*********************


Part 35 - Spying on Faith


"Faith. Faith, where are you?" Buffy slowly made her way to their
pond and stopped. Faith was standing under a small waterfall, letting
the water run over her perfectly toned and tanned body. Buffy froze;
the younger slayer was breathtaking.

Quietly, the blonde moved in closer and watched. *Faith looks
amazing.* Buffy could feel her heart pounding as she took in the
rogue slayer's exotic features. To her Faith was like a panther,
dark, beautiful, and dangerous. The little slayer smiled as she
spied. She had come to realize that she was absolutely head over
heels in love with Faith. Just the sight of the younger girl was
enough to get her going.

Buffy licked her lips and leaned in for a better view. Her hands
traveled over her own body, imaging that it was Faith touching her.

The younger slayer closed her eyes and ducked her head under the
water. *Mmmm… feels great.* A soft smile played upon her full lips as
she remembered the night before. *Buffy was soooo sexy.* The brunette
grinned. "Buffy… mmmmm…" Faith whispered before diving back into the
pond.

Buffy paused. *Did she just say my name?* An enormous smile spread
across her lips. Her hand moved faster. She was so close now. *Oh yes!
… mmmmm… Faithy licking me… ahhhhhh!* The slayer moaned and tensed up
as the orgasm coursed through her. She rolled onto her back,
giggling. Buffy didn't have the strength to get up.

*Huh?!* Faith heard something. "B?" The brunette slipped from the
water and glanced around. *It couldn't be any of the villagers. They
would never sneak around, would they?!* She crept over to a tree and
quickly climbed it. From that vantage point, Faith could see the
whole area around their pond, and what she saw brought a smile to her
face.

Buffy was laying on her back in a pile of leaves, panting. Her hand
still rested between her legs, and her eyes remained closed. Faith
recognized that serene expression. The brunette bit back her laugh.
She had just caught Buffy masturbating, but not just masturbating,
spying on her and masturbating.

Faith made her way down, silently. She peered through the leaves and
watched with amusement as Buffy glanced back, looking for Faith. The
little slayer now puzzled over the younger girl's disappearance.

Faith snuck up, grinning. She stood behind Buffy. "B, whatcha doin'?"
She laughed as the blonde almost jumped out of her skin.

"GOD! Faith, don't do that! You scared me half to death!" Buffy
peered up at the grinning brunette. *She knows!… Look how she's
looking at me!* The little slayer could feel a blush spread over her
entire body. She tried to pass it off as outrage. "Really Faith!"

"Really what?" The dark-eyed beauty arched an eyebrow, giving Buffy
her patented dimpled grin.

"Ugh! Sometimes you're so infuriating!" The small slayer quickly
stood up. "I have to go check on Mr. Peepers, excuse me"

Faith grabbed her wrist and brought Buffy's fingers to her lips.
Licking the wetness from them as she smirked. "Are you sure?"

Buffy moaned. "Um… uh… huh?"

They both stood still as they heard it. Faith looked up. "Shit! A
plane! C'mon B!" The brunette was off in a flash.

Buffy shook her head still stunned. "What?"


 

*********************

Part 36 - Mixed Signals


Faith quickly climbed the cliff and made her way over to their fire
pit. Angling the glass just right, she got a spark and blew on it.
The brunette then threw the dried leaves into the flame and sat back
smiling as the dark smoke wafted up.

Buffy slowly made her way toward the cliff. She could see the smoke.
*Faith must have gotten the fire lit.* The blonde stopped, surprised
by the sudden sadness that overwhelmed her. *What if they see the
smoke?!… What if they come for us?!* Buffy sat down and tearfully
pondered the possibility.

She was happy here. She didn't have to slay, and there was no evil to
tempt her Faith away. They were a family with friends and a home.
Buffy wiped at her eyes. *What's wrong with me?! Of course, we have
to go back!* She stood up and headed toward the plane to check on Mr.
Peepers. She had left him out playing on his little jungle gym that
Faith and the natives had made him.

Buffy smiled when she thought of the anniversary present. Faith had
made a play area for Mr. Peepers. It was because Buffy got so worried
every time he went off into the jungle. Now he had his own playground
behind their home. It was such a considerate gift. Faith had actually
spent most of the month making bamboo playground equipment, her and
the natives. Every time the blonde looked at it, she felt a tug at
heart. Faith had become so thoughtful… so unFaithlike. *Mmmm…* Buffy
sighed.

