Buffy was waiting for Faith. She had been waiting for the past 10 minutes! How long did it take to pick out a couple of weapons anyway? Just grab the sharpest shiniest one right? That’s what she always did. But no… Faith had to look at, test out each sword, each axe, weigh it deliberately in her hands, test the range. It was a careful selection process.
And it was driving Buffy insane.
“Faith will you just pick something!” She said at last, exasperation evident in her voice. She barely restrained the foot stomping. So she thought she did good.
They were supposed to be on their way on patrol soon, well, as soon as the others got back. Their very first patrol together in more than a year. Buffy was more than just a little nervous. That was where most of the impatience was coming from. She had wondered if it would be like old times. If they would find the rhythm they’d shared before. She wondered if it would be awkward. If all those old memories would come flooding back, would Faith try and pull away from her again? God, she hoped not.
Not after they had gotten so close. Not now that everyone knew.
“Hold up a second B. This is a very important decision here.” Faith turned away from the weapons chest to face her. She was holding an axe over her shoulder and had a grin on her lips.
It was sexy as hell. It made Buffy wonder if she’d be able to keep her hands to her self through their patrol.
“You guys have really stocked up!” She continued digging through the big wooden box again. And Buffy knew Faith was saying something more but she simply couldn’t bring herself to listen. She was far too entranced by the sight of the other girl’s luscious ass on total display as she continued her search. Those faded, worn jeans hugged her curves like a second skin and the tare, high up on the back of her left thigh, it exposed just enough flesh that Buffy’s eyes had no hope of looking anywhere else.
They still hadn’t gotten that ‘later’ they had talked about. Things had turned into a bustle of activity after Willow had left. The rest of the gang had come to the obvious conclusion. They were shocked at first, but Tara had come back and in her own gentle way managed to smooth everyone’s feathers.
Buffy thought again how grateful she was to have her. Xander had been understanding.
“Hey, I’m accepting guy.” He’d proclaimed, only slightly red in the face.
“I’m a well adjusted and modern male type person. Nope, nothing but open-mindedness here!” But the way his voce had cracked at the end let everyone know exactly what his mind was open to at that moment.
Anya had smacked him. And had continued to do so at random intervals throughout the afternoon, when she caught him looking at the two slayers.
“I did put emphasis on the MALE part didn’t I? You all should expect this from me!” He finally ended up hollering in his defense around the tenth punch or so. And well, he had a point. Sort of.
Giles had expressed his concern in the suddenness of it all, but Buffy was pretty sure in his book, he was happy if the person she was involved with had the base requirement of being alive.
Buffy figured he still hasn’t let go of the Angel thing. That and the concept of her love life just plan made him uncomfortable. But he seemed more interested in the research and got everyone back on track fairly quickly.
Soon after that Dawn had come bounding through the door from school.
“Is it true!” The first words out of her mouth and been shouted. And Buffy had no idea how so much noise can come out of a small 15 year old. She briefly considered it must possession.
“Is Faith really here?!” The entirely too loud talking continued as the sound of a backpack thudded against the floor.
“Dawn! Can we try a few less decibels please!!” Buffy had shouted back equally as loud as she came out of the kitchen.
“Well I’m just trying to find out what the hell is going on!”
“Dawn, language! And just take a breath for a minute!” Dawn had been a big ball of energy. Strictly in the metaphorical sense. She was keyed up, bouncing around excitedly and trying to look over her sister’s shoulder into the kitchen.
“No way! I’ve been sitting through school totally clueless, because SOMEBODY never lets me come on patrol and never tells me anything and—”
“What’s with all the shoutin’ with you people?” Faith had chosen that moment to come striding into the living room, with her typical carefree swagger. Obviously happy for the distraction from mountains of books and the constant leers from Xander.
“Faith!!” Dawn kept with the trend of the yelling as she went charging straight for the dark slayer. She stopped short of actually jumping on the other girl, instead bouncing excitedly in front of her.
“Yup that’s me.” And Faith couldn’t help but smile, though it was cautious. Buffy saw the nervousness in those bottomless brown eyes and tried to make her own reassuring. They both knew that Dawn had always liked Faith. But that didn’t mean she hadn’t been hurt like all the rest of them.
“So I take this as you’re not one of the ones who want to kill me?” Faith gave her the most genuine smile she had.
“What!! Are you kidding!? This is so awesome! You’re totally here to help Buffy kick the bad guy’s ass right! Buffy so needs help, and you’re way tougher anyways!”
Dawn was talking a mile a minute and it was entirely too much excitement in Buffy’s opinion. She was more than glad her sister was happy about Faith being here, but this level of euphoria had to have been chemically induced. She had warned Dawn about the post-class mochas!
And Faith was NOT tougher!
“Hey! I’m equally as tough as she is!” Buffy had said in her defense.
“Oh whatever!” The now confirmed possessed teen had rolled her eyes. “Anyways you’re here for good stuff right? I mean, you’re not still all…umm…”
“Crazy?” Faith had finished, that right dimple showing. “Nah, I came back to help with the ass kickin’”
And at that Dawn had actually let out a shriek, followed by a squeal. Faith stuck her finger in her ear and winced. And Buffy pitied her; she knew what it was like. She lived with the constant ear-splitting creature after all.
“Happy to see me then?” Faith had replied. And Buffy was glad no permanent damage had been done.
“Oh my gosh totally! You were always the cool one Faith! Buffy’s just lame. And she never lets me do anything.”
“Well, I don’t think she’s so lame.” She replied and winking at the oldest of the two sisters.
And Buffy couldn’t help but blush. All Faith had to do was just look at her and she was lost. Their eyes had locked once again and Buffy could feel herself getting lost in that gorgeous chocolate gaze. She could feel herself heating up from head to toe when that slow smile crept its way across those plump glossy lips. It was like warm honey swelling in her chest, spilling out to cover every inch of her in contentment… and Christ, those delicious tingles chasing themselves up and down her spine. She could feel herself smiling in response. Buffy knew Faith had to be feeling the same. She could tell in the way the other girls eyes had fallen on her lips, how her pupils were getting larger, making her eyes starting to shine like polished granite, how she skin was starting to flush slightly, her chest—
“Wait… what’s going on?!” Dawn’s voice shattered the daze the two slayers had fallen into. She was looking back and forth between the curiously.
“Um…Dawn, I need to tell you something. About me and Faith.” Buffy’s voice came out clear by pure will alone as she suppressed the sudden wash of arousal that had enveloped her.
“What? You AND Faith?”
“Yup, AND” Faith cut in nodding and smiling big. And she took Buffy’s hand, not even attempting to be subtle. Buffy could only stare at her as her mouth dropped open in shock. SO not helping.
“You mean… wait… Oh my god! AHWW ewww!” The sudden realization and subsequent shock played animatedly across the younger girls face.
“Hey Dawn calm down its no big” Faith spoke gently taking some of the leer out of her voice this time. But Dawn could not be pacified.
“No big?! This is HUGE! When did this happen!? What about Riley!?” And Buffy was glad at least that she didn’t seem upset by the whole thing. She was just letting the entire neighborhood know was all.
“We told everyone this afternoon, and I broke up with him.”
“So you two have like… and with the.” She made some wild gesture with her hands that resembled octopus wrangling.
“Yup all that and then some kiddo!” And it actually sounded like Faith was bragging this time! The leer was back full force too. Again, SO not helping. Buffy thought about using duct tape.
Which of course led to all sorts of other thoughts she REALLY shouldn’t have been having while her little sister was present. They were the ‘later’ type thoughts. Hmmm. The look on her face must have been giving Buffy away. She knew she had to have been blushing, and it was confirmed by the sudden look of horror that crossed her sister’s face
“Oh EWW! I SO didn’t need to know that Faith! So what is it with everyone turning gay ‘round here? First Willow, now you guys and I swear I’ve seen Giles checking out that really skinny guy that works in the java stop! I swear its something in the water.”
“Dawn you know it doesn’t work like that… and Giles!?” The hell’s spawn just rolled her eyes.
“Listen kiddo. It all happened kinda sudden, but I really… I-I… umm we’re real happy.” And Buffy couldn’t help but smile at Faith, she knew full well what the other Slayer had tried to say, had wanted to say but couldn’t, wasn’t ready to. Faith was looking at her apologetically, almost worried. And Buffy brought her hand up to her mouth, laying a gentle kiss across her knuckles, letting her know it was all right.
