Risk and Reward

TITLE: Risk and Reward AUTHOR: Midknight CHAPTER: 2 of ? SHIP: Faith / Xander RATING: NC17 CATEGORY: Romance, Angst, Erotica, Drama SPOILERS: Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 3 & 7 Finale and Angel Season 5?6? general. DISCLAIMER: None of these characters belong to me. They belong to Joss Wedon, Mutant Enemy, Warner Bros. and I bet a whole bunch of other corporations and I am only borrowing them, seeing tho those who own them donÕt seem to want to use them anymore. UNIVERSE: Slayer Academy - Everything that happened in BTVS Season 7 happened except Robin Wood never existed, ever. Anya still died and Sunnydale is aterater. All the survivors have gone to L.A. and Angel has given them The Hyperion. Buffy, Dawnles,les, Andrew and some of the now fully powered potentials have gone to Europe to rebuild the Watchers Council. This leaves Faith, Xander, Willow, Kennedy and the rest of the now fully powered potentials. Willow with FredÕs help has used her mojo to create a magical website that only Slayers can access to answer any questions and to give them the surviving Scoobies location. So, The Hyperion is now a sort of school for Slayers where they can get training and knowledge about who and what they are. Gunn has sorted out all FaithÕs legal issues and she and Xander have been working construction together for the last 6 months or so. On the Angel front. It is in the early part of the Wolfram and Hart storyline, so I guess itÕs season 5 and it goes as such. Cordy came out of her coma and she and Angel are dating as are Gunn and Gwen, Knox doesnÕt exist, so, Fred and Wesley are now living together. Spike came back fully corporeal. it was him that couldnÕt save Nina from being bitten and he is the one helping her to deal with her werewolfism. ARS NRS NOTE: I apologize before hand and hope you will forgive any errors or blatant discrepencies, but I am new at this so... Enjoy FEEDBACK: Yes Please - Deton8@mweb.co.za Wednesday, 31 March 2004, 6:28am, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. Faith came awake slowly. Memories of the previous nights events float through her consciousness and she luxuriates in them. The room is cool and she can see pale light beginning to seep through the drawn curtains. TheyÕd left the light on she notes half bemused. She can feel the slow, steady rise and fal his his chest beneath her, his heartbeat a calming lullaby. The faint smell of sex still lingers around them and it serves to make the memo mor more viseral, more real. His hand lies softly on the curve of her hip his arm warm on her shoulder and neck. She has never woken up in someones arms before, she realises with a start. She feels her arousal begin to rekindle and mischeviously wonders what he would think of an early morniolesolestation by a horny Slayer. She shifts her head to look at his face and the coarse hair on che chest tickle her ear. He is fast asleep, but there is a smile on his face. He looks so serene and peaceful it neutralises her more wanton thoughts. Even in romance, nature still has her call and Faith realises she needs to go to the bathroom. She moves slowly to untangle her self from her lover and the covers, but as she moves away from him, his hand tenses, trying to hold her in place. A quick glance at his face shows he is still ep aep and the desire to remain exactly where she is makes a very eliquent argument against her bodies need to relieve itself, but in the end nature wins out. With, a deft move she manages to replace her form with a pillow while holding his arm up with hers and replacing the covers. She sees the shape of the sheets and reminds herself she owes him a new set of linens. She still doe qui quite believe her orgasm had been that intense for her to have done that, but then again so much of the night before is unbelievable to her. She pads naked across the room to his dresser and rummages quietly through it until she finds one of his shirts and slips it on over her head. Her need is now pressing and she moves over to the bathroom, but pauses to flip off the light casting the room in to soft twilight. She turns on the light in the bathroom after she closes the door. A quick sniff tells her shoulhould take a shower too, but while she takes care of her need she thinks maybe she wants to share that shower and a smile creeps across her lips. Xander comes awake with a start. He is disorientated and at first thinks his panic is because he has overslept, but a quick glance at his bedside alarm clock tells him he hasnÕt. ÒItÕs only 6:49am and why do I have one of my pillows in my arms?Ó he thinks before the events of the previous night rush back into his sleep fuddled mind. He looks down at the pillow in his arm and whispers her name. The marks on his forearm and the state of his bed tell him he had not dreamt it, but sheÕs not in his arms. Nasty thoughts creep into his mind, calling up previous thoughts of being used and dismissed. Thoughts he doesnÕt want to believe, but knows are a painful possibility. Then he hears the toilet flush and a spark of hope flares in him and he starts to rise. He is still on the edge of the bed when she opene doe door and he freezes. She also stops in the bathroom doorway at the open mouthed stare he is giving her. She is wearing one of his white, cotton button down shirts and it is hopelessly to big for her. The cuffs are undone and hang over her hands. The shirt reaches down to mid-thigh with the top three buttons undone showing just a hint of cleavage. All this makes her look undeniably cute, but what takes his breath away, and what she doesnÕt realise, is that having switched the light off in the bedroom she is silohetted by the light from the bathroom behind her. He can see the shape of her clearly through the light material of the shirt. The lush curve of her hips, the dip of her narrow waist and the faint swell of the side of her breasts. She smiles at him and he has to take a deep breath to steady himself as he feels his body react and his dick stiffen. She sees his sex stir and it mesmerises her. Her hand twitches. She wants to touch it, but she stays where she is. Her toungue darts out to lick and moisten suddenly dry lips as she says ÒStare much?Ó The humour and sarcasm that would usually accompany that statement are abscent. Her voice is low and husky and the words are more an invitation to continue that a rebuke. She thrills at the wanton look in his eyes. Embarassment had caused his hand to move to cover his rapidly growing erection, but the look in her eye the the sultry tone of her voice made him stop. ÒChrist, youÕre beautiful. Ò he says as he gets up and walks over to the vision in soft white cotton standing in the doorway to his bathroom. She watches his bobbing erection as he moves over to her and she has to force herself to release the breath she has been unconsciously holding. ÒGood morning, Lover.Ó he says looking down at her and before she can formulate any kind of reply, he has swept her up in his arms and is kissing her soundly. At first his lips are crushed to hers with almost bruising force, but slowly the pressure lessens and she moans into his opening mouth letting his tongue slip between hers and across her teeth. Their mouths open wider and their tongues snake and twine around each other in slow languid exploration. His hand cups the back of her head while itÕs mate travells south where it gathers and squeezes a handful of shirt and ass. Both her h gra grap his naked asscheeks and pull him tight against her, his erection crushed against her firm belly in the soft folds of the shirt. Her right leg rides up his left, hookirounround his calf as she rubs the soft smooth skin of her inner thigh against the hard, hairy, masculine skin of his outer. He shifts slightly to allow him to support more of her weight and revels at the feel of her body. It seems like an eternity before they break the kiss and theyÕre both grinning from ear to ear. ÒWanna share a shower? she asks him once theyÕve caught their breath and she can feel his cock twitch between them in response. She can almost see the gears working in his mind as he glances at the bed before returning his gaze to her and she knows what he wants. She leans forward, her lips right next to his ear. ÒWe could both do with a shower, but I want you too. Give me what I want Xander.Ó She whispers huskily into his ears before her teeth close on his earlobe and gives it a slight tug. ÒOh Boy. Xander, my lad, whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not wake up.Ó Xander thinks to himeslf. Sctuactually feels his penis surge harder against her and she squeals as he yanks her off her feet and carries her into the bathroom. Arms wrapped around her waist, crossing at the small of her back with is hands on her ass he moves then the short distance to the shower stall. Her arms are around his neck, her legs wrapped around him, ankles crossed and locked just below his butt. She grinds against him alittle feeling his sex pulse with life even as her own begins to flower open and moisten. He shifts his grip around her waist, supporting her lower back as he frees a hand to turn on and set the water. How his mind is able to attend to these mundane matters he will never know as their lips meet again and they plunder each others mouths with abandon. She wants to get the shirt off, but canÕt in their present postion. She closes her eyes as his head sinks down and his tongue dips to taste the exposed flesh just above her breasts. He paints swirling patterns of saliva on the smooth milky canvas of her skin with his tonguat tat turn to pin prick of sensation as the skin goosebumps in response. The chocolate brown orbs of her eyes are once again revealed when they shoot open again as he steps them into the shower, shirt and all. The spray washes over them. Hot needles of sensation on over sensitized skin draws groans from both of them. He backs her up against the back wall of the showerstall, his lips roaming her face and neck. The water soaks the shirt making the material transpearent as it sticks to her skin. The material feels deliciously heavy as it clings to her. She mewls as his warm mouth decends on the darker spot on her right breast which are her aereola and nipple. He sucks hard through the material and she gasps, her shoulderblades digging into the wall behind her as she arches and pushes more titflesh into his hungry, sucking mouth. He lavishes the same attention on her other breast with the same, if not more violent, results. her hands have moved to tangle in his wet hair in rough guidance and he has to push against them hard to get some clearance to look at her. He loves the sight of a fuly aroused Faith. Her eyes are only half open, hooded in pleasure. Full, near petulant, kiss swollen lips slightly parted so the tip of her sweet tasting tongue peeks out in seductive invitation. Wet tendrils of dark hair hang in a sexy curtain down the left side of her face, moving slightly as she breathes hard. ÒDonÕt stop.