Chapter Four

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Am I sure I want to do this...yeah I’m pretty fuckin’ sure I wanna do this. My whole life I’ve never loved anyone but Buffy an’ I know this is the right thing to do. “Because in case you hadn’t noticed my sister isn’t always easy to get along with. I mean she’s really cranky in the morning, and she kind of whines when she doesn’t get her way. And don’t get me started on what she’s like if you eat the last Twinkie in the box.”

I give Dawnie a grin and shrug. “It’s kinda what I like about her Squirt.” Wes tugs on my wallet chain an’ I lean down to lift him up. “What do you think boyo? Am I doin’ the right thing here?” He tips his head to one side to look at the glass case of shiny rings. Then he turns those big brown eyes on me. I know every mom thinks this but I got one damn good lookin’ kid here.

“Uncle Xander said that when you love someone and they love you that you should get married because if don’t you might wish you had for the rest of your life.” I blink an’ look at Dawn. She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and sighs. I know what happened with Xander an’ Anya. It sucks ya know? They really loved each other but they weren’t ready for that. At least he wasn’t. An’ he’s gonna regret that the rest of his life. I give Wes a kiss on the forehead.

I don’t wanna make the same mistake Xander did. “You know if you’re going to ask her to marry you the least you could do is be sure you want to marry her.” What is this? I look over at Dawn and frown. “I mean okay I know you guys love each other and everything but I remember not so long ago you weren’t exactly the marrying sort of girl. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this because you think it’s what Buffy wants because I’m pretty sure the only thing Buffy wants is you and her to be happy with Wes and that’s that.”

It’s kinda sweet. Annoying but sweet. I think Dawnie is tryin’ to look out for me. I give her a little smile and bump her lightly with my shoulder. “I was a different person then Dawn. We all were. It’s not just doin’ this ‘cause I think B wants, ‘cause honestly I got no clue if this is what she wants. I just know I’m not gonna be stupid anymore an’ hold all it in. I need her Dawnie.” And not just for the sex. I need Buffy. Dawn’s eyes widen a little but she nods and doesn’t say anything more on it. So now we get to the ring buying part.

My Slayer sense kicks in a second before the light is blocked out by a really tall someone on the other side of the glass cases. I look an’ grin. “Faith Lehane...been a long time.” Wes wriggles in my grip but I hold on to ‘cause the kid likes to jump on people.

“MAX!” The big guy looks at my little guy and gets a huge toothy grin. An’ when I say toothy I mean toothy. Max is a half demon and he’s got a set of chompers on him that would make a gator jealous. Sure he’s six three with a grill that would scare most kids in ta peein’ but Wes loves him. Maybe ‘cause Maxie is a big teddy bear.

He holds out his arms and I let Wes launch himself at the guy. “Hey big guy. You get my birthday card?” Yeah. Big nasty half demon sends a Slayer’s kid birthday cards every year. Wes nods and gives him a hug. I chuckle as Dawn’s mouth clicks shut. My boy looks so tiny compared to this mountain of meat. He looks around the shop to make sure no one is lookin’ before lettin’ his horns grow out. It’s Wes’ favorite part. “I was glad to hear from you Slayer. Thought you might be still pissed off about that last brawl.”

Ha fuckin’ ha. I raise my brows an’ grunt. “Yeah well I wasn’t thrilled about losin’ but I still think ya cheated.” So that means I didn’t lose. He gives me a smirk and shakes his head. Hey I kick the crap outta nastier things than him alla time. The only way he could have won was by distractin’ me. An’ havin’ his super hot sister flirt with me was plenty distractin’. “How is your sister anyway?”

“Hey you stay away from her.” He gives me a playful nudge and gestures to the back of the shop. Dawn smacks my arm an’ I rub it. Ow. “I actually just finished up with your ring. C’mon back and you can check it out.” Wes scrambles around Max’s body so he can ride on his shoulders. You know. If I didn’t know better I’d say my kid was definitely somethin’ more than human. He’s got no fear in him. And that scares the shit outta me.

Dawn nudges me again an’ I realize I haven’t introduced her to Max yet. “Okay okay. Geez you’re as bad as Buffy ya know that? Max? This is Dawn Summers. She’s Buffy’s lil sis. Dawnie this is Maxilan Death Eater.” Might as well be all formal and shit. She blinks at me then him and opens her mouth. Yeah I know she knows the name. She wouldn’t be a Watcherette if she didn’t.

“Wow. You’re the Maxilan Death Eater? The demon halfbreed who laid waste to a whole clan of Shyrock demons by himself?” I snort. He didn’t do that shit by himself but hey he’s gettin’ his ego stroked so I’m not gonna argue it. Besides he’s doin’ me a favor. Max preens a little and blushes. Yeah it’s really fuckin’ funny to see his horns go pink. “It’s really nice to meet you. I’ve read a lot about you but Faith didn’t tell me she knew you.”

I look up at the mention of my name and clear my throat. “Yeah well ya never asked. So back to this ring ya designed. When do I getta see it?” He huffs an’ mutters but pulls a little black box out of a desk drawer. I wanna see but I’m kinda worried at the same time. What if I don’t like it? What if B doesn’t like it? I mean. This is huge. I’m about to lay down some serious dough for this thing. Max’s big hands open the box gently an’ we all lean forward to look at the ring. Holy shit.