“Oh my god Faith! She turned you all mushy! That’s so sweet!” Dawn’s eyes were wide and her eyes amazed as she pulled Faith into a hug.
“Hells no! I’m not mushy!” Faith had protested, but it was only halfheartedly.
“Yeah you are! And I’m happy for you.”
“Hey what about me? No happiness for me?” Buffy pouted, even though she already knew the answer. She knew her sister.
“Whatever Buffy! I can’t believe all this happens when I’m not here. That you told everyone before me, your own SISTER! I’m never going to school again! I miss all the important stuff!!”
Buffy could only sigh, figuring she just couldn’t win. Demons are nothing compared to a little sister lost in the thorough of adolescence and puberty. Dawn smiled one last time at Faith, sent her sister a final scowl and grabbed up her backpack.
And it was with that last bit of eye-rolling attitude she had indignantly stomped up the stairs. Both Slayers were sure they would find the door to her bedroom in splinters later after that ferocious slamming as well, but they didn’t have time to consider it too much. At that moment Giles came bustling into the room. His glasses perched on his nose and one of the large more ancient books in hand.
“Prophecy!” He said with as much excitement his Britishness would allow.
“What? Another one?” Faith had asked, flopping down on the sofa. She pulled Buffy’s hand, forcing the other girl to land beside her, nearly on top of her.
“It appears so. An extremely old one.” His voice was serious as he took a seat in a chair opposite from the slayers. Buffy noticed he was paying particular attention to NOT paying attention to how they were practically snuggling in front of him.
“What’s it say?” Faith questioned absently, more interested in playing with the rings on Buffy’s fingers. Giles would just have to deal Buffy thought. It just felt too good being this close to Faith. It was like a need, one she had denied for far too long.
“Well it refers to what as known as ‘The Ancient’ I do believe this is the first vampire, ever. The mother of all the rest.”
“Yeah, we already knew that. And she’s turned all her Turok-han kiddies loose to rampage through my town.” Buffy replied.
“Correct Buffy, but we don’t know to what purpose—”
“So now we do?” Xander asked as he entered the room, also purposely not looking at the girls on the couch. His avoidance had less to do with discomfort and more to do with the condition of his arm. Anya was right behind him. He let her take the remaining chair and sat on the floor beside her.
“Precisely. It would appear these vicious killings we’ve been seeing have not been caused by the Ancient herself, but by the Turok-han, in order to release her.”
“Wait, so she’s trapped someplace?” Faith asked finally taking some interest in the conversation
“Yes, and has been for the past five millennia according to what I can decipher of the prophecy. From what I’ve translated so far it seems when the Ancient was born, out of the primordial oceans, it was at a critical time in the formation of the earth. When good and evil were at their most basic and their distinction was just occurring.”
“Why do I feel like I’m back in Bio lab?” Tara sighed from her perch on the arm of Giles’ chair.
“Yeah with a nice dose of End of Times 101.”
“Despite your sarcasm Xander you are precisely correct. This revelation is quite threatening. It seems that once the Powers that Be became aware of the distinction that was forming, they attempted to stop it. Prevent these evil forces from coming into existence.”
“But they couldn’t. Something stopped them, or else we wouldn’t have demons and shit today, and me and B would just be hot chicks without superpowers.”
“Umm… err. Yes. That’s right. The book speaks of an even higher power… ahh, it calls it, ‘THE’ power.” Giles said it cautiously, softly, looking into the book, reading the words again and again to be sure. But he was sure. Buffy could tell.
He was sure, and he was afraid.
“Oh y-you mean like…” Tara whispered.
“Yes.”
“Is it me or is this REALLY heavy shit here.” Buffy could feel Faith tensing next to her. Her hand holding tighter to her own. She knew the other slayer was feeling the need to break some of the pressure that had blanketed the room.
“Yeah I’m starting to think church this Sunday would be a good idea?” Xander cracked also clearly nervous.
“From what I can tell the, ahh… creator, prevented the Powers from interfering.”
“But why? Why let the evil come into existence?” And this time when he asked all his sarcasm was gone.
“For it to be there at all it had to be part of a greater plan. Right?” Faith sighed. “So is the whole meaning of life thing in that book too?”
“I’m sure you’re right about the purpose Faith, but the text doesn’t site any motives for these actions. It does however say that the Powers were discontent with the decision. And as an act of mercy the creator granted that one of the most powerful of the evils be exiled.”
“And let me guess, the powers chose this ‘Ancient’ bitch.”
“That is correct Faith. With the stipulation that she resurrect once every 5 millennia so that balance may be maintained.”
“But the Powers intentions were just in vein!” Anya shouted, frustrated at what she’d heard so far. “All the ‘old ones’ died out. Killed each other off! Long before humans were even capable of comprehending—”
“Yes the text does make mention of their error.” Giles sighed, and Buffy had heard enough. This thing wasn’t even supposed to be here. And if it hadn’t been for the usual meddling of the PTB it wouldn’t.
“Does it say how we kill it.” She said at last. Her face a mask of determination.
“Yes in fact it does. Although it is muddled, the slayer is mentioned. You both are.” He paused, finding the correct spot on the page and began to read.
“At a time when there are two, one of darkness and light, shall the first and final be defeated. They will kill as it rests, on the eve of its 500th awakening and… I can’t quite decipher the rest. It appears to be the location… near the hell-mouth but I’m not sure. The rest switches into an even earlier dialect which I am unfamiliar.”
“So its that easy? We sneak up on this thing and kill it in its sleep?” Faith said surprised.
“It certainly looks that way. But no doubt there will be dangers. The Torak-han will be guarding her heavily…”
“Some shiny weapons should take care of that!” Buffy piped in. She stood up, already working a plan out in her head.
“So how much time we got to stop this thing’s alarm clock from going off?” Faith was thinking as well, her process noticeably different from her counterpart however. Where Buffy couldn’t be still, the ideas shooting rapid fire through her mind, each being sorted, kept or eliminated. She was pacing, her hands moving. Comparatively, Faith was more deliberate. Her process more meticulous and she weighed the balance of what it all meant.
Tara looked at them strangely, apparently the only one aware of the contrast of their actions, the balance, the blending.
“Well, according to this… and cycle of the moon… and 5 month of… Exactly one week.” Giles finally answered, sure of his calculation.
“Kinda Short deadline were working on here.” Faith nodded, solemn.
“Right. To kill it, we have to find it. Giles, keep working on the translation, we need an exact location.” Buffy began delegating
“I’m going to find Willow again. We should be able to help with that part. Maybe even figure out a locator spell.” Tara offered
“Sounds perfect!”
“Anya can you come with me? We can stop by the shop for supplies.”
“Supplies? As in Free supplies!? Giles?!”
“Anya the free supplies will be permitted in this occasion.” Giles sighed, removed his glasses and began massaging his forehead.
“All right, but only because it’s a special occasion!” Anya pouted.
“Great! Xander, do you think you can give Riley a call, update him on—”
“Wait B we’re still gonna bring him along on this?” Faith stood up at that, the mention of his name pulling her from her deep contemplation.
“Baby, he still wants to help.” Buffy spoke softly, aware that they once again had an audience. She took the other girls hands as she continued. “And He has resources, connections to fire-power that we’re gonna need here.”
“But…” Faith whined a little, and Buffy could tell she knew this was right.
“Don’t be mad ok?”
“I’m not, it’s just gonna get wicked awkward ya know.”
“You’re right, but it will be fine,” Buffy said it with all the confidence she felt. And she moved closer, wanting to feel the heat coming off the other girl, feel her presence.
“I’m with you now, remember.” It was said gently, her hand coming up to brush a few random dark strands away from the other girls face. It was just reason to touch her, to feel that soft warm skin against her fingertips
“Yeah…” Faith replied, leaning into Buffy’s touch, their bodies getting impossibly close…
“Ahem! Ok now you guys are just giving me more reasons to get smacked!” Xander had to stop this, for the sake of his own sanity.
“He’s right, he will be severely bruised by the end of the day.” And she smacked him again as she rose from her seat. She and Tara collected a few things and headed for the door.
