yeah, right." Buffy said sarcastically, "If let you take her, I'll probably never see her again. What else are you going to do to here?" the blond demanded. Quinton looked to the floor briefly.

"NO!" Buffy yelled, once again trying to push past Faith, unsuccessfully. "You lay a finger of her and I'll kill you!!" she ragged. Faith shushed her again.

"Reflexes. Blood and tissue samples will be taken to keep on file. That's all I assure you." He said, mainly to Buffy, still standing behind Faith. "It'll only take 3 days, and that's primarily because of the amount of time the flights take. I assure you she WILL be back then. You can even ask her if there was anything else we did to her." Buffy still looked angry. "There will be no injections, I assure you. We simply want to test her Slayer abilities and have her re-testify."

"Hey!" Willow yelled, "Faith is an American citizen. You can't take her without the consent of the guardian! Otherwise it's kidnapping." Willow smiled at knowing the facts.

"We have consent. The Counsel IS her legal guardian. She was her Watcher's adopted daughter, then passed on to Giles when she came to Sunnydale, then he signed her over to Wesley when he was fired." Buffy looked to Giles as though her had just kicked her puppy. But he smiled, wryly at Quinton.

"Actually," Giles drawled, "I haven't signed THOSE papers yet. And now, I don't intend to. Faith stays, unless I get some details." By the time her finished he sounded more like Ripper then his Librarian self. Quinton Huffed in Anger.

"I assure, that is all that will happen. I give you my word, Rupert." Giles retorted that his word was meaningless. "That is all I can offer you."

"Well how about this," Buffy growled, "If she comes back with ONE HAIR out of place, I will beat every single watcher I EVER see for the rest of my life until they an inch from death." The room looked at Buffy, frightened, because they knew she wasn't kidding.

"You said she'd be gone for 3 days, correct." All the Watchers nodded at the blonde, "I want her to call when she lands in England, once after she's given testimony, and once before she gets on the plane. That's AT the airport! If she doesn't, I'll know that SOMEONE's lied..." she glared at Quinton. "Again." She growled. Buffy turned Faith around to face her.

"Do you trust these people enough to go?" she whispered, wanting to know if she was okay with this.

"They pulled guns on me, accused me of taking you hostage, and they locked you in a room with a psychotic Vampire. No, I don't trust them..." she said quietly, "But I trust you. I know that if anything happens to me, you'll be there to save me." She ran her hand over Buffy's cheek. "If I don't go I'll just make things worse. I don't want to know what they'll do if I don't..." she pulled Buffy into a tight hug. Buffy squeezed back. It had enough force to break the bones of a normal human.

"Have fun breaking in Wes while I'm gone." Faith whispered, pulling away. Buffy had tears in her eyes. She had this sinking feeling she was never going to see the Dark Slayer again. Faith picked up her training bag, and turned towards the Watchers. "Well, Tweedy, let's get this show on the road." They walked out the door, closely followed by the Brunette. As she walked through the door, she turned to face the Scoobys. She waved Sadly, and followed them out of the school.

Faith stood out-side the library doors, looking through the small circular windows, watching Buffy sleeping at one of the long tables. She looked so beautiful to the dark Slayer. 'She's always beautiful!' Faith thought, smiling at the soft tingle she got from being close to Buffy again. 'Four days is WAY too long! I don't ever want that feeling to go away.' Faith hadn't realized how comforting it was until she was in a town-car surrounded by people who had pulled guns on her only minutes before.

She watched as Giles stepped out of his office, book in hand, and quietly walked over to where the blonde rested. He gently shook her awake. A small smile spread across Buffy's face.

"Faith?" she whispered, as she opened her eyes. Her smile turned into a frown as she saw her watcher standing before her. He gave her a sad smile, shaking his head. "I'm sorry Giles. I just could have sworn I felt her near by..."

"You said that yesterday too." He said, trying to sound reassuring, "Are you feeling alright? After what happened on Friday with Willow, and your waiting for Faith...it is alright to take a night off." He wheedled, but Buffy just shook her head.

"No, with Faith gone it's only more reason to patrol. Besides, I was hoping she'd stop by. I have mom waiting at home to give me a call in case she goes straight there." Faith held in a laugh. She had been home, but she'd asked Joyce not to call Buffy so she could surprise her.

"Well, I don't think that she'll be coming by here tonight. Why don't you head home? It's 11:00 on a Sunday night, why don't you go get some work done."

"I did it all. There wasn't really much to distract me, so I did all of it on Saturday." She looked down to the floor for a moment, but quickly looked back up. "Besides, why would anyone think to come to a school on a Sunday?"

Giles nodded and went back into his office. Faith watched as Buffy put her things away. She paused, half way through putting a book in her bag. She lovingly ran her fingers over it, looking at it sadly. Faith realized that it was her diary. 'What's B doing with my Diary?!' she wondered, silently walking through the library doors. Buffy seemed to have come to a conclusion. She put the diary down, "Don't worry Faith, I'll rescue you!"

"Am I really worthy of a rescue?" Faith called. Buffy turned, stunned, towards the brunette.

"FAITH!" she called excitedly, running full force towards the girl. Buffy jumped into Faith's outstretched arms, knocking the wind out of her. Faith hugged her, enjoying the extra warm tingle she got from their closeness. Faith felt warm droplets run down her neck. She realized the Buffy was holding onto her for dear life, as though her life depended on their hug. Faith held her close and gently ran her hands down the blonde's back.

"Shh, shh B. It's okay." She whispered, "I'm alright. Look, I'm back, everything's going to be fine. Why are you crying?" Buffy just held her tighter, and sniffled quietly. "Let's get you home, I have a cab waiting out front." Buffy nodded, and unwrapped her legs from around the brunette (Faith was sorry to see them go). Buffy picked up her bag, but turned around to get Faith's Diary. Faith beat her to it.

"Hey B, what's this doing here?" Faith said, playfully, holding up the leather book. Faith looked at it and noticed that there was a rubber band around it, and a post-it marked 'DON'T READ!' in Willow's handwriting. "You didn't read it did you?" she asked skeptically.

"No," Buffy started, blushing slightly, "It was just keeping me company." She lifted her bag, and waited for Faith to lead the way, which she did.

"It was just..." Buffy sighed, "I missed you. A lot. And I know how much you love your Diary, how much it means to you, and...it's this little part of you. It's full of all these thoughts and feelings and dreams that originated from you and...well. It was like being able to keep a little piece of you with me when you were away. Like, you weren't completely gone."

She put her arm around the blond and led her to the cab smiling. Faith opened the car door for her, sliding in after. "What happened while I was gone?" Faith asked excitedly.

"Well now you have to tell me." Faith scooted in closer, wanting to hear. Buffy noticed her move, and scooted a bit closer her self.

"Well," she started slowly, "Do you remember when Cordelia made that wish and she was thrown in to that other dimension?" Faith nodded. "And how the Demon that granted the wish turned mortal? Well, She tried to do a spell to get her powers back, but she couldn't do it alone...So she asked Willow to help her. But, of course, she lied to Willow telling her some story about a lost necklace. So they did the spell together, but instead of getting her powers back, Anya (the now human Demon) brought an Alternate-Reality-Willow to Sunnydale!"

"Wow, two Willows?" Faith said laughing, "I bet there were all kinds of crazy high-jinx going on with the two of them running around!"

"You don't know the half of it!" Buffy said, in almost uncontrollable laughter, "She was a Vampire!" Faith stopped laughing.

"Yeah! Tell me about it! And you should have seen her! She was walking around in a red and black leather corset and these leather pants! She looked-"

"I was going to say 'Dominatrix', but...yeah, I guess. In her own Evil, Skanky, and 'Kinda Gay' way."

"Yes, I did. Vamp-Willow was a body of work. She tried to take over the Bronze, and turn all the people there into Vampires. She was going around and licking these girls' necks...she and Real Willow (the one from Sunnydale) got kinda cozy and she tried to Change her. But Good-Willow shot her with a trank-dart, so we locked her in the book cage and switched their clothes. The we sent Good Willow into the Bronze to cool things down, that didn't work so well (Willow is almost NOTHING like her other half, even she trying to act like her)."

"Well, Willow wasn't as Evil and demanding as they expected her to be, so they saw right through it. So then we all ambushed the club and saved the day."

"We sent her back to her own reality. Willow didn't want to stake her, and I didn't think I could. It was odd, they were so alike, and yet so different. Willow hugged her Evil-Half good-bye, and the Vamp got a hand-full..." both girls started cracking up.

"I'm sorry I missed that! I almost hope that I get to meet this Evil Twin some time!" They both got out of the cab, and Faith paid the driver. Buffy put her arm around the Brunette's shoulder, and they walked up the steps together. Joyce had gone to bed.

As quietly as possible they went up to their room. Faith took a shower, having felt gross from the 11-hour-flight from London. When she came back into the room, Buffy was sitting on the bed writing in her diary. She looked up and smiled at Faith when she walked in. Faith quickly changed behind her towel (to Buffy's disappointment) and sat on the bed next to the blonde. "I missed you." She said solemnly.

"THAT was for not calling me! You had me scared to death, do you know that? And why were you gone so long? They said three days, not four!" Faith smiled, it was nice to know that Buffy cared, even if her affection was lightly misguided.

"I am NOT a very good flyer. That's why I took a greyhound from Boston to Sunnydale. When I got on the plane, the man next to me said that having a drink makes you feel better about being in the air...I think I may have had a bit too much, because all I remember is waking up the next day at about 3:30 in the afternoon with a hangover and a-" Faith paused, she was going to say Tattoo, but then Buffy'd want to see it, so instead she said, "Headache. I was told that the counsel had adjourned for the day, and they wouldn't meet again until the next day."

"I'm sorry I didn't call. And even if I did do you have any idea how huge your phone bill would have been? Besides, what was I going to say? 'Hey B, I'm drunk off my ass in another country, what's life like back where you are?' " Faith sighed, she hated having to tell Buffy about all the stupid childish things she did. It made her feel dirty, like she wasn't good enough to be Buffy's friend. The blonde sighed and closed her Diary.

"That was just one day." Buffy said, a lot more calm and understanding now that she knew. "You could have called when you felt better, or at least to tell me that you had been sick and had to stay over an extra day. I'm sorry you didn't feel well, and I'll remember that you don't like planes in case we take any trips in the near future." She hugged Faith, and rubbed her back gently. "I just worry. I kept having all these bad dreams about them brain washing you and locking you in rooms with hordes of Vampires..." Buffy gave her an extra squeeze, and Faith flinched. Buffy pulled away.

"It was my fault. They wanted to see how good I was at defending my self against a group. They would put me in a room with Watchers. First it was two, then it was three, then five, then seven...then it was ten. I had done really well in all of the other tests, these guys were about as good a Wesley on a Bad day! I got a little showy...I gave them an opening, and they took it. I don't blame them. I got hit in the ribs with a small hand mace. I'll be fine, they X-Rayed it and said that it was just a broken rib. It almost completely healed on the plane, all that's left is a bruise."

She lifted her shirt, and showed the blonde. It was a bruise, and it was healing before the blonde's eyes. But she still wanted to kick the nameless watcher's butt for breaking Faith's rib. She gently ran her hand over it. 'Kiss it and make it better' she thought, but quickly pushed it out of her mind. She took her hand away, and Faith put her shirt back down. "You'll be fine by tomorrow." Faith nodded. Buffy put her Diary away in its drawer, and climbed under the covers, quickly followed by Faith.

Faith got comfortable while Buffy turned off the light. Just as Faith was settled, she felt Buffy wrap her arms around her middle. Faith went slightly stiff, not because she didn't like it but because she was suddenly quite nervous. No one had ever really shown her affection like this before. Buffy nuzzled into the brunette's hair, and kissed the back of her neck. Her heart was racing now, this was NOT what she'd expected from Buffy when they got home! But she was certainly enjoying it.

"I really missed you Faith..." Buffy whispered in her ear. Faith melted into the Slayer's touch, lavishing in the warmth of their closeness. "You don't mind, do you?" Buffy asked, the trepidation obvious in her voice. Faith shook her head, and wrapped her arms over the blonde's.

