Lost Without Her

Title: Lost Without Her

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: Season Six

Disclaimer: Not mine, they belong to Joss, ME, etc, and I make nothing off this story. Nothing!

Summary: My take on “Normal Again” from season six. Faith is out of prison and living in L.A. but finds her way to Buffy to help her from going insane.

Feedback: absolutely, hayowhy@yahoo.com

******

“Ow, fuck!” Faith yelled as she was struck by a staff across her back. She quickly shook off the initial sting of pain and laughed. “Christ, Angel, you got me good there.”

Angel gave her a small smile. “We should wrap it up for the day. We’ve been training for three hours.”

Faith had been working with Angel and the rest of the crew in L.A. since she was released from prison two months earlier and was settling into a somewhat normal life. She lived with Angel at the hotel and helped out whenever she could.

Even though at first Angel was the only one she hung around, slowly Wesley and Cordelia warmed to her and with them came Gunn and Fred, too. Faith was finally starting to feel relaxed in her surroundings, something she could never do in prison.

“Sure, Angel, lead the way,” Faith gestured toward the stairs and followed him up to the lobby where the group was gathered, all in their own little worlds. “Hey, I guess nothing’s going on, huh?”

“No, it’s pretty slow,” Gunn said, not even looking up from his magazine. “No visions and no calls.”

“Yeah, Faith, there’s no work. You should go out, have fun,” Cordelia remarked, trying to sound convincing but also not looking up from what she was doing. Faith had ventured out from the hotel much since her release.

“Nah, Cor, I think I’ll just go up to my room,” Faith said, fidgeting with her hands, still not quite comfortable being out in public after over a year in prison. “Besides, I could use a shower and I want to get out of these clothes,” she gestured to the short shorts and tight tank top she was wearing. “Well, ‘night guys,” she said and raced up the stairs before anyone could convince her to do anything else.

******

As Faith got ready for bed, she started to get a strange feeling, an uneasiness but also a tingling sensation that felt familiar. She stopped for a moment, realizing she hadn’t felt that since Buffy had died and then later when she was resurrected. Her brow furrowed, maybe she’s in trouble, but got rid of the thought quickly as it came. She has enough help in Sunnydale. She doesn’t need me, doesn’t want me.

She got into bed and closed her eyes. Before Faith knew it, she was asleep and having a dream she could not explain. She opened her eyes and found herself in a drab white room. She was cowered in the corner and looked over to the bed to see straps placed for arms and legs, her arms and legs.

After taking in the room, Faith looked out to find that a man was speaking to her and shining a light in her eyes. She squinted and tried to avoid it because it oddly hurt her. Faith made the connection that the guy was a doctor because he was wearing a white overcoat and a name tag that she thought had the title of doctor on it. She tried to concentrate on what he was saying, anything to make sense of the dream, when it got weirder.

Shit, that’s Buffy’s mom, she thought. Joyce was there with a man Faith didn’t recognize and she looked to be crying. The man was holding her back from getting any closer and the doctor continued to shine light in her eyes and speak to her.

What the hell is going on here? Faith was getting confused and tried to make sense of what was going on. It seemed the three of them were trying to tell her something but she wasn’t getting any volume. She squinted again and tried to concentrate on Buffy’s mom, attempting to figure out what she was saying.

It didn’t take very long to figure out what Joyce was saying. She was saying Buffy over and over, like she was calling to her. Then it dawned on her. I’m in Buffy’s body. It didn’t feel anything like the last time and confused Faith even more. This can’t be a slayer dream, she thought, Buffy’s mom is dead and Angel would know if Buffy was locked up somewhere. What the hell is this?

She continued to watch for the next couple of minutes as the three tried to get her attention and then the doctor turned away and spoke with Joyce and the man with her. Faith couldn’t hear anything and it was starting to get annoying.

Faith felt the tingling from earlier, stronger now, as she continued to watch, not knowing what else to do. The tingling feeling got stronger and stronger until all of a sudden, Faith was jolted awake. She sat up in bed, the covers falling down around her, revealing she hadn’t worn anything to bed. Faith ran a hand through her hair and thought for a moment. Only one enter her mind. I need to get to Sunnydale.

******

Faith sat on a bus bound for Sunnydale as she thought about her conversation with Angel earlier that morning.

“Angel, I just got a feeling, okay?” Faith had said while throwing what she needed into a bag and grabbing her wallet off the dresser to make sure she had enough cash. “I need to help her. I don’t think I would have had that dream if it wasn’t something serious.”

“Faith,” Angel sighed, walked over to her and put his hand on her bag to stop what she was doing. “Did you think that Buffy doesn’t want you there? After last time, I don’t think she wants to see you. In fact, she wanted to kill you last time.”

“I don’t care,” Faith pushed his hand away and finished packing. “I need to make sure she’s okay. That dream was freaky and I have to know.”

“All right,” Angel relented, realizing he couldn’t talk Faith out of it. He handed her a slip of paper. “If you want neutral ground, here’s where she works. Then it will just be you and her.”

Faith looked down at the directions. “She works at a burger joint. Shit, she’s sunk a little low.”

“Don’t bring that up with her, okay? She’ll probably hit you harder.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Faith gave him a reassuring smile. Then she did something odd for both of them and gave Angel a hug. “Don’t worry, she won’t kill me, she’s too good for that. I’ll be back in no time.”

Faith spent the rest of the ride thinking about Buffy, before she had messed everything up. She had always looked up to the older slayer and even fell for her, hard. She’d be lying to herself if she thought those feelings were gone, but she tried to suppress them in preparation for what she had ahead of her. She didn’t want a repeat of the feeling she had when Buffy died. It was like a light went out inside her and she couldn’t get it back on.

Resting her head on the window, Faith saw the Welcome to Sunnydale sign and immediately tensed up. God, this was a mistake. Why do I do this to myself?

Even with that, she sat up and waited for the bus to get to the station and stop. She got out with her bag and immediately looked around cautiously out of habit. It’s okay, no one knows you’re here, she told herself as she walked away from the bus station, more calm but still very alert. It was early evening and Faith thought it would be best to see Buffy right away. Might as well get this over with, she thought sarcastically. If she kills me, hopefully she does it quick.

******

Faith found the Doublemeat Palace easy enough but couldn’t find the courage to go inside. She wandered outside for an hour before finding the strength to enter the place and face Buffy. Taking a deep breath, Faith pulled open the door and walked up to the counter. The place only had a handful of customers there and no one was manning the counter. Faith put a hand on the surface of the counter and drummed her fingers lightly, waiting for someone to come out of the back.

Someone looked out at her from the grill and called, “Buffy, got a customer! Break’s over!” A few seconds later Buffy appeared from the back and was walking toward the counter when she noticed Faith. Her eyes went wide and then anger filled them.

“Faith!” Buffy said, a little shocked and a little to loudly. She reached the counter and leaned in, lowering her voice, “What the hell are you doing here? I told Angel he could deal with you, but I was through. Now, get the fuck out of my town.”

Faith took a deep breath, calming and preparing herself, “B, I need to talk to you. I had this dream...”

“I don’t give a shit what you had, F,” Buffy sneered. “I want you gone.”

“B, I’m sorry, but,” Faith tried again but Buffy stopped her.

“Don’t apologize,” Buffy gritted her teeth. “Don’t you ever apologize to me. I’d hit you, but I’d lose my job and as much as I hate it, I need it right now. Leave.”

Buffy turned away from the counter and started to go back to the grill. Faith could tell she only had one more chance so she blurted out, “B, I had a dream you were in an insane asylum.”

Buffy stopped dead in her tracks and a few of the customers in the joint looked up at the pair for a few seconds, then returned to their meals. Faith smiled weakly at her fellow slayer as Buffy rushed back to the counter.

“What did you say?” Her voice was more calm now but still as suspicious.

Faith lowered her voice. “I said I had a dream you were in an insane asylum. I got this weird feeling from it, kinda like the one I felt when you,” she lowered her voice to just above a whisper, “died. I thought you were in trouble. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Aww, Faith,” Buffy voiced sarcastically, “I didn’t know you cared. Prison’s made you all sensitive.” She stopped and got a serious look on her face. “Listen, if you wait until I get done here, we can talk about your dream.”

Faith was taken back at Buffy’s new attitude, but wasn’t about to question it as talking to the older slayer was what she came to do. “Okay, B, I can live with that. I’ll meet you outside when you get off.”

“What, you’re not going to order anything? My supervisor doesn’t like me fraternizing on the company dollar,” Buffy nudged her head toward the guy in the back. “He’s watching us, isn’t he?”

Faith nodded, but still started to back away from the counter. “Sorry, I try not to eat fast food anymore and, no offense, but the food here looks kinda nasty. I’ll be outside,” Faith turned and took a couple steps before turning back to look at Buffy, who was still at the counter. “And B: I always cared.”

******

Faith waited outside the back door of the auraaurant for two hours until Buffy was done. She thought about going somewhere else, but couldn’t think of anywhere to go and didn’t to be seen by any of the scoobies. She hadn’t even found a place to stay yet; her bag was in a locker at the bus station. Instead, she thought of what she would say to Buffy when she got off work.

She was crouching against the wall when Buffy walked out the back door, her hat now gone and her short hair loose, just reaching her shoulders. Faith was taken back by her for a second and found all her old feelings for the other slayer come rushing back. Unable to suppress the feelings, she stood up and looked at the slayer.

“Well, where should we go?”

“I’m not sure. I’m really tired. Where are you staying?”

“Don’t know,” Faith shrugged. “All my stuff’s still at the bus station, haven’t even thought about getting a room yet.”