“Oww! Woman, can you at least switch arms!?” He shouted at his girlfriend’s back as
“Sorry…” Came the sheepish reply from both girls and then Buffy had her business face on again
“Ok Xander, can you go see if Riley has any of those flame throwers laying around?”
“I’m on you… eer-- It! I’m on IT!” He grinned, glad to be out of striking range at last, Anya still shot him a glare from the door.
“Right. Meet us back here before sunset hot stuff.” Faith winked at him chuckling gently. “So, you still keepin’ the weapons in the chest B?”
“Help your self. Everyone meet back here and then we patrol.”
And now, Faith was still trying to decide on a weapon of choice. And Buffy had just been caught staring at her ass. Faith had spun around so fast Buffy hadn’t even a chance to blink.
“Gotcha B!” Faith grinned, cocky. Her eyes glowing, and Buffy knew she was in for some serious teasing.
“Oh! I-I was just... umm--” If she could just come up with a clever excuse…
“Checkin’ out my ass!”
“I was not… well, ok I was.” Buffy knew when she was beat. Besides, why shouldn’t she check out Faith’s ass? It was allowed now.
“Yeah? Got ya thinking about ‘later’?” Faith smirked. Dropping the crossbow she had been inspecting and taking a few steps towards the other girl. Buffy smiled at her light and teasing tone, but she still couldn't shake the worry, the insecurity that plagued her mind.
“Well, actually I was kinda thinking about earlier. All this stuff we found out, and then patrolling again…”
“You worried about the big bad… or is this more of an ‘us’ thing?” And Faith’s tone instantly became more solemn as she picked up on Buffy’s obvious concern.
“Little bit of both I think.”
Buffy answered honestly, unable to hide anything from the eyes that were showing so much care, so much vulnerability, and hurt and pain and love and just so MUCH. It was all reflected in her voice.
“Well as far as this old evil vamp bitch. You can consider her ass kicked. You know we got this.” The confidence she felt in that was like pure steel and Buffy felt instantly infused by her strength. But Faith continued softer, stepping closer and laying the palm of her hand gently against Buffy’s cheek
“And as for us? B I don’t have any answers. I just know…” Faith took a breath, pressed her forehead to Buffy’s, warm breath whispering across her skin.
“I just. I feel you. Ya know. In here.” She brought Buffy’s hand up to her chest. Skin on skin, where her tank left Faith exposed. And the strong and steady beat Buffy felt was a beautiful revelation.
“You feel it?” Faith’s voice was a horse, ragged whisper. And Buffy knew she asking so much more.
“Yes.” It was all she could say, and at that moment it would have been the answer to anything Faith had asked.
“That’s where I feel you…Like, deep inside B. You’ve always been there. And before it was like you were rippin’ me apart, but now… Fuck its like you… its like I found what I was missin’.”
“Faith, god baby I…” Buffy felt like she had lost voice. Her breath was caught in a lump high in her throat, there was a similar one swelling in her chest. Her eyes burned but she blinked the moisture away and slanted her mouth across Faiths. It was the best response she had to Faith’s heart felt words. It was the truest one, the realest.
Buffy let her mouth slowly explore the other girls. There was no rush, no urgency, only pure expression of passion, of need. She felt more that heard Faith’s pleading sigh against her lips and answered it instantly. Buffy slid her tongue along her lip, sinking it into the heated depths of Faiths mouth as she pulled her closer and let her hands run lazy paths up and down the dark girls back.
It was soothing, deliberate and slow. And Buffy could feel the world melt away, all her fears, her doubts, swept away in the confirmation of the kiss, of Faith’s arms wrapped around her. She wanted it to go on forever, she wanted to feel this forever.
But breathing had become an issue. Faith pulled her mouth away first with a reluctant sigh. And Buffy shudder at the feel of those moist lips trailing down the curve of her neck until finally Faith buried her face in the curve where her shoulder began.
“Damn B what are ya doin’ to me?” She finally asked. And Buffy took a moment just to breathe the other girl in.
“Same thing you’re doing to me.”
“It’s all kinda scary but its right ya know?
“Oh yeah, I know…” And she let the mischief mix with the green to sparkle in her eyes. Her hands slid lower and cupped Faith’s ass, gave it a squeeze.
“So after patrol we can get some of that ‘later’ we talked about?” Faith grinned, eyebrow lifting and lusty grin creeping over her lips.
“Count on it.” Buffy nearly growled and purposefully jerked Faith’s hips against her own. She was getting all kinds of ideas about ‘later’ again. And maybe even ‘not so later’. She wondered how much time she had before the others would arrive.
That question was answered by an extremely uncomfortable cough from the foyer. Shouldn’t Giles be making tea? Buffy thought. And she was barely able to restrain the tantrum that started to bubble up when she felt the warmth of Faith’s body pull away from her own.
“Sorry about the PDA G-man.” But Faith blushing was still the most adorable thing ever.
“Its umm…quite understandable Faith.” Giles was vigorously polishing his glasses, and Buffy wondered if he’d have any left
“The others have assembled out front. Ummm. They’re waiting.” And with that he turned stiffly and headed back to the kitchen. Back to ‘Research Central’.
“Its party time B!” Faith exclaimed, scooping up a small hand-axe and a broad sword and shoving them into her shoulder duffel. She turned towards Buffy then, her hair tumbling around her shoulders like long dark mahogany waves. Her eyes bright already with just the prospect of a good fight, skin tan and glowing.
“Ready?” she asked, striding to the door, hips swaying in that way that dared anything to even try and touch her, try to get close.
“Oh yeah Faith, you can count on it.” Buffy mumbled and followed the other slayer out the door.
Part 18
We’ve been walking, searching through the cemetery for hours now.
All with out a single hit. Not one vamp, demon or slime covered monster.
It’s eerily quiet. More than it should be considering this gang,
but the tension has stolen everyone’s voice. And it’s not
just what we’re up against.
It’s also about me.
Or more accurately, me and Faith. Or even MORE accurately, me and Faith
and Riley. He met up with us at the gates of Shady Pines, he and Xander
looking very business like in their dark clothes and holding those shiny
flame-throwers. Too bad it doesn’t look like they’re gonna
get a chance to use them.
And Xander had been so excited at the prospect.
But everyone’s on edge now. Riley had greeted us all with just a
nod. He had looked at Faith, then at me. He had stared right into my eyes,
letting me feel, letting me know his pain. Letting me know that he knew.
I had wanted to explain it to him, wanted to be sorry or contrite. It
felt like I SHOULD be sorry, or sad or something?! I had just ended a
relationship that had lasted more than a year. Just ended something I
had convinced myself that I had wanted.
But I couldn’t. I couldn’t bring myself to feel any of those
things. Any kind of regret. Instead I felt proud, I felt certain. I wanted
to take Faith into my arms and show to the whole damn world what we have…
what we’ve finally realized. He saw all this of course. Saw it in
how my eyes refused to waver from his glance; in the way when I finally
turned away from him, it was to look for Faith. She had been standing
in the back, off to the side, pretending to inspect some detail of her
sword.
I had walked straight back and stood by her side.
And he knew then, and she did too.
The look on her face had been surprised. Her smile tentative, and unbelieving.
She’s still so unsure about all this. Even after that beautiful
declaration. Hell I’m still unsure! It’s all happening so
fast. It was just last night after all the same group of people had been
walking through a very similar graveyard. How much can change in a day
I wonder? An entire life? Heck yeah.
We had headed through the gates then without a word. Xander had tried
to strike up some kind of rapport, but all his attempts fell flat. We
were all just so anxious. And as if the bizarre triangle going on wasn’t
enough, there was definitely major angst going on between Willow and Tara.
God, Willow… I get this awful hole in my gut; in my heart just thinking
about it and it’s filled with helplessness and dread.
They had been late meeting us. Tara walking up the path to the house a
good bit ahead of Wills. Just one look and you could tell she had been
crying. Willow had hung back, and she had looked pissed too, but in a
different kinda way. A way that wasn’t Willow, not my Willow, not
the best friend that I know.
It was petulant, indifferent.
