Chapter Seven

Faith made it back to the hotel bright and early. She hadn't slept well at all and was up and ready to go shortly before sunrise. She was quiet, not wanting to wake Cordelia after the late night she had caused her, and she eased back the deadbolt. This time Dennis let her open the door.

She turned around.

"Kit, thanks for lookin' out for me last night. Means a lot."

She felt a coldness touching her cheek and she grinned.

"Hey, didn't say you could cop a feel. Man, you guys are all alike."

There was a slight thump on the wall and Faith laughed.

"Catch ya later, yeah?"

She closed the door quietly behind her, then heard all three locks engage.

"Dude's good at that."

She headed back to Buffy, hoping to get there before she woke up, before anyone did. She made it through the lobby unseen, but Buffy's room was empty. That wasn't the best news, but it didn't have to be tragic. Faith thought of just slipping into bed and swearing that she'd been there all night, that Buffy just hadn't seen her when she'd gotten up, but that had a snowball's chance of working. Besides, Faith didn't want to start off her new honesty campaign with a lie, and a dumb one at that.

It gave her a pit in her stomach when she thought of just how mad Buffy might actually be, but she could handle it. She was all squared away again…well, maybe that was going too far, but she definitely had her head on straighter than she had last night. Talking it out had helped, and Cordelia had given her some good advice.

Faith did love Buffy, and no amount of anger, hurt, or tension between them could ever change that. She was going to get through whatever came up and take it from there. It was going to be hard; love was new to her and it wasn't something she had a handle on yet, but she'd deal. She was going to be awkward and freak out from time to time, but it didn't matter. She would learn what to do, how to act, and Buffy would be the one to teach her.

She felt the tension building in her shoulders and decided to take a shower. She went down the hall to her own room to grab some new clothes, then quickly headed back to Buffy's to do the actual cleaning up. She wanted to be there when Buffy returned, there was no sense in delaying their meeting any longer than it had to be delayed. She was also anxious to see just how bad the damage really was, and she was hoping she could get Buffy to cut her a little slack…at least this time.

When she emerged from the bathroom, the woman she was waiting for was sitting on the unmade bed.

"Mornin', B."

"Morning."

There was a definite chill and Faith braced herself as she began getting dressed.

"So where ya been?"

Buffy's eyebrow shot up and she looked at Faith like she thought she was a total idiot.

"Where have I been? I needed air, Faith. Hours and hours of air."

"Yeah? That's weird 'cause I did too."

Buffy was clearly not amused.

"So this is funny to you?"

"No. Just tryin' to lighten things up a little."

"…"

"B, I know you're upset, and there's nothing funny about that. Honest."

Buffy walked over to stare out the window.

"When I woke up, you were gone. I waited for you to come back."

"Yeah, sorry. Didn't think I'd be that long."

Buffy looked at her fully.

"So where were you?"

Faith didn't have a clue what to say, which way to play it. She wanted to tell the truth, at some point she was planning to tell Buffy everything, but she was pretty sure now wasn't that time.

"I did a lot of thinking last night and I…"

"Where?"

"What?"

"Faith, don't make me ask you again."

"I was at Cordelia's."

Buffy didn't move or say a word for way too long a time, and when she finally did, Faith was less than reassured.

"Well isn't that interesting?"

Faith grabbed her arm as she tried to walk past, stopping her exit from the room.

"Nothing happened except I figured out some stuff."

Buffy laughed.

"You just don't get it, do you?"

"B…"

Buffy pulled her arm loose.

"You said you needed air. Okay, I didn't like it, but if you needed space, fine. But you didn't just get 'air', you went to somebody else even though I was right here for you."

"I didn't plan it out, okay? I was wanderin' around and I ended up there. She's a good friend, B, and I'm not gonna apologize for that."

"And I'm not asking you to. What I am wondering though is why just hours ago you were humping your 'just good friend' on the dance floor, we argued about it, then made love, and you decided to leave me in the middle of the night to go to her. Then the first thing you do when you get back is shower. How am I supposed to feel about that, Faith?"

Faith got it, she totally understood Buffy's point of view, and the thing she hated about it was that what Buffy sensed was sort of true. Except it wasn't, but the longer Faith waited to tell her the whole story, the worse it was going to be.

"Buffy, I was just fucked up and Cordelia helped me get some shit straight in my mind."

"And you couldn't even try to figure it out with me?"

"I know you want me to say I shoulda at least tried, but this is all new to me, B. I can do it though, I can make it work."

Buffy walked back over to the window and sat down on the radiator.

"Yeah, you're off to a great start for sure."

"Gotta agree with you there. But B, even though it looks bad, I've changed. I'm not that psycho I used to be, I'm not a slut, and I don't wanna hurt you. Please, just gimme a little time and I'll prove that to ya."

She could tell Buffy was still upset, but she could also tell that she was no longer mad and was trying to understand.

"All right, maybe I'm overreacting. I mean, waking up alone always sets me on edge. And it's not exactly fun to tell somebody you love them and have them run away from you."

"I mighta run away, but I came back, B."

"True. I guess that's a good thing."

Faith edged closer to the radiator and nudged Buffy's legs apart so that she could stand between them.

"It's definitely a good thing."

She nuzzled into Buffy's neck.

"Mmmm…you smell so good, B."

"So do you."

Faith kissed her then, and they were both lost…just that fast. Buffy's hands tangled in Faith's hair and Faith grabbed Buffy's hips and yanked her to the edge of the radiator, pulling their bodies flush with each other.

"Faith…"

"Goddamn, I want you, B…"

"Faith…"

Faith reluctantly lifted her head after planting a series of kisses on Buffy's lips.

"Yeah, I know. We gotta talk about last night first."

"Yes, we do."

"Okay. So here's an idea. Meeting's in three hours. Wanna catch a few Zs first? Then we can go to the meeting and after, grab somethin' to eat and talk at the beach. Be nice and open, plus you can have all the air ya need."

Buffy knew she shouldn't laugh, but it was funny and she did.

"Shut up, you idiot."

Faith's smile was huge.

"So?"

"Okay, I like the plan, but don't try to get all sneaky in bed."

"Nope, just gonna hold ya, all right out in the open."

"And we are talking about last night right after the meeting."

"Slayer's honor, B."

Buffy sighed and began stripping off her clothes.

"I guess I can wait a few hours before we clear the air."

Faith laughed as she got undressed.

They headed downstairs two hours and forty-five minutes later, holding hands as they went. Despite the big intimate talk that was approaching all too fast, Faith felt good. She was scared and nervous, there was no denying that, but she was confident that things were on the right track. It also helped that she was feeling calmer and more optimistic about everything. Holding Buffy for almost three hours solved a lot of problems, and that feeling of suffocation from the night before was gone.

It had been Faith who had pulled a reluctant and uncertain Buffy over to rest on top of her.

"I don't want to crowd you."

"I wanna feel ya all over me, B."

Buffy had let herself be pulled and after some initial squirming, she had made herself comfortable. She fell asleep first, and this time Faith wasn't far behind. When they awoke hours later, Buffy's smile preceded her awakening as she felt Faith still beneath her, warm and welcoming.

She opened her eyes and lifted her head to look at Faith.

"You're still here."

"Figured I oughta stay put this time."

They stepped down into an empty lobby. Apparently Angel's crew, just like the Scoobies, were not big believers in arriving early for meetings. Buffy went to sit down while Faith poked her head into Angel's office.

He was seated at his desk working on some paperwork.

"Knock, knock, Soulboy."

He looked up with a smile.

"Hi, Faith. Is it time for the meeting already?"

"Almost, but just me and B are out there."

