Risk and Reward

TITLE: Risk and Reward AUTHOR: MidKnight CHAPTER: 3 of ? SHIP: Faith / Xander RATING: NC17 CATEGORY: Romance, Angst, Erotica, Drama, Action 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, seeings as 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 a crater. All the survivors have gone to L.A. and Angel has given them The Hyperion. Buffy, Dawn, Giles, 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. AUTHORS 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 Saturday, 3 April 2004, 1:03am, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. ÒOwww!!!Ó Xander cried out as Faith roughly cleaned the small cut on his temple. ÒYou! Just sit still.Ó she almost snarled at him as she put a band aid over the cut. ÒWhat were you thinking?Ó she asked him her voice vibrating with anger. ÒI didnÕt really...Ó he started to reply, but she cut him off, ÒYou what? You scared me nearly to death is what you did.Ó Friday, 2 April 2004, 11:42pm, Sleepy Haven Cemetary, L.A. ÒDating in the new millinium, for me dating, period,Ó Faith thought to herself, ÒA movie followed by a late dinner and then a nice romantic, moonlit stroll through a cemetary carrying assorted edged weapons and pointed sticks. What more could a girl want?Ó Xander was walking next to her still ranting about how impossible Van Helsing, the movie they had gone to watch earlier, was. She wasnÕt really listening, but she loved how animated he was. She had loved the movie. It was meant to be fantasy after all and the graphics were really cool and the story was kick ass, so she just let him vent his opinion. She looked over at her boyfriend. it still thrilled her to call Xander that even in her head and the last few days had been the most amazing time of her life. With, him in denim, she was dressed in her usual leathers. These were new though. Xander had shown her the reminant of her clothes from when he had found her unconscious and near death less than a week ago. They had been unsalvageable and she had mourned their loss, until, with a grin, Xander had produced a large box which he presented to her with a bow. ÒCompliments ondernder Harris and VISA.Ó heÕd said. The box had held the smooth, black leather pants she now wore. SheÕs squealed in delight, like a little girl as she spun around her room holding the pants infront of her legs. Then she had, literally, flown into his arms and it had been quite awhile before she let him up for air between ÒThank YousÕÓ and kisses. HeÕd chuckled at her enthusiastic response. They were about half along a group of crypts, three on either side of the path when her Slayer senses went wild and a moment later a group of eight vamps surrounded them, some stepping from behind he crypts, others jumping off them. Their leader, well Faith assumed he was the leader, stepped forward. He was a big brute of a pro-wrestler and was in full game face, ready to dance. Faith looked him up and down speculatively. ÒYouÕre a big one arenÕt you?Ó she asked sarcastically. Apparently Mr. Big was not in the mood for banter and simply charged his cohorts in close pursuit. She heard the twang of a crossbow behind her followed by the characteristic poof of a dusting vamp. ÒNice shot Xan. Ò she thought as she calmly waited for Mr. Big to reach her. When he did she simply side-stepped and drove her elbow hard into the back of his neck sending him to the floor, stunned, before she moved forward and engaged the other five vamps infront of her. She dusted one quickly with a simple thrust of a stake she had let slip from her sleeve, itÕs own momentum impaling it and she spun through itÕs dust to keep it from getting in her eyes. She caught a glimpse of Xander throwing holy water at his remaining vamp while landing a solid thrust kick to itÕs chest. her other four vamps circled her abit more cautiously than their slain associate. The three infront and to the side feinted trying to draw her attention so that the one behind her could attack and she let them. As soon as the one behind her came into range though, she spun, leg cocked and kicked hard, slightly downward and heard the vamps thigh bone crack. With, her foot, still on itÕs thigh, as it crumpled, she continued her momentum and her other foot connected firmly with the side of itÕs head cutting off itÕs scream of pain and turning it to dust as itÕs neck broke. She landed in a crouch and then rolled forward, stake extended. Her roll brought her infront of a surprised, charging vamp, who expoded into dust as she drove her stake through itÕs heart. Mr. Big was getting up shaking his head as she closed with the remaining vamps infront of her. She could see they wanted to run, but suddenly became more confident and she knew as one of their malevolent gazes darted over her left shoulder that Mr. Big was most likely advancing on her back. She let her other stake slip into her free hand and shifted her stance abit wider. She wanted to time this just right so she could get Mr. big and the first vamp to reach her. For all intents and purposes it looked like she was fully focused on the two apponents infront of her. Mr. Big was almost in range when out of nowhere Xander barreled into the brute with a cry of her name. ÒWhat the...? Ò she thought as she had to dodge the punch from the vamp infront of her instead of making the killing thrust she had planned. She spun and executed a legsweep forcing the vamp to jump back and into his partner. She saw Mr. Big punch Xander hard enough to send him flying head first into one of the crypts on the other side of the path, where he lay crumpled and still. Her heart froze for a moment and then hysterical rage took over. Xander, too stunned to move, opened bleary eyes as Faith stormed the big vamp, curses flying from her lips. She landed kicks and punches with lightning speed. The vamp tried to block, but the force of her blows shattered bone. The last kick she deliverd sent it half though the crypt wall against which it had stumbled. She grabbed itÕs ankle and swung the vampire bashing itÕs torso, chest and head back though the crypt wall and tossing it at the other two stunned vamps. They should have run while they had the chance. With, a scream of pure rage, Faith tossed both her stakes. The speed and power with which she threw them was evident in the whirring sound they made as well as how they blurred. Both vamps were thrown back , even as they turned to dust as the stakes pierced their hearts with unerring accuracy. Faith stalked towards the bloody, shattered remains of the large vampire, who was still groaning and desperately trying to crawl away on limbs that would not work. With, a snarl, Faith kicked the vampire onto itÕs back and straddling itÕs prone form began raining punches on itÕs face. Cries of ÒWhy?Ó punctuated each blow her voice hysterical. Xander realised there were tears running down her face. ÒFaith.Ó he called to her, but the blows continued to fall. ÒFaith!!Ó he shouted and a soft ÒXander?Ó escaped her lips as she almost nonchalantly reached down and snapped the Vamps neck, turning it to dust. ÒXander!!Ó she cried as she rushed over to him, her tears gone as suddenly as they had started. He was trying to lever himself up to his feet, but wasnÕt having much success. The blow and the impact with the crypt had really rung his bell. She put her shoulder under his arm and managed to get him to his feet, but had to scramble to support him again as he began to slide sideways down the wall, his legs too unsteady to support him yet. ÒYou okay, XanderÓ she asked him in concern. ÒGetting there.Ó he answered shaking his head trying to clear the cobwebs and coughing. She brushed back the hair at his temple to check a cut there before running her hands along first his arms and then his ribs checking for any broken bones. His right side was alittle tender and he winced as she probed. ÒJust bruised.Ó she said with a nod of her head. ÒCome on. LetÕs get you home.Ó she said brusqueishly and he could hear the undertone of ange her her voice, but he could also see she was shivering and trying very hard to calm or hide it. Saturday, 3 April 2004, 1:07am, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. ÒLift your arms.Ó Faith commanded harshly and he winched alittle as he did. She took the hem of his t-shirt out of his pants and gently removed it. Her gentle actions at odds with the harshness of her words. She checked the fist sized dark purple bruise with gentle finger tips to make sure that there were no fractured ribs and then applied an ointment. ÒIÕll get bandages to strap it as well.Ó she said turning towards the bathroom. ÒNo, Faith. ItÕs okay, itÕs just a bruise. The ointment will do fine.Ó he said trying to forestall her. The look she gave him told him exactly what she thought of his suggestion. ÒOh Boy.Ó Xander thought to himself. Faith returned from the bathroom and began to wrap his ribs. ÒI thought you didnÕt see him.Ó he said softly. She let out her breath in a huff, saying ÒDammit Xander! I had it covered. I am a Slayer after all remember,Ó she yanked on the bandage and he winced, ÒIt was gonna be two for one at Ole FaithÕs House of Slayage, but you... Dammit Xander! You could have been killed and... and...Ó Her shoulders slumped as if all the steam had left her, ÒAnd.. I just couldnÕt handle that, now, not ever.Ó ÒIÕm sorry Faith. I made a mistake, but to be honest, I would most likely do it again. I thought you were in danger Faith.Ó he told her. She finished taping his ribs and he experimentally twisted his torso. She straddled his knees as he sat on the edge of his bed and gently rested her weight on his thighs. She rested her forehead against his. ÒI know,Ó she said softly,Ó and it scares me Xander. I donÕt know what IÕd do if I were responsible for... Maybe we shouldnÕt patrol together anymore or maybe I wonÕt patrol any more.Ó He reached for her cheek with his palm and wiped away the single tear from the corner of her eye with his thumb. ÒLike IÕd let you and I guess you could try, but IÕd give you about a month befoe you started crawling the walls. As, to responsibility... You wouldnÕt be, you know. ItÕs still my actions. Over the years I have risked my life for many reasons, most of them not specifically for me. To save the world, to help a friend, to protect innocents, but tonight I did it for love. Granted my actual actions rates right up there on XanderÕs All-Time-Dumbest-Moves-Ever, but hindsight is always twenty / twenty, itÕs who I am so...Ó There was a wan little smile on FaithÕs lips as she said, ÒSo, this is one of those non-sensical love things is it? Without any real, logical solution. You will risk your life Ôcause you love me and I donÕt want you to because I love you and thereÕs no way I can change your mind.Ó ÒYip and not a chance.Ó he answers taking afew strands of her hair and tucking them behind her ear. ÒI see.Ó she said and he could see the warmth return to her eyes as she finally accepted his words and actions for the declarations of love that they were. ÒDoesnÕt mean I have to like it, but you Mr. Harris just bought yourself a brand-spanking-new training regime, with me as itÕs dictator. If you are gonna try to protect me, even when I donÕt need it,Ó she fixed him with a steady, intense gaze, Ò you are gonna do it without getting yourself killed. IÕm kinda starting to like having you around and I would like it to continue.Is that understood?Ó she told Xander ernestly. Xander nodded, not trusting his voice. Now, howÕs your side?Ó she asked. ÒO....hmmmmmmmmmmÓ his answer trailed off as her lips decended on his neck and her tongue peeked out to taste his pulse point. ÒLie back and close your eyesÓ she told him as she got to her feet. ÒFaith?Ó he asked. ÒShhhhhhÓ she shushed him and he sank back onto the bed, but only closed his eyes after she again told him to. He heard her move around the room and he could sense the room first brightening as she turned on the bedside lamp, then become dimmer as she switched off the overhead lights. He heard her kick off her boots and then a rustle of clothing. Xander badly wanted to open his eyes to see what she was doing, but it seems she could read his mind as she said ÒKeep Ôem shut, X.