FRESH START

BY

KINETIC-KID

Rating:             NC-17 (XXX - Sex?? What Sex??!!!)

Disclaimer:       Definitely no money being made. All characters belong to Joss Whedon and ME. I own nothing except whatever characters I may make up for this story. I just like to play with them - I promise to put them back after I’m done!!

Distribution:     Oh yeah, anywhere, anytime. Just make sure I get credit and let me know where it is.

Spoilers:           Pretty much everything - if you haven’t watched BTVS - why are you reading the fanfic???  This story is, of course, AU!!

Feedback:         Please, Please, PLEASE!!! I live for feedback. I get irritable and upset if I don’t get any and I might not continue writing. Of course, if you don’t like the story and think it sucks you may not want me to continue!

Pairing:            Ultimately subject to Author’s whims - F/T

Summary:         A pardoned slayer, a stubborn witch…  What will happen??? LMAO SNORT

Tara frowns heavily as she watches her hurt and angry ex-lover stride away, her mind tripping back to roughly a year earlier, and the things that had happened that culminated in this moment.  Smiling softly as she feels a strong, warm body brush gently against her back and two strong arms wrap around her middle to comfort her.  At the husky tone whispering that everything was going to be okay, Tara relaxes back into her lover’s arms and lets her mind drift back.

Chapter 1

“It’s for the best, Willow.”  Buffy looks at her redheaded friend, wincing at the angry look that gets thrown her way.

“Oh, great.  It’s best for me to fly to another country, because I can’t control the magic.”  Willow throws her hands up in the air.  “I haven’t done one spell in three months… I’m pretty damn sure I have control of the magic.”

Buffy looks to the rest of the group for help, sighing quietly in relief as Tara slowly steps forward.

“Willow, we know you haven’t done any magic in three months, and that’s wonderful.  But denying that part of you is going to eventually eat away and you’ll tip over the edge.  You need to learn from the ground up how to control the magic, not to let it control you.”  Tara speaks softly, trying not to irritate her ex-lover.

Willow narrows her gaze on Tara, hesitating for a moment, looking at Buffy and Xander shifting nervously behind her girlfriend… ex-girlfriend, thankful that they at least didn’t have Dawn and Anya here with them.  “If I learn to control the magic properly, will you take me back?”  Willow finally asks the one question everyone was afraid she’d put voice to.

“I…”  Tara looks beseechingly at the redhead, not wanting to flat out dash all of the redhead’s hopes, though knowing in her heart that she could never be with Willow again.

Willow swallows as she sees the answer on Tara’s face.  “When’s the flight?”  Willow tears her gaze away from her ex-lover…  Realizing for the first time that Tara really, truly is her ex-lover and that there is no chance of reconciliation because of her own actions, her addiction. 

“You can get on the flight that leaves in four hours.”  Buffy offers seeing the heartache in her best friend’s eyes, along with the realization that she would never have Tara back. 

Willow nods her head in acceptance before striding from the room and practically running up the stairs.

Buffy looks at Tara seeing the dejected slump to her shoulders before turning her gaze to Xander.  “Please check on Wills.”

Xander nods and quickly follows Willow up the stairs.

Buffy sighs heavily and walks towards Tara.  “Tara?” 

Tara wipes at the tear that was slowly streaking down her face.  “It’s best that she knows that way she won’t be using that as a reason to get better.”  Tara whispers.

“Are you going to be okay?”  Buffy cautiously wraps her arms around the Wiccan, still uncomfortable with a lot of physical touches.

Tara feels the sob working its way out of her chest.  “I’ll always love her, Buffy.  But I can never be with her again.”

“Shhh.  I know, I know.”  Buffy unconsciously rocks the blonde Wiccan as she thinks about the conversation they had had just a couple weeks earlier.  Where Tara had broken down and told her exactly what had happened between the two women and her reason for leaving.  Understanding completely the reason why Tara would never be able to trust Willow again. 

“I should go.”  Tara releases a deep breath, trying to calm down, patting the slayer’s arms that are wrapped around her, smiling at the oddness of Buffy comforting her.  “Thank you, sweetie.”

Buffy shrugs as she releases the Wicca.  “Thought you could use a hug.”

“We can all use hugs.”  Tara turns and smiles sadly at Buffy.  “Are we still on for Tuesday and Thursday coffee dates?”

“Definitely.”  Buffy nods, smiling.  “Still meeting up with Dawn for every other Saturday milkshake and movie fests?”

“Definitely.  If I need to be here, just let me know.”  Tara chuckles as she reaches out to grasp Buffy’s shoulder, gently squeezing it before grabbing her purse to head out the door.  “You know where I am if you need me.”

“Same here.”  Buffy calls out after the quickly departing Wiccan, sighing quietly at the thought of the kind woman, knowing that Tara will come in a heartbeat if she needs her.  Slowly turning on her heels, Buffy jogs up the steps to check on Willow and Xander.

***

“This is your chance to do what’s right.”  Angel stares at the dark-haired slayer, watching her look at the pardon in her hand as if she’s afraid it will bite her.

“Why?  Why’d they do it?  I should be in here until they have to bury me six feet under.”  Faith raises her eyes to stare into the vampire’s dark eyes.  “Why’d they give me a pardon, Fang?  I don’t fuckin’ deserve it.”

Angel sighs quietly as they walk towards his convertible.  “Everyone deserves a second chance, Faith.  And do you honestly feel like you’re making up for what you did by being in there?”

Faith tosses her small bag of items in the back seat before hopping in the vehicle, leaning against the door to stare at Angel as he climbs in and starts the car.  “I can’t ever make up for what I did, Fang.  I fuckin’ killed two men, held Red at knifepoint, almost choked Boy Toy to death, let alone torturing Wes, poisoning you and about making B flip her wig.  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  We won’t even get into the other shit before Sunny Hell.”  Faith stares out over the back of the car as Angel pulls away from the Maximum Security Prison that had been her home for the last two years.  “Why’d they stand up for me, Fang?  I thought the Council wanted me dead then they talked on my behalf with the review board.”

Angel sighs quietly and reaches across the car to open the glove compartment, pulling out an envelope, dropping it in Faith’s lap before shutting the glove compartment and settling himself back against the seat.  “All I know is that they told me there are some serious rumblings of something big coming, and they wanted to make sure they had every available tool at their disposal to fight it.  And since they consider you a tool instead of a human being…”  Angel shrugs as he drives into the night, heading towards Sunnydale.

“I don’t wanna go back there.”  Faith admits quietly as she turns the envelope over in her hand. 

“Then don’t.”  Angel turns to look at Faith, watching as a look of disgust and self-hatred crosses her face.

“Got to.  Gotta make things right.”  Faith whispers as she slides her finger under the flap of the envelope and pulls out the sheet of paper.

Angel flips on the light, seeing the quick look of thanks come from Faith before her attention is riveted back on the letter.

        Miss Lehane,

                It is our understanding that you have been a model

        prisoner since your incarceration.  We have been keeping

        tabs on you the whole time you were in prison and must

        admit we were surprised and heartened at your obvious

        change in attitude.  We are giving you this chance to do

        what is right.  There have been rumblings of a great evil

        coming, and we would like your help in this matter. 

We have spoken with Miss Summers, and though she

is somewhat reluctant, she is willing to give you a chance. 

Please check in with her when you get to Sunnydale.  Your

        previous apartment is still available and waiting for you.

        We have taken the liberty of having the place repaired and

        cleaned in preparation of your arrival. 

                We are sure you understand that everything is not

        going to be put to rights this easily, but we are hoping that

        given time everything will work out. 

                Good luck, and please do not let our hope be in vain.

                                                The Watcher’s Council

Faith silently folds the letter and replaces it in the envelope, leaning over the back of the seat and placing it with her pardon as she shifts to stare out at the night, ignoring the wind whipping her hair around her face and the silent regard of the vampire beside her.

***

Faith sighs heavily as she slowly walks up the steps to the Summers’ residence.  After Angel had dropped her off outside her apartment building, he’d turned around and left heading back to LA to not push being out when the sun rises.  The first thing she’d done as soon as she walked in the apartment was to strip and take a long, hot shower.  Something she’d missed in the pen was hot water and the freedom to take a long shower, instead of a quick, lukewarm, three minute shower. 

Afterwards she’d investigated the apartment, noticing that the broken glass was removed and replaced, the apartment cleaned, even fresh sheets placed on the bed.  When she realized how late it was, she’d put off going to Buffy’s house ‘til the morning.

Now as she stares at the closed door, Faith runs a slightly shaky hand through her hair before taking a deep breath and knocking on the door firmly. 

Buffy opens the door, staring at the dark-haired slayer with a raised eyebrow.  “Are you going to come in, or just stand there?”  Buffy questions standing to the side, leaving plenty of room for Faith to come in.

Faith tucks her hands in her pockets and slowly walks into the house, heading towards the living room, standing by the couch, but not sitting down.

“I just fixed some coffee, it should be finished brewing if you want some.”  Buffy heads toward the kitchen, leaving Faith to follow or not follow as she wished.

Faith stares after the blonde slayer for a moment before shaking her head and slowly following her. 

Buffy allows a small smile to cross her face as she feels Faith enter the kitchen.  The woman being hesitant and quiet, being in direct contrast to the Faith of old, Buffy wonders how deeply the last two years have changed the slayer.  “How do you take it?”

“Black.”  Faith answers after a few seconds, her voice rough and low. 

“I still can’t cook, but I have cereal, bagels, toast and pop tarts.”  Buffy offers as she hands the mug to Faith before sitting down at the island looking at the slayer.

“Jesus!”  Faith sets down the coffee mug and runs both hands through her hair.  “Fuck, B!  Yell at me or hit me or somethin’, would ya’?”

“Why?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow in surprise at the slayer as she watches Faith start to pace back and forth.