His attention was already back on the pages in front of him.

"Can you let me know when we're ready to start?"

"Will do."

Buffy was nowhere to be seen, but then Faith heard her grunting from behind the front counter.

"B?"

"I'll be right there. Fred swore this counter's uneven and you can see it from the couch. I'm just…jamming this stake…underneath it."

"Need help?"

Buffy's face appeared above the counter for a second.

"Nope, just grab us a good seat while I do all the work."

"Sounds good to me."

She disappeared again and Faith walked over and sat down on the almost circular plush couch closest to the door. If the meeting got too boring, she was hoping they could slip out unnoticed. She grinned at the thought, and how life finally seemed to be going her way.

Cordelia entered the hotel, and after a quick glance around the deserted lobby, she smiled.

"Perfect, the coast is clear!"

She reached into her oversized bag and pulled out Faith's jacket.

"I've had this since our first night together, and I keep forgetting to give it to you every time we hook up."

Faith looked at Cordelia like she'd suddenly grown a second head, the emotions flashing so quickly across her face it was hard to keep track of them. First there was panic, then terror, then anger, and finally a defeated resignation as she took the leather coat from Cordelia's hand.

The shock was all too apparent on Buffy's face and Faith was already on her feet. Cordelia had yet to see her.

"What's the matter? Where are you go…Oh shit."

Buffy's Slayer like stare fixed itself to Faith as she walked around the counter to stand right in front of her.

"Cordelia? Cordelia is your whore?"

"Whoa, Little Miss Sunnydale! I know this looks bad, but I'm in no way anybody's whore."

"You slept with Cordelia Chase?"

Faith said nothing, busying herself with examining her jacket like it was the most exotic thing she'd ever seen. Buffy waited a generous four seconds before she yanked the jacket from Faith's shaking hands and hurled it across the lobby.

It sailed an impressively long way before landing in a crumpled heap, and Faith watched it go wondering if it would cushion her impact when she followed it all too soon.

"You fucking bitch. You said I didn't know the woman you were with. Well, newsflash, Faith, I know Cordelia...all too well."

She stood looking off into the distance until Buffy's hand grasped onto her forearm, jerking her forward and making her face her. Faith's eyes drifted up to meet Buffy's, then quickly slid away.

"You just told me there was nothing between you."

"Yeah."

"………Yeah. "

Then there was only a tense silence, and Cordelia approached Buffy.

"Buffy, I know what I just said made it sound…"

Buffy turned to look at her, and even Cordelia Chase couldn't quite hold her ground. She took an instinctive step back from the obvious danger focused on her.

"Don't even think of speaking to me or I will beat your slutty ass all over this hotel."

Cordelia didn't doubt one word of Buffy's threat. She knew her well enough to know that she was hurt and outraged and just looking for a reason to lash out. Cordelia didn't say another word and after an intense stare down, Buffy swung back to Faith.

"I guess that's it then, isn't it? You kept swearing you`d changed and fool that I am, I actually believed you. Here I thought you were the crazy one all this time, but it turns out it's me who needs my head examined."

"B…"

"So what, Faith? Did you leave my bed and head right to hers? Did you two have a big laugh about how gullible I am? And here I thought I was pretty effective at scratching all of those hard to reach places, I guess a big slut like you needs a lot more, huh?"

Faith looked up at her.

"I haven't been with anyone since me and you, not like that anyway."

"Right, let's split hairs. Did you or did you not get up out of my bed and go to Cordelia?"

"…"

Buffy stepped closer, her voice soft and low.

"Answer me, Faith."

"…Yeah, I did."

The sound of the slap filled the lobby with hurt and anger.

"Congratulations. You fucked me over again, only this time literally. I hope it's everything you dreamed it would be."

She stood there staring at Faith, the tears swimming in her eyes, but Buffy refused to let them fall.

"Angel?"

He stood in the doorway of his office, drawn out by the yelling, his face disbelieving and his voice rough, like he hadn't used it in years:

"Yes, Buffy?"

"Would you call me a cab, please?"

"But you can't just leave. You have to be here in case there's another…"

"I can do my job from another hotel. I'm not staying here any longer than it takes to pack my bag."

Angel saw the pleading look Faith shot him, but he couldn't help her, he wasn't even sure if he wanted to.

"I wish you'd stay, but I'll call right now."

"Thank you."

And with that she went up the stairs. She just made it to her room and shut the door before the tears came fast and furious. She couldn't even make it to a chair, instead sliding weakly down the door to sit on the carpet as she cried her heart out.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothin' to do."

Cordelia grabbed her arm.

"You're not even going to talk to her?"

"Nothin' to say. She thinks I cheated on her, nothin' I can do about that."

"Is this some Slayer thing? Why are you both so stupid? Faith, you didn't cheat on her. Tell her that!"

Faith shrugged Cordelia off and walked over to get her jacket.

"Already told her, she doesn't believe me."

"I doubt it even registered with her. Go up there and explain it."

Faith slipped into her jacket and flipped her hair out and over the collar.

"No point."

"`No point'? `No point'? Did that slap jar your brain loose? Faith, stop playing the misunderstood victim and…"

"Listen, I appreciate everything, okay? But me and Buffy? It's a train wreck, it's always gonna be a train wreck, and I just been kiddin' myself it was ever gonna be anything else."

"Coward."

Both girls turned their head to look at the man leaning in the doorway.

"What'd ya say?"

"I said you're a coward."

"Angel, stay outta this."

He laughed bitterly as he straightened up.

"How am I supposed to stay out of it? You slept with Buffy and Cordelia, do you really think I can 'stay out of it'?"

"Maybe not, so let's try: 'Back the fuck off'."

"While you what, Faith? Hurt Buffy? Drag Cordelia into a big mess? Set things up to hurt yourself? I think I'm already right in the middle of it."

Faith walked over to him.

"Yeah, okay, so I fucked both your women. Wanna piece of me now?"

Cordelia's gasp was loud, but neither of them seemed to hear it.

"No, I don't want a 'piece of you'. Buffy hasn't been my woman for a long time and as for Cordy, I guess the nicest way for me to put it is to tell you to shut your stupid mouth."

"Or what? Gonna make me?"

She placed both hands on his chest and shoved him back.

"Come on, Angel. Make me pay, you know you wanna.  Stop bein' such a pussy and do somethin'."

She shoved him again and this time his vampire face made an appearance.

"Gotta be killin' ya to know I got everywhere you wanna get and can't. And lemme tell ya: it's all just as sweet as…"

He moved fast and had her by the throat. She didn't resist, not even when he lifted her off her feet. Cordelia rushed at him, yelling for them both to stop, but again they still didn't really hear her.

"Okay Faith, buttons pushed. But you know what? You acting like an idiot doesn't change a thing. I'm still your friend, I still love you, and I'm still not going to be the one who helps you hurt yourself."

His face turned back to human as he put her down and let go.

"Your sex life is none of my business, you hurting everyone I care about is. That includes you, by the way. Instead of walking out or trying to get me to beat the hell out of you, go upstairs and make Buffy understand."

He turned and went back into his office, slamming the door behind him. Faith and Cordelia stood staring after him, feeling like the last survivors of a violent war.

"Yeah, so guess that covers it."

"What are you going to do?"

Faith sighed and took off her jacket.

"Gonna head up and get my stupid ass handed to me on a platter."

Cordelia nodded.

"Probably. I'm sorry I was so stupid, Faith. I had no idea she..."

"Not your fault, Cor. Shoulda explained us to her a long time ago."

"At least from that reaction, you know she loves you."

"Or just hates gettin' played for a fool. What about you guys?"