She had looked so changed standing there at the street arms folded, a
slight sneer on her mouth. I never thought her face could look so hard,
so full of disdain. Her eyes had looked kinda glassy, kinda hazy.
“Ahh…Everybody ready to go?” I had asked, cautiously.
Looking back and forth between them, trapped in the silence. It was oppressive.
Tara just nodded. But Willow brightened a little, actually a lot. Like
some one flipped on a switch.
“Ready to kick some demon butt Buff!” She had this goofy smile
on her face. She even giggled a little but no one else was laughing. It
wasn’t close to funny.
Tara couldn’t even look at her. And I felt my jaw drop in disbelief.
It was one of those moments that totally blindsides you. A sucker punch
to the gut. I watched and that hole in my gut got about ten times bigger.
She staggered a little, bumped into the mailbox.
“Cm’on guys! What’rr we waitin’ for!” That
slur, that drawl I hated it. It was a conformation. Because now that I
think about it, I guess it wasn’t so much of a surprise after all.
We had all seen it. More supplies laying around than usual, all the books.
That worried frown that was so often on Tara’s face lately…
“Woah, talk about never in a million years…” Faith had
mumbled, and unfortunately Willow heard.
“What the hell’s that ‘spose ta mean?!” She’d
raged. That high-happy mood flashing away in a blink.
“Willow please…” Tara tried to plead from the periphery.
But she couldn’t break through. Willow had walked right up to Faith;
I think she meant to be intimidating. But she was swaying. Faiths eyes
had darted to me, wide and surprised, looking for help.
I couldn’t offer any. I think I was running through the denial stage
of coping still. I remember shaking my head, amazed.
“I asked you a ques’n Faith!” God the way she just spits
out her name. It’s all revulsion. Why? Why is she holing on so tight
to this rage? I didn’t ask them to forgive Faith, for them to be
friends. Just to give her another chance, give US a chance.
“Ya know Red, I don’t think I’m the one that has anything
to answer for right now.”
And I can tell Faith is controlling herself. I can hear the faint ring
of mockery in her voice, but its only because I know where to look. I’ve
had it directed at me enough times after all. But she’s all serious.
Even though, I know, somewhere deep deep down, she’s reveling in
the fact that it’s not her this time. That it’s not her falling.
It’s laughing, and its satisfied. Its that dark part of her that
I’m beginning to understand. Because as much as I hate to admit
it, as much as this is ripping my heart out I’m glad that this is
Willow’s fall from grace. That she no longer fits into that perfect
white space. And I’m hopeful. I’m hoping that this gray she
finds her self in will give her perspective.
But it still hurts.
“Who do ya thin’ you are anyways huh?!” She was right
up in Faith’s face then, and everyone else had become statues. Then
I hear a door slam and I turn from this unbelievable scene to see Tara
has gone inside.
“B? Get your friend.” Faith says through gritted teeth, I
can see the muscles in her arms tense.
“Whatcha gonna do, killer?” The woman I thought I knew taunts.
And I’ve seen enough. More than enough, more than I ever wanted
to see.
“Willow, stop it.” I say and take her arm, she moves with
me easily, like a rubber band… with a lot less grace.
“Oh chill Buffy.” She shrugs away from my grip, and nearly
falls over. She thinks its funny, and her tone is full of bitter cynicism
“Really need to find the fun.”
“Looks like you’ve found more than enough.” I tell her.
“What the fuck do you know? What do you care?!” she shouts
back and it feels like some one just slapped me. What do I care?! I can’t
believe this is happening to her. I want to ask her why? What would push
her to this? But I doubt I’ll get an answer. Not when she’s
like this
“Willow you’re—” I start
“I’m what? Your best friend Buffy? You’re fulla shit
ya know?” She staggers up to me and I see the haze in her eyes now.
It’s like a swirling black film, misting the sparkling blue I’m
wishing for now.
“I’m your bes’ frien’ and you bring the person
who tried to murder us all back into our lives? Why? For some cheap touch.”
Ok I don’t care how high or drunk or buzzed she is right now. That
was so out of line.
“Willow, stop now. Before you say something you can’t take
back.” And I almost choke on the words, ‘casue I know its
too late already.
“Why I wanna take it back Buff? ‘S true right?” She
continues to slur. Her eyes get darker.
She’s looking at Faith, and I’m looking at her. And Willow
has this odd little smile on her mouth.
And I suddenly have this indescribable urge, this need or instinct to
protect Faith, like physically. It rushes up my spine like sudden frostbite
before I shake it off.
“And nothin’s changed. I mean, I know she’s plannin’
somethin’… kill us all… She’s a murderin’
psychotic--” She raves, and I have to stop this now. Willow’s
on the verge of going totally belligerent
“Do you honestly think if she wanted you dead that she would have
failed? She’s a slayer Willow, we were born to kill. Trust me, you
would have never known what hit you.”
And to myself I think, ‘back then.’ Because now, with that
darkness swirling in her eyes. I don’t think either Faith or I could
have had a chance.
She just makes a dismissive sound, rolling her eyes.
“Whatever...” There’s no reasoning with her in this
state. So I take her arm again leading her into the house.
“You’re in no condition to patrol with us…” I
tell her. I’m surprised as she goes willingly.
“Ooo big surprise, pickin’ her again.” She laughs a
bitter sound, and I choose to ignore that comment.
“Doesn’t matter… got things ta do anyways.” And
she opens the door, and goes inside.
“That was uncomfortable.” Anya speaks, and it’s the
first time I even noticed she was there. And if that wasn’t the
understatement of all time. All I can do is stare at her in disbelief.
I feel Faith’s hand on my shoulder then. Soothing strokes up and
down my arm. When I face her, those dark eyes blanket me in their concern.
I watch her mouth open, that tiny frown creasing her brow, and I can tell
she’s looking for something to say. Anything that wont end up sounding
like some lame platitude.
“I’m here…” she settles on, and damn if that was
the only thing I wanted to hear.
“I know.” And it feels like acid in my throat. I want her
to tell me its all gonna be ok, I need to hear that we’re all gonna
make it through this. But she won’t lie to me.
“So Willow is on drugs now, I think we should consult Betty Ford.”
Anya sighs gently, sadly, trying to help. She’s just as troubled
by all of this. “This shouldn’t be happening.”
“No, its not drugs.” And the three of us turn and see Tara
coming down the walk, her eyes showing fresh tears.
“It’s magic, the dark variety.” I finish for her, repeating
her words from earlier. And I can’t help thinking that I knew it.
I KNEW! But I said nothing, because Willow is responsible and good and
would never ever…
But she has.
“Well what can we do now?” I ask. I need to fix this.
“There’s nothing. She needs to come down, and that may take
a while… we should go.” Tara sets herself, her whole posture
becoming more rigid, more determined. But I still have to ask
“For how long.” And I fear the answer. Weeks?
“Months.” She states. God where have I been? So caught up
in my own discontent with school and Riley, my depression over losing
mom that I forget all the lives that are going on around me? Faith must
sense my inner conflict, because suddenly a gentle hand is on the small
of my back, guiding me as he head down the street, leaving Anya to help
with the research.
“One crisis at a time B.” She tells me
And now, walking through the towering crypts and mausoleums I feel that
they’re all pressing in on me, surrounding me. And it’s suffocating.
I think I’m about ready to call it a night. We aren’t gonna
find anything out here, and I’m tired of feeling Riley’s eyes
burning holes in my back.
“Can a graveyard be TOO dead?” Xander questions absently.
“I was hoping the place would be more UNdead.” Faith replies.
I wonder how long they can keep the puns going? I’d rather not find
out, I’m just about to suggest we wrap it up but I don’t get
a chance, because out of nowhere I hear a growl.
Make that growls… plural. As in more than one. Several even!
Faith and I both freeze instantly. And the others who were following bump
into us.
“Ok frozen slayers, not of the good.” Xander whispers
“Shut it!” Faith whispers and pulls out her sword. She’s
got her fighting face on, that come and get me smirk. She’s scanning
the darkness, eyes wide and searching.
“I’m thinking we got four or five B.” She tells me.
And I listen and…
“Six.” I tell her.
“We’re surrounded.” Riley says, and it’s the first
thing he’s said all night. “Let’s light ‘em up.”