Ó she whines at the break of contact and she has to focus hard on his face to see the grin on it. THe steam is filling the small space and it feels like they are floating on some ethereal plane. He reaches behind himself and urges her to unlock her ankles and again she whines as he guides her feet to the floor. ÒI think...Ó, he pauses to kiss her forehead, Òwe...Ó, he kisses her lips,Óhave to...Ó, he kisses the hollow of her throat, Òget...Ó he kisses her right collarbone, Òthis...Ó, he kisses her left collarbone, Òoff.Ó he finishes planting a final kiss just above where the shirt is tied. He catalogues her skin with each kiss and she feels as if he is branding her, making her his and she wants him to. ÒYessssssss!.Ó she moans loudly and leans against the wall running her hands lightly through his hair. He moves to his knees and unbuttons the shirt slowly. Peeling the wet material aside after each button to taste the flesh underneath. The first button reveals her cleavage and laves the valley with his tongue running it first down the side of her left breast then up the right before drawing a saliva slick trail down itÕs center. She presses forward into his mouth as the hot spray continues to dowse them, feeding the flame of their passion not quenching it. He follows the buttons down and the only thing on her mind is his sucking lips and swirling tongue on her newly exposed skin. Her stomach muscles are rippling in reaction. Rock hard in tension, buttery soft when relaxed. Her abdomen tenses up in anticipation, trying to push into his lips, but he varies the timing deliberately to nip at them when she relaxes, testing the softness with his teeth. It is driving her wild and she can feel her juices inch down her inner thigh before being washed away by the spray. The last button is just above her wet, pulsing sex. After, he undoes it he brings his hand to her hips under the sodden shirt, moving it away from her body. She can feel his breath on her, hot, even in the steamy shower. She doesnÕt know what to expect as the moment drags on, neither of them moving. Then, he simply rest his cheek against her mons and whispers ÒFaith, I love you.Ó She will never truly know if the shudder that flows through her body and makes her inner sex spasm is from his warm breath on her exposed clit or his words as they drift up to her, but she will always swear to herself it was the latter. She slips one hand over his cheek and the other onto his shoulder, holding him lightly to her. ÒI love you too, Xander.Ó she whispers back as a lone tear of joy joins the shower spray on her cheek. She feels him inhale against her her wet skin and hair and the feeling is unbelievably sensual. He begins to turn, to put his lips on her, to draw pleasure from her body with his mouth, to taste and explore her most intimate flesh as he so vividly remembers doing the night before. He can see the dew of her arousal clearly amongst the petals of her open, swollen pussy lips and he yearns to reaquaint himself with itÕs tangy sweet flavour, but she stops him. Her hands cup his cheeks, thumbs below his jawbone and she begins to draw him up. Her eyes are wild. Her nostrils are flared and she drags him into a passionate kiss. ÒXa.. Xander. I wa... want you... you inside... inside me. Need...need you... inside. Xanderrr.Ó she cries her words punctuated as she drinks in his lips, in hungry, savage kisses, as if they were air and she was drowning. This was beyond love or lust for her. This was life. If she didnÕt have him inside her now she would die. The shirt, still trapped between her and the wall felt impossibly cold against her back in contrast to the molten heat of his body against her front as he lifted her off her feet and above his straining shaft. Her arms again locked around his neck while her legs wrapped around him. This time her ankles locked at the small of his back. They were both panting as he lowered her onto his hard member. She moved one hand from his neck to grasp his shaft and guide it home as it slid along her slick nether lips and into her core. It was like sliding into molten butter, soft, wet, slick and tight. He let out a loud grunt as she clenched around him when he was only halfway in and he had to tighten his grip on her water-slick waist to support her weight until she could relax enough for him to continue. They both let out a sigh as he bottomed out inside her and their hips met. He watched her the whole time. Her eyes were shut tight, lower lip pinned behind pearly white teeth, nostrils flared and face flushed, she was the most amazing of sights. She was memorising each and every inch of his penetration, her body betraying her need halfway down his sex as it slipped from the control she was fighting so hard to maintain and clenched, halting his exquisite journey. The sexy, masculine grunting sound he uttered made it that much harder for her to release his throbbing organ, but she managed, eventually. She loved the way his sigh echoed hers as he was finally fully inside her. He stayed still, letting her body adjust to him until he felt her muscles clench and release around him. He shifted, widening his stance, gripping her hips alittle lower down, creating alittle space between them and giving himself leverage to pull back. Her hands grasped his shoulders, pushing herself hard against the wall to hold herself in place. Breath hissed from her as he slid back into her in one smooth, hard thrust. Her legs tightened at the apex of his thrust, pulling him just that little bit deeper into her before she ground against him, mashing her clitoris onto his pubic bone. They repeated this process again and again, gaining momentum and crying out hoarsely whispered endearments and heavenly entreaties until his legs were trembling with the strain and he was so close to orgasm he couldnÕt maintain their rhythm. She could sense he wouldnÕt last much longer, and she, herself, was so close to the edge the pleasure was almost painful. His head slumped forward, resting on her chest. His laboured breath blew down the valley of her cleavage, cool against her wet skin making her shiver and clench around him. She pulled him close to her so that she was trapped between him and the wall. She changed her grip on his shoulders and levered herself upward along his velvety hard penis. She dragged her clit up slowly along his lower abdomen, through his pubic hair, the pressure and friction a delightful torture. His hands, now at her waist again, help raise and support some of her weight before she relaxed and plunged back down the length of him. She cried out as her clitoris sparked like a match being struck as it scraped down him with her rapid descent and her orgasm bloomed in cascading waves of heat and pleasure. She gripped him firmly in her depths as the muscles of her body lost their tension and seemed to tranfer all their energy to her core. She spasmed and clenched around him, massaging his manhood and destroying the last iota of control he has left. He thrust forward, although there was nowhere he could go and poured his soul into the women he loved. She felt him buck at the beginning of his climax, somehow finding a way to be even deeper inside her molten flesh. His seed was like a soothing balm as it splashed onto and into her orgasm sensitive womb and she sagged against him. He could never remember cumming so much in his life. It was as if every ounce of virility he owned, had just been pumped into this beautiful, amazing women. He kissed her skin under his lips as his legs finally gave out and they sank downward. He went to his knees as he slipped out of her and her feet found the floor, so that she remained leaning against the wall. As, his breathing steadied, he could see their mingled juices inching down her leg. He saw strength return to her as she pushed herself away from the wall and brushed some hair from her face to reveal the most dazzeling smile. She offered him her hand and he rose to his feet as well. ÒWould you say that ÔWOWÕ pretty much sums it up.Ó he said as he leaned in and kissed her softly. Faith closed her eyes until he broke the kiss. ÒOh, yes, IÕd say that definately sums it up and even more amazing... there still seems to be hot water left.Ó she replied. He smiled at her. ÒLetÕs not tempt fate on that score and shower as quickly as we can shall we.Ó Xander suggested and she agreed. It was still the water going cold that finally drove them from the shower as the temptation of exploring each others naked bodies under the context of washing kept them occupied for another fifteen minutes. It was after 7:30 before they left the bathroom, clean , dry and sated, for the time being at least. ÒIÕm gonna go get dressed and IÕll meet you in the kitchen for breakfast?