Cordelia looked back at the closed door.

"Well, you know how it is. It's easy to offer advice, it's way harder to take it."

"Pretty clear to me he's got a thing for ya."

"Is it? All that seems clear to me is that I love him."

"Cor, trust me…Soulboy's not upset about me and B."

Cordelia smiled and looked hopeful.

"Really?"

"I'm positive. Go talk to him, see what you guys can hammer out."

Cordelia hugged her tight, and when she pulled back she kissed her on the cheek. She inhaled a huge breath, let it out slowly and began walking towards Angel's office.

"Faith?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't worry, it'll be okay."

Faith tried to smile as she started for the stairs.

"Hope you're right."

"I am…and I promise to visit you in the hospital."

"So you just gonna hightail it?"

Buffy didn't answer, didn't even look in Faith's direction as she packed her bag.

"B, don't you think I at least deserve a chance to explain?"

Buffy zipped the bag closed with such force, the zipper tore apart.

"You want a chance to explain what exactly, Faith? How you fucked me, then hopped out of my bed to run off to your other woman? How you lied to me over and over again? Sure, go ahead: explain."

She stood there with her arms folded across her chest, her eyes full of fire and fury.

"All that's true, B, `cept it's all wrong. I did leave you after we did it and I did head to Cordy, but not for the reason you're tryin' to make out."

"I believed you. I trusted you. I thought you'd changed, that you really cared about me."

"I have, I do."

Buffy laughed.

"Tell me, Faith: how long have you been planning this?"

"What?"

"To hurt me, break me, humiliate me? You guys must have laughed and laughed when I told you I loved you."

"B, you're talkin' crazy! This wasn't a set-up, okay? Me and you are real, I wasn't…"

"Just save it, because even if that's true, which I doubt, I'm done. You're a liar, a player, a fucking bitch on wheels. I thought…God, I thought you were…"

Faith stepped forward.

"B, you're blowin' this outta proportion. I shoulda told you about Cor, but I didn't. I made a mistake, a big one, but that's all it is – just a mistake. I'm not runnin' a con or fucking with you…you know I'm not."

Buffy shouldered her bag.

"You go to Cordelia and have a big laugh at how stupid I am, how easy it was to make me fall in love with you. You guys can find somebody else to play with, I'm done."

Faith reached out to touch her, but Buffy stepped back.

"B, you're not even makin' sense. Why would Cordy wanna hurt you?"

"I don't know and I don't care. I just know you do and did, so congratulations. Now get out of my way."

"Don't go, please, B. Let's do what we planned. We'll go to the beach and talk it out, or we can talk right here if ya want. Please B, nothin's like you think it is."

"Get out of my way, Faith."

"I'm not gonna let you walk outta here like this. I know I fucked up, okay? I fucked up bad, but B, you've forgiven me for way worse stuff. Just let me explain how it all went down and…"

Buffy hit her then, a right uppercut that sent Faith sailing onto the bed.

"Go fuck yourself. Go fuck Cordelia. Just stay the fuck away from me."

And then Buffy calmly opened the door and walked out.

Chapter Eight

Buffy put the phone down with a sigh. She had just called to have her dinner cart picked up, only to be told that it could be over an hour before someone showed up. Room service was something that had always made her act like an excited little kid…except not now or any of the other times she'd ordered it during her current stay. She just wanted to eat when she was hungry, she didn't care how the food arrived. Even when her morning pancakes had shown up covered in an old fashioned silver lid, Buffy had felt nothing except hunger. There were no flashes back to happier days, no excitement at all.

"Great. Faith's ruined my fun times with room service too."

She was glad to be heading home in two days time. Willow had already gone, the window for a re-apocalypse closing forever, at least one created by an incinerated silver talisman. Buffy had been more than ready to escape back to Sunnydale too…until Angel had asked her to stay for a few more days.

There had been a huge battle brewing between two rival demon groups, but the word on the street was that the gangs were open to negotiation. Before all hell could literally break loose in L.A., Angel had stepped in as arbitrator. His reputation as tough, but fair had made him acceptable to both groups, while the alternating Slayers by his side at every meeting had helped to keep the peace. With the treaty now signed, all that was left was to see if it took.

Buffy patrolled where Angel told her to. He was expecting trouble from some of the younger gang members, and although there were a few scuffles, mostly it seemed as if the treaty had worked. And that was great news because in spite of her willingness to help, Buffy was counting the minutes until she could head for home. She had forced herself stayed put when everything in her had wanted to go, and she was longing to return to her old life.

She couldn't believe she had stayed as long as she had, but then it was Angel who had asked for her help and there was no power on Earth, at least none that she was aware of, that could ever prevent her from responding to him. Even though their romance was long over, she loved him as a friend and would always be there whenever he needed her. The meaning had most definitely changed, but Buffy was still and always would be "his girl".

When he'd asked her if she could stay, his nervousness had almost made her laugh.

"So…um…I know you want to get home, but I already um…spoke to Giles…not behind your back or anything like that! I just wanted to know if you guys could maybe swing it and…I could really use your help for a few more days, and Giles said if Willow was back in Sunnydale, that would help a lot with keeping things in line until…"

"Angel, of course I'll stay and help. What's going on?"

The look on his face as they had talked it over had been adorable, and she remembered when she had been so sure that he was her soul mate. She was incredibly young back then, naïve and filled with the first real passion of her life, but in a way she'd been right. Angel would always have a place in her heart, just not the place…which was exactly what he had tried to address after getting her promise to stay in L.A. for a few extra days.

"Buffy…"

"No, we are not talking about her."

"That's fine, you can just listen then."

"Angel, I'm not going to…Fine, but if you keep wasting the 'sad puppy dog' eyes, one day you're going to need them and you'll be barking on empty."

He smiled at her then.

"Trust me, I've got a huge supply."

He didn't go on long, simply and directly telling her that Faith was hurting and sorry.

"She's a good person, Buffy, and she didn't set out to hurt you."

Buffy listened, smiled and then told him to let her know when he needed her. He'd left reluctantly, clearly wanting to say more, but knowing there was no point.

Back in the here and now, she stretched out as she waited for someone from the hotel staff to show up. She couldn't wait to get back home and into her own bed. She was tired of L.A., tired of hotels, and tired of feeling…There was a knock on her door.

"Wow, that was fast."

She pushed the cart along with her, a five dollar bill in her hand for the tip as she opened the door.

"Gee, I had no idea you thought I was that cheap."

Buffy looked at the five in her hand, then back at Cordelia.

"What do you want?"

"To talk to you."

"I can't imagine you'd have anything to say that I'd be interested in."

Cordelia slid in between the food cart and the door.

"I think that's one of the things I've never liked about you. You've never had a very good imagination."

"I could throw you out."

"You could, but you won't."

"Really? What makes you think that?"

Cordelia sat down at the table by the window.

"Because you don't want to miss your last real chance to tell me off."

Buffy sighed and rolled the cart out into the hall, throwing the five on top of some cellophane. She closed the door and sat on the edge of her bed facing Cordelia.

"Make it fast, I've got plenty of other things I'd rather be doing."

"Fine, right to the point then: You're being stupid, even stupider that I'd expect, and trust me – when it comes to you, my expectations are pretty low."

"Cordelia, as much as I can tell I'm going to love revisiting all of the old high school putdowns…"

"She loves you, Buffy."

"Does she? Wow, and it's so great to hear you say that."

"So is that it? You're mad because she hasn't said it to you? God, Buffy, are you really that self-centered?"

"Excuse me?"

Cordelia leaned back in her chair, shaking her head.

"Have you ever read Faith's history?"