“Because I fuckin’ tried to kill just about everyone ya’ loved!  I almost drove you over the edge, treated your friends like shit…  A million other reasons.  Ya’ gotta be pissed at me.”  Faith finally stops to stare at the slayer.

Buffy calmly sips her coffee as she looks at the slayer, actually seeing the woman.  Tilting her head slightly, Buffy’s surprised to see self-disgust along with the worry and scared look in the slayer’s eyes before the shutters fall.  “I think you’re beating yourself up enough for all of us.”  Buffy offers quietly, honestly believing it after seeing the emotions crossing the dark-haired slayer’s face. 

Faith stares at Buffy, not knowing what to say to that comment as she sits down, finally picking her mug back up, and gulping the coffee down wincing slightly at the bitter taste.

Buffy chuckles as she watches the face Faith makes.  “My coffee’s only slightly better than my cooking.”

“I see that.”  Faith looks up from the cup, allowing a small smile to cross her lips.

“If you think you can do better, you’re more than welcome.”  Buffy waves her mug towards the coffee pot. 

“Maybe after this pot.”  Faith stands and refills her mug, bringing it towards Buffy, silently offering to refill Buffy’s mug.

Buffy smiles and holds her mug out, watching as Faith fills it, leaving just a small amount in the bottom.

“You gonna want some more?”  Faith questions as she sips some more from her mug, pouring what’s left from the pot in her mug.

“Yes, I need to get ready for work, too.”  Buffy admits, looking at the time.  “So we have about an hour before I need to leave.”

Faith dumps the used coffee grounds before grabbing the coffee and a new filter, quickly placing the grounds in the coffee pot.  Filling the reservoir with water, Faith flips the switch for the coffee to brew.  Grabbing her mug, she moves over to sit back down at the island across from Buffy.  “So, what’cha want me to do?”  Faith finally questions.

“Help out with patrols.  Be there for us, and in turn we’ll be there for you.”  Buffy looks seriously at the slayer, watching as Faith looks down at the counter.  “Faith, the biggest problems from the past, that we CANNOT repeat, is the fact that none of us talked and opened up.  I was hiding Angel, and unwilling to open myself to you as a friend.  You felt like an outsider because our group already seemed like a whole and didn’t need another slayer.  We have to allow each other in, Faith.”  Buffy tries to explain, frowning slightly.  “In here.”  Buffy taps her chest above her heart.  “I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but it’s something that we all have to work on.  It’s something I’m learning, also.  I’m still not the most open person in the world, ask anyone.”  Buffy admits, running a finger over the top of her coffee cup.

“It ain’t gonna be something I can do easily.”  Faith admits as she finishes the cup of coffee, looking at Buffy. 

“We don’t expect it to happen overnight, Faith.”  Buffy stands, grabbing the coffee pot, replenishing her coffee mug and filling Faith’s before sitting back down.  “That’ll give you something to think about.  Now, I have to let you know that Willow is in England trying to get control of her magic.  Xander is engaged to the ex-vengeance demon, Anya and I’m living here with my sister Dawn.  Our friend Tara, Willow’s ex-girlfriend is actually out with Dawn on a girl’s day out.”

Faith frowns as she tries to sort out what Buffy’s telling her.  “What about Tweed?”

“He went back to England a while back.”  Buffy admits quietly as she sips the coffee, smiling at the flavor.  “Much better, thanks.”  Buffy holds up the coffee mug. 

“Welcome.”  Faith runs a hand through her hair.  “What’s the group say about me being here?”

Buffy shrugs and looks intently at Faith.  “I don’t know about Willow.  She’s sequestered within the Coven, I’m not even sure that she’s aware of what’s going on.  I told Xander, he seemed a little gun-shy.  Anya could care less, but I’m sure she’ll have something to say about you staying away from Xander.”  Buffy explains, seeing the heavy frown on Faith’s face at the last comment, Buffy chuckles quietly.  “Not because of that.  She says the same thing to everyone, Faith.  Dawn’s willing to give you a chance, but then again I think she kind of had a crush on you when you were here originally.”  Buffy quietly laughs at the thought.

“What?”  Faith almost drops her coffee cup as she stares at Buffy.  “Yo, B!  Nothin’ happened or is gonna happen.  I don’t do kids!”

“Easy, Faith.”  Buffy unconsciously reaches across the distance, grasping the slayer’s forearm.  “There’re a lot of things I would think you capable of, but seducing my younger sister never even occurred to me.  Now, to let you know we have Sunday dinners here every week at five o’clock.  There will be no excuse not to attend.  Don’t worry.  I’m not the one that cooks.”  Buffy laughs as she finishes the coffee after seeing the scared look cross Faith’s face at the mention of Sunday dinner. 

“Worried me there for a minute.”  Faith admits, relaxing slightly.  “What’cha want me to do today?  And do I need to bring something for tomorrow?”

“Whatever you want to, Faith.  If you want to spend the day getting yourself situated at your apartment, you can.  You’re more than welcome to go to the Magic Box and use the training room to work out.  But be warned, Anya runs the shop and she’s extremely blunt and to the point.  I pretty much try to ignore it, getting upset or making comments back doesn’t do any good.  Don’t worry about bringing anything tomorrow.  You can talk with Tara for future dinners.”  Buffy explains, grinning.  “How about we meet on the east side entrance to Restfield Cemetery around ten o’clock?  Tara’s dropping Dawn off at a friend’s to stay the night, so I can be out late without worrying about Dawn being here alone.  We can do a thorough patrol and talk some more.”  Buffy looks at the clock, sighing quietly.  “I need to finish getting ready.”  Buffy stands and reaches to the key holder on the wall, grabbing down a set of keys.  Tossing them to the dark-haired slayer, Buffy looks at the surprised slayer.  “I want things to be different this time, Faith.  I’m counting on you to meet us halfway.”

Faith stares from the keys to Buffy, watching as the blonde jogs out of the room, silently listening to the slayer’s feet pounding up the stairs.  “Fuck, me.”  Faith twirls the keys around her finger before standing and filling her coffee cup again before sitting back down, sipping at the black liquid as she considers everything Buffy had said, still partly in shock. 

“Lock up when you leave.”  Buffy calls out before heading out the door, holding back the laughter until she’s away from the house, knowing that she’d pretty much set the other slayer on her ass with her comments and being so relaxed instead of attacking her or bitching.  Silently sending a thank you to Tara for her help in making her more centered and in touch with her feelings.  Knowing that the Wiccan’s calmness had worked on settling her, helping her in regards to all things in her life, especially in listening to Giles and hearing what he had to say, weighing everything instead of just going off on a knee jerk reaction and attacking the slayer.  Buffy frowns as she realizes she didn’t tell Tara that Faith was coming back to Sunnydale, not that the two women really ever met or knew each other. 

Buffy slowly frowns, remembering the worried, scared and hesitant slayer.  Not wanting the slayer to not be herself, but also not wanting her to be the woman that shuts herself off completely from everyone around her, either.  “God, we’re probably going to need a small miracle.  Faith needs someone that won’t judge her and someone without all the baggage between them that there is with every one of the Scooby’s.”  Buffy shakes her head at her monologue and starts jogging towards work, knowing if she doesn’t hurry, she’s going to be late.

***

Chapter 2

Tara frowns as she looks at her watch, not having meant to be out this late, having been engrossed in a new novel at The Book Attic, one of the few places that stays open past dusk, smiling as she remembers the crosses worked into the store in the window designs, and even on the handle of the door.  Unknowingly the religious mindset of the owner with his decorations providing a natural deterrent to the demons.

Tara frowns as she hears heavy footfalls behind her, grabbing her stake out of her purse while murmuring a spell, ready to cast it at a moment’s notice as she picks up her pace.

“Look what we have here, boys.  A nice tasty appetizer.”  The lead vampire grins at his three brethren as they close in on the blonde. 

Tara bites her lip, knowing that she can handle a couple vampires on her own, but if they attack her at the same time, there is no way in hell she can take them all out.  Swallowing hard, Tara hesitates for a second, that’s almost her downfall as she turns around to send a fireball at the lead demon, crying out in pain as another vampire snatches her by her hair yanking her into him as he growls angrily.

***

Faith frowns as her senses go off, having decided to start doing a patrol earlier, working her way towards Restfield Cemetery.  Picking up her gate, she breaks into a run as she hears a scream of pain, turning the corner to see three vampires holding onto a blonde woman. 

Growling angrily, Faith wades in, grabbing two of the vampires that are standing the closest together, slamming their heads together as hard as she can before spinning around and backhanding the other vampire, sparing a quick glance for the blonde, not seeing any blood, Faith sighs in relief. 

Tara stares in stunned disbelief, it taking a few seconds for it to sink in that it’s Faith that has come to her rescue.  Slowly Tara backs up to allow the dark-haired slayer room to fight the vampires.  Frowning as she hears more footsteps heading their way.  “Please, Goddess, not what we need.”  Tara turns quickly looking in all directions, watching as another group of vampires head towards them.  Quickly tucking away the stake, Tara quickly incants the fireball spells, sending out the twin balls of flame towards the two leading vampires, even as she hears Faith snarling angrily behind her.

“Fuckin’ assholes.”  Faith quickly stakes one vampire that was still unconscious even as she kicks out the feet of one of the other vampires, and slings a stake into the heart of the third vampire.  Grabbing out a spare stake from the back of her jeans at the same time she slams her foot down on the vampire starting to get up Faith kneels, staking him even as she watches the blonde send the fireballs towards the new group of vampires headed towards them.  “Fuckin’ convention?”  Faith snarls.

“I think they heard you were back in town.”  Buffy yells coming up behind the group of vampires, smirking even as she jumps up into a spin kick, knocking two down as Faith comes in from the other direction swinging.

Tara watches the two slayers take on the last six vampires, stunned at the difference in their fighting skills.  Whereas Buffy was controlled in her skills, but not telegraphing any of her movements, moving like a sleek panther from one strike to another.  Tara’s eyes are drawn irrevocably to the dark-haired slayer’s movements, the wildness, the strength and power that seems to explode from the woman.  Watching as the strength coils up before she springs into action again, like a snake striking quickly and deadly at its victim. 

