Chapter Seven

Faith rolled over to snuggle up to Buffy, only to encounter empty space. She opened her eyes and discovered that she was all alone in the large bed.

"B?"

There was no answer and from the weak light filtering through the curtains it was still early, way too early for anybody to be up unless they were a farmer. Faith had always had a hard and fast rule: if the sun wasn't where it was supposed to be, she was staying put until it was. But rules were made to be broken now, and she flung back the covers and sat up on the edge of the bed.

B?"

After a few seconds, she made herself stand and then stretched out some of the kinks. She noticed the faint fingerprint marks on her left hip and smiled. Buffy could be forceful when she wanted something, not that that was any big surprise, nor was the fact that Faith loved it when she got like that. Slayer sex wasn't exactly for the timid.

She padded barefoot and naked through the dining and sitting areas, then spotted Buffy standing on the balcony. She was wearing her white robe as she leaned against the railing, a cup of coffee in her hand. As Faith had suspected, the sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, but what she hadn't counted on was what a beautiful sight Buffy made.

The orangey red glow burnished Buffy's beauty until Faith felt like she couldn't breathe. She stood still, staring through the wide-open glass doors at Buffy who looked so peaceful and so at home. Her head was tilted back slightly and a small smile appeared on her face as she felt the warmth of the rising sun. She was surrounded by the water and the sky, the Slayer, every bit as elemental as they were, and they rushed with joy to embrace her.

It should have been intimidating, but Faith could so easily see the woman who was standing there. A kind, funny, sexy, sometimes silly girl who wanted to love and be loved, who wanted to see the world she traveled in, and who wanted sometimes just to be normal…something Faith knew she could never, ever  be. Buffy was special, even without the Slayer part of her, and Faith had understood that from the second she'd first seen her.

She stepped out onto the balcony and went to her, wrapping her arms around Buffy's waist from behind, kissing her cheek and then resting her chin on her shoulder.

"Morning."

Buffy's smile increased and she leaned back into Faith.

"Hi."

"Can I have a sip?"

Buffy lifted the cup, then tilted it slightly.

"Thanks. Gotta have somethin' if I'm gonna be up this early."

"I tried to be quiet, did I wake you?"

"No, just sensed a disturbance in the Force."

"Which was?"

"My girl was gone."

Buffy turned her head to deliver a kiss.

"But I didn't go far. I'm way too smart for that."

They stood together admiring the view.

"Pretty out here, yeah?"

"It's just incredible."

"So what's that huge orange thing?"

Buffy laughed:

"They call that the sun."

"Oh, I'm used to the smaller yellow one."

"Funny girl."

"Wanna sit on one of the chairs?"

Buffy nodded and turned to her:

That sounds…Faith, you're naked."

"Well, yeah, I just got outta bed."

"I'm not sure how long until we get to Cabo."

"Least a coupla hours."

Faith angled a lounge chair toward the sun and sat down.

"But aren't you chilly?"

"You'll warm me up."

Buffy took off her robe, then sat between Faith's legs with her back against Faith's front. She used her robe like a blanket, covering most of them except their lower legs and feet. They didn't speak, just enjoying the closeness and the sense that the morning was theirs, and theirs alone.

The sun didn't take long to claim its rightful place and neither did Faith's hand. She slowly rubbed back and forth across the soft skin of Buffy's stomach, making them both sigh, happy and content to be exactly where they were.

A sudden splash in the water had Buffy sitting up straight.

"Dolphins!"

She was up like a shot, back at the railing as she pointed them out, and the delight on her face was the best thing Faith had ever seen. It was Buffy as a little girl: so excited and joyful, and looking like she was just seconds away from jumping into the ocean.

Evidently early mornings with Buffy were well worth it; it was just one beautiful sight after the other. This time it was naked goddess Buffy standing unaware and unashamed in all her glorious nudity, the full power of the sun shining on her as several dolphins frolicked apparently for her amusement. Without looking away, she reached her hand back to Faith in a silent entreaty to join her as the dolphins easily kept pace with the ship.

Faith entwined their fingers without delay, and they stood holding hands side by side while they watched the show. The dolphins flew out of the water, sometimes crisscrossing in the air before landing with a large splash. They swam in intricate patterns, then shot out of the waves, spinning and tumbling like the world's greatest acrobats. They talked the entire time, obviously having nothing but fun as they played around.

Buffy was totally enchanted and when the dolphins on mass walked backwards on their tails away from the ship, it looked like they were telling her goodbye.

She responded in kind, waving and laughing:

"Goodbye, guys. Thank you!"

When the last one faded from view, Buffy turned to Faith:

"Wasn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?"

"Second best."

Faith kissed her with all of the feeling she had, and when she finally pulled back, she tucked a strand of hair behind Buffy's ear.

"You are really something, B."

"Look in a mirror, F."

Faith laughed and lifted her into her arms.

"I'd way rather look at you."

She kicked Buffy's robe ahead of them into the living area as she made her way back to the bedroom. She put Buffy down on the bed, kissing her all the way, her hands already exploring.

"I'm sensing you want to have sex with me."

"You're sensing dead on the money, B."

"But what about Carmen and Nan…"

"We got at least an hour before we dock, they're not goin' anywhere. Plenty of time to show you what's really the most beautiful thing in the world."

"I'm going to need lots of convincing, Faith."

"And you're gonna get it, B."

Buffy and Faith were standing in front of room 5190 waiting impatiently.

"Okay, they gotta be here."

"Well they're not answering. Are you sure of your sources, Faith?"

"Unless somebody I paid is in on it, they haven't shown up anyplace public and we're not docked yet."

"So I guess we're going in."

"Think we gotta."

Buffy inserted the lock pick and miracle of miracles, Faith managed to stay quiet. As soon as Buffy entered the code, the door lit green and she pushed down on the handle. Splintered wood chips hit the carpet and a piece of metal joined them.

They hurriedly kicked the debris inside and closed the door behind them. It wouldn't stay latched, but it shut good enough to look closed to the casual passerby.

"Guess they didn't use the door much, B."

"I guess not."

They walked down the short hallway and the first thing they noticed was that the bed hadn't been slept in. The second thing they noticed was that there were no personal effects anywhere in the room. The suitcases were gone, the bathroom was spotless, even the plush carpet showed only their own footprints.

"They're fuckin' gone."

"Like they were never here."

"Demons took'em, right under our noses."

Buffy was checking all of the dresser drawers just in case there was a clue of some kind, but there was nothing.

"What I can't believe is that they took those skanks instead of us. What makes them more appealing?"

"B, that's not the point. We got two missing women sold off to be sex slaves to some demon. We gotta figure this out and fast."

Buffy nodded:

"No, you're right, of course……but still, are they blind or just…"

"Buffy!"

"Okay, okay, we'll talk about it later."

"There's nothin' under the bed or in the closet either. I'll check the bathroom, you do the balcony."

It didn't take long and they met back in the bedroom.

"Bathroom's spotless."

"Nothing out there either. Let's go talk to Susan and see what the ship's records have to say."

"Good idea, B."

Fifteen minutes later Buffy was back in her familiar salmon colored seat, watching Faith work Susan like a totally workable thing. She'd been planning to join her, but Faith had merely laughed and pushed her down into the chair.

"B, it's a solo mission. Promise I'll be thinkin' 'bout ya the whole time."

There had been a large crowd ahead of her, all needing directions, brochures, recommendations, and guidance, but Faith had threaded her way through them like an expert, cutting ahead of people several times all without making anyone mad. Susan certainly wasn't angry, she looked nothing but delighted to see Faith again.

Buffy waited impatiently and was relieved when Faith finally turned from the desk and made her way back to the table. She grinned at the slight frown on Buffy's face, then leaned down to give her a quick but passionate kiss before sitting in the chair next to her.

"Suze looked it up, she's got no record of them."

"You mean she doesn't know who they are? She doesn't remember talking to you about it before?"

"No, she remembers fine, it's just far as the records show they're still checked into that room and still on the ship."

"What does that mean?"

Faith laughed:

"Fuck if I know. You're Head Slayer, you're supposed to figure shit out."

"Really? Uh…Huh."

"Just what I was thinking."

"All we know is that if they were abducted while they were on the boat, the supply room has to factor in somehow."

"With ya there."

Buffy was clearly frustrated:

"I wish we could get in there now."

"I'm game if you are. We can use the lock pick deal, and you can go in while I hang in the hall case we need a distraction."

Buffy was already on her feet:

"It's risky, but let's do it."

They linked hands as they meandered their way to the supply room, waiting in the nearby stairwell until the coast was clear.

"'Kay, let's hit it, B. Oughta have at least a few before anybody comes sniffin'."

Buffy inserted the device, but after almost a full minute, nothing happened. She pulled it out and re-inserted it.

"It's not working."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's broken, I mean, it's not doing anything at all."

"Well, we can't hang here much longer."

Buffy tried again, then stood.

"I'm going in, Faith. We might have to deal with the fallout later."

"Then we'll deal. Do it."

Buffy grabbed the handle and turned with Slayer strength and…nothing.

"B?"

"It's not budging."

Faith put her hand on Buffy's, and they both pushed and turned.

"What the hell?"

"It's not even moving a little bit. It's…"

They both heard voices.

"Gotta motor, B."

They headed quickly down the hall, just making the turn before being spotted. They kept going without talking until they reached their own room. Buffy used the lock pick and it worked in seconds.

"Okay, so that just makes the supply room even creepier."

"We're gonna have to go in the hard way, B."

"That's fine with me, I'd like a little exertion. Let's call in and…"

Faith slammed the door shut before Buffy could walk inside, then pinned her face first against it.

"I wouldn't mind exertin' ya."

Buffy tried to turn, but Faith wasn't letting her move an inch.

"I meant 'Slayer' exertion, F."

Faith's hips began moving slowly against Buffy's ass and her voice whispered into her ear:

"Way we do it, it's nothin' but 'Slayer' exertion."

Faith…"

Her hands somehow slipped in between Buffy and the door to take hold of her breasts.

"You…we need to go…inside…"

"Okay, lemme see if I can get your shorts open."

Buffy laughed, then moaned as Faith squeezed.

"Stop it and let me go. We need to make our call."

"But it's just Carmen and Nancy. I say we act like we don't know anything went down."

Buffy laughed, even though it was awful.

"Faith, that's not funny."

"Yeah it is, and soon as Nancy starts spoutin' 'Pearl of the Pacific' shit and askin' a million questions, they'll toss her right back."

"And Carmen?"

"Who?"

Faith's laugh was followed with a kiss to Buffy's cheek, and then she pulled back.

"Damn, sure is tough fuckin' a do-gooder."

Buffy re-used the lock pick and they went inside. The dime on the door said no one had been inside their room, not even to clean it…which was pretty obvious since it was a total mess. They straightened out the bed, then Buffy sat with her back against the headboard. Faith kicked off her flip flops and sprawled out on her stomach, scooting over until her head was in Buffy's lap.

"What are you doing?"

"Gettin' comfortable. I figure you can handle the call and I'll handle you."

Buffy lifted Faith's head to put a pillow on her lap.

"There you go, you'll be more comfortable now."

"Aw, B, it's like a giant condom's in the way."

"Yes it is, so keep your hands and mouth to yourself."

Buffy played with Faith's hair while she talked on the phone and although Faith tried to stay awake, she quickly nodded off. The feeling of Buffy's hand stroking soothingly against her head, coupled with their three hour sleep before the early morning wake-up, had Faith out like a light in just minutes. She vaguely heard Buffy's voice rise with interest and excitement a couple of times, but Faith didn't bother trying to fight her sleepiness. Buffy would be happy to catch her up later.

When she awoke, she was still in the same spot. She looked around, then up at Buffy.

"Hey, when'd ya get off the phone?"