“Whoa. That’s...wow.” No fuckin’ kiddin’ Squirt.

“It’s pretty Mama!” Thanks boyo. I reach out a slightly shaking hand and pick up the box. So this is it. This is the ring I’m gonna give my girl when I ask her to marry me. Okay. I’m not panicking. I don’t panic. I just can’t breathe is all.

Max carefully pulls the ring out of the box in my hand and twists it. “I know you wanted something that represents both of you. So I created an engagement ring combo. This part...” He holds up a platinum band with three small diamonds inset on either side of a heart shaped ruby. “...is the engagement part. This one is the actual band.” He holds up the other part, another platinum band with a long sharp thing stickin’ out. I blink in confusion until he puts the two back together an’ I realize that the edge fits in to the ruby like a platinum stake. Now that’s just fuckin’ cool. “So what do you think?”

“I think you’re a goddamn genius.” Wes holds out his hand immediately an’ I dig out a buck an’ give it to him. I’m not even gonna argue about payin’ up for that one. I take the ring carefully an’ stare at it. Yep. This here little thing is gonna get me some major lovin’. Ya know. If Buffy says yes an’ doesn’t freak out an’ run screamin’ for the hills. This could all be goin’ way too fast for her. “How much?”

Max gives me a surprised look and closes the box with a snap. “Nothing.” What? I look up at him and frown. “Hey don’t give me that look. I owe you Faith. This ring is the least I can do.” I open my mouth to protest but he carefully takes Wes offa his shoulders an’ sets him on the edge of the desk. “I know I know. You don’t take anything from anyone unless you can pay for it but believe me. You’ve paid me more than the ring is worth.” I’m surprised when he pulls me in to a bone crushin’ hug. If I wasn’t a Slayer this would fuckin’ hurt.

“Um. Okay.” I put the ring back in the box an’ tuck it in to a pocket. I’m not one for the big shows of emotion. Buffy not included. I getta be a big mushball with her. Only I’ll never admit that shit out loud. Wes wraps his fingers around my wallet chain an’ tugs. I look down at him and raise my brows. “Yeah boyo?”

“I think mom is gonna love it.” I give him a smile and ruffle his hair. I hope so boyo. I really do.

“If she doesn’t say yes I so will.” I look at Dawn and snort. Yeah right. Buffy would kill us both. Max chuckles and nudges me on the shoulder hard.

“Don’t you have someplace to be?” Oh yeah. I nod and give him a wink before half dragging Dawn out with me an’ Wes. If I didn’t know better I’d say she has a crush on Maxie.

“It was nice meeting you!” She waves and I give her a slight push to keep her moving. “Okay okay already. Sheesh.” Not that I’m in a hurry or anything but we do hafta get back to the apartment before Buffy. I needa get my costume on an’ Wes hasta take a bath before he gets ready. “Hey do you want me to take Wes while you get ready for the party? It’ll be one less thing for you to have to deal with before tonight.”

Tonight. I’m askin’ her tonight. Wow. Okay. I can do this. I’ve been to prison. I’ve fought off a legion of uber vamps. I’ve closed a lot of hellmouths. I’ve even given birth without drugs. I can ask Buffy to marry me. I think I’m gonna be sick. “Yeah that sounds good.” Dawn nods and gives my arm a squeeze before takin’ Wes’ hand.

“Sound good to you Wesley?” He nods but clamps on to my leg in a tight hug.

“Don’t worry Mama. Everything will be obie kaybie.” Obie kaybie. I love my kid. I grin and hug him back.

“Be good for your Auntie Squirt okay?” He giggles at Dawn’s annoyed snort. Yeah I’m a fuckin’ riot today. I watch them walk off before heading back to the flat. B should be home soon an’ I wanna get in to my costume before she does. It might help to soften her up a little.

Chapter Five

“Faith?” I know she’s here because I can feel her but she’s not answering. A thread of worry goes through me. Stupid Jimmy. “Baby?” I hear someone move upstairs so I put my bags in the pantry in the kitchen. Probably not the best place to hide them but I know that Faith isn’t going to go in there anytime soon. I hope. Hrm. She does eat an awful lot...I should move them. I go to open the pantry to take the bags out when Faith makes her way in to the kitchen. I slam the door shut and straighten up quickly.

Oh...my...god. My mouth drops open as I stare at Faith standing in the doorway to the kitchen. I think my brain is dribbling out of my ears. Good golly she looks good. “Hey...what’cha doin’?” I blink a few times and snap my mouth closed. I don’t even have the good sense to come up with a lie so I’m just going to stare at her for awhile. “B?”

Oh! Right. Speaking now would be good. “Yerg.” Um. I’m not sure that was an actual word. Faith looks down at her costume and then at me with a mild smirk.

“You like?” I give her a furious nod of my head. Who knew that the whole Catholic school girl look would be so...well...yerg. I blink a few times and take a two steps so that I’m right in front of her. My hand tugs the hem of the short plaid skirt playfully.

I am going to have such a hard time tonight. “Tell me you want to skip this party thing.” Please please please. Faith gives me a smirk and shakes her head. “I somehow didn’t think so.” I take a step back to eye her outfit. I have to hand it to her, she went all out. Saddle shoes and lace ankle socks. The skirt and the button up white shirt with a matching plaid tie. Wait a minute. I know this uniform.