Faith woke abruptly to the feeling of Buffy getting out of bed, and the cool morning air hitting her. Reaching up quickly and grabbing the blonde, Faith pulled her back under the sheets.

"And where do you think you're going?" Buffy shivered at the husky-growl that came from the Brunette's throat.

"Faith!" the blonde protested unconvincingly, "I have to shower! Some of us have school...?"Faith just held her tighter and nuzzled into her neck, causing Buffy to giggle. "You're really into this whole sharing-a-bed-thing, aren't you?"

"Well..." Faith said leaning up so she could look Buffy in the eye, "I've never really done it before. It's a new experience for me..." Buffy looked kind of sad.

"I didn't have many friends, and my house wasn't one you'd want to invite people over to, ya know?" Buffy nodded. From what little she'd heard from Faith she'd pieced together that Faith's Boston Home-Life had been pretty bad.

"Well, you have friends here, and I am going to have a sleep-over for you. We can invite Willow, and Xander, and Giles (though only to be polite, 'cause we both know he's gonna say no anyways)..." Faith laughed, and Buffy giggled too.

"Or..." Faith whispered, calming down, "You and I could have our own little private sleep-over right here...?" Faith was trying to sound enticing, and it was working like a charm.

"Faith, we have private sleep-over every-night!" Buffy laughed, reminding her. She pulled back the sheets once again, and got up. "I'mma go take a shower." Buffy leaned down and kissed Faith's forehead lightly.

Faith smiled as she watched the happy little blonde walk out of the room, a slight spring in her step. Last night had been one of the best nights of sleep she'd ever had. She'd barely slept a wink in England, she wouldn't trust those watchers as far as Xander could throw them! She'd spent most of her nights writing letters to Buffy that she knew she'd never send. Remembering the letters, she checked the bad she brought back with her. Yup, they were safely tucked into the side-pocket. Getting up, Faith changed into fresh clothes.

Faith walked downstairs to find Joyce sipping coffee, and reading the paper. She smiled at Faith walked in, and pointed towards the coffee pot, to show that there was more. Faith quickly poured herself a cup, and added the necessary amounts of Sugar and Milk to weaken it.

"Yeah, it was great! Thanks for you help, by the way." Joyce nodded, and put her mug down.

"I bet she was pretty happy to see you?" Joyce had a knowing look in her eye, and something told her that the older woman already knew what was going on. 'Which is weird,' Faith thought to her self, 'Because I barely even know!'. Faith nodded, and sipped her Coffee.

"Did you know she'd been carrying my Diary around?" Faith asked, no accusing, just as though she though Joyce might find it funny too. She nodded.

"Yeah, I knew. She never let it leave her line of vision! She even had it on patrol with her, carrying it in a back-pack...it was kind of my idea." Faith's eyes bugged at that, and she quickly swallowed the coffee in her mouth so she wouldn't spit it all over the kitchen.

"Mine and Willow's, actually. Buffy was really upset by your leaving, she came home sick that day and told me. Willow came over later to see how she was...we suggested that she keep something of yours with her (I meant like a jacket), but she REALLY wanted your Diary..." Joyce sighed, "So, I put the rubber-band on it, and later on Willow put the post-it on there to remind her not to open it. I don't think she did, but I know she wanted to."

"I don't think she did either, Buffy's pretty trustworthy." She drank down the rest of her coffee, and refilled the cup. She added the slightest bit of milk, and walked over to the fridge. Leaning against it, she held it out. Seconds later a smiling Buffy walked through the kitchen door and grabbed it.

"That still gets me! I have no idea how you two do that..." Joyce mused to herself.

"Please!" Faith joked, "If you had Slayer hearing, you'd hear this lead-footed-ninny clomping down the stairs too!" Faith ruffled blonde hair, and Buffy nudged her back, fixing the damage. Buffy picked up her bag, quickly followed by Faith, who waved to Joyce as the headed towards the front door.

As soon as the stepped out onto the front porch, Faith grabbed Buffy into a kiss. Buffy gasped, not only at the unexpected affection, but also at the feeling it brought. She felt like Magic was seeping from Faith's lips to hers, and her body shuddered at the contact. Warmth spread through her body, and stayed even after Faith pulled back. Buffy finally open her eyes, capturing velvety brown ones. She noted a hint of fear in them and smiled, glad that she wasn't the only one who was afraid. Both girls turned at the sound of a throat being cleared.

"Hey guys!" Willow said nervously, "Mind if I walk with you to school?" Faith chuckled, and they both nodded, heading down the block.

"Could you not tell anyone about us for a while? We'll tell everyone eventually, but until then I think we'd both like to keep it kinda quiet . . ?" Faith glanced at Buffy, who nodded quickly.

"Sure! I don't mind...but I think you'd better tell everyone soon, because I've never been that good with keeping secrets." Faith looked to Buffy for confirmation, and the look on the Slayer's face was all the evidence she'd need. Willow would tell if they didn't. Faith nodded.

"Give us three days, okay? Just so we can set things up to tell people. We'll probably have told some people before then, but can you try and keep in under you hat for three days?" Willow looked a little pale, but nodded. They kept waling, and talking, discussing the Mayor's plans for ascension, and how things were going with Willow and Oz. Nearing Xander's corner, they all smiled as they saw him waiting there.

"Hey ladies! What's News with all of you?" Xander asked jovially. Buffy looked to Willow, who had groaned and gone rather white. Quick as a flash Xander had Faith in a big Bear-Hug. Once the child of good-intentions put the Slayer back down, Faith smiled good-naturedly. "So! How was Watchers' HQ? Did they have you re-testify? Are you here to stay?" The questions came at her like a hail storm.

"Creep, Yes, and Yes. They're in this 17th century château full of book and little rooms full of people that are running testes...Oh! But I met a Slayer-In-Training! She was cool, so we hung out. She was from London, so she showed me around."

"Now, do you want honesty, or would you just like me to say 'Yes'?" Faith asked, jokingly.

"I just go with my delusional 'Yes' thank-you..." the young-man smiled and held open the doors for the four of them to walk into the school. As the walked down the halls, each hopped that some bit of truth about the Mayor's ascension had been recovered.

It was a cool night in the town of Sunnydale, and all the little girls and boys were tucked away into their bed. But that was just good ones, all the one's who had a responsibility to save the world from total annihilation...were a sleep leaning against a book-shelf. Well, that's where Xander Harris was, anyway.

So there he was, fast asleep, dreaming one of his recently more frequent dreams about Slayers. It never changed. First, Buffy would come to him, and tell him that she was deeply in love with him and had been for years but simply didn't tell him so as to keep him out of harm's way. Then, as they were speaking, Faith would show up, and profess her undying love for him as well. Then the two would get in to a fight to the death in which some clothes were torn, and all to get to be his girl-friend. Just as it was getting to the part where they both agreed to share him, he was rudely awakened by a book falling on his head.

Rubbing his head, he got up, and walked to the banister. There he saw one of the objects of his affection. Buffy was leaning over the head of the table, hands on either side of a book full of demons. They had acquired the books of ascension (now hidden in Wesley's apartment) from a particularly frightened demon, and it hadn't been cheep. Originally he asked for FIVE THOUSAND Dollars, but they got him down to Three and protection should her ever choose to come back to Sunnydale. Though the demon assured that he would never return, he seemed desperate for money to escape the Hellmouth. Xander smiled and watched as Buffy turned the page, letting out a degusted 'Eww!' as the picture of a particularly warped demon. All the Scoobies had been spending all their free time looking up and learning about some of the more deadly demons.

Just then Faith silently slipped in the library doors, Xander hid behind the nearest bookshelf, not wanting Faith to catch him ogling Buffy. He stuck his head out, and saw Faith look around, and tiptoe towards Buffy, smiling slyly. He wanted to see the blonde's response to being surprised, he knew from experience that scaring a slayer was a bad idea for a joke. He watched as Faith, instead of shouting in her ear, or poking her in the ribs, slowly and leisurely wrapped her arms around the blonde's waist.

"Hey." Faith whispered, her voice low and throaty. Buffy smiled, but kept her eyes on the book. She leaned in rested her head on Buffy's shoulder.

"Don't worry, he's not here. I think Giles was right about not telling him, that guy would squeal like a pig, and run right to the counsel." The brunette held Buffy tighter, and looked at the book her self. "I kicked his ass pretty bad, and last I saw he was limping back to his car to go home...where's everyone else?" Buffy turned around in Faith arms, wrapping hers around Faith's neck.

"Oz has a gig at The Bronze tonight, and Willow went home to do her homework before going to watch. Cordy has cheerleading at the game tonight, and Giles left hours ago. Besides they all know, so no big shock there. Just you and me..." she smiled, and Faith pulled her closer. Xander was really confused now, 'What the hell are they talking about?'

"Well, I guess that's everybody..." Faith leaned in and kissed Buffy lightly, who smiled and kissed back. Xander's eye nearly fell right out of his head. He stood there watching in shock as the two women he adored kissed each other with rising passion. Suddenly, Xander felt all the blood that had once been making him blush now head southward. Xander turned away, leaning against the book-shelf, but it was no use, he could still hear them kissing. He pinched his eyes shut, willing himself not to hear it. Suddenly, he didn't hear anything. 'Go Xander! That mind-over-matter really worked!' he thought.

"Someone's here." She said slowly, "Can't you feel it?" Xander's eyes popped open, panic flooding his system.

"Yeah, I do..." Xander heard light foot-steps head towards the stairs up to the stacks and closed his eyes again, whispering to himself 'I'm not here! I'm not here! I'mNotHere!!!'

"Faith!" Xander's eyes opened, Buffy was standing right in front of him looking shocked. Seconds later Faith came up the stairs running.

"Shit!" she turned around, and tried to run back down the stairs, but her sleeve was caught be Buffy, pulling her back. She winced and looked away.

"Tell me you told him! Please?!" Buffy looked pissed, and Faith actually looked scared.

"Faith!" Buffy yelled, "We agreed! I tell Giles and my mom, and you tell Xander and Cordy! You didn't tell Xander!?" Faith sighed, and looked and Buffy sadly. "Faith, you were supposed to tell him *first*, and you said you would." Faith looked to Xander apologetically, and was met with a hurt glare.

"I'm sorry Xander. I know how you feel about Buffy, and with what happened between us..." she sighed, and walked over towards Xander, who took a step back. Now it was Faith's turn to look hurt. "Xander, you're probably my best-friend within the Scoobies, and I knew that this would cause problems. I knew this would come between us, and id didn't want to lose you as a friend. You're a really great guy, and I love hanging out with you and fighting with you but...I'm with Buffy."

"Why?" Xander asked, desperation thickening his voice. She smiled and looked at Buffy, taking her hand.

"Because, she's Buffy." Buffy blushed, and turned away. "You of all people must know what it's like to feel this way. Can you really blame me?" she asked, smiling at Xander. He smiled back.

"True. I've been a part of the Buffy obsession. I hope you two are very happy." He took a deep breath, almost not believing what he was about to say. "I give you my blessing."

"Just to give you the heads up, you can't tell Wesley." Faith said seriously, "Giles thinks that he'll tell the counsel and then they'll take Buffy away. Apparently, they're already suspicious because of the testimony tapes." Faith looked nervous about telling him, but he just smiled, and assured them that their secret was safe with him. They both thanked him.

"I think I'm gonna go home. I'm kinda tired, and I have some work to do for tomorrow." They smiled and waved as he walked out.

Xander walked down the hall and out to the front doors before he realized he'd left his Back-pack in the library. Turning back to get it, he thought about what had just happened. The two women he loved most besides Willow and Cordy were now together. He sighed, and wondered why he was so un-lovable to all these women. As he reached the doors to the library, he looked inside.

"No it isn't! He's one of my best-friends, and you promised to tell him first! Faith, I can't lose him. Not now with the ascension so close. We need him, heck we need all the help we can get...But Xander-" Buffy was quickly cut off by Faith grabbing her and Kissing her fiercely. After a few moments, she pulled away, leaving a rather shaky looking blonde in her wake.