“All right, you talk while I walk home,” Buffy stated and turned to walk out of the parking lot.

Faith nodded and followed her. Both of them were silent for a few minutes until Faith looked over at Buffy and spoke up. “B, why haven’t you kicked my ass, yet? I mean, not that I’m not grateful, but I didn’t expect you to be okay with me here so quickly.”

“For the record, I’m not okay with it, Faith,” Buffy looked straight ahead. “But what you said caught me off guard.”

“What, I’m sorry?” Faith put in.

“No, not that,” Buffy said through gritted teeth.

“You realize if you’re not going to ‘beat me to death’ I’m going to keep saying it, right?” Faith continued to look over at Buffy, willing her to turn her head Faith’s way.

“Then I’ll put up with it... for now,” Buffy finally looked over at Faith. “I meant what you said about your dream. What exactly did you dream?”

“It was weird, it started like I was the one there, but then I noticed your mom and this other guy along with a doctor were standing over me, trying to get my attention. I couldn’t hear any of it, though. Then I noticed your mom was saying your name and I realized you were the one there. I was just seeing in through your eyes.”

Faith stopped to take a breath and tried to gage Buffy’s reaction. She seemed to be deep in thought and had slowed her stride. After a couple minutes, Faith stopped and put her hand on Buffy’s shoulder, stopping her, too. Buffy tensed for a moment at Faith’s action, but quickly relaxed.

“B, are you okay?” Faith tried to lessen the concern in her voice, but failed miserably.

Buffy looked up to her. “Um, yeah. It’s just...” Her voice faded and a tear fell to her cheek. “You dreamed my hallucination,” she completed quietly.

Faith’s eyes widened. “What?! You’ve been hallucinating? What the hell’s going on, B?”

Buffy shushed her. “God, quiet down. I don’t want the whole town to know that.”

“Why not?” Faith smiled. “The psycho slayer’s come for a visit and the good one’s gone insane. They have a right to know, B.” She looked over at Buffy with a grin and a raised eyebrow and received a swat on the arm.

“Not funny. No, I keep getting these flashes of that place, but they’re more than flashes. They last a couple of minutes and I lose all sense of what’s around me,” she looked over to Faith.

Faith paused, then starting walking again with Buffy following her. “Do the scoobs now about this?”

“Yeah, they’re looking into...” Buffy suddenly stopped and stared straight ahead. Faith looked over at her and saw only a blank stare and no expression of Buffy at all.

“Hey, B, you okay?” Faith leaned in and with her hand on Buffy’s chin, lifted her face up to look into her eyes. She didn’t get a reaction and Buffy didn’t break her stare. Shit, shit, shit, it’s happening again. Faith grabbed both shoulders and shook her, not forcefully but enough to maybe get something out of the blonde in front of her.

Suddenly, Buffy’s knees buckled and Faith caught her before she could hit the ground. She sat on the ground, holding onto Buffy, hoping it wouldn’t last much longer. “Shit, B, snap the fuck out of it.” She continued looking into her eyes, hoping to see any activity in them, even if it was hate towards her.

A couple more minutes passed before Faith saw signs of life in Buffy’s eyes. They blinked a couple times then she turned her head to take in her surroundings, noticing Faith was holding her up. Buffy got up off the ground, Faith helping her, and looked around.

“It happened again, didn’t it, B?” Faith questioned, her hand still on Buffy’s arm.

Buffy’s fingers ran through her hair and her hand stayed there. She looked close to tears and nodded slowly. “It seemed so real, Faith,” she said quietly and looked at Faith, tears in her eyes. “What if it’s real? What if I’ve been there for six years?”

“It’s not real, B, it’s not,” Faith tried to reassure her. “We’ve got to get you out of here and find out what’s going on.”

Buffy shook her head, then nodded. “Sure. You can stay at the house until we figure this out.”

“You sure, B? I don’t think Willow or your sister’s gonna be too happy about that.”

“I’ll explain and they’ll deal. Besides, you can help. You’re the only one who knows what these things are like,” Buffy said, looking down to see Faith’s hand still on her arm. “Let’s get your stuff.”

“Okay,” Faith relented and let go of Buffy’s arm. “I’m still sorry,” she put in again as they continued walking. She felt she couldn’t say it enough.

******

They reached the house on Revello Drive with little fuss, just one very stupid vamp who tried to jump them. Faith took care of him before Buffy and could have sworn Buffy was checking her out while she did it. Before she could think about that too much, though, they reached the house and Faith became really nervous and prepared for anything.

Buffy led the way, opening the door and motioned Faith to follow her inside. Willow and Dawn were watching TV and Willow looked over to greet Buffy.

“Hey, Buff, how was your - Faith’s behind you!” Willow rushed over to where the Chosen Two were standing, only to be stopped by Buffy. “What the hell, Buffy? Why is Faith here?” She paused and looked Faith over. “And why is she not injured?”

Faith grinned. “Red, did you just check me out?”

Willow started to respond, but Buffy stopped her and turned to Faith. “Now is not the time for your personal brand of humor.” She turned back over to Willow. “Faith is here because she can help with my current... problem. She showed up work tonight.”

“How can she help?”

“She dreamed my hallucination, Will,” Buffy stated. “In my book, that means she can help.”

“What if she’s responsible for this mess?” Willow questioned.

“I think you give me too much credit, Red,” Faith put in quickly then stepped back letting the two friends battle it out. She noticed Dawn staring at her and the arguing pair. Faith gave her a small smile and a little wave. To her surprise, Dawn did the same. She then turned back to the situation with Buffy and Willow.

“Fine, fine, I guess she can be useful,” Willow finally gave in, then noticed Faith’s bag by the door. “Oh no, she’s not staying here.”

“She’s helping, she’s staying here for now,” y coy countered. “It just makes sense that way. Besides, Will, it happened again tonight while I was walking here with Faith. We need to find out what’s going on.”

“Okay, okay,” Willow said and looked over at Faith. “You better not try anything. I still don’t buy you’re whole ‘reformed’ deal.” She paused, waiting for a sarcastic remark from Faith, but she said nothing, only nodded. “I’ll get you some sheets for the couch.”

“I’ll stay in B’s room,” Faith spoke up, causing all three to look at her. “When she’s in that state, who knows what she could do. I can watch her and help her if she needs it.” Willow immediately started to respond but Faith stopped her. “I know you don’t like that Willow, but you’re not strong to stop her from hurting herself and you don’t do magick anymore. I’m the only one who can do this.”

Dawn spoke up. “Faith’s right.”

“Dawnie, I don’t think you understand...”

“I understand fine, Willow,” Dawn looked over at her sister and Faith. “I don’t want anything to happen to Buffy and if Faith can stop that, I want her to.”

“Thanks, kid,” Faith smiled at her again. “Now that that’s settled, I’ve had a long day and I’m sure B has, too.” She sniffed the air. “And B needs a shower.”

Both Willow and Dawn laughed and Buffy scowled at Faith. “It wasn’t funny when Dawn said it, it wasn’t funny when Willow said it and it’s really not funny when you say it.”

“Okay, fine,” Faith said and grabbed her bag to follow Buffy up the stairs. “Lead the way.”

******

Faith looked around Buffy’s room and laid down on the bed, waiting for Buffy to get showered and ready for bed. Why the hell did I say I should stay in her room? It’s just going ake ake these feelings stronger and kill me in the process.

Faith realized she wanted to be close to the other slayer and not just in the same bedroom. All the romantic feelings she had long ago were coming back and stronger than ever. She tried her best to ignore them but they weren’t going away.

“Hey,” Buffy said, jolting Faith out of her thoughts. “You can use the bathroom now. I think Dawn and Willow have already gone to bed so you shouldn’t have anymore encounters with either of them.”

“Yeah, I think I’m too tired to defend myself in any way right now,” Faith said slowly. “Thanks for sticking up for me down there. I know you didn’t want to.”

“Well, this may sound selfish, but I want to get better and you can help. I need you here.”

“It does sound selfish but that’s okay,” Faith smiled at her, got off the bed and headed toward the door. “I’ll be right back okay. If you need me, get me if you can, okay?”

“Yeah,” Buffy said, her eyes half open, beginning to fall asleep. Faith watched her for a minute and then left for the bathroom.

When she got back, showered and in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, Buffy was asleep and lying on her side. Faith closed the door and stood by it, watching Buffy sleep. She began to stir in her sleep so Faith went to the bed and laid down beside her. She stirred a little more violently and Faith lifted her slightly off the bed and into her arms.

“God, B,” Faith whispered. “You’ve got me all over again and you don’t even know it.” She relaxed with Buffy in her arms and slowly drifted of to sleep.

******

Faith awoke suddenly when she felt Buffy move in her arms. She looked down at Buffy. “B, you awake?”

Buffy’s eyes fluttered open and she sleepily stared up at Faith. “Faith? Why are you holding me?”

“Sorry. You were stig a g a bit so I held you to calm you down,” Faith hoped she didn’t do something wrong. “I’ll move.”

Buffy put a hand on Faith’s arm. “No, you don’t have to. I like it, it’s comfortable.”

Faith shook your head fiercely, thinking she was still was still asleep. “What are you saying, B?”

“Nothing, just that it’s feel good.” Buffy leaned her head back more into Faith and placed both her hands on top of the younger slayer’s arms. Faith took this as a sign and reacted on instinct. She leaned down to Buffy and brushed her lips against the older slayer’s. She nearly died of shock when she felt Buffy hand moved to the back of her head, holding it there.