He un-shoulders his flame gun and Xander mimics his stance. And its all
knife edge tension for half a second, until they move.
They come flying out of the shadows, faster than anything I’ve ever
known. They’re all ubervamps, Turoks or something. Faith and I jump
right into it and now that we know what we’re up against, they’re
a hell of a lot easier to fight. Just gotta aim higher.
Faith slices off the first head before the thing can even swing at her.
And she lets out a satisfied shout of victory, going right after another.
Xander and Riley hang back, guns ready and waiting for an opening. The
one I’m fighting lands a solid right that sends me flying. The second
after I hit the ground I hear the roar of a flame gun.
I lift my head just in time to see one of the Turoks burst into ash. Xandar’s
gun is smoking and that has got to be the biggest grin I’ve ever
seen.
“I’m so keeping this! I can keep this right?!” He’s
staring in wonder at the gun, but I don’t have time to answer because
another one is heading right for him.
“Xandar! Behind you?!” Tara shouts and now one more is coming
after her! Thank god for back up. I start pummeling the one that was after
Tara, just as Riley burns the other one to dust. That’s four down.
I turn and see Faith taking out one more, but the last is coming up on
her. Fast.
I can’t even get her name out before the thing is on her, knocking
her to the ground, and then I’m sprinting. I can’t even feel
the ground below my feet. I backhand the son of a bitch and I love how
it flies.
“You ok?” I ask Faith with a smile, even though I know the
answer.
“Love this stuff B!” And she hops to her feet. But her lip
is bleeding a little! Damn it I had plans for that!
The little bit of blood makes me want to kill this thing even harder.
But as the Torak staggers upright it sees all of us bearing down on him,
and it takes off like shot. I’m not letting it get away this time!
Me and Faith are on the trail, running top speed, but these things are
so FAST. We’re out of the cemetery and into the woods before I know
it.
I feel my lungs burning, my heart pounding, sending all that adrenaline
thundering through my veins. All my muscles are on fire with that tingle,
with that rush and all I can hear is the constant thump of feet hitting
the ground. Me and Faith, totally in sync. She’s matching me stride
for stride and I know she’s the only one who ever could.
I glance over at her and her eyes are bright, the breath puffing from
her smiling mouth is visible in the chilled night air. Her hair is flowing
behind her, like dark, wild ocean waves and even in the dark I can see
the flush of exertion, of excitement spreading across her cheeks. It’s
beautiful. She’s beautiful and she makes me push that much harder.
I pull ahead, and follow the Turok around a corner just in time to see
it disappear.
Disappear?!
“What the fuck?!” Faith comes to a stop beside me a second
later, breathless and wild-eyed. All I can do is stare at her for a moment.
I’m entranced watching her hair whip around her face as she looks
around, her chest rising and falling, and all that exposed skin glowing
in the moonlight. Damn I want her.
“You see where it went B?” Her ragged voice brings me back
to business. ‘Later,’ I gotta remember the meaning of that
word!
“No, it just vanished!” I say, also searching the darkness.
Its then that we hear footsteps from behind.
“Buffy?! Are you around here?” I hear Riley shout, just before
they all appear, clearly out of breath.
“Man you guys were flying!” Xander wheezes. “Did—did
you get it?”
“No it’s just gone!” Faith sighs. And I know she’s
pissed at the thought of letting one get away, but then Tara steps forward,
concentration focused on something only she can see.
“No, its still here…” She says.
“What where?” Riley has his gun up again, always ready. But
Tara just remains silent. She closes her eyes, lifts her hands in front
of her.
“They’re here… I can feel them.” And we all watch
as the air wobbles, sparkles in front of us. “Can feel the evil.”
“There, look! It’s a cave!” Faith says as the gaping
rocky opening is suddenly revealed.
“Wait, you said ‘them’ as in more than one?” Riley
questions. And that’s a damn good question. Faith looks like she’s
about ready to run right in there. Tara frowns, trying to focus.
“Definitely more than one, I-I think I could even say lots.”
But I still see Faith step forward, eyes glued to the entry of the cave.
She’s wound tighter than a spring. Hell so am I! Knowing the enemy
is right there. Right in front of us, waiting and within reach. That instinct
to fight has to be singing in her veins. I watch her hand flex around
her sword. And I remember another time. Watching her balancing on the
lip of the unknown. Taunting me, daring me to follow. It feels so long
ago.
I watch as she bounces on her toes one last time before letting out a
long sigh, the muscle in her jaw twitches.
“We’re gonna need a plan.” She says at last. “Some
more fire power at least. We don’t know what’s in there.”
She looks me in the eye and the challenge is still there, along with a
grin. God, I’m getting those chills again!
“Yeah you’re right. At least we have a location now.”
I breathe and each word takes me one step closer to her, each one feeling
better than the last, until I’m right in her personal space. Feels
amazing.
“So we’re done here then?” Riley’s voice shatters
whatever moment had just started, terse and cold as ice. Shit I forget
he had been standing right there. He’s looking at Faith and I with
a strange combination hurt and loathing. Way to make the whole situation
easier Buffy.
“Yeah. Umm. We all can get together tomorrow. See if Giles has found
anything new. Then go from there.” And I put a little bit of space
between me and Faith. I don’t wanna rub it in after all.
“Fine. I’ll be in touch” He answers, shouldering his
gun, then turns and leaves without another word. And as I watch him go,
I feel that pang of remorse I was looking for. But it’s not for
my decision it’s for his pain. I hate that I hurt him like this,
but it’ll be better this way. I just hope with time he can see that.
“Second thoughts B?” I hear Faith at my side, her voice so
small, despite her confidant posture. And I wait a second before I answer.
Until her eyes leave her shoes and meet mine. Then, my hands are sinking
into the warm silk of her hair, my mouth slanting across those gorgeous
lips as I pull her against me.
Right there in front of Xander and Tara. I’m still showing her.
And I kiss her hard. My tongue pushing into her mouth, taking her mouth,
showing her she’s mine. Its fast and aggressive and a little messy
but I don’t care because her mouth is just so perfect. Hot and soft
and she tastes like heaven. It’s an affirmation. One of my hands
slides down her back resting in the curve of her spine and I press her
further into me, I let my tongue rush over the roof of her mouth. She
gasps and I love how her breath feels mixing with mine. God, I wanna get
out of here. I NEED to!
The weight of Faith’s body against mine suddenly becomes more insistent
and I feel her yield to me, her body fitting perfectly into every curve.
From her hips up, and oh god her breasts feel so soft against mine, hard
nipples burning points against me. I feel her whimper and it’s so
good, I swallow it but I know I gotta end this, at least for now. Or else
Tara and Xander are gonna get a show.
I jerk my mouth away, ending the kiss as quickly as it started. And I
grin a little as Faith’s mouth follows mine. Her eyes flutter open
and they’re black as midnight.
“No regrets ok?” I tell her quietly. She’s still watching
my lips.
“Kay…” She breathes, all sexy-soft. And as I step away
I see she has the shit eating grin of all time going on. She chuckles
a bit more, and shakes her head a bit, like she could clear the lust webs
away. I take her hand as I face the others.
Faith and I always seem to have an audience.
Tara is giggling; Xander is gawking. It’s about what I expected.
“Lets go home guys.” I say walking past them, Faith still
grinning, letting herself be dragged.
“You people are really trying to kill me!” Xander rants, but
he still manages to sound cheerful. I’m guessing it’s because
his girlfriend wasn’t around this time.
Part 19
He stood hidden by the overgrowth. Letting the dark web of hanging moss and drooping branches conceal his presence. And he watched. The anger thumping through his system, the disgust and the rage a steel bubble deep inside. It was courting him, carrying him away to that place that let him forget. A place so dark he never knew it could exist within himself. But he reveled in it now. Loved the feeling of righteousness, of justification spilling over him like a slow, cold liquid.
It numbed the pain.
Buffy was kissing her. Not a moment after dismissing him. It was Faith. It had to be. She was doing something to Buffy, using her. For what he wasn’t sure. But that had to be it. Why else would she want that whore? Why else would she leave him?!
A possessive rush filled him, setting his jaw, darkening his eyes. Buffy was his. It was no question, and after all he had sacrificed, he deserved her. And no one else did. Certainly not the other ‘slayer’, the other freak. If Riley let himself be completely honest, Faith and Buffy were no different than the demons they claimed to hunt. Abnormalities of nature.