"B, I'm sorry. But Xander's my friend too. Hell, he knew I liked you before anyone. Even before Willow or you, he knew. I just didn't tell him that I was in love with a girl. I thought he'd freak, and I KNEW he'd freak-out if I told him it was you I was lusting over." She hugged Buffy, and kissed her lips lightly. "I finally have family and friends like I always wanted, and I don't want to lose that for anything."

"I know Faith. And I'm sorry I got so mad. But Xander means a lot to me, and I don't want him to think we were hiding this from him." She kissed Faith lightly, and pulled back. Then, as though thinking better of it, she leaned in again, and kissed the brunette passionately. Xander groaned at the sight, and the two girls sprang apart. Xander blushed, and pointed to the table. The girls looked and saw his bag sitting there. Buffy smiled, and tossed it to him.

"Hey X-Man!" Faith called. He spun around, and saw the girls grabbing their things. "Why don't we walk you home on our way out to the Cemetery?" She smiled at him, and he returned it. Together the three of them made their way out of the school, each thinking about glad they were to have the others.

After dropping Xander off at his house the Slayers made their way to rest-field cemetery. They walked between the rows of head stones, hands clasped, looking for the three new graves. Faith had always loved holding hands with Buffy, it gave her that 'down-low-tickle' because of their Slayer-senses, but it seemed more than that...as though touching upon the deepest recesses of her heart.

They stopped at the fresh graves, and sat down. Buffy leaned against a statue of the Arch Angel Michel defeating Lucifer while Faith leaned against a raised tomb. Faith watched the older Slayer as she looked down at the patch of bare dirt, deep in thought. The brunette felt like she knew everything about Buffy except what she was thinking, though if she really wanted to know she knew she'd only have to ask.

"Hey B," Faith asked, "What're you thinking about?" Buffy looked over and smiled.

"Ah, nothing important." She said walking over to her girl-friend. "Just thinking thoughts." She wrapped her arms around Faith's waist and held her close.

"Prom." She stated, tone unreadable. "I was just wondering about two very different things." Faith looked down at her, indicating to continue. "I was wondering what would happen if I showed up with a girl as my date...and what you look like in a dress." Faith's eyes bugged.

"How can you even ask that?" Faith looked surprised, "Leave my girl dateless on her senior prom? Not likely." She kissed the top of Buffy's head again. Buffy giggled and pulled back so she could face the brunette fully.

"At least promise me you'll wear something OTHER THAN leather?" Faith smiled slyly.

"I like you *out* of leather even more..." Faith's eyes glazed slightly, and purred deep in her throat. The blonde smiled, and licked her lips, looking down at the brunette's.

"Mmm, is that so?" Buffy nodded, eyes fixed on her girl-friend's deep red lips. Faith leaned in slowly, breathing warm air over their lips. Buffy actually whimpered in anticipation. That did it.

Faith leaned in quickly, running her lips firmly over the blonde's, tasting the sweet peach of her lip-gloss and the natural vanilla flavor that lay beneath. Her grip on the older girls' hips tightened. Pulling her in close, the warm hum of their slayer senses exploded as Faith began gently sucking on those luscious lips. Buffy moaned, cupping her girl-friend's cheek in her hand.

Faith ran her tongue over the blonde's bottom lip, sighing deeply when it was met with Buffy's. As they ran together every nerve in brunette's body was shocked into life. She shivered, wrapping her arms more soundly around her girl-friend's waist. Buffy gently took the younger girl's lip between her teeth, pulling it gently and smiling. Faith quickly lifted her up, placing her on the tomb, standing between the older girl's parted legs, kissing her soundly.

Faith let herself get lost in the kiss, absorbing every nuance of the feeling of being so in love. Faith knew that she'd never felt this way before, and she doubted she ever would again. After all, this was Buffy, and there was only *one* Buffy. She felt Buffy's legs grasp her hips firmly, and moaned. With incredible mastery or Slayer-Skill, Faith pushed Buffy onto her back, and climbed over her. Buffy wrapped her arms tightly around Faith neck, pulling her in close and kissing her deeply. Just as Faith's hand began tickling the exposed part of the blonde's stomach, she felt hands on her shoulders.

"Faith, wait." The younger girl pulled back and looked down at the girl beneath her.

"What? What's wrong?" Both girls were more than slightly out of breath, their chests heaving against each-others'. Buffy looked away, and sighed. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes.

"Why?" Faith sounded annoyed, but she was just nervous, she didn't mean to pressure Buffy into anything.

"Faith..." Buffy said slowly, "I'm just not comfortable with this." Faith felt her heart sink, and her veins run cold. 'Is she saying what I think she's saying?' she asked herself.

"You're not attracted to me?" Faith said so quietly Buffy almost didn't catch it, as though afraid that saying it aloud would make it too real to deal with. Buffy just looked up at her confused. Faith rolled off her, jumping down from the top of the tomb, looking almost angry. She ran a hand quickly through her hair, facing away from the blond.

"No. No B, I don't believe it. Why would this make you uncomfortable? Why? What is it about me that you find so unattractive?" Faith sounded hurt, and it killed Buffy inside. She smiled shyly.

"This." Buffy said, pointing down at what they had been kissing on. Faith looked down at the tomb, a look of bewilderment marring her brow. "I just don't like the idea of making out on top of some dead-guy's grave is all. It's not you, Faith, I swear." Faith looked skeptical with a smidge of sheepish. Buffy hopped down herself and wrapped her arms around Faith's neck once again.

"You have to stop thinking like that. Not everything that goes wrong or makes me mad is because of you." Faith blushed. Before she'd come to Sunnydale Faith almost never said 'Sorry', not for anyone or anything. But the past week had been full of 'I'm Sorry's from Faith to Buffy. She couldn't explain it, but she felt like everything was her fault.

"I don't want you to go along with me about everything because you're worried I'll get mad if you don't agree. Just be honest with me. Tell me what you think, what you feel. That's all I want from you, Okay?" Faith nodded, and Buffy smiled. "Besides..." Buffy said slowly, pulling the brunette even closer, "You know I think you're Very, Very-" Buffy wrapped a leg around one of the younger girl's, " - *Very* attractive. Don't ever question that." Faith's whole body shook as Buffy began nuzzling her neck softly.

"Yeah Fai?" she whispered back, her warm breath tickling her girl-friend's skin.

"Are you trying to kill me?!" Buffy looked shocked. "We can't kiss at school because your principle is out to get you, we can't be seen together at the library because Wes will run squealing to the counsel like the stuck-up-pig he is, we can't be together at your house because then your mom will make one of us move down onto the couch, and now we can't even kiss in the grave-yard...!!!" Faith looked like she was ready to scream.

"No, B, I'm sorry." Faith said, calming down slightly, "I shouldn't have yelled at you like that. It's not your fault. I'm just...frustrated." Buffy nodded and held her close. "I'm not used to this whole self-control thing. I'm trying, ya know?"

"I know. You're doing really well too." Buffy kissed her lips softly and sighed. "Okay, how about this? Kissing in the graveyards is fine with me as long as it's not on any fresh graves, tombs, or in any mausoleums...okay?" Faith nodded. 'It's better than nothing.'

"Alright. I think I can handle that." She smiled and kissed Buffy softly. Just as she pulled away they heard a deep growling behind them. "Whoops, forgot." Pulling a steak out of her sleeve and plunging it behind her the vampire burst into durst. "Looks like it's feeding-time for the UnDead..." they both let go of each other and faced the fresh graves. Two were already dug-up, the second risen standing there growling at them.

"Vampire!" he advanced, swinging his fists wildly, the brunette ducked, and hit back, hitting him square in the jaw. He went flying back-wards, smacking into the side of a ornamental statue. Growling, he got up slowly. Buffy knocked him back down with a flying kick to the chest. He fell to the ground stiffly, moaning, unable to get back up.

"Dust." Faith said smugly as she slammed the stake home. They walked back over to the only grave left. They stood there, waiting...but nothing rose.

"No, Willow checked the coroner's report pretty extensively, this guy was bitten." Faith still looked skeptical.

"Maybe he was just a snack? They don't change ALL of them ya know..." Buffy smiled at Faith and nodded. They both headed out of the graveyard, hand in hand, walking back to their house.

As they stepped inside they were welcomed with hellos from Joyce. Buffy went upstairs to do her homework as Faith stayed in the living room to watch a movie with the older woman. Joyce had picked a movie that she knew Faith would like so she'd get a chance to talk to her. She popped in the tape and sat back on the couch with the Dark-haired teen-ager.

"Have you ever seen The Bone Collector, Faith?" Faith shook her head, looking at Joyce.

"No, but I really wanted to. I like those crazy Psychological-Thriller movies. Plus, I'm a big fan of those crime shows too, ya know? Like NYPD Blue, Law and Order, CSI..." Joyce was surprised, Faith didn't seem like a person that cared all that much about the law.

"Really? Have you ever thought of maybe being a lawyer?" Faith actually laughed.

"Why not? You seem to enjoy it?" Faith looked pensive for a second, and responded.

"I prefer to look at the law as a helpful suggestion." Joyce smiled, and the movie started. As time went on they talked about little things, how Slaying was going, how Buffy was, what was going on at school with the Scooby-Gang. About three fourths of the way into the film, Joyce turned to Faith, a very serious look on her face.

"Faith, I need to ask you some thing." Faith nodded, knowing that this was no longer 'Joyce: Second-Mother', this was 'Joyce: Girl-Friend's-Mom". "Do you love my daughter?" Faith felt very caught in the headlights, but nodded.

"I do. Very much. I've never loved anyone like I've loved B - Uh...Buffy." She blushed at her slip up, but tried to keep eye contact to show she wasn't kidding. Joyce smiled slightly, and leaned in slowly.

"Does she know that?" she asked quietly. Faith looked away. She had not told Buffy that she Loved her. She wanted to, she just wasn't sure if she was ready yet. It was a huge step for her...she wanted it to be perfect. "Maybe you should let her know?" Faith nodded, and they both went back to watching the movie, a plan forming in the back of the teen's head. Buffy came down just as Joyce was rewinding the tape, Faith was up-stairs taking her shower.

"Shower." Joyce put the movie back in its box, placing it on the table. "Oh, Buffy! Before I forget, I'm going on a buying trip for the gallery for the three days before your graduation. But don't worry," Joyce said smiling, "I'll be home in time to see you get your diploma." Buffy smiled and nodded.

"L.A., There are a few auctions going on that week that I've heard are going to be fairly extensive. Should be good for business." Buffy nodded. "You'll both be good while I'm gone?" the older woman sounded almost skeptical.

"Slayers' Honor." The blonde said, holding up her hand. She kissed her mother good-night, and headed back up-stairs. She changed and got into bed, waiting for Faith. Faith came in, wearing a towel, and blushing slightly.

"I thought you were still down stairs talking to your mom." Buffy shook her head, and pulled the covers over her head, giving Faith some privacy. Faith changed quickly and jumped into bed next to the blonde. "Hey." She said smiling.

"Hey." Buffy said quietly. Buffy kissed her girl-friend's lips softly, and pulled back. "So how was the movie?"

"Good. I think you'd like it. Want to invite the Scoobies over to watch it tomorrow night? Have a Friday-Movie-Fest thing? Should we invite Giles?" Buffy smiled, and Faith blushed. "What?"

"I've been called a lot of things B, most of them not so great names...but I think that's the first time ANYONE has ever described me as Adorable." Buffy took Faith's chin in her hand, turning her back towards her.

"Then I guess they don't see you like I do." They both smiled, and kissed briefly. Faith went to pull back, but Buffy held the brunette close. She ran her tongue over Faith's bottom lip, asking for entrance. Faith pulled back with a great feat of will.

"I know." Buffy said slowly. "Can't blame a girl for trying, right?" Faith shook his head, and smiled slightly.

"Kissing you is just...and in Bed...it's just-" Faith sighed and thought about what she wanted to say, needing to word it carefully. "...I know you're not one to just jump into a sexual relationship, and I'm trying to respect that, but you and me in bed...?" Buffy nodded. "I'm trying, I really am, but I can only be pushed so far, ya know?"