"About forty-five minutes ago."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

Buffy smiled all soft and warm:

"Because I like watching you sleep and you were sawing logs."

Faith yawned and snuggled in, her right arm flung over Buffy's legs.

"So what did they say?"

"There's a huge underground S&M club in Mazatlan. It's possible Carmen and Nancy just decided to stay there and didn't tell anyone, or maybe the ship's records haven't updated yet."

"Or they been kidnapped and there's a great cover story in place."

"Will's going to do a locator spell and should know for sure where they're at when we call back."

"So did they find any suspects?"

"They finished all of the background checks and no one stands out. Giles also said the ship's manifest doesn't show anybody unaccounted for, not even Nancy and Carmen."

"Big help there then."

Buffy slid down and Faith straightened up until they were face to face.

"Anyway, a long…very long story short, Giles has pretty much ruled out Nancy and Carmen as suspects."

"So if anything, we gotta rescue'em?"

"That's how it looks."

Faith frowned and pouted at the same time:

"Gotta say I'm pretty sick of never gettin' to cut Carmen's head off."

"I know it's hard on you."

"So 'cept for Stan who's worked nineteen years at the Uranus Lounge and seems totally like a good guy, all we got left for a suspect is the Captain."

"That pretty much sums it up."

Faith shrugged and smiled:

"Well, maybe we can kill Stan if he shows us any more pics of his grandkids."

"I think we should focus on the Captain."

"Yeah, think that's right, B. She's the one who gives us a weird vibe."

"And she's got the spiffy Slayer-proof supply room."

"G-Man have any ideas about it?"

"Just that it must be spelled. He also said we shouldn't get caught breaking in because they'll probably make us walk the plank or something like that."

"Hey, nice he's worried about us law wise. Usually doesn't…"

Buffy laughed:

"He doesn't now either. He said it will cost the Council a lot of money if we get caught, so nighttime's our only 'Go' time."

"Figures. Wonder if he'll visit us when we get tossed in the brig? Did they finish checking out Karin?"

"Yep, and she seems fine…although Will said maybe too fine. She certainly earned her promotion, but it's a bit surprising since female captains aren't exactly commonplace. Will says she wasn't even in the running for the position, although she probably deserved it, but then she suddenly just shot up the list and got the job."

"Maybe she fucked her way up."

"She could have, but she doesn't seem like the type, does she? And there's nothing in her history to make it seem like that's even an option."

Faith sat up and ran her hand through her hair:

"This is one fucked up sitch. If we bust into that room tonight and all that's in there is supplies, we got nothing and only one day left."

Buffy sat up too:

"But there's no way there's nothing in there. Whether we can make sense of it in time is another story, but we're going to find something for sure."

"Still no clue how they're gettin' the women off the ship either."

"I thought maybe they could be taking them off when we're at port and picking up supplies and dropping off dirty sheets and towels, but Giles said since it's just a week long cruise, the ship's been self-contained. It has to be the supply room, Faith. Maybe there's a portal in there or maybe it's just a magic holding cell until they can move the women. The Coven and Will still sense all kinds of magic onboard..."

Faith was clearly thinking it through:

"Including the kind that screws up magic."

"Which means something big is going on here. Anyway, the good news is that Giles said we should just enjoy our day, but we have to make sure to call in before we leave port."

"How cool is that, B? Cabo's s'posed to be this huge gay place with lotsa shit to do. We can see all the sights 'til it begs us to stop."

Faith kissed her on the forehead and hopped off the bed.

"C'mon, time's a-wastin'. Let's shower together and get it rollin'. I'll call down and ask Susan to make us up a game plan so we…B?"

"It sounds great."

But it didn't, and it didn't look great either. It looked more like Giles had asked Buffy to reorganize his library while she got a root canal.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Buffy started to head to the shower, but Faith caught her arm as she went by and spun her around. Faith couldn't see her face with Buffy's back pressed tightly against her, but she didn't need to. The sudden tension in Buffy's body was plenty revealing.

"Wasn't born yesterday. Spill it."

"It's…it's nothing, really."

Faith dipped her head down to kiss Buffy's neck and shoulder.

"B, ya gotta tell me, so just do it now before it's a big deal."

Buffy tensed even more, then blew out a breath:

"I'm not sure I can explain it."

"Well, give it your best shot, that'll probably work for us."

"…I don't want to see Cabo."

"What?"

"I don't really want to see Cabo."

"But B, you always bitch that you never get to see anyplace we go. This is your big chance. The whole day's ours, plus it's Watcher approved."

Buffy nodded and turned to face her.

"I know, and I do want to see Cabo, just not today."

"Well, since we're only here 'til five, it's now or never."

"Could we…Would you be disappointed if we just stayed here…in the room?"

Faith began laughing:

"B, you kill me. I'd stay in bed with you forever if I could. I only said we'd go sightsee 'cause I thought that's what you wanted."

"Well, I do, but I…I'd just rather be with you."

Faith kissed her, then kissed her again before leading her back over to the bed.

"We can fuck all day, order room service whenever we wanna, watch movies, take baths together, sleep, and do it over and over again. I'm all for that, B, at any time."

Buffy slid under the covers, a huge smile on her face:

"That's what I was hoping for."

Faith jumped onto the bed and yanked Buffy over on top of her.

"'Sides, we got a big night ahead of us. We need our rest."

"Absolutely."

"Okay, good plan. See, B? That's why you're Head Slayer, all them brains ya got."

Buffy kissed her:

"The smartest thing I ever did was marry you."

The day had been a good one, the best ever, even when Maria had come in to clean-up the room and had caught them otherwise engaged. Buffy had been facing the door and she'd tried to get Faith to stop, at first to no avail.

"Faith, stop!"

"When you're done, B."

"Faith, Maria's…"

Faith's head lifted:

"Why ya talkin'…Oh shit! Hey, Maria."

Maria stood in the doorway with her cart, and after a moment's hesitation she smiled and turned to go.

"Pardon me, chicas. You did not put out the sign. I will put it out and come back when I see it is gone."

They could hear her laughing as she left and Buffy was mortified.

"Oh my God, I can't believe that just happened!"

"Me neither."

"Whoa! Faith, what are you doing?"

"What's it feel like? You were this close, won't take much to get you back there."

Buffy moved away from her:

"Are you crazy? I can't…do that now."

Faith pulled her back:

"Course ya can. Maria's cool and I'll make sure to leave her a kick ass tip."

"Faith, I'm not in the mood to…"

"Sure ya are. Lemme show ya."

Faith won that argument and when they were cuddled up afterwards, she couldn't let it go.

"Just glad you didn't call out her name when…"

Buffy hit Faith's shoulder hard and stalked off to the bathroom.

"You are such a pig!"

She slammed the door closed, but she could still hear Faith laughing, then her voice pitched abnormally high as she attempted to imitate Buffy:

"Oh Maria…right there, Maria…Yes, yes…Oh God, Maria…Don't forget the extra towels and Faith's turndown chocolate…Mariaaaaa…"

Other than that glitch, the whole day had been perfect. They'd reveled in each other as they made love, watched movies, ate all kinds of delicious food, took two baths together, cuddled without saying a word, and napped on and off.

Maria came back a couple of hours after her first visit and acted as if nothing embarrassing had happened. Buffy and Faith were both safely in their robes and they sat in the living area as she worked. Buffy had insisted they take the "sex sheets" off the bed, and she'd asked Faith to "ball them into a pile". Faith had let that joke sail by unvoiced, and she'd gathered up all the towels too.

To Buffy's relief, Maria made the bed and cleaned everything up in her normal spectacular fashion, all while chatting about nothing at all. Buffy knew she should just let it go, but when Maria began pushing her cart out into the hall as Faith held the door open for her, Buffy approached.

"Maria, about earlier…"

Maria patted Buffy's arm:

"Don't apologize. It is nice to see two people so in love. Maybe we didn't wish for me to see that much of two people so in love…"

Faith and Buffy both laughed.

"…but what does it matter? It is the way love goes, and we all now have a funny story to tell. I left two extra sets of sheets in the empty dresser drawer in case, and there are many extra towels in the bathroom. Have a wonderful day."

They'd finished off their free time with a relaxing bath and at four thirty they called home, only to be told nothing helpful.

"I'm afraid we've very little to go on, Buffy. We can't seem to track down Carmen and Nancy in real time; Willow's locator spells are always a step behind them. We know they were inside the compound and doing…well, whatever one does in an establishment called: 'Hurts Me So Good'. Beyond that information, we're sorely lacking."

"So why is Willow not able to track them? If they're using powerful magic to…"

"They're not the ones using the magicks, it's the club that has several witches and shamen under its employ. It seems this establishment caters to all types of clientele, including demons as well as humans, and the effects of the necessary protection and concealment spells rub off on everyone who enters the building. For the foreseeable future, Carmen and Nancy are off the radar."

Buffy blew out a long breath, clearly frustrated.

"Great. So do we have anything solid at all?"

"Everything we've learned indicates that Carmen and Nancy are not involved in this in any way. They've certainly not been kidnapped and it's highly doubtful they're demons. I'd say they're just some rather…kinky individuals."

"B, ask if I can maybe cut Carmen's head off."

"Giles, Faith wants to know…"

"I heard her and no, she may not."

Buffy shook her head and Faith did not look happy.

"This brings me to my major concern at this point: I'm worried about your safety as well as the ramifications of your actions tonight and tomorrow."

"Well we can't just keep sitting back, Giles. We have a job to do and we're going to do it."

"I understand that, Buffy, and I'd expect nothing less from either of you. That's why Willow and I are booked on a flight to meet you in San Diego upon your return Saturday morning. Just in case something should go awry."

Buffy laughed:

"So you're assuming we're going to be in big trouble by the time this is over?"

"Given the circumstances and the fact that we've no clue what it is you're actually getting into…Let's just say I think it wise to be prudent and have plenty of money and magic at our immediate disposal."

"B, ask him if I can smack her a few times."

"Faith wants to know…"

"I heard her, and the answer is still no."

Buffy shook her head again.

"Fuck, this sitch sucks!"

"I can feel us starting to move, Giles, so we need to wrap this up. Whatever machines they use totally kill cell phone signals."

"All right, what do you two have planned?"

"We're going to eat dinner in a restaurant, then go to a concert before we make a big show of going back to our room for the night. Hopefully that will kind of give us an alibi for when we break into the supply room."  

"That sounds like the best possible approach given the difficult situation. And after you do manage to make it into the room?"

"We're just going to have to improvise."

"Blast it! I hate that we're going to be out of touch for the next thirty-eight hours. Promise me neither of you girls will take any unnecessary risks."

"I promise, Giles. No unnecessary…"

"What about one bitch slap across the face?"

"Tell Faith the answer remains the same."

Buffy smiled and shook her head at Faith as the connection began to weaken:

"Giles, don't worry. We'll be careful and we'll be fine. We knew it could go this way, that's why you chose us. We're good on the fly and we'll be careful, I promise. See you guys Saturday, hopefully not in chains and under arrest."

"That's not at all amusing, Buffy."

"Sorry."

"Please give Faith my best. Oh, and Willow sends her lo..."

And with that, the Slayers were on their own.

"How 'bout I just flick her nose? That's legal, right?"

They sat on the balcony for awhile, just enjoying the view as they left Cabo and headed for the open sea.

"They sure were right about that place, yeah B? It was totally gayed up."

Buffy laughed:

"It was wicked gay, F."

They went in to get ready to go out, showering alone and taking their time getting dressed. They had decided to eat at the Vista Restaurant and Stan had come through again with a reservation for them at eight.

"It's my pleasure, ladies. You're on your honeymoon, things should go your way."