Buffy then ran her tongue along Faith’s lower lip and gently pushed her way into the brunette’s mouth. Faith’s brain went blank for a few seconds before she could respond, her own tongue circling the blonde’s. They kissed until both of them needed to breathe, breaking apart at the same time. Buffy sat up more and rested her forehead on her fellow slayer’s.

“Faith, I...”

Faith silenced her with a gentle kiss on the forehead. “B, you don’t need to say anything right now. I just needed to do that.” She moved to make Buffy lie back down and then laid beside her, still holding her close. “Just get some sleep, baby. We can talk later.” She felt Buffy relax against her and couldn’t stop the smile forming on her face. Never feeling so relaxed in her life,th eth easily fell asleep.

******

Faith woke up unaware of her surroundings. It took a moment and one look at the woman next to her and it all came rushing back. She couldn’t stop the smile forming even though Buffy might completely reject her this morning. Instead, Faith just relaxed and waited for Buffy to wake up, listening to her breathe in the meantime.

About fifteen minutes later, Buffy began to move and turned to face Faith. “Morning,” was her only response as she rubbed her eyes to see Faith clearer.

“Did you sleep okay?” Faith asked, some concern showing. “You don’t dream about that place too, do you?”

“No, whatever’s doing this is letting me sleep, I just can’t function during to day,” Buffy sighed then raised an eyebrow. “Did you dream anything?”

“No, no dreams,” Faith spoke softly and nearly stopped breathing when Buffy’s hand reached up and brushed through her hair. She cleared her throat. “B, about last night...”

Buffy’s hand moved from Faith’s hair to her cheek. “You don’t need to say anything, Faith. I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.” With that, she pulled Faith closer to her and kissed the brunette, moving her hand back to rest on the back of her head.

Faith responded by wrapping her arms tighter around Buffy, pulling her as close as she could to her. Their tongues began to explore each other’s mouths and Faith’s hands started to move up and down Buffy’s back, not wanting to go faster than Buffy might want.

They broke away for air and looked into each other’s eyes. Buffy rested her forehead on Faith’s again. “Faith, you’ve changed, right? You’re not gonna hurt anyone again, are you?”

Faith had a feeling that by ‘anyone’ Buffy meant herself. “Never again, B.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Buffy smiled at her.

“I hope you do,” Faith responded and leaned in to kiss Buffy again. Right when her lips reached their destination, however, there was a knock on the door. Faith let go of Buffy quickly and rolled away and onto her back, not knowing if someone was just going to walk in.

“Buffy?” Willow called through the door. “Faith hasn’t killed you during the night, has she?”

“Not yet, Red,” Faith responded, looking over to smirk at Buffy, “but I have got her in a choke-hold right now.”

Buffy started laughing as Willow rushed into the room to find Faith nonchalantly lying on her back, arms resting behind her head and legs crossed, grinning at her. Buffy continued to lay on her side, her eyes looking from Faith to Willow and back again.

“Calm down, Will,” Buffy said, still laughing. “I’m alive, still going insane, but alive.” She calmed herself as much as possible. “You going to have to try and trust Faith. Remember, she’s here to help.”

Willow scowled but nodded. “Fine. She has been out over two months now and hasn’t killed anyone. I guess that’s progress.”

Faith was about to respond when Dawn came into the room. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Dawn,” Buffy said. “Faith’s just trying to give Will a heart attack. And I think it could be working.”

“Very funny, Buff,” Willow crossed her arms. “Did you have any more ‘incidents’ last night?”

“Nope,” Buffy looked over and winked at Faith. “Did you find out anything?”

“No, but Xander and I will be researching today. Dawn’s helping, too.”

“After school, of course,” Dawn put in. “That’s okay, right?”

“Sure,” Buffy said, looking at the clock, “shouldn’t you be getting going?”

“Yeah, you overslept.”

“Well, being crazy takes a lot out of you. Have a good day.”

“Bye, guys. Bye, Faith!” Dawn called as she ran down the stairs.

“Well, better get ready to start the day,” Faith got up from the bed and grabbed her bag. “Oh, and Willow,” she said as she passed the redhead, “it’s been two and a half months.”

******

h reh returned from the bathroom dressed in her classic leather pants and white tank top to find Willow gone and Buffy pacing by the bed. “B,” Faith dropped her bag and rushed over to her, “what’s wrong?”

“It happened again,” Buffy said shakily. “It was longer, Faith. They’re telling me Sunnydale’s not real and I don’t know what to believe. Is this real? Are you real?”

Faith put her arms around Buffy and placed the blonde’s head on her shoulder. “This is real, I’m real, B. We’re going to fix this, okay?” Buffy nodded weakly into Faith’s shoulder. “Okay. Where’s Red?”

“She had a class. She’s meeting Xander over here in a couple of hours,” Buffy sighed, not moving away from Faith. “At least I don’t work today. I blanked out for a couple minutes yesterday and the manager thought I was losing it.” She chuckled softly. “Of course, I am, I just don’t want her to know it.”

Faith continued to hold Buffy and led her over to the bed. “Why you lie down again, okay? Just take it easy and we’ll wait until Red and Xander get over here.”

Buffy complied and laid down. Faith pulled the covers over her and made to leave the room. Buffy noticed and called to her. “Faith, please don’t leave.”

“It’s okay,” Faith said as she reached the door, “I’m just going to get some food for us. I’ll be back in five minutes.”

Faith rushed down the stairs and into the kitchen. Finding a few snacks, she quickly went back up the stairs with the food, not wanting to leave the older slayer alone for too long.

When she got back to the room, Buffy was lying on her side, staring blankly out the window. “B?” Faith looked at her, putting the food on the night stand. “Are you with me?”

Buffy turned to look at her. “Yeah,” she sighed, “I’m here, wherever ‘here’ is.”

Faith sat on the bed next to her, putting her hand on the other slayer’s face. “That’s a good thing, remember?”

“Yeah, but my mom is there, Faith,” Buffy sobbed quietly, “and my parents are still together. I miss them.”

“That other guy was your dad, B?” Buffy nodded. “Wow.” Faith took a moment to process the information. “I know that’s big for you, B, but it’s not real. Something’s messing with your head.”

Buffy looked after silently for a few seconds then pulled Faith to her once again. She kissed the younger slayer deeply, holding Faith’s head so she couldn’t move. Faith responded by swinging her legs onto the bed and moved so she was half lying on top of the blonde, the covers separating them.

The older slayer attempted to rectify the situation, trying to pull the covers down while still kissing the brunette. When that didn’t work too well, Faith broke the kiss and got off the bed. Buffy was about to say something, but Faith got under the covers just as quickly as she left the bed and rested herself on Buffy once again.

Buffy smiled against Faith’s mouth and wrapped her arms around her, hands ing ing on the small of Faith’s back. Faith’s hands were on Buffy’s head, her fingers in the blonde’s hair. Their tongues battled each other for dominance, neither winning.

Faith took one hand out of Buffy’s hair and let it wander, cautiously so she didn’t freak the other slayer out. Her hand traveled down the side of Buffy’s body and stopped at the end of her shirt. She massaged the soft skin there before slowly making her way up the shirt. Her other hand soon foll.

.

Buffy moaned and broke the kiss by moving her head. Faith took the opportunity to kiss along Buffy’s jaw line, moving to her ear, kissing it softly. The older slayer sighed at the contact and began to move her hands under Faith’s tank top, massaging the muscles there.

Faith was so turned on, she couldn’t even think straight. She stopped kissing and licking Buffy’s ear and turned to face the blonde slayer. Buffy’s eyes opened at the feel of no contact and looked to Faith, a confused look on her face.

Looking into Buffy’s eyes, Faith tried to control her breathing. “B... I want you. If you don’t feel the same way, we have to stop.”

Buffy leaned into Faith and gently kissed her on the lips. “I don’t want you to stop, Faith.” She rolled onto her side, taking Faith with her, and placed her hands on top of the other girl’s, moving them to the bottom of her shirt. Together, they pulled Buffy’s shirt over her head to reveal her topless body.

Faith reached out to feel Buffy, but the older slayer held her hands in her own and placed them with hers at the bottom of Faith’s tank top. She slowly removed the item of clothing, tossing it on the floor. When she finally released Faith’s hands, the brunette moved into her once again, burying her face in the blonde’s neck, kissing and sucking on her pulse point. Her hands moved up and down the sides of Buffy’s body, her thumbs moving against her breasts.

Buffy moaned as her hands became familiar with Faith’s body, massaging the younger woman’s breasts, first cautiously then more boldly when she heard Faith moan into her neck. Faith rolled Buffy onto her back and looked into her eyes for a second before kissing the blonde as deeply as she could.

It didn’t last long because Faith broke the kiss and made her way down the blonde’s neck, stopping when she reached Buffy’s breasts. She kissed each of them in turn before locking her mouth on a nipple and sucking. Buffy moaned loudly at the contact, causing Faith to suck harder and bite down slightly.

Buffy’s fingers became locked in Faith’s hair as she moved from one breast to the other, mirroring what she had done with the first one. The blankets they were under began to fall down Faith’s back as she went lower, releasing a nipple to place kisses on Buffy’s toned stomach before making her way back up to the blonde’s face.

Faith propped herself over Buffy, one leg placed between hers, as the two looked into each other’s lust-filled eyes. Faith still couldn’t get the doubt out of her head that Buffy wasn’t in her right mind, that she was taking advantage of the older girl. “B, are you really sure about this? It’s not something I can take back.”

Buffy moved her hand from Faith’s back and cupped her face, caressing her cheek. “I’m sure, Faith. I want to do this. I want you.” Her hand continued to move her hand against Faith’s cheek, who moved into the hand, kissing the palm.