Her reverie was interrupted by Faith's excited cry. "B! Did you see
that?! I got the fire lit! They had to have seen it!"

"Yes" Buffy turned and looked at the grinning brunette. *Faith wants
to go home.* Her heart sank.

"B, what's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Faith tenderly reached for
her, her eyes filled with concern.

"Yeah. I'm fine" The little slayer waved her off and walked past
her. "I have to check on Mr. Peepers. He hasn't had lunch"

"Okay" Faith stood and watched her go. She shrugged and headed
toward the shrine, Elei was waiting.

"Fé do goddess, você viu o pássaro? Veio fazer exame para trás de
você ao heaven?" [Goddess Faith, did you see the bird? Has it come to
take you back to heaven?] The boy asked, distressed.

The slayers had picked up some of the natives' language in their time
on the island. She essentially knew what he was asking. Faith lowered
her head and spoke quietly. "I'm sorry, Elei. We have to go when the
time comes"

His eyes filled with tears, but he nodded. "Sim" [Yes.]

……………

Buffy sat watching Mr. Peepers play on the monkey bars. She suddenly
realized how appropriately named that piece of equipment was.
Especially since the tiny monkey seemed to favor it above all else.

He shrieked and swung around, climbing to the top and leaping to the
tire swing. Somehow Faith had managed to pry it loose from the plane
wheel and now it was part of Mr. Peepers' playground. Buffy leaned
back and smiled. *Maybe they didn't see the smoke.*

"B, you hungry?" Faith held up a crab she'd caught. "Get the pot and
let's cook this puppy"

"Faith, what are we going to do if that plane was searching for the
council?" The blonde's tone took on a miffed quality.

"Dunno… Fight them I guess" Faith threw the crab down and went
inside to get a pot.

Buffy stood outside lighting the fire when Faith returned she snapped
at her. "You know, you might have thought this out before you ran off
and lit that fire. How about consulting me next time?! I thought we
were a team" The blonde sat down with a huff.

"Is that what you're all ticked off about?! Because I didn't consult
you?!" Faith was suddenly livid. "Well screw you Buffy! I'm sick of
you always thinking I can't make a move without you!" The brunette
strode past her, heading for the jungle.

"Faith, wait!" Buffy sadly watched her leave, whispering. "What about
lunch?"

……………

The pilot called out. "Over here! Look! Smoke!"

Quentin Travers rushed up to the cockpit and peered out. "Mark the
coordinates down" He ordered the copilot before turning to his
companions. "As soon as we get back, charter a boat and make the
necessary arrangements"

The assistants nodded. They knew what needed to be done.

 

*********************

Part 37 - Another Misunderstanding


Faith climbed into the cave and sat down. She needed to hide from
Buffy for awhile before she lost her temper again. Faith loved the
little blonde. But damn! The chosen one sure pissed her off
sometimes. *B always wants to control things!*

Faith picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. It was high
tide and the caves under the cliff always filled up at this time.
Leaning back she stared out over the ocean. Quiet and contemplative,
the rogue slayer thought about how everything had changed for her,
but not for Buffy. Somehow she managed to stay the same.

Faith began to wonder what it would be like once they got home. If
Buffy still treated her pretty much the same, did that mean she'd
ditch her again once they got home? Faith suddenly felt ill at the
thought. Tears well up in her eyes and she kicked at the jagged
shells lining the inside of the cave.

*Dammit! How could I have been so stupid! Never should have lit that
fire! Once we get home, Buffy will go right back to that clean
marine.* Faith covered her eyes and cried. The thought of losing
Buffy again made her miserable.

……………

Buffy paced back and forth, occasionally glancing at the little
monkey who sat in his chair eating dinner and watching her. Something
was wrong. He screeched and threw his half eaten banana at Buffy.
Where was his dark haired mommy?! He was angry that they must have
fought again, and he had a feeling it was blonde mommy's fault.

Buffy scowled as she picked the banana from her hair. "That's enough!
Time for you to go to bed!" The little blonde angrily scooped up the
tiny monkey and put him in his crate. He went and picked up his doll
before turning back to stick his tongue out at her.