So maybe that was the attraction? First Angel and now this, slut. Maybe Buffy needed that, maybe he was just too ordinary.
He would save her though, save his girl. He would rescue her from this freak show of a life, filled with the constant battle and pain. Once that other one was out of the picture it would be so easy to have her back, she would come crawling back!
He would be forgiving, gracious even, accepting all of Buffy’s apologies with soft kisses and gentle admonishments.
“You should never have left me.” He said it low, out loud. Practicing. And he watched as they all left the clearing, listening to their footsteps against the marshy ground. He wasn’t surprised when he heard a new set approach from behind.
He had smelled the stink of cigarettes that preceded them.
“Mr. Finn.” The voice was icy cold, distinctly British. “I take it you’ve had ample time to make the arrangements. The Initiative will cooperate?”
“I told you, the Initiative no longer exists. Just a small sector, a research division run by the ex-general. Privately owned.” Riley replied, still gazing upon the space the others had been.
“Of course, which is exactly why the resources of the Council will be useful. We can provide the ‘forces’ as well as the funds required to capture the slayers.” And the dark man smiled, if you could call it that. Closer to a grimace.
“Right, with the stipulation that the Initiative share the information gathered from any experiments preformed.”
“Precisely Mr. Finn.” He placed another cigarette between his lips. His posture casual. And Riley found it strange for a man to be so familiar with conspiracy.
“I don’t want Buffy harmed, not in any way. Otherwise the deal is off. I only want you to fix her… make her normal.” And Riley finally turned stepping up to, towering over the haggard man in the leather. The smaller man was far from intimidated.
“That is agreed. We only want the rogue permanently.”
“Why are you agreeing to this? Why are you helping me?” Something inside Riley made him ask. It was only then that he was able to see emotion spread across the other man’s face. And it was pure disdain. Insult and revulsion, blending to form an acidic scowl.
“The Council has long since grown tired of the antics of the first slayer, her refusal to conform…” And Riley found himself nodding in agreement. Buffy had always been a bit too independent for his liking
“And as for the other, Faith…” A cloud of smoke was released with the slayer’s name “she is the only thing preventing us from calling a new slayer. One that can fit more into the status, one that will respect the institution of the Council.”
“I see.” Was all Riley could think to say. The man obviously believed strongly in his task. That was good. Riley didn’t want any mistakes. Buffy would be his again, the way they should be.
“I’ll make some calls.” He agreed at last and the hit man gave him that so-called smile again.
“So we have a deal?” A calloused hand was extended to him, and as Riley gripped it in his own he felt nothing but the wash of satisfaction.
The easy and relaxed tone the four of us had once we left Shady Pines vanished the second we set foot back in B’s house. It was like we were all putting off the inevitable. Coming back to face one more disaster.
It shouldn’t be this way. This should be a good night! A fuckin’ fantastic night! We kicked major ass and found the big bad’s hide away to top it all off. We all got away with hardly a scratch and Xander got to play with the flame-throwers. Riley even seemed cool with everything. As cool as could be expected that is. Sure he was all quiet and hurtin’ but at least he was civil. I had expected the boy to go totally ballistic.
But it was a good fuckin’ night! There shouldn’t be tears clouding Tara’s eyes again, and Buffy shouldn’t be squeezing my hand so tight.
“Guys we’re back!” Buffy shouts, the worry is etched across her face. And I can see that Tara is trying to be strong too.
Is this my fault? I know that thinking that way isn’t rational, but how can I not? Red going over board on the mojo, maybe that’s just her trying to escape from all the stress, the shock of me being here. Of me being with Buffy.
I got a lot more insight than people give me credit for. I know what it was like for Willow back in the day. I would see those smiles of adoration, of awe directed at Buffy. And that went a hell of a lot further than the basic ‘hero-worship’ shit. Nah Red had it bad. And I can totally sympathize with her on that one.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t play on it. All the time me and B would spend together back in the day had to be like rubbing salt in an open wound. I hate the way I was then. That I could see a weakness and exploit it with barely a second thought. Survival mechanism is what Angel calls it. I do what I had to just to get by.
But the shit that went down THEN doesn’t explain anything about NOW. Willow is totally in love with her girl. Tar and Red are such an obvious fit, when I look and the two of them, I can almost see that whole intertwined auras thing.
Besides, Tar said Willow had been using for months! But maybe I was just a catalyst, that one little thing she needed to push her over.
Hell all this is just too much drama. I don’t want to think about it. I wanna think about the way B kissed me tonight, just before we left the woods. I wanna focus on the way her mouth felt, how her tongue felt sliding around mine, all hot and demanding… possessive and wet. Fuck she had wiped every second thought clear outta my mind. No ones ever made me melt the way she does. I had been hoping that after patrol me and B could get a little time alone. Not even to necessarily get all with the physical…really, but just to talk some more.
We still got so much to work out. And there are some things I really gotta tell her.
I doubt if we’ll get the chance. Giles and Anya come into the living room, they look completely whipped from all the research. Willow is following lazily behind them, lookin’ totally unconcerned. Her eyes land briefly on me and I get this chill up my spine.
“How was your patrol? Anything helpful?” G-man asks wearily and Buffy proceeds to tell him about the vamps we dusted and the cave. His eyes brighten with the good news.
“I also shot one ‘em with this!” Xander adds holding up his new prize possession. I swear he’s gonna sleep with that thing tonight. “It was extra flamey!”
And as if on queue Anya is all over him, admiring his nifty big gun. I’m bet that wont be the only gun she’s admiring tonight. Hopefully she’ll quit smacking him around for a while.
“Well this is a very good development. I suggest we all call an end to this… ahhh... eventful evening. Perhaps we sh—”
“Good! We’re leaving now!” Anya announces, totally cutting Giles off. “Come on Xander, and bring the gun!” and she’s practically dragging him out of the house.
“We’ll be over tomorrow!” he manages to shout, just before the door slams shut.
“Err, right we can reconvene in the morning, discuss these new developments.” And as Giles is speaking, Red comes over and joins Tara on the couch. She’s ignoring the fact that me and B are right across from her, still holding hands.
“Hey sweetie.” She says all soft. And Tara looks way past pissed, all that tension is just pouring off of her. I feel B grip my hand tighter. I’m not gonna have any fingers left.
“Willow I think we need to leave, now.” Tara says, and her voice is tight from holding all those tears in.
“Aww baby, don’t be like that.” And I recognize that tone. Those exact words… Its like a flash back to Rucker Street when I was nine. Ma trying to console me through her dizzy haze. I can’t believe its coming out of Willow’s mouth.
Shake it off Faith. But I can’t loose that helpless feeling.
“Be like what?” Tara stands up then, her eyes unbelieving.
“So… I don’t know? Up tight about this. It was just a little magic is all.”
And that explanation just falls flat. No one’s buying it.
“Its always just a little bit. And ya know what? Those little bits add up Willow, it adds up to a lot!”
“I know, and I’m sorry I just wanted to get stronger, so I can help. I wanna help Buffy fight this thing.” Red sighs finally and I know B can’t take just being quiet anymore
“This isn’t the way to help Wills. I don’t need you hyped up on magic, I just need you.”
She tries to appeal to her, but Red’s way past the point of seeing logic here. Her own wacked-out reasoning isn’t gonna let her see. Not with all that power rushing through her. It’s a cloud across her brain and nothing makes sense when you can’t see through the fog.
Trust me, I know.
“You don’t understand, none of you do… But you will” Red shakes her head and sighs before she turns and heads to the door. And B goes to rise, run after her, but I squeeze her hand a little, keeping her seated beside me.
“Leave it, there’s nothin’ you can do tonight.” I tell her softly.
“We’ll be back in the morning.” Tara tells us sadly. This is all so unreal.
“Right, it’s late, I’ll give you a ride.” Giles offers. And then after collecting a few things they’re all gone. And me and B are alone.
And I wonder what the hell is supposed to happen now.
She answers the question for me, standing up from the chair and pulling my hand.
“Lets go to bed.” She says simply.
