A Witch In LA

Chapter 13


“When are they supposed to be here, babe?” Faith questions worriedly as she paces back and forth in the lobby of the hotel.

“Sit down, love.” Tara smiles at her lover. “I don’t know why you’re so worried about them coming here.”

“Well I wasn’t exactly the paragon of virtue I am today.” Faith growls out quietly.

“Oh, like you’re really a paragon of virtue now.” Cordelia snidely remarks to the slayer.

“Bite me, Queenie.” Faith snarls at the seer. “Or I’ll tell B what you’ve been up to with her ex.”

“Faith, don’t start a fight.” Tara shakes her head mouthing sorry to Cordy. Smiling softly as Cordy winks and quirks her lip up. Tara shakes her head, those two still love to push each other’s buttons no matter what she does or says. Knowing in her heart they always will, drives Tara nuts, but knowing that it’s not really meant to be hateful, just the way the two women dealt with each other.

“I thought that was Tara’s job.” Cordy snarks at Faith, then laughs at the confused look on the slayer. “Biting you, Faith-y.” Cordy singsongs like Lorne.

Faith rolls her eyes at the seer as she continues to stride around the lobby. “Babe, me and B didn’t end on the best of terms. I mean, yeah she helped save me from the goon squad, but I ain’t under no misconceptions that she likes me. Little D probably hates my fuckin’ guts because I tried to kill Xan-man and B both, let alone held Red at knifepoint. Of course, my fuckin’ Xander.” Faith smirks at Cordy here and laughs when she gets a glare from the woman. “Then trying to kill him later, when all he was tryin’ to do was help me, doesn’t make for being fuckin’ calm.”

“And let’s not forget the fact that you’re now all hot and heavy with Tara, that’ll probably make Dawn even angrier, after all she does consider her a mother figure.” Cordy smirks at the slayer.

Faith pales and looks around like a trapped animal.

“Cordelia, please. She’s got herself wired enough on her own. You really don’t need to add to it.” Angel growls out quietly coming up from his rooms.

“Goddess.” Tara whispers before quickly striding towards Faith and wrapping her up in her arms, sending her calming vibes through their connection. Stroking her back, Tara smiles as she feels Faith slowly calm down. “I love you, and no matter what anyone says or does, that isn’t going to change, love. And the Scoobies are a very forgiving group. Just give them time.”

“Damn, Tara. I tried to kill almost every one of them at one point or another. I don’t think they’re gonna forgive me for that.” Faith growls out.

Tara pulls back so she can look in Faith’s eyes. Placing a hand on either side of her face, Tara looks deeply into the worried brown eyes and strokes the slayer’s cheeks with her thumbs. “Give them a chance, love. Please.” Leaning in Tara brushes her lips gently over Faith’s. “Please.”

Faith sighs and nods her head. “But don’t be surprised that they hate my fuckin’ guts. I’m gonna go get a cup of coffee.”

“I’ll go with you, I need some blood.” Angel quietly follows the slayer down to the kitchen.

Tara sighs and collapses on one of the couches in the lobby and flops her head back, closing her eyes. “Goddess, I should have sent her on errands or something today.”

Chuckling, Cordelia sits down beside Tara. “Like that would have worked. You know she wouldn’t have gone without you. Neither one of you will let each other out of your sight for very long. Don‘t think everyone hasn‘t noticed since she got hurt, that you‘ve gone out on every patrol and on every case. Hell she goes shopping with you every time you need to make a run to the store. Getting her to pick up donuts at the local bakery before was a major task.”

Tara chuckles at the truth of what Cordelia is saying. “So, how are you and Angel coming along? Any closer to consummating the relationship?”

Cordelia sighs and shakes her head. “Tara, I don’t know. I’m drawn to him. I like him a lot, but something seems to come up between us whenever we get close. It’s almost like one, or the other of us, is afraid to take that last step.”

“Cordy, if you’re not sure, take your time. Maybe he isn’t the one for you after all.” Tara runs a comforting hand down the seer’s arm.

“You went to all the trouble of making sure his soul was intact, and then we can’t do the deed to make sure.” Cordy laughs at herself.

“If you don’t love him, or if you’re not sure if you love him, don’t do it.” Tara smiles sadly at the woman. “Just having sex for sex’s sake is empty.”