Ó His feet were on the floor legs bent at the knee with his head, back and thighs on the bed. He jumped alittle as her hands came to rest on his knees. He had not heard her cross the room on silent feet and she told him to relax. ÒShe must be kneeling.Ó he thought as she ran her hands down his calf over his trousers and then proceded to undo and remove his shoes and socks. He jumped again as she ran her hands up under the legs of his pants. ÒFaith?Ó he asked again wanting to rise, but not quite having the volitian to give up the warm caress of her hands. ÒHush. You got to do something for love now I get to do something.Ó she told him in a no nonsense tone of voice before she removed her hands only to run them along the insides of his thighs. He groaned and she smiled as she could feel and see him respond. She unbuckled, undid and unzipped his jeans and began to drag them off his hips. ÒLift.Ó she commanded softly and he did. She took his pants off and tossed them to the side. She saw the bulge at his crotch twitch as it slowly began to tent the fabric of his boxers. He moaned as she undid the buttons on his boxers and gently shifted his hardening sex so that it rose from the opening she had created. He inhaled sharply as she deliberately blew on the head of his penis and it jerked to full erection. Xander couldnÕt see the cheshire cat grin on FaithÕs face as she wrapped her thumb and forefinger around the base of his shaft, but he twitched at her touch. He could feel her hot breath bathing his cock, felt the brush of her luxuriously soft hair on his naked thighs and them liquid heat surrounded the head of his sex causing him to exhale loudly and his toes to curl into the carpet under his feet. She only had the head in her mouth. He could feer ler lips tighten just below the crown as she sucked and his hips jerked in involuntary reaction. He couldnÕt hold back the groan as she brought her tongue into play. First, she used the very tip to lick a drop of precum off his slit and, after savouring the taste, began to bathe his cockhead with long, swirling swipes. She took more of his penis into her mouth so that her tongue could explore the sensitive area just below the flare of the crown. He was soon panting like he had run a marathon and it only spurred her on. She deliberatedly brought as much spit into her mouth and dragged her lips off his penis letting her drool run from her mouth and down his penis. A strand of saliva and precum connected her lips to his cockslit for a moment and she saw him shiver as the air of the room contrasted with the heat of her mouth. She ran her tongue the full length of his erection spreading her saliva around until his manhood glistened wetly in the lamplit room. She wrapped her hand around his penis and slowly slid it up and down with a slight twist of her wrist. ÒOh Baby.Ó Xander hissed as she lapped the precum off his cockhead on her next down stroke. She flicked her eyes toward his face in time to see him throw his head back and his hips bucked thrusting into her hand and against her lips. She opened her mouth and took him in again, shallowly. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked and jerked him slowly. Her head bobbed up and down in his lap. ÒGod, Faith you are amazing. Oh Yeah!!! DonÕt stop!Ó Xander grunted as pleasure flooded his senses. His world narrowed to the sensation of FaithÕs oral ministrations. Faith let him slip from her mouth and loved the little whine it drew from his lips. She ran her tongue from base to tip with a wet swipe. ÒYou ainÕt seen nothing yet. Lover.Ó Faith whispered and taking a deep breath she decended upon him again. Xander knew that Faith was experience, but Christ Almighty and all the saints above he didnÕt believe what she was doing to him was humanly possible. She swallowed him whole in one fluid stroke. He kept waiting for her to stop, to wrap those luscious lips around his achingly hard cock and she did, but only when her nose was buried in his pubic hair. What she did next turned his brain to mush as pleasure flooded him in waves of erotic sheet lightning. She seemed to tighten her throat around him as she sucked hard and her throat muscles ripppled in a swallowing motion at the same time. She repeated this again and again. Each time it was as if she was stimulating every single nerve ending along his sex and it took every ounce of willpower he could muster to not cum as his blood thunderd in his ears on itÕs way south. He could feel his seed boiling with the need for release. Unintelligable sounds flew from between clenched teeth and ended in a whimper as she released his penis in stages, working her tongue along it as she did. Faith savoured his flavour and texture, memorising each ridge and vein. Categorising his reactions. With, a final, lick to the crown. Steel wrapped in silk is what the romance novels called the feel of a manÕs penis. Faith agrees, but neither steel nor silk throbbed with life in her hands, against her tongue or down her throat as XanderÕs penis did. His head came free of her lips with a ÔpopÕ. ÒLet go Xander. Just let go.Ó she tells him as she slides him down her throat again, but this time she also slips her right hando hio his boxers, cupping his balls after she drags her fingernails lightly along his ball sack. Sparks of sensation whip through Xander. He mewls and his back archs. He thrusts into her rippling throat unable to control himself. Some part of his mind knows that he might be hurting her, but his hips buck and thrust hard, none the less. He doesnÕt remember when or even how, but his hands are buried in the dark tresses of her hair and he is fucking her mouth. His side twinges as his back is now raised off the bed, but the pain is minute compared to the pleasure she is giving him. ÒFaith... Faith... Faith...Ó he pants her name like a pray or mantra. Her head is bobbing in rhythm with his thrusts taking him deep then letting him slide almost all the way out. He feels himself begin to loose control as his testicles pull up tight against his body. ÒFaiiiiithhhhhhh!! Aaaaaah!!!! IÕm.... Ohhhhh! St... St... Stop!! IÕm... Gon.... na cu... cu... FAIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Xander moans as he feels his semen boiling up his cock and he frantically tries to disentangle his hands from her hair. Faith can taste his essence become stro. Sh. She knows he is about to cum. Some part of her mind thinks how amazing he is. He is trying to free his hands from her hair, trying to give her the option of not taking his seed in her mouth even at the point of no return for him. But, this is what she wants. She wants to drink his essence. She wants to give him this experience. Oral sex as performed by Faith has, until this moment, never been an act of giving. It had always been an act of dominance, or a means to an end. She allows him to draw her head up, but clamps her lips tightly just under the crown of his penis, before sucking hard. She takes her right hand out of his boxers and wrap both hands around him below her lips, just as he spasms and thrusts raggedly in his release. He thrusts through her hands and she moves her head to keep him in her mouth as she collects his seed, breathing hard through her nose. Her name is replaced by grunts and finally groans as heÕs spurts decrease in strength and volume. He is panting like a bellows his chest rising and falling rapidly as he lies once again prone on the bed. His erection begins to wane and although she has swallowed some of it she still has a mouthful of his seed and she used her tongue to play with it and the sensitive head of his dwindling cock. She watches him intently, waiting as his breathing is returning back to normal. She runs her fingernails lightly up the inside of his thighs before giving them a squeeze to get att attention. His eyes flutter open and she allows him a moment to focus on her. ÒFaith.Ó He says her name with quiet awe and it makes her heart swell in her chest. Certain she has his attention she opens her mouth showing him his seed and she likes the way his eyes widen in shock when she tilts her tongue back, letting it slowly slide down into her throat. She swallows audibly, eyes closed. She opens them and looking directly into his, licks her lips, smiles and says, ÒDeeeee-liiiii-cious.Ó He groans out the breath he doesnÕt even know he has been holding and throws his arm across his face. For, a moment her insecurities surface and she worries his silence is an indication that sheÕs done the wrong thing. Somehow gone too far and then his voice erases any doubts she may have ÒOh My Faith. My dear, dear, sweet Faith.Ó His voice is pure, unadulterated love. It caresses her ears, titilates her mind and fills her heart. He extends both his arms to her and she rises from the floor, crawling onto the bed, straddling him and into his arms. She means to rest her head on his chest, but he captures her face in strong hands and draws her lips to his before she realises his intent. Her eyes widen and her body stiffens in shock. Her lips slack in disbelief allow his probing tongue access and then she melts against him. He kisses her deeply and with abandon. When he finally ks tks the kiss he frowns at her wide-eyed, shocked expression. ÒWhatÕs wrong?Ó he asks letting his hands explore the naked expanse of her back. ÒYou kissed me.Ó she says her voice amazed. His frown deepens, ÒI know. I was there and in a moment or two IÕll be there again.Ó he says lowering his head to hers, but Faith pulls away from him. What is it Faith? he asks becoming concerned. ÒYou Kissed me.Ó she repeats. ÒThat is a fact we have established, Faith.Ó he says openly astonished by her behavior. The shock in her expression is beginning to fade and is being replaced by something new. He canÕt describe it exactly, but the closest thing he can call it is radiant adoration mixed with trusting innocence. It makes her skin glow, her eyes twinkle and Faith suddenly looks years younger. He still doesnÕt understand, but he doesnÕt need to right at that momemnt as she shifts in his arms and their lips meet. They slowly and languarously devour each other. He doesnÕt question her sudden reversal, but luxuriates in the taste of her. The feel of her. Her hard nipples are counter points to the pillowy softness of her breasts as they are pushed against his chest. His left hand traces up and down her spine while his left buries itself in the hair at the base of her neck. She nips at his lower lip before licking it. He sucks on her tongue. They open their mouths and their tongues do a sultry, liquid tango. Their breathing is heavy and Faith finds herself grinding against the bandages around XanderÕs torso. He winces and she stops. ÒSorry.Ó she says breaking their kiss. She brushes her hair out of her face and he claims the few strands sheÕs missed to tuck behind her ear as she sits back on her knees, haunches resting on her heels, keeping most of her weigh off him. ÒI wasnÕt complaining,Ó he says and she laughs, ÒNow, wanna tell me what the shock was all about?Ó he asks her. ÒYou kissed me,Ó she starts and she can see his lips start to open to tell her that this is territory theyÕve already covered, but she puts a finger to his lips to quiet him, ÒYou kissed me right after I... You know...Ó she flicks her eyes at his crotch. ÒBlew me and my mind?Ó he asks to qualify her gesture. He has never seen Faith shy or coy about sex, but she is about this, never the less she flashes him a smile. ÒYeah. No one ever did that before. Ever. I didnÕt think guys... ItÕs silly. I know.Ó she says and her embarrassment is almost tangible. He wishes he could stifle the chuckle that escapes his lips. He knows it will be misconstued, but it slips out anyway. He can see the fire rise in her eyes and he raises his hands in a gesture of surrender and supplication. ÒWait, wait.. I know itÕs not funny Faith. ItÕs... ItÕs just I never even thought about it. YouÕve kissed me right after I went down on you and Anya always liked to kiss after,Ó he flicked his eyes down to his crotch in a mimic of her earlier gesture,Ó and she was my first and sadly only errr, Ò itÕs his turn to be embarrased, Òbefore tonight so...