“Shit!  That was my last stake.”  Faith growls angrily as the stake dusts with the vampire she’d just killed. 

“Here, Faith.”  Tara calls out softly, tossing her stake to the slayer, watching as she reaches up, grabbing it out of the air even as she spins around and slams the stake home through the last vampire’s back, dusting him quickly. 

Faith flips the stake, catching it quickly as she strides over to the blonde.  “Thanks, Blondie.”  Faith hands it back, unconsciously eyeing the blonde up and down, realizing she looks familiar.  “How come ya’ ain’t runnin’ screamin’ from here?”

Buffy chuckles as she comes up on the two women as she dusts off her jeans.  “Faith, you obviously don’t remember Tara from your one meeting with her.  This is Tara Maclay, Wiccan extraordinaire and Scooby.”

Faith tilts her head at the blonde, trying to place her when Buffy’s earlier conversation makes another trip through her mind about Tara being Red’s ex.  As the realization of what she did in their first meeting sinks in, Faith shifts uncomfortably as she looks down at the ground.  “I remember.  I was a bitch to her.”  Faith admits softly.

“What?”  Buffy frowns as she looks at Faith, silently asking for a little more clarification.

“When I was in your body, I ran into Red and Blondie here at the Bronze.  I made fun of her.”  Faith looks up into guarded blue eyes.  “I made fun of her stutter, and was a flat out mean bitch to her.  She didn’t do nothin’ but just be there and I was being my normal, hateful self.”

Buffy sighs as she looks from Faith to Tara, watching as Tara tilts her head as she looks at the dark-haired slayer.

“What would happen if you saw us there together today?”  Tara questions the slayer softly.

“What?”  Faith frowns at the blonde Wiccan.  “I was in a seriously fucked up place at the time, and I wouldn’t even think about doing somethin’ like that now.”  Faith answers truthfully.  “I can’t undo what I did, but I can apologize.  I’m sorry I was a bitch.”  Faith murmurs softly as she looks back down at the ground, unable to keep eye contact with the blue eyes that seem to look into her soul. 

Tara unconsciously reaches out and lifts the slayer’s chin until she’s looking into worried brown eyes.  “I accept your apology, and you’re forgiven.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, even as she sees the surprise at the easy forgiveness in the brown gaze. 

Buffy purses her lips as she looks from Tara to Faith, her mind starting to wander as the two women continue to look at each other for a few minutes, a small smile finally crossing Faith’s face as it sinks in that Tara was sincere.  “Tara, you know better than to be out here, what the hell were you thinking?”  Buffy finally questions, a little rougher than she meant to, watching in surprise as Faith unconsciously shifts closer to Tara placing her body partially between her and the Wiccan.  Raising an eyebrow at the move, it takes Buffy a moment to realize Faith wasn’t even aware of what she’d done. 

“I was reading at the Book Attic, and time got away from me.”  Tara admits, blushing in embarrassment.  “I was trying to hurry back to my apartment, but…”  Tara shrugs, frowning.

“Everyone’s okay, no worse for the wear, B.  Let’s walk Blondie here home, and finish patrol.”  Faith offers quietly. 

Tara raises an eyebrow at the dark-haired slayer, surprised at her stepping in to play peacemaker.  Everything that she had heard about the slayer having led her to believe the woman would be more inclined to aggravate a situation instead of trying to help it.  But something inside her telling her that the woman standing in front of her isn’t the same person she was.  That she had changed deep within, not just on the surface. 

Buffy looks intently at Faith for a few minutes, before nodding her head in agreement.  “Yes, she is okay, but she also knows I have this aversion to people I consider family being hurt and putting themselves in danger.”

“And when said people do either of those things they know they’re in for an ass-chewing.”  Tara winces as she looks at Buffy.  “I also know she does it because she can’t stand the thought of losing someone else.”  Tara continues, smiling softly at the blonde slayer.

“Been enough death.”  Buffy mumbles, looking into understanding blue eyes for a moment before sighing quietly.  “But I’ll forget the ass-chewing tonight.  But in payment I want peach cobbler for dessert tomorrow.” 

Tara chuckles and winks at the slayer.  “Done.  Now, am I going to have the company of two slayers to walk me home?”

“Uh, I can finish patrol, B, if you wanna take Blondie here home.”  Faith offers quietly, tucking her hands away in her pockets. 

“No, we can both go.  With that group of vampires we took out, I think it best we stick together to be on the safe side.”  Buffy offers leaning down to pick up Tara’s book bag that she’d dropped sometime in midst of the fight. 

“Thanks, sweetie.”  Tara takes the bag digging in it to grab out two spare stakes, tucking one in her pocket before handing the other one to Faith.  Chuckling as the slayer looks at it in surprise, before brown eyes glance up at her with a questioning look in their depths.  Not able to help herself, Tara smirks.  “It’s a stake.  A piece of wood carved to a point to be used in killing vampires… I’m sure you can use it for other things, too, but that’s the approved and suggested method of use.”

Buffy snorts as they start walking down the sidewalk.  “I thought you weren’t one for the timber, Tara.”

“Definitely not.  I’d rather take one of those any day over the other.”  Tara grins wickedly at Buffy. 

“Don’t tell me your vibrator broke on you and you resorted to using stakes!”  Buffy looks mockingly at the Wiccan, grinning as she turns red.  “Gotcha!”

“I wasn’t the only one in the store.”  Tara points out her eyebrow rising knowingly at Buffy. 

“Thought I would try something a little healthier for me.”  Buffy admits softly, a vulnerable look coming across her face. 

“I’m sorry, sweetie.”  Tara winces.  “I didn’t…”

“Shhh.  I know, Tara.”  Buffy shrugs as she looks around.  Seeing the questioning look on Faith’s face, Buffy sighs heavily.  “Something else I guess I should talk to you about… but not tonight.”

“Are you two…”  Faith questions looking from one blonde to the other blonde, staring at Tara as the Wiccan busts out laughing.

“No.  We’ve just become closer over the last few months.  Buffy doesn’t play on my side of the fence.”  Tara smirks at the blonde slayer.  “It just so happened I had just went into Sunnydale’s one and only sex shop just as Buffy was coming out.  After the initial embarrassment on both our parts, we’ve alluded to the encounter a couple times, but not quite as much as we have tonight.”  Tara shrugs as she looks apologetically at the blonde slayer. 

“If I did swing that way, Willow would probably nail my hide to the wall if I went after Tara.”  Buffy grumbles, her voice more serious than she meant it to sound.

“I thought you two were broken up.”  Faith frowns, her gaze turning back to the Wiccan.

“We are.”  Tara sighs quietly as she unconsciously tips her head forward, hiding her face.  “I think she has a problem dealing with the fact that I’m not coming back to her.”

“I think it hit home a little more the day she left for England.”  Buffy offers quietly.  “I saw the knowledge in her eyes.”

“And the hurt and anger, also.”  Tara shakes her head at the remembrance. 

“Why’d you two break up?”  Faith frowns looking at Tara.  Watching the Wiccan seem to shrink even more at her question, Faith shoves her hands in her pockets and kicks a stone out of the way.  “Never mind.  Ain’t none of my business.” 

Buffy tilts her head so she can look a little better at Tara, seeing the Wiccan’s shoulders slump even more with the dark-haired slayer’s words.  Deciding not to say anything, because it truthfully isn’t her place, waiting to see what Tara will do.  Knowing the Wiccan is still hurt from the redhead’s actions, even though she was trying to go on with her life. 

“No, Faith.”  Tara starts after a few minutes, running a hand through her hair, straightening slightly as she tucks it behind her ear, glancing at the dark-haired slayer, frowning as she notices the slayer has shifted further away from Buffy’s other side, distancing herself from them.  “It’s just that it’s still somewhat a sore subject with me.  And I’m afraid it will be for a long time to come.”  Tara admits. 

“Do you want me to talk with her?”  Buffy offers after a few seconds.  “If you don’t want to re-hash it right now…”

“No.”  Tara smiles and pats Buffy gently on the shoulder.  “Thanks for the offer, sweetie.  I’m sure you two are going to be discussing a lot of things as it is, you don’t need to add in my problems.”  Tara takes a deep calming breath, situating what she wants to say to give the basic explanation, without going into too much detail.  “Since what happened to Willow and I isn’t really going to have a bearing on what’s going on right now, I’ll just give you a little basic idea.  Later on if you want, we can get together to go into more detail.”  Tara offers softly.

Faith looks across Buffy to see blue eyes looking back at her, not hiding what happened, but honestly believing that her problems aren’t that big a deal that they all need to be laid bare right at this moment.  Slowly nodding her head, Faith splits her concentration between feeling for demons, watching where she’s going and looking over at the two women on the one side of her as they walk to Tara’s apartment.

“Willow has trouble with dark magic, that’s why she’s in England.  She performed a spell on me…  Needless to say she destroyed the trust in our relationship with what she did, and in doing so, she destroyed something that is essential for me to have in a partnership.”  Tara explains with downcast eyes. 

“What…”  Faith snaps her mouth shut on the question she was going to ask, realizing it isn’t any of her business. 

Buffy looks questioningly at Tara, wondering if she wants her to tell Faith. 

Tara shakes her head, sighing quietly.  “We had an argument over magic usage.  So, she placed a forget spell on me so I wouldn’t remember the argument.” 

Buffy growls quietly.  “But Tara didn’t leave her after she found out what Willow did.  She gave her another chance, and less than a day later Willow did another forget spell on her.”