Ó she asked Xander as she made her way to the door. ÒOK.Ó he replied as he slipped on a pair of boxers and looked up. She was wrapped in a large bath sheet and she iterally glowed and he knew that the smile on her face was mirrored on his. She paused at the door and then suddenly turned and scampered back to him. She kissed him quickly, surprising him and then ran back to the door. She opened it a crack, peered out and then made a dash for a room before he could recover enough of his wits to say anything. Fifteen minutes later Faith, dressed for work, grabbed her gloves and hard hat and with a spry step opened her door only to find Xander leaning against the wall opposite it. ÒHi. Breakfast?Ó he said with a smile. ÒHell yeah.Ó, she replied with vigour, ÒIÕm fucking famished... Pun intended.Ó she grinned and he gave her a peck on the cheek. Her eyes went wide in amazement. ÒDo you know? No one has ever done that to me before.Ó she told him. The smile on her face was absolute radiance and he had the fleeting idea of calling in sick for another day and dragging her back to his bed, but with a tug on his sleeve she moved toward the kitchen. Willow and Kennedy looked up from their respective breakfasts as Faith and Xander entered the kitchen. Xander didnÕt know what to do as he stopped next to Faith. He wanted to put his arms around her, but he didnÕt know if she wanted the other Slayer and the Willow to know about them yet. He could see Faith felt the same as she pulled her hand back when she realised it was moving to slip around his waist. Faith and Xander greeted their friends. Both the witch and Slayer greeted Faith, but the first looked at each other before saying ÒHi, Xa..xa.xa..nnnnn...dderrrrrrr!!Ó FaithÕs face heated and she could see Xander blush and fidget nervously as well. Their friends broke out laughing, howling and slapping the table. ÒPriceless.Ó Kennedy chortled. Without, any real thought, Xander stepped closer to Faith and slipped his arm around her shoulders. ÒSo, errrrr, I guess you guys know weÕre dating now.Ó he said. Instead of stopping their laughter it seemed to fuel it as they broke out in fresh gails of mirth. Willow was resting her head on KennedyÕs shoulder in an attempt to get herself under control. Her voice still shook as she wiped a tear from her watering eyes and said ÒOh please. You two have, like, been dating for the last month if not longer. Just, neither of you realised it.Ó The look of confused surprise on both their faces set her off again. Kennedy gathered the redhead into her arms, but had not yet got her own amusement undercontrol as she added ÒAnd, what you guys did last night was not dating. Geez Faith, I, never would have guessed you were that vocal. He could feel the tension in FaithÕs body and moved her alittle closer against his side. He knew how much she hated being laughed at, but he could see both the other women were too lost in their amusement to stop now. He was about to take her out of the kitchen when her shoulders began to shake and he began to hear the unmistakeble sound of her laughter mingle with the others. He came a hairs breadth away from throwing up his hands and simply saying ÔwomenÕ , but having lived with these and other women for the last few years, he knew, it would only get him into trouble. That, did not stop him from thinking it. None of that mattered as Faith wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled into the crook of his arm. The vibration of her laughter transfered onto his body and he couldnÕt help but smile. The women finally got control of themselves and Willow came over to Faith, who disentangled herself from him, so that the witch could hug her. Kennedy gave them a thumbs up, before tucking back into her breakfast. ÒCongratulations. It took you guys long enough. Even Angel commented on the two of you.Ó Willow told the Slayer. ÒAngel? You serious?Ó Faith asked incredulously. ÒYip.Ó Willow answered with a nod of her head. XanderÕs smile broadened as the witch hugged him as well before turning back to Faith ÒSo... Spill. What happened to?Ó she asked indicating the two of them and wiggling her eyebrows with a comically over exaggerated leer. Faith followed Willow back to the table to join Kennedy and began talking animatedly. Xander knew Faith wouldnÕt be thinking of anything else until she was done telling the story, so he made their breakfast and hoped she didnÕt go into too much detail. A bowl of Coco Pops with toast, orange juice and coffee were soon set infront of Faith, but he had to remind her to eat or they would be late before she stopped talking and tucked in with a grateful smile around a mouthful of cereal. ÒHow can you love the way someone eats?Ó Xander asks himself as he watches Faith wolf down her breakfast with gusto. He laughed softly in answer earning him a strange look from all three women. ÒWhat?Ó he asks deliberately playing dumb while trying to keep from laughing again as they continued looking at him. trying to discern if he were crazy or not. ÒGeez, just had a funny thought. Relax already.Ó he told them. He noticed Faith was on her last mouthful of juice, so he grabbed the rest of their dishes and took them to the sink. ÒTime to go, Sweetie.Ó Xander tossed over his shoulder as he rinsed the dishes. ÒSweetie?Ó he heard FaithÕs voice ask in awed question. ÒYeah. What is it?Ó he asked in reply, turning as he dried his hands. ÒErrr. No, thatÕs not what I meant. I mean... errrm. WhatÕs with the Sweetie errrm thing. I errm mean errr.Ó Faith stammered. He wanted to laugh, but knew that it would be the way wrongest thing to do at that moment. Faith has this deer caught in the headlights look, while the other two women were trying to look inconspicuous while at the same time watching both himself and Faith. He took the empty glass from Faith and said ÒSorry. Would you prefer Honey, Snookums or Dumpling. I could even go for Lover, but I think that might be abit much for mixed company.Ó he finished indicating Willow and Kennedy. Faith wondered if anyone else could hear the pounding of her heart. When sheÕd heard Xander call her Sweetie, it had taken her a second to realise he meant her and the question had just stumbled out of her lips and then sheÕd panicked. ÒErrr no... Sweetie is fine.Ó she said, her voice soft, her expression dazed and then he was hugging her. He had seen the panic and anxiety rise in her eyes and any amusement he had felt at the situation evaporated and he simply gathered her into his arms. ÒItÕs OK Faith. I get that all this is new to you. IÕll try to keep the surprises down to a minimum. I promise. He gently lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes, tightening the arm around her waist in a squeeze. ÒNo one... ever... like that... I... DidnÕt... Sorry...Ó she sniffed, unshed tears in her eyes. ÒItÕs Ok. I know.Ó he said rocking her just alittle in his arms. She sniffed loudly and the single tear that slipped down her cheek was at odds with the brilliant smile she flashed at him. He gave her another little hug and kissed the top of her head just before both Willow and Kennedy began to applaud. They looked at their friends sheepishly having forgotten they were even there. ÒNow who needs morning soapies when we have you two?Ó Kennedy said with a wry grin. Fai Faith and Xander laughed as Willow handed the taller Slayer a tissue and she blew her nose loudly. ÒMaybe you should call her Honker instead, Xan?Ó Willow volunteered. ÒHey!Ó Faith replied defensively, but they could all see the smile below the tissue. ÒCome on, FAITH, Sweetie. We gotta go or we are gonna be late.Ó he emphasised her name on purpose to show that it and the endearment were the same thing. ÒOK. Alright already. I get it.Ó she replied giving his arm a mock punch. ÒOuch.Ó he said rubbing his arm in fained pain as he moved toward the door. ÒBig baby.Ó she said with laughter in her voice. ÒLook whoÕs talking.Ó he shot back and they both laughed as they picked up their gear, preparing to leave. A back and forth chorus of ÔSee YaÕsÕ and ÔGoodbyesÕ saw them out the Hyperion and on their way to work in XanderÕs Jeep. ÒFood poisoning.Ó Xander said suddenly clicking his fingers as they waited at a red light. ÒYou call me Food Poisoning and you and me ends right now.Ó Faith replied giving him an exasperated look. He chuckled. ÒNo. I mean... we can say we had food poisoning. We ate some bad shrimp on Sunday night and...Ó he explained. ÒWhy donÕt we just let them think... well you know.Ó she countered with a wiggle of her eyebrows and a leering grin. He made a show of considering her suggestion and then with a loud sigh said, ÒNo... No, as tempting as that seems, I donÕt feel like punching out half the crew fokingking lewd comments about my girlfriend and I guess, most likely, losing my job today. So... Nope. Food poisoning it is. HeÕd been concentrating on traffic, but looked over sharply at Faith when she said ÒOKÓ but then, in a dreamy voice and a sigh continued ÒGirlfriend.Ó Faith started guiltily. ÒSorry, didnÕt think I said that outloud.Ó she said at his questioning look. He smiled thinking ÒWhat have I let myself in for.Ó Yet, he still, none the less, wanted to lean over and kiss her, but thought the traffic officer next to them might have something to say about that. She grinned back at him thinking ÒIÕm his girlfriend. He said so.