Buffy cursed to herself as she slipped on her sneakers and headed for
the beach. She couldn't wait any longer. She needed to go find Faith
and apologize. But what should she tell her? The truth? `Faith, I'm
mad that you lit the fire because I don't want to leave.' She
imagined trying to explain. `You see, I'm so selfish that I want to
keep you trapped on a deserted island so you can never leave me.' *Oh
boy, that's romantic!* Buffy frowned as she trudged deeper into the
jungle.


……………


The brunette dried her eyes and stood up to leave. She had cried
herself out, and now was ready to go home and except the
consequences. If Buffy left her… so be it, and if the scoobies still
treated her like scum, fine… whatever!

She couldn't be so selfish as to try to keep Buffy on an island just
because she needed her. The world needed Buffy too. Faith understood
that now, and she wouldn't do anything to keep her hero from
fulfilling her destiny. *Hero? Yeah, I guess she's my hero too.*
Faith smiled as she dove into the ocean and swam back around toward
their little stretch of beach.

Faith made her way into the plane, prepared to tell Buffy, but the
little blonde was gone. *Huh?… Guess she's still mad.* Faith sadly
stripped off her wet shorts and shirt and slid under the covers. From
her bed she could see Mr. Peepers' sleeping form. He was sucking his
thumb and hugging the doll he loved so much. Faith suspected it was
because the stupid doll had blonde hair like Buffy. The slayer
smirked as she rolled over and fell asleep.

…………………


"Faith! Faith!" Buffy called out over and over, while scrambling
through the thick underbrush. She glanced back at the sky. It would
be light soon. *Dammit Faith! Where are you?!* She sniffled and sat
down. *She must be hiding.* And experience told Buffy that if Faith
didn't want to be found she wouldn't be.

Sighing heavily, the little blonde stood up prepared to head back to
the plane. She'd just have to wait until the morning. Glancing up,
she noticed it was close to a full moon. Soon it would be their tenth
anniversary. The realization made her smile as she went up the
stairs. *My longest serious relationship is with Faith.*

Carefully she stepped inside. Her eyes needed to adjust to the
darkness inside the plane. The moonlight lit the beach, but didn't
reflect very well inside the plane with only the front door open, and
Buffy had blown out all the candles before she left. So it was close
to pitch black inside.

Gingerly, the little slayer made her way over to her mattress and
stripped. She slid under her blanket, and quietly cried herself to
sleep. She missed Faith holding her.


…………………


When Faith got up she glanced over at Buffy's bed and was happy to
see the little blonde all snuggled up. She grinned and crept over to
the mattress but before she could climb in next to Buffy, Mr. Peepers
held out his arms and complained. He wanted out.

Faith dutifully picked up the tiny monkey and carried him outside.
She yawned and stretched, peering out over the water. Something was
out there. The slayer squinted, trying to make out the shape. It was
a boat. Faith casually leaned back against the plane. She knew that
she should run and light the signal fire, but she couldn't seem to
get herself motivated.

The brunette silently struggled with her dilemma until she heard
Buffy's shouting. The little slayer was inside cursing and throwing
things around. Faith quickly ran to light the fire.

"God dammit, Faith!" Buffy threw another pot against the wall. "Stay
out all night! That's really mature! And to think I was going to
apologize to you!" She glanced up at the shelf with the china dolls
that Faith hated. The slayer began plucking them from the shelf and
flinging them across the plane, satisfied as she heard each one smash.

The brunette hesitantly peered into the plane. "B, it's okay. I lit
the fire"

Buffy glared at her and flung a doll in her direction. "Sometimes
you're so inconsiderate! I can't take it! Every time we have a few
words you just run off. Glad to see you haven't changed how you
handle things one bit!" With that the tiny slayer picked another doll
from the shelf and threw it.

Faith ducked and glanced back at the shattered doll. "Geez! That time
of the month, B?" She knew Buffy hated when she said that. The little
blonde growled and hurled another doll in her direction. Faith
laughed easily moving out of the way. "Smash `em all! See if I care.
I always hated those damn things"

"OH! YOU'RE SO INFURIATING!" Buffy stamped her foot, and strode past
the snickering brunette.

Faith stuck her head out and watched as Buffy headed for the shrine.
*Awww… going to go complain to the other women, no doubt. Huh!
Whatever!*

The brunette grabbed the binoculars and headed for the beach to check
on the ship.