My eyes go to the silver tie pin in her tie. It’s a stake. “Thought ya might like to see what I would have looked like if I had ta be a student up at the school.” You know the idea never occurred to me. However I’m totally glad it occurred to Faith. I give her a smile and run my fingertips up her arm.

“I don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t this.” This is so much better than whatever I could have thought up. Faith gives me a dazzling smile. Okay I seriously need to get my costume on and I can’t do that with Faith here. Besides the fact that now she knows I was digging around in the pantry she’s going to want to look in there as soon as I’m out of the room. I know her. And I know my change of subject hasn’t taken her mind off of what I was doing before.

“So what’s in the pantry?” I knew it. I give her an innocent look hoping to throw her off the scent. Faith starts to sidestep me but I get right in front of her. Her brow comes up and she has this evil little smirk on her face. This can’t be good. “Huh. Must be pretty damn important if ya don’t want me to see it. What could that be?” The real question isn’t what it is but what can I do to keep her from seeing it before I’m ready to show her. Ooh. Distraction always works.

There are three sure ways to distract Faith. One is food. One is sex. And the other is... “Where’s Wes?” She blinks at me and frowns. I don’t think she was expecting that. Ha. Now if only I could keep from staring at the mile of Faithlegs I might actually be able to make this work.

“With your sister gettin’ ready. An’ that was a real nice try B, but I don’t distract that easily.” Fuck. Okay. Next topic. “I know you weren’t gettin’ food because ya still have a little spaghetti sauce on your lip.” Lunch. Right. I raise my hand to my lip but Faith catches it and tugs me close to her. “Which means that whatever is in there is pretty fuckin’ important for me not ta see.” Did she have to say that so damn close to me? I’m having a hard enough time as it is but the smell of her perfume and the burr of her voice is going to drive me crazy.

“You’re going to make this as difficult for me as possible aren’t you?” Faith chuckles and drops a light kiss on my nose before backing up. I breathe a sigh of relief when she opens the fridge to get a bottle of water out. A sigh that is immediately caught in my throat when she bends over. Damn you Faith. I force myself to look away and plot my silent revenge. I will get her back for this. “Okay okay. Yes there is something in there you can’t see yet so if you don’t mind I’d really appreciate it if you’d just go sit in Wes’ room until I get ready. And then we can go.”

Hey not bad. I didn’t even stutter through that. Faith gives me another of her famous smirks before heading out of the kitchen. Yeesh. I poke my head out of the kitchen when I hear her call out from Wes’ room. Good. Bags in hand I hightail it to the bedroom and slam the door shut. I can hear Faith laughing from across the hall. She won’t think it’s so funny when she’s the one getting teased.

I really hope I can go through with all of this. I’m afraid that the buildup and anticipation are going to make this so not how it should be. What if Faith is expecting something else from me? Or what if I really end up not knowing what I’m doing? Or what if... “Whatever you’re doin’, stop that.” I hate when she does that. I poke my head out of the door and narrowly miss getting conked in the head by Faith. I jump a little and close the door so only a sliver of me can be seen.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Faith. I’m just trying to get ready and I can’t do that with you hovering.” Ah the snort. I knew that was coming.

“I can feel ya B. You’re freakin’ out about somethin’ and ya got no reason to. I’m right here.” Oh. I offer up a tentative smile as Faith leans in for a kiss but I shut the door on her. “That wasn’t the reaction I was hopin’ for B.” Well no I imagine it wasn’t but if she kisses me now we’re just not going to get to that party.

I strip quickly and open her side of the closet. “Sorry but if you distract me now we’ll never get there and you don’t want to miss out seeing Wes in his costume do you?” Faith’s silent on the other side of the door. Probably debating on how late she can get me to the party without being obvious. “Don’t even think about it.” I can hear her huff in frustration but I know she’s not serious. She just likes making me feel out of control and flustered. That is about the only thing that hasn’t changed since we first met.

“Fine I’ll wait downstairs but hurry up. Your son can be a real pain when he doesn’t get his way.” Yeah just like his mother. I grab the skin tight, low rise leather pants and tug them on. Jesus it’s like pulling tar up my legs. I have no idea how Faith manages to get hers on so easily. Must be years of practice. Okay these don’t look bad. In fact I’m tempted to smack my own ass.

Well not really. I dig around in one of the bags for the soft cashmere bra top I bought. I can’t believe I’m going to wear this in public. Well I suppose if Faith can do the school girl thing I can at least go whole hog with the badass thing. Whole hog. I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean. It’s just one of those common phrases that have no real meaning. Or maybe it does. I’ll have to ask Giles. It doesn’t take me long to tug on the heavy black boots and throw on Faith’s black leather jacket. Mmm. It smells like her. I take a few seconds to just sniff it.

God. I’m turning out to be the biggest freak in the world. I sigh at myself in the mirror before applying the eyeliner around my eyes. They’re a really bright green so I know with all this black they’ll really stand out tonight. That just leaves one accessory that I haven’t put on yet. I stare at the bag in the reflection from the mirror and prepare myself. “C’mon B...times a wastin’.” Yep it sure is.

“Be down in a second!”

