EMPATHY

Empathy

By Desirata41


Disclaimer: All Buffy The Vampire Slayer characters are the exclusive property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and UPN. I'm just paying homage to the characters I love.


Rating: NC-17 Language and sexual situations

Pairings: Faith/Buffy, Faith/?


Summary: After being released from prison Faith has a torrid affair, but her get some/get gone theory backfires when the jilted lover turns out to be a powerful warlock with a wicked sense of humor.


Dedication: It’s only fitting that I dedicate this to Faithful Chickie. I wouldn’t be writing fic, were it not for her help, and encouragement. Thanks to my beta Cheebs, who’s teaching me to be a better writer. Last but certainly not least, thanks to Malea, the first person to read my fic and give me hope.



Notes: This story is set in a semi-alternate universe, where our beloved Tara is still alive, and the Apocalyptic intentions of the First never happened. Buffy and the Scooby gang have gone on with their separate lives, but remain close. The only constant of course, is that Faith went bad, and ended up paying for her crimes.

This story will show a different side of Faith, so bear with me; I think you’ll like her. It has a wry sense of humor with a few twists and turns. If you stick with me, I promise you'll enjoy the ride.

Feedback: I'm writing for you…tell me what you think.




The zoo was never one of her favorite places; it was the damned confinement and loss of freedom. She thought nothing wild and free should ever be put behind bars; it had to be torture.

Every day inside had been a struggle to hold on to her sanity and to learn from her penance. Distraction had been the order of the day and she spent here ede educating herself, reading about the world.

The warden had claimed Faith was one of her best inmates because she earned a high school equivalency diploma within six months of her incarceration, and then enrolled in some college courses. She found learning came easily to her, once she put her mind to it and focused.

Surprisingly enough, Wesley had been pivotal in her early release, having been reasoned with by Angel, and a few other unlikely supporters in Faith’s corner. He had managed to come to terms with the reasons why she had tortured him, taking into account her horrendous past. His hate had been replaced with compassion, and eventually forgiveness, for the tragic figure that was Faith.

Wesley had gone to the warden to petition for leniency on her behalf. His plea, along with Faith’s good behavior and sincere attempts at rehabilitation, effectively swayed the Warden. She was granted early parole at the end of her third year inside.

All this positive thinking should've made her feel better, except she had no one to share her successes with but Angel. He’d come out to see her as often as he could, but most of the time he was busy saving the world.

When she had started feeling particularly down on herself, she would think about her. She’d thought about what she was doing; who she was seeing;she she was happy…? It had been at these times that Faith had known she had to move on and make a better life for herself, because Buffy didn't give a fuck whether she lived or died.

Not one word or phone call from her in three fucking years…and Faith had been bitter. She’d found a book on that too, all about self-actualization and self-esteem building. And then a strange thing happened: she had decided to teach herself about the finer things in life.

Magazines like Vogue, GQ and Bon Appetit had become a steady part of her literary diet, but Cosmo was still her guilty pleasure. She had to do something to enrich her fantasy life; not many muses on the inside.

Occasionally her mind would drift to those kind of thoughts about *her*, and Faith would laugh to herself, thinking, “I might be locked up but I’m not dead.” She’d only needed one mental image to get her off, and B had always done it for her. She tried to put away those kinf thf thoughts because they were only detrimental to her inner growth. She was determined to be a better person, in spite of that bitch, Buffy Summers.

Angel reassured her there would be a place waiting for her upon her release, which buffered any qualms she might have had about her impending freedom.

It took her eyes a while to get used to the sun again; she alm almost forgotten how beautiful a sunny day could be. Everything appeared different; colors were more vivid. Sounds and smells were accentuated, as if she’d gained a sixth sense. Yet, with all this to revel in, she felt strangely numb.


There was a limo waiting outside the gate for her with champagne chilling inside and chocolate covered strawberries, accompanied by a note: “Time to start your pursuit of the finer things. Enjoy, Angel.”

Feelings welled up in her chest threatening to overcome her. Faith had never received nor felt she was deserving of such treatment. However, serendipity smiled on her that day, and she ventured into her new life enjoying chocolate covered strawberries and champagne in the back of a limo.

During the ride, she had time to reflect on the past three years of her life and what the future held for her. She focused on trying to stay very much in the now to avoid being overtaken by the drama that was her life.

It wasn't long before the limo stopped in front of a fairly attractive apartment building. It wasn't a penthouse, but much better than what she was used to.

The chauffeur opened the limo door for her and offered his hand for assistance, and for once she felt important. Upon stepping from the limo she was handed the key to her new home.

"Why, thank ya Alfred." She smiled mischievously at the man, knowing full well that wasn't his name, and he returned her infectious smile very discreetly. Faith had always traveled light and there were no bags to speak of. She haltingly walked up to the front door and used her key.