"I know." Buffy kissed her lips quickly, and lay down on her back. "I'm sorry if I'm making things harder for you?" Faith shook her head.

"Nah, it's a good kinda challenge." Faith smiled spooned herself around her girl-friend.

Then next morning, after taking her shower, Buffy leaned down and kneeled by her bed. Under the covers was Faith. The brunette was sleeping lightly, and seemed so peaceful. `Which is odd', Buffy thought, `Because right about now she'd usually drinking coffee with my mom...'. She got up off the floor, and gently kissed Faith's lips. She stirred slightly and smiled, kissing the blonde in turn.

"Morning sleep-head." Buffy said quietly. Faith mumbled something, and the older Slayer laughed. "So I've heard…" she said, not really sure of what she was agreeing to. Faith opened one tired eye, and looked at the clock.

"You'd better hurry up, Willow will be here to walk with you any minute." She closed her eyes again, not wanting to see Buffy frown. She knew she would be. Then came the question that she knew was coming.

"What about you? Aren't you the one that's a little behind on their morning routine?" There was an edge to her voice, like a person being overly cautious. Faith opened her eyes slightly, and got ready to do something she told herself she would never do again: LIE TO BUFFY.

"I think I'm gonna sleep in..." she said slowly, making it sound as convincing as possible. She knew that she couldn't lie to the blonde anymore. `But this is for a good reason,' she reminded herself, `She won't mind later…'. After making up her mind on the matter Faith continued. "I'm not feeling too well...I'll come by the school at lunch and eat with you though." she added quickly, not wanting to miss out on Quality Buffy-Time.

"Are you sure?" Buffy asked gently, "Because if you're sick, maybe you should stay in bed." She stated firmly. "I don't want you getting up and walking around if you're sick. Do you want me to ask my Mom to stay home and take care of you?" she asked all this quickly and quietly. Now Faith knew she was in for it, she didn't plan on this getting past Buffy. She most certainly didn't want Joyce bothered by it either.

"No!" she said, a bit too quickly, "No, No...it's okay B. Just need to stalk and trap a few more `Z's, ya know? Didn't sleep as well as I'd have liked to last night." Buffy's face fell slightly, and she got up completely. Faith smiled widely.

"Don't worry, B," she said quickly, reaching for the blonde's hand, "It wasn't you. That was the part that made being awake pretty tolerable." Buffy blushed slightly and smiled back down at her girlfriend. "I'll meet you for lunch, okay? And don't tell your Mom, I don't want her to worry, alright?" Buffy nodded, but Faith knew it was fake. She knew she'd tell Joyce the first chance she got. But that was okay, because Faith just got an idea.

"Okay, but if you're still asleep or you're still kinda tired, *promise* me you'll stay in bed?" Faith nodded, and kissed Buffy's hand quickly.

"GIRLS!" she yelled from what must have been the bottom of the steps, "WILLOW'S HERE! YOU TWO READY TO GO?!" she called, seemingly forgetting they had Super-hearing.

Buffy leaned down and quickly kissed Faith's lips, meaning for it to be chaste...but changed her mind. Seeming to remember that she might not see the brunette all day, she quickly took Faith's face in her hands, and kissed her deeply, and the younger girl was not one to refuse. She licked at the blonde's lip and passed her tongue into the sweet mouth she had come to know and love. The smaller girl whimpered and moaned, enjoying the playful nature of her girlfriend's kisses. Hearing her mom call again, she pulled back slowly, still in a daze.

"I'm Coming..." she whispered, out of breath. Buffy Opened her eyes to the shocked expression and overly cocky-grin on Faith's face. After blushing profusely, she cleared her throat and stood up straight, "I'M COMING!" she yelled back down. She smiled and closed the door, quietly making her way down the stairs. Faith flopped back down onto her pillows and took a few deep breaths. After hearing the front door close, she got up. Looking cautiously out the window she saw Buffy and Willow making their way towards school. Smiling, Faith watched them go. Just then, there was a knock on Buffy's door.

"Faith?" Joyce said quietly. She didn't seem that shocked to fine Faith out of bed. Leaning in the doorway, she had a slight smirk on her face. "You feel fine, don't you?" she asked lightly. Faith smiled and nodded, opening `Her Drawer' and taking out some clothes.

"I thought about what you said, so I decided...I'm gonna tell her." Faith wasn't looking but she could almost feel the smile on Joyce's lips. Dropping her clothes on the bed, she quickly ran into the bathroom. After coming to a skidding halt, she peeked back out, looking to the older woman. "Do you think you could drop me off on Oak Street on your way to work?" she asked. Joyce frowned slightly.

"What's on Oak?" She asked quietly. Faith blushed and went back into the Bathroom.

"Smithton's Antiques and Jewels..." she said quietly. She started brushing her teeth just as Joyce leaned against the doorframe not five feet from her. The middle-aged-Mom had a smirk that could make the cockiest of people quiver in fear.

"And, uh...what are planning on getting there?" Faith washed her mouth out, and put her tooth-brush back in the little cup.

"Something that was worth lying to her, that's for sure." She said, smiling slightly. Joyce smiled back, and moved away from the door so the brunette could pass.

Later that day, faith walked into Sunnydale High-School's library to find Oz and Willow at the computers doing some research (as always), and Giles and Wesley sifting through books. Seconds after passing through the doors, Buffy almost crashed into her with a (human-)bone- crushing hug. After a second of enjoyment, Faith realized that Wesley was not more then 30 yards from where they were standing. After making sure his back was to them, she gave Buffy a quick kiss on the head, and pulled her away.

"Mom told me that you were feeling better." Buffy said happily, "So, you ready to test that so-called `Cast-Iron-Stomach' of yours with some good-`ole-cafeteria food?" Faith grimaced, and looked to Willow and Oz, who gathered their stuff and walked towards them. The Slayers led them out, and in the lunch-room they met Xander (sitting with Cordy) at a table saved for their group.

"Hey X-Man." Faith said, taking the seat next to him and twisting it around. "What's on the menu?" she asked, smiling at him. He smiled back for a second, then saw Buffy sit down on her other side and it faded slightly.

"Uh, Hot-Dog-Surprise." He said, holding up what looking more like chili than anything Ball-Park-Frank-like. She just smiled, and tossed him a bag of chips she got out of the vending machine.

Faith watched as, across the table, Oz and Willow ate quietly and smiled at each-other through the corners of their eyes. `They are *so* in love...' Faith thought, glancing at Buffy, `I wonder if she already knows how I feel about her?'. Buffy looked up at her, and smirked slightly, laying a hand on her knee. Faith smiled back, and felt a gaze on her neck. She turned to find Xander just looking away. He was looking down at his plat with s light scowl. He glanced at Cordy who was checking out some Foot-ball-stud at the next table who had dropped his fork. Then, the boy's expression turned to a full Scowl. He was feeling lonely, Faith realized. She could feel for him, she'd felt that way too.

"Hey Faith?" Willow called quietly, interrupting the brunette's thoughts. "Now that you're feeling better do you still want to come out with the rest of us later?" Faith looked to Buffy who smiled.

"Remember? You wanted to invite all the gang over to watch that movie you liked?" Faith thought for a second and then remembered their talk last night. After nodding, Buffy continued. "Well, I was thinking, we could stop by The Bronze, patrol to and from there, then they could come over and watch the movie." Faith blanched slightly. Buffy seemed to notice too. Not wanting to confuse her, Faith quickly answered.

"Yeah, B, that sounds great!" she said looking to Xander, realizing that he could use some cheering up, "But uh...are they *all* going to be with us while we go Slaying?" Faith asked quietly, not wanting to have to give Buffy her big talk in front of all the Scoobies. Buffy gave her a slight smirk, a small glint in her eye.

"Why?...Is this about the deal we made last night?" Faith paused for a second, and then recalled their Chat Atop a Tomb (and each-other). She blushed slightly, and shook her head.

"Nah, I had something else in mind..." she replied with a softness that seemed to surprise everyone but Buffy, who just smiled back.

"Well, I think we can maybe meet them all there, and then maybe they can catch a ride with Oz. Meet at our house after they help him pack his Van...once the Dingoes sign-off?" Buffy asked, turning to the group. They all nodded, except Xander who looked away. A fake smile spread across his lips.

"Hey X," Faith said turning towards him, he looked back rather blankly, "You ever seen the movie Girl Interrupted?" Xander thought for a second, then nodded very slowly.

"I think I may have seen parts of it...Cordy and I were kinda...*you know*, so I didn't catch all of it." He turned and smiled at Cordy, who looked like she'd rather not think about it. "Why?" he asked.

"Well, you know that blonde girl..." she said, raising her eye- brows slightly, as though hinting him, "She's in this one too." His eyes were lighting up already.

"Really?" he asked excitedly, "So is this thing for blondes normal with you?" he asked, getting a smack from Buffy and Cordy. Faith laughed until she got a smack too.

"Ow!" Faith yelled quickly, "What the heck was that for?" she asked Buffy, still laughing. Buffy blushed, and went back to her food, mumbling about she thought she was special. Faith sighed, and smiled, putting her arm around the back of Buffy's chair.

"Aw, B, don't worry," Faith said, leaning close to whisper into her ear quietly, "You'll always be my favorite Blonde..." Buffy smiled, and turned to face Faith. Their faces came together a lot more closely than they'd expected. Their warm breaths caressing each-others' faces, Kissing would be the most natural thing to both of them right now; on-lookers be damned. Just then, they heard a throat being cleared behind them, and the Slayers turned to see Snyder standing short behind them.

"Besides," Faith said, quickly pulling back, a flimsy smirk in place, "We all know you're *Naturally* blonde!" The table cracked up, save Buffy, as the Snyd-Man walked away. Buffy pouted, and half- glared at the brunette out of the corner of her eye. Faith pretended to lean back in her chare, when really she was trying to discreetly run her leg between Buffy's. It didn't go all that smoothly though, as the blonde's face turned bright red and dropped her fork. Willow, oblivious to the movement under the table, looked worried about the older girl.

"Buffy, are you okay?" she asked quickly, Buffy nodded, and looked slightly surprised at Faith. She, in turn, wrapped an arm around her girl-friend, and put on a concerned face.

"Yeah, B," she said in a sarcastic worried tone, "Maybe you're getting whatever was wrong with me this morning...?" Buffy elbowed her under the table, and Faith recoiled, laughing. The rest of the table, save Xander, was totally confused. Meanwhile, the dark haired boy was laughing into his lap.

"Okay...did I miss something?" Willow asked slowly. Six laughing eyes met with six confused ones, and they all broke out laughing. Just then, Faith got up, and help out her hands to Buffy.

"Ready to go, My Crazy-Lady?" faith said affectionately. Buffy took the offered hands, but the look on face was one of mirthful doubt.

"Nah, B...just you." She said, linking arms with her, walking back down the hall. "But then again, you're probably the only Crazy woman I know – " I slight smack to the back of her head shut the brunette up rather quickly.

"Hey! Truth hurts!" she defended herself playfully. Buffy just chuckled and shook her head.

"I could think of a few things..." Faith whispered playfully, leaning in to whisper the rest into her ear as the Library doors came into view. "And most of them could get us arrested!" she said in that deep throaty voice that made Buffy's knees shake a little.

" *Faith*," Buffy warned as she pushed them through the doors, letting go of the younger girl's arm. "At least try and be civil?" Buffy asked. Faith nodded, and took a seat at the table, letting her feet rest up on the shiny surface.

"Okay...for you." She said, just load enough so that it couldn't reach Wesley's ears as he walked out of Giles' office. Buffy mouthed a `thank you' as the snooty Watcher stood waiting for their attention.

"Ah, I see that you're both here. Very good. We believe that the counsel is quite close to a break-through with those books that you've manage to obtain." He said, body stiff, tone slightly miffed. "However much that may help, there is still the matter of what the next step is. The books are helpful with strategy, but they're no help on the details of taking down the Mayor." He said, pacing in that slow way they had come to relate him with.

"What do you mean?" Faith asked, bored with the answer before he ever started talking.