Part 38 - Faith Is Missing


*That's weird.* Faith watched as the ship dropped anchor but no
smaller boat disembarked. The brunette climbed higher on the cliff to
get a better look..

…………………


Buffy sat cross-legged among the women villagers complaining about
Faith. "Ugh! And she leaves her wet clothes just laying on the floor
as if I'm the maid!" The little slayer grumbled, pleased that the
other women nodded and agreed with her. Yes, a partner can be so
irritating.

One of Buffy's close friends, Mari immediately joined in, spouting
some of her complainants. "Sim, o dourada. Nós sabemos o que você
deve resistir. Meu marido caça e traz sua faca dentro após gutting o
porco... sem lavagem uniforme ele!"

[Yes, Golden One. We know what you must endure. My husband hunts and
brings his knife inside after gutting the pig... without even washing
it!]

The rest of the women mumbled and nodded. Buffy made a horrified
face. "Without even cleaning it?! Oh, that's just intolerable!" The
little blonde waited while one of the other women, Sheina passed her
more dry grass. They were making their skirts for the upcoming
celebration. Tomorrow night was a full moon. They would have a feast
and dance late into the night. Buffy was excited about that. She
loved the monthly event.

It was a perfect family outing. They all had so much fun, and
sometimes Faithy would get drunk off the natives special punch. She
was really wild in bed on those nights. Buffy smiled fond of the
memories from last month's full moon festival.

"O dourado é você que vai deixou a fé do goddess sentar-se ao lado de
você no partido? Talvez você deve fazê-la sentar-se com as crianças.
Aquele é o que eu faço quando eu estou irritado com Selui"

[Golden One are you going to let Goddess Faith sit next to you at the
party? Perhaps you should make her sit with the children. That is
what I do when I am angry with Selui.] Mari waved her hand to
indicate her husband's banishment. The women laughed.

"I should. It would serve her right!" Buffy nodded her head as
finished weaving Mr. Peepers' new skirt. She glanced out past the
huts to where the children were playing.

Elei and the others where carrying Mr. Peepers around on a small
litter that the children had made for him.

Buffy smiled at the sight. The little monkey was waving a palm frond
urging the children on. He liked playing with them. They all treated
him so well, carrying him around, giving him toys, and feeding him
sweet things. Mr. Peepers liked the villagers almost as much as his
two mommies. Elei lifted the tiny monkey from his little thrown and
ran while the other children chased after them squealing with delight.

"Elei cuidadoso com Sr. Peepers. Dourado alimentado apenas lhe o
pequeno almoço"
[Elei careful with Mr. Peepers. The Golden One just fed him
breakfast.] Malaki shouted to the children as he sat down next to
Buffy. He gave his goddess a lovesick smile. Malaki was smitten with
Buffy.

Mari gave her friend a wry smile. Causing Buffy to nudge her
playfully. The women all giggled as Malaki blushed. "Oh o dourado,
talvez eu posso desgastar sua flor para a caça?" [Oh Golden One,
perhaps I can wear your flower for the hunt?]

Mari became angry and stood up, wagging her finger at Malaki. "O
shame em você, você sabe que a fé do goddess desgasta o dourado one
flor! Como o desafio você insulta nossos goddesses com tal arbitrário
indicam de seu lust!"

[Shame on you, you know that Goddess Faith wears the Golden One's
flower! How dare you insult our goddesses with such a wanton display
of your lust!]

Malaki looked as if he were about to cry. He bent his head and bowed
low. "Eu imploro seu forgiveness o dourado. É justo que o goddess que
a fé a disse não caçaria esta vez"
[I beg your forgiveness Golden One. It is just that the Goddess Faith
said she would not hunt this time.]

Mari waved him off while Buffy sat pondering the implications. *Faith
had told them that she wasn't going to hunt?* A large smile spread
across Buffy's face as she stood up.

"I have to go Mari. Can you watch Mr. Peepers for awhile? I want to
be alone with Faith" The blonde slayer brushed herself off and
headed for the canoe.

……………


Faith watched as the dinghy came closer. She didn't recognize anyone
in the boat, and they weren't wearing tweed. *Maybe it's not the
Watchers' Council.* The brunette made her way down the steep cliff
and toward the beach.