 Although Faith still hated her Smart Casual wear, she didn't complain about it as she put it on, leading Buffy to believe that she was getting used to it. When she said as much out loud, Faith looked at her like she was crazy:

"B, I hate this shit, but since I hardly wore any clothes all day, I figure I can handle it for a coupla hours."

They were once again given a great table and they sat across from each other holding hands, no acting required. Their waiter was Mario, and as everyone on the wait staff had been for the entire cruise, he was efficient and friendly. He took their order and left, promising to be right back.

"So B, honeymoon's winding down."

"It's gone by so fast."

"Yeah, way too fast."

"Faith, I know we haven't…Well, I…"

Her voice was drowned out by the string quartet that was now standing next to their table playing something slow and romantic. Faith smiled and shook her head:

"You guys got anything with some pep?"

They huddled together, then with a grin and a bow, the leader counted down and they began playing: "Like A Virgin".

It was hysterical, clearly meant to be funny, but Faith stood, offering her hand to Buffy.

"Let's shake it up, B."

It was a sedate dance by Faith's standards, but the crowd loved it. They began clapping along and Buffy was laughing as Faith kept spinning her around. They ended the dance with a flourish, Faith dipping Buffy dangerously low before pulling her up effortlessly and kissing her. The quartet and the diners on the upper level, as well as the ones who could see what was going on from the lower level, all applauded. The quartet performed a synchronized bow and then headed back downstairs.

Faith pulled out Buffy's chair:

"Here ya go, B."

"Thank you, but who's going to do your chair?"

"That would be me, your friendly waiter."

Mario slid Faith's chair out and she took her seat.

"Thanks, man."

"After that performance, it's the least I could do."

He left a basket of rolls and two salads, and Faith dug right in.

"Got us some attention again, B."

"Yes, you did. They'll certainly remember we were here."

"So, it's the Indigo Girls playing tonight. Thought we'd go for like half an hour, make out, and then head back to our room all sexed up."

"Sounds perfect. Do you want my…"

"Yep."

She delicately picked all of the croutons off of Buffy's salad.

"Can't believe you don't eat'em."

"I've never really liked them very much, I'm not sure why exactly."

"We're so perfect for each other, ya know, B? Even stale bread works for us."

They took their time eating, ending the meal with coffee and dessert.

"B, ya gonna finish that weird shit or what?"

"No, and it's not weird – it's delicious."

"Guess I'm gonna find out."

Faith pulled the plate of half eaten tiramisu in front of her and dug in.

"It is good, B, but it's weird too."

"That's because it's for the refined palate, F."

"Yeah? Well, goin' down good for me too."

She offered Buffy the last bite.

"Here, B."

Buffy leaned forward:

"How did you know I wanted it?"

"'Cause ever since I started, you been lookin' like you're dying for a taste."

"I was looking at you that way, not the dessert."

But she still ate it, then licked the fork clean as Faith held it for her.

"Damn, B…you gotta be the hottest woman ever made."

Buffy blushed happily:

"You're so sweet, Faith."

"Yeah, like a piece of tie…teri…fancy Italian shit."

They finished their coffee and then Buffy stood, holding out her hand:

"Come on, woman – let's go check out the Indigo Girls."

As Faith took her hand, Buffy pulled her close for a passionate kiss. When it ended, Faith grinned:

"Man, I dig bein' the little lady sometimes."

"What I don't get is why they call it the 'Sports Deck'."

Buffy looked at her:

"Because it's got all of the sporty things?"

"Yeah, sure Sporty Spice'll be here any sec. The Lido Deck's got it goin' on, all that's up here is a hoop and a net."

Buffy reached for her hand:

"What you said. Look at the stars, it's such a beautiful night."

"It's nice seein' it with you, B."

Buffy smiled and kissed her:

"You keep saying things like that and I'm going to fall for you."

"'Gonna'? Thought you already had."

Buffy wrapped her arms around Faith and pulled her closer:

"And if I have?"

"Works perfect 'cause I'm head over heels, B."

They kissed again, then looked around.

"And there goes the last couple. 'Bout fuckin' time.Ya ready?"

"Yes, but I still can't believe that we can't do this from our room. You'd think being just one floor below the Bridge would make this a snap."

"Guess boat builders don't give a shit about Slayers, else there wouldn't be that big ass overhang thing in the way."

Buffy blew out a breath and shook her arms to loosen her shoulders:

"Okay, I guess I need to let it go."

"Be nice if ya could."

"Oh yes, because you're the master of letting things go."

"Nice ya noticed, B."

They looked around one last time, but there was still no one in sight.

"Remember Faith: No getting spotted and absolutely no falling to our death allowed."

"Baby, they ain't invented the cruise ship I can't sneak down."

Buffy laughed:

"And how many have you sneaked down in your life?"

"None yet, but I'm big with the self-esteem."

Faith went first as per the coin flip, and it was tough going even when there were things to hang onto. The handholds they'd seen a few days earlier weren't as conveniently placed as they'd seemed to be in the light of day, not when the Slayers had to be careful to avoid detection. They were forced to take a circuitous route, going up and down and sideways to prevent getting spotted by people looking out at the view.

The late hour meant most of the passengers were asleep, but a few night owls were still awake and they made things difficult, as did the ship's nighttime running lights. The Lido and Observation decks were closed, even the staff was long gone, but there was still the problem of the Navigation Deck itself. It was simply luck that on the port side of the ship where the room was located, there was a structural piece of metal that ran down from the Lido Deck to the Upper Verandah Deck. It created a blind spot on the bridge, and it was that exact area that Buffy and Faith were planning to exploit.

"You good, B?"

"I'm being exerted as requested."

"Yeah, climbing down three decks, dodgin' lit up windows on a slippery boat while we hang out over the ocean…Could definitely call that 'exertion'."

They kept going, doing their best not to look down at the black churning water way too many feet below them. As they approached their final destination, it became harder to find anything to grab onto. Whether that was a coincidence or a deliberate arrangement, it was hard to tell in the dark.

"B, you got a good grip?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I can't see anywhere closer to the door to stop. Stay there, I'm gonna try to reach it."

She stretched out, dangling precariously as she held on with only one hand.

"Fuck! No dice."

"Let's switch places."

"What?"

"Let me try."

Faith rolled her eyes even though Buffy couldn't see her.

"How's that make any sense? You're shorter than me."

"Well, I'm coming down. Maybe I can tell you…"

"Stay right there. I don't need you backseat slaying."

But Buffy kept coming anyway, not exactly a surprise to either of them. When she got right above Faith, she stopped.

"Hi, fancy meeting you here."

"Bein' all cute doesn't stop me from bein' pissed."

"Maybe not, but being stuck on the side of the ship isn't exactly going to help your mood either."

"Fine, Princess, what's your idea?"

"Well, it's kind of risky."

Faith rolled her eyes again and did her best to look up at the moron above her.

"Well if it's dangerous, count me out, B. I'll just keep hangin' on here and wait to be rescued in the morning."

"You could shift over to my leg and then I'll come down to your spot. That should give you enough extra reach to open the door."

"With my feet."

"Yes, okay, it's not ideal, but I don't see any other way to do it, do you?"

Faith thought it over for a few seconds.

"Yeah, could maybe work. Okay, let's give it a shot."

Buffy inched down as close as she could to Faith, then extended her leg.

"On three. One…two…three!"

Faith let go and grabbed onto Buffy's leg.

"Wow, I wish you hadn't finished the tiramisu."

"That's funny, B, while I'm hangin' onto your little stick leg."

"Hey, I have good legs!"

"Can we just do this already?"

Buffy began moving down.

"That's as far as I can go."

"It's good, I can touch the handle now."

Faith's sneakers gave her good traction and she began twisting.

"It's working, B. Can you give me any more slack at all?"

"If I let both legs dangle and hold on with just my tongue."

"You definitely got some wicked tongue skills on ya…Go for it."

"Maybe if I hang on with just one hand, but you'll have to be fast because I won't have a great grip."

"Ready when you are."

Buffy counted it off again, then let go. Faith dropped down and her shoes gripped the door handle firmly.

"Got it, B! Hang on for just a few."

Buffy's hand was already slipping and she began trying to figure out what she should go for if she fell. There didn't seem to be anything in sight for a long way down.

"Faster, Faith!"

"Almost…Got it!"

The entire door came off and flew out into the night sea. Both girls watched it go, knowing any chance they had of covering their tracks was now gone with the wind.

"Shit!"

Buffy pulled them up and took a solid grip with both hands.

"See why you need backseat slaying?"

"How was I s'posed to know? Thought it was gonna take full strength."

"I assume you were planning to jump on the door to get into the room?"

"Yeah, was gonna be a piece of cake too. Now what? We're still above the freakin' opening."

Buffy was trying to think and think quickly. She couldn't hold them all night.

"Damn it, I wish we had that rope."

"Yeah, well who knew that shit would be all tied up?"

"Don't make me laugh, Faith."

"Sorry. The bottom line's I need a few more inches lower than we had."

"I can give them to you, but I'll have to fall to do it."

"That's all I can figure too. I'll be there, B."

"Let me look around a little…Okay, there's no place to really hang on, but I should be able to pause a few times."

"Yeah, here's a good spot here and another right there."

Buffy looked down between her dangling legs at where Faith was pointing.

"Got it. Remember when I said I wanted some exertion?"

"Yeah?"

"I take it back."

Faith laughed:

"I hear ya, Slayer."

"I'm ready when you are."

"Good to go."

Buffy edged down carefully, then went back to her previous one-handed grip. She began swinging from side to side, her hold loosening with each swing.

"Get ready, Faith…One more swing…Now!"

Buffy let go as they swung towards the door and Faith landed inside the room, somersaulting to her feet in an instant as she turned with Slayer speed. She gripped the jagged door frame, the metal jamming deeply into her hand as she leaned out as far as she could. Buffy was scrabbling as she fell, slowing her descent as much as possible by grabbing at any tiny niche available and dragging her feet against the side of the ship. Her hand stretched out as she fell past the opening, and Faith just managed to grasp her wrist as she went by.

Faith cried out as the metal cut painfully into her hand, but she held on tight and braced herself while Buffy's body weight tried to pull them both over the side. Once her momentum stopped, Faith hauled her up and in, her hand ripping clear from the door frame as they both fell back breathing hard.

They lay side by side waiting for their hearts to stop pounding, which was going to take even longer since the crew on the Bridge hit the searchlights. Obviously they'd heard the commotion, but there was nothing to see anymore. The lights turned off after a couple of minutes and no one came to check the supply room.

"Jesus, hope we can use the fuckin' door to get outta here."

"Otherwise I'm voting for just staying here until someone finds us. Nice catch, by the way."

"Yeah, well it was that or head after ya. Figured this way was easier."

Buffy kissed her.

"You're bleeding."

"No big. I used the metal to hold us."

"Great idea, but ow."

"It's already healing, B. I'm alright."

"I'm a little afraid to turn around. If there's nothing good in here…"

"B, for real now – if there's not a portal with a sign that says: 'Sex Slave Highway'…"

They stood and turned and although there was no portal, there was plenty to make the journey well worth it.

"Whoa, what the hell's this stuff?"

Buffy walked over to what appeared to be an altar.

"I'm not sure, but it's definitely demony. And there's blood on these stones, so I'd say sacrificing goes on here."

"And over here there's like…fuck, I think it's skin!"

"'Skin' skin or shed skin?"

"How the hell would I know? It's just skin, like big pieces of it. It's wicked gross."

Buffy bent down:

"I can't read it because I don't speak 'Evil Sex Demon', but there's some kind of incantation written on the floor. That's always a sign of bad things."

"And so is skin just layin' on the fucking floor!"

Buffy stood up, wiping her hands on her jeans.

"I think we can safely say that Karin's our demon."

"Yeah, so let's get the hell outta here and figure out how to stop her."

"I just wish we could find out what this says."