Hearing what she needed to, Faith sat up on her knees, causing the blankets to fall to the edge of the bed by her feet. Looking at Buffy one last time, she placed her hands on the waistline of the shorts Buffy was wearing and pulled them down in one swift movement. She got off the bed to fully remove them and then removed her leather pants, her eyes locked with Buffy’s.

All their clothes gone, Faith got on the edge of the bed by Buffy’s feet and slowly made her made up the blonde’s body. She kissed the arches of her feet, then her calves and the inside of her thighs. She intentionally moved passed the blonde’s curls, going straight to her toned abdomen, kissing and licking there, placing her tongue in her navel, causing the woman under her to groan.

Faith placed kisses between Buffy’s breasts and then up her slender neck to her mouth. Buffy, who had her hands on Faith wherever she could reach, pulled the younger slayer up to face and attacked her mouth. The two kissed each other as hard as they could, tongues probing the inside of the other’s mouth.

Buffy’s hands moved from Faith’s face to her shoulders, then to her ass which she gripped fiercely, pushing Faith’s mound into her well placed thigh. Faith broke the kiss, moaning, and allowed more weight to rest on the woman under her. She brought a hand down between them and snaked her fingers through the blonde’s curls and slipped them into her folds.

Buffy moaneudlyudly and arched into Faith as the brunette began massaging her clit up and down. Both could feel how wet the other was as they began to move against each other, both moaning at any contact with the other. Faith went a little faster with her movements and Buffy moved her legs further apart to give Faith easier access.

Moving her leg so that she was fully nestled between the blonde’s thighs, Faith pushed a finger into Buffy’s tight pussy. The older woman cried out and held onto Faith as the younger woman slowly began to move the finger in and out of her.

“Oh, God! Faith,” she sighed, followed by another cry as the brunette added a second finger.

Faith smiled against the blonde’s neck as she nipped at her pulse point and quickened the pace. They writhed against each other faster and faster, Faith fucking Buffy with her fingers, adding a third and making Buffy squeal.

The brunette’s lips made their way up Buffy’s neck to her ear, licking and kissing there. “Come for me, B,” she whispered and swirled her thumb on and around the older slayer’s clit as she pushed harder into her.

Buffy could feel herself getting close and then left Faith’s thumb press on her clit and that sent her over the edge. “Oh, fuck!” she cried out into the room, silently thankful no one else was home. She arched off the bed and into Faith, who kept her fingers going, moving in and out of her quickly, her thumb massaging the blonde’s clit.

“Shit. Oh, Faith!” Buffy held tightly to Faith as her orgasm raced through her. Faith rode it out with Buffy, removing her fingers as the blonde’s trembling began to stop. She held onto her, kissing up her neck to her face.

They held each other for a couple minutes before Faith looked to Buffy’s face, noticing the woman’s eyes were closed. “Are you okay, B? Still with me?”

Buffy opened her eyes to see the woman above looking at her with concern and some worry. She brought the brunette down to her, hugging her tightly. “I’m here. No where else I’d rather be.”

A huge grin formed on Faith’s face and she rolled onto her back, taking Buffy with her. Buffy buried her face in Faith’s neck and the younger slayer stroked her hair as she fell asleep.

******

About an hour later, Faith heard the front door open and close. She looked down at the blonde asleep on her chest and realized they were both naked. Easing herself out of bed without waking Buffy, Faith dressed quickly, grabbed a bag of chips she had brought upstairs earlier and went downstairs to meet Willow. She reached the living room to find not Willow, but Xander staring at her, jaw dropped.

“Faith! What the hell? Buffy!!” he yelled, looking up the stairs.

“Jesus, Xander, shut the hell up,” Faith stated, trying to calm him but failing. “Buffy’s trying to sleep, you idiot.”

“Sure, like she could sleep with you in the house,” Xander spat at her, but not getting any closer to her either.

“Well, I’ve been here since last night,” Faith scowled at him, arms crossed. “I thought Willow was supposed to tell you.”

“I was going to,” Willow closed the front door and walked into the room, “but it looks like you beat me to it.”

“Will, do something!” Xander pleaded. “Start doing magick again, strike her down, anything!”

“Xander, calm down,” Willow said easily. “Faith’s here to help. She’s been dreaming Buffy’s hallucinations and she’s been watching Buffy in case something happens.”

“She’s watching Buffy?! Will, are you crazy?” Xander yelled, gesturing toward Faith.

“Xander, for the last time, shut up,” Faith said, still not raising her voice. “I don’t want to but if you wake Buffy up, I will kick your ass.”

“See! She’s still violent,” Xander stated in a quieter voice.

“Xander, we don’t have time for this,” Willow said, walking into the dining room and gesturing for the other to foo follow. “I think I’ve figured out which demon stabbed Buffy and is making her hallucinate.” She sat down at the dining room table and opened a book to a picture of the demon.

“All right,” Faith sat down at the table and took a look at what Willow had found, “what do we have to do to this demon for B to get better? She had another one of those hallucinations right after you left and it really freaked her out. B’ll really lose it if they keep happening.”

“Well, I don’t think she’ll have many more,” Willow stated. “Faith, you and Xander will track down the demon tonight and bring it back alive.” Both Faith and Xander opened their mouths in protest, but Willow raised her hand to quiet them. “I just don’t want to hear it. We all have to work together on this one.”

Both nodded, but still turned to scowl at each other, Faith’s expression making Xander take a step back. Faith shook her head to stop the glare she was giving him and turned to Willow. “Okay, I’ll hang here with B until nightfall and then Xan-Man and I will go bag us a demon. You’ll do whatever the hell it is you’re going to do and B’ll be good as new.”

Faith didn’t wait for either of Buffy’s friends to respond, instead bounding up the stairs to Buffy’s room. She found the blonde sitting at the edge of her bed, finishing getting dressed. Faith leaned against the door, watching Buffy until the blonde looked up from what she was doing and noticed her. The young slayer walked over to the bed in front of Buffy and pulled her up to her.

“Hey,” Faith said softly.

“Hey back,” Buffy whispered as Faith pulled her into a hug and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“Sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up,” Faith spoke into the blonde’s ear. “Xander had some issues with me. He didn’t wake you, did he?”

“No.” Buffy’s arms finally made their way around Faith’s back and she rested her head on the other woman’s shoulder.

“Good news,” Faith put her hand on the older slayer’s face and pushed upward so she could look her in the eye. “Willow found why your head’s all messed up. Xander and I are going to dab the demon that stabbed you and Red’s gonna mix some sort of... antidote.”

“Great,” Buffy responded, but her eyes didn’t share the same expression. They looked very blank. Faith took a step back from Buffy and looked at her skeptically.

“You’re here, right B? In Sunnydale with me?”

Buffy shook her head. “Yeah, yeah. My mind keeps going back and forth.”

“Stay with me, okay? You just have another day to go averyverything will be better.”

Buffy sat back down and swung her feet onto the bed, her head resting against the headboard. “Will you just sit with me for awhile? Kinda be my anchor?”

Faith grinned at her. “Absolutely.” She laid next to her and Buffy rested her head on her shoulder.

******

Faith had lost track of how long she had been upstairs with Buffy, who had once again fallen asleep. Her hands were wrapped around the smaller slayer, one hand smoothing her hair. She was staring out the window when she heard Willow clear her throat.

She turned her head quickly to look at the redhead who stared at the sight before her, mouth open slightly. Faith moved Buffy out of her arms and readjusted the blonde so she was lying on her side, her head on a pillow.

Faith walked out of the room and closed the door behind her, turning to face a stunned Willow. She eyed the other woman for a couple seconds before questioning, “What are you thinking, Willow?”

The redhead took a deep breath. “I’m trying to process what I just saw.” She looked into the brunette’s eyes. “You really care for her, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” she responded in a quiet voice. “I always did.” She ran a hand through her hair and looked at Willow with as much sincerity she could manage. “I’m sorry, Will. I really fucked up.”

Willow sighed. “I’m not ready to forgive yet, Faith, but I’m getting there.” She turned to look toward Buffy’s room. “Does she feel the same way?”

“I don’t know, Willow, but after this mess is fixed I want to find out.”

Willow just nodded. “Well, let’s concentrate on getting this demon then.”

******

Faith and Xander walked through the second cemetery that night trying to find the demon they needed.

While Xander was at his construction site for the day, Faith was busy watching Buffy. The pair just relaxed in the living room, watching whatever show was on, Buffy half sitting in the couch, half lying on Faith who was next to her.

Willow watched the scene for awhile, eyebrow raised. She wanted to talk with Buffy about the situation, but the blonde seemed to be zoning out more and more so she decided to concentrate on the demon and worry about Buffy’s feelings for Faith later. Xander stopped at the house around eight and he and Faith started searching, but both were growing impatient quickly.

“Where the hell is this demon anyway?” Xander remarked, arms waving. “Doesn’t he have the decency to show up and get dabbed?”

“Apparently not,” Faith responded, her eyes scanning the area. She looked over at him. “You should be more alert, Xander. You know, ‘look alive’. I don’t want to lose this demon because of you.”

“What?!” He stared at Faith wide-eyed. “Me? I’m all kinds of alert over here. And I know these cemeteries better than you. While you were in prison getting ‘rehabilitated’, I was here fighting evil. You know, what you should have doing. Besides, unlike you, I care about helping Buffy.”

“I care!” Faith shouted at him, then took a deep breath and sighed. “You know what? Let’s not do this right now,” she suddenly looked past Xander, “especially since our demon’s behind you.”

