Change of Season

Disclaimer: Joss owns all.

Raiting: R

Pairing: Joyce/Faith

A/N: This is a Alternate Universe fiction every ones human. Joyce
and Faith in a sexual situation. I know it's not fuffy give it a
chance anyway you might like it.

A/N2 This is for the three people who were kind enough to offer
feedback. Big smoochies, Thanks. i hope you like this chapter
another one coming soon. sorry for taking to long.

Feedback: Yes


Change of seasons, part 7

1

Faith snorts loudly, then sits up suddenly.

Where in fuck am I? She blinks and looks around. How'd I get here? Where IS here?

At first, disoriented, she doesn't recognize where she is. All she knows is that she's been sleeping face buried in a pillow on a sofa that isn't hers. Her tongue feels dry and spongy, and her eyes feel sore.

Then it hits her. The hang-over from hell. She almost bends over in pain, her head throbbing in pain. It feels if someone is using a jack hammer to drive heated 20 penny nails through her skull.

She almost bends over but doesn't, because her whole body aches as if someone sent her through mangle cycle on the washer a few times. She groans, not knowing exactly where to grab first.

She stands up, then sits right back down when a wave of dizziness hits her. She groans louder.

What the hell happened last night? I feel like I went 10 rounds with Evander Holyfield, and had my hands tied behind my back. Not sure if there's a place that doesn't hurt… god… She looks around through bleary eyes, and winces. Crap, Tina's. I'm at Tina's. Fuck, how'd I get here? Last thing I remember is downing a shot of Irish whiskey at Jakes…

"Oh, it lives," a sarcastic voice comes from behind her. "Not exactly sure how I feel about that."

Tina walks out into the living room wearing a pair of sweats and a wife beater. She makes her way to the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of coffee. She walks back into the living room, standing next to the train wreck formerly known as Faith.

Faith sits on the couch, hunched over , head in hands, moaning. She looks up at Tina, piteously.

Tina isn't having any of it. Frowning a little, she nods her head toward the bathroom.

"You smell like crap. Go take a shower. There's still some of your clothes in my room, use those when you don’t smell like a fucking brewery anymore."

Faith sighs heavily, then stands up next to Tina. Tina makes a face, and waves her hand, indicating her disgust. Faith notices a bruise on her forehead.

"Where'd you get that?" Faith asks, staring at her hairline. Little bits of last night start to come back to her. "Oh shit…"

" Yeah, thanks, but you should see the other guy. Actually, you can. In the bathroom mirror. Go clean up before I puke, ok? You smell like barf." She turns, walking back to the kitchen, sitting at the table.

Faith stumbles into the bathroom, hitting the toilet first to pee. After she flushes, she gets up and stares at herself in the mirror. Shit, look at me. I'm a fucking mess. Shit, when did Tina become Rocky Balboa, anyway?

She peels of her shirt, wincing some as her muscles ache. She looks at her body and sighs. Bruise, bruise…cut… bruise. God, she must've gone nuts on me. I wish I could remember it better.

Removing the rest of her clothes, she turns on the shower, waiting a second for the water to warm up. Then she steps in, and moans softly as the warm water cleanses off the wounds from last night.

She stands for a moment, shutting her eyes and letting the warm water pour over her. The warmth eases the throbbing in her head, as it reveals a whole bunch of new little scrapes she didn't know she had.

She grabs the soap, and gently begins to lather herself down, wincing as soap hits cuts and scrapes. Still, she carefully cleans herself; she gets every bit of skin she can reach.

Finally she just sits under the warm spray, letting the soap and tension flow off her; the water feels like a warm embrace. She sighs, feeling a little better. Turning off the shower, she steps out, carefully drying herself. She moves to the medicine cabinet, and spends a few minutes treating the larger cuts and abrasions. Mostly, she just bruised and aching.

She wraps herself in a towel, and walks to the bedroom. She doesn't look at Tina in passing; Tina seems to be ignoring her as well. Entering the bedroom, she sees an old pair of her jeans, and a t-shirt waiting for her, along with some clean underwear. Dressing quickly, still wincing a little, she walks into the living room, and heads for the kitchen.

Tina just watches her, shaking her head. God, look at her. I really, really lost it last night. But dammit, she had it coming. She's acting like a baby, and I'm damned tired of picking her up, or cleaning up after her. She's gotta stop this crap.

"Feel better?" Tina asks, as Faith sits down across from her, a steaming mug in hand.

"No," Faith says shortly, staring at her mug.

Faith brings the coffee to her lips, and winces when the cut on her lip meets hot coffee. She swallows the coffee, and nearly chokes. She looks up at Tina, eyes wide.

"What is this crap? Are you trying to kill me?" Faith sets the evil liquid down.

"Espresso roast, double strength. I figured you'd need something strong this morning," Tina looks at her impassively. "After that little drunken fiasco last night."

Faith looks at her, then looks down at the coffee. She brings it back to her lips. Wrinkling her nose, she sips some, looking pained. She winces, and sets the coffee back down.

"Oh, c'mon you big baby, drink it. You'll feel better," Tina looks at her face, and then gets up, heading for the freezer. "I better get some ice for that face."

"Thanks," Faith mumbles, sipping more of the awful brew. She sighs and stares forward. "Look about last night…"

"Don't start bitching to me. I could've hurt you a lot worse," Tina comes over with the ice, wrapped in a towel. "Hold this against your face."

Faith does so, switching the mug to the other hand. "Yeah, about that. When did you become Mike Tyson, anyway? Fuck, I thought for sure you were going to rip my ear off. Never mind beating me to shit." She grins ruefully, first grin of the day.

"Well, what the fuck choice did I have? After you left, I fucking needed to take care of myself and the girls. I tried hiring muscle, but they wanted to either fuck me or screw me, if you catch my drift. Finally, I just decided to take matters in my own hands. Been working out, taking training on street fighting."

"Yeah, and if you run into some old girlfriend who's drunk, you can beat the shit outta her too. Bonus!" Faith chuckles, and winces. "Shit, now I can't even laugh. Fuck you." She frowns, pushing the ice closer.

" Don't get pissy on me, Faith McKerrigan. If you hadn't been fucking me around with this shit for the last few months, maybe I wouldn't be so pissed at you! Yeah, I'm pissed, you stupid Mick bitch." Tina gets up, red spots flaming on her cheeks, and gets some more coffee. "I shoulda just left ya there. Let Jake throw ya out in the street, and let ya get rolled or stabbed or worse. So shut up and be grateful I showed up."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, shit…" Faith sighs. "Just you really whaled on me, and I'm fucking hurting. Why didn't you just fucking knock me out and be done with it?"

"Maybe I'm tired of being called nasty names when I'm trying to help your skanky ass," Tina sits back down, frowning deeply. "Don't worry, won't happen again. The helping part, I mean."

"How many times do I have to say 'I'm sorry'? Things have just been going really shitty lately…" Faith feels cornered and frustrated. "I just can't seem to get control of nothing… it's all just slipping away from me…"

"You've stopped trying Faith. That's not the girl I know," Tina reaches out, touching Faith's hand. "The Faith I know fights, doesn't give up. She doesn't wallow, feeling sorry for herself. She gets back up, dusts herself off, and gets back in there…" She stares at Faith. " The girl I know wouldn't let a woman mess her up like this…"

"Shut up, Tina. You don’t know shit about it. This is different." Faith's growls softly at her.

"Yeah, sure, different," Tina waves dismissively. "She dumped you. Face it, and get over it. Stop being such weak sister, moping around like a wounded bird. Get off your ass and get on with it."

"Whatever," Faith gets up, putting her cup in the sink, "I can see talking to you is wasted breath." She moves towards the living room to collect her stuff. "What do you care, anyway? Like you'd even know what it feels like."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tina almost jumps out of her chair, following her. "Who the hell's been bailing your ass out lately? Paulie? Don't thinks so. Last time I talked to him, he didn't even want to see you. He's tired of your fucking up. I'm tired of it too. What the hell do you expect?"

"Nothing," Faith gives her a dismissive look," I don't expect nothing. If you don't wanna help, don't. I'm not putting a gun to your head or nothing. Same for Paulie. Fuck you both."

"Sweet. Blow away the people that care about ya, Faith. Really smart," Tina sneers at her. " But Paulie was right about her, wasn't he? He told ya straight out that she'd dump ya, and hey, she did!"

"Where the fuck you hear that?" Faith turns on her.

"Paulie told me last time he went to bail your ass outta jail. Said next time he was gonna leave you there, that he'd warned you and was tired of your fucking self pity." She gets in Faith's face. "I told him he shoulda left you there that time. That you needed to learn to stop thinking you're better than everybody else. Think cause some rich bitch was hanging out with you, that you're shit don’t stink no more, Faithy? You're nothing, Faith, and that goes double for that old broad you were hanging out with. She was slumming, Faith, don't you get that? She was using you, you dumb assed hard headed Mick. She didn't give a shit about you! God, even Merrie could see that!"

SLAP!

"Shut up, you stupid cow!" Faith yells at her. "You don't know shit!"

Tina touches her face where Faith slapped her.

"Think that changes anything, dumb ass?" She starts dancing around Faith like a boxer, weaving and bobbing. "C'mon baby, hit me again if it helps. But it doesn't change the facts. She didn't give a shit about you, and you were a fucking fool to care a damn about her! Still are, seeing how you're fucking up your life over her!" She taunts Faith as she dances around her. "You thought you were all so much better than me, didn't you, Faith? Look at you now, girl. Lost your chi-chi job, lost your fucking house, stopped doing anything but drinking and fighting. You loser. Look down your nose at me cuz I got a porn shop on Delancy street. Well, at least I got something, Faith. You got nothin'. Who's the loser now, Faith?" She moves in closer." You are, bitch. You're a big fat loser, Faith. Shit, don't blame her for dumping you…" She leans in close. "You always were kinda crappy in bed."

Tina poked the bear one too many times.

Faith grabs her around the neck, putting her in a half nelson. Using her weight, she drives Tina to her knees.

" Is that a fact, Tina baby?" Faith says, her voice soft, but with an ice cold chill in it. " Then how come you practically begged me to stay when I dumped you, bitch?" She puts the squeeze on Tina. "Remember how you offered me half the business, if only I'd stay?" She almost whispers in her ear. "I might've stayed too, but I didn't wanna get a disease from the skanks you were sleeping with behind my back." Breaking the choke hold, she uses her foot to push Tina away. She stands there, braced for Tina to get up and attack her.

But Tina doesn't attack her. For a moment, she just lies there, face in the carpet. Then she pushes herself up, and sits, looking at Faith standing over her.

Faith reaches down to help her up, but Tina waves her away. She pushes herself up off the floor; without saying a word, she goes over to the kitchen. She grabs another cup of coffee, and stares at Faith in the living room.

"I'm done bailing your ass out, Faith. I'm not running after ya no more if you get yourself in trouble. That clear?" Her tone is even and low.

Faith nods, and walks over to the table. She looks down at Tina." I’m sorry, I shouldn't have lost it there. I know you were just…"

" Bullshit. I was trying to hurt you, and I succeeded," She sips her coffee. "If it helps, you hurt me too." She licks her lips, then continues, "Ok, I need some help at the arcade. You know the routine; you've done it before. Have a big convention coming into town. Should be busy. You up for it?"

" Yeah, sure," Faith says. Fuck, I need the money. What the fuck else am I gonna do? "I'm in."

" Take off your shirt…"

" What?" Faith makes a face.

" Get real. I just wanna see how bad you look. Gotta know if you're gonna be in shape by Saturday."

Faith lifts her shirt, exposing her cuts and bruises. Tina looks at them carefully, then nods. " Ok, didn't hurt you that bad. If you don't go out for like football in the next couple of days, you should be ok." She notes Faith hasn't put back on her t-shirt. "You can put your shirt back on now."