Cordelia looks in surprise at the witch. “Sounds like you know what you’re talking about.”

“Probably because I do.” Tara admits quietly. “I don’t suggest it. Not that there isn’t satisfaction to be had, but it just doesn’t mean anything.” Tara looks at Cordy with sad eyes.

Cordelia nods silently in agreement, thinking about her and Angel’s relationship.

*************

“Faith, you need to relax.” Angel murmurs as he watches her pace back and forth as she waits for the coffee to brew. “It isn’t going to be that bad.”

“How the fuck do you know?” Faith growls out looking at the vampire as she makes another trip around the kitchen. “I’m fuckin’ in love with the most wonderful person in the world. Oh, and by the way, this person just happens to be the apple of everyone’s eye that I tried to kill!!” Faith shoves her hands into her pockets and hunches her shoulders as she stands in front of the coffee pot waiting for it to finish. “Did she ever tell ya’ about our first meeting?”

Angel shakes his head. “She just mentioned that you two had met previously while you were in Buffy’s body.”

Chuckling sadly Faith glances up. “That’s all she said?” At the vampires nod, she shakes her head. “I was cruisin’ The Bronze looking for some action when her and Red walk in. Red introduced her as her friend then went to get somethin’ to drink at the bar. I said somethin’ to her, and she stuttered out her response. Needless to say I was sarcastic and hateful to her. Made fun of her stutterin’.” Faith growls out, self hatred in her tone. “That shy, stuttering, woman is now my fuckin’ life. She ain’t never said one thing to me about what a hateful bitch I was. And she won’t, she ain’t like that.” Faith looks up with the saddest eyes imaginable. “I don’t fuckin’ deserve her. And the rest of that group knows it, and will probably hate me even more than they already do.”

“Faith, she loves you totally. And God help anyone that tries to hurt you.” Angel thinks for a long moment. “I don’t think she’ll let them be mean to you.” Chuckling suddenly, he smirks as Faith looks at him with narrowed eyes. “She’s not a shy, stuttering woman anymore, Faith. That might have been who she was a couple years ago, but not now. How would you describe her now?”

“Beautiful, caring, strong, loving, brave.” Faith whispers out, thinking about her lover before grinning. “And a fuckin’ fantastic lover.”

Angel coughs and takes a sip of his blood, before smirking. “I would assume so with some of the sounds that I’ve heard coming from your room in the past.”

Faith smirks evilly at the vampire. “So how’s your love life been, Fang?”

Angel sighs and frowns, shaking his head. Looking up into the frowning face of the slayer, he takes another sip. “It isn’t going. One of us always pulls back. I don’t know if it’s me, or her or maybe just a combination. I think Tara might have went to all that trouble for nothing.”

Faith looks in surprise at the vampire. “So you’re no closer to bumpin’ uglies with the cheerleader?”

Angel scowls at the slayer before shaking his head. “No. I’m starting to think it was just something that we were playing at and when it was feasible we both went running in the other direction.”

“Maybe the timing ain’t right.” Faith shrugs her shoulders. “And if you don’t love her, you don’t love her. I never realized what a difference it makes, but it’s huge.” Grabbing a coffee mug down she fills it, frowning slightly. “Can I ask ya’ a question?” Faith looks at Angel, still frowning. As he nods she looks back down into her coffee cup. “Do ya’ think Tara would have had anythin’ to do with me if it wasn’t for being soul mates?”

Angel looks at Faith in stunned disbelief. “You can’t be serious? If nothing else, I can say this without any doubt, that woman would probably give the devil himself a chance at being good. Then she’d probably wipe his ass from the universe if he wasn’t.” Angel smirks at that thought. “She gives me the distinct impression that she won’t ever back down from anyone again. No matter what.”

Faith’s eyes widen as she thinks for a minute. “You know, that reminds me. A little while back after we talked about our pasts, Tara started thinkin’ about my mother, and she got pissed. She set off my slayer senses somethin’ major until she calmed back down. I ain’t really thought about it since, but somethin’ you just said triggered it. You got any idea what would have caused it?”

Angel frowns considering the slayer for a few minutes. “Did she set off your senses before, maybe just a little?”

Faith thinks about it and shakes her head. “Don’t think so.”