"No."

"It's nothing special. Drunken, abusive parents. Her father died when she was six, so drunk he just walked out in front of a car. Her mother was a neglectful tramp who screwed anybody for the drugs that eventually killed her when Faith was twelve. She was in various foster homes until she ran away to live on the streets at thirteen. Her Watcher eventually found her, and you know the rest."

Buffy did everything she could to look like she didn't care.

"That's too bad, and?"

"Points for effort, but your eyes teared up and you flushed."

"It's a sad story, for sure, but why tell me?"

"No one's ever said 'I love you' to her before. Never, not once, not in any context. So she freaked and she ran. She was scared, Buffy, she didn't know what to do, how to act."

"Cordelia, none of this is…"

"So she showed up at my apartment scared, crying, happy, excited, terrified, and telling me she didn't want to mess it up."

Buffy stood, the anger plain to see on her face.

"And maybe we could have handled all of that just fine if she'd have…"

"Buffy, you've had a lifetime of people loving you. You don't expect anything else. People see you, the real you, but Faith very rarely gets that. Toss in her going mental and trying to kill everyone, well, you know. But this is different for her, you've always been different for her."

Buffy sat back down.

"She's stumbling all over the place: keeping things from you that don't need to be kept, taking off when she should be staying, reacting crazy when she gets what she wants, but she's dealing, Buffy. She's figuring it out as she goes, and as crappy as that is for you in some ways, so what? She's a quick learner and she's adapting and doing it willingly. She wants you, she just has to learn how to have you and make it work."

"You and her…How was that not a set-up?"

"Oh please, there's no way you're that stupid. First of all, I don't care enough about you to go through the trouble of trying to hurt you. It's true we don't like each other, but I didn't even do stuff like that in high school."

"Look Cordelia…"

"No, you look. I don't like you, but I do respect you. You're a hero, no two ways about it, and you've saved my life several times. Being you can't be easy and I've seen firsthand how hard it's been on you. I appreciate what you do, Buffy, I'm amazed by you, but at the same time sometimes you can be such a big baby."

Cordelia rolled her eyes:

"We did not set you up and you know it. Faith would never do that to you, not now. She's not who she was and you know that too. She didn't tell you we slept together because she thought you'd freak, go figure, so I'm going to tell you now. I slept with Faith once, and we haven't done it since. It was really good, but she thought about you the whole time and we both knew it. There's no way I'd ever have sex with her again. You two are in love and I have way too much respect for that and for her. I guess when it comes right down to it, I have way too much respect for you too."

Cordelia walked over and opened the door.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Just an aside…Faith wouldn't let me on top. She said she didn't like it and had never let anyone on top of her, not since she's become a Slayer. I think we can figure out what that means, and reading her bio makes it pretty clear. Anyway, I'm willing to bet that's not the case with you. You're the one person in the world she trusts enough."

And then she was gone, leaving Buffy staring after her.

Buffy was out on patrol. It was her last night in L.A. and her last night in a lonely hotel room. She hadn't seen Faith for five days, nor had she spoken to her, but she had heard her smoky voice.  The three messages she'd left sent a pang through Buffy each time she played them back.

"Hi B, it's me. Was hopin' maybe we could talk? Call me back or just show up. I'm in all night."

"Hey, it's me, B. Guess you know that. Look, I really need to talk to you. I could come by there, any time works for me. Please call me back, yeah?"

"Me again. Jesus, B, can't we at least talk? I don't want ya goin' home and leavin' it like this. Just call me, I'll meet ya anywhere, anytime. Just say when…please, B?"

Buffy had almost called back at least fifty times, but what would be the point? She was going home and how would a long distance relationship work between them anyway? And there was also the whole lack of trust issue and the fact that Faith didn't know what it took to be in a relationship.

But a voice in the back of Buffy's mind kept saying: "So, teach her."

There were other problems too, the biggest being that every time Faith lied or hid stuff, it took Buffy right back to when Faith was crazy and dangerous. It forced her to remember every bad thing Faith had ever done, and just how unfair was that…to both of them? It was no way to fall in love, and Buffy wasn't about to set herself up for that kind of heartache.

The voice was back, sounding a lot like Cordelia, and she heard it loud and clear:

"Too late. You're already in with love her."

Yes, she was, but love wasn't enough. At least not this time. Buffy had no doubt that it would be better for everyone concerned if she just headed home and forget everything that had gone on. There was no real point in her doing anything else.

She walked around a particularly large crypt and there were three vampires ready to snack on a young woman.

"Hey, is this a private party or can I join in?"

She dispensed with them quickly, except for the last one because she chose instead to beat the living hell out of him. Obviously she was working out some issues, and why not? The almost victim had taken off long ago, all safe and relatively sound, and it was just Buffy and one vampire. He had to be good for something.

Ten minutes of whaling on him was the limit before it all suddenly became boring, repetitive and pointless. Buffy wasn't sure but she thought he thanked her as she dusted him. Then all was quiet in the cemetery except for the sound of clapping behind her. She turned quickly to see Faith sitting on top of a headstone finishing her cigarette.

"Nice B. Got some quality rage goin' there."

Buffy wanted to turn away, but against her will her eyes drank in the sight of Faith. She didn't want to miss a thing, not when it all looked so good, so beautiful, so stunning, so sexy, and so damn…

"What are you doing here?"

"Just go where I'm told, Angel sent me."

"Me too. I guess this is his way of…"

Faith hopped down.

"…gettin' you to talk to me."

"Well, you can tell him it wasn't very effective."

Buffy turned and walked off, but Faith kept stride with her.

"What is this, B? Why you bein' such a hard ass?"

She stopped walking and turned to look at Faith incredulously.

"'Why am I being such a hard ass'?"

"Yeah. I get you're upset, but you've thought it over by now and you gotta know I didn't cheat on you or set ya up. So why you still actin' like…"

"I'm not getting into any of this with you. It's not going to work between us, Faith, and that's it."

Buffy walked off, but stopped again when she heard Faith's question:

"Thought it was you who didn't wanna play games?"

"Well let's just say you started playing them first."

"I didn't mean to, Buffy. I didn't know what to do and I made a mistake."

"And you made it several times."

"No argument here. I fucked up. So what? Gotta punish us both forever?"

Buffy could feel it. She was weakening because the truth of it was: it had been just a mistake. A big, dumb, painful mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. Faith hadn't told her who the woman was and she had kept lying and avoiding the truth because she didn't know what to do or how to do it.

It was just that simple, and with Faith standing in front of her laying it out that way, Buffy could see it. But it also still seemed bigger than that to Buffy, much bigger, and she didn't want to let go of it.

"I'm not trying to punish either of us, and I'm not going to…"

Faith stepped closer.

"Every day I can't touch you, smell you, look at you, hear you cry out for me, it's fuckin' torture, Buffy."

"Faith…"

Faith's hand slid along Buffy's bare arm.

"And don't try to pretend you don't feel the same way. I'm sorry, B, I shoulda told ya right off the bat. I won't ever hide shit from you again, even if it gets me killed. Please B, just gimme another chance…"

Her breath was blowing against Buffy's neck and her body was just an inch away, and Buffy felt the shiver shake its way down her spine as she stood in place battling with herself.

"B…"

Faith's lips lightly brushed Buffy's jaw.

"…I messed up, but I…care about you, you know I do."

It was the slight pause that did it, and Buffy saw red.

"Yeah, and the last time I bought that, you tried to torture me to death and end the world."

Faith stepped back, and then Buffy did because Faith was furious and not bothering to hide it.

"You fucking bitch."

"Oh, so is this where the 'real' Faith comes out."