"The counsel wishes to take the fight to the Mayor, find out what he's up to exactly." He said pinching him thumb, index, and middle finger together to emphasize his point. "Once we find out some of the Dark Rituals that he's up to we can help narrow down what kind of Demon he's trying to transform into." He took a deep, suffering breath and continued. "Giles and I are to remain here until *much* later this evening and try and figure out a plan on how to find some of these details." Wesley was not obviously no eager to hand out with Giles.

"Alright, we all have plans later, but we'll try real hard to think of ideas." Buffy said, sarcasm just noticeable under her `I-Really- Wanna-Help' tone. Faith held in a laugh, and just then the bell rang, causing both girls to look up.

"Ready for class B?" Faith asked, quickly. Buffy nodded and they walked out of the library briskly, eager to leave the British-Brigade to the book work. "What do you have now?" she asked, fallowing the blonde down the hall.

"History..." Buffy groaned as she approached the right door. "Then Pre-Calculus, and then French." Faith nodded, and leaned against the lockers next to the door. Buffy looked from the door to her girl-friend, and back again. A sad look on her face.

"Hey, come here..." Faith said quietly, s playful smile on her face. Buffy blushed and approached slowly. Faith put her hands on the older girls' hips and pulled her close, sandwiching her self against the lockers. Smiling widely she leaned in for a kiss only to be stopped by Buffy's index finger. A large pout marring her features, Buffy shook her head No. Faith smirked evilly, and sucked the finger into her mouth. The blonde's eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets. They seemed to catch the attention of someone as they both felt eyes on them.

Letting go of Buffy's finger, Faith let her eyes wonder the hall. They fell upon a face that was now as red as it's hair. Both Slayers shook their heads, and smiled at Willow as she quickly walked past them into the room, muttering about public decency. Both girls stepped back and laughed, silently thankful that it had only been Willow that'd caught them being openly intimate. Giving Buffy a wink, Faith gave the girl a gentle shove towards her class.

"I'll meet you in the library at 3:00, okay?" Faith said quickly, walking down the hall back-wards. Buffy nodded and entered her class. Taking her seat next to Willow, Buffy noticed that the Witch was quite red in the face.

"Slut!" she whispered back loudly, her voice an octave or two higher than it would be on most days. After realizing what she said, and seeming the shocked look on Buffy's face she quickly started stammering. "Uh, I-I-I mean...Uh, Yeah! Sure! Great, fine, good! I'm all of the good...there, that is..." She sighed and turned to face the class, still slightly pink cheeked.

"Right, sure thing Will..." Buffy said, taking out her pen and paper. `I think Faith and I may have broken something internal this time…' the Slayer mused.

Faith and Buffy walked quietly through the cemetery, stakes in hand, slightly over-dressed for Slaying. The afternoon was fast, and the brunette was wondering where all the time had gone. It seemed that one minute she was picking up the ring from the jewelers, the next Buffy was calling for her to finish dressing. As they walked between the graves the younger Slayer kept one hand in her pocket and the other nearly snapping her Stake in half. In her left pocket she had a piece of paper and a maroon-velvet box and it seemed to be burning an invisible hole.

"Faith," Buffy said slowly, Faith turned quickly to face her, obviously on edge. Buffy noticed too. "Are you okay? You seem sort of...high-strung." The blonde said gently. Faith shook it off, and looked ahead of them.

"Just trying to keep my eyes open, I have a bad feeling about to night." She said kind of quietly, more to her self then to Buffy. The older Slayer looped her arm into Faiths and smiled.

"Don't worry, It's gonna be great. You, Me, Dancing...not to mention a nice, calm Vid-Fest at our house with the Scoobies...No worries." She smiled, and Buffy ran her hand down Faith's arm and into her pocket. The brunette was enjoying it until she realized what else was in there besides her hand. Eyes bugging slightly, she suddenly Kissed Buffy hoping to distract her from what she might have found. Slightly shocked but delighted, Buffy pulled her girl-friend close and smiled into the kiss. Pulling back slightly, Faith kissed her forehead.

"What, now I need a reason to kiss you?" she asked jokingly, "Besides, you know how I get after Slaying..." Faith kept walking, not looking at the blonde. She heard her stop and suddenly speak.

"But we're in *the middle* of Slaying, and besides...we haven't gotten any Vamps yet..." Faith quickly tried to think of a reason, but soon didn't need one. She was blindsided as a Vamp that had hidden tackled her. "FAITH!" Buffy yelled, quickly engaging in full- out combat. She ran over and through the creature off her friend. She grabbed it by it's collar and slammed it into the side of a Mausoleum. It slid down into a limp pile, and Buffy tossed her stake to Faith. "Would you do the Honors?" she asked dramatically. Faith smiled, and stood in front of the bleary-eyed Monster. Slamming the wood home and watching the dust settle, she wrapped her arm around Buffy's shoulders.

As the two young women entered the club, they waved to the stage. Oz nodded in their direction, and they smiled back. The Dingoes always drew a fair crowd, being Sunnydale's best local band. There were people flooding in and there was actually a bit of a line out the door. As they headed over to the table in the back they saw that Xander was sitting with Willow as they both watched their significant others (both past and present). Taking the seats next to the excited teens, they were greeted with fond Hellos.

"How was Slaying?" Willow asked a bit loudly, trying to be heard over the music. The two nodded, and Faith pulled her chair close to Buffy's.

"Not bad; only one, but it was kinda early." Faith looked out over the crowd and her face fell when she noticed Cordy dancing with some nameless boy who must have been a swimmer due to the body-shape. Glancing at Xander, and then back at Buffy, Faith realized she needed to do something. The young boy's face fell as he noticed it too. Looking to her girl-friend for the silent `Okay', Faith got up from her seat.

"Hey X-Man?" Faith called lightly, "What's say you and me show Cordy what she's missing?" she said calmly. Xander looked out to the dance floor, then back at the brunette. He smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll meet you out there, Okay?" he walked towards the floor, smiling.

"BRING HER BACK IN ONE PIECE!" Buffy called to the boy's retreating back. Faith chuckled and kissed the blonde's cheek lightly. Leaning over, she whispered something in Willow's ear.

"Hey Red," she said, making sure that only the Witch could hear her, "Whatever happens, *don't* let Buffy near my jacket!" she said tightly. The redhead gave her a questioning look, which Faith could only answer with a wink. As the younger Slayer headed out to the dance-floor she wiggled her eyebrows at Buffy who smiled at her giddiness. After a couple songs, the band took a short break, and all the Scoobies were back at their table. Oz walked over and wrapped his arms around Willow. Faith, in turn, pulled a nervously giggling Buffy into her lap, and started whispering to her about Xander's Dancing problems. Meanwhile; Xander and Cordy tried not to look at the happy couples while also trying to ignore the eyes of each other.

"I think you'll like this next Song," Oz said, voice ever stoic, "It one of the few songs where I wrote the words, and not just the sets." He said, smiling at Faith and Willow. They looked at each other, wondering what the Musician could be talking about. As Devon waved the werewolf back to the stage he kissed his girlfriend and jogged to the side steps. Grabbing his guitar and flipping the strap over his shoulder, he smiled at the table of Friends.

The song started with a low, deep, bass-heavy tone. It was slow, but not a slow song. The people in the crowd knew it was only a matter of time before it became fast again. Devon approached the mike, and began to sing the band's newest song.

"Hey, Oz told me about this!" Xander said excitedly, "I saw him writing the words out in Chemistry a few days ago...It's called `Leather Clad Princess'." Willow looked at Faith, a slight glint of worry in her eye. As they stopped and listened to the lyrics, and heard that it was about a girl...

"She walks through the Night, Shadows shielding the Light, Bloodied and Broken, But always Out-spoken, My Leather Clad Princess."

As the words hit the blonde, she looked at Faith, who seemed to be as amiss as everyone else. The only one who didn't have a Lost Look on his face was Xander who was dancing slightly in his seat. He looked at the table and saw that all the girls seemed to be slightly apprehensive.

"What?" he asked quickly, "Vampire Willow gave him the idea." He stated simply. There were three comfortable sighs to be heard, and Xander continued. "It's about how much Soul Willow has. He said he was so amazed at what Willow was like as a Vampire that he couldn't stop thinking about her. He realized that all the things that made him fall for Our Willow were completely gone, and how sorry he felt for his own alternate-universe-self for never getting to know the Real-Willow." Willow had the cutest Puppy-Dog-Eyes when she heard that. She looked back at the Stage and Oz blew her a kiss.

"Way Deep Down Inside,
A Spiritual Pesticide,
Darkness and Pain,
Never to be Slain,
The Only -
Leather Clad Princess!"
As the song ended the club roared with cheer. They loved it when there was a new song, and this one seemed to be a new favorite. Before anyone could stop her, Willow ran onto the stage, grabbing Oz in a fierce hug. Devon approached the Mike and laughed slightly.

"That was our latest Oz Addition, titled `Leather Clad Princess', for the liking of Willow Rosenberg." They both bowed slightly, the Witch's hair matching her face. As she exited the stage, he announced the next song. "And here's a slow one for ya, called; `Forever – For always – For now'." Faith pulled the blonde in her lap a bit closer, and whispered in her ear.

"How about you and I go Dance for a bit, Huh?" she said gently, getting up and letting Buffy stand on her own feet. The blonde smiled at her and allowed herself to be lead to the dance floor. She felt the slight tension in Buffy's body, and realized why. The older girls eyes were flitting around the dance floor, looking from person to person. This would be their first dance a couple, at the Bronze, with other people. She was nervous. Faith could understand, but she wasn't afraid.

Taking her hand and placing it around her neck, and the other in her own hand, faith pulled her close. She watched as Buffy closed her eyes, a shy smile on her face. She wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled as she felt the Blonde place her head on her shoulder. They swayed slowly to the music, taking in the movements of each other and fading away on a cloud of joy. She felt Buffy let go of her hand and wrap it around her neck with her other one, pulling them close. She in turn placed both hands on the older girls hips and kissed the top of her head.

She saw Larry, a boy Buffy had introduced her to when she'd first arrived, give her a thumbs up as he danced with a skinny looking junior. Faith smiled back, and whispered for Buffy to turn around. Her nodded at her with a smile, and Buffy blushed as she nuzzled back into the brunette's neck. Faith shivered lightly, and heard her girl-friend giggle in response. She ran her hands over the blonde's back, causing her to shiver in turn. As the song slowed and soon stopped, they pulled apart lightly. Buffy's eyes once again searched the dance floor, but didn't seem to find anything amiss.

"See," Faith said gently, taking the girls hands in hers as she led them back to the table, "That wasn't so bad, was it?" faith plopped down in her chair again, and Buffy nodded to her self.

"No, It wasn't bad at all." She slowly slunk towards Faith's chair, eyes on the floor slightly. Glancing up quickly, Buffy climbed onto the brunette's lap, almost as though she thought Faith wouldn't notice.

"What wasn't so bad?" Willow asked them quickly, coming out of her Dingoes induced revere. The two Slayers looked at each other, and then back at the witch. The red-head nodded and smiled. "Your first Couples-Dance at the Bronze..." she said happily, "I remember the first time I dance with Oz like that." Her face fell slightly, "I stepped on his feet, and he was tripped by Xander from behind." Shacking it off, she smiled at them. "How did it go?" she asked excitedly.

"I think it went well." Buffy said happily, looking at Faith, "We got the A-Okay from Larry, and no one yelled or threw rotten food at us...so I'd said it went better than I had expected." Faith gave her a small squeeze, and a smile.

"Hey, B, Quick thinking like that. No-one'll give a damn here. Besides, you're safe with me." Faith ran a hand over Buffy's hair temporarily forgetting that Willow was nearby. Buffy smiled at how affectionate Faith was becoming, and kissed her lightly. Faith held her close, but noticed Willow looking away from then, eyes averted to the Snack-Bar area. Frowning slightly, she cleared her throat. "Hey Red," Faith asked delicately, "Are you Okay with us? I mean, are we making you uneasy?" Willows eyes widened, and she shook her head in almost a blur.

"NO! No, No, No! Not at all! I was just, ya know, giving you your little private moment." She said gently. Smiling nervously.