Ó She knew she was taking this abit far, but she thought sheÕd have it under control by the time they got to the site and decided to let herself enjoy it until then. Wednesday, 31 March 2004, 7:18pm, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. He showered and dried off quickly. The shower brought back memories of that morning and with a sigh he realised that Faith may have ruined showering for him, well showering alone that is. A grin spread across his face and a glance at the mirror told him it was quite leering. He slipped into the boxers, sweatpants and t-shirt he had selected earlier as he let his mind drift back over the day. Work had been... strange. The expected ragging and joking from the rest of his crew or his boss did not materialise, although Jerry had looked decidedly smug as did some of the guys in the crew. Then, there was Faith, his hands had twitched to touch her and why was she always bending over, but she acted as if everything was normal. They didnÕt even have lunch as she was busy learning how to arch weld. ÒI could have learned to arch weld and then I would have taught her.Ó he thought with amental pout. HeÕd had to have a stern talking to himself ÒJealous much?Ó HeÕd chuckled to himself. Well, stern m hav haven aen abit of an overstatement. He had been glad that their abscence had not put his crew off the schedule he had set-up. They were actually pretty much on target which put them two days ahead of official work plan for their section. He smiled as he finished the last of his sandwhich and the paperwork that had piled up while he was gone. He stepped out of the trailer and there she was, walking towards him, a light sheen of sweat on her face and bare arms. Her shirt was tied around her waist and his mind somehow managed to slow down time, like they do in the movies. He could see every shake and jiggle of her breasts, bounce of her hair and sway of her hips with every step she took. Time may havewed wed down in his mind, but his body was on hyper time and reacted rather swiftly and he had to lower his clipboard to cover the very distinct bulge in his jeans. ÒThis is gonna have to take some getting used to.Ó he thought as he desperately tried to drag his eyes off Faith and think of baseball and cold showers to deflate his burgeoning erection. She was infront of him as he got to the bottom step leading from the trailer and he started to ask her how her lesson went, when she shocked the hell out of him. She reached up behind his neck and kissed him. She kissed him slowly, deliberately and thoughrally, and although he knew pretty much everyone could see them, the shock was soon gone and he wrapped his arms around her and returned her kiss with interest. Finally air became an issue and they broke apart, but before he had a chance to take a proper breath, she gave him another kiss. This one was just a light joining of lips and he could feel her lips smile before she drew back. Suddenly there were applause, whistles and catcalls from his crew and other construction workers and Xander became accutely aware of their presence. Adding to his surprise, Faith, turned around and gave their audience a bow before turning back to a flabbergasted Xander. ÒClose your mouth, Xander.Ó sheÕd said as she lifted his jaw back into place with a finger under his jaw. HeÕd just stood their until sheÕd waved her hand infront of his face and called his name. ÒFaith, what just happened here.Ó heÕd asked in the calmest voice he could muster. The smile on FaithÕs face was positively cocky. ÒI believe, I just kissed my boyfriend before we went back to work.Ó she answered in a tone that said it was the most natural thing in the world to do. ÒYes. you did.Ó heÕd said softly uncertainty in his voice. Faith had given him an exasperated look, before smiling again. ÒOh Xander.Ó sheÕd said with affection strong in her voice as she hugged him with her arms around his waist and her head against his chest. Despite heÕs constination a contented sigh escaped his lips at the feel of her pressed againt him. She let go and looked up at him. ÒThey know. Well, that isnÕt exactly true. They thought they knew and now what they think is... well true so.. they know. Apparently they thought weÕd become an item months ago and the word around the office is the Jerry thought we were together when you brought me in for the job interview. It seems we were the last people to find out.Ó she finished with a throaty laugh. ÒHow did you...?Ó he asked trying to process the information she had just given him. ÒOne of the steelwork guys asked me straight out if we were involved and I just said ÔyeahÕ. I hadnÕt really thought. I was busy trying to weld and I just answered. Then of course everybody started saying that they had known and I think there was even some exchange of money as some of the guys won bets. Construction workers, as it turns out, are biggessipssips than fishwives and by the time I got back to the crew... we were outed. Hope you donÕt mind.Ó His only comment had been ÒOhÓ and FaithÕs smile started to fade. ÒI guess I could have been abit more tact...Ó sheÕd begun to say, but he had forestalled her words by scooping her into his arms, lifting her off her feet and kissing her soundly. When he put her down they were both laughing. ÒAnd, so much for the going slow approach.Ó heÕd said with a lopsided grin. The whistle went to call an end to lunch and they moved back to their section. He was tempted to put his hand on her seductively swaying butt as he followed her, but thought it might be just a touch unprofessional. When she stopped to pull on her gloves, he did place his hand on the small of her back to get her attention before asking plaintively ÒCould you not bend over so much?Ó She turned to give him an odd look and he simply raised his hands and said ÒNothing. Forget it.Ó She frowned at him. but heÕd smiled and they had gone back to work. The rest of the day had floated by and he even managed to get his mind back on his work, well mostly. The whistle to knock-off had caught him by surprise and Faith had sauntered over to him while he packed away his tools as she had already stored hers. ÒChinese?Ó she asked from above him as knelt infront of his toolbox. ÒNope. most of the tools are American.Ó he quipped back, ducking his head in expectation of the swat to the back of it he had expected. Instead FaithÕs hands came to rest on his shoulders before beginning to rhythmicly tense and relax her fingers massaging his shoulder muscles. ÒYouÕre alittle tense. And, I meant Chinese as in food, Funny Man.Ó she said from above his head. He sighed and relaxed back against her legs.ÓHmmmm. OK.Ówas all he said as with alittle shake he had risen, turned and without thinking kissed her forehead. He loved the little giggle it ellicited from her. SheÕd taken his left arm and draped it over her shoulder and then surprised him even further by slipping her right hand into the back pocket of his jeans and said ÒLetÕs go. IÕm hungry.Ó ÒThe foodÕs not back there, Faith. Nor is my money.Ó he said. ÒOh Ha Ha Ha Mr Harris.Óshe said ton tone dripping with sarcasm as she flexed her fingers so her nails dug into his skin causing him jump forward. ÒHey!Ó he cried indignantly. ÒWell, you deserve it. Now play nice. IÕm knew at this. I saw the hand in the back pocket thing in some movie and have always wanted to know what it felt like, so there.Ó she continued, pushing her hand alittle deeper into his pocket in emphasis. HeÕd tightened his arm around her and beamed a smile down at her. The old Faith never would have admitted that. ÒOK, Sweetie. My pocket is your pocket anytime you like.Ó he said. She moved alittle tighter into the crook of his arm and softly replied ÒYou bet your sweet ass it is.Ò HeÕd laughed and theyÕd walked out of the site to his jeep. TheyÕd gone to KwonÕs, her favourite Chinese restaurant, to which sheÕd introduced him a couple of months ago, to get the food after Faith found out what WIllow and Kennedy wanted, using his cellphone. With, the food, bought they only made one other stop to pick up some bottles of soda and with a raised eyebrow from Xander, Faith picked two bottles of wine as well. then theyÕd headed home. ÒWere we like the only people on the planet who didnÕt know about us?Ó Faith asked as she took out a large spring roll. ÒSure is starting to feel that way, but if Giles says something I might have to hit him, just alittle.Ó He replied and they both chuckled. Faith then proceeded to eat her spring roll in a way that he truly believed was illegal and if it wasnÕt, it should be, while they drove. The mischevious twinkle in her eye made it all too clear to him that she knew exactly what she was doing. SheÕd finished off her performance by licking her lips and then grinning. ÒFaith, youÕre soooooo bad.Ó he commented as he handed her a napkin. ÒOh, no, my dearest Xander. Quite the contrary. IÕm good, really, really good and if you are, maybe, IÕll show you how good.Ó she answered her voice low and sultry before she winked and licked her lips again. Watching the spring roll disappear into her mouth and down her throat had been arousing in a playfully sinful way, but her words and tone made him instantly hard and he swallowed loudly to moisten a suddenly dry throat. ÒWhy Xander? I didnÕt know you took a stake to work. You do know the vamps donÕt come out in the daytime, right?Ó she said her expression mild, but mischief still danced in her eyes as she reached over brushed her hand softly over the bulge at his crotch before patting his thigh and returning her hand t her lap. Her actions made him groan and he had been glad they were only a block away from The Hyperion. HeÕd parked kinda sloppily, stopping the jeep with a jerk with too much space between it and the curb, but he didnÕt care as he slipped off his seatbelt and leaned back in his seat taking a deep breath. ÒFaith.Ó heÕd exhaled her name, softly, stretched out and breathy. ÒYes? XanderÓ sheÕd replied as she removed her seatbelt and turned to face him. ÒWhat are you doing to me?Ó he asked her softly. Whatever the answer was she might have given, he never gave her the chance, as he reached out and drew her into his arms and a wet, sloppy, hungry kiss. SheÕd moaned into his mouth. He liked the taste of Faith and spring roll and had delved his tongue deeper into her mouth to find more of the exotic mixture. A hand had found itÕs way to the top of her ass and he squeezed whatever he could reach. Her hands were tangling in his hair as they now mauled each others lips. They finally parted and Faith had said ÒOuchÓ causing him to frown at her. ÒGearshift to the ribs.