Chapter Six

Okay so Buffy liked my get up. That’s good. I was hopin’ it’d keep all her attention on me. I know that some shit is gonna happen at this party. I just know it. An’ the fact that some of her ex’s might be at this thing only triples the anxiety I already have about goin’. I just know some bitch is gonna want to start some shit.

Wait. I might be the bitch that wants to start some shit. I sigh and sneak in to the kitchen. Just to make sure I poke my head back out but Buffy’s still upstairs gettin’ ready. Okay that was a close call. If she had dug around in the pantry too much longer she mighta found her ring. Stupid place to put it but I just figured she wouldn’t be diggin’ around in there for anything.

I open up the box of Cap’n Crunch and pull out the ring box. I can do this right? I mean the worst she can say is no. An’ you know. Run the fuck away. I doubt she’ll do that but she might say no. That would break my heart a little yeah but I’ll live. So long as she doesn’t decide this is way more than she bargained for. Buffy’s steps on the stairs warn me to put the ring somewhere. I take it out of the box and stash it in my bra. What? It’s a good hidin’ spot.

Before Buffy can bust in to the kitchen I chuck the box in to the cookie jar and shove a whole oatmeal cookie in my mouth. Buffy walks in on me mid chew with a slight frown. “What are you doing?” I chew a few more times before swallowing the lump down with a slight cough.

“Eating?” She narrows her eyes like she knows somethin’ is up but she doesn’t question it more. That’s good. I can’t lie to her and she knows it. It dawns on me that she’s wearin’ her costume and wearin’ it damn well too. My eyes go from the boots on her feet right up to her eyes. I think I’m gonna be in trouble. Big trouble. “Ya look...” I don’t think I have words for how she looks. Damn hot. Sexy as fuck. Goddamn vixen. Nah none of those are enough. But fuck me, my girl fine.

Buffy smirks at me knowin’ that the sitch has suddenly been reversed. Huh. Who knew? “Well we’d better get going if we’re going to make it on time.” I open my mouth to protest ‘cause hey I don’t mind bein’ late to make an entrance but B stops me with a finger on my lips. “Wesley’s waiting for us. But I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

Ungh. I know it will be. I give her a slightly annoyed eyeball roll but let her lead me out of the kitchen by the hand. She dresses like that and picks this as the night she gets to run the show? So not fair. Still...I getta watch her ass as we walk so that’s not so bad. I don’t think she’s wearin’ underwear either ‘cause those pants are tight. As hard as I’m lookin’ I’d be able to see ‘em. “How long do we gotta stay at this thing again?”

Buffy chuckles and turns her head to catch me watchin’ her ass. “As long as I want us to.” Oh boy. She’s gonna tease me until I pop. I can’t fuckin’ wait. I’m almost hopin’ I run in to one of her old fuck buddies now. That way I can be all smug an’ shit since B did all this for me. A surge of lust goes through our connection an’ I jump. Buffy glances at me once with an evil ass smirk. “Hurry up you.” Alright already!

It doesn’t take us long to get to the main HQ. I’ve only been in here a handful of times ‘cause Giles asked me to come in. The place is pretty big an’ the lab is crazy. Andrew fuckin’ loves it. It’s like his castle. I just wish he’d love it enough to figure out what the fuck was goin’ on with Jimmy already. We got nothin’ on that an’ it’s wearin’ on me. Like I said. Some shit is probably gonna happen an’ I hope it ain’t tonight.

Buffy stops me on the steps inside the compound and gives me a breath stealin’ kiss. She’s really fuckin’ good at that. God I love her. I shoulda said it a long time ago but I just wasn’t ready ya know? There was so much inside of me that I couldn’t stand that I didn’t think anyone would wanna love me back. Plus. I was nuts. I mean. Okay I’m more sane than I was then but lets face it. I’m not the poster kid for sanity an’ rational thought if ya know what I mean. I’m violent. Crazy violent.

But Buffy gets that. At least I think she’s startin’ to. “You ready for this?” I nod ‘cause now that we’re here an’ I can hear the music goin’ I’m more than ready. I’m fuckin’ excited. We walk in to the mess hall together an’ only let go of each other when Dawn grabs a hold of Buffy’s arm.

“Oh my god...did you two switch bodies again?” I give Dawn a glare before nodding toward the bar. Buffy gives me a gentle nudge an’ I head that way. I think the pigtails threw Dawnie for a loop. Heh. Okay. A beer will go a long way in makin’ me feel less like a dork in this thing. I can feel the buzz of so many slayers an’ it’s kind of intoxicating. That much power in so small of a place is...suffocating. An’ the hormones.

Man these girls are gonna be all over the place tonight. Hey. Maybe Xander will get lucky. I smile at that an’ order up a drink. The girl next to me raises her beer bottle in a silent salute. I give it back an’ take a sip. Mmm. Nice. American beer just can’t compare. I think I’m gonna miss havin’ good beer when we get back home. Home. Me an’ Buffy an’ Wes. That’s a nice thought.

Buffy crosses my line of sight an’ I watch her with a little smile on my face. She looks wicked all dressed up. The leather is...well there’s a reason why I wear it. The girl next to me snorts and shakes her head. “Don’t bother. The Ice Queen there won’t look twice at you.” I frown slightly an’ turn to face the girl. Please don’t tell me I walked in to one of her ex’s already.