Faith unconsciously stops and stares at the two women, watching them as they stop and turn to face her, having made it a couple more steps in front of her.  “Let me get this right…  Red, the woman that loved you, did a spell on you where she reached into your head and took your fuckin’ memories from you?”  Faith questions hoarsely, her eyes staying on blue eyes, seeing the answer in their depths.  Quickly glancing at Buffy, Faith is surprised to see the slight anger on the blonde slayer’s face, before her eyes go back to Tara’s.  “So, she took from you without your permission, in essence, raping you.”  Faith growls angrily, shaking her head.  “I never woulda’ thought Red would do somethin’ so…”

“Idiotic?  Asinine?  To the one person she supposedly loved more than anything in the world… her everything?”  Tara throws out there to the night air, her tone at once biting and sarcastic before a sad, lonely note hits on the last two words.  “Well, believe it.  The magic was more important than me.”  Tara turns on her heel to head towards home. 

Faith watches the blonde stride down the sidewalk before turning her gaze towards Buffy.  “There was one thing in the big house that was considered worse than murder, B.  Care to guess what it was?”

Buffy sighs heavily, before motioning Faith to follow after Tara.  “Rape.  I never really thought of it that way, before.  But you’re right, it was a rape.  An emotional and mental rape… though it might even be considered a physical rape also.”  Buffy whispers softly as they follow at a distance behind Tara. 

“What’cha mean?”  Faith unconsciously stiffens, feeling the anger boiling under the surface.

“I remember after Willow cast the first spell, we were researching a new demon in town, and the two of them snuck off to be together.  After talking with Tara, I realize that was after the first forget spell was done, before Tara found out about it.  I’ve come to know Tara better in the months since then, and she never would have been physical with Willow until they had ironed out their differences.  So, because of the forget spell, she slept with Willow, so does that count as physical rape?”  Buffy glances at Faith, surprised to see the flushed and angry face of the slayer. 

“Yeah, that’s what I would consider it.”  Faith growls deeply.  “Good thing Red ain’t here or I’d give her a piece of my mind.  There’re things you don’t do to loved ones… and rape is definitely one of ‘em.”  Faith stares up at the night sky for a few moments before picking up her gate, to eat up the distance between them and Tara as she feels an uncontrollable urge to protect the blonde Wiccan from any and all things that might try and hurt her.

Buffy blinks in surprise at the dark slayer’s reaction even as she watches Faith catch up to Tara, walking just slightly behind and to the left of her.  Picking up the pace, but staying behind them, Buffy watches Faith curiously.

“Umm.  If ya’ want and ever are out at night, or think you’re gonna be, could you call me?”  Faith offers quietly.  When she notices the surprised look coming from the Wiccan, Faith shrugs.  “I’ll make sure you get to where you need to be.  I can give ya’ my home phone, but I gotta go get a cell phone.  It actually would be a good idea for all of us to get phones.”  Faith glances over her shoulder at Buffy.

“Cell phones are expensive.”  Buffy shakes her head at the dark haired slayer, letting her know that she couldn’t afford one. 

“They got them plans where you can add additional phones for next to nothin’.  Maybe one of those walky-talky type things would be good.”  Faith frowns heavily at the slayer, narrowing her gaze, trying to silently communicate to Buffy that she would take care of it.  “Family plans, ain’t that what they call ‘em?”

“They advertise the hell out of them, but I never checked into them.”  Buffy sighs, slowly nodding her head at the slayer, but narrowing her gaze on her to let her know they were going to talk about this. 

Faith nods her head once, sharply before facing forward again, her eyes being caught by curious blue eyes. 

“What’s with the silent conversation?” Tara questions with a lifted eyebrow, watching as Faith sighs and looks down.

“I was gonna get phones for us tomorrow.”  Faith explains quietly. 

“How?”  Tara tilts her head as she watches Faith, crossing her arms over her chest as the slayer fidgets slightly. 

“With the money I have.”  Faith winces as she can imagine what the next question is going to be, deciding to head it off at the pass.  “Yeah, it’s blood money, B.  It came from the Mayor, but what better way to use it than to help in the fight?” 

Buffy snarls her lip as she stares at the dark-haired slayer.  “You know how I feel about evil!” 

Tara raises a hand as she looks from one to the other slayer, understanding Buffy’s knee-jerk reaction to the thought of using the money, but also seeing Faith’s point.  “Buffy, I know you would be more than happy for Faith to burn the money and never ever have to think about it again, but what good will that do?  Wouldn’t it be more like thumbing your nose in evil’s face by using the money that one of their biggest supporters amassed, to fight the people it was to help?”  Tara glances at Faith before turning her gaze on Buffy, seeing the conflicting emotions crossing Buffy’s face.  “Sweetie…”  Tara gently grasps Buffy’s shoulder, looking into confused hazel eyes.  “Have you ever used or kept a weapon that a demon had used, Buffy?”

Buffy looks down at the ground and nods her head.  “But Tara…”

“I know, sweetie.  You feel that it’s wrong and I understand, but you need to think about this.  What good would it do to throw the money away?”  Tara glances over at Faith looking intently into the brown eyes, seeing something in the depths that she never expected to see, sadness.  For a moment, Tara sees into Faith’s soul, sees the anger, the hurt, the sadness and the pain before Faith pulls the shutters down again.   Turning back to Buffy, Tara squeezes the slayer’s shoulder again.  “Just think about it, sweetie.” 

Buffy sighs quietly, studying Tara for a few minutes.  “How do you feel on this matter, Tara?” 

Tara sighs quietly and shrugs her shoulders.  “I see both sides, Buffy.  But one thing you have to remember…  I’ve watched what you’ve gone through over the past few years… are going through.”  Tara looks intently into hazel eyes.  “Use what’s available to you, anything you’re able to use to help, use it!”

Buffy growls quietly before looking away.  “I’ll think about it.”  Buffy finally offers a partial compromise.

“I’ll settle for that.”  Tara pats Buffy gently before glancing again at Faith before heading towards her apartment.

Faith tucks her hands in her pockets as she slowly follows behind Tara, watching as Buffy comes up beside her to walk with her, both slayers flanking the Wiccan.  Faith frowns as they walk more towards the worst part of town, tilting her head to look at Buffy as they continue to walk with Tara.

Buffy feels the other slayer’s eyes on her and slowly raises hers, seeing the questioning look in Faith’s eyes, Buffy just shakes her head, before whispering so only Faith can hear.  “Later.”

Faith growls quietly as Tara finally turns up the broken sidewalk of a run down apartment building.  Faith’s nose curls up at the sight of the littered stairs, along with fetid smelling air. 

“Tara, I wish…”  Buffy starts before Tara cuts her off quickly.

“We’ve been over this before, Buffy.”  Tara growls quietly as she makes it up to the second landing, unlocking the door to her small efficiency apartment. 

Faith looks from Buffy to Tara, watching the two women before she eases into the apartment, frowning at the small space, swearing it almost seems smaller than most of the motel rooms she’s stayed in. 

“Would either of you like some water or juice?”  Tara offers as she tosses her backpack in the corner.

“Nah, I’m okay.”  Faith shakes her head, as she looks at the clean, but sparse apartment.  What items that were in it, were obviously hand-me-downs from about ten families ago. 

“I’m fine.  I’ll see you tomorrow early afternoon?”  Buffy looks at Tara still feeling a slight anger under the surface at the Wiccan’s unwillingness to move back into the house. 

“I’ll be there.”  Tara smiles at Buffy, knowing the slayer gets angry every time they have this conversation, also knowing her trying to cut it off at the pass, didn’t stop the anger.  “Be careful, sweetie.”  Tara hugs Buffy gently and brushes her lips softly over Buffy’s forehead.  “Take care of yourself.”

“Like I have a choice with you ready to kick my ass.”  Buffy slowly relaxes and smiles back at the Wiccan as Tara steps away after giving her one more squeeze.

Faith watches the interaction between the two women, still not entirely positive that there wasn’t something going on between them.  When Tara turns to her and does that damn thing where she seems to be looking in her soul again, Faith unconsciously backs up a step and drops her gaze, not realizing that her thoughts were plain to the Wiccan.

Tara sighs softly as the dark-haired slayer backs away from her even as she breaks off the gaze, having noticed the silent question in the brown eyes about the relationship between her and Buffy.  “Be careful out there, Faith.”  Tara whispers softly, even as she watches the slayer edge her way to the door. 

“Yeah, thanks.”  Faith practically bolts out the door.

“What the hell?”  Buffy questions, looking from the empty doorway to Tara. 

“I don’t know why, but for some reason she thinks that you and I are a couple and it’s bothering her.”  Tara explains quietly, staring at the empty doorway. 

“Could our lives get any more complicated?”  Buffy mutters rhetorically as she waves at Tara before jogging out of the apartment to head after the rogue slayer.

Tara locks the door behind Buffy before turning around and leaning against it as she thinks about the night’s happenings.  “Yes, Buffy.  I think our lives can get a hell of a lot more complicated.”  Tara runs a lightly shaking hand through her hair in the realization that the dark-haired slayer had struck a chord deep inside her.  “Right, Tara.  Like that woman would ever even think about someone like you, let alone be attracted to you.  She’s wild, chance-taking and out to have a good time. One look at her and you know her motto is ‘Live Wild and Free and Die Young’.  You’re everything she’s not.”  Tara shakes her head before slowly getting ready for bed.

***

Chapter 3

“Faith!”  Buffy calls out after the slayer, seeing her getting ready to turn the corner and go out of sight.  Jogging after her Buffy looks intently at the closed off face, growling angrily, Buffy gets in Faith’s personal space, surprising the dark-haired slayer.  “You have a problem you need to talk about it.  Every time that you hold back from saying what you want to say, it’s just going to cause more problems down the road, now what the hell is wrong?”

Faith snarls her lip and backs away from the slayer, before shaking her head.  “You ain’t gotta lie to me.  I know there’s something between you two!”  Faith waves her hand back towards Tara’s apartment. 