“I was wondering if it had something to do with her being a Witch. But if she didn’t set it off before, that might not be it.” Angel finishes his mug and sets it down in the sink, rinsing it. Crossing his arms over his chest he looks at Faith. “Did anything else happen when she set off your senses?”

Faith frowns thinking about it. “Yeah, as a matter of fact, her eyes turned a pale blue.”

Angel rubs a hand over his forehead. “Power build-up.”

“What? What do you mean, power build-up?” Faith growls quietly, looking at Angel.

“You said that she got angry when she was thinking about your mother?” Angel starts and at Faith’s nod, he continues. “What was she thinking in regards to your mother?”

“I don’t know. But I can guarantee it wasn’t good.” Faith growls out quietly.

“Would it have been about her hurting you?” Angel questions quietly.

“Sort of.” Faith admits. “More her selling me to her John’s for her drug habit.”

Angel winces at the thought of what Faith obviously went through. “So she obviously got really upset thinking about that, her anger building up. Strong emotions will bring a witch’s powers to the forefront. I have always sensed that Tara was a very powerful witch, but she only does the minimum to take care of what is needed.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Wondering, Faith questions.

“No. It’s actually the absolute best thing. Look at it this way, Faith. You’re a very powerful woman, do you use all your power to shut a door or close a jar of pickles?” Angel questions quietly.

“Fuck no! I’d make a door disintegrate if I used all my strength. The jar would shatter.” Faith growls out quietly. Stopping and thinking about it, Faith looks at the vampire. “So you’re telling me she’s got all this power stored up and only uses what she needs to, because it would be overkill and dangerous if she used it all the time?”

Angel smiles at Faith. “You’re not as dumb as you like to make out you are.”

“Fuck you, Fang!” Faith growls before smirking.

Angel laughs at the slayer. “One thing you’re going to have to keep in mind, your being harmed obviously brings out her…protective side. I have a feeling if something should try to harm you, she won’t have a problem taking care of it.”

“But we’ve been on patrol, and she ain’t gotten pissed at the vampires or other demons I’ve fought.” Faith tries to counter Angel’s comment.

“She knew they wouldn’t harm you. Not really.” Angel watches Faith.

“Fuck.” Faith whispers, looking down at her cooling coffee. Gulping some of it down she looks back at Angel. “Lorne said something about a soul mate doing everything in their power to protect the other one. But if that‘s the case, it wasn‘t like my mom was there and it was happening right then. Why would it have appeared then?”

“Maybe her feelings were so strong that it triggered her natural reaction.” Angel hazards a guess.

“Makes sense.” Faith agrees quietly before turning and filling her cup again. “I wanna see my witch.” She growls out quietly as she quickly leaves the kitchen.

“Sure, go ahead. We weren’t in the middle of a conversation or anything.” Angel mutters to himself before slowly heading up the stairs.

*************************

Tara glances up, feeling Faith getting closer and smiles as she quickly strides towards her.

Faith grins at Tara before leaning down and kissing her quickly.

“Hmmm. Someone is a little calmer now.” Tara reaches up and runs her hand down the side of Faith’s face. “Sit down, love.”

Faith eases down beside Tara and wraps an arm around her shoulders, setting the coffee cup aside. “Still worried but not so upset.” Faith admits quietly leaning in and rubbing her nose against Tara’s cheek.

Tara leans in and runs a hand through the slayer’s hair. “I love you.” Turning her head, she brushes her lips over Faith’s and smiles as Faith extends the kiss, pressing more firmly, but not deepening the kiss.

Faith smiles and kisses Tara’s nose. “Love you.” Wrapping both arms around Tara, she gives her a quick hug before releasing her.

“Can I have a sip of your coffee?” Tara questions, smirking at her lover.

“Ah, hell. I should have asked if you wanted some. You want me to get you a cup?” Faith offers as she grabs her coffee cup handing it to the witch.

Tara chuckles. “No, I just want a little bit. I don’t want a whole cup.”

“Why? Afraid it’ll keep you up all night?” Faith smirks leaning back watching the witch.

“No, I have something else that likes to keep me up all night.” Tara looks up with twinkling blue eyes at the slayer.

“What has the nerve to keep you up all night? I’ll slay it!” Faith growls out mock angrily.