Ok, I have no idea what she means by that. But I follow silently up the stairs. I’m really worried how she’s not saying anything. I feel like we should be talking about this or something. So much has happened.
We get to her room and I pause just inside the door. I haven’t been here in ages. It’s kinda surreal. I watch as B goes and sits on the edge of her bed, head in her hands. I know that pose… hell I invented it I think.
“You ok B?” I ask worried, and I hope that wasn’t a really stupid question. I’m scared of the answer.
“Faith I’m so far from ‘ok’ I don’t even know where I am.” And she finally looks at me. Her eyes nothing but pain. It rips at me. Ok then, I can deal with this. I take a deep breath and turn and shut the door gently behind me. The click of the latch seems way to loud.
I cross the room and just drop to my knees in front of her. I’m so far outta my element here, but I gotta at least try. This girl, she’s my whole universe in a tiny perfect package.
“What can I do?” I say at last, I let my fingers lace with hers and I stare up into her gorgeous face. I hope she can see that I wanna help. That she can still read my eyes. I don’t know some times, I’m so used to the hiding. Whatever she sees though it makes her smile. It’s a soft one that reaches her eyes. They shimmer.
I did that?
One of her hands comes up, her fingertips brushing my hair out of my face.
“Kiss me?” She whispers, and her thumb runs over my bottom lip.
Ok, I can totally do that! I rise up a little; bring my mouth to hers. It’s a soft kiss, and so tender I can feel my chest clutching. When I pull away I can see her eyes are still smiling as they flutter open.
“Better?” I ask and how the hell did my voice get all husky?
“Little better.” She says, and now those eyes are glittering, teasing.
I raise up again, kiss her a bit deeper, longer. Her mouth opens like an invitation and I slip my tongue in right away. Shit, her mouth is always so hot, she pulls me in so deep I can’t help but sigh a little. And I already know how much she loves it when I do that, how much she likes to hear me. So I do it again, letting her really feel it as I slant my head going deeper. It makes her hot. And suddenly her hands are buried in my hair and she’s holding on to my head, tipping it back. And I feel her tongue pushing into my mouth now, so slick and wet as it wraps around mine.
Fuck that feels so nice. And I really hope this is heading where I think it is. Judging by the demanding way her tongue is exploring every part of my mouth… I mean its gotta be ‘later’ now right?!
I finally tare my mouth away from hers when my lungs can’t take it anymore. My hands slide up from where they’d been resting on her knees, up her thighs ‘till my arms are wrapped around her waist. Her legs part for me so now I’m kneeling between them.
“Better?” I ask again all breathless. Feels like I’m shaking.
“Getting there.” She husked and damn she looks so sexy. All happy-flushed and breathing a little hard. Her eyes look heavy, and they’re locked on my lips. I give her somethin’ to really think about and let my tongue make a lazy trail over the bottom one.
She gasps. And I let my hands slide up under her sweater. Her skin feels hot.
“Let me make it better.” I sigh, my mouth skimming over her throat. I feel her pulse jumpin’ beneath my lips.
“I—I oh god… Faith.” Her voice is all breath, dark and rasping, ‘cause now my tongue is tracing random patterns across her neck.
“You smell so sweet B.” I tell her, right in her ear and she groans my name again.
“Unnhh Faith…” It’s making me crazy, I’m getting desperate here!
“Please B… let me. I wanna make it better” I can’t keep my hands still. Endless motion across her back, as much skin as I can reach, its still not enough.
“Yes… baby please.” She answers finally and crashes her mouth back down to mine. And the kiss is so insistent, so and needy and possessive all at once I can’t help but groan. She just made me so fuckin’ wet.
With permission granted, her clothes are gone in seconds. I didn’t even know my hands could move that fast. But suddenly she’s in nothing but her bra and panties, laid out on her back and I’m straddling her hips. Just looking at her… fuck, my pulse is hammering in my veins. It’s all that summer time skin just spread out before me, waiting for me. It’s a beautiful offering. I let my fingertips play gently over the tight muscles of her stomach, love how they jump for me.
“You’re so damn perfect B… ya know that?” She just smiles and shakes her head. Then she reaches for me. Pulling me down to another kiss. And this one is slower, deeper her wet pink tongue wrapping around mine. I let my hips start up a little rhythm, grinding into her, nothing too intense yet. But it’s then I start hearing those tiny whimpers coming from her throat. I grind a little harder, the throbbing between my thighs demanding it.
“You get me so hot B.” I tell her, and feel her hands on my ass, guiding the motion speeding it up. And now her hips are pushing up into mine. She’s breathing hard… in time with me and the pressure against my clit is so good.
Fuck I gotta get a grip. Or else this is gonna be over before I even get outta my pants.
“Faith, your shirt… off” And she’s pulling on my tank. I sit up and yank it off. I loose my bra while I’m at it and it’s hardly off before she’s reaching for me again. Her eyes glued to my tits. But I grab her hands instead.
I get the pout. I just grin and shake my head.
“Faith, I wanna touch you.” She wines. Brat.
“Nah B, not yet. Turn over.” I tell her and she looks unsure for a second. “Let me do this for you yeah?”
And I lift up a bit so she can turn, then I’m straddling that tight little butt.
“Relax, Ok?” I whisper against her shoulder, and my hands rest for a second on the small of her back before I start running them up and down over her skin.
“Ok…” she sighs. And my hands travel, they explore every slope and valley of her form. Up and down, it’s an even, soothing cadence from her neck to just above her ass. I only break it briefly for her to loose her bra, then its back to the rhythm, slow and deliberate I’m letting it build. My mouth drops slow, wet kisses into the mix, seeking out all the places that make her moan, make her squirm, make her wet. There are so many.
I don’t know how long I keep this up. I’m judging time by the urgency of her moans. They’ve gone from breathy whimpers to deep and pleading sighs. Her whole body is in motion now, nothin’ but chills and tremors.
“Oh yeah… baby that’s so… uhhh yeah” She moans when my tongue swirls over the back of her neck again and I suck the skin I find there. Her hands are making fists in the sheets and her hips are moving in needy little thrusts, looking for something to grind into.
“Like that B?” I mumble, my voice feels like gravel in my throat. I want her so bad. And I finally lay my body out against hers. We both groan at the intense feel of skin on skin, my tits pressing up against her back my nipples hard as stone, but so sensitive every breath she takes sends a pulse of white-hot pleasure coursing through me.
I pant against her spine for a minute, trying to get back some control. It’s so hard when all I wanna do grind against that firm little ass ‘till I come. But after a few deep breaths I get it together, then I let my body drag down the length of hers.
“Want you so much…” I whisper into the small of her back, right where her spine forms that delicious curve. I lick it and let my fingertips find their way under her pale blue panties. She’s got her legs spread and I’m laying on my stomach between them, the heat is just flowing off her in waves. Right from the main place I wanna be most.
I let my hand wander down to that place, my fingers tracing over the thin cotton that is totally soaked. I find her clit easy, with just a fingertip and press a little, circle it…
“Oh fuck!” she gasps and her whole body jerks. God, I’ve got her wound up so tight, I think she almost came. Her thighs tremble as she spreads them wider for me. It’s the hottest thing ever. Her pussy is overflowing, warm juice glistening on the inside of her legs.
Enough teasing. I can’t wait anymore. I get up on my knees and slide those wet sexy panties down her legs.
“You ready B?” I ask her gently, even though I know the answer. It’s hanging in the air all around us. I take a deep breath. Her soaking pink slit is revealed to me and my throat is suddenly so dry.
“Ahh!… yeah Faith … So ready.” And she goes to turn over but I stop her.
“No B… stay like this. Just like this.” And I start stroking her ass, lifting her hips. I see her face turn into the pillow as she tries to muffle a groan. Her silky folds part and it’s like fuckin’ art to me. I just run my hands up and down the back of her thighs for a second. It’s more to calm myself, but those moans are getting louder… she’s on the verge of begging.
“Yes! Oh god yeah baby…” She groans as I finally slide my hand up her dripping pussy. Not inside her yet, just stroking through the wetness, through heat. And god she’s just coating my hand in her juice.
“Oh fuck B…you want me inside?” I can barely gasp. I had started this thing all slow but I don’t know how much longer I can hold out. I NEED to be inside her! I slip one finger in… just a little. And the tight pull of her pussy is all the answer I need. I push another one in right behind it, stretching her.