"Might as well, since the 'real' Buffy's showed up. This how it's gonna be? Anything goes down, you're just gonna throw my past back in my face?"

"I don't have to 'throw' it anywhere. It's right here day after day."

Faith could not hide her hurt, and it blazed across her face for anyone to see.

"And here I thought we were movin' on. Gonna hit that little fucker back for a change."

"That's kind of hard to do when you keep acting the same old way."

"Me? I'm acting the same old way? Oh man, why don't you take a look at yourself? All high and mighty like your shit don't stink. Well guess what, Buffy? It does, fucking smells like shit, just like everybody else's. You waltz around thinkin' you're all better than me, and what? You say you love me, then dump me 'cause I can act like a dumb ass. I'm sorry, I fucked up. But I didn't cheat on you, I'd never fucking cheat on you."

"Right. Well excuse me for having trouble…"

"I hid the fact that I fucked a woman you hate, a woman you got a history with, and I lied about it 'cause I didn't wanna mess up the great thing we had goin'. I went over the line dancin' with her, but fuck me, B. She coulda been Xander and I'd have danced like that."

"Yeah, and you had sex with him too."

Faith grabbed her own hair and bent over, only to straighten up with a scream of pure frustration.

"A million goddamn years ago! And I shouldn't have done that either! Just like I shoulda never fucked Riley, but B…"

"No, I'm not going to listen to this."

She turned and walked off, but Faith grabbed her roughly by the arm.

"Yeah, you are gonna listen."

Buffy hit her right on the chin and Faith staggered back.

"You don't tell me what to do."

With that, Buffy stalked off, only to be grabbed again, this time much more powerfully.

"Somebody's gotta. You're way too stupid to…"

Buffy swung again, but Faith was ready. She ducked the blow and dragged Buffy right up against her. She paused, then kissed her, slamming her back against the door of the crypt. The impact caused it to swing open and they both fell through, landing hard on the floor.

"Ow! Shit! B, you okay?"

Buffy was on the bottom, staring up at Faith and not saying a word.

"B? Fuck, did you hit your head? Are you…"

Buffy's hands grabbed Faith's hair, pulling her mouth down into range as her own head lifted to make the journey shorter. Buffy's teeth grabbed onto Faith's bottom lip, drawing blood. When Faith tried to pull back, Buffy's hand went behind her neck and held her right where she was. It hurt, but it made Faith groan in pleasure too.

She didn't let up right away, her hands hard and insistent as they prevented Faith from moving away. Her legs came up to squeeze her sides, and Faith groaned louder. Her hands sought out Buffy's sensitive spots, but it wasn't easy to do. Buffy had her trapped against her and unless she wanted to rip her lip off and get her ribs crushed, she had to stay right where she was.

It took awhile, but Buffy's hands finally loosened their grip. They began caressing, her fingers untangling themselves as they stroked through Faith's hair. Her teeth let go to be replaced by her tongue that began skimming along the bite tenderly as she murmured words of comfort. Her legs eased their pressure, allowing Faith movement, not that she went very far. Her body shifted, her hands found Buffy's breasts and her lips met Buffy's with all the pent-up desire that was coursing through her.

"B…"

That was all and it was everything. One simple letter of declaration, of passion, of life, and Buffy rose to meet her.

Their clothes became obstacles they couldn't get around fast enough, yet it took forever because they could not bear being apart for even one second. They rolled around, each one fighting to gain control, then when finding themselves victorious, they took what they wanted before relinquishing their power once again. Over and over their cries sounded out…cries of pleasure, pain, anger, surprise, love.

It was violent and tender, soft and hard, rough and gentle, Slayer to Slayer, and when it was over and they were finally sated, one thing was crystal clear to both of them: they belonged together.

Buffy's voice was shaky as she struggled to breathe normally:

"Okay, that was…"

"Was us again, B."

"And once again totally unexpected."

Faith laughed and kissed her forehead.

"Ya mean ya didn't plan on an angry fuck in some old crypt?"

"No…at least not tonight."

They stayed where they were for a couple of minutes, lost in the feel of each other.

"B?"

"Uh-huh?"

Faith sat up, taking a protesting Buffy with her.

"Hey!"

"Sorry, but I'm layin' on a dirty concrete floor."

"Oh, but I was on you and all comfy and clean."

"Now, but you did your share of rollin' around."

"Guilty as charged."

Faith smiled.

"Okay, so I got another idea."

"Oh boy."

Buffy was nuzzling into Faith's chest making it hard for her to concentrate.

"B…"

"What?"

"What're ya doin'?"

"Just seeing if I can get you so turned on you'll lie back down."

"Little shit. Of course ya can, but I got this great idea."

"…Okay, I'll stop."

And she did after a last swirling swipe and a sharp nip.

"What is it, F?"

"Well, I know we still gotta talk from before and then a buncha crap got added to the list."

"Yes, we do and it did."

"But it's your last night here before you gotta go back."

Buffy stood up and began putting on her clothes.

"I have to go back, Faith."

Faith jumped up and Buffy could have watched the way her breasts bounced all night long.

"No, I know that, B. I mean, we already had extra days."

Buffy shook her head:

"How is this even going to work?"

"What?! No, we're gonna be fine, B!  We…"

"I just meant the long distance thing."

Faith went to her and wrapped her up tight in a hug.

"I don't know 'how', B, I just know it's gonna work ."

"I guess we just need to figure things out, but…"

"Exactly!"

Faith began dressing quickly.

"And that's what I was thinkin' before. See, we can't really figure anything out now, we don't have enough time."

"No, I guess we don't."

"So my idea's that we should go back to your room, grab a shower together, order room service, and do it all night long."

"And this solves our problems how exactly?"

Faith grinned as she tucked her shirt into her pants.

"Because we can be together and happy tonight. That other shit's why they invented phones and weekend visits."

Buffy thought it over for a minute, her brow furrowed, her nose scrunched, and as cute as she looked, Faith was ready to go back down on the floor and Buffy in any order there was.

"I guess that makes sense. But we will talk things over, Faith. I can't do this without that."

"I swear to ya, B, I'll talk about whatever ya want, whenever ya want. No more secrets or lies. I want you, and I'll do whatever I gotta to get you."

Buffy walked over and helped her finish tucking her shirt in, lingering and dipping down a little further than was required.

"You've got me, Faith. I just want you to keep me."

"Me too."

They clasped hands and headed out into the cemetery. The night was quiet and they'd gone maybe five steps before Faith stopped her, turning so that they faced each other.

"I love you, Buffy. More than I've ever loved anyone or anything."

Buffy's eyes misted instantly and she delivered a huge kiss, followed by several little ones.

"I love you too, Faith. You make me feel everything, all the time. You always have."

"Well the goal from now on is to make'em just good things."

"That'd be nice, but probably impossible. Don't worry about making mistakes or upsetting me. That's normal, Faith. As long as you don't hide things from me, we'll be okay. And I promise you: I'll try not to get jealous every time you're with Cordelia, but if I ever catch you dancing like that with her again…"

Faith held up her hands in surrender.

"No worries there, you made yourself pretty clear."

Buffy smiled as she entwined their hands again.

"So, we're in love and working on a relationship."

"Definitely are."

Buffy leaned her head on Faith's shoulder.

"Tell me again."

"I love you, B."

"God, how are we going to manage being apart?"

"Gonna be tough, but not like we gotta wait a year or somethin'. We'll work it out."

Buffy laughed.

"Okay, I guess that's good advice. We are 'The Chosen Two', after all."

"Damn straight we are! They can't stop us, B."