Ó he trailed off. Her expression softened and she sighs before pulling her leg over his body and rolling onto her back next to him. They lay silent for afew moments. SheÕs taken his hand and is playing with it on her belly, idylly moving his fingers, testing their flexibility. ÒPenny for your thoughts?Ó Xander asks not looking at her. ÒYou have really big hands.Ó she says her voice contemplative. He ceel eel their hands palm to palm as she measures the difference. ÒI love you.Ó she continued softly, ÒThis is all so new to me. Thank you for not freaking out when I do.Ó He smiled. Ò I love you too Faith and luckily for you, living on The Hellmouth has at least one good side effect. I freak alot less easily than I used to.Ó he replied while moving his fingers so that they twined with herÕs before nudging her shoulder with his. She loves his irrepressable sense of humour and how he always knows when best to use it. He rolled onto his side with a grunt ÒSpeakinÕ of freakinÕ.Ó he said with a waggle of his eyebrows. He loved the tinkle of her laugh as she released his hand and flung her arm over her eyes as she shook in mirth. Her laughter made her naked breasts do interesting things and he suddenly found himself with the urge to see if his memmory of what they tasted like was accurate, but a strong hand on his chest pushed him back onto his back. Still laughing she told him, ÒYou might be a good man, a funny, adorable, handsome man, mind you, but you are definately still a man.Ó her laugh became a wry chuckle. ÒI just meant, you know, you didnÕt get any happies and I was... was just being considerate.Ó he said trying to sound innocent and sincere, but not quite pulling it off. ÒCute, Harris, real cute. Well, in that case, IÕm being considerate too.Ó she said with a smirk as she reached down and tucked his semi-hard cock back into his boxers and nimbly did up the fly. ÒThose ribs are gonna be murder in the morning even if we donÕt go at it and if we do... and as to me getting my happies? I am sure we can come to an arrangement at a later date. Now canÕt we.Ó she said patting the bulge of his semi-rigid cock with a wicked leer on her face. His groan was part regret, part realisation that his side was indeed throbbing. ÒCome on. Get under the covers Mr. Hero.Ó she said giving him alittle shove. ÒYouÕre a mearlfrrlfriend.Ó he told her with a pout, but he did grunt in pain as he swung his legs onto the floor to take his weight while he pulled the covers back and had to grudgingly admit that Faith was probably right. Alittle thrill goes through her again at him calling her his girlfriend, but she sticks her tongue out at him anyway. The bed was comfortably warm and when Faith snuggled against his side, he slipped his arm drowsily around her. She reached over him to switch off the lamp and her breasts brushed across his chest. ÒJeez Faith. You could have been abit more considerate and put on a t-shirt or something. How am I suppose to sleep knowing those are right there?Ó he said in mock anger, loving the feel of her full breasts pressed against his side. ÒGo to sleep Xander.Ó was all she said and the last thing he remembers before drifting off to sleep is the feel of her soft lips pressed to his chest. Saturday, 3 April 2004, 10:19am, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. Someone was knocking on his door and calling his name. The voice was familiar, but his sleep addled mind couldnÕt place it. Faith stirred against his side and he shook his head to clear it, yawning. ÒBuffy?Ó he asked himself as much as the person on the otherside of the door. Faith rolled on her back and drowsily mumbled, ÒWrong Slayer, Xan.Ó The door opened and Buffy entered having heard her name and thinking it an invitation to enter. ÒSurpri...Ó her voice trailed off as she saw Faith and Xander, for all intents naked in bed together. ÒErrrr. Hi Buffy.Ó Xander spluttered in embarrassment. Faith just opened an eye and said ÓHi, B.Ó completely unconcerned that her breasts were exposed to the older SlayerÕs gaze. Buffy froze. ÒWhat the...Ó she thought. ÒSurprise.Ó Buffy said hesitantly. Xander grinned sheepishly while Faith propped a pillow behind her head smiling like the cat who just ate the canary. ÒSo, B, what brings you to our little continent of the world?Ó Faith asked the stunned blonde women. ÒErrrr... I thought me and Dawn would surprise you all, but WIllow and Kennedy arenÕt here.Ó Buffy explained. ÒDawnieÕs here too?Ó Xander asked. ÒYip.Ó Buffy replied still trying to get a handle on the situation sheÕs just walked into. FaithÕs smirk was starting to irritate her though. Languidly Faith reached to the floor and grabbed her tanktop from the night before and slipped it on over her head. ÒYes, B, weÕre together. Me and Xander are an item. HeÕs my boyfriend and IÕm his girlfriend. Now stop gawping and letÕs go get some breakfast.Ó Faith said in an offhand, matter-of-fact tone and got up. ÒWhat she said.Ó Xander quipped as he got up. He winced abit as he stretched his side and then went to his dresser to get a t-shirt. ÒWhoÕda thunk it?Ó Buffy said as she first hugged Xander and then Faith. ÒCertainly not us.Ó Xander remarked. ÒYeah, B. According to everyone else we were like, the last to know.Ó Faith added. Buffy chuckles. ÒRiding him abit hard Faith?Ó Buffy asks indicating XanderÕs taped ribs. Faith sticks her tongue out at the blonde Slayer before replying, ÒI wish, but no. Hero boy here decided to stop a vamps fist with his ribs in order to ÔsaveÕ my life. One of his more novel ideas.Ó Faith makes the quotation marks with her fingers when she says ÔsaveÕ and Xander rolls his eyes. Faith laughs and grabs his face for a quick kiss. ÒShave, Baby, stubble tickles.Ó she says as she playfully pats him on the ass on her way passed him to the door. She pauses at the door with her hand on the knob. ÒTwenty minutes? In the lobby? We can go to the diner?Ó she suggests. ÒSure, Sweetie.Ó Xander replies. Buffy is looking from Faith to Xander and back again in total wonder. ÒWho are you and what have you done with the real Xander and Faith.Ó she thinks to herself, but she is glad to see them both so happy. Faith wears happiness well. The change in her is amazing. She has had her doubts about Faith, but they are fading fast now. Faith closed the door behind her, but leans against it for a moment. ÒGod, that was fun. Watchin BÕs face as she tried to figure them out. Priceless.Ó she thought with a giggle as she headed on down the hallway to her room to shower and dress. Inside XanderÕs room Xander prepares to do the same. ÒWhereÕs Dawn?Ó he asks. ÒDownstairs. E-mailing Giles.Ó Buffy replies. ÒHow long?Ó she asks abscently fiddling with the things on top of his dresser. ÒDepends who you talk to,Ó he replies with a grin, Óbut for us itÕs only been afew days.Ó ÒHappy?Ó she asks simply. ÒGod, yes. ItÕs like what I had with Cordy, Willow and Anya all wrapped into one with suger on it. Unlike Anya I can actually say I love Faith as well as that I am in love with her. She feels the same. We just get each other in the strangest ways. We are in love with each other, but o who where that is gonna lead us, neither of us can say yet, but I am so gonna give it my all and I have no doubt that she will too. I swear Buff, you have no idea how amazing the person is that she is becoming.Ó He answered her enthusiastically and Buffy could feel his love for Faith like a living, breathing thing in the room with them. Any reservations she had about their relationship evaporated. ÒDo you have some pom poms and a ÔGo FaithÕ chant tooÓ she teased him. He chuckled. ÒAbit much?Ó he asks. ÒJust a squidgeÓ she says with a grin holding a her thumb and forefinger about half an inch apart. He laughs again. ÒGo on get showered IÕll go down and tell my sister whatÕs up.Ó she continues as she heads for the door. Xander looks down at his crotch and says ÒWhat? Nothings up. You should been here last...Ó BuffyÕs hands shot up to her ears, ÒLa! La! La! La! I never heard that. No siree. Nope.Ó says and his laughter is muted as she closes the door behind herself. Twenty-two minutes later... A quick knock on her door earned Xander a yell from Faith that she would be ready in a minute and when he told her he would wait she told him not to be silly, so here he was. Xander paused at the foot of the stairs and just stared. ÒThat couldnÕt be Dawn, could it?Ó he asked himself as he looked at the young women standing next to Buffy talking quietly. SheÕs visibly taller than her sister now. ÒBet that just thrills Buffy.Ó he thinks with a grin. He continues to study Dawn. SheÕs tanned and it looks good on her. Her straight brown hair is even longer than the last time he saw her reaching past her buttocks, but alittle lighter he assumes from iÕs exposure to the sun. The girl that left for Europe five months ago and the image he has had of her over that time, is not the women that has returned today. She is dressed in dark slacks and a simple white blouse which make her seem even more mature. SheÕs even wearing heels he notes. He hears Faith at the head of the stairs behind him. She is not quite as quiet in her entrance as he was and Dawn whips her head round and finally notices him. All his observations are momentarily negated as her open honest face and the large liquid blue eyes that seems to be the SummerÕs trademark light up with a smile and she comes running over to him, hair trailing wildly her and her heels making staccato noises as she crosses the lobbies marble floor at speed. ÒXander!!!Ó she greets him with exhuberance as she flings herself into his arms. He grunts as his ribs protest, but hugs her as feircely as she hugs him. ÒDawn Patrol.Ó he says finally managio geo get her to let go enough for him to hold her at arms length. ÒHey!! You promised not to call me that anymore.Ó she says shyly. ÒSo, I did.Ó he says with a sage shake of his head. ÒMy how youÕve grown, Dawnie. Europe seems to agree with you.Ó he continues. ÒXanderrrrr!Ó Dawn whines at him using the diminutive of her name, but sti still squares her shoulders and puffs herself up abit at his compliment with a faint blush colouring her cheeks. ÒHi there Squirt.Ó Faith greets Dawn as she slips her arm around XanderÕs waist and he moves his left arm to rest it on her shoulder. He doesnÕt quite catch the fleeting look of pained surprise on DawnÕs face, but Faith does. Dawn mumbles something in Italian under her breath before greeting Faith. ÒGeez. You guys. I have a name. ItÕs Dawn. D A W N, Dawn as in the time when the sunrises.Ó she says rebuking their teasing with a smile. ÒYeah. Sorry Dawnie.Ó they both answer in unrehersed unison with wide innocent smiles on their faces Dawn makes a disgusted noise and turns as they all make their way over to Buffy. Xander moves abit faster and slips his free arm over DawnÕs shoulder as well. Òit is good to see you again Dawn. You look like youÕve really grown up since you left.Ó he says giving her shoulder alittle squeeze as they came to a halt before Buffy and a shy smile relplaces the pout on the teenagerÕs lips. ÒRed and Kennedy are out shopping. Something about KennedyÕs new job at some security firm,Ó Faith pipes up, ÓI got hold of Willow on her cellphone. TheyÕll try to meet us at the diner, so if we walk they shouldnÕt get there too long after we do.Ó Buffy noticed that Faith and Xander were dressed almost like twins in blue jeans and work boots with flannel shirts open over white t-shirts. His was plain, but FaithÕs had ÔStop StaringÕ and then ÔNOW!Õ in a larger, bolder type below it printed just below her breasts. ÒSomethings will never change.Ó Buffy thought to herself. Dawn was animatedly telling Xander about her time in Europe so she fell in with Faith, behind them, as they led the way to the diner. She noticed that FaithÕs eyes seldom left Xander as they continued on in companionable silence. ÒHurt him and you and me are gonna have ourselves a hell of a rematch.