“Very funny Fai...” Xander stopped short as he turned and ducked just as the demon swung at him, narrowly missing him. Faith pushed him out of the way and kicked the demon in front of her in the chest while she threw the tranq gun to Xander, who had landed next to a gravestone a few feet away.

“Make yourself useful and shoot him!” she yelled, but the distraction gave her opponent a chance to punch her across the face and landed a kick to the ribs. Faith recovered quickly, however, and kicked the demon in the leg to catch him off guard and then landed a punch to his mid-section. Being a slayer, her blow had enough power to it so the demon was pushed back and slouched slightly, looking hurt.
Xander finally got to his feet and aimed the gun. “Faith, move back!” he shouted and Faith complied. He fired and hit the demon right below the neck. He look at Xander, stunned for a couple seconds, then fell over nearly hitting Faith as he went down.

She jumped out of the way then moved over to their target, nudging him with her foot to make sure he was out.

“Nice shot,” she said with a small grin, looking at Xander. He only nodded in response. “Help me lift him. The sooner we get this to the house, the sooner Willow can mix the antidote.”

Xander nodded again and the pair carried off the demon and walked toward Revello Drive.

******

“Wow, he’s, uh, bigger than I thought,” Willow mused as Xander and Faith tied the demon up in the basement of the Summers’ house. She looked at her watch and sighed. “Why don’t we wait until morning to mix the antidote? I still have to go over a few notes before I do anything else and it’s getting late.”

Xander looked up, about to protest, but thought better of it. “Okay, I’ll go home, get some sleep and be back in the morning.” He took a few steps toward Willow and looked over at Faith who was testing the ropes, making sure they were tight enough. “Will, watch your back, okay? I don’t trust her and you shouldn’t either.”

Willow just nodded at him and he walked up the stairs. A few seconds later, the front door opened and closed. Willow turned to Faith. “So... are the sleeping arrangements still the same?”

Faith raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are we talking about, Red?” she paused, then continued when Willow didn’t respond, realizing what she was talking about. “I’d never take advantage of B, you have to know that. She’d kill me if I did and you have to agree with me there.”

The redhead thought for a minute and then met Faith’s eyes with hers. “Yeah, you’re right. This ‘being right’ better not be a new thing with you, ‘cause I don’t think I could get used to it,” she said with a smile. The slayer in front of her smiled back.

“Very funny,” Faith responded, “now, if we’re finished, I’m gonna go upstairs. I really need a shower.”

Willow nodded and watched Faith leave the basement.

******

Faith took a shower and got ready to sleep quickly, only stopping to check in on Dawn and ease the teen’s mind on the shape of sister and then, straight to Buffy’s room.

She looked into the room to find Buffy already asleep, curled up under the covers. Moving slowly, Faith walked over to the bed and laid down next to the woman she was quickly falling in love with... again. Resting her head on a pillow, she looked over at the older slayer and watched her sleep.

As Faith watched her, memorizing every curve of her face, Buffy rolled into Faith and suddenly snuggled against her. The younger slayer reacted on instinct again and wrapped her arms around Buffy, holding her as close to her body as possible. The blonde relaxed against her and Faith fell asleep, hoping this would continue after tomorrow when Buffy was cured.

******

Faith woke from a deep sleep slowly, aware that someone was curled up next to her and embracing her. Her eyes darted around the room, finally resting on the woman she was holding and vice versa. A smile formed on Faith’s lips and she looked over at the clock. Still early, she thought and was about to fall back asleep when she heard a soft knock on the door.

Willow quietly opened the door just enough for her to look into the room and visibly flinched when she saw Buffy and Faith together. Faith raised an eyebrow at her and she shook her head quickly before motioning the young slayer to follow her out of the room.

Faith slowly untangled herself from Buffy, hoping not to wake her. She got up and threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Before leaving the room, she walked back over to Buffy and put her hand on the blonde’s cheek, kissing her softly on the lips. Faith caressed her cheek a few more seconds before finally dragging herself away.

She met the redhead in the hallway. “Willow, what’s going on? Have you mixed the antidote?”

“No,” Willow looked cautiously at Faith, shaking her head, “and I have to say, it may take awhile for me to get used to that.” She pointed rd trd the door. When Faith only shrugged on response, she continued. “I need someone to help me with the demon. I don’t think he’ll just let me cut him without any sort of fuss.”

Faith nodded. “Let’s do this, then,” she said and walked down the stairs, Willow following behind her. Both of them walked down to the basement and found the demon awake and pissed off, but still tied up. “I guess we tied him up correctly,” Faith smirked. “I’m kinda proud of that.”

“Be proud later, Faith,” Willow turned from her and gathered her supplies. “Hold it’s arms together so I can get some of the venom. Then I can mix everything together.”

Faith did as she was told and held the arms of the thrashing demon’s together as Willow found the point he’s stuck Buffy with and collected the venom. “Okay, that’s all I need,” she said, taking a step back. “Maybe you should tie it’s arms up tighter,” she remarked as Faith moved to fully tie up the demon once again.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it,” Faith said, not looking at her. “Just go mix that stuff, okay?” She heard Willow go up the stairs and she finished tying the demon up, giving it a tranq so he wouldn’t cause any trouble. Faith then walked up the stairs and into the kitchen where Willow had just finished mixing the necessary antidote.

“Augh, that looks nasty,” Faith grimaced as she eyed the concoction Willow poured into a glass. “B has to drink that?”

“Yeah,” Willow said, “it smells worse than it looks and probably tastes just as bad, but it should stop the hallucinations.”

“It’s worth it then,” she gave the redhead a grin and picked up the glass. “I’ll take this up to B.”

Willow nodded to her and Faith nearly ran up the stairs to Buffy’s room. She found the blonde just getting out of bed, stretching as she got up with her back to the young slayer. Faith put the glass down on the dresser and quickly walked over to Buffy, embracing her from behind. The blonde tensed up, then relaxed as Faith’s lips kissed her ear.

“Hey, glad to see you’re up,” she whispered, then moved down to kiss her neck, wrapping her arms tightly around Buffy’s stomach. “Miss me?”

“Mmm,” was all Buffy could respond with and turned around in Faith’s embrace, facing her. “You were gone again,” she said then moved in to kiss the brunette, pushing her tongue into her mouth. Faith broke away when she needed to breathe.

“B, I never wanna stop doing that, but I have good news right now.” She moved over to the dresser and picked up the glass. “Willow just made the antidote for you. Drink and you’ll be good as new.”

Buffy only gave her a blank stare, showing almost no emotion. Faith was about to comment when Buffy reached for the glass. “Okay, let’s get this over with,” she said, taking the glass from Faith. “Could you get some water? I have a feeling I’ll need to wash this down. It looks disgusting.”

“Sure, B,” Faith flashed her dimples at the blonde and kissed her on the cheek.

She turned away from Buffy and started to walk toward the door when she felt a sharp pain in her head. Confused, she turned to see Buffy giving her the same blank look and some sort of blunt object in her hand. That was all she could process before everything went black.

**

Faith awoke some time later with a splitting headache. She blinked her eyes a few times and took her surroundings. Her hands and feet were tied and she seemed to be in a closet. I’m in Buffy’s closet.

She moved her hands and feet, testing the bonds. They were tight, but she thought they could be broken. Faith looked around the darkened area, trying to see if there was anything sharp to help free her, but couldn’t see any weapons that would help. Growing impat, sh, she began to twist her hands, trying to loosen her restraints.

Faith thought she was starting to make a little headway on her wrists when she heard a cry coming from another room upstairs. What the hell is going on? That sounded like... Dawn! She moved quickly to place her back against the wall and pushed herself up so she was standing. Concentrating as hard as she could, Faith pulled her hands as far apart as she could. The ropes gave just enough for her to wiggle one hand out of her restraints.

“Yes,” she breathed, untying the ropes around her hands and then bent to untie her feet. Once she managed to free herself completely, she slowly opened the closet door, not knowing what to expect. What she saw was an empty room, the glass sitting back on the dresser and still full.

“Damn it, B, what are you doing?” Faith said to herself, running a hand through her hair. She looked around, trying to decide what to do but them remembered the cry she’d heard earlier. “Okay, think later, act now.”

She left the room quickly and ran down the stairs, only to nearly collide with the front door as it opened. Faith grabbed the knob and opened it wider, letting a stunned Tara into the house.

“F-Faith?” she looked at her wide-eyed. “What are you doing here?” She stopped and looked around. “Where’s Buffy?”

“Tara, right?” Faith looked at her and when she nodded, continued. “We’re in a little trouble, okay? B’s completely lost it and I think something bad’s happened.”

Tara got a worried look on her face. “Where’s Willow and Dawn?”

“That’s the thing, I don’t know,” Faith moved into the living room quickly and Tara followed. “B knocked me on the head and the next thing I know, I’m tied up and in B’s closet.”

“Well, B-Buffy probably has some pent-up aggression toward you,” Tara tried her best not upset the slayer.

“Yeah, well, she doesn’t anymore and I’ll explain later, but right now you have to help me,” Faith’s eyes pleaded at Tara and the witch relented.

“Okay, what are you going to do?” she questioned.

“I don’t know, yet,” Faith said, thinking when both heard noises coming from the basement. “Okay, no more thinking, let’s move.”

Both rushed to the basement door and Faith moved to open it. “You still do magick, right?”

The blonde nodded. “When I need to.”

“You may need to,” Faith responded and the two walked down the basement stairs. They reached about halfway down when they saw Willow and Xander hog-tied in the corner of the basement. Tara, worried about her former girlfriend, opened her mouth to recite a spell when a hand grabbed her ankle, tripping her and sent her flying down the stairs. She landed on the floor hard and closed her eyes, losing consciousness.