"Probably opens a portal for delivery in thirty minutes or your sex slave's free."

Buffy took a last look around, then headed to the door that led to the hallway. She pressed her ear against it for a few moments.

"I don't hear anything."

"Let's go for it then."

They were both silently praying that the door would open because they had no idea how they were going to get out of the room if it didn't. Buffy pushed down on the handle and it swung open with ease.

"Fuck me, B! Luck's finally goin' our way."

They quickly stepped out into the empty hall and it was then that the trouble started. As Buffy tried to shut the door, she found she couldn't.

"C'mon, B. Shut the door and let's motor!"

"Wow, I never would have thought of that, Faith. I can't close the door."

"What?"

"See me pushing, and with Slayer strength and everything."

Faith tried, but it only moved slightly for her as well.

"I think we must have messed up the spell. We probably need to say a password or something."

"Well, 'less you're holdin' out, B, that's not happening. Let's try shoving together."

Their combined strength finally got the door closed, but it didn't want to latch.

"Maybe we can…"

The door to the Bridge began to open and Faith quickly pushed it shut. They could hear the muffled exclamation of surprise and then someone was trying to open it again. Faith held it closed easily as she turned to Buffy.

"Any ideas, now'd be good time to use'em."

Buffy took a running leap and slammed into the door with both feet. She stepped back and waited for it to spring open, but it stayed in place.

"I think I've got it."

There was now a loud banging against the bridge door and Faith grinned:

"Boys want out. Just follow my lead, B."

She then slumped to the carpeted floor, her head lolling as she leaned her back against the door, and the three men yelling and shoving to get out finally managed to succeed – partially.

"Whoa, stand down! There's a body blocking the door. Ma'am? Ma'am, are you all right?"

"Didn't order room service…Fuck off!"

"Ma'am…"

"Baby, there you are!"

Buffy crouched down next to her as the lead exiter tried to slide out the half open door. The space was a little too small and he remained wedged in tight

"Could you please move aside, ma'am? We're trying to get out."

"Hiya, B. I was waiting and waiting, but you never came to bed."

"How much have you had to drink?"

"Wouldn't you like to…to…Wouldn't you…You're pretty."

"Miss, we need to get out."

"What?"

Buffy looked up, seeming to notice them for the first time.

"We need to get out."

"Oh right, we're so sorry! Just one second, please. Faith…"

"I wanna get a drink, B."

"Surely you've had plenty by now, so let's just get you to bed and..."

"Stop callin' me 'Shirley'. HAHAHA!!! Fuck, that movie's funny. You like it, don't ya?"

"Yes, it's great."

Buffy got to her feet and pulled Faith with her. She leaned heavily on Buffy, knocking her slightly sideways.

"Can't wait to get me in bed, can ya Laverne?"

She turned to go into the now wide-open Bridge door, but Buffy steered her around in a circle, smiling apologetically at the crew.

"Baby, this isn't our room."

"Sure it is. Hey, who are these assholes? And why's there three?"

"Ma'am, do you need some help with her?"

"No, I can…"

"Hey, I take good care of my girl! She doesn't need some hot stud in a uniform. You're not even a good lookin' woman, so butt out!"

"Thank you, Officer, but I can handle her. We're so sorry about…everything."

He smiled and tipped his hat.

"It's no problem, it happens a lot more than you think."

"Come on, Faith. I want to show you something."

"Does it have no clothes on and look like you?"

"Yep, and it's right this way."

They staggered off to the elevators and Faith continued leaning on Buffy, nuzzling into her neck, nibbling and kissing, and generally making Buffy crazy for her. They rode down one floor to the Rotterdam Deck and exited clumsily as Faith could barely walk. When the doors closed, Buffy let go and Faith stood up straight.

"Aww, B, don't ya like me hangin' on ya?"

"That's all you've been doing all night. How's your hand?"

Faith looked at it:

"Pretty good."

"Well, I want to check it when we get inside."

Buffy opened the door and Faith shut it behind them when they got inside. She immediately began singing that she was "Closer to Fine" and twirled Buffy around to face the "dime" on the door. It was shiny, shinier than they'd ever seen it, and Buffy kissed her.

"You are so cute."

Yeah?"

"Yeah, but you messed up my lipstick."

Buffy grabbed the tube, but Faith took it from her and sat it down on the table.

"No sense puttin' any on. I'm just gonna mess it up again."

They kissed until it flashed green and they knew there were no cameras in the room. That meant audio devices only.

"Hey B, got any Indigos on your iPod?"

"On my other one I have a playlist, but I'm not sure if I put any on here. Let me check…"

There were three bugs: one in the bedroom on top of the vanity mirror, one behind the side table in the dining area, and the last one was on the balcony ceiling above the whirlpool.

"Shit, B, I can't find my ID card."

"You had it at dinner."

"Well I don't got it now. Damn!"

Buffy tried not to laugh as Faith held up her "missing" ID card and stared at it cross-eyed.

"Don't get all stressed, Faith. Let's just retrace our steps."

"Well, I had it when we got drinks…Wait a sec, I pulled out my room key after we got outta the elevator, so it's probably in the hallway! C'mon, let's go check."

"Why do you insist on wearing those jeans? This happens every time."

"But baby, who cares about shallow pockets when my ass looks this great?"

As soon as their cabin door closed, Faith was talking:

"Okay, so somebody's listenin' in."

"Uh-huh, and two guesses who it is."

Faith nodded:

"So do we play dumb for her or should we just put it out there?"

"We still have the element of surprise as far as us being Slayers, but I think we should put everything else out there and see if we can make her do something physical."

"Thing is, how'd she know? It just happened and no way did she have time to…"

"No, it's not because of tonight, Faith. It's from when we were trying to open the door before. She must have an alarm and maybe even a camera in the hallway."

"Makes sense. Okay, so we try to get her to come after us. What about our other problem?"

Buffy was puzzled.

"Other problem?"

"Yeah, no way you'll let me fuck you if somebody's listening in."

Buffy turned red.

"Uh…no, I won't."

"So what do we do?"

"Well…there's no bug in the bathroom."

"Sold! Let's go."

"But we have to make sure to close the door."

Faith grinned and picked her up:

"We'll leave the water running too."

Buffy kissed her, but after reciprocating, Faith didn't move.

"Hello, sex in a Jacuzzi tub is waiting right on the other side of that door…and through two rooms…and two more doors, but still..."

"Yeah, it is."

"So, let's go! Severely exerted muscles here and a serious case of the hornies."

"By any chance, B…did you grab your room key or the lock pick when we came out here?"

Buffy started laughing and tucked her head into Faith's chest.

"I've got nothing."

"Me either. Wanna just do it in the hall?"

"Um…maybe we should use the phone in the Neptune Lounge and get somebody to come unlock the door."

Faith put Buffy back on her feet and they headed for the Courtesy phone just a few doors down.

"Let's call the Captain. Sure she'll wanna help us out."

Chapter Eight

Friday was a beautiful day: blue skies, yellow sun, and cool breezes blowing across the ship's deck as the ms Oosterdam sailed for San Diego. The passengers were out in full force, the pools were packed, the restaurants were jumping, and all of the amenities were being used to their utmost. The last day was going to be as thoroughly enjoyed by as many people possible before they had to trudge back to their normal, everyday lives.

Buffy and Faith were currently enjoying some of the pleasures the Lido Deck had to offer. They'd had a delicious breakfast at the little outdoor café before moving over to the two cozy lounge chairs that were located poolside. Life was perfect on the cruise, and Buffy and Faith were making sure to enjoy it while they waited for someone to try to kill them.

Faith was having a particularly good time rubbing suntan lotion all over Buffy and seeing what she could get away with.

"Faith, I think you've already done my thighs."

"Yeah, but I see a spot I missed."

Faith let her fingers edge a little too far under Buffy's suit.

"See, B? I didn't get here before."

"Just because you're turning me on doesn't mean I'm going to let you cop a feel."

"What about this?"

Faith's fingers drifted slowly towards the inside of Buffy's thighs, swirling lightly as they roamed. Buffy looked at her over her sunglasses:

"Faith, stop it."

"But ya got goose bumps and everything."

Buffy's hand encircled Faith's wrist with an iron grip.

"I'm not going to have a sexual experience out here with fifty people watching."

"How 'bout if I get twenty-five of'em to close their eyes?"

"Go cool off in the pool."

"Can I at least get a kiss first?"

Buffy couldn't help but smile:

"You really have to be seen to be believed."

"Not gonna help much, B. Gotta experience the whole package to really get it."

"Don't I know it."

Buffy lifted up until their lips met, and she chose to ignore that Faith's left hand palmed her right breast as she "struggled" for balance. The kiss lasted a while, Faith's tongue taking control and her hand squeezing in time with its movements.

"Faith…"

Buffy had to pull away or she was going to take her right then and there.

"…stop feeling me up and go cool off."

With a grin and a final squeeze, Faith headed for the pool. She dove in gracefully with every eye on her, and Buffy watched her beautiful body stroke smoothly through the water. That body was made for stroking and for being stroked, but no matter how many people were looking at her and wishing it was them, it was only Buffy that was going to get to stroke to her heart's content. When she added in the fact that Faith was the very best stroker ever…

Her view was suddenly obstructed as a tan, smooth, shapely set of hips and a perfectly toned stomach got between her and wet, almost naked Faith. She looked up to see who it was, but she never got the chance.

"Buffy!"

And then Carmen was leaning down to embrace Buffy, her almost naked breasts rubbing against Buffy in way too many places, and her lips kissing Buffy's cheek like they had every right to. But it wasn't over as Carmen went all continental and switched to the other cheek, her breasts dragging across Buffy's and making her squirm…which made it a million times worse.

She finally got off…of Buffy by straightening up, but then she sat down on the edge of the chair with her, and the term "uncomfortably close" didn't even remotely do it justice.

"How are you? It seems like forever since we last saw each other! Nancy and I stayed in Mazatlan and caught a charter plane to Cabo. We just made it back in time before the ship took off!"

"Um, could you move?"

No, apparently she couldn't, or maybe she could. Her ass was certainly in constant motion as it kept rubbing back and forth against Buffy's thigh.

"You look absolutely stunning in that bikini! Your skin's so perfect everywhere, not a flaw in sight."

"Carmen…"

She started to run her hand down Buffy's leg and then she was gone, sailing through the air to land in the middle of the pool with an enormous splash. Faith never even looked back. She simply bent down and gave Buffy a peck on the lips, then hopped onto her own chair and stretched out.

"You were right, B. I always forget how much swimming settles me down."

Her eyes closed and her body looked totally relaxed, but Buffy knew it wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Carmen was climbing out of the pool with murder in her eyes, well, what Buffy could see of them through the straggles of dark, wet hair hanging on her face. Even though she should have looked like a drowned rat, she was still somehow stunningly beautiful, and Buffy had to wonder how women like her could pull off "beautiful" no matter what circumstance they found themselves in. Although Faith was really the master at that because…

"Stand up, puta."

Faith never moved.

"You hear me, bitch. Get up!"

Faith still didn't move, her eyes remaining closed, and Buffy got to her feet to diffuse the situation. Carmen's arm unexpectedly shot out as Buffy was halfway up, and the shove knocked her off balance and back onto her chair. It was then that Faith's eyes opened and they did not look friendly.

"Thought I just made it clear you don't touch my girl."

"Is that what you thought you were doing?"

Buffy spoke up quickly:

"Carmen, you don't want to…"

"Buffy, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shove you. I'm also sorry you're married to this…this creature, but she needs to be taught some manners."

Faith's smile was nothing but dangerous:

"You'd like that, yeah, Carmen? Get me all tied up, at your mercy. Or maybe your bigmouthed ball and chain is the dom. Seems like it couldn't be, but I know how that kink goes. So tell us, Carm: Who's on top?"