Ó she explained as she shifted back into her seat. ÒSorry,Ó he apologised, Óbut you brought that on yourself, considering.Ó he finished indicating his crotch, his grin unrepentant. The taste and feel of her had done nothing to ease his erectile condition and he took another bre breath. Her grin was as unrepentant as his as she said ÒIÕll live, but IÕm guessing you might want to carry in the food to hide that ÔstakeÕ or you might not survive the comments.Ó With, a sigh, he said ÒFaith, youÕre evil... and right.Ó popped open the door before turning and reaching into the backseat for the three large paper bags on the backseat. ÒSometimes, just alittle and... always.Ó she said in response as she opened her door and slid out of the jeep. ÒSweetie, get the drinks.Ó he told Faith over the top of the jeep and she ducked back in to get the sodas and wine while he settled the bags on the roof and waited for her to close her door so he could lock the vehicle. He liked the taste of calling her Sweetie and he could sense the thrill it gave the dark haired Slayer. He watched her move around the jeep, a smile on her face. He realised that this was the most he had seen her smile, ever and his own smile broadened. She stopped next to him while he gathered the packets of food into his arms. He was still hard and manuvered the packets so that he was holding them infront of his crotch. She moved alittle closer to him and he got the faintest wiff of her scent. Jasmine and vanilla with the slightest tinge of sweat from a long day of work and was shocked at how familiar it was. They moved towards the hotel. ÒHappy?Ó he asked her suddenly. ÒYes.Ó she replied enthusiastically, dimples deepening as her smile widened. ÒIÕm always happy when I get to eat from KwonÕs.Ó sheÕd continued. HeÕd frozen mid-stride, non-plussed by her definition of her answer. SheÕd continued on, her strides energetic, hips swaying seductively. ÒFaith.Ó he called out to halt her. ÒThatÕs not...Ó he started to say, but as she turned he could see the grin on her face and the laughter in her eyes. ÒI know Xander. IÕm not just happy, IÕm remarkably ec-fucking-static.Ó sheÕd stated, her voice strident and bubbly. ÒNow, Lover, can we go inside so that I can eat already?Ó she asked plaintively, her smile turning impish and impatient. At that moment he realised why he could so easily love this women. ÒYour wish is my command.Ó was all heÕd said as he hurried to catch up to her. He heard her say ÒIÕm so gonna test that little statement later tonight Mr Harris.Ó under her breath as he caught up to her and they went into The Hyperion. The giddy euphoria of their fledgling relationship was new to Xander. He felt something similar when he had first started dating Cordy back in his highschool days, but nothing this intense and definately not as physical. Maybe it was the child-like inocence of Faith discovering this side of a relationship that drew him into that state as well, but he knew there had to be more to it than candy, flowers and good, no scratch that, great sex. TheyÕd had unprotected sex twice. He felt alittle ashamed of himself only having that realisation now, but the situation had kind of exemplified the concept of not thinking. He honestly believed they could go on in their present state for quite a while. God knows they could do with some idylic romance considering their pasts, but the mature part of him realised that they needed to talk. Needed to understand what each was thinking and how they wanted this to work. The night before had been all emotions and declarations with no real indications of what was to follow. HeÕd always been a task-at-hand kind of guy, which was why he was a natural at construction, He squared his shoulders and headed for FaithÕs room. He padded down the hallway. Doubts assaulted him. ÒWas it too soon for this? Should he leave it for another day or so, just let them enjoy it first? Would this frighten her away? She had been so brave to do what sheÕd done. Could he push that courage any further?Ó Then he wa infront of her door and his knuckles decended with a crisp knock. No answer. e knocked again and called her name. Still no answer. He opened the door, wondering if maybe she had dozed off. Popping his head in he could see no one was home. ÒWhere could she be?Ó he thought. Wednesday, 31 March 2004, 7:04pm, The Hyperion Hotel, FaithÕs Bedroom, L.A. Faith briefly wondered if Xander would like some company while he showered, but in the end decided that both their showers, this time, should just simply be to get clean and not down and dirty. She luxuriated in the hot spray of her shower and decided to wash her hair as well. She was physically one hundred percent her old self and as for emotionally, hello rollercoaster. She never would have believed sheÕd go up to Xander and make their new relationship so openly known, but it had felt like the right thing to do at the time and, she had to admit, the shocked look on XanderÕs face had been priceless. Thinking of Xander made her tingle abit more than the shower warranted and she quickly turned her mind to the more mundane task of washing her hair, but still memories of the day slipped in. Faith had called Willow on XanderÕs cellphone to find out if they wanted chinese as well and she took the witch and her Slayer loverÕs orders as they drove to her favourite Chinese take-away restaurant. Favourite for Faith usually meant open twenty-four / seven and where the food didnÕt completely suck, but she had grown to genuinely like KwonÕs. The food was actually really good, the portions generous and she and the owner, Manni, had hit it off the first time sheÕd come in at two in the morning on her way back from patrol. SheÕd convinced Xander to try the place two days later after work and they had soon become regulars. He always gave her extra fortune cookies saying she was very fortunate and it never failed to make her laugh. The short, thin and greying man behind the register greeted them with a wave. ÒThe usual Miss Faith, Xander Son?Ó he asked ÒNo, Manni.Ó Faith replied, loving the way he always called her Miss Faith ÒWe are doing a bigtime order tonight.Ó Manni rubbed his hands together in mock glee. ÒGood, good now olnni nni can maybe retire, yes?Ó he joked. She liked this old man. He had the same brand of sense of humour as Xander. That first night sheÕd entered his restaurant and ordered, heÕd told her ÒYou a dirty girl, so very dirty.Ó with this toothy grin on his face. SheÕd wanted to punch him. The old Faith would have, it was late and there was no one else in the store and she almost let her, but he must have seen the verocity of her anger because he held up his hands and gestured for her to stop. ÒSorry, so sorry, but you are a dirty girl.Ó He had apologised as he produced a mirror from under the counter. She had been in a scuffle with couple of vamps and her face was smudged with dirt. Her hands had gone to her face in a vain attempt to wipe away the dirt. ÒNow, you, silly, dirty girl. Haaaiii. Go clean up in bathroom. Shoo, shoo, go. Then you come back and you share some tea with a lonely old man, yes?Ó heÕd continued. SheÕd been so stunned she had just stood there for a second or two until he insistantly pointed to the ladies room at the back of the shop. ÒErrr Thanks.Ó sheÕd said hesitantly and gone to clean herself up. When she returned he had her order set out on one of the small table with a bowl of aromatic chinese tea steaming next to it and infront of him. ÒCome, come. You eat, we talkÓ heÕd said gesturing emphatically to the seat opposite him infront of her food. She had planned to go back to the Hyperion to eat. It was late and she had work in the morning, but the old man intrigued her. He offered her his hand saying ÒI am Manni Kwon.Ó SheÕd shook the proffered hand and had replied, ÒMy name Faith, Faith Williams. SheÕd let go of his hand intending to sit down, but he had moved his grip to hold her wrist and turned her hand so that her palm faced up. Her first reaction had been to yank her hand away, but for some reason she couldnÕt. ÒThis is weird.Ó sheÕd thought and then he had released her hand. ÒPleased to meet you Miss Faith. Sit. Eat.Ó heÕd said with a smile. Somehow that smile had put her completely at ease. TheyÕd talked while she ate. Well he had talked mostly, with her just answering the usual kind of questions about where she stayed and what she did professionally. He had come to America from Hongkong some thirty-five years ago. He had two grown daughters and had been running his restaurant for the last thirty years. Sooner than she had thought possible her food was gone and so was the tea. SheÕd reached into her pocket for money and asked him what the damage was. ÒNo, Miss Faith. First one free.Ó, he said tapping the side of his nose, ÒNow you always come to KwonÕs. Spend lot of money. Help old Manni retire. You take two fortune cookie too. You very fortunate. Yes.Ó She remembered, heÕd had this knowing look in his eyes and it had made her smile and he had been right too. She ate at or from KwonÕs atleast once a week and sheÕd turned Xander, Willow Kennedy and a couple of the other Slayerettes on to the place as well. While they waited for their order they chatted with Manni when he suddenly said ÒHaaaaii Yaaah. What is this?Ó, with a wide grin on his face. Neither Faith nor Xander knew what he was talking about. ÒWhat, Miss Faith? Should old Manni turn down the airconditioning? Are your hands cold? he asked with a chuckle With, a start Faith realised that she had slipped her hand back into XanderÕs back pocket. She laughed alittle self-consciously and she wanted to punch Xander as he smirked, but changed her mind as he put his arm loosely around her shoulders. Xander answered before she could. ÒNo, Master Kwon. My girlfriend just likes the feel of my butt and well, look at her. Why would I complain.