Willow cried out against her gag and wiggled more against her restraints. Faith raced down the stairs and quickly assessed the situation. Willow and Xander were tied up and gagged in the corner, the demon was growling and still restrained against a pillar. Dawn looked like she had just been tied up and she was not gagged.

“Faith!” she cried to the brunette. “Watch out for Buffy!”

Faith turned quickly and blocked a kick from Buffy, who swung at her next. The young slayer grabbed the out-stretched arm and the other in one swift movement. Buffy tried to break free but Faith held on to her tighter.

“B, what are you doing? This is insane,” she pleaded with the blonde, who looked at her blankly. “You don’t want to hurt your friends, B.”

“They’re not my friends,” she monotoned, still showing no emotion. “They’re not even real. None of this is real.”

Faith kept a death grip on Buffy’s arms. “That’s bullshit B,” Faith stared directly into the woman’s eyes. “How can you think that place is real?”

Buffy’s blank stare was replaced with anger. “How could I ever believe this was? All this shit about slayers, vampires, demons, magick?” she laughed bitterly at Faith. “There I have my mom and dad, together, and I’m not a slayer. I’m normal.” She paused and looked Faith in the eye, pleadingly. “I want to be normal.”

“You’re not normal, B,” Faith moved closer to her. “You’re a slayer, you fight against evil. That’s who you are. And as much as you hate it, your mom’s dead and your dad’s an asshole. No imaginary world gonna fix that.”

A tear fell from Buffy’s eye and she got out of Faith’s grip, striking her across the face. “How the hell can you tell me that? That’s the world I choose! I don’t want this one!”

Faith grabbed hold of her again when Buffy was about to hit her again and held her even tighter. “I know this world sucks, B. Believe me, I know. I know you want your mom back and that you want out of your crappy job, but we’re here to help, remember? Xander and Willow have stuck by you for years.” She looked over to the pair tied up in the corner then over to Dawn who was quieting sobbing. “Your sister looks up to you, B. You’re the only one she has, how could you leave her?” She leaned closer. “And I’m here now,” she spoke softly and then whispered so only Buffy could hear her. “I need you, B.”

Buffy looked a little shaken, but still looked at her defiantly. Still holding both her arms, Faith moved so she was only a couple inches from her face. “Please believe me, B. We’re all here for you. Let us help.” She kissed the older slayer on the cheek. “Stay with me.”

With that, Buffy crumpled, falling into Faith who held onto her and lowered her to sit on the floor. She moved over to Willow and Xander, removing their gags and untying Xander. “Help Dawn and Tara. I’m going to get B upstairs and make sure she drinks that antidote this time.”

Xander nodded and untied Willow. She immediately ran to Tara who was starting to regain consciousness, pushing herself up into a sitting position. Xander moved over to untie a still crying Dawn.

“Buffy?” she questioned as Faith walked back over to her sister and pulled her uFaitFaith gave Dawn an encouraging smile then turned back to Buffy, guiding her around Willow and Tara and up the stairs.

***

F

Faith reached the bedroom with Buffy without one word from the blonde. Once inside the room, Buffy sat on the bed while Faith grabbed the glass off the dresser once again. She walked over to the bed and knelt before Buffy.

“You ready to drink this, B?” she questioned, seeing the blank stare on her face. She took her free hand and rested it on the older slayer’s, bringing the antidote closer to her. Buffy finally blinked and looked into Faith’s eyes.

“Yeah,” she simply responded, taking the glass and draining it. Her face twisted in disgust as handed the glass back to Faith, who stood and set the glass on the night stand. “Now that... was gross.”

Faith walked back over to Buffy and sat beside her. “Are you okay? How bad was it?”

“That has to be the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted, but that other reality is fading,” she turned to meet Faith’s concerned stare. “I know it was fake, Faith. I know I made the right choice.” She leaned in and brushed her lips against Faith’s.

Faith responded to the kiss, bringing a hand up into Buffy’s hair and pulling the blonde as close to her as possible. She also deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue into Buffy’s mouth when she parted her lips and massaging the blonde’s tongue with her own.

The pair broke for air and the younger slayer rested her forehead on Buffy’s. “B, what does this mean for us? I really want to be with you.”

Buffy looked into the beautiful brown eyes in front of her. “Will you stay for awhile and find out? Do you have to go back to L.A.?”

Faith grinned at her, showing off her dimples. “Of course I’ll stay,” she whispered as the older slayer moved her hand up to her face, her fingers tracing her dimples. They kissed again and Buffy began to tug at Faith, trying to have her lie down. Faith stopped her.

“B, as much as I want to continue this, everyone’s waiting downstairs. If we stay up here any longer, they’re going to think one of us has killed the other.”

“You’re right,” Buffy sighed and put her head on Faith’s shoulder. The brunette stood, pulling Buffy with her and the chosen two walked down the stairs.

******

When Faith and Buffy reached the bottom of the stairs they separated, Buffy walking into the living room to meet the rest of the group, Faith to the basement to take care of the demon.

“Hey, guys,” Buffy voiced quietly as everyone watched her enter the room. Dawn spoke up first.

“Buffy, are you better?” she spoke with a little uncertainty, not knowing what her sister would do.

“Yep, good as new,” she smiled then grunted as Dawn ran into her and pulled her into a tight hug. The other three scoobs laughed at the display as Buffy pulled herself out of her sister’s grip.

“I’m sorry, guys,” the small slayer said. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I never want to hurt any of you. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course, Buff,” Xander responded immediately. “We all know it wasn’t really you doing that.”

“Yeah, Buffy,” Willow agreed. “We don’t blame you for it.”

Buffy looked over to Tara, who had a couple of scrapes and a cut near her hair line. “Tara, are you okay? I’m so sorry.”

“Yeah, nothing’s broken,” Tara gave her a small smile. “Like they said, it’s realreally your fault.”

“All right,” Xander waved his hand to all of them, “now that all the apologizing’s out of the way, I have a question for you Buff: what’s with you and Faith?” When Buffy gave him a confused look, Xander explained. “Will filled us in while you were upstairs.”

Buffy furrowed her brow at Willow before responding. “I’m not really sure,” she sighed. “I care about her and I think she feels the same. She took care of me the last two days, guys. I think she’s changed and I know the gang in L.A. would agree with me.”

Everyone was quiet for a minute before Tara spoke up. “I can see she’s changed, Buffy,” she said while the others all looked at her quizzically. “I can’t really explain, but I just feel it. She does care and I think she wants to make things right.”

“I do,” Faith’s voice made everyone turn as she walked iovinoving to sit on the arm of the couch next to Buffy. “It’s dead,” she said to her and Buffy nodded in response. Faith looked to the rest of them. “If it’s okay with everyone, I’d like to stay for a few days but I’ll understand if you want me to leave. I can just get a motel room and just hang around town, do a little slaying.”

“No! Faith, you’re staying here,” Buffy’s hand rested on Faith’s arm and gave it a squeeze.

“Yeah, Faith, you have to stay here,” Dawn joined her sister. “It’s been okay so far, you don’t have to leave now that Buffy’s better.”

Faith looked at Willow, as did the two Summers girls. She sighed and nodded, “Yeah, I guess thatkay.kay.”

Buffy smiled, then frowned as she looked at the clock. “Shit, I have to work in an hour.” She looked at Faith with some uncertainty. “You’ll be here when I get back, right?”

Faith nodded, “Yeah, I’ll probably go through I few cemeteries later, but I’ll be back by the time you get home.”

“Good,” Buffy leaned in and kissed Faith on the lips, then got up and starting walking up the stairs. “Xander, you better not be drooling down there,” she remarked, causing everyone downstairs to laugh and Xander turned red and close his mouth, which had been hanging open.

******

Faith spent the rest of the day lounging around the house and hanging out with Dawn and Willow. The younger Summers was already warming to her again and it took her completely by surprise. Willow held back a little more, but still talked to Faith pretty easily.

Tara left with Buffy and Willow explained to Faith what had happened with the two of them and why she didn’t do magick anymore.

“Wow, Willow,” Faith had said to her when she finished her story. “I didn’t know that could happen. Do you think you and Tara will get back together?”

“I don’t know,” Willow sighed, “I hope so.”

Faith patrolled through three cemeteries that night and got back to the house before Buffy. She hung around with Dawn downstairs until she heard the front door open and close. Her face immediately brightened.

“Okay, that shift left way too long,” Buffy groaned as she walk partially into the living room. “I really need a shower. Faith, I’ll meet you upstairs, okay?”

“Okay,” Faith grinned at the blonde, flashing her dimples. She watched Buffy walk up the stairs then turned to see Dawn laughing at her. “What?”

“You’re bad girl image is completely ruined now,” she chuckled at the young slayer. “How long are you going to stick around anyway?”

“As long as she wants me to,” Faith said, already sprinting up the stairs.

******

Buffy walked into her room and found Faith relaxing on the bed, her head propped up and resting on a pillow. She gave Buffy her sexiest grin.

“Long day at work, huh?” Faith’s voice came out husky and low and Buffy could nod in response. “Then I think you’d better lie down.” She padded the space next to her.

The older slayer closed the bedroom door behind her and moved to the bed, lying next to Faith and turning to face her. She cupped the brunette’s cheek with her hand and Faith leaned into her touch, closing her eyes.

“Thank you for helping,” Buffy spoke softly. “I don’t know why you did.”