Carmen flushed and took another step closer.

"Stand up."

"Carmen, I know you're upset, but Faith and I are together and you have been pretty grabby. Why don't you just…"

"I'm not talking to you, Buffy. I'm talking to your filthy cunt of a wife."

That got Buffy on her feet:

"Whoa! Let's not go there. I let you get away with 'puta', but the 'c' word is way out of bounds. Just leave before…"

Carmen looked at Buffy:

"I don't know why you're with her, but it's a disgrace and it's sickening to watch."

Faith half sat up on her chair:

"Can't stand it, can ya? The most beautiful woman on this boat's with me, and here's the best part: She wants to top me? I'll let her. She wants me to top her, I'll swing that way. I'll do anything for B, including not snapping your neck and tossing your worthless body overboard. Now run the fuck along."

Carmen stood frozen in place, her face a study in fury…and then she swung at Faith. It was a pretty good swing, there was some power behind it and she had good form. She also had her fist held in Buffy's hand and the Slayer's eyes were looking into hers.

"Wow, you really are just that stupid, aren't you? Let me explain: Faith and I are in love, and that doesn't include you and Nancy. It doesn't include us playing sex games with you, and it definitely doesn't include you calling the woman I love such ugly names and then trying to hit her."

Carmen tried to pull her arm back, but found she couldn't budge at all.

"She told you to leave, but then you decided you had to escalate things. That was a mistake, Carmen, because now you've made me mad and anyone who knows me will tell you that's never a good thing."

Buffy easily forced Carmen's arm back to her side, then walked her backwards to the edge of the pool. Her hands slid down to grasp Carmen's waist and she lifted her onto the ledge in front of the pool deck.

"I'd suggest you stop bothering us now, and please pass the word along to Nancy that I won't tolerate another bad word about Faith. I don't like it, and I'm all done being nice. Oh, and if you see Ilene, tell her I said her show sucked."

And with that, Buffy shoved and Carmen flew back into the water. Buffy didn't hang around to watch, she was already returning to a beaming Faith.

"Would you mind if we went back to our room now? I have the sudden urge to do disgraceful things to you."

"…You said we're in love."

"Uh-huh. Aren't we?"

"Damn straight, we are."

Faith grabbed her and delivered a kiss that everyone watching wanted for their own. They heard the applause, and when the kissed ended, Faith turned Buffy with her to face them:

"Been a blast girls, but me and B got us some business to take care of."

Buffy had a huge "Buffy" smile on her face, and she waved all shy and goofy as Faith wrapped an arm around her waist and led her off. Carmen stormed out of the pool and overheard a group of friends talking as she passed by:

"See? Told you when we first saw them – those two are crazy about each other."

"And they look beautiful together."

"Dark and light, can't beat it."

"Plus they're both so strong and sexy."

"That was hot how they stuck up for each other. Damn!"

Last night had been difficult. Once they'd managed to get back into their locked room, Buffy and Faith had had sex in the bathroom in just about every way possible, and then they had gone to bed and cuddled while discussing their "latest" case. They'd decided that pretending to be hired by someone to investigate the Captain and her ship would be the most effective way to get some action, and they'd played their roles to the hilt before going to sleep.

"What do ya think, B?"

"I don't know, but something very weird is going on and Captain Karin's in it up to her eyeballs."

"When we get to San Diego, I know some guys who should be able to get in there."

"I hate to involve anyone else, but our first priority has to be our client."

"If we gotta, we can always go to the cops, but I don't think they'll know what they're dealing with."

"Let's make that our last resort, F. We need to set up some type of surveillance on her and run a more thorough background check. Maybe there's something there we missed the first time around."

"Well, whatever it is, it's big. Let's see if we can get a sit-down with her tomorrow, maybe rattle her enough so that she fucks up."

They'd continued the charade when they woke up in the morning. Buffy even talked about her reporter friend at the L.A. Times who would be very interested in what they'd found so far. But now as they entered their room in the late morning hours, Faith was apparently all done with the set-up.

"Okay, Karin. We're done playin' games. I wanna be with B now and I'd prefer you not gettin' your jollies while we do it. We'll meet ya at midnight on the Sports Deck. Try somethin' between now and then, well, better be ready for this boat to capsize."

She ripped the bug from the side table, strode out onto the balcony and leapt up, snatching the one from the ceiling. She came back in and grabbed Buffy's hand, dragging her behind her into the bedroom. As she passed by the bed, she pushed Buffy down on it, then tore off the last listening device from the vanity mirror.

"Be right back, B."

She went into the bathroom and Buffy heard the toilet flush…twice. Then Faith was walking back to her wearing nothing but a smile.

"They're gone. Why ya still got your suit on?"

"Because you're beautiful."

Faith's smile increased, and she hopped on the bed, straddling Buffy.

"Okay, that makes no sense at all, B. I like it."

Faith ran her hands under Buffy's bikini top, feeling the hardness that was waiting for her touch.

"It's not much of a roadblock and it's wicked hot."

Buffy moaned loudly:

"It feels good too."

Faith kissed her, her mouth trailing down.

"Ya taste like 'coconut flavored B'."

Buffy's stomach quivered as Faith's lips caressed it, her teeth nipping lightly as she traveled downward.  She sat up, her hands rubbing back and forth along Buffy's legs until she picked up exactly where she'd been forced to leave off, her fingers trailing to the inside of Buffy's thighs and easing under her bikini bottoms.

"Faith…"

"Was tryin' to do this before, but ya just wouldn't let me."

"Feel free now."

"I feel like I'm flyin', B."

They went to the Lido Restaurant for lunch and assembled a huge meal to take back to their balcony to enjoy. They weren't taking any chances they didn't have to, and ordering room service would have potentially given the Captain and any of her unknown associates an open invitation to tamper with their food.

"Yeah, we order room service, I wake up tied down with Carmen beatin' the shit outta me and you got Nancy askin' you questions with no end in sight."

Buffy shuddered:

"I'm not sure which one would be worse."

After they finished the food, they held hands and watched the view go by until Faith turned to Buffy with a big smile:

"Okay, we gotta go get ready now."

"Ready? For what?"

Faith stood up:

"Got a surprise for ya."

Buffy was instantly suspicious:

"Is this a good surprise or a bad surprise?"

"Yeah B, it's a bad surprise, so could you get up so I can make ya cry?"

"Sorry, it's just that usually surprises…"

Faith rolled her eyes:

"Man, gonna take a lotta work to whip you into shape."

Buffy stood up all defensive:

"Well, can you blame me? It's like every one of my birthdays since…"

Faith kissed her.

"B, just shut up and let me tell ya, okay?"

"Okay."

"I made us an appointment at the spa for the works."

"Really? I love things like that! And you're doing it too?"

"Well, sure. Can't have you bein' the only hot bitch here."

Buffy kissed and hugged her:

"You're so sweet, Faith."

"Surprise! Go get ready, we gotta motor."

They got there and only had to wait a couple of minutes before they were taken to their room. It was just enough time for Faith to whisper to Buffy to play along.

"With what?

"We're here as Carmen and Nancy."

"What? Why?"

'Sides the chance to stick'em with the bill -- which far as I can see, they owe us way more – I thought it'd be safer if Karin couldn't track us everywhere we go."

Buffy nodded, clearly thinking it over.

"That's smart, Faith……and can you just imagine the look on their faces?"

"Yeah, and when you get the deluxe package for two, it gets pretty pricey."

They were laughing when their masseuses came to get them:

"Ms. Hernandez?"

Faith stood and offered her hand to Buffy:

"Right here, and this is the lovely Ms. Conrad."

"If you'll follow us, ladies, we'll get started."

The private room had a beautiful view with an entire wall of windows that revealed nothing but the ocean. The side by side massage tables were next to the windows and once it became clear that neither masseuse was planning to shove them overboard, there was no way for the Slayers not to relax and enjoy each pampered moment.

The rubdowns were great when they finally managed to convince Gerda and Debbie that they could actually handle the deeper massage.

"That's not too hard is it, Ms. Conrad?"

"…"

"Ms. Conrad?"

"…Who? Oh, me! Yes, I mean, no. It feels like heaven. And please, just call me Buf…Nancy."

"Pardon, miss?"

Buffy heard Faith laughing under her breath.

"Just call me 'Nancy', Gerda."

When the massages were over, they soaked in the Jacuzzi tub for half an hour, sipping champagne and eating chocolate covered strawberries. Faith let Buffy have the spot with the ocean view.

"Take it, Nance, I'll just stare at you."

Buffy blushed at the look in Faith's eye.

"Don't even think about it, Carmen."

"I won't do it, B, but no way can ya stop me from thinkin' about it."

And Buffy couldn't, that much was clear, and she was rattled after just five minutes.

"Would you please stop?"

"What?"

But the smirk on her face said Faith knew exactly what Buffy was talking about.

"Faith, we're supposed to be relaxing."

Faith slide forward:

"One kiss, then I'll stop."

"'One kiss'? That's it?"

"Yep."

"Okay, that's not a prob…"

"But we gotta share this strawberry first, then our lips can meet like in 'Lady and the Tramp'."

"Faith, they could walk back in at any second."

"They're not comin' in, that's why they said they'd buzz us five minutes 'fore they come back. They expect us to be fooling around."

Buffy was obviously against the idea, or at least uncertain about it, but she opened her legs so that Faith could slide closer.

"One shared strawberry and one kiss, then you have to go back over there."

"Sure. Wanna lawyer up or just shake on it?"

Buffy chose a strawberry and placed it between her lips.

"Jus gwo, Fway!"

"What, B?"

Buffy put her hand behind Faith's head and pulled her close. Faith had no choice but to open her mouth, and she snatched the fruit right away from Buffy.

"Hey!"

Faith let the strawberry drop into the bathtub, a wicked grin on her face.

"What are you doing, Faith? That wasn't part of the deal."

"Sure it was."

"You said we were going to share the strawberry until our lips met!"

"Didn't say which lips, B."

And with that, Faith disappeared under the water.

"Faith!"

But then they were lips to lips, and it wasn't long before Buffy couldn't exactly remember what her objection had been. The good news was that Faith was back up before the buzzer rang, and no one said a word to her about how wet her hair was. The happy, smart ass smile on her face explained the wicked sitch just fine.

They ate their final onboard dinner at the Lido Restaurant, and despite the impending battle that was coming all too soon, they were having a great time just eating and telling funny stories.

"No, really, Faith. Kennedy does something like that almost every time."

"Not arguing that, just can't figure how she never gets her ass totaled."

"I have no idea, but any tiny change and she just stands there like an idiot."

"Fuck B, can you imagine her in bed: 'But wait, Willow, we're supposed to do three thrusts and then two swirls!'"

Buffy almost sprayed her mouthful of Diet Coke all over the table as she laughed.

"Oh God!"

"'But baby, you always do that with your left hand!'"

"Stop! All I know is that Will says their sex life is excellent."

"B, you know there's no way 'less she uses magic all the fucking time….literally."

They were both laughing when the Steward approached their table:

"Pardon me, are you the Lehanes?"

"Ya got us."

He smiled and handed Faith a sealed envelope.

"This is from the Captain. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

With a tip of his hat and a friendly smile, he was gone, leaving the Slayers to stare at the potential hand grenade he'd left behind.

"What'd ya think: anthrax or just 'yo mama' jokes?"

"She'd be stupid to try and kill us in public. The same with putting anything in writing."

Faith handed her the letter.

"You're Head Slayer, B. You handle it."

Buffy opened it gingerly.

"Okay, so far, so good. No white puffs of powder, no explosions…"

"Maybe it's an invite to her next skinning party."

"I guess there's only one way to find out."