The sailor toward the back of the boat picked up his walkie
talkie. "I can see a dark haired girl. She's about average height,
long hair, fairly tan, and very pretty. Is that her?"

Quentin paused before responding. "Yes, where is the other one?"

"I only see one. She's waiting on the beach for us" The sailor took
his gun from his belt. "Should I shoot her?"

………………..

Buffy ran back to the plane. "Faith! Faithy! Honey, where are you?"
The little blonde came back out and peered down the beach. Faith was
nowhere to be seen. The slayer turned and scanned the water. *Maybe
Faith is swimming.* That's when she saw the ship. "Omigod! Faith,
there's a ship!" Buffy ran down the beach and headed for the furthest
point out which were the caves.

She stopped immediately when she saw the binoculars floating on the
water. *Faith had been here.* Buffy looked down at the sand squishing
between her toes. She lifted her foot; the sand was wet with
blood. "Faith!" Buffy cried and fell to her knees.

……………………


Part 39 - The Ship Sets Sail


Quentin Travers leaned close to the cage. "Faith. Faith, can you hear
me?" The brunette groaned and rolled over.

He peered up at the sailors. "I told you not to hurt her!"

"Well what was I suppose to do, mate?! She wasn't exactly willing to
just leave!" The sailor slipped his pistol back into his belt.

"The slayers aren't to be harmed. That whole rogue element of
watchers has been purged. I want Faith back in England for
rehabilitation" Quentin glanced back at the injured slayer. "Sedate
her and prepare her for the trip home. We set sail immediately"

"What about Miss Summers?" Quentin's assistant asked, his concern
evident.

"We will send another vessel with Mr. Giles. He can fetch that one
and take her home"

…………….


Buffy sat on the beach, holding Mr. Peepers in her lap while the
natives prepared the canoes. As soon as it was dark, they would try
and board the boat. The men were sharpening their spears and the
women were chanting and praying for the safe return of Goddess Faith.

Mari brought some food over to Buffy, but neither the slayer nor the
monkey would eat. Both sat in stony silence, waiting for the sun to
set while Mr. Peepers held tightly to his blonde mommy. She was very
sad. It was upsetting him, and dark haired mommy was gone, that upset
him too.

The baby monkey sat still on Buffy's lap, sucking his thumb. His
tummy hurt so he didn't want any food the nice lady brought him.

"O dourado, talvez você deve tentar e dormir antes do salvamento"
[Golden One, maybe you should try and sleep before the rescue.] The
man in the headdress suggested, worriedly watching the tiny blonde
who hadn't moved since they'd arrived.

Buffy seemed not to hear him as she gazed out over the water at the
ship.


…………


"I've just received a phone call" Giles informed the group. "Buffy's
alive"

Willow tearfully hugged Tara, while Xander and Riley high fived each
other. Spike let out a whoop causing them all to glance in his
direction, confused. "Bloody `ell!" The bleach blonde vampire stormed
out. "Never mind!"


…………..


Buffy sat in stunned silence with the rest of the natives. The ship
was sailing away. They didn't even come for her. *Faith must be dead!
*

Mari held the little slayer as she sobbed in misery. "Faith. Faith.
I'm so sorry"

Mr. Peepers screeched as Elei held him and cried.

**************


Part 40 - I'll Find You


"BUFFY!" Faith screamed until her throat was sore. "B! B! IN HERE!
BUFFY!"

"That's quite enough Faith or we shall have to sedate you again"
Quentin peered into the cage. "Miss Summers will be fine. In fact,
her watcher is on his way to retrieve her as we speak"

"I don't believe you! If you've hurt her…!" The brunette growled,
straining against her chains.

"You'll what? Kill me? No. I don't think so Faith. By the time we're
done with your rehabilitation, Miss Summers will be a distant memory"

…………..


Buffy laid on her mattress unmoving while Mari and Elei fed Mr.
Peepers. Several of the native women cleaned the plane for her while
the men went to hunt and get her meat. The little slayer barely
blinked as she stared at the wall and held Faith's jacket. It still
smelled like her Faithy. The tears ran down her cheeks unchecked.


…………


Giles stood on the deck next to Riley and Xander. The commando held
binoculars and gestured. "It's that one"

The captain turned the ship, and headed around to the north side of
the island. They could probably get right to the cliffs from there.