"You sure you want me to?" Faith grins at her. "I mean, you might wanna have a little practice session. Been awhile since we worked together." She kneels down in front of Tina, arching her back just a little so her breasts push out towards Tina." Maybe you need to audition me on the casting couch?" She runs her finger along Tina's thigh. "For old time's sake?"

"You're fucking unbelievable," Tina snorts. "Put the shirt on, dumb ass. This is strictly business, got it?" She sighs, and looks at the couch. "I guess you can't fuck that thing up much more than it already is, so you can sleep here… on the couch… until you can afford something for yourself. Of course, you'll pay me some rent out of your earnings."

"Sure we couldn't work out a trade deal?" Faith licks her lips. " Might work out for both of us."

You fucking bitch. You'd do it, wouldn't you? And you know I'd probably do it, too, if you weren't playing the whore so good.

" Put your shirt on, ok?" Tina makes a sour face. "Glad you brought that up. I don't run a fucking escort service, so there's a strict no touching the patrons policy. Don't care what they offer you. Not getting shut down for prostitution." Deal with that, bitch!

It's Faith's turn to look sour. "Not stupid. Not all of us are slutty 'tards like Merrie." Faith stands up, putting on her shirt. "Anything else, boss? Or am I free to go?"

"Where you going?"

"Oh fuck. Is it gonna be like that? I gotta like ask permission to go out?"

"Yeah, until you show me I can trust you. I need you sober Faith. A drunk won't do me no good."

"Well, mother, I thought I'd grab some of my clothes and shit, unless you want to wear the same crap over and over again? I'd be smelling real pretty by the weekend, don’t ya think? Then, I gotta figure some place to store my crap until I can find a new place." She looks at Tina balefully. "That ok with you?"

"There's a shed out back. I use it sometimes for storage, but it's empty right now. You can put your crap in that."

"Thanks," Faith says, heading for the door.

"Faith, one more thing," Tina calls out to her.

" What?" Faith asks, impatiently.

"You were ready to rip my head off when I insulted that… what's her face," Tina says, rubbing her neck. " Why didn't you fight harder for her?"

Faith stands there for a moment, thinking. Her lips tighten up, and her eyes narrow.

"Cuz she didn't want me to," She finally answers, "And I don't know why."

She turns and walks out of the door, slamming it behind her.

Tina stares at the door for a moment, then grabs her sweatshirt off the coat hook.

Did you even ask? She wonders, leaving the apartment.

2

" Dawn! Buffy! Hurry up. You'll be late!"

Oh yeah, we wouldn't want THAT to happen! Buffy thinks to herself, as she checks herself out in the mirror.

She is wearing a tight denim skirt. Tight, and very short. Her top consists of a tank top cut at the midriff, exposing her brand new belly ring. Large hoop earrings, two inch wedges and a denim shoulder bag complete the ensemble.

She turns this way, and that, taking in the look. She smiles, then frowns…then smiles again.

"You'll never get away with that, you know," Dawn, standing in the doorway, inspects Buffy's outfit.

"Shut up, brat. Anyway, what do you know?" Buffy says, doing another turn while checking herself out. "It's not about getting away with this outfit. It's all about the fine art of negotiation."

"Huh?" Dawn says, confused. "Hey! When did you get your navel pierced? The parentals are gonna freak!"

Buffy just smirks, and turns towards her. " It's all about negotiation, Dawn. I don't want to wear this…" She points at a pair of jeans on the chair. "This makes me look like a hooker. I want to wear the hip huggers. But you know if I go down there with them first, they're gonna say ' no way, upstairs, change now'. Or some crap like that. So, I go down like this…" she walks over, putting on an oversized black leather jacket"… and I know they'll freak, and send me upstairs. I come down in the hip huggers, and they're so relieved they don't make a deal out of it. Simple."

" You're nuts, you know that?" Dawn says, smirking, "All you do lately is figure ways to get around the parentals. What's the deal?"

"No 'deal', Dawnie," Buffy wanders over to her jewelry tree. She starts putting rings on her fingers. "Just tired of them telling me how to breathe. I'm a grown up, Dawn. Really don't need their fashion tips." She frowns. "Or their crap, for that matter."

" Buffy, what's with you? Why the hostile?" Dawn looks a little worried. This so wasn't Buffy. At least, not until this last summer when she started acting crazy.

" Buffy, Dawn! Come on! We gotta go!"

"That's our cue, Dawn. Let's motor." Buffy starts towards the door. "We wouldn't want to be late our first day at Mayberry high, would we?"

"You look like a slut," Dawn says, frowning. She knows, somehow, Buffy is going to get away with something else. Or not, and then I get the fall out crap from it. Why does she have to make MY life miserable, too?

"Perfect," Buffy smiles, heading down the hall.

Joyce fusses about the table a bit, setting down a couple of plates for Buffy and Dawn. She looks over to see Hank talking on his cell phone, his own breakfast untouched. She sighs.

God, can't he put that thing down for a few minutes?

" Hank, c'mon, Buffy and Dawn are going to be down in a minute. Can't you do that later?"

Hank Summers looks up, a little irritated. He covers the phone's mouthpiece. "This is important, Joyce. I'll be done in a few minutes."

"Henry Summers, this is the only time during the week the girls get to see you. Can't you at least…?"

"Joyce, I said I'd be done in a minute, now let it go!" He turns back to the phone. " Sorry about that. Yeah…I'm here… go ahead…" he listens to the person on the other end of the line.

Yeah, wouldn't want to keep your girlfriend waiting. Joyce thinks, bitterly.

Buffy and Dawn make their entrance, and head for the table.

"Hold on!" Joyce stops them in their tracks." What do you think you're wearing?" Joyce inspects Buffy's outfit.

"Oh, mom, don’t have a Guernsey. It's just a dress…" Buffy says, trying to slip to the table.

"Sure, dear. Just a dress. Just one you're NOT wearing out of this house, "Joyce says, tone firm." Go upstairs and change into something less… revealing."

" What? Nothing's showing," Buffy shakes her head. "Don't be such a stick, Joyce."

Joyce feels the blood in her neck. " That's mom to you, miss. And you're not wearing that dress. Get me? Or that top… I have scarves that have more material in them."

" There is nothing wrong with what I'm wearing!"

"It's not appropriate, Buffy. Stop arguing with me, and go upstairs and change!"

" Dad? Daddy!" Buffy turns to Hank. " Can I wear this? Please?"

Hank looks up from his call, and blanches a little. Joyce throws him a 'don't you dare let her wear that' look.

Hank frowns.

" Buffy, go change. That's something I never want to see you wearing again."

" But dad!" Buffy pushes it. She pouts a little, for effect.

" No, ' but, dad', Buffy. Go change!" Hank orders, turning back to his phone. "And hurry up, we're late already."

Buffy looks at the both of them, frowning. "God, you're both a bunch of Nazis," She cries. She turns around, and smiling so her parents can't see it, winks at Dawn. She hurries upstairs.

Dawn grits her teeth. For a moment, she's tempted to tell her mom what the scam was, but that would be breaking the no –nark rule. Plus, Buffy could make her life monstrously miserable in too many subtle ways to count. Better to just be quiet. But darn it, I'm so tired of her getting away with everything, and I'm busted if I cross my eyes.

"Hi, dad," She says as she sits down.

" Hi, sweetie," He replies. He throws Joyce a 'at least you didn't ruin this one' look, and goes back to his conversation.

Joyce sighs, feeling the tight band across her forehead get tighter. As if you're any help with the girls. I get them 24/7/365. You're here on weekends… if you don't have to work. She sits down, sipping her coffee. And we all know Buffy's a ' daddy's girl'. She's probably doing this deliberately, just to…

Buffy reappears in the dining room, wearing the hip hugger and a top that while longer than the last, still doesn't quite reach her jeans. She smiles, and sits next to Dawn.

Joyce still isn't happy. God, did you spray paint those pants on? But it's better than the last outfit. And she's really not wanting any more unpleasantness this morning. She sighs, and sips her coffee, to avoid saying anything. But don't think this is over, young lady. I saw that belly ring… we're going to have a little talk about that later.

Hank closes his phone. Looking at his watch, he stands up, downing the last of his coffee.

"Sorry, ladies, but I've got to be going. I'm rather late already," Hank starts to move around the table. He stops by Buffy. "That's much better, honey. See? That wasn't so bad, now was it?"

"No, daddy," Buffy smiles, as Hank leans over to kiss her forehead. "Have a good week at work."

"Thanks sweetie," Hank says, turning to Dawn. " Goodbye, sweetie. Be good. See you Friday night." He smiles," Well, if I don't have to work, anyway."

I'm not the one you got to worry about, Dad. Even so, Dawn files Buffy's trick under things to remember.

" Bye, Daddy," Dawn says, kissing his cheek.

Hank goes around, and gives Joyce a kiss on the cheek. She has to use her self control not to shudder.

"See you Friday." He says, patting her shoulder.

She forces a smile. I won't be holding my breath. " Have a good week at work, Hank."

He looks at her for a moment, then shrugs and walks to the door. He grabs his coat, and leaves.

Buffy, eating her breakfast, looks at her mom. She's conflicted.

How does she do that? I mean, you'd have to be stupid to not know what's going on. But she pretends like nothing's happening. What's her deal? Why doesn't she call him on it? She sighs. Of course, if she weren't cold as an ice cube, maybe he wouldn't have to look elsewhere for affection.

"So, you guys looking forward to the first day of school?" Joyce tries to break the awkward silence.

"Oh, sure, mom. No friends, new school here in good old Sunnydale. Yeah, I'm just shaking with anticipation."

Joyce bites her lip, and counts to 10 quickly to keep from making an angry response.

"Buffy, don't do this, ok? You know why we moved up here. We all needed a new start."

"That's great for you and Dawn and dad, maybe, but all I know is I was in my last year at Hemery. This was supposed to be my hear, and now I'm stuck in some new school where I know nobody. It sucks!"

" Buffy," Joyce sighs, trying to smooth it over." It's going to be fine. You'll make new friends, and …"

Buffy stands suddenly, a sour look on her face. "I'm not hungry. I'll wait in the car." She starts out of the dining room.

" Buffy! Finish your…" but Buffy's already out the door. It slams behind her.

Joyce sighs heavily, and turns to her remaining daughter. "Am I the world's worst mom, or what?"

"The world's worst? No… I'm sure there are a couple out there worse," Dawn teases her. She smiles. "Don't pay attention to Buffy, mom. She's just being a brat. Surprise! NOT!" She grins. "I think she's just pissed because she doesn't get to be Guacamole Queen again, and isn't like Head Cheerleader and crap. She'll get over it."

I wonder? Joyce thinks, frowning. I wonder if she really will?

"So, what? You don't want to be Guacamole Queen then, Dawn?" She teases her youngest daughter.

"Naaaw… anyway, I don't have to worry. I'm cuter, prettier and taller. I've so got it over her. I'm gonna rule Sunnydale High by the time I hit senior year." She puts on a goofy little smile. " Queen Dawnie. Yeah, kinda like the sound of that." She bursts out laughing.

Thank you, Gods of teenage daughters, for this one. Thank you, thank you, and oh, thank you!

"C'mon, we better join Buffy before she hotwires the car and takes off without us," Joyce says to Dawn. "Oh, god, I didn't mean that!" She blushes.

"Mom? I wouldn't put it past her," Dawn grins. She gets up, and exits the dining room.

A little tiny icicle forms in Joyce's stomach. She would…couldn't… could she? I mean, lately I just… Oh stop it, Joyce. She's not going to start stealing cars. Get a grip.

She rushes to catch up with Dawn.

3

Faith struggles with the overloaded hand truck, pushing it down the uneven pavement of the alley behind Tina's boutique. It almost spills a few times, but she manages to keep it upright with the load intact. She finally reaches to door to the Tina's storage shed.

