Summary: One-shot song-fic based on 'Next Contestant' by Nickelback. Faith's POV; Buffy/Fatih.

-Eventide

The Next Contestant

I judge by what she's wearing
Just how many heads I'm tearing
Off of assholes coming on to her
Each night seems like it's getting worse

In her low cut black top and tight jeans, I know it's gonna be another of those nights, always is. I know that I'll be lurking in the corner seat by the bar, JD in hand, poised and ready to move when I see the next one coming.

And I wish she'd take the night off
So I don't have to fight off
Every asshole coming on to her
It happens every night she works

Fuck I lost count of the number of people I'd threatened off her, my painfully territorial nature the force behind my hand clenched tightly on their shirts, pushing them back as I stared them down. Goddam exhausting, the rush of the power not thrilling me like it used to, not here; this wasn't for me, this was for her.

They'll go and ask the DJ
Find out just what would she say
If they all tried coming on to her
Don't they know it's never going to work

Had to admit, I'd give my trademark smirk to the assholes on the nights Ken was hittin' the turntables. Yeah, I knew she gave it to them straight, knew by the scowl on her face as they turned to face me and I glared right back; made me feel good. She was mine, and I'd fuck with anyone who tried to take her.

They think they'll get inside her
With every drink they buy her
As they all try coming on to her
This time somebody's getting hurt

Not like she ever took the drinks, nah, I knew my girl was only takin' their shit for her job, knew it was me she was goin' home with. I watched as the dick she was servin' reached over the bar, right for her...oh I don't fuckin' think so dude. I swear he didn't even see me comin' as my fist connected with his face, bastard was lucky I managed to hold back the power a little, woulda broken his whole damn face. He fell against the bar as I pulled my fist back, her quiet whisper of my name the only thing that stopped the swing. Deep breath and I'm stormin' outside for a smoke, watchin' them file in.

Here comes the next contestant.

Don't matter how many I square off against, there's always more. More standing by the bar as I get back to her.

Is that your hand on my girlfriend?
Is that your hand?

She leans over to him as I watch, shoving people roughly aside on my way. He's backed off, but it doesn't stop the low growl in my throat as I reach them. Daring him to jus' try it with me there.

I wish you'd do it again
I'll watch you leave here limping
There goes the next contestant

Her smile calms the fury that's roaring from the pit of my stomach and whispers to me silently; its just another night.

I even fear the ladies
They're cool but twice as crazy
Just as bad for coming on to her
Don't they know it's never going to work

Hell yeah, everyone wants a piece of her, can see it in their eyes as they take her in. She's never gonna be theirs though, and I know it. She's told me I gotta take it easy, gotta calm down, told me she's mine n always will be. Doesn't stop me though, wont stop me protecting what's mine.

Each time she bats an eyelash
Somebody's grabbing her ass
Everyone keeps coming on to her
This time somebody's getting hurt

Ken's beside me now, following my gaze to the bar, slinging her arm around my shoulder and using just a little of that Slayer strength to encourage me to stay in my seat. I know she can feel the anger, I know it's comin' off me in waves. She knows, knows she's just like me, that she'd be right there like I am if it was Red. I turn to a sympathetic gaze and take a deep breath, my eyes sliding closed a little and I force down the urge to grab the latest player and throw him across the room.

I'm hating what she's wearing
Everybody here keeps staring
Can't wait 'til they get what they deserve
This time somebody's getting hurt

Jus' like them, I can't take my eyes off her. Her clothes fit her curves, her shirt lifting a little as she reaches for a bottle, pouring well-practice shots and God she looks good, too good, too fuckin' hard to resist. And when she hits the end of the night, shruggin' off the last chancer and melting into my arms, I watch him leave and turn my eyes back to my girl.

There goes the next contestant

***