…………


Buffy rolled over and looked at Mr. Peepers. He sat clutching his
doll and sadly watching her. The little slayer held out her arms and
the tiny monkey ran to her. "You're going to miss her too, aren't you
Mr. Peepers?"

Buffy cried as she gently smoothed back his hair and spoke to
him. "Did you know that your dark haired mommy is the one that
brought you home? That's right. She wrapped you in her jacket and
carried you all the way here for me" The slayer sniffled, hugging
him tight. "You're all I have left now"

…………


Willow walked along the deck and gazed out over the water. To think
that Buffy was alive after all this time. It was still a miracle to
her. She smiled as Tara took her hand. "It's going to be okay" The
blonde witch reassured her.

"I know" Willow squeezed her hand before following the watcher back
into the cabin with the others.

Giles looked around at the group. "As soon as the sunrises, we will
go ashore. Now Buffy has been away from everything that she's known.
She may not be the same. It is important that we all remain patient
and understanding"

The group nodded before heading off to their individual sleeping
quarters. Riley approached Giles separately. "Maybe just you and I
should go ashore tomorrow"

The watcher looked at him with sympathy but shook his head. "No. I
think that she will benefit from seeing all of her friends"


………………


Buffy carefully dressed Mr. Peepers in his grass skirt. She put hers
on too, along with several leis. "Come here, sweetie" The tiny
monkey obediently sat still while Buffy combed back his hair and put
on his flower crown.

It was almost time to go to the shrine. The natives were holding a
memorial service for Faith. Leading him quietly out, they stood on
the beach for a moment. *It's such a beautiful morning. How can Faith
be dead?!*

She sat down and sobbed. The baby monkey screeched and hopped around
her. It was more than he could take, seeing blonde mommy so sad. Mr.
Peepers climbed into her lap and hugged her.

………….

"There she is! I see her!" Xander shouted out as he reached back to
pull Willow up. "Come on"

They raced on ahead while Riley helped Giles and one of the crew pull
the dinghy ashore.

"Are you sure?" Willow squinted, trying to get a good look. She
snatched the binoculars away from Xander, peering through them. The
witch sighed as she took in Buffy's sun kissed skin and long blonde's
locks blowing softly from her face. It was definitely Buffy. She
looked like an angel, as always. "Buffy!" Willow gasped as she ran
toward the slayer overjoyed.

Buffy spun around. She distinctly heard someone call her name.
Standing up, she carefully scooped Mr. Peepers into her arms and held
him close. The little slayer's face lit up when she recognized the
figure coming toward her as Willow.

"Wil!" Tears spilled down her cheeks as she hugged the witch
tight. "Oh my god, Willow.. Xander!"

He picked her up and swung her around causing Mr. Peepers to squeak
with fear.

"Xander put me down" Buffy gently calmed the terrified monkey.

"Who's your little friend?" Willow reached for the tiny monkey who
cocked his head and studied her. Mr. Peepers decided that he liked
her and went willingly into her arms. "Awww…" The red head cooed as
she held the monkey and looked at his tiny skirt and crown. "You're
wearing matching outfits"

Buffy glanced down at herself and realized that she was topless in
front of Xander. She immediately lifted her arms to cover her
chest. "Is Giles here too?"

"Yes. And Riley" Willow replied, smiling lovingly at her best
friend. She missed Buffy so much it hurt.

"Come on Wills, I have to get a shirt"

"No, really. You look fine" Xander hurried to reassure her, earning
a glare from both girls. He held up his hands. "Okay. I'll just wait
here"

………..


By the time Buffy and Willow returned, Riley and Giles were also
waiting. The farm boy raced over to his girlfriend and picked her
up. "Buffy, I knew you were alive" He was jubilant as he leaned in
for a kiss.

Buffy's discomfort was evident to Willow. She quickly
intervened. "Careful Riley. Buffy is still a little shy" The red
head gently pulled her friend loose. Earning a grateful look from
Buffy who then turned and hugged Giles.

"I missed all of you so much" Tears filled Buffy's eyes as she
glanced back at the plane. She would miss this too. It had been her
and Faith's home for close to a year. The slayer quickly wiped her
eyes. "We have to say goodbye to my friends"

"Friends? So you weren't alone?" Xander asked, surprised.

"No. I wasn't alone. In fact up until two days ago, Faith was here
with me" Buffy turned away from the group as she began to cry again.