Tina, taking break, watches Faith grapple with the load, feeling some little amusement. After all she's been through with Faith lately, she's disinclined to actually help her. But watching her push the handcart along, hitting a pothole and almost losing it? Priceless. Finally, she gets up and meets Faith at the rear shed.

"Need help?" Tina asks, with faint interest. She stands by as Faith struggles to keep the cart upright and fish the key out her pocket.

"No, I got it. Now." Faith is well aware Tina's been sitting there watching her the whole time. " Did you like the show? Sorry, last load. Guess you'll have to find something else to amuse you." She almost loses the hand truck again when she switches hands to check her other pocket. "Damn… do you think you could hold that straight?" She looks at Tina.

"Dunno. Might fall on me. But I'd be happy to search your pockets while you hold it," Tina sniggers, watching Faith fumble around.

"No thanks," Faith mutters, finally finding the key. "Got it!" She says triumphantly, holding up the key. Then she realizes that she has to work the lock and open the door, all the while holding the cart steady, or it'll roll down the little incline to the shed, spilling her stuff.

Tina watches, hands on hips as Faith leans the hand truck against her body, and trying to reach out to the lock to manipulate it. God, I couldn't buy better entertainment, she thinks, watching Faith's frantic attempts to work the lock. Finally, having been amused enough, she walks over and grabs the key from Faith.

" Here, let me get it," She smirks, walking over and unlocking the shed. She throws open the door.

"Thanks," Faith says, not all that gratefully, as she wheels in the cart. Tina follows her in, flipping on the light.

Faith trucks the load over to a corner where the rest of her stuff is sitting. She upends the truck, pulling it out from the bottom box. Putting the truck along the wall, she starts to try to organize the boxes she just brought in.

Tina's attention is caught by what appears to be an artist's easel, leaning at the far end of the pile. Next to it is something covered by blankets. She wanders over to investigate.

"Don't touch that stuff," Faith says, seeing where she's going.

"What?" Tina says, pulling away the blanket." What're you hiding? Drugs?" She turns and looks. And stops dead.

It's her portrait. The one Faith painted years ago, the one she used to have hanging in her house. Faith's first nude portrait.

"I thought this got lost when I moved… you still have it?" Tina turns to her, her cheeks flushed. "Why?"

"Dunno, guess I never got around to painting over it," Faith says, not looking at her. She makes herself busy.

Tina feels her irritation rise. "Paint over it? You'd do that?" Her tone is annoyed. "Look, if you don't want it, can I have it?"

The only answer she gets is a small grunt when Faith stacks a large box on top of another.

"C'mon, Faith. I mean, if you don't want it…"

"Didn't say that, did I?" Faith studiously avoids looking at her.

"You just said you were going to paint over it."

"No, I said I hadn't gotten around to painting over it," Faith says, turning towards her. "Maybe I never will."

"God, you're such a jerk!" Tina declares, turning away from painting. "Forget it. Don't want it anyway. It's crap."

"Yeah, you told me that before," Faith walks over to cover the paintings. "When we broke up. You said I was crappy at painting, and you didn't want it, and that you'd just burn it or something." She stares down at the paintings, then pulls out Tina's portrait. "Here, just take the damned thing. Do whatever… burn it or trash it …" She covers the rest of the paintings. "I don't give a damn." She lets Tina's painting lean against the rest, and walks away.

Tina walks over, and kneels by the painting. She stares into it, losing herself for a moment.

"Why'd you quit painting?" Tina asks, staring at herself staring back at her. "You were good…really good."

" Yeah, you told me," Faith, at the doorway, looks out. "C'mon, can we get outta here?"

"I mean it, Faith. I just said other stuff to hurt you," Tina stands up, going to her. "You were different. Better. You had something here…" She gestures at the painting. "I was pissed because you were leaving me, but I knew you had something…" She touches Faith's arm. "You should go back to it."

"Really not interested, ok? Got other stuff to do." Faith looks down at her, then looks away. "Gotta find somebody."

"Her, huh?" Tina's lips form a tight line. "Yeah, she really fucked you up, didn't she?" Her tone is bitter. "Can't think of nothing but her…"

"Not her, Tina," Faith shakes her head, "I know pretty much where she is," She turns to Tina. "No, she dumped me, I get that. I'm gonna get past it. But I gotta know why. She wouldn't tell me… not the whole thing. And I gotta know, you know?" Her face goes cold. "Yeah, she won't tell me, but I know someone who knows…and when I find that son of a bitch…"

" What? Who? Faith, you're making like no sense," Tina frowns. "Who the hell you talking about?"

" Bremer. Jack Bremer," Faith grins a sour smile. "You remember old Jack. Fishing hat guy."

Tina's eyes go wide, and her face darkens. "Oh yeah, I remember that bastard. Tried to run me outta business when I first bought the place. Guess the sleaze-o's around here didn't want me running the shop. He and some hired thugs tried to run me out," She smiles, but it's not a happy smile. "Remember I got a gun and stuck it under his chin to convince the bastard to back off." She looks at Faith. "Yeah, he was here before that even, when I was just running the place for the old guy. He tried to intimidate you. I remember you left him a couple of bruises…" She smirks, "So, that bastard's involved? Shit, I haven't seen him in nearly 2 years…"

" I saw him in Salem… when I was there… and he was at the meet Joyce had with … god, I guess it was her husband… couldn't have been no art dealer… all I know is after that she dumped me…and didn't give no good reason. I'm figuring, old Jack's got a clue," Faith's mouth twists down, "And I'm gonna beat it outta him."

"Faith, maybe you should just let it alone."

"Would you, Tina? Be honest. Would you just let it alone, if it were someone you loved?" Faith looks at her intently. "Would ya?"

Tina just stares into her eyes for a moment, then looks out the door.

"No, guess I wouldn't," She says, her voice flat. She starts back towards the store. "Gotta get back to work."

She starts across the alley, then stops. She turns back to Faith.

"I'll put the word out, see if anyone's seen him around. That guy's around somewhere, I'm sure. We'll find him."

" Thank, Tina," Faith says, smiling a small smile. " You're the best."

" Yeah, too bad you couldn't figure that out like, sooner?" Tina shrugs, and walks away.

Faith exits the shed, and locks it. She starts down the alley towards her car.

"Yeah, maybe," She says softly.

She exits the alley.

4

Buffy and Dawn stand looking at the sign in front of Sunnydale high, looking puzzled.

Sunnydale High School

"Totus peto of scientia es exspectata hic."

(All seekers of knowledge are welcome here.)

"What do you think it means, Buffy?" Dawn tilts her head to the side.

"Probably, the end of our lives as we know it," Buffy says, looking around at the campus. "Would ya look? They got fences around the campus. Geeze, they gotta lock 'em in to keep them in."

Neither is thrilled to be here. Back home in L.A. , both were relatively popular girls. They had their friends, they knew their place in the social order, pretty high up on the ladder, and they each had their 'special' guy.

Now, that was all done. They're here, in a knew school, the ' new kids' having to start all over. They'd never been ' the new kid' before, they'd always had their friends with them. They did know, however , how new kids are usually treated.

Like social diseases. Something you hear about, something that happens to other people. Something you don't want around you in case it's catching.

Buffy is particularly not loving this. She was very popular back at Hemery. A cheerleader throughout her career in high school, she'd just been elected Captain of the team. She was sure to have a lock on Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen… if they'd stayed in L.A.

Why'd we have to come to this jerkwater town, anyway? I mean, mom and dad got back together. Couldn't we have stayed in L.A.? It was my last year at Hemery. This was so gonna be my year. God, would you look at this place? Could it be more Mayberry? God, I hate this. All of it. My life is sooo over!

"Well, I guess it doesn't look too bad…" Dawn tries to smile, looking at the fences. " Maybe the kids will be cool…"

Buffy gives her sister a look.

" You're kidding, right? I mean, we've looked around Sunnydale. Geeze, what the hell do the kids do around here, anyway? Did you get a look at that joke they call a mall? And there's one movie theater, downtown, that seems to only play films made before 1970. One Starbucks, Dawn. One. Do they like line up to get their skinny lattes?" Buffy makes a rude gesture. " God, this is just a big waste of time, ya know? Why'd we have to move to this crummy little town, anyway?"

"Well, maybe if you hadn't started hanging with those creeps back in L.A., we could've stayed. Or did you forget you nearly got expelled from Hemery? You and you're moron friends really trashed the gym, Buff. What was that about?"

"You're blaming me for this?" Buffy makes a face. "I get suspended, so we move to Mayberry? Give me a break, ok? You know well as I do mom wanted to come up here. God knows why, but she did," Buffy's lips draw tight across her face. "We were cool in L.A. Why couldn't she just …"

"What, Buffy? Go along, forget that dad was…"

" You don't know he was …"

" You don't know he wasn't…"

" Excuse me!"

Buffy and Dawn turn to see a tall brunette girl, surrounded by a group, looking at them with a rather haughty expression on her face. They stare at her blankly.

"Move it," an imperious voice calls out just as they're shoved apart." Can't you losers find somewhere else to stand? Preferably not in my path?"

"What the…?" Buffy starts to reply, then stops speaking.

Probably the most elegantly dressed student she's ever seen stops and peers over her 300 dollar sunglasses at her. A smirk comes to her face, as she looks over Buffy and Dawn. She is surrounded by a coterie of girls, all similarly dressed.

"Well, well who have we got here?" She says to her group. "Barbie and Skipper."

The girls laugh. Buffy, on the other hand, feels a flush creeping up her neck. Who does she think she is? And were did she get those Manolo Blahniks? God, to die for!

"I gotta say, love the hair. Rather daring, don't you think girls? It's so… last month," The girl tilts her head. "Well, what can you expect?" She shrugs.

"Names Buffy. And while I'm not too impressed with Sunnydale, so far anyway, I gotta admit, they must pay the hookers pretty well," Buffy gives the girl a withering glance, "seeing how you're dressed honey."

The group of girls gasps. The tall brunette, however, just smiles. A nice, frozen smile with two tiny red dots appearing on her cheeks.

"Buffy?" The girl repeats, with a few drops of acid in her tone. "What kind of name is Buffy?"

Again, more laughter from the girls.

"You know something, Buffy? You're… spunky," The girl leans in, "I hate spunky. But, seeing you're new, I'll let it slide… this time. Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?"

"Well," Buffy says, with a straight face, 'I don't see a button saying 'I'm a stuck up ho, ask me how!' but, I figure that's close to the mark."

"Witty," the girl says, sourly," Spunky and witty. I see we're just going to have LOADS of fun together. Well, my name is Cordelia Chase. Hey, Skipper," She calls out to Dawn.

"Names Dawn, fashion victim," Dawn smirks.

"Dawn. How pretty. But you know what? I like Skipper better, so we'll just call you that. Just thought you might want to take notes, so you don't make the same social faux pas you're friend here's making."

" Oh, ok," Dawn pulls out her notebook with an elaborate gesture. She turns to the first page. "Let's see. Tall brunette dressed like a hooker, Cordelia Chase. Snotty 'tude to go with the outfit. Perfectly accessorized." Dawn close her notebook. " Got it, Cordeelya . So, did you buy that dress, or just kill the cow yourself?"

The group around Cordelia titters at the remark, to immediately fall deathly silent when Cordy gives them a look.

The sisters turn and give each other the high five. They turn back, staring at a slightly incensed Cordelia Chase. They smile broadly at her.

"Well, aren't you two the snarky twins? I'd almost think you were related. You have that kind of washed out look in common."

"Actually, we're sisters," Dawn pipes up, "the Summers' sisters. You might wanna remember that. Maybe your toadies could write that down for you?"

Buffy and Dawn exchange another high five.

"Summers, two. The bimbo, nothing." Buffy grins.