“Oh, no, no, no.” Tara grins wickedly. “I get to do the slaying of the evilness that keeps me awake all night.”

“Planning on doing some slaying tonight, are you?” Faith questions huskily.

“Oh, yes. I think some serious slaying is called for tonight.” Tara whispers threading a hand through Faith’s dark hair and pulling her in for a deep, loving kiss.

“Do you two ever give it up?” Cordelia groans out as she walks through the lobby to the front desk.

“No.” Faith growls briefly, before licking over Tara’s lips, then nipping gently at the pouty bottom lip.

Tara chuckles quietly as she eases back from the slayer. “Okay, okay. I get the hint.” Tara strokes Faith’s neck before the slayer slowly stands up.

“That just isn’t fair.” Faith growls out before grabbing her coffee cup back up and draining it. “I’m gonna get some more. You want anything?” Faith questions Tara.

“A water would be good.” Tara smiles as Faith winks at her and heads back down to the kitchen. “Goddess, would they just get here already. It’s going to be a matter of time before Faith winds herself up again.” Tara mutters to herself, standing to walk to the front door of the hotel. Opening the doors, she steps out inhaling deeply of the morning air. Smiling as she hears a bird singing in the distance, Tara closes her eyes enjoying the sun soaking into her body. After a few minutes she hears a car pull up and opens her eyes, smiling as she sees Xander wave, turning she frowns seeing red hair sitting beside him. Unconsciously backing up a step, Tara narrows her eyes.

Faith smiles as she watches Tara standing outside in the sunlight. The sun glinting off her hair beautifully, urging her to run her fingers through the silky mass. Starting to open the door, she feels the brief flash of fear come from her lover. Realizing they had finally arrived, and obviously the redhead was with them, Faith quickly opens the door and walks out to stand closely beside her lover in support. The two having previously discussed that they would wait until they actually talked to the crew from Sunnydale, before showing affection for each other.

Glancing at Faith, Tara smiles, relaxing. Fighting back the urge to run her hand down the slayer’s arm, Tara looks back at the group as they pile out of the car. Watching Dawn climb out of the back, Tara smiles before noting her arm’s in a cast and growls quietly looking back up in concern. Quickly striding to the teen, she clasps her in a tight embrace. “What happened, Dawnie?” Tara questions quietly smiling as the teen hugs her back just as tight.

“Talk inside, okay?” Dawn whispers quietly in her ear.

Tara pulls back to look searchingly in the teenager’s eyes. Seeing sadness, pain and finally happiness coming into the gaze, she leans in hugging her again before releasing her. “Soon.” Tara whispers back.

Dawn nods her head in understanding. “Very soon.” Dawn glances towards Willow before looking down.

Tara narrows her eyes, catching the look. Turning her gaze to Willow she actually looks at her ex-lover. Noticing the witch has obviously lost weight, her hair is lackluster and she actually seems…scared? Deciding, for now, not to acknowledge the redhead, Tara turns and smiles at an obviously worried Buffy. Watching as she glances from Willow back to her, Tara steps slowly towards the blonde slayer smiling softly.

Buffy breathes a sigh of relief that Tara obviously isn’t going to say anything yet. Looking her up and down, Buffy grins. “Looking good.” Buffy’s eyes twinkle looking at the witch and laughs as Tara pulls her in to a tight embrace.

“I owe you so much for this, you don’t even know.” Tara whispers in the slayer’s ear.

“I guess that means you’re going to have to tell me.” Buffy chuckles hugging the witch back.

“I think I might let someone else tell you.” Tara smirks as she pulls gently away.

Buffy raises an eyebrow at the merriment and mischievousness twinkling in the witch’s blue eyes.

“Do I get a hug, too? I mean, I think I deserve a hug. Traveling all this way with three hormonal women?” Xander grins cheesily at Tara and laughs as she runs up to him, hugging him tightly. “Whoa! If I knew all these years all I had to do was ask for a hug…Damn!” Xander smiles, even though he’s surprised, hugging Tara back gently. “Looking good there, Tara.”

Tara smiles as she pulls back. “Thanks, Xander. I think my coming here was definitely the right thing. No, actually I know it was.” Tara glances behind her to an obviously uncomfortable Faith. Winking at her lover, she smiles softly as Faith calms down slightly and smiles back at her.