Faith opened her eyes to look at her, confused. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Buffy took a deep breath. “For starters, last time you were in Sunnydale we tried to kill each other and then when I followed you to L.A., I told you I would kill you if you ever came back.”

“I think the correct words were ‘beat you to death’,” Faith smirked at her and Buffy’s hand dropped from her cheek to swat her lightly on the shoulder.

“I’m trying to be serious here,” she tried to keep a stern face but failed miserably. “We hurt each other so much. Why did you come back?”

“Glutton for punishment?” Faith tried to joke her way out, but she knew Buffy wouldn’t let it rest and sighed. “B, do you even have to ask? I thought it was obvious.”

“I want to hear it from you,” Buffy said, reaching down to take Faith’s hand in her own.

Faith looked into Buffy’s eyes and saw anticipation in them, among other things. I can’t say ‘I love you’. I can’t say that yet. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. “B, I really care about you. Do we have to get into everything right now? We’ve all had a long day and I know you’re tired. I’m not ready to get into any of that yet.”

Buffy gave her a reassuring smile and leaned in to brush her lips against the brunette’s. Faith immediately responded, putting her hand on the back of Buffy’s neck and pulled her closer. The blonde smiled against the young slayer’s lips. “I’m not that tired,” she whispered, winking at Faith.

Faith responded by moving to lie back on the bed, taking Buffy with her. She rested on her back and Buffy fell on top of her as the two began to kiss more deeply, their tongues exploring each other’s mouths.

Their hands began to move everywhere over the other’s clothes. Faith’s hands massaged Buffy’s back while the older slayer’s were buried deep in the other’s hair. They made out for what seemed like forever to Faith before she broke away.

Buffy panted as she looked at the woman under her and tucked a strand of hair behind the brunette’s ear. “What’s wrong, baby?”

Faith gave her the sexiest grin she could and raised an eyebrow. “We’re wearing way too many clothes, B.”

Buffy laughed and rested her head on Faith’s shoulder, who started to nibble on her ear. Faith’s hands moved down her back until they were at the hem of her shirt and started to pull it up. Buffy moved so her knees were straddling Faith and sat up so the woman below her could pull the shirt off.

Faith threw the shirt to the side and her hands re-familiarized herself with Buffy’s body. Her hands ran up and down her sides, to her back, then moved to the front where she began to massage Buffy’s breasts.

The blonde moved into Faith’s hands, wiggling down to kiss the brunette’s neck then moved up to her ear, licking and kissing behind it. Faith let out a moan causing Buffy to stop and pulled her up into a sitting position while still straddling her legs.

Buffy pulled her closer and began to suck on Faith’s pulse point. “Now you’re wearing too many clothes,” she mumbled before pulling Faith’s shirt over her head and pushing her back on the bed.

Faith grabbed the back of Buffy’s head as she was pushed back down and crushed Buffy’s lips against hers. They kissed frantically, Faith’s hand making sure the blonde’s head didn’t move. Before she could even register any movement, she realized Buffy was pulling the zipper down on her pants.

She broke the kiss and stared intently, catching her breath. “Taking the lead, B?”

Buffy smirked at her while she pulled Faith’s leathers and panties over her hips. “Well,” she whispered, her lips close to Faith’s ear, “the way I see it, I really didn’t do anything to you the first time. And,” her lips brushed her ear, “you went slaying tonight and I bet you’ve already eaten.” Faith let out a groan in response as Buffy’s hand began to move around near her pantie line, her fingers tracing patterns. “Hmm, I wonder what else you need after a good slay,” she continued to whisper seductively in the brunette’s ear.

“This is a whole new side of you, B,” Faith said as Buffy lifted herself off her and finished removing the rest of Faith’s clothing then whipped out of her own shorts and stood in front of the brunette slayer.

Faith stared at the woman before her. “B, do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

“Hmm,” Buffy’s eyes took in the very naked slayer on the bed as she once again rested on top of her and between her thighs. “I have other things on my mind at the moment.”

Faith wrapped her arms around the blonde as they began to kiss, but Buffy didn’t let it last. She quickly moved from Faith’s lips and started to kiss down her jaw line, back to her ear. She placed small kisses there then sucked on the lobe, making Faith moan and arch into her.

“God, B,” Faith groaned as Buffy worked her way down her neck, sucking and leaving marks along the way. She moved her hands slowly up and down the blonde’s back then moved to her sides, using her thumbs to massage the sides of the older slayer’s breasts.

Buffy moaned into Faith’s collarbone and moved the rest of the way to the breasts she had been seeking. She glanced up at Faith and gave her the hungriest grin the brunette had ever seen. Before the younger slayer could stop herself, a low growl escaped her lips which turned into a loud moan once she felt the blonde’s lips kiss her nipple.

Buffy smiled at the response she was receiving and started to suck on the nipple, grazing it with her teeth. Faith’s hands moved into blonde hair and she arched her back more into Buffy, who started putting her hands to use. One hand a light grip on Faith’s other breast while the other began to inch down and into Faith’s curls.

“Oh, Christ,” Faith moaned out, feeling both Buffy’s lips moved from one breast to another and the hand starting to move to her clit.

Buffy’s hand dipped into the brunette’s folds and gasped. “God, baby, you’re so wet,” she moved her mouth up to her neck, licking along the way. “How did you get so worked up, Faith?”

“Oh... you, B... oh, God,” Faith closed her eyes as Buffy deeply massaged her clit. She had never felt this way about anyone before, mostly because every time she had sex before, she always wished it was with Buffy and not who was actually there. Now it was actually happening and she couldn’t even think straight.

The brunette’s hands continued to move around on Buffy’s back, one gripping the blonde’s upper back and the other moving slowly down to her ass. Faith’s mind was totally gone, lost in what the older slayer was doing to her and she couldn’t control the moaning coming from her as Buffy’s hand moved against her clit, fingers moving closer toward their ultimate destination.

“B... more. I need more,” Faith moaned as Buffy continued to kiss and lick her everywhere. She looked up at Faith and gave her a smirk. Her fingers moved lower until they reached her entrance. The blonde kissed the younger slayer deeply as she slowly sunk one finger into her pussy.

Faith arched her back and groaned into Buffy’s mouth as the older slayer’s tongue moved against her own. Her hips soon met the excruciatingly slow movements of Buffy’s hand as her finger moved in and out of her tight hole.

Buffy faced kisses on Faith’s face and neck, resting some of her weight on the brunette and the rest on her hand ed bed by Faith’s side. She pushed another finger into Faith and smiled against her collarbone as the brunette moaned out her appreciation. She thrust a little harder and faster, moving up to place a kiss on the young slayer’s lips then resting her forehead on the other woman’s.

“You look... so hot, Faith,” she breathed onto the brun’s f’s face as she moved against her.

Faith’s only response was bringing a hand to the back of Buffy’s head and pulled her head down, crushing their lips together once again, Faith thrusting her tongue into the blonde’s mouth. Both moaned into each other’s mouths as Buffy thrust a third finger into Faith’s grasping pussy and the brunette whimpered against the older sl’s m’s mouth. She spread her legs further apart and Buffy got the message, instantly thrusting harder and as deep as she could go.

Their bodies moved against each other faster as Buffy continued to move faster in and out of the brunette’s tight hole. They were covered in sweat and slid against each other with ease as Faith arched and bucked her hips into Buffy with every thrust. Her hands gripped the blonde’s back, her nails digging into the skin there.

“Fuck! B... I’m nearly there, baby,” Faith gasped as Buffy pounded into her pussy harder and faster than she ever thought possible.

Buffy sucked on the younger slayer’s neck as she continued to quicken the pace then licked her way up to the brunette’s ear. “Come for me, Faith,” she whispered and smiled when Faith only whimpered in response. “You’re so fucking sexy, Faith, the way you whimper for me,” she continued to moan into her ear.

She moved her head so she was hovering above Faith and could look directly at her. Faith’s eyes were closed as she moaned loudly with every thrust. “Open your eyes, baby,” Buffy rested her forehead on Faith’s once again. “I want to see you.” Her fingers rubbed the inner walls of the brunette’s pussy and Faith eyes popped open.

“Shit! Oh, fuck.... Buffy!” she cried as she came harder than she ever had. She launched herself into the woman above her and held onto to her tightly. Buffy rode out the orgasm with the younger slayer, continuing to pump in and out of her tight hole.

Faith’s shuddering slowly came to a stop and tried to catch her breath. She continued to hold onto the blonde tightly. Buffy kept her fingers slowly moving in Faith, her free hand traveling up and down the side of the brunette’s body. She placed kisses and sucked her neck as she waited for Faith’s senses to return.

As her breathing began to slow, Faith shifted Buffy more to her side but didn’t let go. She never wanted to let go of her again. She felt the blonde slowly pull out of her and sighed at the loss. Faith finally realized she hadn’t said or done anything in the last few minutes and began to kiss up Buffy’s neck to her lips and kissed her, pushing her tongue into the older slayer’s mouth.

Breaking the kiss, Buffy looked into the eyes of the woman she was holding. “You okay, baby?” She looked a little nervous asking Faith that, but did not break eye contact.

Faith gave her a wide grin and brought a hand to her face, cupping her cheek and brushing her thumb against Buffy’s soft skin. “B, you are so amazing,” she moved in and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’ve never felt like that before,” she whispered to her. It’s because I love her. God, I love her.

“Good,” Buffy responded, all signs of nervousness gone, “becaI’d I’d be pretty jealous if you had.” She laughed at her quietly as their foreheads rested against each other.

They stared at each other for what seemed like forever and Buffy held Faith tightly to her. The young slayer broke eye contact and placed her head on the blonde’s shoulder, hoping this feeling would never go away.