“Yeah, there is something between us.”  Buffy admits, her eyes serious as she looks at Faith, actually looking at her, surprised when she sees a flash of pain cross the dark eyes before the shutters fall again.  Silently wondering to herself if the pain is over her, or Tara.  “Faith, there’s a lot of shit that’s happened since you’ve been gone.  This is a quick, easy break down and it isn’t something I want to tell you, but I have to.  I need you to understand that I’m being deadly serious about doing things right this time.”  Buffy gently grasps the slayer’s arm as Faith tries to turn and walk away.  “No, Faith.  There’s been enough running from everyone.”

Faith stiffens even more, her body like steel as she crosses her arms and stares at the blonde slayer.  “Fine, what’cha got to say?”

“Jesus!  Why don’t you make this even harder?”  Buffy growls angrily as she starts to stride down the street, trying to get control of her anger.

Faith turns and stares after Buffy.  Taking a few minutes she realizes that she’s falling back into old habits, shutting down, being stubborn and not willing to listen.  Things that she’d worked so hard on while she was in prison.  “Fuck!”  Faith looks up at the night sky.  “Nobody said it was gonna be easy.”  Faith finally starts to jog after Buffy.  “Listen… I… Let’s talk, okay?”  Faith finally whispers.

Buffy swallows hard before slowly nodding her head.  Knowing the slayer was apologizing in her own way.  “How do you feel about some coffee?  Maybe some muffins or bagels or something to go with it?”

“Always up for food.”  Faith answers, the two women walking quietly to the nearest open coffee house.

***

Buffy shakes her head as she watches Faith work her way through a big plate of breakfast food.  The two women only finding an actual all-night diner open, not realizing it was as late as it was.  Sighing quietly, Buffy picks at her own breakfast, before finally deciding to start the conversation. 

“I’m going to give you the Reader’s Digest version, so be warned.  You knew I died again?”  Buffy starts and when Faith frowns, but nods, Buffy shrugs her shoulders.  “Yeah, well, Willow and the group brought me back from the dead roughly four months later.  They thought I was in a Hell dimension… they were wrong.”  Buffy looks out the window at the night.

Faith frowns heavily, setting her fork down to give her undivided attention to the blonde slayer.  “You were in heaven.”  Faith states, knowing that there was nowhere else the blonde slayer could have been, not Buffy.

“Yes.”  Buffy nods, glancing back at Faith.  “I hid it from the group.  Needless to say, coming back here was like being dropped into the middle of hell from where I’d been.  I couldn’t feel, didn’t care and I was always cold.”  Buffy rubs her arms together even thinking about it.  “I did something I’m not proud of.  I slept… no slept is too good of a word.  I fucked Spike, a soulless vampire with a chip in his head that keeps him from hurting humans.”  Buffy can’t look at the slayer.  She keeps her gaze down on the table. 

Faith swallows and looks at Buffy, seeing the hurt and self-disgust on the blonde slayer’s face. 

“Well, needless to say I did or said something that caused a knee jerk reaction in him and he hit me.  The chip didn’t go off, seems that I came back… different.  We fought and fucked like wild animals.  Fighting was foreplay for us, more often than not I’d come home bruised and bloody from the encounters.  I finally went to Tara, begging her to find out if there was something about the spell that was wrong, not telling her what was happening.”  Buffy lifts her coffee cup, finishing it and setting it to the end of the table glancing up at the waitress, nodding her head as she catches her eye.

“Was there something wrong?”  Faith hoarsely questions, her eyes watching Buffy intently.

“Not really.”  Buffy allows a small smile to cross her face in remembrance.  “Tara researched the spell for me and came back, telling me I just had a molecular sunburn.  Just enough of a slight difference in my make-up from being dead and brought back that Spike’s chip doesn’t think I’m human.”  Buffy stops and looks up at the waitress smiling in thanks as she fills her coffee cup.

“Thanks.”  Faith slides her cup over and watches as the waitress fills her cup also before heading back behind the counter. 

“Needless to say I broke down, begging her to tell me that I came back wrong, finally admitting to her what was happening between me and Spike.  I literally collapsed, burying my face in her lap and crying my eyes out, begging her not to forgive me.”  Buffy sighs quietly in remembrance.  “She didn’t forgive me, you know why?”  Buffy looks up a small smile on her face.

“Why?”  Faith questions with a slight shake of her head.

“She said there was nothing to forgive.”  Buffy chuckles quietly.  “This happened after she and Willow broke up.  Ever since then, we get together a couple times a week, just the two of us to talk and hash out whatever problems we have.  We’ve become close over the months since then… Like sisters, Faith.”  Buffy watches the understanding slowly come across Faith’s face.  “Just like where she’s living.  After Willow went away to England two months ago, I’ve been trying to get Tara to move back into the house, but she won’t.”

“Why the hell not?  That’s a fuckin’ dump and about the worst place in town to live!”  Faith growls angrily, her brows pulled down in a heavy frown.

“I know, but it’s the only thing she can afford, and she refuses to move back in because she doesn’t want Willow to think she’s being replaced.”  Buffy admits, sighing quietly.  “She wants Willow to think that certain things aren’t going to change, just because of what she did, and having her home to come back to is one of the big things Tara refuses to take away from her.”

“She feels to blame for what Red did, don’t she?”  Faith looks up from the black depths of her coffee cup she’d been staring into while Buffy talked.

“Yes, she does.  She doesn’t want to have Willow feel like she isn’t wanted, but she’s not able to love her like she once did.  Tara can never go back to Willow, no matter how much she loves her.  And I honestly believe Tara will always love her, but I see a difference in Tara now, that I’m not sure even she sees.”  Buffy smiles at the thought of the Wiccan.

“What’s that?”  Faith has to question, seeing the smile on Buffy’s face.

“She’s become more independent and stronger since their break-up.  She’s finally started to become the woman she should have been, instead of the quiet, unassuming woman she was.”  Buffy grins at the slayer.  “She never would have been sarcastic or a smart-ass before, Faith.  She wouldn’t have said boo to you and probably would have hid behind me before.”

“Yeah, she was kinda… quiet the one and only time we met before.”  Faith turns to gaze out at the night, remembering the woman, and her own treatment of her.

“Faith, she doesn’t hold whatever was said against you.  Once you apologized and she accepted it, it’s over with as far as she’s concerned.  Don’t let it eat at you.  Just be forewarned that Tara has gotten to the point that she is becoming very outspoken and protective… that’s not quite right, she’s always been protective of the people she considers family.  But she’s become very outspoken and she’ll say anything at the drop of a hat.  She isn’t even close to the shy, stuttering Wiccan she used to be.  Hell, sometimes it still catches me unawares and surprises the hell out of me.  Like tonight with the joking about the sex shop.”  Buffy blushes and shakes her head as Faith turns with a small grin on her face and her eyes twinkling with mischief. 

“So, ya’ are finally admitting about the HH factor, huh?”  Faith relaxes back against the booth, grinning.

“Yeah, yeah.”  Buffy rolls her eyes, blushing darker.  “It wasn’t long after that when I had another run in with Spike.”  Buffy’s eyes become distant, remembering the attempted rape, the vampire trying to make her come back to him.  Shivering uncontrollably at the remembrance of the attempt and Tara having found her in the bathroom, it not having been that long ago that it had happened.

Faith watches as pain, terror and guilt vie for top billing on Buffy’s face.  “What happened, B?”  Faith questions softly, leaning forward as she becomes serious.

“Spike tried to force me.”  Buffy finally admits, her mind still replaying what happened that night.  “I was hurt from being slammed into a tombstone earlier that night while on patrol.  He came into the house while I was planning on taking a long hot bath to try and help my back.  He tried to make me see how much he loved me, wanted to show me…”  Buffy shivers uncontrollably again.  “I finally was able to kick him away, but not before there were some serious bruises on my legs where he’d tried forcing them apart.  Tara had come home with Dawn, thankfully she’d already sent Dawn to bed after she felt the pain waves I was giving off…”  Buffy shakes her head sighing heavily.

“She can feel shit like that?”  Faith blinks in surprise at Buffy.

“She’s the one that knew you were in my body, Faith.  She sees auras, and as she explained to me, when someone that she knows and loves is feeling any kind of emotions strongly within a certain distance, she can feel it.  She has a slight empathy thing going on.”  Buffy explains, running her hand through her hair.  “She helped me take a bath, got me in bed and massaged out the majority of the pain in my back.  I fell asleep and when I woke up in the morning she had fixed up a breakfast bake for me to put in the oven with explicit instructions, apologizing that she wasn’t there but that she had something to do.”  Buffy shrugs, a small smile playing on her face.

“She go and stake his ass?”  Faith questions roughly, the anger in her voice obvious.

“I…”  Buffy blinks at the dark haired slayer as she considers the comment.  “I haven’t seen him since that night.”  Buffy blinks in realization, wondering if Tara would have done something like that.  “Would she have?  I never even thought to ask her.” 

“You know her better than I do, would she do somethin’ like that?”  Faith leans in looking at Buffy seriously.  “Because if she didn’t take his fuckin’ ass out, I will.”  Faith growls, the anger obvious in her eyes as they flash.

“Before I would have said no… but now…”  Buffy shakes her head in realization that she honestly doesn’t know if Tara would do something like that.  “I can’t answer that question, Faith.”  Buffy admits quietly, the surprise obvious in her eyes. 

Faith clenches her jaw and she looks out at the night, feeling the uncontrollable anger she always does when she thinks about rape.  “You know where he hangs out?”  Faith questions looking back at Buffy, watching as the other slayer slowly nods her head.  “Let’s see if it looks like he’s even around.”  Faith downs the rest of her coffee before digging some bills out of her pocket, tossing them onto the table to pay for their food.

Buffy watches the slayer’s angry movements, before her eyes drop to the table, seeing Faith paid more than enough for the food and tip, but knowing better than to say anything to the dark-haired woman. 

***

Faith scowls angrily as she looks at the vampire’s empty crypt, before dropping down to the bottom area, not feeling any vampires or demons nearby.  Not seeing anything that would say the vampire had been there recently, Faith finally climbs back out and walks out of the crypt, stopping beside Buffy.  “Ain’t nothin’ down there other than his shit.  Don’t look like anyone’s been in there for at least a month.  How long since…”

Buffy sighs quietly as she raises her eyes to look at Faith.  “Almost a month ago.”