Ó Buffy told Faith, her voice low but intense. Faith looked over at the blonde Slayer. ÒI donÕt know if I can promise that Buff, but if I do it on purpose or maliciously... Buffy, I am in so over my head. HeÕs like the best humanity has to offer, he is like the opposite of every man IÕve ever... and me... well IÕm me. You know what I mean?Ó the words just seemed to bubble from FaithÕs lips. Buffy had been prepared for one of FaithÕs one line zingers and the dark haired Slayers admissionunneunned her for a second. ÒBest humanity has to offer, Faith?Ó Buffy asked the other Slayer with a raised eyebrow and a quizzical grin. ÒYeah... maybe thatÕs abit of an overstatement.Ó Faith rerplied and Buffy wondered again at the girlish smile Faith flashed her. ÒYa Think?Ó Buffy continued causing the other Slayer to laugh quietly. Buffy stuck her hands into the pockets of the brown leather jacket she wore. ÒFaith, give yourself alittle more credit than that. He does.Ó Buffy said thrusting her chin at Xanders back. ÒYouÕve changed. You seemed to have found what it is you want from life. I saw it when you first came back to Sunnydale, but it was only a flicker then. You really are blossoming, Faith, and itÕs not just because of Xander either. WeÕre not perfect Faith, but you and me both have had to come to grips with our actions as Slayers and as people. Granted you managed to make your mistakes federal offenses, but we can spend the rest of out lives trying to right the mistakes weÕve made or we can try living the rest of our lives. Personally, I vote for living.Ó Buffy finished her impromptu speech with a shrug as she looked over at Faith. ÒAmen, Sister Summers.Ó Faith said in reply with a shy smile on her face. Suddenly it became clear to Buffy how these seemingly different individuals could fall in love. They are such similar creatures where it mattered, she just never got to see it in Faith until now. ÒThanks, Buffy.Ó Faith said simply. ÒAnytime. If you need to talk just call, but try to remember the time difference. You have no idea how cranky Giles gets when the phone rings at three oÕclock in the morning.Ó Buffy said and they both laughed. ÒOne more thing Buffy. I didnÕt know Dawn had feelings for Xander. Errrr... Is it gonna be a problem. Do I need to talk to her or something?Ó Faith asked Buffy nervousness and embarressment clear in the dark haired SlayerÕs voice. ÒNah.Ó Buffy answered with a shake of her head making her ponytail bob. ÒI kinda had a chat with her while you guys were showering and dressing. I just donÕt think she believed me until she saw you guys together. SheÕs had a crush on him for ages, but she knows it canÕt go anywhere. I even have a sneaky suspicion that theyÕve talked about it, but thatÕs pure speculation. ÒOh.Ó was all Faith replied, but Buffy caught the look of adoration she gave XanderÕs back. ÒI bet that IÕm supposed to be abit moealoealous than she is.Ó Buffy said quietly kicking a small stone off the curb with a sneakered toe. ÒWhat!?Ó Faith asked incredulously and abit louder than she intended. They were far enough behind Xander and Dawn not to draw their attention, but Faith got some funny looks from the people around them. ÒOh relax, Faith. ItÕs just an observation. Xander was always like my fallback guy. No matter what happened he would always be there ready to love me.Ó, she could see the disapproval on FaithÕs face, ÒI know itÕs not fair, but as per my little sermon earlier, I am not perfect. ItÕs just always been that way since the first day I met him in highschool, but I can honestly say I donÕt have that luxury anymore. I ainÕt his Slayer fetish no more. You are. I know he will always be there if I need him, but it wonÕt be the same.Ó Buffy concluded. The incredulous expression on FaithÕs face was some small payback for the pleasure she had obviously taken to BuffyÕs surprise at finding her with Xander this morning. ÒPetty Buffy. Really petty.Ó she thought but gave herself a mental high five all the same. ÒSlayer fetish?Ó Faith asked with a hand on her hip and defiance in her eyes. ÒYou know what I mean.Ó Buffy replied childishly enjoying being able to get under FaithÕs skin, but in true Faith style the other Slayer turned the tables on her. ÒSlayer Fetish.Ó she said again her voice contemplative and the look she gave XanderÕs ass was predatory and her smile positively wicked. Buffy could almost see the carnal thoughts running through FaithÕs mind and she blushed at thinking of her friends in that way. ÒIÕll get him to call you to thank you as soon as he is able to speak and walk again.Ó Faith told the blonde with a smirk, easily guessing that Buffy knew her intensions. ÒYou do that.Ó Buffy stammered and then they both laughed again, this time loud enough to cause Xander and Dawn to turn around. ÒWhat?Ó Xander asked as they drew together. ÒNever mind, X... YouÕll fint lat later.Ó Faith replied her grin reminiscent of a certain cat from AliceÕs Wonderland. XanderÕs frown deepened as buffy looked away and coughed while DawnÕs gaze just darted from face to face trying to make some sense of the exchange. ÒCome on. WeÕre almost there.Ó Faith said as she wormed herself between Xander and Dawn and drew them along with a Ôforward hoÓ nod to Buffy. It amused Buffy to see FaithÕs hand insinuate itself into XanderÕs back jeans pocket. Saturday, 3 April 2004, 11:23am, The Orion Diner, L.A. ÒWow. This place is neat.Ó Dawn said enthusiatically. ÒWait Ôtil you taste the food.Ó Xander told her. Kate, after introductions, had led them to a big booth at the back of the diner. Buffy noticed the waitress taking note of the fact that FaithÕs hand was in XanderÕs pocket with surprise and could almost hear the womenÕs resigned lament of ÔOh WellÕ at the now obvious affection ben hen her two friends. ÒWell. Well. Seems XanderÕs quite the catch around these parts.Ó Buffy thought to herself. They ordered drinks. Coffee all round except for Dawn who opted for juice instead. Both Xander and Faith were ravenous, but they all agreed to wait for their friends before ordering. They continued exchanging small talk while Kate poured theoffeoffees. She told Dawn she would bring her juice in a minute, but the teen barely acknowledged her as she lauched into another tale about her adventures in Europe. Neither Buffy nor her sister failed to notice how close Faith and Xander sat or how Xander played with the dark haired Slayers hand on the table. Five minutes later a familiar head of red hair bobbed passed the window and Dawn knocked loudly on the window, impatient to get WillowÕs attention. The red haired witch turned in surprise but on seeing first Dawn and then Buffy through the window, her features bloomed into animated excitement. The squeals of delight from Dawn and Buffy made both Xander and Faith wince, but the two women settled down abit as Willow motioned that she was going so that she could enter the diner. ÒOh. Did I mention I didnÕt tell Red that you two were here.Ó Faith said impishly polishing the fingernails of her left hand on her shirt with a overly dramatised look of mock surprise on her face. ÒThatÕs my devious girl.Ó Xander said with pride and a smile causing Faith to push even closer to him and to smile dreamily. ÒBuffy. Tell them to stop that.ÓDawn pleaded with her sister, ÒTheyÕre so sweet I can feel the cavities forming already. Faith started to stick her tongue out at the teen, but Xander turned her head towards him and gave her a deliberately sloppy, noisey kiss. ÒEwwww!!!Ó Dawn said in disgust at their display of affection. ÒI have to second my sister on that one.ÓBuffy chipped in, but a smile still crossed her face as she saw Xander place a more serious and softer kiss on FaithÕs lips before they parted. Dawn flew out of her seat to hug Willow, with Buffy not too far behind. Xander smiled at his Red haired friends child-like excitement at greeting their friends. Xander caught a glimpse of the Willow he had known before TaraÕs death and everything that had happened since as the three hugged and exchanged helloÕs with girlish glee. They hadnÕt completely settled down when Kennedy joined them. Her greetings were abit more sedate, but by no means war warmly felt. The two women ordered coffee as well and then they all fell to the task of choosing their food between sporadic conversations. Faith and Xander knew what they wanted having eaten there before and made suggestions considering what each of their friends might enjoy. They ended up ordering what seemed like an unbelievebly large amount of food, but with three Slayers and his own renowned large apetite, it wasnÕt that surprising Xander thought. He watched Faith as she seemed to luxuriate in the easy going atmosphere at the table and smiled at her enjoyment of it. He guessed this was new to her too. He leaned over, unable to resist, and planted a light kiss on her neck just behind her ear. She turned turned her hair brushing against his cheek as he moved back and flashed a smile at him before she returned her attention back to the story Buffy was telling. He watched his friends and then it dawned on him this was in fact his family. He would have been surprised to know that the women next to him was having very similar thoughts. ÒIs this what itÕs like to have family?ÓFaith thought to herself in amazement. The food arrived and the table was surrounded by clamorous choas as everyone tried to sort out who was to get what. In the end it didnÕt really matter as it seemed everyone ended up eating from each others plates anyway with cries ofÓHey!!Ó, ÒThatÕs mine!!Ó or ÒThief!!Ó being bantered around. y diy did, at one point, make a move on FaithÕs double thick malt that drew a growl from the dark haired SlayerÕs lips and a possesive hand drawing the glass out of the blondeÕs reach. ÒSorry.Ó, Faith apologised to her sister Slayer after swallowing her mouthful of scrambled eggs,Óbut, this is mine.Ó Buffy arched an eyebrow. ÒPossesive much?Ó she asked. ÒPlay nice children.Ó Xander said in his best Giles inpersonation.ÓDonÕt feel bad Buffy. She wonÕt even share that with me.Ó he continued in his own voice. The over-played look of shock and surprise on FaithÕs face soon had everyone at the table smiling and whhe ahe added with a shrug ÒActually, HeÕs right, Sad, but true.Ó before happily taking a long, hard pull from her straw, caused everyone to give up any pretence of eating as they just simply burst out laughing with her joining them as soon as she was able. They all had to take a moment to collect their respective breaths before they could go on eatinenneennedy even had to go so far as to excuse herself to go to the bathroom while Dawn had to wipe away tears. ÒGoddess, that was fun.Ó Willow said before continuing her conquest of her bacon, eggs and toast. Xander grinned at her as he filched a piece of bacon off FaithÕs plate. After breakfast they ordered more coffees and just talked. Buffy seemed abit evasive about what her and DawnÕs plans were and Xander got the sneaky suspicion that their visit might not be all ÔMisseuÕ auÕ apontpontaneous as Buffy had led them to believe, but he was having too much fun with his little family that he didnÕt let it bother him too much. He was sure Buffy would give them more details when she was ready. Xander had an idea and he was sure the rest of them would go for it. He cleared his throat loudly to get their attention after they had settled the bill with a healthy tip for Kate and the table quietened down as they all looked at him expectantly. Ò Ladies. I have a dream.Ó he started, but Buffy interrupted him, ÒIs it to be Dr Martin Luther King or are we talking that one about you and Wonder Women?Ó she asked sarcastically causing everyone to grin. ÒNo, Buffy.Ó he said in exasperation, ÒWhat I was trying...