"Really, Will...If we're making you uncomfortable, just let me know. I'd rather that you be honest with me?" Buffy said gently, glancing back at Faith. Willow looked down at her lap, and then back at the Slayers.

"It's nothing. It's just new is all. My Dad...he's very Old- World, and he raised me that way...But I have no problem with it. I was just thinking about how he could think two people, who are so obviously happy, could be doing something `Wrong'...you know?" Willow asked quietly. Buffy nodded. She also noticed Willow divert her eyes again. But this time, she saw where they landed.

At the Snack bar was a girl. She was sitting alone on one of the stools, sipping Orange-Slice from a glass bottle, and glancing around. She was a little taller than Faith, with longish, blonde hair that fell forward a bit. She seemed slightly introverted, and Buffy suddenly wondered why someone so shy would come to a club like The Bronze (people knew it was not wise to come alone). She was also wondering why her Slayer-Sense was buzzing slightly, and from this girl's direction. Tapping Faith's shoulder lightly, Buffy got the younger girl's attention.

"Hey Faith," Buffy said in a whisper, "You see that Orange-Drinking- Blonde at the bar?" Faith looked, and nodded.

"You mean the one Red's `not' looking at?" faith said in a slight giggle. Buffy nodded. "Yeah, what about her?" she asked quickly, sensing that Buffy was serous.

"Is she setting your Slayer-Sense off?" she asked even quieter, now that Willow was trying to act like she wasn't attempting to listen in. Faith closed her eyes, and concentrated. She was getting a slight vibe from that side of the club, but she wasn't sure if it was the girl. "I dunno, maybe." Faith said quickly. Leaning in close, she whispered tightly, "I'm going to investigate, you keep an eye on Red and make sure she stays focused on the Wolf-Man, okay?" Buffy nodded, and allowed Faith to get up. Buffy took the brunette's seat, and watched (with Willow) as Faith made her way over to the taller blonde.

They both watched as Faith tapped the girl on the shoulder, and she jumped slightly. They hadn't even noticed that the band had taken a break.

"Hey," Oz said suddenly, Both girls almost flying out of their chair. "Potential Vamp?" Oz asked nodding to where Faith was talking to the girl. Buffy nodded mutely as Willow hugged Oz, and glanced at Buffy. "Can I snag a sip?" Oz said, his constant nonchalant attitude in place. The Witch nodded and handed over her glass of Coke. He sipped it, and Faith's hand snaked around Buffy's shoulder. Turning to face her girl-friend, Faith smiled at Willow, then looked back at her girl-friend.

"Not a Vamp." She said gently, "She's visiting UC Sunnydale, and her over-night tour-guides brought her here, but she thinks they may have left without her." Buffy sighed in relief slightly, but Willow looked slightly stricken. "Don't worry, I called her a cab." Faith said before Willow could respond. The red-head smiled, and watched as the blonde looked back over at their table.

"What about the vibe?" Buffy asked quickly. Faith shook her head, slightly confused.

"I dunno, but it gets stronger as you get closer to her. I'm not too worried, though. It doesn't seem to be a bad mojo I'm picking up." Faith said, wrapping her arms around Buffy's middle.

"Magic." Willow stated, looking into her cup of cola. The table looked at her confused. She glanced up for a second, then sipped her drink. "She's Magical. I sensed it almost as soon as I saw her. She's powerful too, much more powerful then Amy..." she trailed off, then looked back at the blonde, who looked away at noticing the Red-Head's attention. "But I don't think she knows it, and that's the weird part." She furrowed her brow, and looked back at the stage. The rest of the table looked at her in silence, glancing at each-other, wondering what Willow was talking about. "Oz, you're needed back on stage!" Willow said excitedly, kissing him as she shoed him back to the back of the club.

Faith took Buffy's hand and lead her to the dance-floor. Buffy quickly took Willow's hand too, and the three girls made it to the front of the stage.

The three of them dance to the music, swaying and laughing, having a great time. All the while Buffy would glance back at the blonde, and see that she was watching them too. She didn't seem `Bad', but there was something about her...

"What was her name?" she quickly asked Faith as they danced a bit closer for a second. Faith chuckled, and looked back at the blonde who was getting up, and heading out-side.

"Umm, Clara, or Mara...something like that." She spun Buffy quickly, causing her to bump into Willow, who just laughed and dance along with them. Buffy saw that the girl was gone, and turned to Willow.

"I'm going to go to the bathroom, you two keep dancing." They both nodded, but Faith knew where Buffy was going: Outside. Buffy stopped at the table, grabbed a stake out of her purse, and headed quickly for the door.

Once outside, Buffy looked down the ally both ways. There was no movement in the far-end, but she also didn't see the girl walking towards the street either. Glancing around quickly, Buffy jogged towards the street area. As she looked past the bend she came face to face with the Girl. The blonde stepped back slightly, and smiled nervously.

"S-S-Sorry...Didn't s-see you there." She said quietly, stutter obvious in her voice. Buffy smiled. This was *not* a Bronze regular. Holding out her hand, she smiled.

"Hi, I'm Buffy." The girl took the hand, and the blonde did notice that the vibe got stronger as you got closer to her.

"Tara." She replied shortly. "Y-Your friend Faith called m-me a cab." She said, finally looking up at Buffy.

"She's my girl-friend actually," that just sort of slipped out before she could stop it. Buffy looked at Tara quickly, wondering what her reaction would be. Instead of a shocked look, she saw a small smile. "She, uh, told me what happened to you...that's rotten luck. I hope it doesn't change your mind about Going to UCS, though. I'm headed there next-year, so just know that not all the students are like that." Tara smiled, and looked down at the ground.

"W-What are you doing out here, all your f-friends are inside d- dancing, aren't they?" Tara asked quietly. Buffy nodded, and smiled at the girl.

"Just wanted to make sure you made it to your cab alright. Lots of people get hurt in and around this club. Not very wise to go alone." Tara smiled, and watched as a cab slowly made it's way up the street.

"Well, th-thanks for your concern. I hope to maybe s-s-see you next year?" Buffy nodded, and closed the cab door for her. tacking the stake she'd hidden out of her sleeve, she headed back into the club. As she made it in through the doors, she saw that the band was just starting to pack up, and the DJ was taking over for the later-hours of the evening.

"Where'd you go, you missed the last dance?" Willow asked as she helped Devon carry his microphone stand out to his car. Buffy just shrugged, and looped arms with Faith who had just slipped on her jacket.

"Slayer, sacred duty, yadda yadda yadda..." Faith looked at her side ways, silently asking if she had slain the blonde. Buffy shook her head, and the brunette smiled.

As Faith and Buffy walked home from The Bronze, they said almost nothing. A comfortable silence fell over them, and faith had temporarily forgotten all her nervousness about what she was about to do. But then, she felt Buffy nuzzle her neck slightly, and it all came flooding back. `What if I tell her and she freaks out, and then she never kisses me again?' Faith asked herself silently, `I don't think I could live without her anymore, I just love her too much...'. Buffy seemed to sense the sudden change in Faith, and looked up at her as they approached the gates of the only cemetery on the way to the Summers' Home.

"Faith, are you okay?" Buffy asked her gently, leaning her chin on the brunette's shoulder. Faith nodded quickly, not looking at her, and sighed.

"Yeah, I guess I'm just nervous." She didn't even realize that Buffy had no idea what she was in store for. She felt Buffy give her arm a squeeze and nod slightly. Then the blonde stiffened slightly and turned to look at her.

"Wait, what are you nervous about?!" she asked quickly, slightly confused. Taking a deep breath, Faith pulled away from Buffy and turned to face her fully.

"This..." she breathed in a massive breath, but at the slightly worried look on the older girls face, her mind briefly shut-down. "I don't want to go Slaying tonight." Buffy's face turned to one that was worried about Faith's sanity. She nodded slowly, so she could tell that wasn't all. "I, uhm, I need to tell you something." Buffy now looked worried again.

"What is it?" she asked slowly, Faith noticed her body tense, and knew the blonde was expecting bad news. Reaching into her pocket quickly, she pulled out a worn piece of folded binder-paper. She tried to increase it, and then handed it, with shaking hands, to Buffy. Buffy didn't look at it right away though, for a few seconds she kept her eyes on the younger girl.

"I didn't know how to say it, really, so I wrote this." she said pointing to the paper, and looking down at her feet. Buffy looked down finally, and read the note slowly out-loud (to Faith's dismay).

"Her darkened eyes; enchanting,
Those sparkling emeralds shine,
Her beauty they're enhancing,
How I've wished they're mine,
"I've watched those carring eyes,
Flutter, and turn away,
I know my heart would fly,
If they should ever turn my way,
"Her cheeks are rosy pink,
Her hair is like spun gold,
Now I can't help but think,
That with her I could grow old,
"I Love her with all my heart,
And be two women, from end to start"

"I know it's not really great, I tried to do iambic pentameter, but that kinda fell through...It's not my best, but I just... well, it just kinda came out, and it seemed to say it a lot better then I could on the spot..." Faith mumbled down towards her feet, glancing back up at Buffy every now and then. The blonde's eyes were fixed on the page, almost unwavering.

"When did you write this?" Buffy asked, now seeing the worn state of the paper she was holding. Faith looked up suddenly at being addressed. Thinking, she could not remember.

"Uh, when I was in England, at the Watchers' Counsel." That was all the brunette could narrow it down to. Buffy tried to smile, but she couldn't. It was too small a gesture for what Faith had done, and she was at a total loss of words. `When did you write this? what the hell was I thinking?!' she berated herself. "OH!" Faith said suddenly. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a little black box...A Ring Box. "I, uh...had this made for you. I think you'll like it." Faith said, voice a little shaky. She obviously wasn't as sure as her words were. When she opened the box, her trembling fingers had a hard time grasping the smooth silver of the ring.

"Oh My God..." was all Buffy could get out. It was a smooth silver band, simple, and yet was distinctly Faith. It reminded Buffy of a Roman Pillar, the way it curled slightly. It was slightly think, and little heavier then most of the rings Buffy had owned, but that also seemed fitting.

"There's a...inside the, uh..." Faith turned it slightly so that Buffy could see the inside of the band. There was an inscription that read `More Than Slayers...'

"Oh My God..." Buffy said again. That seemed to be the only words in her vocabulary. Her brain was completely shut down. This was not very comforting to Faith, she had expected some kind of reaction (possibly even a bad one), and this frozen response was something she hadn't planned for. Thinking it was best to say it her self, Faith took Buffy's hand in one of hers, and the ring in other.

"B, I know that it's probably obvious already, and that after the poem this might be a bit of an Over-Kill, but..." she slipped the ring onto Buffy's left middle finger, which was already slightly pale with the tan line from Angel's Clahdah ring. "I Love you, Buffy. I love you so much..." her voice cracked slightly, and Buffy suddenly pulled her into a hug. She held her, and kissed her head lightly. Faith just held her, and Buffy held her too. They stood there, hugging, smiling and almost crying, for what felt like forever, and yet even that wasn't long enough. They didn't even notice the Oz Mobile zoom past them...

"Faith, I – " Buffy started, but Faith suddenly squeezed her so tight, that it became hard for her to breath, so she was forced to stop.

"B?!" Faith asked quickly, "I'mma have to ask you a favor..." she said quickly, voice tight, "I need you to not tell me that you love me back. Weather it was gonna be for real, or if you were just gonna say it `cause I gave you something shinny, I need you to not say it." Buffy gave a slight whimper of pain, and Faith let go as though she had been burned. "I – I – I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."

"Faith," Buffy said slowly, voice a little shaky, "What can't I tell you – " Faith's face went starch-white, and Buffy was forced to stop there again. This was obviously something serious to Faith. But that wouldn't stop Buffy from the information she wanted. "... How much I care about you?" She said delicately. Faith sighed slightly, and sat down on the curb, running a hand through her dark mane.

"Hey, Faith...Sweety, what's wrong?" she asked gently. She sat down next to faith, wrapping her arm around her waist, gently kissing her temple.

"I think...There's something else I need to tell you..." Buffy nodded, and rested her head in the brunettes shoulder.

"I'll listen to anything you wanna tell me." Faith's breath hitched slightly, and she looked up at Buffy, eyes worried.