Buffy rolled onto her back, pulling Faith on top of her. She brought her hands to the brunette’s face and moved so she could look her in the eye. “You are so beautiful, Faith,” she spoke to her softly. Faith started to look away, not able to take Buffy’s penetrating gaze, but Buffy lightly held her chin so she couldn’t look away.

“I need you to look at me, baby,” she continued to keep a hand on the brunette’s face and lifted her head up to place a lingering kiss on her lips. Taking a deep breath, she looked into the most beautiful dark brown eyes she’d ever seen. “I... I love you, Faith,” she whispered to her, not knowing what kind of response she would get. “I think I always have.”

Faith’s eyes widened and she stared at Buffy, who kept looking more and more nervous since the other woman wasn’t responding. She couldn’t believe the older slayer had said those words to her and thought maybe she had imagined them. But the look on Buffy’s face right now... she prayed to anyone who would listen that it was true.

Buffowevowever, was growing impatient and worried. “Faith... baby?” she whispered to her, questioning, hoping she had done the right thing by telling her how she felt. “Please, say something.”

Faith shook her head and tried to form words but still couldn’t. She loves me! I can say it, I need to say it now. Damn it, Faith, say it! Instead, she brought her head down and kissed the blonde, buying some time. She broke the kiss a few seconds later and caressed Buffy’s face once again.

“I love you, too,” Faith felt a tear roll down her cheek. “Fuck, I love you so much, B.”

Hearing the words she had been waiting to hear, Buffy pulled Faith down to her and kissed her, smiling against her mouth. She moved her lips to her cheek and kissed away Faith’s tears. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say that.”

“Probably about as long as me,” Faith grinned and leaned down to the older slayer’s neck, sucking on her pulse point while Buffy moaned quietly. She licked and kissed her way up to Buffy’s ear and took the lobe into her mouth, nibbling lightly. A sudden urge overcame her and she whispered into Buffy’s ear.

“I need to taste you, B,” she moaned. “I’ve wanted to for so long.” The blonde gave her a longing sigh. “I need you, baby.” She kissed Bufith ith all the love she felt for her and began to move down her body.

Buffy rested her head against the pillow and moved her hands over Faith’s back and shoulders while Faith’s mouth moved lower. The brunette kissed down her neck and between her breasts, leaving wet trails behind. Faith reached her abdomen and swirled her tongue in and around her navel, her hands resting firmly on the blonde’s hips.

Finally reaching her destination, Faith gently pushed the older slayer’s legs further apart and put a leg on each shoulder. She pulled Buffy closer to her and blew slowly on the blonde’s mound. Buffy moaned and brought her hands into silky brown hair, pushing Faith’s head into her folds.

Faith smiled and moved in, licking Buffy’s clit quickly and looked up to gage the blonde’s reaction. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing rapidly, but her grip on the younger slayer’s head told her she wanted this.

She started to make long strokes up and down the blonde’s folds, drinking her wetness and creating more. She explored everywhere with her tongue before going back to Buffy’s clit and taking it into her mouth, sucking on it.

“Shit! Oh, Faith,” Buffy moaned as she gripped the younger slayer’s head tighter, nails digging into her scalp. “That feels... oh, fuck!”

Faith sucked harder then thrust her tongue up into the blonde’s tight hole. Buffy groaned and moved her hips with Faith as the brunette began a fucking motion with her tongue. She smiled as she felt the blonde’s hands grip her head even tighter and kept a firm hold on the woman’s hips which were bucking faster against her face.

She felt Buffy was close so she pulled her tongue out of Buffy’s pussy and moved back to clit, swirling her tongue around, scrapping her teeth against it. Buffy moaned loudly, encouraging Faith to continue. She sped up the pace and thrust two fingers into Buffy, plunging as deep as she could.

Buffy cried out and bucked her hips harder against Faith’s face. She moved in time with Faith’s thrusts, trying not to be too loud but not being very successful. Faith continued to suck on the blonde’s clit, wanting Buffy to come hard.

Faith added another fr anr and felt Buffy’s muscles clench around them, trying to keep them there and taking them in deeper at the same time. The older slayer whimpered then moaned as Faith picked up the pace, thrusting faster. Feeling that Buffy was getting so close, she curved her fingers inside the blonde and sucked harder on her clit, swirling her tongue around as she did so.

“Oh God... so good... Faith!” Buffy cried out, her hips meeting Faith’s face one last time as she came, hard.

Faith slowed her fingers pumping in and out of the blonde as she drank as much of Buffy as she could. I’m never going to get enough of her. Buffy whimpered underneath her as she finally removed her fingers and licked them clean. She kissed her way back up Buffy’s body as the other women lay recovering.

Buffy’s eyes were closed and her breathing was starting to return to normal. Faith settled back next to Buffy, half on top of her, and kissed up and down the blonde’s neck, sucking on her point pulse enough to leave a mark. One hand caressed the side of Buffy’s face while the other roamed her body as she waiting for her lover to come back to earth.

The blonde’s body finally showed signs of life, her hands beginning to move around on Faith’s back and movedo heo her hand, softly kissing the palm. Faith smiled against her neck and felt Buffy shift so they could face each other. Faith looked at Buffy and saw the blonde had a few tears rolling to her cheek. She brought a hand to her face and wiped the tears away with her thumb. Faith pulled Buffy into a loving hug and kissed her forehead.

“Please don’t cry, B. I don’t want you to cry,” Faith whispered to her as Buffy rested her chin on Faith’s shoulder.

“Don’t leave, Faith. I don’t know what I’ll do if you’re not here,” Buffy said, nearly sobbing. Faith felt tears on her shoulder. The older slayer moved out of Faith’s arms just enough to look into her eyes. “You won’t go, will you?”

Faith placed her hand back on Buffy’s face and rested her forehead on tlondlonde’s. “Of course I won’t. Why would I? This is all I’ve ever wanted.”

“You live in L.A., Faith,” Buffy said sadly.

Faith gave her a dazzling smile, showing off her dimples. “I guess I’m gonna have to do something about it that, aren’t I?”

******

The slayers woke in each other’s arms and neither could have been happier. Faith had pulled the covers over them before they went to sleep and curled up next to Buffy. She was woken up with Buffy kissing her and prayed she wasn’t dreaming. Buffy must have read her mind.

“Baby, you’re not dreaming. You’re gonna have to used to this ‘cause it’s real,” laughed and kissed Faith again, wrapping her arms around her.

Faith put her hands into blonde hair and smiled against Buffy’s lips. “It’s just too good, B,” she laughed and rolled so Buffy was on top of her. “I definitely wanna get used to this.” Her hands started to roam down the sides of Buffy’s naked body as she kissed the blonde deeply.

Buffy broke the kiss and buried her head in Faith shoulder, sighing. “I have to work in an hour. I just wanted to wake you up so I could feel you up a little before I have to leave.”

“I’m glad you did,” Faith lifted her head up and kissed Buffy’s shoulder then moved up her neck. Buffy also kissed Faith wherever she could until she felt Faith’s hand attempt to move her face over to the brunette’s.

She gladly gave in and the couple made out until they heard a knock on the door.

“Are you two decent?” Willow called from the other side of the door.

“No!” the pair yelled at the same time, not moving for their position.

“Tara came over and she’s cooking breakfast,” Willow yelled, “so if you want any food, get dressed and get the hell downstairs.”

“Okay, Will,” Buffy and waited for the sound of the witch going down the stairs before laughing and kissed Faith on the nose. “We better get down there. I’m pretty sure we kept the house awake for most of the night.”

“Yeah,” Faith glowed at the memory of last night, “they better get some earplugs ‘cause I plan on having many more of those nights in the future.”

Buffy brightened. “Like every night?”

Faith grinned. “Absolutely, baby.”

******

Buffy left for work and Faith decided it was time to call Angel and tell him what happened.

“Hello?”

“Hey soul-boy, it’s Faith,” she said calmly into the phone, but couldn’t help smiling. She couldn’t stop thinking about Buffy.

“Faith! Are you okay? We were worried, you haven’t called,” Angel said urgently.

“Chill, I’m fine. Everything worked out okay, but Buffy was messed up for awhile. I was right, though, she did need my help.”

“What happened?”

Faith explained what happened to Buffy and what ended up happening between the two of them. Angel didn’t know what to say about the situation and attempted to process the information Faith was telling him. He stopped paying attention for a second.

“Soul-boy, you still there?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here.”

“Are you gonna be okay with this? With me and Buffy?”

“Yes, Faith,” Angel sighed over the phone. “It’ll take some getting used to, but you sound happy. I want to see you happy.”

“Thanks, Angel,” Faith cleared her throat. “Listen, I’m gonna stay here. I’ll be back in a week or two to pick up the rest of my stuff.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Maybe you should come back here for a couple weeks and think about it,” Angel said to her reasonably.

“She loves me, Angel,” Faith pleaded. “I’ve been waiting years to hear those words from her. I love her too much to leave her for a second much less a couple weeks. I need her.”

“Okay,” Angel gave in. “Just be careful, okay? I don’t want you getting hurt and coming back to L.A. a mess. You’ve come so far, Faith. I don’t want to see you broken again.”

“She won’t,” Faith said. “I know that now. I want everything with her, Angel.”

“I can tell,” Angel chuckled over the phone. “I hope you can be happy. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, Soul-boy,” Faith smiled into the phone. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

“Take care, Faith.”

“Bye,” Faith hung up the phone knowing finally that Sunnydale was her home and there was no where else she ever wanted to be.

The End.