"You know? For white trash, you two are almost clever. But then, that's not much, considering," Cordelia turns to Dawn," Listen up, Skipper. You might want to remember this. I rule this school. And I can make your life miserable around here. No, wait, I WILL make your life miserable around here. So, if you're as smart as you pretend to be," She taps Dawn in the chest, "I'd make sure you stay out of my way." She pokes Dawn again. "Got me?" She pushes her a little.

She gives a little gasp when Buffy grabs her wrist.

"Hey, let go of me, Barbie." She tries to pull away, but Buffy holds on. "Let go!"

"Listen to me, Hodelia," Buffy glares at the taller girl. "I don't care who you think you are. No one touches my sister like that. Got me?" She drops Cordelia's wrist like a spoiled piece of fish.

Cordelia is about to make a cutting remark when she sees the fire in Buffy's eyes. For some reason, it makes her feel nervous. God, what's her trauma? I was just trying to clue in junior.

"What's your trauma? I was just cluing in your bratty sister, " She raises her nose, as if she's smelled something foul. "Listen, both of you. Don't mess with me. Not if you want to make it through the first week." She turns to her group. "C'mon, I think we've mucked around enough with the peasants for today."

She turns, and starts up the steps, followed by her coterie.

Buffy, once they've gone inside, snickers.

"Whatta dork," Buffy shakes her head, "She might dress ok, but god, can you say moron?"

"Yeah," A male voice says from behind them, "She's pretty much a moron. But a dangerous moron."

Buffy and Dawn turn around to see a tall guy with black hair and a friendly smile, accompanied by a slender redhead, with a generous dusting of freckles and a slightly mischievous grin. They're both giving Buffy and Dawn the once over.

" Gotta admit, Xan, that was pretty gutsy of them, though."

" Yeah, but points off because they didn't know who Queen C is."

" Queen C?" Buffy looks puzzled.

" Cordelia, the one you just insulted," Dawn adds in.

" Oh yeah. The stuck up snotty bitch, got it. Queen C. How…quaint," Buffy says, smirking.

" Laugh now, grasshopper. But Queen C can make good on her threat," Xander, the boy, says. "She has the power of the dark force with her." He makes the sign of the cross in front of himself. "She's definitely evil."

" Grasshopper?" Buffy feels her neck reddening. She's a little touchy about her size.

" Xander, stop with the geek," The girl gives him a look. She turns to Buffy. "You got to forgive him. He sometimes just can't help himself."

" I was just giving a friendly warning to the new guys. Er, girls," Xander corrects himself. "I mean, you'd do that for anyone, right?"

" Who ARE you two?" Buffy can't decide whether to be annoyed or amused by the pair. " Are you like the social registry here, or what?"

" Or what, actually," The girl sticks out her hand. " I'm Willow, and this goofball is Xander."

"Hey," Xander sticks out his hand.

"Hey," Dawn takes Xander's hand. Hmmm. Kinda cute. Geeky, but that's fixable. Could have yummy potential.

"Hey," Buffy says, a little put off by the two. " I'm Buffy, and this is my little sister, Dawn."

"Buffy? I'm taller than you," Dawn never gets tired of reminder her of that fact.

"Sorry," Buffy says, acidly, "My kid sister, Dawn."

" Not a kid, Buffy," She makes a face." Only two years younger than you, dope."

" Don't push it Dawnie," Buffy growls softly.

" I liked it better when you were a cheerleader. Then you were just overly peppy. The new grouchy? Not a good look for you."

" Cheerleader?" Xander and Willow look at each other, and step back a pace. "Sorry, we didn't know."

" They looked so normal," Willow says to Xander.

" You can't tell anymore by just looking at them. I think they all have a tattoo behind he right ear to identify them."

"Huh?" Both Buffy and Dawn are confused now.

"Being seen with us? Not good if you're like, going to be a cheerleader or something," Willow says, "When you stood up to Cordelia, we thought…"

"We thought wrong." Xander says, "Obviously, a power play." He looks at the Summers' sisters. "We'll go now."

Dawn sees the loss of a potential boyfriendly, and breaks from Buffy.

"Wait! I'm not a cheerleader," She says, moving towards Willow and Xander. "It's Buffy that's … well, pom-pom happy."

"I'm not a cheerleader!" Buffy protests, "Ok, I was a cheerleader, but I'm over it." When did being a cheerleader become bad?

"I dunno, she looks rather perky," Xander says, dead pan, " It could be a trick."

"Maybe we should take her by the trophy case. See if she breaks out into spontaneous cheering."

"She still has her old cheerleading outfit," Dawn says, "And her pom-poms."

"Sounds bad. Sounds really bad," Xander says, wisely.

Buffy looks at the three of them. She frowns, and backs away.

"You're crazy. Both of you. All three of you." She turns, and starts walking towards the entrance.

"Hey, hey… we were only kidding," Willow takes off after her, catching up. "It was just a joke."

Xander flanks her on the left.

"Yeah, I mean, we're in awe of what you did to Cordelia. We really like you."

"Get away from me," Buffy says, walking faster.

"Buffy, chill. It's just a joke," Dawn starts trotting to catch-up.

"Go away!" Buffy disappears inside the front doors.

"Where are you going?" Willow follows after. "You're new here. How do you know where you're going?" She disappears inside the doorway.

"Is she always so moody?" Xander turns to Dawn. "She seems majorly touchy."

Dawn shrugs, "She gets that way, sometimes. It's a blonde thing, I think."

"So, can I show you were the office is?" Xander smiles. Pretty girl, isn't running the other way or trying to mace me. Bonus! "I mean, you got to go to the office, right? To check in."

" Sure," Dawn smiles.

The walk into the building together.

5

"I need a break, Tina"

Tina and Faith are sitting on the large bed, both nude. They're in a small 'peepshow' room, decorated to simulate a old Victorian style bedroom, including the imitation red velvet wallpaper, the four poster bed with a canopy, and other 'period' furniture. All in all the effect is somewhat cheap and tired, but effective enough for the clientele. They aren't there to look at the furniture.

"I told ya, Faith, there's a couple of conventions in town this weekend. We're making money hand over fist, and I can't afford to stop now. We don't get a lot of days like this."

"We've been at it all day nonstop. I need to get something to eat."

"Here, take this," Tina reaches across the bed to the nightstand. She opens a drawer, and comes out with a small plastic baggie. She opens it, and takes out a couple of pills. She hands them to Faith.

"What the hell are these?" Faith looks at the small white pills. Like I don't know.

"Pure energy, babe. Take those, you'll be fucking flying, won't feel tired anymore," Tina grins. "Go on."

"Fuck you, Tina, you know I don't do this shit," Faith hands the pills back to Tina.

"Whatever, Fai. But not stoppin' the show so you can get a beauty rest. We're making 10 bucks for every 5 minutes, and frankly, this is the best it's been in awhile. So, no breaks, not for a few more hours."

Faith feels exhausted. She can't do another couple of hours without something. The look on Tina's face tells her she's not budging. She frowns, but puts out her hand. What the fuck, who cares anyway?

Tina grins, and hands her the pills. Faith pops them in her mouth, and swallows.

Just then a loud buzz is heard.

"Whoop! Showtime." Tina grabs Faith, and they go into an embrace.

The man, feeling nervous, draws the curtain on the private booth and goes to the single chair, sitting dead center a few feet from what appears to be a blank wall.

He's obviously had a few to drink, and is here on a 'dare' from his buddies. He's dressed conservatively, if somewhat inexpensively, in a gray suit and tie. He sits down, and looks around.

The booth itself is lit by a single overhanging bulb from the ceiling. To his right is a slot, the kind you see at vending machines that take bills. Over it is a little sign that says. " 10 dollars for five minutes." Mounted on the left side wall of the booth is a roll of paper towels, in case the customer needs to take care of him/herself. The final item is a small call box, with a button, mounted by the chair.

The man pulls out his wallet, and takes out a couple of bills. He slips a bill in the slot on the right, and a loud buzzer goes off. A large metal curtain rises, and behind it is revealed a bedroom, decorated in old fashioned heavy furniture, a four poster bed the centerpiece.

On the bed, two very naked women are in a passionate embrace, kissing and fondling each other. One is platinum blonde; the other has long brunette hair. Both seem unaware of his presence as they continue making out.

He sits quietly, but his breathing becomes shallower and louder, and his complexion takes on a reddish flush. He starts to sweat a little, and uses his handkerchief to daub at his brow. He continues to watch as the women seem to move onto more explicit, and sexually excited moves.

Finally, the brunette looks up at him and smiles. She grabs the blonde, and sitting up, holds her so she's facing the man. She starts playing with the blonde's breasts.

"Hey, baby. Like what you see? Like watching me play with my girlfriend?" Faith licks Tina's neck. "Pretty hot, huh?" She starts to rub her pelvis into Tina's butt. "So, stud, wanna play director? Put another 10 bucks in the slot, and use the call box to tell us exactly what you want us to do. We wanna make you hot, Stud." Faith winks at him.

The man gulps, and slips another bill into the slot. He then presses the call button.

"Can you… do you got one of those… well, fake dicks? I'd like to see you fuck your girlfriend" The man is almost salivating.

"Sure baby," Faith winks. She gets up, and going to the dresser, takes out a strap on. It's large, 10 inches long and 2 ½ inches thick. She slips the strap on over her hips, and adjusts it. When finished, she walks over the bed, standing so the customer can get a good look.

"Make her suck it," The man says eagerly, "God, I love to watch that."

"Sure, lover. Anything you want." She smiles seductively at the client.

Stepping back a little, she turns to Tina.

"C'mon, bitch. Come over here and suck my cock. Make it nice and wet so I can fuck your hot little cunt."

Tina slips off the bed, and walking over to Faith, kneels down and takes the dildo in her mouth. She starts to lick it and suck on the end, making little sighing happy noises. Faith holds her head, pretending to get off on getting her 'cock sucked'.

"Oh yeah, that's great. Do it more, take it down your throat," The man exclaims, reaching down and starting to rub himself through his suit.

For the next hour, the man kept feeding the slot bills as Faith and Tina simulated various acts of simulated sex. After awhile, he ' freed himself' from the restraints of his pants, using paper towels to contain his mess.

Finally, out of money, the steel curtain slid back down for the last time.

Somewhat embarrassed, he gets up and straightens his clothing, dropping a number of wadded towels into the small wastebasket. He looks at the wall longingly, wishing he had more money.

Finally, he exits the booth, head down so he won't be recognized.

And another customer enters, feeling nervous and anxious.

6

"Where is it?"

Joyce tears through her closet, looking for a specific blouse. Her lucky blouse.

She has a large deal today… one that could make this year a very good year. But there is still some negotiating to do, and she wants all the cards in her corner. So, she wants to wear her 'lucky' blouse.

This blouse has come through before, and she really wants it now.

But, she can't find it. She's looked everywhere, and the blouse just isn't anywhere. She's beginning to feel a little panic. This deal could really mean the difference between a good year, and a phenomenal year. She NEEDS the confidence of the lucky blouse.

Can't I ever catch a break? I swear, someone hates me up there. I need this blouse. Now, where is it? It's got to be here. It's HAS to be. I know I had it on the trip… She stops for a moment, thinking about the trip. About Boston… I wore that the day I met Faith. That was… beyond lucky. So, don't you get it? I need that now! I need this now! You've taken just about everything else from me… her from me… She stops a second, the ache a little strong in her chest… so, c'mon, give it up!

As she's frantically pushing aside hung clothing, her foot hits something. She looks down, and sees a suitcase sitting on the floor of the closet.

That's the one I took to Salem. I … god, I don’t remember even unpacking it. Did I? Her brow furrows in thought, trying to remember if she did. She finally shakes her head. No, I didn't. I just threw everything in there from the hotel room… and later, I didn't want to open it… it … god… could it be in there? But why would I pack it for Salem? Oh, god, never mind; just take a look!