“She doesn’t seem so cold to me.” The girl shakes her head and shrugs.

“Not at first. But then you start to get involved with her and she gets pretty distant quickly enough. Someone once said she was...what’s the phrase...get some...”

“Get gone?” She nods in mild surprise. Nope. That’s not Buffy. But now I’m wonderin’ who’s been usin’ my shit. I turn away from watchin’ B and really check this girl out. “You seem to know a lot about it.” She’s not ugly. Medium height, maybe a little taller than me. Dark hair, dark eyes...wait a second. I narrow my eyes as the thought crosses my mind. “You an’ her ever hook up?”

The girl nods once and tears her gaze away from Buffy. That’s right girlie. Keep your eyes to yourself. “You could say that. It was nice for awhile. The sex was...” I don’t wanna hear this. I put my beer down a little hard but she doesn’t notice. “Well it was good until she started calling out some other person’s name.” Oh yeah? Tell me it was mine an’ I’ll be the happiest fuckin’ woman in the world.

“That’s rough.” She nods at me and finishes off her beer with a loud swallow. I gesture to the bartender to bring her another an’ another for me. “Maybe you two weren’t right for each other.” The girl snorts and takes the beer before it’s even set before her. I wonder how many she’s had already. Probably a few ‘cause I can catch the scent of hops all over her. Maybe I shouldn’t have ordered her another.

“We were perfect for each other. She just didn’t want to settle down. I wanted kids, the house, the whole thing. She wanted to...I don’t know...find out what she wanted or something. It was lame. In the end I finally figured out she was hung up on someone who didn’t give two shits about her anyway.” That’s a goddamn lie. This kid doesn’t know what she’s talkin’ about.

I clench my fist but force down the anger I’m feelin’. It wouldn’t be right to start a fight. I promised Buffy an’ it’d really mess with Wesley. So. Can’t. But damn I wanna hit this bitch. “Oh yeah? This mystery person got a name?” It had better be my name.

“Yeah. Fuckin’ Faith Lehane. She’s supposed to be a goddamn legend but I don’t see what’s so great about a murdering whore.” Hrm. Well that’s hard logic to fight. It doesn’t make me less angry but I know I can’t say much about it. At least I got ta hear what I wanted to hear. B was callin’ out my name while she was fuckin’ someone else. Heh. Not that I’m happy she was fuckin’ another slayer, especially one that looks like she could be a really sad copy of me. I finish off my beer an’ pick up my fresh one. A heavy hand lands on my shoulder an’ I look to see Xander’s timid smile. “Well well look who the Slayer dragged in. Xander fucking Harris.”

He knows what’s goin’ on. I can tell. He knows this girl. An’ she knows him. The girl moves on the stool so that she can face Xander and gives him a smirk. She’s got a mouth on her an’ I’m tempted to punch it in. Xander shakes his head once. “Hey Noelle.” And then he does the one thing that makes me really smile. He turns his back on her and throws an arm over my shoulder. “So I was thinking, this look you got going works for you. Think it’ll score me some points if I’m seen hanging all over you?”

Depends on who he wants to score points with. I chuckle and nudge him in the ribs. “Ya don’t need points Xand. You’re a hero remember?” He blushes at that and scuffs the floor with the toe of his shoe. It’s fuckin’ adorable.

“Only to a couple of Slayers and a four year old boy. But it’s still nice to hear. So. What say you and me hit the dance floor. I might be half blind but I still know how to cut a rug.” I laugh and grab him by the hand to head on to the floor. I can see that Noelle chick still watching me. She’s curious now ‘cause Xander an’ me are real close and comfy with each other. “Now that we’re away from prying eyes and ears...Dawn tells me you went and got the ring.”

Oh yeah. I nod and chew my lip. “Yeah. I think it’s gonna be tonight.” He nods and takes my hands in his big ones and kisses my knuckles.

“Can I see it?” I look around and note that B is oohing an’ ahhing over Wes. I still haven’t seen his costume yet but I’ll wait ‘cause I really wanna show this thing off. I dig in my bra and bring out the ring. Xander gives a low whistle. “Yowza Faith. If Buffy says no to you now I’m tempted to think she’s possessed.” Heh. I hope she’s not. I really want her to say yes. I stash the ring away carefully fidget. This is just as important to me as askin’ Buffy to marry me an’ I wanna do it the right way. I sigh an’ look up at Xander.

I don’t even know how to say everything I’m thinkin’ about so I’m just gonna dive in. “Look Xander...you an’ me have had some rough times ya know? I did a lot of things that I really regret, like hurtin’ you.” I gotta look a way for a second. I never really apologized for the things I did but he never really asked me to. He just accepted me as I was. Like he always had. That’s somethin’ I’ll always cherish. “I think I was kinda afraid that you’d get it. Get me. An’ I’m really sorry I never gave ya the chance to be my friend.”

Xander puts a finger under my chin an’ tips my head up. “I’m your friend now.” How does he do that? Always make it okay like that? I give him a slight smile an’ sigh.

“My bestfriend actually. Which is why I was kinda hopin’ that if Buffy says yes you’ll um...ya know. Be my best man.” His eye widens in slight shock before he crushes me in to a massive bear hug. I kinda pat him on the back awkwardly for a second before melting in to the hug. Xander hugs are like magic. I swear. I wasn’t lyin’ when I told Wes that Xand had super hero powers.