Chapter Nine

One Year Later

Faith was sound asleep. She hadn't moved in thirty-five minutes, at least not that Buffy could tell. She hadn't even stirred when Buffy had accidentally rammed the tray she was carrying into the door jamb. Which worked well for her because she wanted it to be a surprise…Faith loved breakfast in bed.

Buffy sat the tray down on the desk, then adjusted her outfit. It was a pink, sort of gauzy negligee, something she would have never picked out for herself, but she had to admit that it was pretty. And the see-through quality of it had made Faith incredibly happy, which well, Buffy had seen no downside to that at all.

The biggest challenge had been for Buffy to keep the expensive lingerie in one piece. First from Faith, then from herself when she'd nearly been set on fire cooking them breakfast. She was such a klutz in the kitchen, but as Faith always said:

"Can't be perfect, B. Even you gotta have some kinda flaw."

She climbed up on the bed and if it hadn't been for the sound of Faith's soft snore, Buffy would have been worried that she was dead. She was sprawled on her back, her arms thrown over her head, her legs flung out, one hanging slightly over the edge of the bed. Looking at her now, Buffy wondered how she ever found enough space to squeeze in beside her. Sometimes it came in handy that she was small.

"Faith…"

Nothing. It was still the sleep of the dead.

"Faith…"

This time she pulled back the covers and began placing small kisses up Faith's leg.

"Baby…time to wake up."

"…B?"

"You were expecting someone else?"

Faith smiled, but her eyes never opened.

"Five more minutes."

"No, come on, F."

Buffy let her tongue explore Faith's upper thigh, then her navel came under intense scrutiny.

"B…"

"I made us breakfast. All my specialties."

Faith smiled again.

"Damn…Okay, can I go back to sleep after I eat?"

"Uh-huh."

She opened one eye and looked down at Buffy.

"Promise?"

"Of course."

"Alright. Lemme piss and I'll be right back."

A final kiss on her stomach and Buffy was up and over by the tray.

"Perfect! Hurry up."

Faith did her business, washed her hands and brushed her teeth. When she got back to the bedroom, Buffy was in bed with everything ready.

"Get back here, I'm starving."

Faith slid in carefully, then suddenly lunged for Buffy who squealed like a girl as the tray tilted. Faith didn't stop until she'd captured her prey, her mouth hovering over Buffy's.

"Give it up, B."

"Faith!"

Their lips met, tongues sliding and playing until finally Faith pulled back.

"Relax, Princess, nothin' spilled and I got the toast."

She withdrew with three slices held in her hand, the strawberry jam slathering the side of her palm.

"Wanna lick it off?"

 Buffy complied with a swipe, then handed her a napkin and pushed her back towards her own side of the bed.

"Stay over there. I want us to eat this, I worked hard on it."

Faith craned her neck to get a better view.

"Fuck yeah, ya did! Toast, cereal, juice, Eggos. Looks great, B!"

"There was bacon, but it tried to kill me, so I threw it away. Now you just sit back and let me pass you a plate."

They ate in a companionable silence with a few errant items needing to be rescued off of Faith's body, and a few kisses needing to be delivered between bites.

"That was delicious, B. The magic you can do with cereal."

Buffy sat the dishes down on floor.

"Laugh all you want, but you ate it, didn't you?"

"Not laughin', B."

She moved over, pulling Buffy downward on the bed and rising up above her. She fingered Buffy's lingerie.

"How'd this get back on?"

"You didn't expect me to cook breakfast in the nude, did you?"

"Why not? Everybody's cleared out and we got the house to ourselves for the whole weekend. Cookin' in the raw's gotta be in there somewhere."

"In that case, F, I can't wait until you make us lunch."

"Hmmm…this thing's buggin' me."

Buffy knew what that meant.

"No, Faith! I'll take it…"

The ripping noise was loud and Faith tossed the remnants over her shoulder without looking.

"Nah, it's cool, I got it."

"You're awful."

"Hey, can I help it if I like touchin' you?"

"Not anymore than I like you touching me…Faith…"

"See, B? We're perfect for each other. Now hold on baby, I wanna touch everywhere."

Buffy was happily lazing in bed, watching as the sun trailed its way across the room. Faith slept next to her, an arm and leg flung over her, her head resting on Buffy's shoulder. She was once again out cold and Buffy felt so at peace. The world was moving outside their window, and yet they were still and safe and together. It was a perfect moment in time and Buffy was relishing it.

They had been together for one year as of yesterday, and Buffy had never been happier. It hadn't been easy to get where they were, but they had made it and life was beautiful. She had Faith…finally….and Buffy loved her more than ever. Their love seemed to expand every day with every glance, every touch, every word, and although she had no idea how it was possible, she knew that it was true.

Faith had jumped into their relationship at full force and she had been as good as her word. She had talked fully about everything, explaining what she could and trying to make sense of what she couldn't. She was a fast learner when it came to being in a relationship, and when she made mistakes, she owned up to them right away.

She played no games, didn't even bother trying to hide how she felt about Buffy.

"What's the point, B? Ya already know."

At first they had to work out the logistics and hammer out the immediate problems, not always an easy thing to do on the phone. One night after a particularly difficult discussion, Buffy had lost her temper and hung up on Faith. She refused to answer when Faith called her back, and it was less than three hours later when she heard Faith's motorcycle pulling up in the driveway.

Buffy had apologized right away for acting like a brat, but Faith had waved off her apology.

"It's a shitty sitch, B. But I'm here for the whole week, so let's get it fixed, yeah?"

That simple gesture had convinced Buffy that Faith was committed to her, and their relationship shifted literally overnight. They were a couple, a duo, a team, and they were somehow going to make it work.

The obvious solution was for Faith to move in with Buffy because the Slayer had to stay in Sunnydale. The Hellmouth was still there, along with every monster known and unknown to womankind, and that was just the way it was going to be. But Faith wouldn't budge from Los Angeles, even though she wanted to.

"I can't leave Angel in the lurch like that."

"I know, but…can't we at least talk to him and see what he says?"

"He'll just say it's no problem  'cause he wants us to be happy. Not gonna put him on the spot."

"I get that, but…we hardly ever see each other."

"I know, B."

They both agreed they couldn't do what Willow and Fred were doing, which was taking it slow, so slow that Faith called it:

"Lesbian bed death 'fore they even fuck once."

"Faith…"

"I mean, what the hell? I'll be fuckin' you more than that when I'm dead."

"They're just being sure, and it's cute and romantic. Besides, they sleep together."

"Yeah, that's probably exactly what they're doin'."

Yet surprisingly, it was Willow and Fred who solved the problem. Fred had arrived in Sunnydale for a Saturday visit, and just a few hours into her stay, she and Willow had nervously approached Buffy.

"Hey, Buff."

"Uh-oh, what'd I do?"

"Do? You didn't do anything."

"Then why the 'Serious Willow' face?"

Fred laughed as Willow rolled her eyes.

"I have no such face."

"Uh, yes you do. I've been seeing it for years, and it's as plain as the face on your face. Even Fred knows about it."

"Buffy's right, Will. You always…"

"Traitor. You're supposed to back me even when I'm lying."

Willow looked at Buffy with a huge grin:

"She just doesn't know the rules yet, Buff."

"That's funny, she told me the same thing about you."

They all laughed and Willow linked her hand with Fred's.

"So, um…I…we have something we want to talk to you about."

"Aha! I knew it! Okay, so what is it? A spell went wrong, you broke…"

"We wanted to talk to you about the living situation."

"Oh, well my position on that is I want us all to keep doing it as long as we can."

Fred laughed, but Willow smacked Buffy on the shoulder.

"Buffy, this is serious!"