Ó Manni looked at them before saying ÒYour girlfriend now is she?... About time too. What took you so long?Ó They both had the good grace to blush and suddenly both of them found the floor very interesting. ÒCongratulations. You get very special fortune in cookie, hey, Xander Son.Ó Manni continued waggling his eyebrows and beaming at them. ÒVery special, Master Kwon. Very special.Ó Xander replied giving FaithÕs shoulders alittle sqeeze of affection. Xander and Manni had got on like ase ose on fire the moment she had introduced them. Their order was soon ready and they bid their farewells to Manni. She admitted to hersehat hat she seriously messed with him on their drive back to The Hyperion, ÒBut that spring roll had been good.Ó she thought grinning to herself. She hadnÕt quite banked on his intense reaction. Ò A girl could very easily get used getting kissed like that, even with a gearshift sticking into her ribs.Ó she thought as she threw her hair back over her shoulders after rinsing it and stretched. She spent afew more minutes just soaking in the heat and steam of the shower before she shut off the water and wrapping first herself and then her hair in a towel she left her bathroom. Their dinner with Willow and Kennedy was fun. TheyÕd opened one of the bottles of wine she had bought and the supper had been all light banter and affection. SheÕd seen Xander look away when she had another spring roll and the laughter hast bst bubbled out, almost causing her to choke, but a gulp of wine soon solved that problem. The food was great, the company better, when Xander, having finished before her, scooted his chair closer to her and hung his arm loosely across her shoulders, that, was best. the chorus of ÒAwwwwwwwwwwÓ from Willow and her lover were only a minor irritation and she simply stuck her tongue out at them. After the food was done they had just sat around talking about this and that until Willow announced that she and Ken were going to catch a movie and if she and Xander wanted to join them. SheÕd looked up at Xander in question, but he k hik his head. ÒSorry, ladies. The Xanman ishedshed.Ó he said to all three women. They all looked at WIllow with surprise when she said ÒWay to go Faith.Ó alittle too loudly than was neccessary. Xander had waved a finger at the witch before saying ÓNo more wine for you young lady and Kennedy youÕre driving.Ó HeÕd turned his gaze to her before continuing, ÒSorry, Sweets, do you wanna go to the movies. You should go if you want. IÕd join you, but WillowsnÕtsnÕt like it when I snore in the movie theatre, something about her not being able to hear the dialogue or something.Ó SheÕd hesitated alittle wondering if he wanted her to go so he could be alone, but then she felt his fingers tracing idle patters on the skin of her shoulder and realised he was just being the polite Xander he always was. She smiled up and told him there wasnÕt anything she really wanted to see, so, sheÕd stay too. Looking at the the other women, their gleeful, mischieveous expressions told her exactly what they thought she and Xander would be getting up to once they left. ÒOH. Get your minds out the gutter.Ó sheÕd told them causing them to grin even wider, before she continued, ÒRaincheque for when Underworld comes out? I like a good comedy.Ó That set them all off. TheyÕd all seen the trailer together and had already had many a good laugh over the obsurdity of it compared to what they had faced on a daily basis in Sunnydale and what they knew of true vampires and werewolves. Still chuckling Kennedy stood, rested a hand on her lovers shoulder and said ÒSure. Sure. Come on Red, I donÕt wanna be late for the trailers and these two need their ÔrestÕ.Ó She managed to say rest in such a way as too clearly illustrate that they would be doing nothing of the sort. Faith had wanted to flip her the finger as with Willow in tow they made to leave. At, the door to the kitchen, Kennedy had turned, letting Willow slip passed her before she added, ÒOh and Faith could you ÔrestÕ alittle more quietly tonight? I have a job interview in the morning and will need my sleep.Ó That time Faith had given her the finger, but the laugh that echoed through the door way as the other Slayer left made the gesture seem somehow hollow and unfulfilling. Xander had bent down and kissed her forehead. ÒI love when you go all ladylike on me.Ó heÕd said softly with a grin on his lips. It was contagious and she was soon back in high spirits. TheyÕd sat for awhile longer before Xander gave himself alittle sniff and said he thought that a shower might be in order. ÒYeah, you stink.Ó sheÕd quipped, but did not move her head where it rested on his shoulder. ÒSure. Miss April Fresh.Ó heÕd bantered shrugging the shoulder she rested on making her head bounce alittle. ÒGuess youÕre right X.Ó she sighed and they got up, tidied the dishes and went to their rooms to shower. Faith slipped on a pair of cotton pas. Ss. She had a moment of indecision between sweatpants or a pair of, loose fitting, beige cargo pants, but she chose the cargo pants. She put on a tight, white tanktop that had been torn ar the bottom in some fight or another, that revealed her toned stomach below itÕs ragged bottom. She then had to rummage through her closet to find a light, short sleeve, beige bowling shirt she felt like wearing, open, over her tank. SheÕd decided to work out alittle. She needed to work the kinks out of muscles from her extended bed rest of the last few days. She briefly contemplated puting on shoes, but she liked to walk barefoot as much as possible and sheÕd only take them off in the training room again anyway. She grabbed her MP3 Player, checked that her Evanescence memory stick was in it and that it had enough battery power. It had been her one indulgence from her first paycheck and Willow kept her well stocked with music. Faith never asked the wiccan where she got it from. The new Faith was a law abiding citizen after all. She smiled wondering if Willow had the new Avril Lavigne stuff for her yet. Everything was five by five. She reached for a clean towel to take with her when she caught her reflection in the full length mirror next to her dresser. She ran a finger along te faint scar on her abdomen. She always did that when she caught sight of the jagged, uneven pale white line. Her permanent reminder to the past. Buffy had done that with FaithÕs own knife and sheÕd deserved it. It could have all ended then and there, but it didnÕt. She should call Buffy or at least ask Willow if there was any news from her in Europe. Now she really wanted that workout. Better to feel the stretch and strains of her body than dwell in the dark past passages of her mind. She closed the door behind her and wondered if she should just pop in and tell Xander what she was up to, but part of her knew if she went to XanderÕs room she was most likely gonna get akoutkout of an entirely different kind. The thought quite intrigued her, but she actually found herself wanting to slow down that facet of their relationship. ÒWoahw. relationship. My, thatÕs a mature word, Miss Williams.Ó she thought chuckling to herself. ÒBut, thatÕs what I want and as much as I would like this floating on air, sweet sixteen romance feeling to go on I know reality has to intrude at some point and kng Xng Xander it would be sooner rather than later. Not right now though, not right now. She closed her door and headed for the basement and the training room she and Xander had outfitted a month after they arrived. Wednesday, 30 March 2004, 7:51pm, The Hyperion Hotel, The Training Room, L.A. Faith stepped to the centre of the large padded mat in the middle of the room. SheÕd passed Anabelle, Krista and Ruth in the lobby. They were on their way out to patrol. SheÕd told them to be careful. TheyÕd looked at her as if sheÕd grown a second head or something, but hesitantly said they would. It annoyed her alittle, but she closed her eyes and took three deep breaths to calm and clear her mind before she slipped on her earphones, switched on her MP3 player and started her Tai-Chi routine. This was one of the things that had really helped her in prison. She took the class, at first, just to pass time and it was a martial art after all, but in end end it allowed her to calm her mind and relieve the physical tensions of incarceration. SheÕd read everything about it she could get her hands on and with the instructors help she had become quite good at it. She flowed from form to form re-aquainting herself with her body. She had found that music made it easier to concentrate and shut out the rest of the world. She had taken antanttant liking to Evanescence since sheÕd heard them on the Daredevil soundtrack and it had become her favourite to work out to. She closed her eyes and let her body follow the routine while she let her mind clear until all she could feel was the movement of her muscles. She just let go of all her doubts, worries and even the heady euphoria she had been feeling, allowing her mind to reconnect with her body. He first checked the kitchen. No dice. The only other place cou could be was the training room, so he ambled off to the basement. He froze at the door. He could hear her favourite music muted by her earphones and he just leaned against the doorframe, crossed his arms and watched her. This was yet another part of her she kept hidden. He had caught her doing Tai-Chi before, but he never stopped to watch before, respecting her privacy in this. He watched her body gracefully glide from form to form, but it was her expression that fascinated him the most. It was calm personified. Lines that he had memorised in the last day or so were gone making her look alot younger. The sultry sexiness that Faith naturally exuded was replaces by a elegant innocence. She was completely relaxed and at the same time coiled tight as a spring. The slow graceful movements of Thai-Chi was at odds with the verocity and speed she showed in battle as well as the rock music that must be quite loud in her ears if he could hear it from where he was. She ended her routine feeling relaxed and refreshed. Her muscles felt warm and loose. She exhaled a deep breath and then became aware of him. She still hadnÕt opened her eyes, but she could feel eyes on her. She didnÕt even have time to tense as her nose caught the hint of a scent that her brain had labelled as loyal, trustworthy, friend and now lover and she knew the identity of her watcher. She took another deep breath before she switched off the MP3 player and said ÒHi XanderÓ, her eyes still closed. ÒWow, Faith, that was amazing. YouÕre really good.