Their outdoor table wasn't isolated, but there weren't a lot of people around them either, most passengers opting instead to eat at one of the fancier restaurants on the final night. Buffy still kept her voice a little lower than normal to be safe, but Faith could hear her easily:

Buffy and Faith,

 I suppose a friendly greeting isn't exactly in order, is it? I somehow find that a great pity. I will most assuredly meet you at the time and place you suggested, aft will work best, and I hope your afternoon was as jolly as you wanted it to be.

Sincerely,

Captain Karin Stahre-Janson

"That's it?"

"Yep, she's apparently a demon of few words."

"She doesn't seem too spooked either."

"No, I'd say she's downright self-assured and way too calm."

Faith nodded and reached for Buffy's hand:

"Which kinda makes it seem like she's got a trap set for us."

"I'd say that's pretty likely."

"Then I'm thinking just walkin' up the stairs isn't our best bet, B."

"A different approach is definitely needed."

Faith stood and brought Buffy with her:

"Okay, I say we head back to the room and come up with a kick ass plan."

"That's a fabulous idea, Faith."

"Yeah, well, I'm not just a sex object, ya know?"

The night was another beautiful one, topping off a perfect week of weather for a Mexican Riviera cruise. The stars were out by the zillions and the breeze was still warm, but with a slight coolness that made it feel nothing but delightfully refreshing…at least to human skin. Buffy didn't have a clue how it felt to a demon.

She walked along the empty Observation Deck and emerged from under the overhang of the Sports Deck into the Aft pool area. It was pretty at night, the lights adding to the festive quality, but Buffy had no time to enjoy it as she climbed the outdoor steps up to the Sports Deck, her eyes sweeping the area for any signs of an ambush.

She spotted Karin seated in a chair in front of the entrance to the basketball/volleyball court, and she stood slowly as Buffy approached. She was dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt, and white tennis shoes with red trim, the very picture of a normal woman, but then that was the image Buffy herself presented to the world.

She stopped about twenty feet away, hyperaware of every sound and movement around her, and ready for action in an instant if need be.

"Hello, Buffy."

"Hi, Karin."

"And where is Faith, if I might ask?"

"We had a fight and I threw her overboard."

Karin chuckled:

"I've heard the Slayer has a sense of humor in all circumstances."

"So you know who I am."

"I suspected as much, but then tearing off a metal door you shouldn't have even been able to get near, that kind of confirmed my suspicions."

"That was Faith's bad. After the spell on the regular door, she thought it was going to be harder to open."

"A logical assumption on her part. I stupidly assumed I'd taken sufficient precautions to ensure that no one could reach it. I hadn't anticipated on two Slayers trying."

Buffy began looking around:

"What about when you dock?"

"I clear it out before then and when we sail, no one even remembers it's there."

"You wipe their minds or use a 'concealment' spell."

Karin nodded:

"And it's worked like clockwork until now. So, what's next for us?"

Buffy shrugged:

"I don't suppose you'd want to kill yourself in a tragic boating accident?"

Karin laughed again and shook her head:

"Sorry, I'm not the suicidal type."

"I didn't think so. If you don't mind me asking – what kind of demon are you?"

"I'm afraid that has to stay my secret since it could only help you kill me."

"Well I had to ask, just in case. You'd be surprised how many demons tell me stuff."

Karin walked to the railing and peeked over:

"I doubt you've ever faced my kind before or even heard of us. We're rare now and we don't exactly adapt well to living with humans."

"We noticed."

"So when will Faith be revealing herself?"

"Just as soon as you reveal your minions."

"There's no one up here but the three of us, Buffy."

Buffy smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes:

"And you expect me to believe that?"

"No, you wouldn't be the oldest Slayer on record if you did. You're legendary among my kind, you know."

"You're not going to ask for my autograph, are you?"

"In different circumstances, I might. We tell your tales and you're widely feared and respected around the world. Very few would dare to challenge you."

"And yet here you are all by your lonesome, doing just that."

Karin walked over to the other side of the courts and looked towards the stairs.

"Not by choice, I can assure you. If we were on land, I could have invoked the sacred bond and had back-up with me even though I am somewhat of an outcast."

"My heart breaks for you, Karin."

"If you persist in this, one or more of us will surely die."

"Faith and I are hoping that's your part in things."

Karin's hand pulled on the rope connected to the netting covering the courts and it fell, almost catching Buffy in its midst. Unfortunately for Karin, "almost" didn't work when it came to the Slayer and Buffy rolled clear…right into the heavy deck chair Karin threw. It caught Buffy on the left shoulder, the heavy wood slamming her back against the metal railings and machinery behind her.

Faith decided to tag in, and she slid down the line of lights strung from one of the ship's funnels to the pool area, using a stolen piece of rope from one of the lifeboats. Lights popped and smoked as they broke, the glass flying everywhere as she timed her jump perfectly. She landed on Karin and knocked her hard to the deck. They were both on their feet in seconds, but Faith was up first and she swung, connecting with Karin's jaw. She went down again, smashing into the railing with enough force to bend the metal slightly. She staggered quickly to her feet and stood in a defensive position until she saw that Faith wasn't attacking.

"B…"

"I'm fine."

Faith turned to Karin:

"Fucking bitch. I'm gonna…"

Karin straightened, her hands spread out in a placating gesture.

"I'm sorry. You're not really hurt, are you, Buffy?"

"No worries, I'll still be able to snap your neck when I need to."

"I merely wanted to see where Faith was. It was making me nervous knowing that she was lurking someplace unseen and ready to strike."

"Yeah? Well let's see how nervous you get when I'm in your fucking face."

Karin resumed her defensive stance:

"I don't suppose there's some way to avoid this?"

Buffy stood, shaking off the pain in her shoulder.

"That tragic boating accident thing is still on the table."

"Don't forget that can go both ways, Slayer."

"Let's knock off the chitchat and get to it."

And with that, Faith waded in, delivering three quick punches that rocked Karin back. She turned with Faith's next blow and kicked out, catching her in the stomach. The air whooshed out of Faith as she crashed into her own section of railing, her spine trying hard to tell her it needed a much softer landing spot the next time around.

"Buffy, we'll be in San Diego in a few hours. Why not just walk away?"

"Because we fight demons, Karin, it's in the job description."

Buffy hit her with a four punch combo, the final blow lifting Karin over the railing and sending her crashing down hard into the chairs by the Aft pool.

Faith was back up and at Buffy's side as they watched Karin struggling to untangle herself.

"Are you okay?"

"Coupla fucked ribs on my right side. You?"

"My left shoulder's going to be trouble."

"Works out good. I'll stay on your left, you stay on my right. Let's end this bitch."

Buffy took the stairs at Slayer speed as Faith jumped the railing, landing cleanly on the deck. Karin was up and she caught Faith on the jaw with an uppercut, but Faith kept coming anyway. She tackled Karin back into the chairs, making them both groan in pain as they knocked several over and landed awkwardly on the others. They finally ran out of seats and tumbled to the deck, rolling over a few times as they struggled for control… and then Karin's knee caught Faith in her bruised ribs.

She yelled and her grip loosened, allowing Karin to stand. She started to kick Faith in the side when both of Buffy's feet struck her dead center in the back. She hit the deck and slid face first into the railing, and Buffy never hesitated. She ignored Faith, leaping over her prone body to land on Karin's back right where she'd just kicked her.

Karin practically screamed from the intense pain, and Buffy hooked her arms around her neck and began twisting. She pulled Karin's torso back in an inverted bow, doing her best to break her neck and snap her spine at the same time.

"See? I told you these bitches were up here. Closed for repairs, my ass. Buffy, this isn't over. I want…Oh my God!"

The distraction was exactly what Karin needed and the sound of Buffy's cry as her arm was twisted right to the breaking point was loud in the night air. She rolled clear as Karin whirled to face her, lessening the demon powered head butt to merely brain rattling instead of the fight ending unconsciousness Karin had been aiming for.

"Get the fuck out of here!"

Faith was up and gesturing at Nancy and Carmen to run, but they were both in shock and continued to stand in place, paralyzed by the sight of the fight.

Buffy and Karin were squared off and trading ferocious blows. Blood sprayed everywhere as they stood toe to toe, and when Faith saw that Buffy was holding her own, she tried again:

"Move, you fuckin' idiots. It's not safe for you up here!"

A chair came sailing through the air, and although Faith couldn't believe it herself, she dove into Carmen, knocking her to safety and taking the impact in her injured ribs and back. She landed on top of her and Carmen was screaming bloody murder like she was being eviscerated.

"Shut up, asshole, you're fine. Shhh…Pipe down!"

Carmen wouldn't stop and even though the deck was closed and the deck below was the rowdy, loud, party central Lido Deck, somebody was going to hear her ear piercing, banshee wailing and come up to investigate. What they would find was two passengers attempting to kill the Captain, and that just wasn't going to fly.

With a grin, Faith punched Carmen and knocked her out. She got to her feet, flicking Carmen's nose for good measure while she did, then dragged her off to the side and out of harm's way. Next she looked at Nancy who was just short of running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Faith picked her up, gently eased her into the pool, and then told her to stay there or she'd personally snap her neck.

 Nancy stayed in the pool.

Blood was still spraying, grunts and groans were flying fast and furious, and two against one didn't seem like much of an advantage because Karin was one tough demon. Faith looked around for a weapon, but the best thing she could find was a chair. She snapped off a thick jagged piece and looked for an opening. Buffy quickly gave it to her, but Karin sensed Faith coming and brought her arm up just in time.

She yelled and tried to pull back as Faith excruciatingly dragged the makeshift stake down the length of her arm.

"I don't want this!"

"Yeah, well too bad. You're gettin' it."

Karin kicked out and hit Faith hard in the thigh, but she retaliated by punching Karin's brand new arm wound. She went down screaming with the pain and Faith was right there, the stake held high as she prepared to ram it into the demon's heart.

"Hey!"

A man in uniform tackled Faith, knocking her aside. Karin stood at the same time Buffy did and they collided, knocking Buffy backwards. There was nowhere to go except over the railing, and Buffy spun herself in the air and just managed to grab on with her left hand. Her damaged shoulder protested the strain, but Buffy ignored how much it hurt and hung on. She quickly switched hands just as her bad arm gave up the ghost and went numb.

She heard footsteps approaching and she looked up hoping to see Faith. Instead she saw Karin, not exactly the best sight she'd ever seen in her life. Buffy spotted Faith buried under a barrage of officers who'd followed the first one in, and she could hear the desperation in her voice:

"Get off me! Buffy, hold on! Look at the goddamn railing!"

"This isn't what I wanted, Slayer."

"Not real crazy…about it…myself."

"You are the Chosen One. I won't let you die."

Buffy heard Faith fighting her way clear, the deck littered with unconscious crewmen, as she tried to reach her before Karin could knock her loose.

"Here, take my hand."

"I can't raise my other arm."

"Will Faith listen to me?"

"No."

Karin smiled:

"That's what I thought. This is so not going to look good from her angle."

She leaned way over the railing and grabbed both of Buffy's arms, struggling with her own injuries to pull the Slayer to safety. It hurt like hell for both of them, but Karin hung onto her and they fell back on the deck.

And then Faith was on her. She pummeled Karin with all of the rage and fear she felt, and Karin didn't stand a chance.

"Faith! Faith, stop! Faith!"

She blinked and looked at Buffy in a daze.

"B?!"

She hugged Buffy to her as tightly as she could.

"Jesus…I thought you were dead."

"I'm fine, except now I can't breathe and you're killing me."

Faith kissed her, then eased off…turning her attention back to Karin.

"Got three seconds before I finish killing you."

"Faith, she pulled me up."

"And she started this whole deal. Fine, five seconds."

Karin sat up shakily, spitting out blood as she leaned gingerly against the metal railing.

"I will not take the life of a Slayer."

Faith started toward her, but Buffy's hand grabbed her arm.