“Got any bags I can carry up for ya‘?” Faith hoarsely questions Dawn. “We got a room ready for ya’ in the hotel.” Looking up making eye contact with Buffy, who’s watching her intently, but with a hint of warmth in her eyes, Faith let’s out a small smile.

Buffy looks at Faith and grins, having a feeling Tara’s worked her magic on Faith, also. “I’ll help you carry our stuff up. We’ve only brought one change of clothes apiece. The rest of the gear is Dawn’s.” Buffy rolls her eyes at the fact that her sister had to bring nearly her whole closet for a week’s stay.

“’Kay.” Faith looks questioningly at Tara and sees her nodding and smiling in support. Grinning at her witch, Faith winks before walking behind the car grabbing a couple of the bigger bags, leaving the smaller items for Buffy. “Follow me, we only got three rooms ready, but one of the other ones ain’t in too bad of shape, I can get it ready for Red.”

“You don’t have too. I-I can use Buffy’s.” Willow whispers out. “We discussed it on the way here, Buffy will bunk down with Dawn tonight.”

Faith narrows her eyes on Willow and nods her head, before turning around and heading into the hotel, with Buffy following her, with a questioning look on her face.

Willow swallows and turns to Tara. “Hey.”

Tara tilts her head at the redhead. “Hello.”

Willow looks down at the ground and wraps her arms around her waist. Seeing Tara obviously happy and doing so well, makes her heart ache at the thought of what she had so royally screwed up. “I’m going to go in.” Willow mumbles before quickly heading into the hotel, with her head down.

Tara frowns as she watches the obviously hurting witch. Shaking her head deciding that it really has nothing to do with her anymore, she watches as Xander quickly follows the redhead into the hotel. Turning to Dawn, Tara feels her lips twitch up before wrapping her arms back around the teen. “I’ve missed you, Dawnie.”

“I’ve missed you too, Tara.” Dawn cries out quietly. Hugging the witch to her tightly, she takes a deep breath to get her emotions under control. “Sorry about Willow, but we kind of couldn’t leave her on her own.”

Tara stiffens slightly at the teen’s comment. Pulling back slightly, but keeping her arms around the teen, she questions quietly. “What’s happened since I’ve been gone, Dawnie?”

“Can we go somewhere away from everyone to talk quietly?” Dawn frowns looking up to Tara’s worried blue eyes.

“We can go out to the small garden off the hotel.” Tara offers, keeping one arm around the teen’s waist as she walks up to the hotel’s main doors, quickly urging her to the garden, they walk through the other set of doors.

Dawn sits down on the bench, looking up at Tara. “I don’t know where to start.”

“Start at the beginning.” Tara urges quietly watching the teen. “Start with what happened to your arm.”

Dawn sighs quietly looking down at her cast. “Well, Amy and Willow started going to a black magic dealer not long after you left.” Dawn glances up and watches as a look of absolute disgust crosses Tara’s face. “Yeah, well. Willow needed a fix, and took me with her. And before you interrupt, let me finish. This is going to be hard enough as it is.” Dawn whispers picking at the cast. “Anyway, she got her fix and ended calling up this demon that chased us, she wrecked the car, I broke my arm in the accident.” Dawn looks up and watches Tara clench her jaw. “Well, her and Buffy had a yelling and screaming match. When Willow finally came down from her high, she realized what she had done and decided to clean up her act. She’s been magic free and Amy free since then.” Dawn looks up at Tara smiling sadly. “I think she’s wanting a chance at getting you back.”

“Not going to happen.” Tara quietly admits kneeling down in front of the teen. “I don’t love Willow anymore, Dawn.” Looking up at the sky, she sighs.

“I kind of got that feeling when you seemed happy to see everyone, but her.” Dawn whispers, looking intently at Tara. “You aren’t planning on coming back to Sunnydale, are you?”

“Oh, Dawnie.” Tara stands up to sit beside the teen. Wrapping an arm around her, she tilts her head so it leans against the teenager’s. “Things have changed so much since I came here, Dawn. I have so much to tell you.” Tara smiles before shifting her arm to gently run over the back of Dawn’s head and down her hair. “First off, I want to tell you I have never been happier in my whole life than I am right now.”