Ó Xander said not moving from his spot against the doorframe. She opened her eyes and saw him leaning against the door frame of the training room with an expression of awe on his face. She smiled at him and said ÓThanks. ItÕs what kept me sane in the pen. ItÕs like meditation, but with movement. It helped me find control over my more violent impulses and it transported me outside those walls and bars giving me an escape, without which, I would have killed myself or worse someone else.Ó She spoke quietly and earnestly as if she has thought about it hard and long, but was only now puting her thoughts into words. SheÕd never really talked about her time in prison exept in passing or as a joke or a funny anecdote. ÒWas it really that bad?Ó he asked, his voice hushed to match hers, as he walked quickly over to her stopping just inches infront of her. She looked up at him, ÒYou knew me before Xan, who I was, what I was and prison is essentially a cage. What do you think?Ó her voice broke alittle as she asked, sounding raw. He did the only thing he could. He gathered her to him and held her tightly in his arms. She stiffened just alittle and then leaned into his embrace. She knew they had to talk, but this was not what she had in mind. SheÕd honestly thought she was more over her prison experience than this. ÒTell me.Ó Xander told her. ÒYou really wanna know?Ó she sked his chest. ÒYeah I really wanna know, Faith.Ó he replied. ÒAt first, I was all Determined Girl. IÕd handed myself over to the police. Owned up to my actions and taken responsibility for them. I was being all noble and wanting to change and that lasted until they introduced me to my two by four cell. It took every once of will power I had to step into it knowing it would be atleast five years before even hope of parole. I was sullen and I kept to myself. I had to. I had very little grip on my temper and as time went by it wot worse and the guards noticed. Eventually I got into a throw down with some hard ass out to make a name for herself. Xander, I nearly beat that women to death. If the guards didnÕt manage to pull me off her without me hurting any of them and one of them having seen that she had thrown the first punch, things would have gone very badly for me. All I got were manditory anger management courses. The guard who saw what happened asked me if I did martial arts and I told her sort of and she gave me a pamphlet on Tai-Chi and told mehoulhould check it out. There were classes once a week in the prison hall. I ,of course, flipped her the bird as soon as she turned her back and promptly forgot about it. I became depressed and mean. It was less of a problem to keep to myself. People avoided me. I became the poster child for Fucked-up Convict Chick Monthly just plodding along, killing time. I did what I was told and not an iota more. Angel visited a couple of times, but all weÕd pretty much do was try to out brood each other. IÕd been in for about six, maybe seven months when I got a new cellmate. An oldtimer. I thought just great. Bring on the smell of Geritol. She wanted the bottom bunk and I told her to fuck-off. She gave me this look. Xander, it was recognition followy uny understanding and then pity. Her name is Elle. I just got up and through myself on the top bunk. All she said was ÔThanx SpitfireÕ.Ó Faith gave alittle laugh before continuing,Ó SheÕd call me that for the rest of my stay. She just started talking. Telling me about how she was a Lifer. How she had once been young and pretty like me. She would later tell me I asked her what sheÕd done, but I donÕt remember doing so. She was in a gang and she ended up beating up two other girls in a rival one in a gang fight over what she called Ôsome pissy piece of turfÕ. sheÕd gotten caught and being a true hard ass sheÕd resisted arrest and in an ensuing scuffle pushed a police office down some stair. The fall broke his neck. ÔI was like you Spitfire all piss and vinegar. More balls than brains. All heart without oneÕ she told me with a depricating chuckle. She was like impossible to tune out as she told me story after story about her nearly thirty-five years in the pen.Ó While they talked Faith had disengaged herself from Xander and they were now sitting crosslegged on the training mat facing each other. He just let her talk as she took one of his hands in hers and idolly played with it. He doubted she even knew she was doing it. He guessed it was just away to displace the nervous energy she had from telling him about this. ÒI swear. I wanted to scream at her, Ask her what the fuck she wanted to shut up, until she simply asked ÔSo, am I your future? The hot retort had died on my lips as her question forced me to examine myselfo I o I was, what I was doing, who I wanted to be... It was only later that I found out that the guard had placed Elith ith me specifically and that Angel had asked her to try and help me. Vampires are sneaky, even souled ones.Ó ÒSo thatÕs where you disappear to every second Saturday morning.Ó Xander interupted. ÒYeah. You noticed that?Ó Faith asked with a smile. ÒYeah, guess I did at that. ÓXander answered with a dip of his head and a sheepish smile. She had turned his hand palm up and was tracing the lines on his palm. Her eyes had gone distant again. Suddenly she shrugged and looked up again. ÒTo makeong ong and truly depressing story short. Elle put me on the path and Tai-Chi helped me stay on it. Elle grounded me. Told me when I was being childish, encouraged me when I was doing well. Got me to open up, helped me make friends. The guards all knew her and I got to know them. Xander, at one point I was in a book club. Me. ThatÕs right Xander.Ó She slapped his hand as he shook his head with an overexaggerated expression of shock. ÒBe nice. Anyhow, Elle made me feel like there were people that could care for me or... more acurrately that I... could be worth caring about...Ó she trailed off. ÒDoes that make sense?Ó she asked him looking up from his hands. ÒYeah.Ó he said switching the positions of their hands so he was the one carresing hers. ÒI so understand what you mean. My childhood was not what you would call Brady Bunch-esch. My parents were alcoholics and abusive. They made me feel like the lowest of the low,Ó he chuckled ÒI guess Willow was my Elle and the Hell Mouth my prison.Ó ÒThey hit you?Ó Faith asked him softly. ÒMaybe once, but WillowÕs mom threatened to press charges and it never happened again. No, bruises heal, bones mend. My loveable, huggable parents went straight for the soul. Nothing I ever did was good enough. I think IÕve actually had more hugs and affection from the wowho who have tried to kill me over the years than I have from my parents.Ó he answered sqeezing her hand. ÒPresent company excluded.Ó They sat in silence for afew moments until Faith said ÒThat was deep and just a touch heavy, now wasnÕt it?Ó ÒYeah.Ó Xander replied. ÒHow do you keep you hands so soft and smooth? You should have callasus if not from the slaying, then at least from workÓ he asked out of the blue a frown on his face as he continued to stroke her palm and fingers with his thumb. ÒI think itÕs a Slayer thing... a hidden perk if you would.Ó she replied with a frown of her own. ÒFaith, errr, weÕve had unprotected sex twice in... in the last twenty-four hours... and errr... I mean... We... You... errrm... DonÕt misunderstand... I mean... not worried about... errm deseases...,Ó her eyebrow arched, ÒNo no no... I mean... Ò his voice trailed off. ÒThis is so not coming out right. My shoes should come with instructions on how to get them out of my mouth.Ó Xander thought to himself. Faith wanted to laugh. She knew exactly what it was he was trying to ask. ÒI should just put him out of his misery, but he squirms so prettily she thought in amusement. He started again, ÒWhat I am trying to say is... errr... What are the chances that I could be a daddy and you a mommy as we speak.Ó ÒSubtle, Xander, real subtle bee berated himself. ÒNone, Xander.Ó she replied her voice dead and emotionless. Any amusement she had been feeling had fled. He looked at her sharply. ÒFaith?Ó he asked quietly. She was looking at their linked hands and started to pull herÕs away, but he gripped her middle finger halting her movement. She looked up at him again and he could see the glitter of unshed tears in her eyes. ÒIÕm being stupid again. I thought I had made peace with this. Her free hand slid onto her belly and she ran a finger along the nearly invisible two inch scar. ÒI canÕt have children Xander.Ó she said, the words coming out in a croaking whisper as she swallowed back tears. ÒIÕll never be a mommy and you will never be a daddy, well with me anyway.