“Well you just saved me the trouble of giving you sad puppy eye until you asked me.” I breathe a sigh of relief and nudge him in the ribs. I never had a brother but if I had I’da wanted him to be Xander. I can hear all sorts of people makin’ comments and giggles but it ain’t about us. Weird. I pull away from Xander to see Wes struttin’ his way toward us with Buffy right behind him. Aww. Xand isn’t gonna know what to do with himself.

“Heya boyo.” Wes holds his hands up for me an’ I pick him up. “Nice costume.” He pats his tool belt soundly and nods. Too fuckin’ cute. He looks like a mini Xander. “Um lemme guess...you’re supposed to be...”

My boy gives me a look that clearly says ‘you’re not funny mamma’. “Duh. I’m Uncle Xander!” I hear a slightly choked sound an’ look up to see Xander shove his hands in his pockets and blush. “Mom said that this is secret identy clothes.” I bite my lip when Xander gives Buffy an exasperated look. Who’s he fuckin’ kiddin’? He loves gettin’ the hero worship. “D’ya like it Uncle Xander?”

“Its a very good costume little man. What say you and me go look for some trouble while your moms...do whatever they do when we’re not around?” Wes gives me a kiss on the check and lunges for Xander’s waiting arms. Honestly...I never thought I’d have so many people around me that are willin’ to love an’ accept my boy like this. I always thought I’d be alone in that. Well alone besides Pinks. God. It’s gonna be good ta see her again. I wish I could have ‘em all in one place ya know?

Buffy’s arms slide around my waist an’ I look up in time to see Noelle nearly choke on her beer. Yeah that’s right. I got the kid an’ the girl an’ all the family. “So what was up with you and Xander getting all cuddly?” She’s not jealous. She’s amused. I can feel that much through the connection. The problem is I don’t know how ta answer her without lyin’.

“Settin’ some things right.” That’s about all I can say right now. I give a slight nod in the general direction of the bar. “Met up with one of your past conquests.” Buffy doesn’t turn her head but she nods. I know she saw us at the bar. She can’t fuckin’ keep her eyes offa me. Just like I planned.

“So I saw. And hey look Noelle still has all her teeth so it must have gone okay.” I smirk and give her a nice lingering kiss. Just ‘cause I don’t kill people without provocation doesn’t mean I’m any less of a dick. When I pull back Buffy gives me a slightly annoyed look. “You’re just evil you know that don’t you?”

Yeah I know. “But ya like me that way B. Ya always have.” I hope she doesn’t even try to deny that shit. Deep down she knows she liked it when I got all cocky an’ arrogant. “Ya wanna dance?” Buffy’s eyes get impossibly dark an’ she shakes her head.

“Nope. I wanna make you come.” Uh oh. I think this is the part where I’m in trouble. Trouble I have no problem bein’ in.

Chapter Seven

Faith’s hand is really warm in mine as I lead her out of the mess hall and out on to a small balcony. There’s just enough chill in the air to calm the hot rush of lust I’m feeling. I have to admit, Faith was right. I love it when she’s cocky. And the control she’s learned over the years only makes it that much hotter. Once we’re outside I pull her hard against my body and kiss her like I’ve never kissed another person before. It’s hot and needy and demanding. For her part I’m glad that Faith is just going with it but I think she couldn’t stop me even if she wanted to.

I need this. I need to have her. To own her. I pull back breathing heavily and rock my hips in to hers. She grunts and looks down when she realizes that it wasn’t exactly my hip grinding in to her. One of her shaky hands goes to the waist of my pants and flicks the button open with a thumb. I kiss her again, just as hard as before only this time when I pull back I bite her lower lip hard. Another button pops open and the head of the cock pokes out. Faith shivers against me. “Jesus B...” I know it’s kinda big but I’m pretty sure she can handle it.

As wet as I am right at this second I’m pretty sure even I can handle it. Faith stares at it for a long second before wrapping her hand around the shaft and giving it a few good tugs. Oh god. I groan and put my hand on the railing to steady myself. Faith stops and barely takes a second to look around before she pulls me further in to the shadows. Before I can say anything she’s on her knees in front of me, tugging the pants down just a little bit more. In the back of my mind I know what’s going to happen but it doesn’t stop the shock that runs through me when she lowers her head and takes me in her mouth.

Oh fuck...me...I grunt and force my eyes to stay open. I just...want to watch her. Watch those full lips with the baby pink lipstick slide down the cock with a slick wet slurp. Holy mother of someone. The row of ridges along the base of the toy rub against my clit with each thrust. I think if she keeps it up I’m not going to be able to stand much longer. I give a half-whimpered grunt and Faith looks up at me oh so innocently. It just totally completes the look. And totally causes a surge of animalistic lust. I pull her head back from me and take two seconds to catch my breath. It’s enough time for Faith to scramble to her feet before I slam her back against the cold rough wall of the building.

I’m not really thinking about it because at this point I don’t really think I care but I’m glad that this spot isn’t easily seen from inside. “Buffy?” I stop myself from sliding down her body and raise my brows. She wants to talk? Like...now? “Fuck me?” Oh. Well that kind of talk I can handle. I nod and drop hard to my knees so that I can pull her panties down. Hrm. Pink lace hipsters. She so did this for me. I tug the damp fabric down and take a second to bury my face between her legs.