Joyce picks up the case, and moves to the bed. She puts it down, and stares at it for a moment. She reaches out, touching the case, almost caressing it. All of the things that happened in those couple of days come back, full force. It's like it occurred yesterday. She feels her eyes tear up, and she picks up the case, to return it to the closet.

Forget it. I don't need a stupid blouse. Just stupid superstition, you know? God, if I can't make a deal without my 'lucky blouse', then maybe I should be doing something else. I really just don't need to open this can of worms…

And when exactly do you plan to open it again, Joyce? A year? Two years? 10 years? You're being stupid. Never mind the blouse, you've got to just deal with it, all of it. It's over, she's gone, and she's not coming back. Time to put it behind you, and accept what happened. What you told her that day was right. It just wasn't meant to happen. Sure, you lied through your teeth, telling her essentially you never loved her, but still… better you were cruel then, then string her along… right? You can't just keep it all locked up in some case now. Just …

Ok, ok, ok! I'll do it. But later. Not now. I've got to go now, get to the gallery. I've got an important deal to …

Now, Joyce. Right now, or you'll never do it. You'll shove it back in the closet, and try to forget about it, but it's always going to be there until you just deal and put it behind you! Just do it, and stop stalling!

Joyce, still conflicted, takes the case back to the bed, flinging it down. She stares at the case, exasperated.

"I don't have time for this. I'll do it later," She mutters to herself. All the while, not moving.

You know you won't. You'll find some excuse not to do it, and it'll never get done. What're you afraid of?

"Nothing," She mumbles. She flips the locks, and opens the case.

Inside the case is a mess. She'd pretty much just thrown things in the bag, not wanting to hang around, but get out of there. She stirs around in the jumble, and pulls out a rather wrinkled blouse. She makes a face.

"Well, can't wear that," she grumbles, looking at her 'lucky' blouse. Why'd I ever take it to Salem, anyway? God, teach me not to unpack a bag. Sighing, she carefully folds it and puts it over a chair to be taken care of later. Well, I guess this deal will just have to get done on my own skill and luck. She pauses. That's a scary thought, considering.

She walks back to the suitcase, about to close it up, when she stops. What's this? She looks at it, and picks it up.

It's a maroon pull over sweater. Thing is, she doesn't have a maroon sweater. She doesn't particularly like the color on herself. And, it's not her size.

Oh, god, it hits her, it's got to belong to Faith. I must've gotten it mixed up with my stuff when I was packing…

She stares at it, feeling the soft wool in her hands. She closes her eyes, and can almost see Faith wearing the sweater on that day in Salem. Unconsciously, she brings it to her nose, and inhales the remnants of Faith's scent still clinging to the sweater.

That day comes back to her in a flash, the good time they had, walking around, taking in the sites. The concert, the restaurant. And after. Definitely, the after. The memory is so strong, so bittersweet, it hits her like blow. The longings, the hurt all comes back in a flash. The way Faith looked at her, so hurt, when she told her it was over that next day. After that incredible night they'd spent together. That night that literally changed Joyce forever.

Without even realizing it, the tears start to flow down her face. She finds it hard to breath, until a small sob breaks out from her chest. She stands there, a little lost, clutching the sweater.

"Hey, Mom, do you think…" Buffy stops at Joyce's bedroom door, seeing her standing very still, shaking. " Mom? Is everything ok?"

" Buffy? Oh, sure, everything's fine," Joyce surreptitiously wipes away the tears. Stuffing the sweater back in the case, she closes it quickly, and returns it to the closet.

"Mom? Are you ok? Is something wrong?" Buffy asks, entering the room. "Have you been crying?" She notices Joyce's red face and eyes.

"No, sweetie. Everything's fine. Just a touch of allergies, you know?" She smiles, and touches Buffy's arm. "Did you want something, sweetie?"

"I was just wondering if I could hook a ride with you to the mall?"

"Sure, baby. I'm going past it on my way to the Gallery. Ummm… I need to finish dressing, Buffy. Could you give me 5 minutes?"

"Sure mom, " Buffy says, a slightly puzzled tone in her voice. "Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yes, honey, Fine. Don't worry, mom isn't falling apart or nothing. Wait for me downstairs."

"Ok, mom," Buffy says, leaving the room.

As she walks down the hall, Buffy has a bewildered expression on her face.

She's lying to me. I know she is. Why? What happened? Why won't she tell me?

Why does she have to lie to me?

7

Faith and Tina lay on the large Victorian bed, in a 69 position. Faith is on top, her head between Tina's thighs. They are both covered in fine sheen of sweat. They appear to be busily eating each other out.

The sound of the metal curtain separating the room from the viewing booth is heard, and as soon as they hear it clink on the floor, their apparent activity comes to a halt. They wait for a moment, to see if it's going to go back up. When it's clear it's not, Faith rolls off Tina, lying on her back. Both are panting a little.

They sit up, look at each other, and then burst out laughing.

"GAWD!" Tina almost shouts," I thought that son of a bitch was never gonna finish!"

"Shit, how long was that? How long were we performing for him?" Faith pants, overtaken by giggles.

"Dunno, musta been close to two hours," Tina wipes a little sweat off her brow." Shit, I don't remember. I think I fuzzed out after the first hour."

"How the hell did he like last so long?" Faith shakes her head." Fuck he musta taken Viagra or something. Crap, that stuff's gonna kill us one of these days." She laughs out loud. Then give Tina a look." That's not the only thing that'll kill us… geeze, Tina, what did you have for lunch?" Faith wrinkles up her nose.

"What? I had Chinese. Same as you!"

"Well, you musta gotten the bad batch, cuz whatever it was? Aint agreeing with you," Faith moves a little away from the smaller blonde. "I thought for sure you were gonna gas me to death."

"Sorry," Tina flushes. "I don't know where that came from. But hey, you could've brushed after. Breath, girl, whew!"

"Maybe. But at least I wasn't spewing cheap rocket fuel in your face."

"Hey, not my fault." Tina protests. "Couldn't help it!"

"You could've warned me, you know," Faith waves her hand in front of her face.

"You're evil!" Tina pouts, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Awww… did I hurt you widdle feewings…" Faith comes over, putting an arm around her. "…stinky butt?"

"Stop it!" Tina hits her, but giggles. Faith grins, giving her a hug.

" God, did you see how that guy was hung?" Faith's grin widens. "I swear, I've seen better hung squirrels."

"Faith, that's terrible," Tina frowns, then giggles. "True, but terrible."

"God, I wanted to give him a magnifying glass so he could find it. Looked like he was having trouble."

Both girls laugh at that.

It's been a few weeks since Faith started taking regular shifts at the boutique. Since her birthday, Faith has made a real effort to avoid needing 'rescue' again. She's started looking for Jack Bremer again, going to various bars and clubs around Southie to try to find the elusive sleuth. She hasn't been successful so far; but it gives her something to concentrate on. She knows if she can find the sleazoid, she can get some answers.

For Tina, it's been easier. No more midnight calls to drag her out of some bar, or 3 a.m. calls to bail her out of jail. She's still worried about Faith, however. This new mission, to find Jack Bremer, still is tied to the big problem. Despite Faith's words, she still hasn't really 'moved on' from Joyce. Any mention of 'Joyce' is likely to cause tension; she does her best to avoid the subject. Faith doesn't bring it up, and Tina certainly isn’t going to bring it up. Still, it's worrisome to her; Faith could fall back off the wagon any time.

"So, ummm… think we can take a break?" Faith asks, looking at the shutters. "Things seem to have…"

At that moment, the red warning light goes off, along with the buzzer.

"Sorry, babe, looks like it's show time." She slips her arms around Faith," So, you wanna be on top this time?"

Faith shrugs, so Tina takes command, pulling her into a hot embrace as the steel curtain rises.

Faith, facing Tina and away from the window, starts to get into the kiss. Could be worse, Faith thinks, as they start to fondle each other, Some of the girls are just plain rough and stupid. Merrie, for one. God, that girl doesn't brush her teeth like… Ow! Hey! What the fuck?

Tina has gone stiff in her arms, and is poking Faith.

"What? What is it?" Faith whispers, not sure what's wrong with her partner.

"Faith, look, look at the customer…" Tina whispers quietly at her.

" What're you talking about? I don't do that til later. Give them a little more show to …"

" Just look!" Tina hisses at her.

Faith takes a look behind her , and stiffens. She breaks the embrace with Tina.

" Son of a BITCH!"

Jack Bremer is pissed off.

"What the fuck's going on?" He growls, as the shutter starts to lower itself almost immediately after raising. "I paid my fucking money, what kinda rip off is this?"

He noticed the blonde girl reached over and pressed a button on the wall, and the curtain started going back down. What kinda scam are they pulling around here? I paid up, show me the fucking girls. Stupid cunt closed the curtain. What's the deal?

" Hey!" he gets up, walking to the window. "Open the fucking curtain back up. I paid for this, I don't like being ripped off. Get this shit back open." He starts pounding on the glass window. "Open it the fuck UP!"

When he gets no response, he blows his top.

"Goddamn stupid assholes! Who they fuck do they think they're playing with? Jack Bremer don't get cheated, no sir. Fuck it, I'm going to the manager, and that fucker better do something, or I'm gonna…"

"What, Jack?" A female voice says from behind him. "What exactly are you gonna do?"

"What the hell? " He turns around to confront Tina and Faith. Both are dressed now; Tina in a black gi, Faith in sweats. "What're you sluts doing out here? You're supposed to be fucking each other over there!" he points at the window. "I'm so gonna get you bitches fired. I don't like being cheated!"

" Kinda hard, Jack, since I own the place," Tina says, moving in. "though, you did try to run me out couple of years back…"

"What the fuck you talking about, Blondie?" Jack asks, taking a harder look at you." Do I know you? How do you know my name? Fuck, I don't care…"

"Isn't that just like a guy?" Tina says to Faith. "Comes here, fucks around with you, and can he even remember your name? Whatta jerk, ya know?"

"… listen, Blondie," He starts to reach into his coat. "I don't know your game, but I'm gonna…"

Tina does a jump kick, slamming him into the wall. Faith comes over, and gut punches him.

"What were ya gonna do now, Jackie boy?" Tina kicks him in the stomach, "I didn't quite catch that."

Jack groans, holding his stomach. "What the fuck's wrong with you bitches?"

"Nothing wrong with me, Jackie boy," Tina feints another kick, and laughs when Jack tenses to block it. "My girl here, however, now she's pissed!"

Faith pushes Jack back hard up against the wall.

"Listen to me, sleazoid. Three months ago in Salem. You were working for a guy. Don't know his name for sure, but I think it's Summers. Remember that?"

"Don't know what you're talkin' about," Jack says.

"Whoa! Wrong answer," Faith brings her elbow up, smashing it across his face. " Does that help you remember, Jack?"

"Are you deaf?" Jack, starting to bleed from his cut lip, yells at her. "I don't know nothing about no three months ago in Salem."

"You're really not getting it, are ya, Baby?" Faith slams his head again, with the other elbow. "I know it was you, moron. You were that stupid fishing hat, thinking it makes you blend. It makes you stick out like a sore thumb. Now, again. What were you doing in Salem," She gut punches him.

"You stupid bitch!" Jack takes a swing at Faith, hitting her face. Tina kicks him, knocking him against the wall. She uses his stomach as a punching bag.

"Shit, why does everybody hit my face?" Faith says, furiously, holding her jaw. She comes over, and slams Jack against the wall. "Ok, mother fucker, I'm so done playing with you." She grabs his crotch." Now tell me what the fuck I wanna know or…" She gives his balls a gentle twist.

Even that is enough to make him groan. He looks at Faith, eyes wide.