"But...you might not like to hear it." Buffy gave her a sad smile, and kissed her cheek quickly.

"If you wanna say it, then I want to hear it." She said firmly, quietly. Faith rested her arms in her lap, and took a deep breath. This was obviously a heavy topic, and Buffy was glad. Weighted conversations always seemed to turn out for the best with them, besides, Faith obviously had something important to say.

"You're the first person I've ever been in love with." She said quietly, "I've never...Felt, anything like this. I've read about people being in love, and I've heard people talk about what it's like, but...it's never been like this. This is... beyond the words, past the stars and over the moon. I've never felt this happy, B...or this scared. And that's really saying something." She looked at the blonde sadly, and Buffy pulled her a little bit closer.

"My life, wasn't easy. I'm not saying that to show off, or for you to feel sorry for me, `cause that's the last thing I've *ever* wanted from you...But I know it wasn't. And I don't mean from a Slayer Point Of View. I mean from a PERSON's point of view." Faith sighed deeply, and looked at Buffy. "I'm going to have to tell you some stuff, and it's not all pretty, but I think then maybe you'll understand, alright?"

"When I was about ten, my Dad moved out. Life before that had been okay. Not GREAT, mind you, But it wasn't as bad as it got after he left. My mom, who had always been a drinker, started hitting it hard. Once the amount of alcohol she needed reached a price she couldn't afford anymore, she turned to drugs. Stupid, I know, because the same thing happened, but faster. This took place over about two years, and all that time, I would be in school, signing up for all kinds of after-school programs, anything so I wouldn't have to go home. `Cause now that my Dad wasn't around...there was no one to keep her from hitting me when she was trashed. That's when the Library came into play. I would take the T down to the Boston University library, and I would stay there and read and read and read..." Faith sighed, a look of happy-remembrance on her face.

"I started doing it because I was terrible at reading, and I needed something to do after my activities classes finished. Reading took me a long time, so...I figured it was something that would *take up* a long time. As time went on I started to get better and better, and the time I spent in there became longer and longer. Reading was an escape on so many levels..." Buffy took Faith's hands in her, and steadied them. The brunette glanced at her, and gave her a thankful smile. "One night, when I was almost 13...I came home about 10:30 and my mom was sitting on the couch...that was my bed now...and there was a man there with her. They were talking about something, drugs I later realized, and about how she was gonna pay for them. I wasn't listening, and I had gone into the kitchen to get some food. All I found were bottles, and when I turned around to leave...the man was standing there behind me. My mom had sold he to him in exchange for whatever it was she was buying." Faith heard Buffy give a startled gasp, and tried to continue.

"I don't remember much, but I do remember screaming, and crying, and begging my mother for help, but she told me to just shut-up and to `go with the nice man in his car'...as he dragged me out-side, I managed to get away. He tried to chase me in his cart, but I hid in a trash-can. All I could think about was my Father. He said that if my mom ever did anything really bad to that I should go to him. I tried to do it before, but Child cervices always took me back. They said that my dad was un-fit to take care of me... though I have no idea how my mother was in the first place..." Faith sighed, and her voice shook as she spoke.

"I ran, and I ran, too afraid to take the T anywhere, thinking that he might be on there looking for me. I ran all the way to my fathers - and let me tell you, just being there was scary. He lived in the WORST place in Boston. Not a good place for a 12-year-old to be at past eleven. My Dad was a bartender, so he worked really late. I was waiting on the stoop of an abandoned house across the street, trying to get out of the rain that had started, when I saw my Dad walking home. He had a woman with him...she had her arm around him...and I just got so angry. He was happy again. He had a life without me. And I suddenly wished that he was dead." Faith voice cracked loudly at that, "I was *SO* mad that he... that he had moved on from me, and the thought that he could just leave me there with my mother..." Faith took a deep shuddering breath, and looked at Buffy.

"Well, be careful what you wish for." Faith clenched her hands, and pinched her eyes shut tight. "This car was pulling slowly up the block, and the men inside started yelling at my Dad...apparently, he hadn't moved on; this was just some friend of his that worked at the bar with him. The guys in the car thought that he was `Taking Her Home', and her boy-friend was in that car. He was pissed. He started yelling, and then, he started shooting. Soon the whole street was ripped with bullets...and I watched my Dad fall... all I remember was that I was grabbed from behind, and thrown into the abandoned house." Faith took a deep breath, and continued, her voice no longer so shaken. "I don't think I stopped crying for about 12 hours, and I don't think I moved from that dusty patch on the floor for about as long....

"When I did move, it was because someone had tossed a plate of food towards me on the floor. I jumped up, and looked around. There were about Nine people in the abandoned house with me. They were squatters, a gang of children...who's lives, like mine, had only be worsened by Child-Services. They had saved my life, I later realized, as I looked at the holes in the door I had been standing against. And best of all, it meant I'd never have to go home to my mother again. I didn't talk to them for the first three days, about. I sat in a broken chair by the window and watched the police and street cleaners tidy the mess my Father and his lady-friend had left behind." Faith sighed, and glanced at Buffy, a sarcastic smile in place.

"I stayed with them for a long time. I was the go-to girl. They made me steal things, and distract people, all very small scale, and I didn't mind. Life with them was far better than it had been for a while. But as I stayed, I also started to get to know them all really well. The Alpha-Male, so to speak, was named Ronnie – "

"Ronnie," Buffy asked quickly, "You told me about him, you said he was a dead-beat..." Faith had told her about him shortly after the incident with Kokistose, while they were trying to fight against Jack The Abusive Boy-Friend. Faith chuckled slightly, and smiled.

"Yup, that's the guy. Now you know what I mean. But, it gets worse; all the guys I told you about pop-up in this story." Buffy nodded, and let the younger girl telling her about Boston. "Well, he was always watching out for me. I was one of three girls, but I was the youngest of them. He made sure that I was left alone by the other guys, and well...I think I read a little too much into why he was doing it. I seemed to get it into my head that he was looking out for me because he liked me. So, I started to REALLY like him back...I was about 14 when I realized it was because he had ulterior motives." Faith gave a disgusted laugh.

"We had just barely escaped a little raid-and-chase by the cops, and that always meant a calibration. I had always refused to drink because I had seen what it did to my mother. Well, I dunno *how* he did it, but Ronnie got me so drunk I could barely see, let alone walk straight...He took me into this back room, and...well..." Faith trailed off, and Buffy just sat there silently, still holding her hands gently and not moving.

"All I remember was him telling me that he loved me, pain, and the wet-rotten smell of the mattress that I woke up on. That and the vomiting, and pain the next morning. Ronnie's best-friend (and supposed little brother), Steve took care of me. This guy was the klepto I told you about. But he'd steal things from cars and building and anything with a lock. He was always up for a challenge. He took care of me, and when I went out to talk to Ronnie, he told me to `Leave him the fuck alone', and that I was just some dumb girl. I tried to run-away, but Steve fallowed me. When I asked him why he wanted me back there he said it was because he *did* love me. I just kinda nodded, and fallowed him back to one of the houses. He and I were really close after that, and though it pissed of Ronnie a lot, we were sorta seeing each other. Steve would always tell me he loved me, but I never said it back. After about a year of he and I necking in the basements of abandoned buildings and alleys...I slept with him. It SUCKED!" faith chuckled, but the laugh soon cracked, and she had to hold in a sob.

"When I woke up the next morning...Steve...he was dead. The whole house, every one...all of them dead. Vampires had attacked the house, and I had just been left there. What a way to wake upon your 15th birth-day, huh?" Faith said sadly, and as she looked at Buffy she saw tears running down her cheeks. Faith reached over and wiped them away, and Buffy smiled sadly at her. "The next thing I know, as the cops are about to take me away, this woman shows up. She's about 28, tall, kinda stern looking...and British to boot. She'd been looking for me for a year, and tracking the Vampire-Gang that attacked my house for about as long. She took me up town a bit, on the T, all the way to Beacon street," Faith chuckled, and looked at Buffy, smiling her first real smile since the story started. "Which I'm sure you have NEVER heard of. She had rented out two rooms at the Beacon Street Bed and Breakfast, and that was where she'd been living and tracking me from." Faith took a deep breath, and looked back down at her hands.

"She saved me. She told me what had happened, and what I was and I...I panicked. I told her she was crazy, and her response was `Crazy or not I *am* your guardian now, so you are to stay with me and I shall prove it to you'." Faith chuckled, repeating the quote in a half decent English Accent. Smiling sadly, she went on. "That night, she took me back into the house. She showed me the bodies, and we watched them rise. I saw the faces of the boys and girls I had lived with for almost two years run at me with their Game-Faces on. Edna, my watcher, tossed me a stake, and as though I had been doing it my whole life...I staked Ronnie. After that, Steve came at me and...him too. Edna dusted the rest, and from then on...I never doubted her. I *WAS* a potential Slayer, and she trained me." Faith looked at Buffy again, smiling a Sly-Cat- Smile, and a laugh just below her voice.

"She used to tell me about Slayers. She'd always ignored the Counsel's orders about Slayers not being about to read the Diaries of Watchers and past Slayers. She'd read them to me like story books, always adamant about the fact that they had all been great, and important, and just like me. We both had no idea that I was next to be called. But what she did know, was that by then there had been two Slayers at once. I was about 16 when she told me about the Calling of Kendra. She told me about how well you and she had fought together to take down a foe. She loved to tell me stories she'd heard about you and Giles, and how there had finally been a `Modern-Slayer' as she called it...she said that you were her Favorite Slayer." Faith kissed Buffy's temple lightly, and stayed close to her ear as she spoke.

"She told me that if anything happened I could always go to Sunnydale, and that there I would be safe. I must have heard that everyday for two years. Once I was called she always emphasized the point that I wasn't alone, and that I could always find you if I needed to. She said that if I passed the Curciamentum at 18, she would take me to meet you. By the way, that's why I wasn't around for you're big ONE-EIGHT, Giles knew I knew and made me keep away from you so I wouldn't tell. I locked myself in that dingy motel room for three days, I was constantly calling Giles to make sure you were alright..." Faith laughed at herself, and then looked back to the blonde.

"After she died, well...I tried to make my way to Sunnydale. It was the only place when I KNEW I would be safe. I've never handled grief well, as I'm sure you can see, and on the way here I had stopped at a club in Nevada. That was were I met Kenny. He was a drummer in the band the night I stopped in, and he was just coming onto me like there was no tomorrow...and there was me, just wanting for all the pain to stop, to leave me alone..." she trailed off.

"Not my finest moment, I know, but...death changes people. Makes them act in ways they REALLY regret later." Faith took a deep breath, and looked at Buffy, here eyes so serous that it almost scared the blonde. "Every person I have loved or truly cared for, from my Father and mother, to Steve and Ronnie have ended up Dead. I have NEVER loved anyone like I love you B. And all the people that have ever told me that they loved me have ended up dead... and I just don't think I could live without you anymore. You're the reason I'm alive, the reason I'm not rotting away in an abandoned building in Boston. If you love me, then do me a favor, and don't tell me." She finished sadly. She looked a way and a tear ran down her cheek. "No matter how much I'd love to hear you say it." Buffy pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close, and whipping away her tear.

"Faith," Buffy said gently, the brunette's face between her hands, "You don't have to worry about me. I've taken care of my self for longer then most people have to, and now that I have you...I know I have nothing to worry about. We look after each other, and I'm not afraid to tell you..." Faith tensed, and Buffy sighed, "That I *REALLY* `Care For You'." She finished sadly. Faith smiled at her, and kissed her lips lightly. "I'm going to tell you some day...and when I do, I'm gonna show you that it's not gonna be like last time. Because this time, it's *US*, and there's never been anything like that before." She sighed, and snuggled into Faith's neck lightly. "Because I do, Faith. I really do." Faith smiled, and picked the blonde up, lifting her to her own feet.

"How could you feel that way about some junked girl like me?" she asked, as though honestly confused by it. Buffy just smiled back.