It’s really not because I want to take my time and enjoy this but because I want her nice and wet and hot. Faith’s fingers tangle in my hair when I push her back further against the wall and bring her thighs over my shoulders. Reason number 8 of why I love being a Slayer. I should be alarmed that my top ten reasons are all about sex but hey why bother? I’ve just come to realize that I’m every bit the sexual being that Faith is and I don’t have to be ashamed of it. I growl in to her wet sex causing her to shudder and rock against me. Of course if I was really thinking this through I probably would have thought about what I was going to do about the fact that Faith’s scent is going to be all over me.

But at the moment I just don’t...care. I want this. I want her all over me. I want to be all over her. I give her a few hard licks and roughly suck her clit before sliding back up her body and tucking her panties in to my back pocket. I don’t want to lose them. She kisses me hungrily, taking the time to suck my lips and swipe a warm pink tongue over my chin. Oh god I think I’ll come just from that.

My hands come up to her hips and push back enough for me to fit between her legs. The head of my cock pushes against her entrance. Faith grinds against me pushing the head in to herself. But I’m not letting her take control. Tonight is my mine. She’s mine. I pull away a little before staring her right in the eye. Nothing matters right now but this. Me and Faith. With a hard thrust I fill her completely.

And oh my god why didn’t Faith tell me it was like this? My eyes cross at the feeling of her practically vibrating around me. If I could actually feel her body heat on me, around me, god...I’d probably lose it right this second. So I’m pretty thankful that this baby isn’t real. I give it a second for Faith to adjust to the feel of me before I start fucking her in earnest. Aside for the slight howl of wind the only sounds are our breathing and sticky wet slap of my cock inside of her.

“Oh god...Buffy...I’m gonna...” Not yet you aren’t. Not until I say so. I thrust in to her harder and faster. Faith bites down on my shoulder to keep from yelling out. She’s a screamer so that’s okay with me. Plus. The biting is a huge turn on. Faith’s hands push the leather jacket off my shoulders. Her fingernails leaving angry red scrapes where she clings to me like I’m the only thing holding her up. Well. Okay. I think I am since her legs are around my waist now. And nothing, not one thing matters to me more than this right now. Not anyone she’s ever been with. Not anything she’s ever done. The only that matters is that she’s...

“Mine.” I slam in to her with a final hard thrust that has both of us coming harder than I thought was possible. I groan and jerk in to her because I can’t help it. My body is pretty much on auto pilot. Holy crap. I can’t see. I’m blind. Oh my god...I’m blind.

“Buffy? Open your eyes baby.” Oh. I blink my eyes open and rest my forehead against Faith’s. “Geez B...who knew the possessive side of you would be so fuckin’ hot.” I chuckle a little and slip free of her body with a shiver. Yerg. I think that’s going to be my new word. The question now is...how are we going to walk in to a room full of slayers, covered in each other’s scent?

Chapter Eight

Ya know, with all the people I’ve ever been with an’ all the kinky ways an’ public places...it’s never been like this. That was just intense man. I rest my forehead against Buffy’s as we stand here, takin’ the time to breathe. I swear if I had known my girl had it in here to do all that I woulda let her fuck me a long time ago. Don’t get me wrong here, B ain’t exactly a pillow queen but that was so far beyond just gettin’ me off. That was possessive an’ controlling. An’ I think I kinda like it. I take that back. I KNOW I liked it.

Buffy pulls back a little an’ gives me a sweet little kiss before tossin’ my panties back at me. I catch them in one hand an’ raise my brow at her. “What, you don’t want a trophy?”

She gives me a light smile as she readjusts the sticky dick and buttons her pants. “Oh I’ll get my trophy but I’m no where near done with you and I want to see you in those later.” An’ she probably doesn’t want anyone to catch a peek at my goodies. I smirk an’ bend over to put them on. What? I wanna give my girl a good show. On cue B, groans an’ my smirk gets wider. Until she actually smacks my ass. I nearly put my head through the wall I’m facin’. Son of a bitch. I give her an exasperated look over my shoulder before straightening up. Buffy looks so fuckin’ proud of herself and she should be. She just bagged the second hottest chick in the joint. Heh. “And what exactly are you so smug about Faith?”

Me? “Well your gonna walk me back in there an’ everyone is gonna know exactly who’s girl I am. I’m all over ya B.” Now I know I’ve never really been anyone’s girl before but Buffy made it pretty fuckin’ clear she’s claimin’ me and that’s that. I’m cool with that ya know? It’s taken me years to realize that belonging with someone isn’t the same as belonging to someone. Me an’ B, we belong with each other an’ now...we belong to each other. Like she said. Soulmates. So yeah I got zero issue with the possessiveness. Plus that bitch Noelle is gonna get a nose full of me all over Buffy an’ I hope she chokes on it. Buffy gets a slightly panicked look on her face for all of three seconds before she gets a nice smug grin goin’. That’s my girl.