Ó she continued. Her words gave her an insight to her reaction. Some part of her mind was always analysing. She guessed it was a Slayer thing always studying people and by extension herself. Xander understood. He moved her hand into his and covered it with his other. ÒWe could adopt. I mean after we get married, after the honeymoon. We could seeÓ he said solemnly. Her tearful expression was replaced by one of incredible shock as she stared at Xander in dibelief. ÒWhat!?!Ó she squeaked. He smiled broadly before answering. ÒRelax, Faith, itÕs only a possible future. A counter to the darker one I see lurking somewhere behind those big brown eyes of yours. WeÕve only been together officially for less than a day and, apparently, I will now be hoppinÕ the next freight train out of Dodge Ôcause you canÕt have children. Have I got it more or less right? She nodded, not quite being able to dispel the image of herself in a wedding dress. *Thwack* he slapped her hand hard. She yanked her hand off his and half rose. Shock and anger blazed in her eyes. Ò Oww!! What?!!!Ó she asked. He snatched her hand saying, ÒThat was for being so silly. This is Ôcause I love you, you ninny.Ó and he kissed the top of her hand where heÕd hit it. She literally collapsed forward into his arms, pushing him onto his back. He hugged her fiercely as she buried her head in his shoulder and let the tears she had been holding back flow. Her tears subsided and were replaced by sniffs and even a hicup or two before she pushed away from him. He deliberately held onto her for a second or two as her back pushed against his arms, before releasing her enough so that they were now face to face. eyeseyes were puffy and her nose red, but there was a shy little smile on her lips. ÒNinny?Ó she asked. ÒYeah. I thought of going with Crazy Bitch, but you might have taken that as a compliment.Ó he replied and she laughed. ÒHow?Ó he asked. ÒWhen Buffy stabbed me. Apparently, Slayer healing doesnÕt bother with the things a Slayer would never use. We arenÕt meant to live long anough to have kids. I found out during my first prison physical.Ó she answered understanding his inferred question. She rested her head on his chest and just listened to his heartbeat and breathing. Suddenly she looked up at him ÒAlexander Harris, tell me thatÕs not a hard on IÕm feeling and that you are not thinking about sex at a time like this.Ó she asked. Ò He frowned and answered ÒFaith, I donÕt have a hard on, but I am a guy and so... I canÕt truthfully say I am not thinking about sex.Ó She reached between them and came up with her MP3 player. She dangled it infront of his eyes ÒAhhh Xander. We could have made such sweet music together.Ó she said before rolling onto her back next to him, lang. ng. ÒFaith. It wasnÕt that funny.Ó Xander told her as he rolled onto his side to look at her. ÒI know.Ó she managed to gasp before bubbling into laughter again causing him to join her. Finally they were reduced to heavy breathing and sore stomach muscles. They lay quietly on the training mat. He found her hand and their fingers twined and interlocked. ÒWe okay?Ó Xander asked her. Faith took a deep breath and then sighed. ÒXander. My issues have issues and theyÕve interbred and are raising itty-bitty issues of their own, but for now, weÕre alittle better than okay.Ó Her head lolled to the side to see him smile and hear him say, ÒExcellent. Now you think you can show me how to do some Tai-chi?Ó She spent the next half hour or so guiding him through forms, until he said heÕd had enough. ÒI am sooo ready for bed.Ó Xander said as he stretched and barely managed to stifle a yawn. ÒWhy Mr. Harris, I do declare. You sir are a horn dog of note.Ó Faith said in a movie inspired southern accent. ÒFrankly, my dear. You wish.Ó he quipped back this time not managing to catch his yawn. She nodded her agreement and they headed upstairs. When they arrived at her room Faith reached for the doorknob, but stopped when Xander asked her what she thought she was doing. ÒIÕm going to bed Xander.Ó she replied with exaggerated slowness. He seemed to contemplate her words and then shook his head. ÒNo, I donÕt think so. Your bedÕs too small. Come along.Ó he said grabbing her wrist and continuing on down the hall. ÒOh.Ó was all Faith could reply until they were nearly at his door. ÒXander, I need to get something to sleep in.Ó she said digging in her heels to halt their progress. ÒUse one of my shirts.Ó he said not breaking his stride and with a shrug she followed. In his bedroom he rummaged through his drr anr and then held up one of his t-shirts and a white cotton shirt, one in either hand. He gestured for Faith to choose holding first one then the other forward. She nodded at the shirt and he tossed it to her. Xander sat on the edge o fhis bed to remove his sweats, asuming Faith would go to the bathroom to change. Instead, the dark haired Slayer simply began to strip-off where she stood between him the dresser. Xander paused his attention riveted to the sleek expanse of her exposed body. ÒI really should of learned by now not to make any assumptions when it concerns this women.Ó he wryly thought to himself as his gaze slid over every curve and line of her. Faith loved the way his eyes were caressing her skin and deliberately stripped all the way down to her panties before making a great show of shaking out and inspecting the shirt heÕd given her. Xander swallowed to moisten a suddenly dry throat. ÒHow did she manage to turn getting dressed intoevereverse striptease?Ó he thought to himself. He still sat frozen as Faith buttoned the lower four buttons, leaving the top three undone. ÒStare much?Ó she asked him snapping her fingers infront of his face to break the spell. ÒJesus. YouÕre beautiful.Ó he whispered before continuing in a louder voice, ÒFor your information, Kaitlin, when I do it to you itÕs called ÔAppreciatingÕ not staring.Ó Faith looked at him in shock. ÒWhat... What did you just call me??Ó she asked her voice low with wonder and question. ÒI believe it was Kaitlin, as in Faith Kaitlin Williams.Ó he answered with a smug grin and an emphasis on the pronounciation of full name. ÒMaybe it was abit premature to use this particular bit of information, but damn the expression on FaithÕs face was priceless. Faith just stared at him open mouthed and at a loss for words. The only person who had ever called her that was an elderly aunt that sheÕd got to see all of twice, and that was nearly fifteen years ago. ÒHow?Ó she sked in a hushed voice closing the distance between them. ÒYour personnel file at work. nda nda peeked.Ó he answered. ÒKinda peeked?Ó she asked softly more to herself than him then louder, ÒWhen? Why?Ó Xander looked up at Faith and wondered if he had made a mistake. ÒAbout a month ago. I was curious. I...Ó he was answering when she took his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss. Moving her cheek next to his she whispered in his ear, ÒTell anyone else and I will be forced to kill them, their families and, regretably, you.Ó As, she finished, she let the tip of her tongue slip lightly over his ear and was immensely satisfied as he moaned in response. Xander luxuriated in the heat of her body as it pressed against his and even as tired as he was he felt a stirring in his loins at the Slayers sultry tone of voice as she delivered her mock, he hoped, threat. ÒUnderstood, Kaitlin. Can I get undressed now, Kaitlin? Can we go to bed now, Kaitlin?Ó he singsonged bringing forth a silvery peal of laughter from her lips as she moved away from him and onto the bed. ÒYou, Xander Middle-Name-I-Unfairly-DonÕt-Know-Because-I-DonÕt-Snoop Harris are incorrigableÓ she said as she slipped under the covers as he stripped down to his boxers.ÓMy middle name is a nationally guarded secret, Slayer mine, and will remain so until the end of time.Ó he said with a cocky smile. ÒHeÕs got a really nice chesot tot to mention those broard shoulders.Ó Faith thought to herself, but said ÒOh. just shut up and come to bed, Lover.Ó He slid into the bed next to her and she took his arm, placed it behind her neck, and snuggled down into the junction of arm and shoulder, shifting onto her side and moulding herself against his side as he lay on his back. The heat of his body soon made her feel very comfortable indeed. And, she knew the same could be said for him as a contented sigh escaped his lips and he shifted his large hand so that it was draped just above her hip. The faint scent of jasmine surrounded FaithÕs hair as she rested her head below his chin. ÒWhy didnÕt you just ask me?Ó she asked him quietly. A frown crossed his face. ÒYou know. It never occurred to me to just ask. I guess I was kinda having fun doing the whole Alias / private eye thing.Ó he said hesitantly before asking, ÒWould you have told me?Ó Faith quirked an eyebrow and only grunted non-committally.ÓYou were curious a month ago?Ó she asked even though she felt his breathing already beginnig to slow in drowsiness. ÒNo. Longer. Maybe three months. Only got to see the personell file a month ago.Ó he replied, the last bit coming out in a yawn. He turned off the bedside lamp and the room was thrown into velvety darkness. She could feel herself drifting for a bit before she quietly asked ÒXander,Ó he grunted sleepily to indicate heÕd heard her, ÒWhatÕs your middle name?Ó ÒFaith.Ó he replied his voice low and warning. ÒYour parents named you Alexander Faith Harris? she asked in mock dismay and felt more than heard his chuckle. ÒGuess itÕs only fair. ItÕs Edmund, Faith.Ó he said dipping his chin to kiss the top of her head. ÒAlexander, Edmund, Faith Harris?Ó she said unable to resist. ÒYou just like saying Faith Harris donÕt you? Ò he whispered above her and this time it wa her turn to chuckle. ÒMaybe.Ó, she answered, ÒGood night Edmund.Ó she breathed. ÒGood night KaitlinÓ he sighed. ÒGood night Xander.Ó she whispered. ÒGood night Faith.Ó he said dreamily. ÒGood night John Boy.Ó Faith finished as she snuggled closer to Xander and they drifted into slumber.