Ó he started again. ÒWonder Women? Ò Faith asked with alittle bite in her voice. ÒOh for the love of Go... IÕm trying to suggest something for this evening. Could you just let me... What do you ladies think of an old school by Gby Gang Movie Night, but done up right. IÕm talking sixty inches of television, surround sound and DVDs with enough pizza, chicken wings and assorted snack foods and beverages to take atleast a year or two off our lives?Ó He finally managed to ask raising his voice in an attempt to bulldoze his way through any other interuptions. He could see Willow was definately warming up to the idea as well as Buffy. Dawn, Faith and Kennedy didnÕt really know about the older ScoobyÕs widely spaced, but thoughrally enjoyed escapist movie nights, but he, Willow and Buffy all assured them that it would be great and they soon agreed. Xander almost rubbed his hands in glee. He had wanted to rent one of those Jumbotron televisions for the longest time, but had never been able to truly justify it. ÒWonder Women?Ó Faith asked hm again displeasure quite abit more evident in her voice. ÒGee thanks, Buff.Ó he thought. Leaning closer to Faith he whispered,Ó You in spandex with a tiara, manacles and a rope, baby. Now get over it already.Ó She laughed softly before replying, ÒYou wish.Ó Her expression turned thoughtful for a second as she rose from her seat to follow the others and then she turned back to him and lent down close to his ear and whispered, Òbut, you never know, maybe, someday. WeÕll see.Ó. He started to laugh, but something in her tone and the way she looked at him at that moment told him she might not be kidding and some very naughty thoughts chased each other around his mind for a moment wo. wo. ÒComing? she asked him extending her hand to help him out of the booth. ÒYeah.Ó he mumbled absently finding it harder to let go of his Faith as Wonder Women fantasy than he should and the leering smirk on her face told Xander she knew exactly what he ws thinking. ÒBet you are.Ó she told him as she led him out of the diner behind their friends. Xander thought ÒI am sooo whipped.Ó while hearing the Whippaah! noise that Chandler made in one of the Friends episodes in his head. They were all standing off to the side of the diner entrance as they finallised their plans. Faith burrowed in under his arm and he felt her hand slide into his back pocket as she pressed herself firmly against his side. This he realised was her ÔThis is mine.Õ gesture, he just wasnÕt sure if it was meant as a symbol to the world at large or as a reassurance to herself. He feared it may be the latter, but he knew all this was so incredibly new for her so, he had to allow her, her ste steps towards trusting and understanding his love for her. Faith found herself with XanderÕs arm around her shoulders and her hand in his back pocket as if by magic. She hadnÕt meant to do it. She was still talking to Buffy when the amused look on the other SlayerÕs face told her what she had done. It just felt so damn natural. She had to stop herself from sighing in content and comfort. They decided that Willow and Kennedy would take the Summers girls back to The Hyperion to get settled in and maybe move some more couched down to the lobby. While, she and Xander went off to organise the television and movie rentals. Willow made them both promise to get atleast one romantic comedy. She even went so far as to threaten arcane reprecussions should they fail to do so. Other choices were flung at them from their various friends and were duely taken note of. The big screen rental place was on their way back to The Hyperion, so they walked back the way theyÕd come while the rest went in the other direction towards WillowÕs car. Twalkwalked in silence for afew moments just enjoying the sunny weather and the sights and sounds of the city. ÒThis is nice.Ó Faith said quietly in the little girl voice Xander had come to associate with Faith expressing her truest most guarded feelings. ÒIt is, wasnÕt it.Ó he replied in ernest as he tightened his arm around her shoulder and then plantedoft oft kiss on the top of her head. His presence gave her a serenity she had never experienced before, definately not on a crowded Los Angeles street, maybe never anywhere or when in her life. She sighed her contentment and could feel the smile on his lips where it still touched the top of her head. They passed a boutique and she couldnÕt help but turn her head to look at ÔherÕ dress. SheÕd seen it the first time Xander had taken her to the diner and wanted it. Faith Kaitlin Williams had not owned a dress in her entire life and definately one like that. ItÕs a full length, silky, red evening gown with spagetti straps, cut to accentuate her curves in all the right places and ways. A celtic pattern of some sort was worked into the material and ran in a band of varying width from the centre of the neckline, which would so showcase a decadently large portion of her cleavage, down and left towards the waist. She could see how it would mould to the bottom of her left breast and she guessed that it went all the way round as it reappeared at the right hip and wound itÕs way round to the bottom. She shuddered at the thought of what that dress must cost. What she wouldnÕt give to wear a dress like that, but the synical part of Faith told her she never would and where would she even if she did. She had passed that store a number of times since, but she never failed to stop and once or twice had even thought of going in and tg itg it on, but realised that then not buying that dress would forever destroy her dream. Xander followed FaithÕs gaze. He felt her slightly sharper intake of breath. He had noticed her looking at that dress before. He felt her turn her neck to keep it in view for as long as possible as they contnued to walk. He felt her heavy exhillation as she could no longer crane her neck to keep looking at it. He could almost swear she gave a little shrug as she then started asking him which movies he thought they should get. A plan for forming in the back of XanderÕs mind and Faith never saw the speculative look on XanderÕs face that had nothing to do with their current topic as they debated the virtues of getting classics as apposed to new releases. They got to the television rental place first and got the delivery of one sixty-four inch Mega Screen television with DVD player and surround sound and installation by five oÕclock and collection the following Monday morning sorted out in no time. Faith offered to split some of the bill onto her credit card, but he declined telling her she could pay for the movies and some of the food. One of the things they shared was that they were unrepentant techno-junkies and they spent some time looking around the stores impressive array of audio / visual equipment. Faith swore that if the Sony Vega forty inch could cook and she didnÕt love him quitemuchmuch, sheÕd marry it. He laughed more at the embarressment on FaithÕs face when she realised the full gravity of what she had said in jest than the joke itself. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on the top of her head as he pulled and cradled her body back against his and told her ÒItÕs okay, Sweetie. I love you more than flashy big ticket appliances too.Ó He loved the way her stomach muscles vibrated under his hands as she chuckled. ÒYou say the sweetest things.Ó she told him softly, her voice low and husky as she dipped her head back and pushed up to kiss the bottom of his chin. Xander became uncomfortably aware that they were in a public place, but he was loath to release his hold on her midriff or relinquish the exquisite heat of her back pressing against him. ÒCome on, Xan.Ó, she said patting his hands over her belly, ÒNext stop Blockbuster.Ó Xander called Willow on his cellphone to let her know when the television would be arriving while they walked the block or so to their local Blockbuster. This place which he had pretty much taken for granted and a given was like a candy store to a kid for Faith. Hell, he sometimes refered to it as Faithland when he wanted to tease her about her voracious apetite for movies. In hindsight he should have guessed, but with his deeper understanding of who Faith was, is and is becomie ree realised that in her life, until just lately, movies were not a very high priority item. He remembers the day she got her Blockbusters card, she even went so far as to show it off to Willow and Kennedy even more proudly than her first pre-approved credit card. He let her enter storstore first and in the spirit of their playfulness he patted her on the ass. She turned sharply and he smiled as innocently as he could given his actions. ÒGo forth and choose, but be mindful of the Willow, young paduwan. he told her. She gave him an exassperated look. ÒWhatever. Obi-Wanna-Know-It-All.Ó she replied snarkily before dar off off into the store to choose the movies. He chuckled and moved over to the video game section to see if they had anything new. Twenty minuted later he was starting to get bored when Faith finally resurfaced. She had six DVD boxes. ÒI hope you approveÓ she told him in a voice that clearly said he better as she handed him the DVDs. He raised an eyebrow at the first title he read, but thought better of saying anything. The six movies she had chosen were: Pretty Women, Ferris BuellerÕs Day Off, Aliens, Triple X, Heat and he one that had raised his eyebrow, Casablanca. His curiosity finally overcame him as they walked back to The Hyperion. ÒCasablanca?Ó he asked her. ÒIÕve never seen it.Ó she answered him matter-of-factly. ÒWhat!?!Ó he exclaimed incredulously. ÒIÕve never seen Casablanca.Ó she repeated patiently. ÒCome on.Ó, she tugged at his as he had stopped dead in his tracks at her statement, ÒI wanna catch a nap before the festivities begin.Ó she whined at him. ÒYouÕre kidding, right?Ó he asked her still not moving. ÒNo. IÕm feeling alittle tired.Ó she said tugging harder. ÒNo, I meant, that you havenÕt seen Casablanca.Ó he told her. ÒXander, was I laughing when I said it??Ó she replied and he could tell she was now getting pissed-off at him, so he moved at her next tug. The movie was a favourite of his and WillowÕs, not to mention an All American classic and he could not imagine someone of their age not having seen it. He suddenly found himself wondering just what FaithÕs life had really been like and he felt an overwhelming urge to take the beautiful, young women into his arms and hold her tight. ÒFaith.Ó he called her name and she stopped so he could close the arms length distance between them. ÒYeah?Ó she asked, huffily, turning slightly. He slid his arm around her waist and he quietly said ÒI love you.Ó before kissing her cheek and leading them on. ÒWhat was Xander going on about. It was just a movie that Willow had told her was pretty good. She hadnÕt seen it herself, so sheÕd chosen it. TheyÕd most likely not even get around to watching it.Ó Faith thought as she tugged impatiently at XanderÕs hand. She wanted to get back to The Hyperion as she wanted to e-mail Elle seeingÕs she hadnÕt gone to visit her this weekend as she usually would have and the nap was not a bad idea either. She answered him abit more sharply than she intended when he called her name and then ÔBam!!!Õ his arm slid around her waist and he just sideswiped her with three little words and the softest kiss on her cheek. She could still feel the warm, tingling brush of his lips on her soft skin. She was too stunned to say anything as he led her onward towards their home. Her aggrevation simply evaporated and she was glad he didnÕt look down to see the slightly bemused and dreamy expression that she was sure his words and actions had placed on her face. Her hand slid once more, almost shyly into his back pocket as he hooked a thumb into one of her front ones with his palm and the rest of his fingers resting on her hip, and all was right with the world once more. The lobby of The Hyperion was a beehive of activity. Xander abscently thought that they should open a Slayer powered moving company as Kennedy and Buffy came down the stairs, each carrying a sofa from one of the rooms upstairs, but he guessed it would bring up quite afew questions if someone not in the know, as it were, saw these two petite young women lugging around furniture as if it weighed nothing. Balancing the sofa on her shoulder Buffy waved at them. ÒNow that would definately freak someone out.