" Talk, bastard! Or, I'm gonna fucking rip them off." She stares at him.

"Ok, ok, fuck…just don't…" He sweats a little. "What the fuck do you wanna know?"

"Salem. 3 months ago. You were working for a guy named Summers. What the fuck were you doing for him?" She makes like she's going to twist his crotch again." Tell me, you shit…"

"Fine, fine… yeah, I was working for that dude. I was trailing his wife. Tryin' to get some dirt on her." Despite his pain, he smirks at her. "God, what a joke. I couldn't get nothing in Boston. Not until you two went to Salem…" He sneers t her," then you two started getting all friendly like. Yeah, baby, really friendly. So I took some pics, and planted a camera in your room. Real nice stuff I got there."

"You fucking…" She twists his balls, hard. "Why, what was the deal? What did he want it for?"

Jack groans loudly, bending over.

"Divorce. She was suing him for divorce, and he wanted something on her. He threatened to take her kids away."

"What else?" She twists him again, as he groans loudly.

"Fuck, that's it. He was going to use the stuff I got on you two to have her declared an unfit mother," Jack babbles, afraid she's going to hurt him again. " Said he'd ruin her professionally and personally. God, the poor lady turned white…"

"You sleazy piece of shit," Faith drops her grip on his balls, and begins pounding on him. "You bastard. You fucking dickless crap" She goes a little insane, hitting him over and over. "How the fuck could you do that, you sonofabitch !" She keeps hitting him, back, head gut anywhere she can get to . He falls to the floor, unconscious. She starts to jump on him, but Tina grabs her, pulling her back.

"Faith, Faith!" She cries, pinning Faith's arms to her side. "He's out, stop! You're gonna kill him!"

"Let me GO!" Faith yells, trying to shake Tina off. "Fuck, I wanna kill the bastard. He deserves to fucking die!"

" FAITH!" Tina slams Faith against the wall. She hauls back, and slaps her, hard. " STOP IT! I'm not gonna let you kill him! Idiot, aren't things bad enough! COOL DOWN!" She presses against Faith, pinning her to the wall. "Just cool down, baby. Killing him won't help."

Faith, overwrought, all the pain she's stored up breaking loose, shoves Tina back, and goes for Jack. Right now he's the closest target, the focus for her anger. She jumps on him, starting to swing away.

Tina, knowing Faith will go too far, goes over, and kicks Faith in the head, knocking her out. She gently hauls her over to the corner, propping her up. " Sorry baby," She murmurs to the unconscious girl, " but you just get too crazy fucked up sometimes."

She walks over, and grabbing the unconscious man, drags him out of the booth.

Jack Bremer comes to suddenly, jerking awake. He tries to sit up, but someone's kneeling on his chest.

It's Tina. She's holding a 9mm Glock pistol to his head. He starts to sweat again.

" Don't move, don't even breathe heavy, got it scum boy?" Tina stares at him.

" I got it," He growls.

"Listen real good, cuz I'm saying this once, then I'll just fucking do it. Here's the deal. I'm gonna let you walk outta this alley alive. YOU aren't gonna do nothing to Faith. Got it?" She pokes the gun against his head. "I'm not hearing you. You got that, Jackie boy?"

"Yeah, I got it," He mutters. "Can I get up now?"

"We're not done yet, Jack," Tina says. "I don't wanna see you around here no more. Every time I see you, I get an ulcer. Cuz you're bad news, pal. So, do us both a favor. Stay the fuck away." She puts the barrel of the pistol under his chin. "Am I clear? Do you have any questions?" She jabs him with the barrel of the gun.

"I get it, I get it, ok?" Jack says, staring balefully at her.

She gets off his chest, all the while pointing the pistol at him.

"Get up, slowly," She orders, watching him. "Don't move fast, cuz I'm kinda itchy, and I might just kill you here and now."

Jack gets up, watching her like a bird watches a snake. He brushes himself off.

"Get going," Tina says, "Sooner I see your back, better I like it."

"I don't get it," Jack says, straightening out his cheap suit. "I get her getting so fucking upset. But you know it's just business. It’s not personal. Just doing a job," he gives her a sidelong look. " What's your deal? She's just one of your sluts. Why're you getting involved? Why do you even care?"

"Maybe cuz you just make me sick, asshole," Tina snarls at him. "You're bad news. Fucking with my girls? Bad for business. So, get the fuck out."

Jack smiles enigmatically.

" Yeah. Business. Got it," He says. He turns, and starts down the alley. He stops halfway down, and turns back. " Can't figure it. She's really crazy about that old broad, huh? Who'd guess it?"

Laughing, he walks away.

Tina watches him until he turns a corner and disappears. She then slips the Glock into her waistband, and heads for her shop.

Yeah, who'd figure it?

8

Joyce leans against the wall of the warehouse, looking around at the freight that still needs to be opened, sorted, catalogued and stored away.

I'm never going to finish it tonight, she sighs, looking around. I should've had Taylor stay and help out. She smiles. But her beau was here, and the poor girl's got a life. Oh, well, not like I have anything else to do…

Joyce recalls the frantic phone call she received hours ago from Taylor. She was at home, in the middle of dinner with her girls.

Maybe more accurately, in the middle of another argument with Buffy.

"Mom, c'mon, you promised!" Buffy says, frowning. "What the big deal? It's not a date. Just going to meet a couple of friends at the Bronze …"

"Did you finish your homework, Buffy?" Joyce asks, "you're not repeating last years grades, young lady. You're a senior now, you've got to think about college…"

"Oh for goodness sakes. I'm not gonna blow off homework, just delay it. It's only for a couple of hours," Buffy says.

"It's a school night, Buffy. When you're homework's done, we'll see…"

"It's not fair! Dawn gets to go!" Buffy complains, "I'm older than she is. I should be allowed to go too!"

"Dawn finished her schoolwork. You haven't. See the difference here?" Joyce says, growing a little irritated. "If you want me to treat you like an adult, Buffy, you've got to act like one. Meaning, you take care of your responsibilities, first."

"This is bogus!" Buffy exclaims, rising from the table. "You can't do this to me, I'm an adult."

"Sit down, Buffy, and finish your dinner," Joyce says, her temper on the edge. "You're acting like a child."

"Not hungry," Buffy says, "going up to my room. To do my homework," She adds, slightly sarcastically.

"Buffy, we don't just run out on meals around…" Joyce is interrupted by the phone. She gets up to answer it. "Sit down, Buffy. We're not done here."

Joyce exits into the kitchen.

Buffy notices Dawn staring at her.

"What?" She says, a little angrily.

"Do you have to do that? At every meal? I swear Buffy, I'd like to get through one dinner without a fight. Why can't you try to be less… " Dawn trails off.

"Less what, Dawn?" Buffy glares at her.

"Of a brat, Buff. Geeze, you had all afternoon to finish your homework."

"Had other things to do. I'll get it done, mom," Buffy frowns at her. "Geeze, isn't one stick in the mud around here enough?"

"Buffy, mom's right. You could've finished your homework by now…"

"God, you always take her side, Dawn. You're such a suck up."

"Yeah, and you're such a fu… mom!" Dawn sees Joyce come in, looking worried. "What's up?"

"Oh, that was Taylor from the gallery? We got a large estate shipment in, and they need me down there to help unpack it. I'm going to have to go." She picks up her half eaten meal and heads towards the kitchen.

"Mom! What about the Bronze?" Buffy isn't going to give up on this.

"Sit down and finish dinner, Buffy. Then upstairs and finish you're homework. IF you get done and still have time, you can go… but no Bronze until you're done. Understand?"

" That's not fair!" Buffy exclaims.

" Buffy, I don't have time for this. No homework, no Bronze? Got it?"

"All right, ok, I got it," Buffy sits down, frowning.

Joyce takes her dishes into the kitchen, and Buffy breaks out in a sly smile.

" What?" Dawn is suspicious.

"Goin' to the Bronze." Buffy grins.

"You heard mom…"

"Yeah, I did. How's she gonna know? She's gonna be out…"

"I'll tell her…"

"Sure, Dawn, you do that. And I'll tell her about that lipstick you swiped from the mall the other day. Wonder how she'll like that one?" Buffy looks at her sister, grinning.

"You wouldn't!"

"Try me!"

"Fine, Buffy. Whatever. Flunk out, do whatever you wanna do."

"That's the plan, Dawnie," Buffy smiles. She's calmly finishing her dinner when Joyce returns.

"I'm probably going to be gone for awhile, girls. Are you going to be ok?"

"Mom, I'm almost 18, and Dawn's 16. I think we'll be ok alone for awhile." Her sarcastic tone is obvious.

Joyce bites back a response, just letting it go.

"If you need me, I'll be at the Gallery. The number's on the pad by the phone. Or call my cell." She walks to the front closet to retrieve her coat. "I'll try not to be too late."

"We'll be fine, mom," Buffy says in a world weary 'when will she leave' tone.

"Mom…" Dawn gets up, ready to bust Buffy.

"Dawnie," Buffy grabs her hand. When Dawn turns towards her, she licks her lips. " Don't."

"Dawn? Did you want something?" Joyce asks, coming back into the dining room.

" No, mom. Just drive safe, ok?"

"Sure honey," Joyce looks at her daughters . She gets a feeling something's going on. " everything ok between you two?"

"Just peachy, with a side of keen," Buffy says, brightly. "Right, Dawnie?"

"Yeah, just fine mom," Dawn goes along with it.

"Ok," Joyce says, not at all mollified. Something's going on here. "I'll try not to be too late."

"Bye, mom," Buffy says. Don't take all night to leave mom!

"Bye, mom," Dawn echoes.

Joyce walks to the front door, and opens it on Xander , whose hand is mid-air in a knock, and Willow, who looks somewhat flustered and surprised.

"Hello, can I help you?" Joyce asks, a little surprised.

"Uhhh… Hi, I'm Xander…" Xander says.

"And I'm Willow," Willow adds, "We're …"

"I'm going to make a wild leap here, and figure you're here to see Buffy and Dawn?" Joyce asks.

"Yes!" Willow says, looking a little relieved. " We're here to see Buffy and Dawn."

"Well, they're just finishing dinner. Did you want to come in?"

"Oh," Xander says, "We didn't know. We're ok here." He stands still, blocking the doorway.

"We can wait," Willow agrees, not moving.

"Uh, well. You see, I have to leave, so… someone's got to move," Joyce smiles. She backs up, waving her arm. "Come in, you can wait in the living room."

Willow and Xander enter, and walk into the living room. They stand looking at Joyce.

"Sit, it's ok. The furniture won't bite," Joyce can't help it, she chuckles. "I'll tell the girls you're here."

Joyce walks into the dining room, where Buffy and Dawn are staring at each other. Neither looks happy.

"You have company. A Xander and a Willow. They're waiting in the living room for you, when you're done," She looks at the girls, noting the tension. "Is everything ok in here?"

"Yeah, fine mom," Buffy says, giving Dawn a look.

"Sure mom, just fine," Dawn returns the look.

"Yes, well…" figuring it's better she doesn't know what's going on. I'll hear it soon enough, I'm sure." Finish up, and you're both on dish duty tonight, so clean up the kitchen, please? And Buffy?

"Yeah, mom?" Buffy turns to Joyce.

"I want that homework done before you leave tonight."

Dawn grins brightly, and Buffy's face darkens just a little.

"Aw mom," then she thinks better of it, and smiles. "Ok, mom, no prob."

"Goodnight, girls." Joyce says, leaving before anything else happens.

She walks back to the living room, where Willow and Xander have taken a seat.

"They'll be done in a few minutes." She smiles.

"Thanks Mrs. Summers." Willow says, smiling.

"Goodnight," Joyce walks out of the room, and leaves by the front door.

I better remember to call later, to check up on Buffy. Make sure she finished her schoolwork. She gave in way too easy…

Joyce! Don't be such a mom! She's almost an adult.