She moans for me and I add a third.
“You’re so tight…” I tell her, breathless and the grip she has on me shows she can get even tighter. I start pumping my fingers in and out. I keep one hand on her hip, stroking over her ass and lower back, soothing as she cries out into the pillow.
“Faith…Fiath…Fiath…” My name, again and again with every push. The deeper I go the more she takes me in and I’m losing myself in her. In her scent, the searing heat, those wet smacking sounds that are filling the air. I speed it up, fuck her harder like I know she likes it, like a slayer needs it… And her back arches like a bow, her head tosses back from the pillow and those blond strands are melting over her shoulders. Her mouth falls opens and she can’t even say my name anymore, its all ragged breaths and whimpers. She’s so close… looking over that edge.
“Let it go Buffy… just feel it.” I bring my other hand down her front and find her clit with my fingers. I don’t give her any warning I just press hard, grinding rough circles right where she wants it. And it’s a sudden wash that explodes through her.
“Oh God!! Faith!!” She finds my name again as she breaks… as she comes so hard. It’s a jolt through her whole body and her pussy is clutching at my fingers in a frantic rhythm. She falls back to the bed, shaking and traps my hand that’s rubbing her clit. I follow her down, my cheek resting between her shoulder blades. I slow down my fingers but keep them moving inside her… drawing out every twitch of pleasure she has.
She’s breathing hard. We both are, the aftermath of lust so heavy all we can do is gasp. I can hear her heart slowing as I finally still my hands. And I turn my face to kiss the salt of her skin. She shivers again and I smile against all that softness.
“Feel better?” I whisper, lift my head, and brush her hair away. I need to see her face. Her eyes are closed, long lashes resting on her cheeks, breathing deep and even.
“B?” I ask again, and kiss the side of her mouth that’s not pushed into the pillow. Still no response.
“Buffy?” Still nothing. Did she fall asleep on me?! I raise up on my hands more so I can get a better look.
“Buffy?” I say a little louder. Nothin’! Oh but look at that! The corner of her mouth curves up into a smile. The little faker! I’m just about to launch an attack, when her eyes pop open. She flips and then the world flips and I’m suddenly laid out flat on my back with a very naked Buffy straddling me.
Her eyes glitter and she grins.
“I’m feeling much better.” And she kisses me slow and deep, she rocks against me, her wet slit grinding against my stomach… she painting with her come. Fuck it just makes me remember how wound up I am. I groan as she pulls away. Her mouth leaves a wet path to my left nipple. And she laps at it quickly and it’s like a current shooting through me. She sucks until I’m gasping, then she pulls away like its nothing.
She gives me that slow lazy smile, satisfied that she’s turned me in to a pathetic quivering mass.
“What about you baby? How’re you felling?”
How am I feeling?! She’s killing me! And she smiles like she knows it.
Fuck I’m in so much trouble. I blink once and she’s got me pulled to the edge of the bed, my legs spread with her standing between them. Gotta love those slayer powers of recovery. And B is fast, ‘cause my pants are gone before I even realize it.
And now she’s kneeling on the floor, spreading my legs wider. Oh fuck is she really gonna?! I can’t believe this.
“God B… what’re you doin’?” My voice is shaking, like the rest of me. B answers by running her tongue up my thigh. It’s so hot and slick it makes my whole body arch.
“Ohh f-fuck!” I moan and I hear B groan in reply as she starts licking her way higher. And then I realize what she’s doin’. She’s tasting me, where my juice has leaked out over my thighs.
“You taste so good baby.” And fuck, just hearing that again it makes me even hotter. I sink my hands in her hair, not to force her or anything. I just need her to ground me. It feels like I’m flying. Her hands are so gentle as they run over my legs. I can feel her breath, right there; so close to where I need it. My hips jerk towards her mouth, I can’t help it
“B… Buffy… oh god!” I can’t help moaning either.
B lifts my legs then, placing them over her shoulders. It spreads me so wide, and now I’m totally exposed to her. Nothing has ever felt this intense… this intimate.
“Faith…” Her voice sounds small, hesitant, and I have to pry my eyes open to look at her. The sight is like a dream. Her face between my thighs, lips swollen and flushed as she hovers inches from my clit. I’m throbbing for her.
“Watch me Ok? I want you to watch me eat you.” And that was almost enough. I bite my lip and groan as I nod. Its all I can do. The first touch is a shy, delicate flick of her tongue, its right on my clit and my eyes slam shut. Its so fuckin’ intense, I’m trying to hold back, but I’m on the brink already.
“Baby open your eyes.” I hear over the rushing in my head. Oh god she’s gonna kill me… Once our eyes lock she lowers mouth again, and this time she’s not tentative at all. She buries her face in my pussy, her tongue flat, lapping up all I got to give… her lips wrap around my clit and she sucks. Hard.
I can hear myself moaning, curses, her name, but it sounds so far away. She’s so fuckin’ good. I try and tell her.
“So good B…a-ahh fuck sogood!” My hips are moving out of control, my hands clenching in her hair, and then she fills me. Three fingers deep and to the hilt. And she’s fucking me, just the way I was fucking her and her mouth is devouring me and its so good and so hot and too much
“Buffy!! I-I’m gonna … gonna come baby I—” But she knows this, and she fucks me, licks me just that little bit harder, and I’m gone. Every muscle in my body tensing arching into her and my eyes close again because its so good I can’t stand it. But I can still see her in my mind… and she’s all I can see.
The last thing Faith remembered was Buffy crawling up her naked body. She remembered the warm brush of silky skin blanketing her own, warming her. Buffy laying on top of her, raining gentle kisses across her face. And when her eyes had opened Buffy had been smiling. She remembered B whispering that she loved her. Just before they had finally stilled for the night. She had fallen asleep in heaven.
So why was she opening her eyes to hell?
Faith was on a rooftop. Not just any rooftop. Yeah it was that one.
The air was whipping her hair all over, the rain felt like pinpricks of ice on her skin. An angry sky swirled above, heavy black clouds on a backdrop that was orange fire. Thunder rolled a command from above and Faith could feel it shake her to her core. The dread sank into her, the fear bubbling up like a well.
Her fists clinched. She looked down. She was holding her knife.
“Hello? Who’s there?” She called out, tried to keep the panic in check. She felt a presence, like some one was watching her. How the fuck had she ended up here? Everything had been perfect, she and B had been all snuggled up in bed and now…
“Oh shit…” Faith sighed. She thought she would be rid of this. Rid of the dreams. Now that she’d found Buffy, now that she was where she was supposed to be. What could possibly be the point? Why here?
Lightening flashed above as if to answer and a figure was illuminated. It was small and seated on the ground, not five feet away. How the hell had she missed that?! Instinct made her raise her knife. Defensive.
“What the fuck are you?!” Her voice echoed. The thing didn’t answer. It was bent over, chanting and Faith could smell a dark rich and incense. She took a step forward and the thing raised it’s head.
“Slayer!” It hissed. It was one of the Turoks! And it lunged, swiping viciously with razor sharp claws. Faith fought back with all she had, she had gained the upper hand quickly, ready to strike the final blow when a sudden one stuck her from behind.
Pain exploded through her back and Faith spun around to face her new attack. Black endless eyes and hair the color of oil. But the face was all too familiar.
“Willow?!” Faith gasped, disbelief etched on her face. The response came in a slow dark voice that could never belong to the redhead she knew.
“Hey Faithy, having fun?”
“Willow what the fuck is goin’ on!?” She demanded, truly scared now. The wind was picking up, chaos churning around them. And Willow didn’t answer. Her eyes instead flicked to the creature at Faith’s back.
“Keep your mind on the fight, killer.” The witch grinned.
And Faith could feel the thing rushing up on her fast, and she spun around, arm rising and the knife caught the lightening a second before in plunged in deep hard, to the quick easy… too easy! There was a gasp, so small and frail, surprised. NO!
“Faith?!” Buffy, oh god! Green eyes filled with pain, blood spilling from her lips
“Buffy!” Faith’s voice was carried away on the wind as she caught the other girl as she toppled forward in her arms and her entire world was swallowed in that one crimson instant.