Faith smirks at the thought.  “Blondie’s got a set of balls on her, don’t she?”

“He may have just left town.”  Buffy offers up the words, but wondering if Spike would have left town, finally deciding no, that he wouldn’t, not without some serious reinforcement to make him go. 

Faith raises an eyebrow in disbelief at the slayer.  “Yeah, right.”  Faith shakes her head as they start to head back towards Revello Drive.  “Ain’t seen no other vamps since the group of ‘em earlier.  That becomin’ the norm around here?”

“No.  I don’t know why they all seemed to congregate there, though they did come from different areas.”  Buffy sighs quietly, wondering if someone is trying to organize the vampires again. 

“Yeah, well, if they were working for someone, they probably weren’t countin’ on the fact that there’re two slayers in town, now.”  Faith grins at the thought.  “We probably put a little spin on their plans by taking out those idiots.”

“I hope so.  When Tara comes over to the house tomorrow, I’ll see if she can’t do up the demon locator spell and see if there’s anything going on.”  Buffy runs a hand through her hair as she climbs the steps to the house. 

“You gonna ask her about the vamp?”  Faith questions, curious as to what the blonde slayer is going to say.

“I… I don’t know.”  Buffy shrugs, her eyes shadowed.  “I don’t know if it’s better not knowing.”  Shaking off the thoughts, Buffy nods her head towards the house.  “You want to come in?”

Faith shakes her head.  “Nah.  I think I’ll head back home.  I’ve got some thinkin’ to do.”  Faith admits, her mind running through the events of the night, along with hitting on things from her past.  “See ya’ tomorrow.”  Faith mumbles before spinning around and striding off.

Buffy stares after the dark haired slayer for a few minutes before letting herself into the empty house. Silently, Buffy wonders what the future holds for their group.

***

Faith tucks her hands in her pockets as she walks around Sunnydale, allowing her senses to stretch to their maximum to see if there’re any demons lurking about.  She starts thinking heavily about everything that happened since she was pardoned from prison.  Thoughts of how Buffy was willing to give her another chance, knowing that if she fucks it up this time, there won’t be any saving her from the Council.

Faith looks up, surprised to find she’s on the block that Tara lives.  Looking up at the dark apartment building, she silently wonders about the blonde Wiccan.  “What makes you tick, Blondie?”  Faith questions the quiet night.  “And why the hell do I wanna know?”  Faith whispers, dropping her head before striding towards her apartment, not even realizing that the person she was would have went to the Bronze looking for a quick, nameless fuck.  Whereas now she’s just looking to get home shower and possibly find something to watch on the television.

***

Faith shifts the bag to her left hand before knocking on the door, looking down at the porch as she waits for someone to open the door.

Dawn opens the door, smirking at the dark-haired slayer, Buffy having filled her in on throwing the slayer for a bit of a loop the day before.  “Are you just going to stand there?”  Dawn questions, stepping back to allow the slayer in.

“GET OUT OF HERE, YOU DAMN SLAYER!”  Tara yells, chasing a laughing Buffy from the kitchen, a spoon stuck out of the slayer’s grinning mouth.  “Damn slayer.  Put up a ward around this room to keep you out of here.”  Tara bitches as she spins around and heads back into the kitchen.

“You got some!  Where’s mine?”  Dawn frowns at Buffy, seeing the spoon in Buffy’s mouth with nothing in either hand. 

Pulling the spoon out of her mouth and licking it clean, Buffy shrugs and grins.  “I didn’t have time to scoop any out, as soon as I dipped the spoon in she came after me.”

“Shoot!”  Dawn gripes, half debating on whether or not to try her luck in the kitchen. 

Buffy smirks at her sister, seeing the look.  “I didn’t have much luck with slayer speed, but you’re more than welcome to try.”  

Dawn groans before stomping up the stairs.  “I guess I’m going to have to wait until after dinner.”

“YOU BETTER BE GOING TO FINISH YOUR REPORT!”  Tara yells from the kitchen.

“YES, MOM!”  Dawn gripes as she makes it to the top of the stairs before turning out of sight. 

Faith stares from one person to the next, not knowing what to think. 

“Welcome to the nut house.”  Buffy smirks, before edging slowly towards the kitchen.  “I need to get the load out of the dryer and switch the load from the washer to the dryer.” 

“You come anywhere near the cobbler, I’m going to freeze you until dinner time.”  Tara threatens, her eyes narrowed on Buffy, watching as Buffy nods her head and eases towards the door leading to the basement, staying as far away from Tara as possible.  Tara smirks after the slayer is out of sight, before she raises a questioning eyebrow at the dark-haired slayer.  “Same goes for you.”  Tara warns before turning back to the two large roasters she has on the stove.

Faith’s lips twitch up in a slight smile at the warning coming from the blonde, before she sets down the bag on the counter furthest away from Tara.  Tilting her head, she watches the Wiccan place what must be equal to twenty pounds of potatoes around two huge roasts in the two large pans. 

“Can you get the big bag of baby carrots out of the fridge for me?”  Tara questions as she works on maneuvering the potatoes so they’ll all fit, leaving room for the carrots, having already chopped up celery and quartered a couple onions to place around the roasts she’d pre-seasoned. 

Buffy trots up the stairs, and grins before opening her eyes wide as Tara turns to glare at her.  “I’m just gonna…”  Buffy waves towards the living room before running out of the kitchen.

Faith chuckles at the slayer before she opens the refrigerator door, blinking at the huge two and-a-half pound bag of small carrots.  “Want me to rinse them off?”

“If you don’t mind, thanks.”  Tara grins over her shoulder as she watches Faith shut the refrigerator door before she moves over to the sink.  “Buffy said you’re not real particular when it comes to food, so I hope you like beef roast with potatoes, carrots plus celery and onion to help flavor it.  I also have two, two pound loaves of bread baking in the bread machines, which will be done in…”  Tara glances over at the machines.  “Another thirty minutes, so I can get two more loaves put in.  I have fixings for a large salad, along with the cobbler for dessert.”

“Sounds good.”  Faith grunts out quietly as she finishes rinsing the carrots.  “Want me to dry ‘em?”

“No need.”  Tara turns and smiles at the slayer, grabbing a handful of carrots, dumping them around the roast, before turning around, shifting out of the way as Faith brings over her hands filled with carrots, smiling as Faith places them around the other roast.  Turning to the sink, Tara picks up the last escapee carrots.  Leaning around the dark-haired slayer, Tara tosses them into the pots.  “Would you mind covering those and putting them in the oven for me?”  Tara questions as she wipes off her hands, smirking as she grabs a spoon out of the drawer and scoops up a bite of the peach cobbler. 

Leaning against the counter behind the slayer, Tara holds the spoon out, chuckling as Faith finishes putting the two roasts in the stove, turning around to look at her questioningly.  “Only fair.”  Tara shrugs, offering the spoon to the slayer, surprised when Faith leans forward, wrapping her lips around it instead of taking it from her hand.  Swallowing hard as Faith groans low and deep as she slowly savors the cobbler.  As the slayer’s pink tongue darts out to gather a bit of escaped cobbler off her bottom lip, Tara whimpers quietly and quickly turns away, missing the curious look coming from the dark-haired slayer. 

Faith runs her tongue back over her lips again, gathering all the flavor of the sweet, fruity concoction that she can.  “That’s good, Blondie.  Real good.”  Faith’s lips curl up in a half smile as she eases by the Wiccan, stopping directly behind her.  “But I ain’t gonna chance you turning me into something, or freezing me, so I’ll stay away until after dinner.”

Tara chuckles quietly as she washes her hands.  “Might be best for you.”   Tara bites her lip as she feels the heat literally pouring off the slayer.  Knowing from her time around Buffy, that slayers seem to be warmer than normal people, but realizing Faith’s heat seems even hotter than Buffy.

“I’m gonna head into the living room.  You comin’?”  Faith inhales deeply, closing her eyes for a few seconds before finally shifting away from the Wiccan, a small smirk on her face. 

“In a few.”  Tara whispers, clenching her teeth as the slayer’s phrasing sends her mind spinning in a completely different direction. 

“’Kay.”  Faith grabs the bag before heading towards the living room, leaving Tara in the kitchen by herself.

“Sweet, Goddess.”  Tara clenches the sink tightly, her body clenching almost as tightly as her hands.  Standing there as she tries to get control of her body’s reaction, never having been that easily affected by another person in her entire life.  Fighting the urge to literally jump the slayer, almost as if she’s a sex-crazed druggy needing her fix, and Faith’s her supplier.  Moaning quietly as a flash of full lips and a pink tongue comes flitting through her brain Tara tries her damnedest to get visions of the dark-haired slayer out of her mind.

***

Chapter 4

Faith allows a smile to cross her face at the group of people harassing each other as they quickly fill their plates, the platters of food making their rounds around the table.  Placing a large slice of roast on her plate along with a pile of potatoes and carrots, Faith offers the platter to Tara, watching as the woman places a small piece of roast along with a couple of the small new potatoes and carrots on her plate beside the slice of bread already buttered.  Shaking her head as she realizes Buffy’s trying to hand her the large bowl of salad, Faith smiles apologetically at the slayer, dropping her eyes at the curious look in the hazel eyes.  Quickly filling the large bowl at the top of her plate, Faith scoops up what’s left, automatically filling Tara’s bowl.

“Thank you, Faith.”  Tara smiles before reaching over for the salad dressing.  “Any particular dressing you like?”  Tara questions as she pours some country French on her salad. 

“Ain’t’ real particular.”  Faith shrugs, accepting the bottle of French dressing from Tara, pouring a good amount on her salad.

“Like some salad with your dressing?”  Tara smirks at the slayer, her eyes twinkling. 