“You know Faith? I really like the sound of that.” Uh huh. I fuckin’ knew it. She’s never had the chance ta just be who she is. Never got the chance ta own all that sexy raw power. God I hope she struts. I’ll hafta try hard not ta drag her in a corner and suck her off again. Fuck that was hot. I didn’t expect her to be wearin’ that, here of all places. Actually I didn’t expect it at all. It’s like she just gets sexier every damn day. “Hey. You still with me there?”

I blink an’ give her an apologetic smile. “Sorry B got all kinds of distracted thinkin’ about your big, hard cock.” I ease in close to her so she can hear every word right in her ear as I rub the hard length in her pants. Yeah she can tell I’m real sorry at havin’ her fuck me senseless. “Goddamn B, if I didn’t wanna marry you before I sure as fuck do now.” Wait. MOTHERFUCKER! I wasn’t supposed to say that out lout yet! I wasn’t ready an’ now Buffy’s just standin’ there starin’ at me an’ I don’t know what to do. “Um.”

I start to take a step back because...I don’t know. Because it’s what I do. I run. I always fuckin’ run. Buffy’s hand comes out and grips my wrist. She’s not forcin’ me to stay but I can tell she doesn’t want me to go. “Faith?” I don’t look at her ‘cause I’m not sure I’m ready ta face this just yet. I mean I know I wanted to ask her an’ I was pretty sure it was gonna be tonight but this isn’t the way I had hoped it would happen. “Are...you kidding or serious?”

I swallow. Okay so it’s now or never right? I mean I can do this. I’ve been to prison. I can do anything. Slowly I bring my eyes up to Buffy’s face an’ take a deep breath. “Never been more serious about anythin’ in my whole life.” Buffy’s jaw drops a little but she closes it quickly. So she’s not runnin’ or sayin’ no yet. Maybe I can just make it all work out okay after all. I take a second to take the ring outta my bra before I push on. “The thing is...I’ve been in love with ya for a long time Buffy. An’ I never thought that any of this would happen. Not after all we’ve been through. The things we’ve done, the way I lived, it all just seemed like too much ta get through.”

But here we are. An’ we’re okay, we’re fuckin’ fantastic. And well fucked. I shouldn’t think about it or it’ll just distract me. “Buh...wow.” Wow? That’s all she’s got. Hrm. Maybe I shoulda just not gone for the gold or whatever. “You’re serious. Like really honestly serious. I didn’t think...I mean I hoped and dreamed but I...” Hoped? Dreamed?

“Is that a yes?” Please if there is a god or goddess or sentient being please let her say yes.

“That depends...is that a ring?” Oh yeah. I open my hand so she can see the ring in my palm. Buffy’s eyes go really wide an’ she takes it out of my hand carefully. “That’s one hell of a ring Faith.” Well she’s one hell of a woman. I raise a shoulder in a shrug an’ try ta find somethin’ to do with my hands now that I’m not holdin’ on to the ring. I rub my palms on my skirt an’ try not to fidget too much. I hate the waitin’ part I really do. “Six diamonds huh?”

I nod. “One for every year after Sunny D.” I’m almost knocked off my feet when B rushes me in a hug. I hold on for dear life ‘cause...well...she’s my life. Her an’ Wes an’ I’m a happy Slayer. “So...this is good right?”

“Beyond good. We’re talking super mega good. I don’t even know what’s better than that.” Heh. I chuckle and bury my face in Buffy’s hair. She always smells so damn good. Buffy leans back to kiss me on the nose before grabbin’ my hand to lead me back to the party. I run in to her back when she stops an’ frown in confusion. “Wait a minute...is this what you’ve been all sneaky about with Xander and Dawn?” I nod once hopin’ she doesn’t get too pissed. Buffy hates bein’ left out.

“I needed some advice an’ a lil help gettin’ ya out of the house an’...” Everyone knew. Except Buffy an’ Giles. But I intend ta fix that. “Xand wrangled Red in ta helpin’. I’m...sorry. I just, I needed help.” An’ I asked for it. For a change. Buffy smiles up at me an’ my whole world goes upside down.

It all worked out. I’m so fuckin’ relieved I could pass out. “How I ended up so lucky I’ll never know but remind me to thank the PtB.” She thinks she’s the lucky one? That’s...I don’t even know what to say about that. But I think I’m blushin’. Little feet runnin’ toward us make me look up in time ta see Wes makin’ his way to the balcony. “Did’ja do it Mamma?” I scoop up my boy easily an’ hug him to me.

“Yup. An’ it looks like your mom wants ta get married too.” He beams and looks at Buffy like she’s the fuckin’ sun. I don’t blame the kid, I catch myself lookin’ at her like that alla time. “So I guess you were right huh? You want payment now or later?” He turns to me an’ gives me a look I can’t read at first. “What’s up boyo?”

“She said forever Mamma. We both win.” Yeap. That’s my kid. I beam when Buffy looks like she’s gonna lose it. I lean in an’ whisper to Wes before I set him down. He nods an’ takes off toward Red an’ Ken. It’s gonna be all over the place before I get a chance to talk to Giles. Buffy leans in to me.

I let her wrap an arm around my waist as we walk in together. My eyes immediately go to the bar. I can see a familiar lookin’ head turn in our direction before Noelle stalks out. Ha ha bitch I win. Buffy moves away from my side to intercept a squealin' Dawnie. Me? I gotta Watcher ta find.

TBC

Next