Yes, now, it'd be nice if she'd start acting like one.

Sighing, she enters her car, and after starting it up, pulls it out of the driveway.

Joyce looks at the loading dock behind the gallery, and sighs.

Crates and boxes have been dumped unceremoniously onto the platform. The truck that brought them is long gone.

"I'm sorry, Joyce, I didn't want to call you, but I didn't know what else to do," Taylor, Joyce's assistant, says. "They came into the shop while I was busy with a client, handed me a form to sign. It wasn't until later I found this…" Taylor sweeps her arms around to indicate the pile on the loading dock. " Tom had already left for the day. I… just couldn't get it all in by myself." Taylor looks flustered and apologetic. " I really didn't want to call you at home…"

"It's ok, Taylor," Joyce puts her arm on younger woman's shoulder. "You did the right thing, calling me." She sighs. "Well, I guess we'll just have to get the hand truck and get it in best we can…" She looks at the load of artwork and shakes her head. "I can't believe they didn't offer to help. Well, last time we use that delivery service."

"I'm really sorry. Really. I couldn't leave the customer, she seemed interested in the 18th Century panel, and I know you've been looking for a buyer… and I though Tom was back here supervising this…" her face falls. " this is such a mess…"

"Taylor, it's fine. We'll get it. Stop worrying about it," Joyce smiles.

Joyce is fond of her assistant, but sometimes the girl just gets too wound up over little things. Not a tragedy, dear, really. Joyce thinks, looking around. At least it'll keep me busy for awhile. Better than hanging around the house.

Taylor Rourke is a third year art student at UC Sunnydale, majoring in Art History, and came highly recommended from the University and her last employer.

Joyce had been struck with her physical resemblance to Faith. She had the same basic build, the same long, dark wavy hair, and dark eyes. At times, Joyce almost called her Faith, she looked so much like her. Is that why I hired her? Because of the resemblance? No, that's stupid. She's well qualified for the job. Still, the resemblance was a little eerie.

Joyce was happy with the young girl most of the time, but unlike Faith, she was very shy and retiring. Not a real go getter, and sometimes, she panicked a little too easily. Still, she was efficient, hard working and eager to learn, so Joyce had no real complaints about her.

Joyce walks over to a covered box by the bay doors of the loading dock, and unlocking it, presses a button. The loading dock door slowly rolls up its track to reveal the back room of the gallery. She walks in as the door rises, switching on the lights.

" Taylor? IF you could start arranging the stuff into loads for the hand truck, that would be very helpful," Joyce calls out, disappearing into the large, cavernous space.

"Ok, Joyce," Taylor replies, starting towards the pile. "Oh, by the way, Billy will be here in 30 minutes to pick me up. Maybe we can put him to work." She starts stacking some boxes in a separate pile.

Joyce reappears, pushing the hand truck in front of her.

"Another date with Billy?" Joyce smiles, approaching Taylor. "Hmmm. Is this getting serious?"

Taylor blushes. "I dunno, he's kinda nice…" She moves some more boxes into the pile.

" Kind of nice, eh?" Joyce teases her a little. " Seems you're all smiles and blushes when he shows up." Joyce starts loading up the hand truck. "and the fact that he's a major hottie? I'm sure that doesn't hurt, either!"

"Joyce, please!" Taylor blushes a deeper shade of red. Then she smiles a little shyly. "He is kinda hot, isn't he?"

"Oh, yes," Joyce smiles. "Back in the stone age, when I was dating, we'd call him dreamy."

Taylor giggles, leaning against a box. "My mom uses that expression, too." She smiles. "She thinks he's nice."

"Well, there you go, two seasoned opinions. Billy does seem like a nice boy, " Joyce's smile fades just a little. "Still, you're young yet, Taylor. Don't get tooo serious, yet. Lots of fish in the sea."

" Oh, don't worry. I'm so not thinking of like anything serious. I haven't even graduated yet, and I still want a career."

"Good thinking, Taylor. Plenty of time for family and kids." Joyce nods, taking the first load back towards the warehouse. "Do a little living first."

" Oh, I plan on it," Taylor affirms, as she moves to get another box.

Joyce wheels the truck into the warehouse, and puts the load in the corner. She stands there a second, watching as her assistant sorts the freight.

I planned on a career, too, and well, we know how that worked out. Just hope you're smarter than I was, dear.

Joyce turns and goes to pick up the next load.

Ninety minutes later, they're done. With the help of Taylor's boyfriend, they managed to get all the crates and boxes into the back room of the gallery. The three of them stand around, looking at their accomplishment.

"Thanks for your help, Billy," Joyce says, looking at some of the larger crates. "I wasn't sure how we were going to get those moved."

"Not a prob, Mrs. Summers," Billy says, grinning." Glad I could help out."

" We'll, can I get you two something to drink? You sure earned it." She says, looking at the piles stacked along the walls.

"Actually, Mrs. Summers, we've got to motor. We're already late to the party …" Billy says.

"Billy, I can't leave now," Taylor says, looking around, "I've got to help Joyce get this stuff unpacked and catalogued." She sounds a little disappointed.

"Don't be silly, Taylor. Go to your party. I can handle it from here."

" I can't leave you with all this. It'll take all night by yourself."

"Don't worry, Taylor. Not planning on finishing it tonight. I'll just check things off, and we'll work more on it tomorrow, ok? Don't miss your party."

"You're sure?" Taylor asks. More out of politeness than anything. She's been looking forward to this party.

"It's covered. Now get outta here," Joyce waves her off. "All work and no play, really is boring , you know?" Joyce laughs.

"Ok, thanks, Joyce. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early."

" Not too early. I might be a little late."

" Ok, well goodnight." Taylor says, walking towards the exit.

" Goodnight, Mrs. Summers. Nice meeting you," Billy follows her out.

" Goodnight!" She calls after them.

A few hours later finds Joyce still at it, uncrating various pieces and checking them against the manifest. She stops for a moment, and looks around.

"I'm never going to get this done tonight," Joyce sighs, looking around.

The strain of moving the freight is telling on her; she has aches where she didn't know she had places to ache. Still, she was very devoted to the gallery, and wanted to get a good start on this, at least.

Not like I have that much going on at home. I'll just work another hour or two, then call it quits.

She's just starting to open another crate when the phone rings.

"Damn? Who could that be at this time of night?" She's tempted to let the machine get it. What if it's one of the kids? What if they need help or something? She runs to the front, trying to catch the phone.

"SunCoast Gallery, Joyce speaking…" Joyce says into the phone. "Hello? Yes, this is SunCoast Gallery. Yes, I'm sure… No, this ISN'T Frantone's Pizzeria. No, you dialed wrong. You dialed 555-8765 and you want to dial 555-8675. Yes, I'm very certain. Yes, try that number. Yes…I'm absolutely sure this isn’t Frantone's. Yes. No problem. Goodnight."

Joyce hangs up the phone and sighs. Kids. I swear, sometimes, they just don't listen. Probably some party, anyway… sounded a little drunk. Why aren't their parents…oh, stop, Joyce!

She walks back into the back, chuckling to herself, and stops dead. The lights are out.

The entry door to the back room is open. I swear I closed that. I know I did! She feels a chill go down her spine. Damn, I must've forgotten to lock the door. She looks around, but it's hard to see much with the only light source coming from the open door. Flashlight! In the office. Yes, get that. Wait, better. Phone in the office. Go there, call the police…

Joyce starts to back away quietly, hoping to make the phone and call the police before whoever came in sees her. But she bumps into a statue, causing it to teeter over. She catches it before it falls, but not before it makes enough noise to signal her presence.

Good, Joyce! Really good. Why don't you just send up a flare to let the burglar know you're here!

Joyce crouches down, looking for something to defend herself with. All she finds is a scrap piece of wood. Oh, yeah, this'll do it. Yeah, I can just bat those bullets away when they start firing.

She hears a noise; she slowly raises up to take a look.

In the dim light, she can barely make out a dark figure. With a flashlight. Swell, they have a flashlight. Neat. Now I can be spotted real nice… this is sooo bad. Bad, very bad.

She crouches down, hoping to hide. Maybe they'll get whatever they want, and leave. I've got insurance. It's for things like this, right? Except the new shipment. It's not insured yet. Can't be insured until a valuation is put on it. Damn it! I can't afford to lose anything from that. I'll… shoot. Ok. Try to scare them off. Maybe I can bluff my way out of this.

" You better get outta here! I've called the police, and they're on their way. And I'm armed!"

The figure swings around, the light arcing towards the sound of Joyce's voice. Joyce is blinded by the sudden light, and feels her heart start to thump in her chest. Great move Joyce. Now you're a target.

"Go on, get out of here before I hurt you!" Joyce calls out, sounding a lot more confident than she feels. "I'll hurt you if I have to."

"A little late for that, don't ya think, Joyce?" The figure raises an arm, and Joyce ducks, afraid she's going to be shot.

That voice! No, it can't be. It has to be a mistake. Yet, Joyce feels herself start to shake, and her breath catch in her throat. I… it's muffled. Maybe I… I just got it wrong.

The beam to the flashlight sweeps over her head, and Joyce scrunches down further, trying to hide.

"Joyce? Joyce! Where'd ya go? Shit, not gonna hurt you," The figure removes the helmet, looking around. "Shit, I'd never hurt you. Don't ya know that?" The figure shines the flashlight around the space." Where the fuck are the lights, anyway?"

Oh god, oh god, oh god.

" F-Faith?" Joyce carefully puts up her head. Immediately the light swings around to her. "I-Is that y-you?"

The flashlight points at the bearer, revealing Faith. She's got that smart ass smirk on her face.

"Good one, Joyce. Nice you got that finally before you blew my head off." Faith looks in Joyce's direction. "So, where the hell are the lights, Joyce? I mean, kinda bad leaving the place open in the dark here, ya know?"

Joyce stands in the warehouse, stunned. This isn't possible. I'm hallucinating. I fell and hit my head and this is some kind of dream or something. I don't remember falling… but I must've.

"Joyce? You ever gonna say shit?" Faith swings the beam over where Joyce last was. "I mean, do you always just clam up when you see an old friend."

"How? I mean… why? Oh god, what's going on? Why're you here? I d-don't get it…"

"Does it really matter, Joyce?" Faith says, with a slightly distant tone. "The point is, I'm here."

"You can't be here… you gotta go…" Joyce stands very, very still. As if she doesn't move, none of this will be real. "You can't just show up here. How'd you find me? I … "

"Joyce, can we talk where there's a little more light? I don't know about you, but all the dark here is kinda creeping me out."

"You didn't turn out the lights?" Joyce still feels like she's frozen in place. Well, of course not, stupid. She just said she was being creeped out by the dark. Why would she cut the lights? Oh, shut UP!

"No… I just found it like this… I tried the front, but it was locked. So, I came around back… and I saw the door open and the lights… oh…" She suddenly drops on the floor, and crawls over to where Joyce is. " Do you think someone else is in here?" She whispers.

"I don't know," Joyce doesn't bother lowering her voice, "but if so, pretty much they already know we're here…"

There's a sudden crashing sound, followed by the sound of footsteps running. Joyce looks up in time to see a figure darting out the door. Faith is already on her feet, following the intruder out.

"Faith, no! Wait, stop! They might be armed!" Joyce calls out after her.

Faith is already out the door when Joyce gets there. Feeling cautious, she peers around the door carefully, to see Faith standing, hands on hips, looking down the alleyway. Faith shakes her head, and turns around. Seeing Joyce, she shrugs and walks back inside the warehouse.

Joyce feels for the light switches, and finding them off, turns them on. The warehouse fills with light. She closes and locks the access door. Then, angry, she turns on Faith.