Ó he thought casually waving back. Willow, ever practical, was unrolling extension cords from one of the power outlets to where they would set-up the television and he gave her a thumbs up which she returned ÒHow are those ribs?Ó Faith asked him as they surveyed thendusndustrious friends. He gave an experimental twist and then stretched. ÒAllÕs good with the ribbage it would seem.Ó he replied playfully. ÒGood. That means IÕll see you bright an early in the training room tomorrow, Mr. Hero.Ó she told him her voice brooking no argument. He groaned before whining, ÒFaith, Come On. CanÕt you wait Ôtil Monday before you start torturing me into Super Xander?Ó he asked her plaintively using his most sincere puppy dog gaze. ÒTorture?Ó she asked with a raised eyebrow, ÒAlexander, you have no idea. By the time I get through with you, you might be wishing for alittle torture, but IÕm a fair kinda gal, so hey, IÕll give you the weekend. Just remember, Monday your ass belongs to me.Ó He winced at the intensity of her words and the likely gruelling training regime they hinted at. ÒI thought my ass already was yours?Ó he asked lightly. ÒOh it is Mr. Harris, just under a whole different context.Ó she replied with a leer and a playful swat to his rump. ÒYou minx!Ó he cried as he tried to retaliate with a swat oF his own, but she dodged quickly out of range. ÒHa!!Ó she taunted him before telling him her plans to e-mail her friend and take a nap. ÒYou can get e-mail in prison?Ó he asked her surprised. ÒItÕs one of ElleÕs privileges. It gets monitored and sensored just like ordinary mail.Ó she answered keeping the distance between them even as he tried to sneak closer. ÒBetter luck next time, Harris.Ó she said with a fake cartoon villain laugh as she moved away from him towards Willow with a evocative sway of her hips and wiggle of her ass to emphasise her victory. ÒDamn she has a fine ass.Ó Xander thought as he watched his girlfriend cross the lobby after a quick discussion with Willow. ÒHis Girlfriend. It sounded odd even in his mind, but not odd in a wrong way, just... odd as in oh so unexpected.Ó he thought and almost jump out of his skin as a voicispeispered in his ear,Ó She wonÕt disappear if you take your eyes off her for a second. I promise.Ó He turned to look at the blonde Slayer who seemed to have materialised next to him. ÒBuffy, please donÕt do that. You scared ten years off my life expectancy.Ó he admonished her. ÒJumpy Much?Ó she asked him with a unrepentant smirk. He decided to let it slide. ÒWhereÕs Dawn?Ó he asked Buffy, effectively changing the subject. ÒThe flight and all the excitement at breakfast finally caught up with her. SheÕs taking a nap.Ó Buffy answered. They watched as Kennedy and Willow kicked off their shoes and settled into one of the couches. They seemed to talk intimately for afew moments before snuggling into each others arms. ÒLooks like everythings well in hand and nap time seems to be the order of tay.Óay.Ó Xander noted as he saw Faith climb the stairs. ÒUh Huh.Ó Buffy concurred with a nod before giving a kitten-like yawn. ÒSorry, Xan, looks like itÕs contagiousÓ she said around another yawn. ÒBuff. Go. Nap. Slay the jetlag.Ó he tells his blonde friend as they make their way over to the stairs. ÒYou twisted my arm. See you later.Ó she tells him stifling another yawn before she makes her way up the stairs. Xander looks at his watch. It was just before two oÕclock. He had three hours to kill before the television arrived and none of the ladies seemed likely to stir before then. He supposed he could go and get the drinks and snack, but that would be a quick trip to the local market and wouldnÕt take more than half an hour, plus knowing the women in his life he would have to make the trip again to satisfy whatever new cravings they may have. He finally decided to go to his room and finish some paperwork heÕd brought home and then maybe try to catch a nap as well, although he didnÕt feel very tired. He paused at FaithÕs door thinking he might share her nap, but decided to forego the pleasure thinking he would most likely be waking her. A fit of peckishness hit him and he turned around and made for the kitchen. With, a sandwhich and glass of milk in hand he returned to his room. He kicked his shoes off once he kicked the door closed behind him and his socks soon followed suite. He turned on his CD player and the soft strains of Michael Buble soon filled the room. He finished his sandwhich and milk while he worked on some rworrwork, mostly material requisitions. Xander smiled to himself. HIs crew would finish their section a week ahead of schedule which would earn them bonuses and atleast two days off. Xander started to formulate a timetable for his plan. He would need WillowÕs help, but he gave himself a satisfied pat on the back as he worked out all the details he could in his mind. ÒWait Ôtil you get a load of this Miss Williams.Ó he said to the empty rooms he stood up. ÒGet a load of what?Ó a sleepy voice enquired from his bedroom doorway. ÒErrr... This site schedule. WeÕre a week ahead.Ó he replied thinking as fast as he could holding up the schedule. ÒOh.Ó she said yawning as she padded out of his bedroom on sock covered feet. ÒThought you were taking a nap?Ó he asked as she came to a halt behind him, wrapping her hands loosely around his waist. ÒI was. I think the music woke meÓ she said her voice still heavy with sleep. ÒWho is this?Ó she asked her cheek resting heavily on the top of his back. Her drowsy voice was really sexy. ÒMichael Buble.Ó he answered. ÒSorry, I didnÕt know you were here. Thought you were in your room.Ó he continued. ÒCouldnÕt get comfortable , so I came here. Hmmm warm.Ó she muzzily explained snuggling her cheek in between his shoulder blades.ÓIÕll put it softer and you can go back to sleep.Ó he said patting her hands around his waist. ÒNo. Is okay. IÕm up.Ó she mumbled resting more of her weight on his back. ÒYou smell good.Ó she told him dreamily and he had to chuckle at how unguarded and child-like her voice sounded. He turned in her light grip her arms still circling his waist. She was still dressed in her blue jeans and t-shirt having only disgarded her flannel shirt and workboots for her nap. Her hair was sleep touselled and her eyes were heavily hooded with drowsiness. He ignorhe the t-shirtsÕ message and stared down at the drowsy women who had wormed her way into his heart. ÒCome on. Sleepy.Ó he told her as he tilted sideways and hooked his arm behind her knees and scooped her up allowing her enough time to slip her hands around his neck before carrying her into the bedroom. Faith was having the best dream ever. She floating. Warm, safe snd happy. She could smell Xander all around her. sighsighed in contentment. SheÕd tried to sleep in her own bed, but it just wouldnÕt feel comfortable no matter what she did, so sheÕd gone to his room. He wasnÕt there so she assumed he would be downstairs talking with Buffy. SheÕd fallen asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. She knew she had to still be dreaming when she woke to the strains of ÔThe Way You Look TonightÕ. SheÕd stepped out of his room to find his broad back solid and inviting afew feet away. HeÕd said something. SheÕd asked him something. HeÕd replied. She hadnÕt really taken note. His shoulders felt solid and warm against her cheek. His smell surrounded her like it was now. Her world was tactile sensation and now she was floating. He laid her gently down on the bed and she sighed. He slid down onto the bed behind her, bu had to snuggle close as she brought his open shirt around her shoulders as a makeshift cover. He wrapped his arms around her and she took possesion of his hands as she burrowed backwards into his chest until she was comfortable. Her breathig was soon regular and even as she returned to blissful sleep. Her warmth, the steady even sound of her breathing accompanied by the faint, rhythmic beating of her heart agaihis his palm, where she held his hand.soon had Xander joining her in slumber. Saturday, 3 April 2004, 7:02pm, The Hyperion Hotel, XanderÕs Bedroom, L.A. ÒWhat an exquisite dream.Ó Faith thought as she slowly swam towards wakefulness. ÒI think this ones coming round.Ó a young, but familiar voice said from somewhere above her. There was also stifled or muffled giggling. ÒWhat the hell?Ó she thought as she brought herself to full wakefulness. She moved and the arms around herhtenhtened in protest. ÒArms?Ó she thought wildly. ÒXander?Ó she asked out loud. The giggling is louder now less controlled. ÒHmmmm. Five more minutes. Please. Just five more minutesÓ Xander mumbles thickly into her ear snuggling her closer to him. ÒXander.Ó she says louder. She can recognise the voices of their friends now. She finally finds the courage to open her eyes. ÒGood morning, Sunshine. Ò Buffy greets her. She elbows Xander sharply and he wakes with a start. ÒSmile!Ó Dawn says leaning in next to her sister and a bright flash of light follows. ÒWha.. What?Ó both Faith and Xander stutter. ÒYou two looked so cute. I thought iÕd get a couple of shot for the family album and such.Ó Dawn answered shaking a polaroid dry. Faith can see several other picture in CanwÕs othe hand along with the Polaroid Camera. Willow and Kennedy are standing behind the Summers girls and are having a hard time controlling their mirth. ÒIt isnÕt really morning is it?Ó Faith asks hesitantly. ÒNah. ItÕs only just after seven.Ó Buffy reassures the worried Slayer. Faith relaxed going limp against Xander who is peering at his friends over the mass of FaithÕs dark hair. He moves his chin so that it rests over her neck and he can feel the steady beat of her pulse. She can feel his adamÕs apple move as he asks about the television. ÒInstalled and ready to go. The guys left about an hour and a half ago.Ó Willow volunteered. ÒGood.Ó Xander answered, Ò Now... Get out!!!Ó he roared throwing a pillow at his red headed friend. She easily dodged the projectile. ÒHe was always grumpy after a nap even in first grade.Ó she tells the assembled women. ÒWillow!!!Ó he shouts his friends name in incredulous exasperation making her laugh. ÒOh alright, you big baby. You guys need to get up though. WeÕre gonna make a store run for snacks and the like as well as order food for collection so... Up. Up! UP!!!.Ó Willow encouraged her friends to rise. ÒEnough, Already, Red. YouÕre harshing my nap. WeÕll be down in five.Ó Faith complained finally disengaging herself from Xander who rolls onto his back with a groan. Dawn snaps another picture before she leaves causing Faith to threaten her with grievious bodily harm if she didnÕt turn over every last one of them. The teen just laughed. ÒKids today.Ó Faith said, but still chuckled in amusement. ÒI so need to get locks for my door.Ó Xander said next to her as she begins to pull on her workboots. She tugs at his toe to make sure he is still awake as he hasnÕt moved although she is now done puting on both her boots. ÒXan?Ó she asks. ÒHmmmmm?Ó he replies softly to her query. ÒYou okay?Ó she asks worried by his monosyllabic reply. ÒUh Huh.Ó is his only reply. ÒYou gonna try actual words anytime soon?Ó Faith asks relentlessly, ÒHuh Uh.Ó he replies, but she can see his lips twitch in a smile below the forearm he has thrown over his eyes and at her urging he finally rises to a sitting position. ÒDamn, Faith. You sure give good nap.Ó he says playfully. ÒYouÕre not to shabby in the nap department either Xan.Ó she throws back as she shrugs into her shirt and turns to face him where he still sits on the bed. ÒCome on, Xan. You know Red is gonna ride us like a government mule if she has to come back up here to get us.