"And this change of heart comes from where?"

"I told you that from the start. Being a Captain, living as a human, none of it's worth doing such an evil thing. I understand that Slayers are needed, that you are the warriors who protect the good in this world. Just kill me quickly, please. I won't fight back."

"Ya want a medal now? You fucking murder people and sell women as sex slaves. How the hell do you get the high ground here?"

Karin looked at Faith as if she'd gone insane:

"What? I do what?"

"We saw the room, Karin."

"I'm aware of that, Buffy, but what does my transformation room have to do with murder and selling women?"

"Lemme fucking show you."

Buffy had to hang onto Faith again.

"You tell us, Karin."

"I'm a Drasdon demon, yes, but I'd never do what you're accusing me of. I've given up everything to live among you, and I've never hurt a person in my life...well, except for you guys tonight."

"Right, so wanna explain the human skin we found?"

Karin flushed, embarrassed.

"It's mine. This human body breaks down every few days and I have to re-grow it. It evaporates in a day or so."

Buffy was massaging her sore shoulder:

"And the blood all over the stones?"

"Also mine. I shed like a snake in a way, but human skin adheres tighter than other forms as I'm emotionally attached to being human. My spirit tries to hold on."

"Are you tellin' us you didn't kill anybody?"

Karin sat up as straight as she could and held her hand over her heart:

"Faith, I swear on both my mothers' souls I haven't killed or kidnapped anyone."

It was obvious to both Slayers that she was telling the truth.

Buffy stood shakily:

"Why is there even a room? Why don't you just use your quarters?"

"The ritual requires a space that's not mine, a place that's been blessed as pure. My quarters wouldn't work."

Faith stood and wrapped her arm around Buffy:

"So you're doing all the magic just to hide in plain sight?"

"Yes. I'm a shaman, and I use the magic to keep the sacred room hidden and to 'blind' my crew to its existence. I make sure no big magic can be done anywhere on the ship besides the sacred room because it could mess up my spell and reveal what I truly am."

"This is so fucked up."  

"I don't know anything about women being abducted. I don't think any have been, at least not since I've been Captain."

Buffy was trying to process what they were hearing:

"If all of this is true, why did you think we were trying to kill you?"

Karin looked at both of them like they were stupid:

"Because I'm a demon. Isn't that what you do?"

Faith held out her hand to Karin:

"Not unless you're evil. Christ, what kinda intel you got on us?"

She took Faith's hand gratefully and stood:

"Well, there've been rumors about you befriending demons and sometimes letting them live, but I thought those were just stories. It gets pretty wild sometimes: like the one about Buffy having sex with vampires – male ones too, if you can believe it. Anyway, I figured the stories were like the fairytales we tell our children when they have nightmares about the Slayer."

"Aww…little kids have nightmares about me? That's awful."

"So you don't just kill any demon you come across?"

"I'd never hurt a little kid demon, they don't have to be scared of me."

"B…"

"Sorry. No, we get that some demons aren't evil, Karin, and we live and let live."

"But about her fuckin' vamps, well that's…OW! Jesus, B!"

"So you didn't want me dead just because you're…What would you call it: species-ist?"

"Fuck no! We don't discriminate. Hell, takes all kinds."

Karin smiled, then spit out a tooth.

"So this was all just a simple misunderstanding then."

Buffy laughed, then winced:

"Yeah, a pretty painful simple one."

"Excuse me?"

They all turned towards the tiny voice:

"Can I leave the water now? I'm getting cold."

Faith tried to look friendly:

"Oh shit, yeah sorry. C'mon out, I won't kill ya."

Carmen chose that moment to start coming around.

"No guarantees about her though."

"Faith, did you hit her?"

"I had to, B. She was screamin' and wouldn't shut up."

Nancy ran over to her, all complete with squelchy waterlogged sounds, and Buffy looked at Faith.

"Where did you hit her?"

"I was all careful and just tapped her on the chin."

"Uh-huh. Then why is the tip of her nose so red?"

Faith ran her hand nervously through her hair and winced when it pulled at her ribs.

"She musta fell on it or somethin'. How the fuck do I know?"

"You flicked her nose, didn't you?"

"No, of course not!"

"You are such a liar."

"…"

"…"

"Okay, so maybe I am, but what's a little nose flick, right?"

Karin laughed:

"All things considered, I wish all I'd gotten was a nose flick."

"Yeah, B, see? Even the Captain's onboard."

"You're not funny, F."

"Karin's laughin'."

"Karin's probably got a concussion."

"As much as I'm crazily enjoying this, there's some damage control to do. My crew will need to have this wiped out of their minds, and I'll need to plant a cover story to get this place cleaned up. Also, your friends over there…"

"Who are so totally not our friends."

"They're fuckin' assholes and lucky I didn't waste'em when...Don't gimme that look, B! Was me who took a chair in the back and ribs for that bitch."

Buffy kissed her:

"I know, baby, now shut up and let Karin do what she needs to do."

Karin smiled.

"First, I'll do a glamour on you two so you won't look like you were in a car accident. I can't do big stuff without being in the Transformation room, but it should last you guys long enough to get you into a hotel in San Diego."

"That'd be great, thank you, Karin. Our Slayer healing will take care of the rest pretty fast."

"Yeah, thanks, but what about you? Looks like ya went a few rounds with a coupla Slayers."

"I'll do us all together. Please hold hands."

She chanted for fifteen seconds, then pronounced them finished.

"Uh, Karin? I don't see any change, you and Faith look just as bad as you did."

"The glamour is not for us to see, Buffy. Trust me, it worked. Now for the 'assholes'."

She wiped the incident from Nancy and Carmen's mind, replacing it with the memory of a tipsy Nancy falling into the pool, only to be rescued by Carmen who banged her face on a chair while playing the hero. They actually snuck off the deck, hoping not to get caught in a restricted area.

"Fuck, that's pretty freaky."

"And I very seldom do it. It makes me feel like I'm violating people, but unfortunately in this case there's no other way."

Buffy suddenly tensed:

"Hey, how do we know you're not doing it on us?"

Karin laughed:

"It only works on the weak-minded and the totally human. Ask your Watcher, he'll tell you if I tried it on you two, it'd last about ten seconds and the strain would probably set me on fire."

"Ya know we're so gonna ask him, right?"

The crew members finally began stirring.

"Yes, Faith, and I wouldn't expect anything else from either of you. You should head back to your quarters now, your absence will make my job much easier."

"Are you sure we can't help you?"

"No Buffy, I can handle it, but thank you. And I'm sorry for hitting you both."

"Swingin' was back and forth, Captain. Call us if the sitch gets hinky on ya."

"I will. Goodnight."

They headed back to their room, passing people in the hall, riding with them in the elevator, and no one looked at them like they resembled road kill. Once they got safely inside their room, they stripped out of their clothes and tossed them into the trash can. Buffy ran the bath and while they waited for the tub to fill, Faith went and got the last bottle of wine from the refrigerator as well as two glasses.

"Water's sure gonna sting on all these cuts and scrapes, B."

"I know, but once the burning stops it'll feel so good."

"Yeah.

The moment of truth came and they went in together at opposite ends of the tub, muffling their yells and trying to smile through the pain. After about five minutes, the agony dulled to a tolerable roar and the hot water felt wonderful on their aches and pains.

Faith poured them each a glass, then winced slightly as she leaned forward to hand Buffy hers.

"I'll wrap your ribs when we get out."

"Shoulda checked if your shoulder's…"

"It's just sore. You're the baby who gets dislocated if somebody even thinks about breathing heavy on it."

"Haha, Mrs. Usually Queen of the Busted Ribs."

Buffy laughed:

"We're so in love, we're taking on each other's weak spots."

"That's the beauty of it, B. Together? We don't have any."

"That's so sweet and sort of poetic…even if it doesn't make any sense at all."

Faith tipped her head back against the wall and shut her eyes.

"Hey, I'm all beat up here, I don't gotta make sense."

They sat in silence, luxuriating in the feeling of warmth, of wounds healing, of breathing in and out, of being safe together, and of having done their job.

"Ya know…we didn't do shit, B."

"Yep, mission hugely unaccomplished."

They reached up and clinked their glasses together.

"It's what makes us the best Slayers."

"Absolutely, F! We adjusted on the fly like nobody's business."

"And we pounded the snot outta the ship's Captain."

"For absolutely no real reason."

They clinked again.

"Can't get this kinda slayin' outta the new kids."

Buffy nodded seriously:

"Nope, we're all about quality performance."

They laughed and leaned back, happy just to be quiet and safe. They drifted in and out of sleep as the heat and jets relaxed their muscles, the sound of each other breathing comforting and welcome.

"B?"

"Uh-huh?"

"We're goin' someplace good with this, yeah?"

Buffy opened her eyes and found that Faith was already looking at her.

"We're going someplace great, Faith, and we're going together."

Faith smiled, then closed her eyes.

"Fuck, I can't wait, B."

"I can't either."

Buffy leaned back and closed her eyes too…and the water sloshed over the edge of the tub as Faith moved closer to her

"Whoa, what are you…"

"I meant it when I said I can't wait."

Buffy laughed:

"Oh, I thought you meant…"

"B, when I'm with you, I mean it all."

They kissed and when it ended, Faith turned around and leaned back against Buffy, being careful to keep her weight off of her injured shoulder. They both groaned and flinched and fidgeted, but it didn't take long to get comfortably settled.

"So, B…Tell me about some of the stuff we're gonna do."

And Buffy did.

One Year Later

"B, come here!"

Buffy went into the bedroom.

"What's so exciting?"

"Check it out! There's like thirty and it's not even night time yet!"

Buffy had to laugh; Faith looked like a happy little kid as she stuffed chocolate into her mouth.

"So I guess Maria's got this room again."

"Yep. She also left this.

Faith held up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign, and Buffy blushed.

"Shut up, Faith."

"I didn't say a word."

"Shut up anyway."

Faith laughed, then patted the bed next to her.

"Come here."

"No, I want to unpack first."

"How can you tell your wife 'no'?"

Buffy put a suitcase on the bed and unzipped it:

"Very easily when I don't want my clothes all wrinkled."

"So what, we been hitched for 26 hours and it's over?"

Buffy rolled her eyes and carried her underwear over to the top dresser drawer.

"That's right, F, it's lesbian bed death from here on out."

"Damn, good thing I got this candy then."

"And I want you to unpack too."

Faith laughed:

"I did. See my suit on the vanity? Once I get outta these clothes, that's all I'm wearin'."

"That's a nice dream, but it's not happening."

There was a knock on the door and Faith tried to run past Buffy to answer it.

"I got point, B!"

"We're not on assignment, F. And you're back-up."

Buffy answered the door to see a steward standing there.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. I have a communiqué from the Captain."

"Thank you."

"Yes ma'am, and welcome aboard."

Faith tried to take the letter, but Buffy blocked her with her body.

"What's it say, B?"

"As soon as I get it open, I'll tell you."

"Well c'mon, Granny!"

"Like you could open it faster?"

Faith tried to snatch it again:

"A fuckin' dead person could do it faster."

Buffy took out the letter:

Dear Buffy and Faith,

I am so happy you're taking your real honeymoon cruise with us. I promise I won't monopolize your time, but please come to dinner in my quarters at eight tonight. I'm dying to see you guys and hear all about the wedding. And Faith, casual attire is demanded.

Love,

Karin

Buffy smiled happily:

"I can't wait to see her. Phone calls just aren't the same."

"It'll be great 'less she starts beatin' the shit outta us."

"I might start beating you, but first I'm going to finish unpacking."

"B, c'mon. Can't we just do a quickie first?"

Faith wrapped her up from behind, nuzzling into her neck like she knew Buffy loved.

"Well, I guess the clothes could wait a…"

Faith picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. She hip checked the suitcase to the floor and tossed Buffy down on the bed.