Faith shrugs and grins as she starts digging into her meal.  Looking across the table at Xander and Anya having been surprised at the couple, having learned that they were engaged and planning their wedding.  And as Buffy had warned, Anya had explained in no uncertain terms that Xander was hers and that Faith had her chance.  Faith had nodded and just whispered she understood, no problem.  When Anya had nodded her head and continued on like that was the end of it, Faith had just shaken her head in surprise.  Glancing to her left and watching as Buffy quickly demolishes the meat on her plate before starting in on her potatoes and carrots, Faith sighs quietly. 

“You should open up a restaurant.”  Anya looks pointedly at the Wiccan.  “You’re a wonderful cook and we could come visit you for free meals.”

Xander groans quietly.  “Anya, you don’t give her free magic supplies, why do you think she would give you free food?” 

“I have to pay for the magic supplies.”  Anya blinks at her fiancée. 

“And she has to pay for the food.”  Xander waves his hand towards Tara.  “It just doesn’t appear from nowhere, she has to get suppliers and deliveries just like you do.  It would be a business in its own right.”

“And more trouble than it’s worth.”  Tara shakes her head, smirking.  “There is no way I’d want to open up a restaurant, run it and have to cook on top of it.” 

“But it would make sense.  A dinner plate like I’m eating here, you could charge $15 for!  You would only have a couple dollars invested in it with food.”  Anya looks at her plate.

“Anya, that isn’t all there is.  There’s insurance, supplies, dishes, paying people to serve the food, rent, electricity, food costs, inspections and a million other things.”  Tara explains, shaking her head.  “I don’t mind cooking as a matter of fact I enjoy it.  But for my friends and family not everybody off the street.”

Anya pouts at the thought of the money to be made slowly disappears with everything Tara says.  “I just thought it would be a good thing to make money.”

“That’s okay, Anya.”  Tara chuckles quietly as she works on eating her dinner, glancing over at Dawn.  “Finish your report, young woman?”

“Yes, mom.”  Dawn rolls her eyes at Tara.  “And I even started reading the book she’s making our next assignment.”

“Good.”  Tara nods and smiles at the teen.  “How’s the after school job?” 

Dawn pouts. “I have roughly another month to work to finish paying for the stuff I took.  Then I’ll be working at The Gap to pay off what I owe them.”

Buffy snorts quietly.  When Dawn throws a narrow-eyed gaze at her, Buffy shrugs.  “If you hadn’t stolen the stuff, you wouldn’t have to work it off.”

“I know.”  Dawn frowns, poking at her food. 

Faith frowns as she looks from Buffy to the teenager, understanding that Dawn had obviously stolen items and was working off what she’d stolen, but wondering when it had happened. 

“Just think.  You are learning a valuable lesson.”  Anya looks at the teen.  “You have already paid off your debt to the store, and when you finish with the job you are at now and The Gap, you only have the Leather Store to work at.” 

Dawn sighs heavily.  “And I’ll be working all summer long at the Leather Store.”

“Be thankful that you’re sixteen and will be able to knock it out over the summer.  If not, you’d be working for a year to make up for the stolen jackets.”  Tara points out with a raised eyebrow.  “And if we hadn’t been able to talk some of the other stores into taking back the items you would be working a lot more than you are.”

“I know.”  Dawn nods her head quickly.  “Thank you for talking to them.”  Dawn looks up at Tara, her eyes serious. 

“You’re welcome.  Now, eat.”  Tara points at the teen’s plate with her fork, winking and grinning crookedly at Dawn before she works on her own dinner.

Faith silently listens to the group as they talk and pick on each other, slowly relaxing, smiling at some of the comments, chuckling at others, realizing that this group is a family, a family willing to let her join them.  Not willing, but actually wanting her to join them.  As Tara and Buffy snark back and forth at each other about some demon that Tara had helped locate for her, Faith sits back letting the atmosphere sink in, realizing that she could get used to this.

Tara throws a sideways glance at Faith, seeing the small smile playing about the slayer’s lips even as she notices that the woman has slowly relaxed over the course of the long dinner as they all talked and ribbed each other as they ate.  Even though the slayer didn’t say much, just short answers to any questions that were directed at her.  Silently Tara hopes that eventually the slayer will open up, though her relaxing is definitely a step in the right direction. 

“Cobbler time?”  Buffy questions hopefully, looking at the decimated platters and bowls of food.

Tara chuckles and shakes her head.  “With or without ice cream?”

“With.” Xander answers quickly, followed by the rest of the group heartily agreeing. 

Chuckling Tara starts to gather up the dirty plates, looking in surprise as Faith stands and helps by getting the platters and silverware. 

Buffy starts to stand and help when she notices Faith standing to grab up the empty platters and silverware as Tara gathers the plates.  Sitting back in the chair, she purses her lips watching the two women.   Sighing as she notices the spark in Tara’s eyes that had been missing for quite a few months. 

***

“Thank you, Faith.”  Tara smiles at the slayer as she places the dirty dishes in the sink to rinse and place what she can in the dishwasher later, then hand wash the others that don’t fit. 

“No biggie.”  Faith shrugs, setting down the dirty dishes by the sink, before reaching around Tara to grab down bowls to put the cobbler in, unconsciously brushing against the Wiccan’s back.  Faith inhales sharply at the feeling of her breasts brushing against Tara’s back, pressing in a little harder under the pretense of reaching the bowls.  “Sorry.”  Faith’s deep voice whispers in Tara’s ear as she eases back from the Wiccan with the bowls in her hand. 

Tara whimpers lowly at the caress of hot breath across her ear and the husky, rough voice whispering in her ear, causing a shot of desire to shoot straight to her clit, making it throb with want.  Dropping her chin down onto her chest, Tara holds onto the counter as she tries to gain control of the desire in her body.

Faith inhales deeply, her eyes closing at the aroma of Tara’s arousal.  At once surprised and heartened at the realization that she is able to turn the Wiccan on without even trying.  Slowly backing away from the Wiccan as she realizes she’s probably as turned on as Tara is, her mind confused at the realization.  “Ummm… how much cobbler in each bowl?”  Faith questions hoarsely after a few minutes. 

“Dish a small amount for me, Dawn and Anya and a good sized portion for you, Buffy and Xander.”  Tara answers, her voice deep, the desire coloring it.  “I’ll get the ice cream.”  Tara runs a shaky hand over her forehead, trying to figure out why the slayer affects her on such a deep level.  Taking a deep breath, she moves to the freezer, pulling out the gallon of vanilla ice cream, setting it on the island before turning to grab an ice cream scoop out of the drawer. 

“Should I nuke the cobbler?”  Faith questions softly, looking up to capture dark blue eyes with hers, gently biting her bottom lip at the desire showing in the blue depths.

“Please.”  Tara’s eyes drop down to white teeth nibbling on a full, bow shaped bottom lip.  “Goddess.”  Tara shakes her head and turns around, deciding to start loading the dishwasher. 

“Hey, what’s taking so long?”  Buffy questions as she leans against the wall having been watching the interaction between the two women.  Surprised at Faith’s maneuvering, but almost shocked at the way Tara’s reacting to the dark-haired slayer.  Never having thought in her wildest dreams Tara would be attracted to the woman.  But with what happened the previous night and what she’s seen and heard so far today, the attraction is obvious, from both sides.

“Sorry, kinda got sidetracked.”  Faith blinks before tearing her gaze away from Tara grabbing two of the bowls, placing them in the microwave. 

“Could you put the ice cream on the cobbler after they heat up, sweetie?  I’m going to go ahead and load the dishwasher and start it.”  Tara grins crookedly over her shoulder at the blonde slayer.

Buffy nods her head, seeing the slightly off-centered look on Tara’s face before the Wiccan turns back to the dishes.  Closing the distance to the ice cream, Buffy pulls the lid off and grabs the ice cream scoop.  Looking over at Faith as she places two bowls in front of her, Buffy captures the brown orbs with hers.  Seeing the low flame of desire flaring before Faith turns her gaze away grabbing two more bowls to throw in the microwave.  Sighing quietly, Buffy mentally mumbles.  ‘Yeah, can our lives get any more complicated?’  Scooping ice cream into the two bowls of cobbler, Buffy carries the two smaller containers into the dining room, placing one in front of Dawn and the other in front of Anya.  Turning as Faith carries in two of the larger sections, placing one in front of Xander while she places the other one in Buffy’s spot. 

“I’ll get the last two.”  Faith offers softly, turning back to the kitchen without making eye contact.  ‘Stupid, Faith.  She saw how you’re reacting to Blondie, she ain’t gonna let you anywhere near the woman she considers a sister.  Not fuck ‘em and leave ‘em, Faith.’  Faith growls internally as she walks back into the kitchen, placing the last two bowls of cobbler in the microwave, turning to look at the blonde as she finishes placing the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, watching her fill the reservoirs with the detergent before closing the door and starting the machine.  As the microwave dings, Faith sighs quietly.  ‘Don’t want to just fuck her…  I want more.’  Faith admits to herself, knowing that her feelings are becoming involved in a big way with the woman.  Never having felt anything like what she’s feeling for the blonde Wiccan, and if she’s honest with herself, feeling for the first time something besides anger or just the itch that needs to be scratched. 

Finally pulling the cobblers out, Faith looks up at Tara.  “How much ice-cream ya’ want?”

“A single scoop will be fine, thanks.”  Tara smiles at the slayer, feeling a little more centered and in control of her emotions. 

Faith nods and scoops out the ice cream placing it on Tara’s cobbler before scooping out two large scoops for her, looking down into the container.  Shrugging her shoulders, Faith scoops out the rest adding some to Tara’s and the rest to hers before placing the empty ice cream container in the trash.

Tara chuckles and grabs the bowls as Faith grabs the spoons to head out to the dining room to eat dessert.

***

“Be good, Dawn.  We’ll be back after patrol.  I’m hoping we won’t be late.”  Buffy gently squeezes Tara’s arm as she and Faith finish tucking away their weapons, and the new cell phones that Faith had picked up before showing up there that day. 