"ARE you INSANE?" Joyce yells at her, going over and getting in Faith's face. "He might have been armed. He could've killed you. WERE you even thinking! God!" Joyce, frustrated, hits her arm. "Are you TRYING to get killed?"

"Geeze, Joyce, chill," Faith rubs her arm. "God, didn't know you cared." She frowns. "You hit hard for a girl."

"OF COURSE I CARE !" Joyce yells at her, "do you think I want to see you DEAD?" She starts shaking again. "Goddamn you, can't you think once in awhile rather than just jump in the fucking fire?" She starts shaking more violently.

"Joyce? Joyce!" Faith instinctively takes the shaking woman in her arms. "I'm ok, it's ok. Shhh." She starts rubbing her back.

"God, if anything happened to you…" Joyce trails off, burying her head in Faith's shoulder.

"Joyce?" Faith says softly. Joyce looks up into her eyes.

It's as if the intervening months never happened. All the bitterness, the pain, the hurt fell away, and they started kissing each other as if they'd only been separated for an hour.

"Oh, god I missed you so much," Joyce says, as she rains soft kisses all over Faith's face. "I love you so much. I'm so, so sorry I hurt you so badly." She continues to kiss her, finally finding her lips, and sharing a deep, passionate kiss. Their hands seem to have a mind of their own as they begin to caress and stroke each other wantonly.

"I know what happened, Joyce," Faith murmurs, her lips seeking Joyce's neck, "I know what that creep did to you…" her hands come up, starting to unbutton Joyce's blouse. "God, I need you…need to touch you…" .

Joyce, in her pent up need, seems to have lost any shyness she ever felt with Faith. Her hands seek out her top, doing her best to remove it as they continue to kiss and fondle each other.

"No… no, not here… in my office," Joyce sighs lustily, as Faith begins to fondle her breasts through her brassiere. 'I have a cot in there… I sometimes … sleep here when I… work…oooohhh…" Joyce moans as Faith's lips cover her bra cup, sucking on her nipple through it. " Oh, god oh God, Faith I love you sooo much" Joyce whines in need and passion. "I was… so stupid …."

Somehow, they stumble step back towards Joyce's office, mouth's locked together, hands working on buttons and stays and hooks. They shed their clothes along the way; by the time they reach the office they are down to their underwear. For a moment they get lost in each other, rubbing almost lewdly against each other as they share yet another passionate kiss.

Joyce finally, reluctantly breaks away and goes to the sofa along the left wall of her office. She reaches under the cushions, and pulls a leaver, then pulls the hide a bed out from the sofa. She's just getting it set down when she feels a pair of arms encircle her, pulling her up. She leans back into Faith, who is kissing her neck while running her hands over her breasts and tummy. She can feel Faith's hard nipples in her back; her own are so tight and erect in her bra that they are chafing on the lace, sending hot fires directly to her already damp pussy.

"I need you naked, now," Faith breathes in her ear, starting to tug at her panties. " I need to touch you all over, Joy. I need you sooo badly." She starts to hump her pelvis into Joyce's butt, flaming Joyce's own hot fires.

Joyce breaks away to remove her underwear, and turning around, sees Faith is already naked. Her heart almost stops in her chest. God, I almost forgot how beautiful she is, Joyce thinks, feeling herself start to get even wetter between her thighs. Before she even realizes it, she's in Faith's arms again, hands caressing over the smooth, taut skin of her lover. Their mouths meet in a fiery kiss, and their tongues fight to be in each other's mouths. Faith thinks the world is tilting sideways, but it's only the two of them, clinging to each other, falling onto the fold out bed.

Faith rolls Joyce over on her back, and straddling her, leans over and kisses her. Her hands begin to play with Joyce's breasts, eliciting happy soft moans and sighs from the older woman.

Faith breaks the kiss, and begins covering Joyce's upper body with warm, wet kisses. Joyce feels her entire body flush, Faith's soft full lips driving her into a sexual frenzy. Seeing Faith's full breasts bobbing teasingly before her, she reaches up, cupping each with a hand, rubbing her thumbs over the erect nibbles. Faith moans her pleasure.

"God, Joyce, you're a lot more bold than last time, " Faith stops for a moment, enjoying Joyce's manipulations of her breasts. When Joyce pinches her nipples, she cries out in joy. "I gotta say, loving the change."

"I've thought so much about that time we had together, Faith. I couldn't think of anything else. Lot's of sleepless nights, missing you. God, I'd…" she blushes, trailing off.

"What baby?" Faith says, getting in the game, starting to rub and caress Joyce's breasts.

"I used to finger myself, thinking about you," Joyce says in low , soft voice. Almost a whisper.

"Oh, god," Faith moans. The idea of Joyce fingering herself to orgasm, thinking about her shoots major tingles straight to her vulva. She feels herself spasm, and her pussy becomes even more soaked. Unconsciously, she begins to rub herself against Joyce's tummy. She leans over, and kisses Joyce hotly, sticking her tongue deep into Joyce's eager, willing mouth.

"You won't have to do that no more, baby," Faith says, sliding herself down Joyce until her hips are between Joyce's thighs. "I promise you, baby." Reaching down between them, she gently pulls Joyce's lips apart and then pushes her self against Joyce. She slowly starts to rub her body against Joyce's, pushing against her as tightly as she can.

"Honey?" Joyce is a little puzzled. " What're you doing?"

" Shhh… trust me…" Faith pants. She wraps her hands around Joyce, trying to push herself tighter against Joyce.

It's not too long before it becomes clear that not only does Faith know what she's doing, but it's extremely fantastic. Joyce feels a strong tingle at first in her pussy, then it begins to build as she feels a fantastic feeling rushing throughout her entire body. The soft swishy feel of their skin rubbing together, combined with the squishing sounds made by their mounds rubbing and bumping add to Joyce's excitement. Slowly, she feels her orgasm building in her, her entire insides feeling as if they're winding up tighter and tighter. She wraps her legs around Faith, pulling her tighter and closer. Her hands rub over Faith's back and buttocks, and their lips meet in a warm, sustained kiss.

"Oh god, oh god Faith…baby this is so… oh god, I love this sooo much," Joyce pants, her breathing becoming shallower, more ragged. "I love you so… sooo much baby yes…. Oh god rub harder baby…please…god it's.. ohhhh… Ohhhh baby I'm gonna.. Oh … AHHH…Bababeeee…."

Even as her words turn to moans, she hears Faith's moans in answer, and this excites her even more, knowing she's as excited and close as she is. Their moans rise in pitch and volume as they're bodies rub faster and faster together, the pelvises pounding like pistons against each other. The friction, the sheer pleasure they're getting from one another is driving each higher and higher, their orgasms building to a fever pitch. Locked together, they're soon bouncing off the sofa bed, their pent up sexual energy being released as their voices raises to screams.

Almost simultaneously they come to a mind shattering orgasm, their bodies arching against each other, their hips still rolling and pounding together. They don't relent, either one, as the waves of their mutual pleasure crest over them. Slowly, slowly they stop humping each other, and fall back on the bed, breathing hard. They're wrapped in each other's arms and legs, and they kiss deeply, extending the moment.

Joyce, overwhelmed by emotion, starts to cry. Faith cuddles her, caressing her and soothing her.

"God, Faith…" Joyce says, nuzzling against Faith's chest, "I need you so much. I never realized how… awful things were… without you…god, I love you so, so much." She kisses Faith heatedly, rubbing her hands all over her lover's soft body. "I was such a bitch to you, but when I saw you here, tonight, I knew, I just knew somehow, I have to … we can't… I can't…" She starts crying again.

"Shhh… Joy, Joy baby…" Faith holds her tenderly against her breast, stroking her hair. "It's ok, baby, I'm here. Not going anywhere."

"Really?" Joyce looks up at her, love shining in her eyes." You mean it? You won't leave me? Even after how I treated you? Oh god, Faith, I'm so sorry I hurt you. I know I did, I saw it in your eyes. But Hank… he was gonna…"

"I know, Joyce. I found out. All about it," She cuddles Joyce. "It doesn't matter now. All I know is I love you, Joyce. I need you. I need you in my life. My life is shit, pure shit, without you."

Joyce draws Faith closer, and they begin to kiss passionately.

They spent the next couple of hours making love. After the first time, it was gentler, taken at a more leisurely pace. They explored each other, found out what each other liked and didn't like. Along with the moans and groans and sighs, there was laughter, and giggling. They enjoyed being with each other, just holding each other.

Joyce finally had Faith on her back, and was kissing and licking her way down Faith's body. Faith stopped Joyce when she got to her belly, and drew her up.

"Joyce, you don't have to do that. I know that…it might be a little squicky for you. That you didn't want to do it with Hank. So, if it's too… well, I don't want you to feel you have to do it."

" I want to, Faith," Joyce pulls away, kissing her way down Faith. "It's not like with Hank. He kind of demanded it, expecting I'd do it. I want to do it… because…I love you, and want to please you."

Joyce moves down between Faith's thighs, and laying little kisses on them, approached her fuzz covered vulva. She reached out, and gently caressed the puffy lips around her slit. Faith sighs deeply, and looks down at Joyce.

"That's nice, honey. Really, if you do that, it'll be just fine," She said softly.

But Joyce is determined. Moving closer, she notices the drops of moisture caught in Faith's pubic hair, and she gently licks it, getting a little hair in her mouth. She spit it out, and laughed.

" I don't think that was right," She giggles. She moves in, and gently licks along Faith's slit. That elicits a sigh from Faith. A big, deep, happy sigh.

Encouraged, she gently parts Faith's lips, looking at the moist pink inner lips. She slipped her tongue inside, and began licking her gently.

" Oh… yes… ok, that's.. .very, very nice…mmm…hmmm."

Faith notices that skill wise, Joyce was rather awkward and sometimes a little rough. Still, her enthusiasm made up for the little glitches, and Faith is touched by the little soft whimpers and gurgling noises she made while licking her. Then she found Faith's clit, and began licking and sucking on it. Faith just sits back, and lets the waves of pleasure roll over her, until the big one hit, drowning her in the biggest orgasm she could remember having.

She lay there, panting and exhausted, as Joyce climbed up her body, cuddling next to her. They kissed, and for a little while, just held each other. Finally, Joyce looked at the clock, and sighs.

"I've got to get home," She pouts, not wanting to leave. Not wanting this to end.

"I know," Faith says softly. "I know."

"You're not going to leave, are you? You'll stay? You promised, right? You're not going back on that?"

"I'm staying, Joyce," Faith says simply. "I love you. I really can't live without you. Kinda corny, huh? But I mean it; everything is just crappy without you." Faith sighs, getting up. "I guess we better get dressed…"

"Yeah," Joyce echoes, sitting up. I don't want her to go. I don't wanna go. Why do we have to do this? She sees the pictures of Buffy and Dawn on her desk, and knows. God, I hate this. I hate sneaking around! It's not fair, it's just not fair.

15 minutes later both women are dressed, standing by the access door to the warehouse. They sit there, kissing, not wanting to part. Finally, Faith hands Joyce a piece of paper.

"That's the name and address of the motel I'm staying at. I'm going to check into local junior colleges, see if I can get accepted."

"You really mean it, don't you? You're going to stay!" Joyce smiles broadly.

"Oh yeah, I'm here, you're stuck with me," Faith teases. "Whatever it takes, Joyce, I want to be with you."

Joyce makes a happy whimper, and they kiss again. It's a long, warm kiss. Finally they break it off.

"I better go. If I don't, I don't think you'll be getting home til morning. That might be a little hinky to explain," Faith says. She squeezes Joyce's hand, and then exits out the back way.

Joyce walks out, and watches as Faith starts up her bike, and roars off down the alley. Turning, there's a soft, natural smile on her face. Locking the door, she heads for her car, still smiling.

She's the happiest she's been in a very long time.

She finally has a little bit of hope.

To be continued.