Ó Faith says as she runs her fingers through her luxurious, dark tresses. head thrown back, in an attempt to make herself less sleep dishevelled while stretching to relax sleep stiff muscles. He doesnÕt answer just stares. Her current pose is both innocent domesticity and incredibly erotic and sensual as she archs her back further. Xander feel his jeans suddenly become very uncomfortable. ÒEarth to Xander. Come in Xander?Ó she asks sarcastically as she opens her eyes. The look in his gaze makes her breath catch, just for a moment. She reads affection, love, caring, understanding and so many romantic clicheÕs they rush through her mind in a chaotic rush, but what hitches her breath is the glimmer of heat and desire she sees accompanying them. ÒIÕm standing here dressed like a rumpled skater girl reject with bed hair no less and he would so jump me right now, and I wouldnÕt stop him.Ó Faith thinks as she watches him surreptitiously try to adjust himself. SheÕs caught him staring at her in open desire. He heard her breath catch and he can see the heat kindle in her eyes. ÒFive minutes is not enough time. Not by a longshot.Ó Faith thinks with a devillish mental grin, noticing the growing bulge in his pants ÒWe could tell them to go without us? We could tell them what to order for us?Ó he asks in a reasonable voice, but his pulse quickens as she steps nearer. His questions are an unspoken invitation for them to do what is obviously, now, on both their minds. Her butt settles on his knees and she moves her fingers through his hair straighte it it as best she can. ÒTheyÕd know Xan and theyÕd sneak back and interrupt us just when things were getting at there best, just for the hell of it. Then IÕd have to kill Ôem and then... you wouldnÕt like me so much anymore, thereby defeating the purpose all together.Ó she told him. Her voice low, sultry, playful, but regretful before sighing and laying her forehead against his as his hands splay on the soft skin of her lower back where his wormed them under her t-shirt and shirt. ÒNo fair. IÕm trying to be mature here.Ó she whispers into his ear wanting nothing more then to slide fully into his lap and drag his head to her bossom before doing all kinds of interesting things as his fingers kneed the flesh of her lower back. ÒI know youÕre right Sweets, but that donÕt mean I gots to like it.Ó he says his voice going from standard Xander to a Popeye imitation as he leans forward and plants a butterfly kiss on her forehead before taking a firm grip on her waist and moving her off him, holding her steady until she has her footing and balance back. ÒGoofball.Ó she calls him, but he can see the fire in her eyes has not diminished in fact it blazes as she looks down at him. ÒMaybe I could just maim Ôem alittle? I mean, weÕd fight about it anÕ all, but then thereÕs be the make-up sex. Think about it.Ó she tells him only half-joking as she leans on his dresser while he finally rises. ÒTemptation be thy name Faith. Get thee behind me.Ó he scolds her. ÒNow thatÕs a position I havenÕt tried before.Ó Faith answers with a smirk. ÒOut... Go... Tell them to order the pizzas from DelvecioÕs on fifth. You know what I want. IÕll be down in afew minutes. I just need to... compose myself.Ó he tells Faith pointing at the door. A quick glance below his waist tells her he needs quite abit of ÔcomposureÕ if he wants to come down stairs unnoticed. She complies, but at the door she turns and he can see the devil in her hazel brown eyes ÒXander. I know what you want, but what kind of pizza should I order for you.Ó she teases him even as she opens and slips through the door. The sound of something hitting the door she hastily closes puts a gratified smile on her face and she whistles tunelessly as she head down stairs to join their friends. Five minutes and alot of baseball stats later Xander decends the staircase to see all the ladies standing around the counter near door, chatting while they wait for him. ÒOkay ladies. WhatÕs the plan.Ó he asks once he reaches them. Willow turns away from Kennedy and with a thoughtful expression answers, ÒI thought weÕd go to the market on eighth street. It should have everything we need. Then, pick up a couple of buckets of wings at the KFC on sixth before collecting the pizzas at DelvecioÕs. Then back here and let the good times roll. Sound good?Ó He scratches his chin in mock contemplation. ÒSounds like a plan.Ó he replies with a laugh,Ó We all gonna pile into your Range Rover Wills?Ó, he continues. ÒYeah.Ó she replies as the ladies grab their jackets. He is already wearing his faded leather bomber jacket and opens the door ushering his friends out. He locks he door and turns to find Faith waiting for him while the others have already moved on to WillowÕs SUV. ÒHowÕs your composure?Ó she asked with a smile and her hand in the pockets of her jacket. ÒIÕll live.Ó he said as he straightened and evened out her collar. ÒThanks.Ó she said simply and he led her to join the others with his hand lightly on the base of her spine. The ride to the market was a raucous sing-a-long affair that had them all breathless and laughing when they spilled out of the SUV into the marketsÕ parking lot. The shopping went pretty quickly as Xander pushed the shopping cart and the women ranged ahead returning with, what it seemed to Xander, whatever seemed to catch their fancy. He had to say something when Buffy dropped a box of Coco Pops and a box of Count Chocular into the cart. ÒBuffy? I think we have cereal.Ó She looked at him as if he were speaking gibberish until he held up the two boxes of breakfast cereals. ÒOh.Ó, she giggled.Ó Sorry. Old habits, I guess.Ó she said as they arrived ae Ice Ice cream refrigerator and a rather heated argument which had deteriorated to name calling. ÒBen and JerryÕs.Ó Kennedy nearly screamed at Dawn. ÒHagendasÓ Dawn countered in a shrill voice. ÒWhat in the world?Ó Willow asked as she joined them from the other end of the isle. ÒDonÕt ask us. We just got here.Ó Buffy replied as mystified as her red haired friend. Faith startled them all as she dumped four litre tubs of Italiano Double Choc ice cream into the cart, having come up behind them. ÒTheyÕre arguing about which brand of chocolate ice cream to get. Poor, poor children. They never stood a chan she she said loudly then laughed wickedly as Kennedy and Dawn fell silent realising theyÕd been duped. ÒNext.Ó Faith said perching herself on the front of the shopping cart and pointing ahead down the isle. Willow and Buffy looked at Faith in stunned disbelief and Xander simply laughed as he made to push the cart onward as directed. The cart nearly tipped forward with FaithÕs weight, but he managed to balance it. ÒBy the way, ladies, Italiano Rules.Ó she told the two would-be ice cream brand antagonists as she passed them with a blown kiss and a wave. ÒSheÕs good.Ó Buffy commented to Willow as they too walked passed a stunned Dawn and Kennedy. Buffy picked up a litre of Italiano Pecan Fudge. ÒAnd, sheÕs right too.Ó the blonde Slayer tossed over her shoulder at her sister and fellow Slayer, ÒNow, come along. DonÕt daudle.Ó Buffy didnÕt need to see them stick their tongues out at her back. Never the less each women dropped a tub of their personal favourite ice cream brand into the cart and with a ÒHa!! of so thereÓ to Faith moved ahead of the group again. ÒMore for me.Ó Faith told no one in particular as she now trailed behind Xander trying to find a difference between the two bags of chips she was carrying by reading the print on their backs. She tossed both bags in the cart and then sli her her hand around his waist and matched his pace. ÒYou got everything you want?Ó he asked her. She tightened her grip on him abit and nudged him with her hip. ÒYeah, you know, I think I do, but a bag of HersheyÕs Kisses wouldnÕt be bad too.Ó she answered her lips up turned in a sweet, contemplative smile. Willow and Buffy trailed behind Xander and Faith. ÒSo?Ó Buffy asked her friend with a nod to indicate she meant the couple infront of them. Willow looked at her oldest friend and the dark haired Slayer. ÒI believe it might have something to do with Chaos Theory. Rational thought sure ainÕt gonna explain it.Ó, she smiled,Óbut, theyÕre happy. They were even before they realised it or things got physical. I canÕt say itÕs a match made in heaven, but IÕd kinda like it if they made it. Faith, the person she is becoming now, just somehow fits him. They help each other develop. Whether they outgrow each other, only time will tell, but I have a good feeling about them. IÕm glad for Xander. I know what you Slayers are like in the sack. Grrrrrrr!!Ó she finished making a scratching motion with her hand. ÒWillow!!!!Ó Buffy said, mortified and swatted the witches shoulder. ÒHey I know itÕs true.Ó she said matter-of-factly with a jaunty waggle of her eyebrows, nodding towards Kennedy, ÒHmmm. Grab a bag of those chocolate covered marshmellows. Will ya?. No the big one.Ó Buffy chuckled and took the bigger bag of treats off the shelf. They caught up with Xander and Faith as they finally headed towards the checkout line. The witch pulled Faith alittle away from the others and whispered something in her ear. Faith looked abit shocked, but then grinned widely. Buffy heard her say ÒHell Yeah, Red!Ó before she darted off back into the store. ÒYou all having a party?Ó the checkout guy asked Kennedy as she started packing their purchases onto the counter. ÒYeah.Ó she answered with a smile. Ignoring his attempts at making eye contact and at flirt with her. Undiscouraged, the clerk kept firing lines at her in an atttempt to drum up some interest. It didnÕt bother her that much, but the mood of the evening was just so playful, that she couldnÕt resist. She popped a stick of gum into her mouth. Chewed it quickly then without a word she reached next to her, grabbed Willow and pulled her head down for a very wet, noisy and intense soul kiss. ÒHey, Babe.Ó Kennedy said with a grin when she finally let the witch up for air. ÒErr... Right back atcha, Babe.Ó Willow said alittle flustered and, unconsciously, started chewing the gum her girlfriend had just deposited into her mouth. The clerk was stunned to say the least and Buffy elbowed Xander quite hard when he whispered ÒHouston, we have porn.Ó Just then Faith got back and put two, six packs of shot glasses down to be rung up. ÒWhatÕd I miss? WhatÕd I miss? and why are XanderÕs eyes kinda glazed over? Faith asked. looking amongst her friends. ÒYou missed some hot Slayer on witch tongue wrestling, the Primetime edition.Ó Dawn piped up and Faith didnÕt doubt her words as the teen was blushing and Willow looked a little flushed while Kennedy was grinning like a maniac. ÒAwwwww. I always miss the good stuff.Ó Faith whined and then laughed wickedly. ÒI think you may have short circuited my boyfriend.Ó Faith said looking at XanderÕs blank expression. Willow reached out and patted him lightly on the shoulder and said, ÒThere. There. Xander.Ó Then she told the rest of them. ÒI need to get afew things from across the street.Ó, and walked out of the store. Xander simply shook head ead and said ÒIf only Mrs Rosenberg could see her little girl now.Ó before chuckling wryly. Buffy handed the clerk a credit card and he looked at it uncomprehendingly for a moment before he realised what it was and what it was for. The spell was finally broken and the bag boy started baggingir sir stuff with Kennedy looking on with a satisfied smirk on her face. Xander decided to get some air and stepped out of the store. Faith followed Xander out into the parking lot. ÒWhatÕs up? she asked him as he stood watching the traffic move past into the night. She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder and he moved his arms so that he could link his hands at the small of her back. ÒBesides me?Ó he countered. She was tempted to let her hands slide down to check the validity of his statement, but in the end she couldnÕt decide who that would torture more him or herself, so she settled for pressing hlf alf abit harder into his back. To her surprise he tightened his grip and held her there. ÒYou feel nice and warm.Ó he said absently. She let herself relax and rested most of her weight on his back. ÒIÕm usually refered to as hot.