"Because." She said simply. Faith waited for the rest of it, but Buffy shook her head. "I'll tell you why, as soon as I'm *allowed* to tell you." She said, almost as though daring Faith to accept the challenge. The brunette smiled, and wrapped her arm around Buffy's waist, pointing them home. She felt Buffy reach for her other hand a grasp it in her own as they turned down Rovello Drive, the Oz-Van just in sight. It was as Faith gave the smaller girls hand a squeeze that she felt the ring she'd given her. It was warm, and smooth, and Faith enjoyed the feeling of it on Buffy's finger. As the two girls approached the house they saw that the rest of the Scoobies were inside. Opening the door they walked into the living room where their friends were sitting.

"Actually," he said, looking to Xander, "We just got here as well. I had to drop some stuff off at Devon's and Xander demanded that we take him to rent that `Girl Interrupted' movie." Faith laughed, and sat down on the couch. Buffy flopped down next to her, arm wrapped around her shoulder, head nuzzled into the younger girls neck.

"We just called Cordy," Willow said as she popped `Bone Collector' into the machine, "she should be here in about ten min-" Just then the door-bell rang, and Cordelia let herself in. "...That is, if she drives at a Sane speed-limit." Willow finished under her breath. They all settled down, and Joyce brought them some pop-corn and sodas. As the teens settled in, the Slayer fell asleep, and nobody even noticed until the credits rolled...

The next morning found Buffy and Faith in the Library. Faith sat at the head of the table, Buffy to her right, holding her hand secretly under the table. Willow across from the blonde, with Oz at her side with his arm around the back of her chair. Xander sat next to Buffy, trying not to look at Cordelia as she leaned against the counter. They were all listening to Wesley drone on and on about the night before and what they had done. He even started listing the books he'd looked through, and soon Xander had fallen asleep with his eyes open, practically.

"That's great and all," Faith interrupted, not able to take it anymore, "But what did you *figure out*?" she stressed. He cleared his throat and straightened his jacket slightly. Faith nodded, she knew what was coming.

"Not a great deal." He replied huffily, "I fear this may be a task that you all may have to join in on. There's little else we can achieve on our own and as much as I hate to admit it, we're going to need you help." He sounded like he'd rather vomit then push out that last sentence.

"Our help?" Willow asked confused. Hadn't they been helping the whole time? Where was he going with this, she wondered?

"Now, we'll have to keep this very secret. The counsel doesn't know that the Slayer is collaborating with anyone besides Faith – "

"Yes, well, besides that they have no idea anyone else even knows about your `Scooby-Club', and there's no need to thank me for that. I'm sure I'm only doing what any other watcher would have done in my circumstances." He smiled humbly, and raised a hand slightly, as though preparing to wave away any thank-you coming his way. It was a waste of energy. Even Cordelia looked at him sideways for that.

"As I'm sure you all know," Wesley said quietly, " The identity of a Slayer is supposed to remain a secret. Any of those that have even learned of her distinctiveness out-side of the Counsel are killed to keep them from revealing her identity." Both slayers looked around the room worriedly, taking in the shocked face. "You two never wondered why there are such strict rules about isolation for Slayers? It's to save lives, not to keep them in line." He said darkly. This was getting creepy now.

"So the new plan is as fallows. You are now under my command with a little help from Giles, or course," He said as a brush-off, the earlier part of the sentence causing more surprise then the last, "are we shall all stay here, tonight, as long as it takes, and we will think up a plan of attack on City Hall." He said as though it was final.

"Hey!" Faith yelled, getting up out of her chair, forcing he hand to drop out of Buffy's. "They don't `serve' you. They're our friends, and they're here because they care. They don't have a JOB, or a CALLING, they're here because they're good people and they feel they have a right to help save *their* hometown. So don't you start ordering them around like it's something noble." The room looked on in silence as Faith told Wesley off. Willow smiled, as did Xander. Cordy even had to hid a smirk, and OZ, nodded in the affirmative. Buffy smiled, and looked to her girl-friend proudly. Faith started walking away from her chair, and stood in front of the Table, hands on it as she looked over her company.

"I never knew there was a price for knowing you guys," she said sadly, "and if I had I would have told you that it's not worth it. I know I can say the same for Buffy," she smiled over at the blonde, who winked back, "but something in my gut tells me that you'd all still be here all the same. Even Cordelia. Now if you've changed your minds, that's alright too, you've risked your lives enough and you've prove yourselves to be great friends above and beyond. But we could still use all the help we can get." The room was silent, and they all looked on as she leaned off the table.

"What do you have in mind?" Willow asked, having an idea of what the brunette was getting at. Faith smiled, and turned to Giles to give him a small thumbs up.

"Alright. I know this is gonna sound a little weird, but I had a dream last night. I think it was from watching Mission Impossible too much on TV, I dunno, but here's what it was about." Faith smiled, and started telling them about her dream.

"Okay, so B and I are secret agents, and we need to steal this top- secret computer-file from the Mayor. So we beat up one of his Vampy- lackies, and he tells us where it was hidden. From there, Willow hacked into the computer system to try and get any files she could through that medium. After we found out that me realized there was something bigger going on." Faith sighed, and looked around the room.

"I think you're right." Buffy said slowly. "That sounds like a good plan. Willow? Can you hack into the City Hall computer and try and find out what's inside?" Willow nodded, and she turned to Xander, "Xander?"

"Not this time Xand. I need you to go bribe Willy-The-Snitch and try and get some information out of him. Try and find out the name or description of any of the Mayor's Vampire-goons. That way we can just kill him after we get the info out of him and he won't have a chance to tell on us."

"Oz, Giles, Cordy, if you could all head down to The Hall of Records and get print-out of the lay-out of the Mayors office maybe we can find some way to get in and out unnoticed so we can actually pull off a heist of some kind once we know what he's up to?" Faith asked them quickly, they nodded, and once again Wesley foundered.

"Once you have that we have everything we need to get a plan in motion. All we would need was perhaps a good look at the Mayor's Day- Planner or possibly find out something else that he needs, like with the books of ascension." Willow nodded and quickly got to work with the computer, Oz kissed her as he headed to door, flipping his Van- Keys. Cordy, Giles and Xander all got ready to go as the Slayers sat back down.

"STOP!" Wesley yelled, "Stop right this instant!" he yelled. He looked extremely miffed, and it didn't suit him. He ran a hand over his hair, and calmed slightly, though it was obvious that it he was still on edge. "I'm in charge here, and you're not leave until I say we leave." The room looked at him as though he was nuts. Willow wondered if he was listening at all during the duration of Buffy and Faith's plan. "This is all happening too quickly and I think we need – "

"Wes." Faith said quickly, "Hop on the train, or get off the tracks." He looked like he was about to growl at her, but Faith just smiled back. "You're free to go. Meet back tonight at about eight and we'll go over what everyone's got." The room moved again and everyone left to go out into their day. Wesley fallowed the Slayer back to her seat. Leaning in a bit too close for comfort, he began to whisper to her angrily.

"No..." Faith said darkly, "It's thinking up a plan my watchers couldn't. What have you done? You sat here all night reading books that got you nowhere! Meanwhile I went out and had fun with my friends. And not only that, you couldn't even think up the plan of `lets take the offensive'..." he looked pissed.

"Perhaps I should change my mind? Maybe the counsel would like to know of your activities with the other students in projects that are supposed to be classified." Faith's eyes widened, but Buffy was unfazed.

"Oh, I don't think you'll want to do that, Wes." She said, leaning over Faith to get in his face. "Our loyalty doesn't lie with the Counsel. It's with the people that care for us and help us and love as dearly. You want to be the only watcher in history to cause *two* Slayer to defect from the Order...be my guest. But I think I have a better plan." Buffy leaned in, and snidely whispered to him, "Why don't you just sit still and be a good little lap dog while we do our god-damned jobs, alright?" Wesley pulled back and nodded. Even Watchers could fall for the classic Slayer- intimidation tricks. He quickly walked back into Giles' office and poured himself some tea. Buffy turned to Faith and smiled sweetly.

"Don't worry." She said gently, getting up and taking Faith's hand, "Watchers are easy, once you have then trained the right way." Faith chuckled, and fallowed Buffy around the table.

"Where are we going?" Faith asked quietly. Buffy smiled, and started pulling Faith up the stairs.

"Nowhere special." She said, pulling both of Faith's hands and walking deeper into the stacks. "Just wanted some quiet time with my Favorite girl..." Buffy said sweetly. Faith actually blushed a bit, pulling her arms around the blonde's waist.

"You going Dress shopping with Red this week?" Faith asked quickly. Buffy nodded, and then stopped.

"What, I don't want to know about my Girl-friend's whereabouts?" Faith defended, laughing. Buffy smiled, and wrapped her arms around Faith's neck. "Besides, I want to go shopping at the same time. I figured we could surprise each-other with what we're wearing." Buffy nodded, and smiled.

"Are you going to wear a dress?" she asked excitedly. Faith laughed and shook her head.

"I think I've filled my dress quota for the year. Besides, I only have the one."

"At homecoming!" Faith defended quickly, "I got all dressed up and told off Parker because he came with a date...did you not even notice?" Faith asked, sounding disappointed. Buffy blushed and looked away. Faith actually pouted, "I only wore it because I thought you'd like it."

"I'm sorry sweety." Buffy said gently, "I wasn't there for very long. All I did was show up for the crowning, and then I talked to Giles and Cordy for a sec, and then I left. I only saw you for a second, and you were dancing kinda provocatively with some junior...it upset me so I left." Faith smirked at that.

"It `upset' you?" she asked slowly. Buffy nodded, and nuzzled into Faith's neck. That made the brunette shiver, though only slightly. "You liked me back then?" Buffy nodded, letting he nose tickle the gentle skin of her girl-friends neck. Faith practically purred, and Buffy kissed her pulse-point gently.

"Yeah, Faith...I liked you back then. But I doubt if I even knew what it was." Their Slayer-senses were zinging off the charts, and Faith quickly leaned back against a book-case, worried that he knees would give out. Pulling Buffy's face up to hers she claimed the blonde's lips in a kiss. It was soft, and gentle, and warm, and Faith was glad that no one was left in the library because they would have fainted if they saw her act so caringly. It was a loving kiss, one meant to communicate something that words could not express. And it was hers. Hers and Buffy's.

"Faith?" Buffy asked gently, pulling out of the kiss, "Can I tell you now?" she asked, hope obvious in her voice. The brunette shook her head sadly, and Buffy pouted sticking her lip out as far as she could. Faith chuckled and sucked it gently between her own. Buffy moaned, and she could feel Faith run a finger past the waistline of her pants. Suddenly it felt as though her whole body was on fire, and both girls pulled away quickly.

"I don't know." Buffy gasped, "but it think it may have something to do with out Slayer-Sense." Faith nodded, and looked Buffy up and down. She still felt slightly burning...in a good way, of course. The brunette smirked, and pulled the blonde in for another smoldering kiss. Buffy moaned across the dark Slayer's red lips and smiled into their kiss.

"I have an idea." Faith stated quickly between the small kisses she was placing along Buffy's neck, down to her collarbone. "Why don't we try a few `experiments'?" Faith said suggestively, causing the blonde to giggle, and try and pull out of her grasp. She almost got out until Faith pulled her back in. "Come on, it'll be fun, we can test out this crazy vibe we got going on?" Faith said between laughs.

"Faith, No!" Buffy whispered loudly, "We're in the library! There could be a student or one of the Scoobies could come back!" Faith nodded, a wide smile on her face.

"I know, B...I was just messing with ya." She said lovingly, running a hand over the golden locks she loved so much. Buffy kissed her nose gently and then her lips, pulling away finally to turn to Faith.

"Hey," she said quietly, "Why don't we fallow Xander's idea and get some food for everyone? Doughnuts, pizza, soda, whatever?" she offered gently, knowing full well that faith wanted to stay here and share some more secret kisses. The brunette nodded, and lead the way back down the stairs.

"Hey, at least it'll give us something to do." Faith smiled, "I love giving out orders. This way I can arrange it so that I'm the one with the free time." Buffy chuckled and they both left the library, not informing Wesley, and on purpose. That little git was getting to be a nuisance.

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Hope's Drowning

by Vixen Raign

Copyright © 2003

VixenRaign@yahoo.com