"Aha! I knew it! Okay, I'll be good now."

The proposition was simple: a trade. Willow for Faith. They had already spoken to Angel and he had agreed, saying it was a great idea. Willow's magic offset the loss of Faith's slayerness, and Faith's Slayer power compensated for the loss of Willow's magic.

"And as for the book stuff, we can do the research on the phone, unless I need to come back, just like sometimes you guys have to go there."

It was the perfect solution, although privately Buffy and Willow mourned the loss of each other's daily company.

"I just wish we could all stay here."

"Me too, Buff. It's going to be so weird not to see each other whenever we want to."

"It sucks, is what it does."

"Yep, it the suckiest of the sucky. Who knows though, maybe one day we'll all move here…even Cordy."

Buffy laughed.

"On second thought, you guys stay in L.A."

"See why I'm your best friend? I can put a positive spin on anything."

"That you can. Seriously though, Will – it'll be good for you to leave. You can get a fresh start and make a whole new life."

"Yeah, that is gonna be nice. It still feels weird having Fred here, you know?"

Buffy nodded as she took Willow's hand in her own.

"I know. But you have to remember: Tara's screaming at you to go for it."

"Yeah, I know she wants this for me. Hopefully one day that's all I'll feel. And Fred's been really great with the understanding. She's so good to me."

"I like her a lot."

"Hey lady, watch it. You've got your own woman now."

Yes she did, and that woman was extremely reluctant to go along with the plan.

"Soulboy, I'm not gonna leave."

"Faith, it'll be fine. I'm going to miss you, but it's for the best. Buffy needs you."

"Yeah, but you had first dibs. Told you I was gonna stick with ya, and..."

"And you are and you will. All I have to do is pick up a phone…if I can find one…and I know you'll be here."

She was already shaking her head.

"Angel, c'mon. This feels all wrong, like I'm ditchin' you for the first pretty girl who…"

"You are, but what a girl. It's Buffy, Faith, and there's no one who understands what that means better than I do."

"But I'm s'posed to be payin' you back for everything you did for me. Can't do that with my ass in Sunny D."

He wrapped her up in a hug.

"Faith, you are paying me back. Seeing you turn your life around, watching you find love, knowing that you make Buffy happy…I think your debt's paid in full."

"Yeah, but…"

"Don't worry, I'll be calling in markers for the rest of your life, no matter where your ass is. Now go be with your girl."

Buffy smiled as she thought of how much the move had changed their lives. Buffy had never been happier, Faith was everything she'd always wanted – kind, funny, smart, passionate, dangerous, and madly in love with her. Everything she did made that clear, in fact Faith had no trouble at all showering her with love. She told Buffy regularly and easily with words just how she felt, and then her actions backed up every bit of it.

She also had no problem letting Buffy love her. She ate up the affection and attention like she was starving, and just the sight of Buffy made her light up. Happiness had never been Faith's thing, but now she was wildly happy and living a life she had never even imagined was possible. Every morning when she woke up with Buffy, she said a silent thanks that she was being given another day with the woman who owned her heart. Life was good and both Slayers were living it to the hilt.

Faith stirred, but it was only to snuggle in tighter. She was exhausted, and Buffy couldn't stop smiling when she thought back to just what it was that had so tuckered out the normally inexhaustible Slayer. All it had taken was another Slayer, some Slayer proof restraints, and a magically strengthened bed frame that could withstand hours of...activity.

Buffy had planned it out well, and when the time was right, she had attacked. Before Faith knew what had hit her, she was tied securely to their bed. She merely laughed at first.

"B, what the hell are you doin'?"

"What's it look like?"

"Like we're gonna role play or try some kink."

"Kind of right, but kind of wrong."

"Okay, so what's the sitch?"

"Remember that time you danced with Cordelia?"

Faith's was obviously confused.

"Sure, how could I forget it?"

Buffy ran her hand along Faith's arm.

"Remember what we said in the alley after?"

"Yeah, you were mad and…"

The look on her face said she remembered.

"That's right. So I thought what better way to celebrate our anniversary and maybe lay some ghosts to rest."

"…Uh…"

"Unless you're too scared."

The reaction was instant and exactly what Buffy had known it would be.

"I'm not scared! Bring it on, Twinkie!"

Buffy smiled and the sight of it made Faith nervous.

"What's the safe word, F?"

"We need a safe word?! I mean, uh yeah."

Buffy wanted to laugh when Faith's voice raised and then cracked slightly. This was going to be all kinds of fun.

"Hmmm, let's see…How about: 'Travers'? I can't imagine a scenario where you'd call out his name."

"Yeah, okay. Let's get it goin'."

Buffy sat down next to her with a pair of scissors and calmly, slowly began cutting off her clothes.

"Two things, Faith. First: you don't tell me what to do. I'm in charge now and you'll be doing what I say. And second: I'd suggest you conserve your energy. You're going to need it over the next several hours."

They went through everything, from Faith cursing her, praising her, begging her, yelling at her, refusing to make a sound, until all she could manage was an incoherent babbling before she was finally released and fell into a well-deserved and exhausted sleep. Buffy let her rest for a couple of hours, then woke her and made her take a shower while Buffy busied herself with changing the sheets.

By the time Faith returned to the room, Buffy was in bed waiting for her. She was wearing her pink nightgown and Faith somehow found the energy to make Buffy very happy before she drifted off again. It had been a good night, a wild night that neither of them would ever forget, and Faith was still trying to recover from it every chance she got.

"B, what time's it?"

The question was mumbled into Buffy's breast.

Buffy glanced over at the clock:

"3:53."

"Wake me at 4:00."

And just like that she was back asleep, like seven extra minutes were going to make any difference.

Buffy let her rest until 4:30, then with a soft kiss began waking her up.

"Faith…"

"Hmm?"

"Time to wake up."

"4:10, B."

"Baby, it's already 4:30."

"Shit…Okay."

She yawned, then rolled off of Buffy as she stretched.

"Why'd ya let me sleep so long?"

"Because you're tired."

Faith looked at her.

"Gotta be so smug about it?"

"Yes, I do."

Faith swung around to sit on the side of the bed.

"After I grab a shower, I'll grill us some steaks. Think you can boil some spuds up, maybe throw a salad together?"

"Are you insulting me?"

"Would I do that, B?"

The grin she tossed back over her shoulder as she headed to the bathroom left little doubt that she would.

"You're just so funny."

"I know. Hey c'mon, take a shower with me. Gotta conserve water when we can."

"No."

"Awww, B, don't make me walk all the way back over there and get ya."

"I'm not taking a shower with you."

Faith turned and made a move for the bed that had Buffy scrambling to get up.

"Okay, but no funny business."

"Nope, bein' funny's not what I had in mind."

They soaped each other, fondling and rubbing as they went, but they got out and dressed in a reasonable time. Supper was delicious, and afterwards they sat side by side on the couch as they flipped through the channels.

"Guess we oughta get out there, B."

"Nope, Spike's taking over tonight. We're staying in."

Faith smiled and sunk back down into the sofa.

"Works for me, didn't really feel like patrolling tonight."

Buffy leaned in and Faith's arm wrapped around her. They didn't speak as Faith used her free hand to change the channels, inexplicably stopping on a "7th Heaven" rerun.

"Hey, B?"

"Uh-huh?"

"Was Heaven anywhere as good as this?"

Faith was really asking, as if it were a question instead of the most romantic thing Buffy had ever heard.

"It was nowhere close, Faith."

And then Buffy kissed her, and Faith kissed back.

When they parted, Faith scooched around, stretching her legs out and reclining against an arm of the couch. She pulled Buffy back to her, her arms wrapped around her waist, their legs entwining.