The apartment was modest but spacious and nicely decorated. She especially liked the bedroom, which was alternating colors of cream, burgundy, and teal. Taking up a nice sized portion of the room was this gorgeous four-poster brass bed that felt like heaven and was deep enough to get lost in.

When she opened the closet to check out the space, there was a note taped to the door from Cordelia:

"Faith, I took the liberty of picking you up a few things, I approximated your size from the last photo you sent. There are all sorts of girlie things in your oak cabinet. I hope you’re not disappointed that there isn't a stitch of leather anywhere. There's a lady somewhere inside of you, and I think my choices will help bring her out. Don't look so surprised; I didn't totally hate you.” Queen C.

There were several outfits to choose from, and she did include one sexy, black number for evening wear. Everything else was pastel colored and smartly tailored. There were even boxes of shoes at the bottom of the closet. Victoria's Secret adorned the drawers of the oak cabinet, in all styles and shades.

There was wall-to-wall carpeting in varying shades of cream; depending upon which room she entered. The kitchen had an intimate little breakfast nook nestled beside a beautiful bay window, which housed all sorts of potted plants. The design of the place utilized every curve and angle to optimize the sunlight, giving it a warm feeling.

Faith took a long, sweeping look at her surroundings, and was momentarily overcome with emotion when she thought back to where and how she had just spent the last three years of her life.

She couldn't really compare this to Christmas, because all of her Christmases had been crappy- except the one with B and Mrs. S- but she felt her hesitancy slowly turning to hope.

Angel had stayed true to his word and provided a safe haven for her, and she smiled as she reminisced about the way they first met. He was now the closest thing to family in her life. She called him to voice her gratitude after barely being able to compose herself.

"Soul-boy, you outdid yourself!"

"Faith, you deserve a little happiness and anyway, I want you to be indebted to me. I can always use a slayer on call."

"So what's the plan man, what will I be doin' for ya?"

He answered tentatively. “Just some odds and ends to keep you honest, but I want you to take a couple of days to get your bearings, then we'll talk."

Her bravado was replaced with sincerity when she said to him, "Angel, thanks…really."

"No worries, Faith, stay out of trouble."


She decided to do the whole aromatherapy bit and took full advantage of all the wonderful toiletries also provided by Cordelia. She made a mental note to plant a big, fat, thank-you kiss on her just for effect the next time she saw the tall, stunning brunette.

The thought of shocking that prima donna amused her to no end, and she found herself sporting that trademark grin that lit up her face and would have driven anyone who witnessed it to ruin.


After a luxurious bath, she slipped into a teal terrycloth robe, again provided with exquisite taste by Cordelia. She poured herself a glass of Merlot and relaxed with the local paper. She was in the mood for a party, and eagerly reviewed the entertainment section.


She didn’t start out with the intention of cruising to pick up any one; she just wanted her outfit to reflect her relaxed, carefree mood. Her full, dark mane was brushed and teased to perfection, and her choice of make up was understated, but flawless.


She chose a cream- colored silk blouse and matching linen skirt that accentuated every sensuous curve. She was a vision enveloped in a lush, intoxicating scent of jasmine. Having washed away the last vestiges of prison life, Faith stepped out into the night for the first time, not as a slayer, but as a lady.

She decided to take it slowly at first and opted for a quiet dinner alone, at one of the finer restaurants in her area. She laughed softly to herself, “At least I know how and what to order now.”

Faith feasted on a sumptuous meal of Roasted Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom Risotto and French Black Truffles. The elegant dining room seemed to revolve around her as she noticed appreciative stares coming from many of the patrons, male and female alike.

It didn’t surprise her when one of those adoring female patrons discreetly followed her to the ladies room. The woman was impeccably dressed in an emerald green dress that accentuated her golden mane and pretty features.

Faith heard the faint click of the door being locked behind them, and feigned checking her makeup in the mirror, as the blonde slinked up seductively behind her, and whispered in her ear.

“In the mood to try a little something on the wild side?” she purred while reaching around Faith’s body to firmly cup her breasts, while licking invitingly at her neck.

Faith didn’t flinch as she continued to look at a single reflection in the mirror through hooded eyes. She eased back against the woman, running her hands down and then up under her skirt, seeming to be overcome with building desire.

“What did you have in mind baby?” she said huskily as she wrapped her hand around the holster tied to the inside of her thigh, removing the small stake. In one fluid motion, Faith turned, throwing the vampire against the nearest wall, staking it violently in the chest.

She waved away the dust, and freshened her makeup before leaving the Bathroom with a sigh. “Fuck, what is it with me and blondes?”


TBC