"That must have been hell!" Xander snorted, glancing around at the
group. Willow shook her head, indicating he should be quiet. She
walked over and took the slayer's hand.

"We're going for a little walk. Girl talk" Willow led Buffy away.

"Thanks, Will. I don't know how much more I can take of Riley's puppy
dog eyes and Giles' worried watcher routine" The blonde sniffled,
picking the tiny monkey up and heading for his playground.

Willow followed behind her, smiling when she saw the tiny playground
equipment fashioned from bamboo. "Wow, this is really neat" The
witch grinned as she watched Buffy put Mr. Peepers down, and he ran
to play.

"Yeah, Faith made it for him" Buffy sat down sadly.

"Faith?" Willow studied her best friend for a moment. "Buffy, how
were things between you and Faith?"

"Perfect… Okay, so we did fight sometimes, but mostly we got along"
Buffy peered up at the witch, uncertain of how much she should reveal.

"I'm sorry then that the Council had to shoot her" Willow took a
seat next to Buffy. "They told Giles what happened" Green eyes sadly
peeked up at her, Willow swallowed as she took in Buffy's broken-
hearted expression. "There was more, wasn't there?"

"Yes" Buffy took a deep breath. "I don't know how to tell you this
Will. So I'll just say it. We were together… like a family"

Willow hugged the little slayer close. "It's okay, Buffy. You can
tell me anything. I understand. You two trapped here… well, you were
bound to work out your differences" Willow chuckled slightly. "Or
kill each other" She leaned back and gazed at the blonde. "I have
news for you too. Do you remember Tara?"

……………


The scoobies sat around watching with surprise as Buffy seemed to
communicate with the natives. One boy in particular seemed devastated
by the slayer's news that she was leaving.

Willow felt sympathy for the boy as he bid farewell to her and Mr.
Peepers. Glancing around, Giles took in with amazement the villagers
attitude toward Buffy. Xander whispered to the watcher. "What's going
on?"

"Well, it appears that these natives thought of Buffy as some sort of
god. She rescued them from an evil demon" Giles removed his
spectacles and cleaned them. "Extraordinary"

"That's the Buffster. Making friends wherever she goes" Xander
chimed in, smiling at the little slayer as she brought out the last
of her stuff.

"Okay. I'm ready" Buffy announced, standing back while the men
filled the boat.

Riley glanced down at the tiny monkey who stood holding Buffy's
hand. "Aren't you going to leave it here?" He gestured to Mr. Peepers.

"No! Of course not. He comes home with me" Buffy picked the
terrified monkey up. He shrieked and clung to his blonde mommy. He
didn't want her to leave him too. Mr. Peepers chattered nervously as
he took in the group staring at him.

Willow smiled and held out her arms. "I think he's adorable" The
tiny monkey happily made his way over to the witch and sat in her lap
for part of the boat ride. Every time Riley stole a peek at him, Mr.
Peepers stuck out his tongue.

Xander smirked. "He is kinda cute. Aren't you little fellow?" He held
out his hand and the monkey slapped him five then stuck his tiny hand
back out for Xander to slap. "Look at that he even knows how to give
five"

They all laughed except for Riley who glared at the tiny simian. "I
don't know. It might have a disease. We'll have to leave it in
quarantine when we get back"

Mr. Peepers squeaked and hid his face against Willow as he clutched
his doll. "Shhhh… Riley, you're scaring him" The red head chastised
the soldier as she gently stroked the tiny monkey. "It's okay, Mr.
Peepers. I can't wait for you to meet Tara" She smiled as she
thought of her girlfriend's probable excitement over the tiny animal.

…………..

Once they were aboard, Buffy went to her cabin to rest, and Willow
and Tara were left to monkey sit.

"Isn't he the cutest?!" The red head sang out as she watched Mr.
Peepers jump on their bed.

"Yes, he is. We can put clothes on him, and take him to the park"
Tara hugged her girlfriend.

"Ooh…two words" Willow squealed with delight. "The Baby Gap!"

"Sweetie, that's three" They both laughed when the monkey stood up
and began doing a hula dance.


…………………


Faith peered out the porthole window next to her cage. "B, I promise
I'll find you. No matter what…. I'll find you again"



The End

This Story is Continued in…. Return To Sunnydale

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