"That good?"

"Perfect. I'm all comfy and cozy."

Faith kissed the back of her head, her hand sliding under Buffy's shirt and caressing a lazy circle on Buffy's stomach.

"Mmm…that feels good, F. Let's never move."

"Deal."

Faith smiled and kissed her head again, then looked at the TV.

"Jesus, who the fuck watched this pukefest for fifty years?"

Buffy sighed as Faith's hand kept moving at just the right speed.

"Well, I did watch a very special episode once."

"On your head then, B."

Faith began squirming and moving, and Buffy wasn't happy.

"Stop moving. You're ruining my nirvana moment."

"Sorry."

She stopped, but before long she was in motion again.

"Faith Lehane, what in the world are you doing?"

"The remote's on the floor."

"Oh. Well just leave it. We can put up with it for another seventeen minutes."

"Yeah, but the hot chick's not even in this episode."

"I'm surprised you even know about her since you've never seen the show before."

"B, it's me. I know where the hot chicks are at all times…OW! On TV, I mean!"

"Keep it that way."

All was still again…for a couple of minutes. The peaceful calm was suddenly interrupted by a rapid series of violent jerks. Faith's "Gotcha!" was then followed by: "Crap!" as they both toppled off the couch to land in a tangled heap on the floor.

"Faith!"

"Fuck."

"What the hell did you do that for?"

"They were gonna sing Bible tunes, B!"

"Do you have the remote now?"

Faith held it up triumphantly.

"Yep, little fucker's secure."

"Let's just stay down here then."

"Works for me."

Buffy was on top and it didn't take long for her to make herself comfortable. Faith found a movie that looked good and they were all set…until Buffy felt her moving again.

"What is it now?"

"Relax, just grabbin' a pillow and I got it first try."

Just as they'd gotten all settled in, the phone on the end table rang and Buffy lunged for it. Her knee accidentally dug into Faith's ribs as she leaned up, make Faith curl up defensively and shove Buffy off. Except Buffy didn't go far, her focus on the phone.

"OW!!!"

"Sorry! Sorry!"

She laid back down on Faith, the phone clutched firmly in her hand.

"I've got it!"

"Terrific, but the remote's over by the TV now."

"Hello?"

"And somehow the bitch is back on the 'Best of Jesus'."

"Angel, can you speak up? Faith has the TV blasting."

"Yeah, Angel, you know how much I dig 'Bringin' in the Sheaves'."

"That's so sweet! We're having a great time."

"Ask him what a 'sheave' is."

"Uh-huh…uh-huh…I'll tell her. Do I have to? Fine…"

"Maybe some kinda shrub? 'Bringing in the shrubs, bringing in the shrubs…Good God Al-fuckin'-mighty, we're haulin' the bitches in!"

"Hi, Cordelia. Thank you, yes, it's been very nice. No, she's not drunk, just filled with the spirit of the Lord. Hold on…Faith, it's Cordelia."

"Yeah, I got that when you called her 'Cordelia' and started talkin' like you had a stick up your ass."

She took the phone and smiled:

"Cor! How's it goin'?"

Buffy snuggled back in to watch the show, smiling when Faith's arm wrapped around her without delay.

"Yeah, just fuckin' around…if ya catch my drift. Only problem's B's watchin' this show about Mormons. Huh? You know me, whatever she wants. Any progress on…That's great, you and Soulboy are gonna be gettin' some soon. Yeah, well Red, Wes, and Fred ain't exactly small fry in the brains department. Yeah, okay, and tell Angel thanks for callin'. Later."

Faith hung up and wrapped both arms around Buffy.

"Nice of'em to call."

"Very nice."

"One whole year, B."

"Yep."

"And you even talked kinda nice to Cor."

"I try."

"I appreciate it. I know it's tough, but hey, she's got Angel, so no reason to be jealous, right?"

Buffy was silent.

"Oh brother, what?"

"Well, it's just…don't you think it's creepy how she goes after all of my lovers?"

"Just means ya got good taste…or that she's single white femalin' ya."

"See, that's what I was thinking!"

Faith rolled over until she was on top.

"Buffy, Crazy Town called and they said you got voted Mayor."

"Fine. Let's go back to the part where you were all appreciative of my tryingness."

"I appreciate everything about you, so the 'trying' thing just fits in."

They kissed, and when it ended, Faith glanced at the TV.

"Fuck, it must be a marathon!"

"So let's get the remote."

"Gotta get up to do that, so I say let's just go back to bed. We can watch something up there and sleep and screw."

"It's okay with me."

Faith stood and pulled Buffy to her feet.

"Look B, next up it's a doubleheader of 'The Waltons'."

"I loved that show when I was little! I used to…Fine, no 'Waltons' tonight."

They turned off the TV and the lights, then headed back upstairs.

"Tell ya what, B. I'll screw ya now, then take a nap. You watch 'Jimbo' say goodnight to everybody in the world, then wake me up in between shows. I'll do you again, then go back to sleep. You can watch the last show and we'll call it a night."

"Wow, it sounds like heaven."

"You're tellin' me."

Once upstairs they did their thing, and after, they retreated to their own side of the bed. Buffy used the extra pillows to prop herself up, then looked on her nightstand for the remote control.

"Faith?"

"Yeah?"

Her voice was already drowsy and even though she was facing away from Buffy, it was easy to tell that she was almost asleep.

"Could you hand me the remote?"

"Huh?"

"It must be on your nightstand, so could you…"

Faith roused herself.

"Damn, I was layin' just right."

She leaned up, looked around, then snapped on her lamp and looked again. Her head and shoulders disappeared for a second as she peered under the bed as much as she could.

"Not here, B."

"Well, I don't have it."

"You sure?"

"Yes, Faith, I'm sure."

Faith's eyes scanned the room.

"Crap."

Buffy looked where Faith was looking and instantly saw the problem.

"That's not good."

"Why's it on the fuckin' TV?"

"Probably because you carried it over there like you always do."

"I do not!"

"Then why is it there?"

Faith thought it over.

"Some kinda spell maybe?"

"Well whatever the cause, it's way out of reach."

Faith sighed and threw back the blankets.

"Things I do for you. I'm tellin' ya, B…nobody else would get outta a warm bed after the sex we just had to get you a remote control."

"I know."

Faith picked it up, then hit the "On" button, flipping through the channels as she walked back to the bed.

"What number was it on? 666?"

Buffy laughed:

"Something like that."

Faith got back into bed and handed her the remote.

"Here ya go, Princess."

She snapped her light off, then pounded her fist into her pillow.

"Faith?"

"Yeah, B?"

Buffy was suddenly there, her face right next to Faith's.

"I want to kiss you."

"Don't know why, but go for it."

"You are the most wonderful woman in the world, and every day I feel so lucky that you love me."

They kissed and Faith's smile couldn't have been any bigger.

"Ya know, I'm not even sleepy anymore."

"You're not?"

"Nope."

She leaned into Buffy.

"Let's watch 'The Waltons'. Who knows, maybe I'll like it."

"Really?"

Buffy's excitement made Faith grin.

"Probably not, but gonna give it a try."

Faith hung in there for a long time, but by the end of the first show, she was drifting off. Buffy wasn't far behind, her head dropping, then jerking up before she finally gave in and slid down the bed to wrap an arm around Faith.

"Goodnight, Mary Ellen."

"Goodnight, Jim Bob."

"Yeah, night, B."

"Goodnight, John Boy."

"…Goodnight, F."

The remote hit the floor, but neither girl moved, sound asleep as the TV blared on.

THE END