"Faith, my clothes are in there!"

"Relax, you can get'em ironed or cleaned or deloused. It's all good, B."

She had her clothes off and then Buffy's were gone at the speed of light.

"You know how much I love you, right?"

"I think so, F, but I wouldn't mind a demo."

Faith kissed her, then held up her own hand for Buffy to see.

"Look, I'm wearin' a ring."

"I know, I put it on your finger 26 hours ago."

"It doesn't even look weird, B. Looks like it's always been there."

"It does look right, although I could be biased. I love everybody knowing you're taken."

Faith grabbed Buffy's hand and examined her ring up close:

"You sure you like this, B? I woulda figured you for bigger diamonds or another rock."

"Nope, this one's perfect. And thank you again for going to all of those jewelers with me and only getting mad twice."

"Sure, baby."

Faith kissed her again.

"Last time we were here, it was about now when we had to 'practice' kiss."

Buffy laughed:

"And this time there's a couch, so you could sleep out there."

Faith was investigating Buffy's neck as she made her way south.

"Why ya assume it was gonna be me?"

"Because I'm Head Slayer."

"Well since I'm gonna give ya some, think that makes me the real Head Slayer."

"If you do it right, maybe."

"Oh I see, you're tryin' to imply my skills aren't all that?"

Buffy's face was the very picture of innocence:

"Why no, Faith, whatever gave you that idea?"

"Yeah, okay it's a challenge from my new wife. Better hang onto somethin', baby'."

"Like what?"

"Your fuckin' mind."

Buffy was awake and the ship was out to sea. She couldn't quite see the clock, it was apparently: 14p.m. She was pretty sure the missing number in question was a six, which meant they had plenty of time and could stay in bed a while longer. Faith was sound asleep and sprawled all over Buffy, just the way Buffy liked it best.

She couldn't stop smiling and she couldn't foresee a time when she ever would. Even when Faith was irritating her or being outright infuriating, Buffy found herself so deeply in love it was crazy. She would look at Faith with murder on her mind and so much affection in her heart, it seemed impossible for those two things to exist side by side. Not that she spent much time being truly angry with Faith.

They argued and bickered all the time, nothing had really changed in that regard. But they fit so well together, they had no trouble at all adjusting to the new relationship they'd discovered while just doing their job. The strangest thing about the whole situation was that no one else had a problem with them being together either.

When they'd hobbled off the ship to meet Giles and Willow, they had both been a little nervous at the reaction they were going to receive, especially from Giles. As Buffy and Faith got closer, they heard their Watcher telling Willow that: "…and I suppose it's nothing but good news that the distress call hasn't been sounded."

Willow spotted them first:

"There they are!"

Both Giles and Willow were so relieved to see them seemingly unscathed and without a police escort, they offered up bone crushing hugs to both Slayers.

"OW!"

"Shit!"

They let go instantly, clearly puzzled.

"Buffy, Faith, is something wrong?"

"Yeah guys, what's with the big ouchies?"

Buffy spoke up first:

"We've got them, Will. Big, mean ouchies."

"You do not."

"Trust her, Red, we definitely do."

They'd explained the whole situation in the rental car, and when the glamour wore off an hour later, their true appearance was more than a bit shocking.

"Good Lord, what sort of demon is the Captain?"

"I wanna say…a Dragon? A Dreyfuss? Faith will know."

"Willow, would you mind terribly asking her now?"

"Nope. Be right back."

Willow went into the adjoining room and returned in less than a minute.

"She said she's almost done with her shower and she's starving."

"I already ordered, Will, so we're good."

Giles waited and when the information didn't prove to be forthcoming, he finally asked:

"The name of the demon, Willow?"

"What? Oh, right, sorry. Drasdon."

"Drasdon? Are you quite sure?"

Buffy was sure:

"That's it."

"They are thought to be extinct and were once considered the most formidable demons to ever walk the Earth. There's no record of a Slayer ever facing one in battle and coming out of it alive."

"Well now there's two, and make sure ya get my name spelled right."

"Yes, yes of course, but could you please get dressed?"

"Got a towel on, G-Man. Yeah okay, fine. Was just lookin' for my suitcase."

"I put it in our room, F."

Giles piped right up:

"Didn't Willow tell you? We got each of you your own room. After all of that enforced togetherness, I knew you'd want to…"

"Giles, Faith and I became a couple while we were undercover and now we're in a relationship."

"Bloody hell!"

Buffy and Faith were shocked at his reaction. They had no idea he would…

"Willow, do you have change for a hundred?"

"I think so, hang on…let me look…"

Then suddenly and inexplicably, Willow and Giles were conducting banking business right in the middle of Buffy's big announcement.

"Yep, here's your twenty-five dollars."

He handed her the hundred, then looked disappointedly at Buffy:

"You couldn't have waited until we returned home?"

Buffy and Faith could do nothing but stare until Faith finally found her voice:

"What the fuck are ya talkin' about?"

"Willow and I placed a bet on how long it would take you to tell us you were a couple. Willow said today, I said the first day we arrived home, Dawn said a week with massive hints along the way, and Xander said you'd never tell me voluntarily."

"You guys bet on that?"

"A tad puerile I know, Buffy, but it seemed most amusing until I lost. Now, about this demon…Do you think she would be willing to talk to me about her heritage?"

That was the basic reaction from everyone. It seemed that only Buffy and Faith didn't know they belonged together, but now that the undercover assignment had finally opened their eyes, it took all of the sting out of being sent on what had amounted to nothing more than a wild goose chase. Buffy and Faith couldn't have cared less…until they had to listen to what had happened in their absence.

The magic Willow and the Coven had picked up on was of course Karin's, and no one was being abducted from her ship or any other ship for that matter. But there had been a kidnapping attempt in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and that botched abduction had led to the total destruction of the demon sex slave trade.

It was a long story that Giles told in great detail and that Willow embellished with even more mind numbingly great detail because it involved Kennedy actually doing something right. Both Buffy and Faith had stopped listening when Kennedy became the hero of the tale, and then when it was revealed that Rona was her partner, Buffy and Faith went brain dead as their two least favorite Slayers apparently saved the day in the Wolverine State…with the help of twenty other Slayers.

Still, it was Kennedy's mission, and by all accounts she did well. Willow was so happy and proud, what could they do but let her go on and on and on about it? But that night in bed, Faith kept imitating Kennedy and Buffy got the giggles and couldn't stop until Faith made her come twice.

"Check it out, B. We had sex on a land bed and it was just like on the boat."

"Did you think it was going to be different?"

"Well you know, the ocean's got the motion and…"

The giggles were back, and Buffy had to make Faith come more times than she could count before they both stopped laughing and could get to sleep.

Life in Cleveland didn't change all that much. Buffy and Faith decided to take it slow, but two weeks into it after being together all the time anyway, Faith moved into Buffy's room.

"Sure is a swanky joint. I get a shoebox, the Golden Girl gets a mansion. We break up, I'm gettin' custody of this place."

But there was no break up, there was nothing but a steady confirmation that they were in love and wanted to be together. Ten months into it, they had sex one night and Faith took over the pillow talk.

"Ya know, I might be doin' this wrong."

Buffy was still seeing sparks, and although she wasn't exactly positive what state she lived in, she knew she had to correct Faith immediately:

"Oh no, you're doing it so right it went left, spun in a circle, serpentined, turned the corner, and then came back on itself."

Faith laughed and pulled her closer:

"I got no idea what the hell you just said, but thanks for the praise. I didn't mean the fucking, just that you're getting the milk without buyin' the cow."

"Yes."

"What?"

"Yes, I'll marry you."

"…"

"Just say when, Faith."

"Really, B? You really would, for real?"

"Just as soon as my eyes uncross, I'm good to go."

"You mean it?"

"Do I seem like I'm kidding to you?"

Faith sat up and shook her head:

"No, you seem like you mean it."

"And you?"

"Hell yeah, I mean it! I asked, didn't I?"

"Uh…no, you didn't."

"Yeah, I did."

Buffy sat up too, but she had to lean on Faith to stay upright because her spine was still like jelly.

"No, you asked me if I wanted to buy livestock or something stupid like that."

"I did not! That's like a famous saying!"

"I've never heard of it."

"Ya had to because I said it, then you said you'd marry me."

"No, I just know how to interpret your crazy Faithspeak."

Faith shoved Buffy off of her:

"Quit layin' on me! You're the one that rambles all over like a drunk metal chick."

"See? There's Faithspeak right there!"

"Fuck off, B. You know what I mean."

"Only because I've had years of training in the wild."

"You are so fucked up."

Buffy finally got her arm strength back and shoved Faith.

"What're ya hittin' me for?"

"First: I didn't hit you, I shoved you. Second: it was retaliatory."

"I didn't shove your ass!"

"Yes you did! You told me to get off you!"

"Like an hour ago! Jesus, ya keepin' score?"

"F?"

"Yeah?"

"You asked and I said yes."

Faith smiled and bumped her shoulder into Buffy's.

"I know…Can lean on me if ya wanna."

Buffy did and Faith fell back on the bed with Buffy on top of her.

"Would it be okay if we waited a month or two? I don't want anything fancy, but I do want a couple of things."

"Sure, I don't have a clue, so you can teach me."

"Truer words have never been spoken."

A loud yawn jarred Buffy out of her memories.

"Hiya, B. What time is it?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. The clock's on a weird angle."

Faith reached over and turned it towards them.

"Why didn't ya just move it so you could see it?"

Buffy rolled her eyes:

"Gee, I never thought of that. You were sleeping on me and I didn't want to wake you."

"Oh. Thanks, B."

She snuggled back in and Buffy wrapped her arms around her.

"So how come you're smilin' so big? What'd I miss?"

"I was just remembering when you asked me to marry you."

"And then you did it, B! Just yesterday. Look, I got a ring out of it too."

She held her hand up again so that they could both admire it, and Buffy laughed.

"You are so cute, Faith. I think I'm in love with you."

"Yeah?"

"Uh-huh."

"That's cool. If my marriage ever breaks up, I'll come lookin' for ya."

"I'll be waiting."

They basked as they watched the sun set slowly.

"You excited, B?"

"Yep. This is going to be the best honeymoon ever."

"Weeklong cruise, then Paris for two weeks."

"I can't believe Giles gave us three weeks off."

"Me neither. Eiffel Tower here we come for as long as ya want, B."

"It's going to be so cool."

"Wicked cool."

Buffy kissed the top of her head, her voice serious:

"Faith, what are you looking forward to?"

"Just doing shit with you. I'm takin' it a day at a time, but we never went dancing when we were here, not for real anyways. We never fucked in the whirlpool out on the balcony, I wanna hit the video game room this time around, and I wanna see you happy for the rest of your life."

"I love you so much, Mrs.Summers."

Faith held up her hand:

"I know, Mrs. Summers, and I got the ring right here to prove it."

Buffy started laughing.

"What, B?"

"I could not believe you did that to Susan!"

"Oh yeah, guess I'd better 'fess up tomorrow. But did you see her do that double take? And you followed my lead perfect."

"'Why no, I've never been on this ship before. The Lehanes? Why no, it's not ringing any bells..."

They both started laughing.

"I'm glad we decided on your name, B."

"We didn't, you did."

"Yeah, well, never cared much for my name. My family's nothin' to brag about, but 'Summers'? That's your Mom and Squirt and the Slayer. It's you, Buffy: all powerful and beautiful and good. That name means something – it's a hero's name."

Buffy could feel the tears trickling down her face. How she had ever gotten so lucky she didn't know, but she was going to live it up for the rest of her life.

"And even though I kinda cheated to get there, I'm pretty proud to be in that group."

"God, you just say the sweetest things, Faith."

"Yeah, B?"

"Yeah, F."

The End