Dawn shifts and looks in surprise at Tara. Seeing the beautiful smile crossing Tara’s face, Dawn smiles. “I guess I can’t complain too much if you’re happy. That’s what I wanted for you. So, can I ask why you‘re so happy?”

Tara grins from ear to ear. “One word would answer that question, Dawn. But before I say that word, I want you to really realize that I have found absolutely the most wonderful person, that loves me completely and would never let me come to harm.”

Dawn blinks in surprise. “You found someone? You’re in love?” Dawn watches as Tara nods her head grinning at her.

“More than love, Dawnie. She’s my other half. She completes me more than I ever thought possible. She’s helped me, made me stronger inside. Supports me and is there for me. She knows everything about me. And, just to let you know, I know everything about her, also. Everything, and she had a shit life and wasn’t given much of a chance, but I want you to please, please remember she’s my life.” Tara begs quietly. “You mean a lot to me, Dawnie, and I really want your approval.”

Dawn frowns thinking over what Tara’s said looking into the worried blue eyes, she blinks trying to…paling suddenly she looks at Tara. “Not…”

Tara clasps Dawn’s hand in her both of hers. “Remember, I love her and nothing is going to change that, Dawnie. I love Faith with my whole heart and soul.” Tara finally names the slayer, watching Dawn hoping that she can eventually accept the slayer.

Dawn’s mouth opens and shuts multiple times before looking down. “You love her?” Dawn whispers before looking up into Tara’s blue eyes.

“Completely.” Tara whispers.

“She loves you?” Dawn questions watching as Tara’s eyes brighten with the thought of Faith.

“Oh, yes.” Tara smiles beautifully at the thought of her lover.

Dawn sighs and reaches up with her broken arm, running a finger down the witch’s cheek. “If she can make you smile like that, I guess I don’t have much choice but to accept her, huh?”

Tara’s eyes focus back in on Dawn and searching the teen’s eyes, seeing acceptance, Tara hugs her tightly. “Thank you, Dawnie.”

“Yeah, yeah. But I’m going to let her know if she hurts you, I’m going to get Angel’s biggest club and beat her with it.” Dawn jokes quietly.

“She won’t ever hurt me, Dawn.” Tara smiles at the teen. “For someone with so much power at her disposal, she can be the gentlest most loving person…” Tara trails off, thinking about Faith.

Dawn coughs a couple times. “Are we sure we’re talking about the same woman? Faith, the Dark Slayer. Miss Get Some Get Gone? HH factor Faith?” Dawn questions in disbelief.

Tara chuckles quietly. “She’s definitely the Dark Slayer. Or as I like to think of her, my Rogue Slayer. Not the Get some Get gone slayer anymore. HH factor…” Tara smirks at the teen not continuing that statement.

Dawn chokes back a laugh. “Please don’t. This is almost unbelievable.”

“You’ll be surprised, Dawn. She’s calmer than she was. But she’s still Faith. And I don’t ever want that to change.” Tara admits to the teen. “That’s who I fell in love with. I’m just glad that she’s not as angry as she was. She was on self-destruct, and it was only a matter of time. That’s what’s changed more than anything. Thank the Goddess!”

“I’m taking your word for it. I’m here for a week, I’m sure I’ll see it for myself. But I’m still warning her about treating you right. But I’ll give her a chance, Tara.” Hesitating for a moment, Dawn smiles. “Don’t you dare tell Buffy, but I always liked Faith. At least until she went off the deep end.”

“Yes, and a lot of things happened then. Faith takes the blame for everything, but I think there were a lot of mistakes that were made on both sides.” Tara admits quietly.

“Yeah, I can see that.” Dawn nods her head. “That’s when Angel came back from Hell and Buffy was more worried about him. And, though I love my sister, she can be a selfish pain in the butt.”

Tara giggles at Dawn. “I am NOT going to repeat that to Buffy. I owe her so much for getting me here.” Shaking her head, she stands looking down at the teen. “Come on, let’s see what the rest of the crew are up to.”

Dawn smiles. “Yeah. I’m kind of thirsty, too.”

“Well, we can take care of that. Follow me to the kitchen. We have all kinds of drinks!!” Tara chuckles while rubbing the teen’s hair. “I’ve missed you, Dawnie.”

“I’ve missed you, too.” Dawn wraps her good arm around Tara’s waist as they walk into the hotel.

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