Ó she whispered blowing on his ear. She felt him shiver and smiled. ÒThat you are, but just right now I really like nice and warm.Ó he told her and she let the of of her head rest against his. ÒSweet.Ó she murmurred. ÒFaith?Ó he enquired. ÒHmmm?Ó she replied. ÒIs that Willow coming out of that bottlestore with what appears to be at least six bottles of assorted alcohol.Ó Xander continued. ÒYes.Ó Faith answered. ÒOh.Ó was his only comment. The red haired witch walked up to them and Xander unclasped his hands from around Faith to take two of the bottles. ÒThirsty, Willow?Ó he asked his oldest friend. ÒParched. Absoutely parched.Ó the witch replied playfully before asking, Ò Got anything to drink?Ó causing them all to laugh. ÒSo, this is, Hot Lesbian, Party Willow?Ó he asked with a raised eyebrow. ÒDamn tootinÕ. The hair is comill tll the way down tonightÓ Willow replied with a sassy flip of her hair. ÒYou go girl.Ó Faith encouraged her from over XanderÕs shoulder. The others came up behind them with Buffy pushing the cart with their shopping in it. Kennedy moved around Faith and Xander and relieved Willow of another two of the bottles so that she could finally unwrap and lower her arms. Willow manuvered the two bottles she had left so that she could hold them by the necks in one hand before turning to her lover. ÒYou are a bad, bad women.Ó she playfully scolded Kennedy wagging her finger and chewing her gum loudly to emphasis exactly what she was referring to. ÒWhat?Ó, Kennedy asked with mock innocence,ÓI canÕt show my girlfriend alittle affection anymore?Ó Xander put the bottles he held in the shopping cart as Buffy pulled it alongside him. She raised her eyebrow and Xander just shrugged with a nod at Willow. His movement made the front of FaithÕs body rub deliciously against his back and he felt her grip around his waist tense. ÒKennedy, from what I understand, if you showed, Red here anymore ÔaffectionÕ back there, there was a good chance you would have been arrested.Ó Faith told the other Slayer while she shifted against XanderÕs back. Kennedy laughed. ÒWt tht that bad?Ó she asked the group. ÒOh. it wasnÕt bad, baby... I definately wouldnÕt call it bad.Ó Willow told her girlfriend with a very evocative wetting of her lips. ÒOkay. Enough already. LetÕs get to the car and the food before these two decide to try for an encore.Ó Buffy said in mock seriousness, deliberately moving their shopping cart in the direction of WillowÕs SUV. ÒSpoil Sport!Ó Willow called out to the blonde SlayerÕs retreating back, but moved to followed her after hooking an arm around Kennedy. Xander turned his head. ÒYouÕre gonna have to let go now, Sweetie.Ó he told Faith. ÒWhy?Ó Faith asked petulantly having got quite comfortable. ÒWell... WeÕre over here and the RoverÕs over there. We have to get to the Rover and to get to the Rover we have to walk. See?Ó he explained unneccessarily. ÒSmart Ass.Ó she replied kissing the back of his head as she removed her hands from his waist and took her weight back on her feet. Suddenly Xander was grinning over his shoulder at her. He bent alittle and said, ÒPut your arm around my neck.Ó he told her. ÒWhat? YouÕre giving me permission to throttle you?Ó she asked mystified by his request. ÒCome On, like Nike says: Just do it!Ó he re-itterated. Giving him an odd look she stepped forward and wrapped her right arm lightly around his neck, her body bent along his back. Suddenly his hands had slipped around behind her knees and he rose, drawing his arms up as he did. Faith squealed in surprise, clutching at his chest for stability, as he manuvered her into the piggyback position and then she was laughing wildly as he set-off towards WillowÕs SUV, at the other end of the lot, at a brisk jog. The rest of the gang turned in surprise at the sight, as the pair moved toward and then past them with Faith waving wildly as they did. He reached the SUV and then turned so that he could deposit Faith gently on the hood. She released her grip on him and he turned to find Faith flushed with excitement, breathless from laughter and smiling like a kid on Christmas morning. She wrapped her legs around him just below his hips. She bent her knees an drew him close to her. ÒI love you.Ó she said and gathered his face in her hands and drew his lips to her. She bit and nibbled at his lower lip as she continued to bring them closer together. Her hands slid across his cheeks and wound their way into his hair as his came up to bury themselves in the luxuriant growth at her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed even as she realised his were wide open watching her. She ran her tongue softly between his lips, the tip just brushing his teeth until his mouth opened and she slid it into his mouth. He sucked on her tongue, flicking itÕs tip with his own as their hands tightened, drawing them closer together, pressing their lips together with more pressure. She moaned her pleasure into the depths of his throat and heard as well as felt the rummbling growl from his chest in reply. She let him possess her tongue as their lips danced. She was lost in the taste of him and he in hers. ÒCould you lose your mind because of the taste of another person?Ó some rationl part of FaithÕs mind wondered even as her body started to remind her of her need for air. Xander was breathing heavily, needing to come up for air, but unable to decide what was needed more, the taste of Faith of oxygen. They finally broke the kiss with Faith holding onto his bottom lip with her teeth for just amoment longer as someone cleared their throat behind them loudly and repeatedly. Faith moved her hands so that they now wrapped around him, her chin on his shoulder, his lips an inch from her ear. ÒI love you too.Ó he whispered into the shell of her ear and felt the flutter of her pulse where their necks touched. He loved the way she felt wrapped around him and he inhaled deeply the scent of jasmine and something undefinable, he had come to recognise as Faith. ÒCan I help you with something Buffy?Ó Faith asked calmly as she finally opened her eyes. Dawn could feel her face heat in a blush as sheÕd watch Xander and Faith kiss. The performance from Willow and Kennedy had been just that a performance. She knew the two women loved each other, but that had not been what their kiss had been about. Xander and Faith on the other hand... She hadnÕt believed Buffy when sheÕd told her this morning. She knew that Faith was everything men wanted in a women, beautiful, sexy and vivacious, but she bved ved Xander was better than that. Although they had talked about it, she had always harboured alittle hope that one day when she was older, that Xander would see her for the women she was and not the little sister she had become in his eyes. Watching them kiss, that little bit of self-delusion died a quiet death. That was how she had wanted Xander to kiss her one day and that was how she would have kissed him. She was right Xander was better than that, she just never would have guessed that Faith was too. Their kiss defined heated passion and serene bliss all in one and an instinctive part of her realised that Xander and Faith were the real deal. Matching pieces in the puzzle called life. She gave herself a mental shrug and finally put her crush on Xander to rest in a box called bittersweet memories. ÒYou were saying something about getting arrested earlier, Faith?Ó Kennedy asked her with a smirk. She loosened her grip enough to allow him to turn, but did not release him as she now rested her chin on his other shoulder. ÒIt would be worth it.Ó Faith replied as Xander simply beamed with a look that shouted ÒIÕm The Man!Ó as he covered FaithÕs hands with his own. ÒDid all of you revert back to horny teenagers while we were away?Ó Buffy asked looking incredulously at her friends. ÒTheoretically, as long as youÕve known me, IÕve always been a horny teenager, Buffy.Ó Kennedy added in her defence using a voice hat was way to reasonable and innocent sounding than the topic demanded, ÒIÕm only nineteen after all.Ó Buffy was trying to be mature about this, but KennedyÕs words simply brought the laughter bubbling from her lips and it spread quickly. Buffy clutching her knees as she tried o draw breath haltingly said,Ó This is gonna be one interesting night, and I donÕt mean that in a ÔSunnydale InterstingÕ kinda way.Ó They all agreed. ÒNow. Seriously. Faith. Could you disentangle yourself from Xander long enough for us say... Get these in the car,Ó she pointed to their shopping, Òand then go get the food? All this lip smacking has me very hungry.Ó Buffy asked her friend with a pointed stare. ÒIÕll see what I can do B.Ó she said smiling, but she felt a smidge of regret as Xander move away from her an she had to let him go before lightly hopping off the hood of WillowÕs SUV. Dawn walked up to Xander and suddenly him a quick hard hug and then did the same to Faith. She never said a word as she then walked to the back of The SUV to help load the shopping. Faith and Xander exchanged confused looks, but with shrugs joined their friends in loading the last bags of shopping. They all piled back into the SUV and soon reached the KFC without incident. Buffy volunteered to go in and get the chicken wings a mak making them promise to behave themselves. Xander touched FaithÕs shoulder to get her attention and then flicked his eyes at Dawn and Faith gave a near imperceptable nod and said ÒHold up B. IÕll come with you.Ó Buffy gave her a quizzical look, but waited for her friend to catch up before entering the store. ÒGee, you guys are subtle.Ó Dawn said turning to face Xander. ÒWe try.Ó he said smiling. ÒNot that I am complaining, but what was with the Sir Hugs-Alot impression in the parking lot?Ó he asked the teen. She seemed to consider his question rather carefully. He knew she had a crush on him, but they had talked abotu it and heÕd thought she understood. ÒI guess, it was just my way of sayinjg that I am happy you and Faith are together and that... Well... I guess... What I mean is errr...Ó, her eyes narrowed for a moment as she searched for the right words, ÒThat if itÕs not me then Faith is a good match for you.Ó she finished in a rush, a delicate blush festooning her cheeks. Xander let her find her way through her feelings, but was surprised at the maturity of her admissions. He put an arm around her and drew her closer to him. ÒThanks, Dawnie. That means alot to me and, I am sure, to Faith too.Ó He told her softly as she lay her cheek on his chest and he lightly kissed the top of her head. He looked up and although Willow was talking to Kennedy he could see her watching them in the rearview mirror and she gave him a reassuring smile before returning her full attention to her girlfriend. He held Dawn for afew more moments just letting her know he would always love her and be there for her before he let his fingers dance lightly over her ribs making her squeal and giggle as she tried to escape his tickling hand. She swatted at his chest playfully as she moved away from him deliberately flicking her long hair into his face. ÒYouÕre gonna make some guy very lucky someday, Dawn.Ó Xander told her grng. ng. ÒYeah.Ó, she said, ÒJust as soon as I get Spike to kill Jennifer Aniston for me.Ó she finished deadpan and Xander had to chuckle. Buffy and Faith bundled themselves back into the SUV, each with a bucket of The ColonelÕs best. Faith gave Xander a questioning look over DawnÕs head, but it was Dawn who answered, ÒOh Please. IÕm over him. You can have him. ItÕs okay.Ó The car went dead quiet in surprise and shock, but Faith recovered faster than the rest. ÒThanks Dawn. I was thinking we could work out some kind of time share, but seeings youÕre being so generous...Ó she quipped as she handed Xander the bucket of chicken and gave Dawn a solid hug. Both the teen and the young women grinned at their companions as they broke apart and the stunned silence was replaced by amused laughter. Next, they picked up their pizzas and headed back to The Hyperion and a night of fun... End of Chapter 3