“I’ll be here.  Be careful.”  Tara smiles at Buffy, patting her gently on the back as her eyes travel over to the dark-haired slayer.  “That goes for you, too, Faith.”

Faith blushes lightly and nods her head.  “I’ll be careful.” 

Buffy raises an eyebrow at the slayer before following her out of the house on patrol. 

“I think she likes you.”  Dawn blinks in surprise at the closed door, before turning towards Tara. 

“Excuse me?”  Tara’s eyes open wide at Dawn’s comment, praying she didn’t hear the teen right.

“Faith.  I think she likes you.”  Dawn nods her head towards the door, a smile crossing her face.  “I’ve never seen her blush before and she was trying to be close to you all day today.”  Dawn shrugs and smirks.  “She hasn’t ever acted that way with anyone that I know of.” 

“I think you’re imagining things, Dawn.”  Tara murmurs, her heart picking up speed at the teenager’s words.

“Uh, huh.  Just like you weren’t watching her intently whenever you could sneak a glance her way.”  Dawn raises an eyebrow, and chuckles as Tara blushes darkly.  “Busted!”  Dawn smirks before walking over to the television to throw a movie in to sit down and let Tara stew.

“Goddess, is it that obvious?”  Tara whispers softly, running a shaky hand over her forehead.  “And why does Dawn not seem to care, she was mine and Willow’s biggest fan, I thought she wanted us to get back together.”  Tara continues talking softly to herself as she heads into the kitchen to grab drinks for the two of them, silently wondering if the teen would mind if she dated someone else.

***

Buffy strides beside the dark-haired slayer as they patrol around Sunnydale, the two women having been making conversation for the last half hour about inconsequential things before they had fallen into a comfortable silence.  Silently, Buffy tries to think of how to bring up Tara to Faith.

“Does Blondie always cook Sunday dinner?”  Faith unknowingly gives Buffy the opening she was looking for.

“Every Sunday.  She also comes over a couple times a week to make sure we have homemade meals, along with stuff she fixes for us to put in the crock pot or oven on the nights she doesn’t.”  Buffy explains quietly.  “We all usually chip in for Sunday dinners.”

“I’ll pay for next week.”  Faith offers quietly, thinking about the blonde. 

Buffy places a hand on the slayer’s arm, stopping Faith and turning her to face her.  “I have one thing and one thing only to say to you, Faith.  Don’t hurt her.  If all she is, is a fuck, steer clear.”

Faith blinks in surprise at Buffy.  Seeing the warning in the hazel eyes, but also seeing something else, caring.  “I…”  Faith shakes her head and looks away for a few minutes.  “She ain’t just a fuck…  I don’t know what’s happenin’ but she ain’t a fuck.”  Faith admits, not aware of the scared tone in her voice.

Buffy looks into the worried brown eyes, slowly nodding her head.  “That’s all I can ask.  I saw something in her eyes tonight that’s been missing for close to six months, and you’re the one that’s put it there.  I’m not naïve enough to think that something can’t go wrong, but I don’t want her to end up as a notch in your bedpost.  Willow did enough of a mind-fuck on her.  I’d rather not have her completely decimated this time around.” 

“I won’t knowingly hurt her, B.”  Faith shoves her hands in her pockets and scuffs her feet on the concrete.  “But why would someone like her be interested in me?  I mean… she’s everythin’ good while I’m…  Hell, I’m about as fucked up as a person can get.”  Faith looks up, her eyes slightly glassy with the tears wanting to let go. 

“I can’t answer that, Faith.  That’s something you’ll have to discuss with Tara.  But Tara doesn’t judge, she goes by her own personal experience with a person.  And if she opens herself to you, it means she loves you.  She isn’t the type for one night stands.”  Buffy explains looking at Faith.

“I know that, B.”  Faith stares at her in disbelief.  “She’s the kind ya’ take home to meet the family.  I’m the kind you hide from your parents.”  Faith sighs at the likelihood of something happening between the two of them.  “Let’s drop it.”  Faith growls as she turns and starts striding down the street. 

“That’s one of the problems we need to correct.”  Buffy grabs Faith, turning her around to face her.  “The running off, the ignoring it and hoping it goes away.  It isn’t going to go away, Faith.  You need to open up, talk.  Start off with little things, work up to the bigger ones, but don’t fucking shut yourself off from the rest of us.  Bottling shit up is a surefire way to do something you’ll regret.  God knows I know that on a personal level!”

Faith clenches her hands tightly as she stares over Buffy’s left shoulder, frowning heavily.  “Tell me somethin’.  Does she have any kinda idea what a fuckin’ slut I was when I was here before?” 

Buffy sighs quietly.  “Faith, she’s heard us talking about you.  I’m sure Willow went into more details with her than anything the rest of us have said.  But I already told you, she won’t hold your past against you, Faith.  She’s not the kind of person to judge someone.  She takes them on her own personal experiences.”

“But… if I tell her…”  Faith trails off, her brows furrowing as her eyes slide to Buffy, unaware of the amount of emotion she’s showing to the other slayer.

Buffy blinks in surprise at the pain filled, scared and worried look in Faith’s eyes, never having remembered seeing either look in the slayer’s eyes before.  “What’s got you so worried, Faith?  Is it the fact that she can possibly care for you, or you think she won’t care for you?”

Faith looks away, frowning even heavier as she thinks on the blonde slayer’s words.  “I honestly don’t know.”  Faith admits after a few minutes. 

Buffy sighs and shakes her head at the slayer.  “Talk with her, Faith.  She’s one of the most understanding people in the world.  She won’t judge you, and she’ll actually listen to you.  She’s had some experiences in her past that might make her more understanding and knowledgeable in a personal way.”  Buffy offers quietly, Tara having finally told her quite a bit about her past during their coffee dates. 

Faith jerks her eyes back towards Buffy at those words, staring intently into hazel eyes.  “More than the shit Red put her through?”  Faith growls, her eyes narrowing with anger.

Buffy nods her head. “I can’t talk about it, Faith.  It isn’t my place.”

“Like living on the Hellmouth ain’t bad enough, it’s a fuckin’ magnet for people with fucked up lives.”  Faith sighs as she shakes her head.  “Let’s see if there’s anything for us to kill.”  Faith runs a hand roughly through her hair, before slowly heading down the sidewalk, Buffy at her side as they quietly search out the denizens of the night.

***

Chapter 5

Tara watches the television, not really seeing the movie as she thinks about the dark-haired slayer, the amount of pain and anger coming from the woman almost unbelievable.  But not so much the amount has her worried, but the depth of the pain far outweighs the anger.  Tara silently wonders what the slayer went through in her life to have that much pain.  Knowing if she can help the slayer relieve the pain, the anger would disappear with it, having been caused by the pain and her own natural defenses against being hurt again. 

Dawn glances over at Tara for probably the hundredth time that night, having changed out and put in the third movie, knowing the Wiccan hasn’t seen any of the previous two.  “Tara?”  Dawn questions softly, only getting a quiet ‘hmmm’ from Tara.  Rolling her eyes, Dawn questions a lot louder.  “Tara!”

Tara blinks and looks at Dawn.  “I’m sorry, Dawnie, did you say something?” 

Dawn raises an eyebrow at Tara.  “How well do you know Faith?”

Tara shrugs and glances over at the television, frowning as she sees the start of a new movie, wondering what happened to the other.  “I don’t know her, Dawn.  I just know what everyone has said about her, and what I see when I look in her eyes.” 

“You mean more of what Willow’s said about her, right?”  Dawn looks seriously at Tara.  When Tara slowly nods her head, Dawn sighs loudly.  “Tara, Willow never liked Faith.  She was always jealous of the relationship Faith and Buffy had.”

“Relationship?”  Tara blinks at the youngest Summers, wondering if maybe there was more between the two slayers than she thought there was.  Though knowing in her heart Buffy isn’t gay, but that doesn’t mean that there might not have been something between the two women.  Willow definitely believed there was.

“Them both being slayers.  There’s some kind of bond there.”  Dawn explains quietly.  “They can feel each other, kind of like how they feel vampires but a different tingle, according to what Buffy once told me.  I believe it’s because they’re both being slayers they understand each other on a deeper level, both of them the only ones that know what it’s like to be a slayer.  Kind of a ‘slayer’s only club’.”  Dawn tries to explain.  “I think Willow always was jealous of that, and it was something she never could compete with.  Just the way Willow would go on about Faith being a slut, and how bad she was for Buffy.”

Tara runs a hand over the cushions of the couch as she thinks about what Dawn’s saying.  “I’ve heard some of what Willow’s said about Faith.  And I believe you left out a few of her more descriptive words.”  Tara glances up, a slight smile on her face as Dawn grins at her.  “Dawn, I’m not judging Faith.  I’m going to judge her from what I know and what I see.  And honestly, I see someone that needs someone in their life.  Someone that can break through that tough outer shell to dig down through the pain and anger that’s built up over the years to possibly help her.”

“Are you going to try?”  Dawn leans forward from the chair, looking intently at Tara. 

“I…  I don’t know, Dawn.  I’ll be there for her if she needs me, but I can’t force her to open up to me.  If you try to force someone to do something they don’t want to, they’ll just end up hating and despising you.”  Tara nibbles on her bottom lip as she looks at the teen.  “You can make suggestions and argue, beg and plead, but it’s up to that individual to talk and do what needs to be done.”

“Kind of like Willow.”  Dawn whispers, her eyes thoughtful. 

“I tried to talk with her, argue and beg.  Then I did something I’m not very happy with myself about.”  Tara looks down, the pain obvious in her eyes.  “I tried to make her choose between me and the magic.  I never should have tried to force her hand that way.”

“But, Tara!  Look at what she did to you.  You were trying to help her, but you needed to also protect yourself.  You didn’t have any choice, if you had stayed with her…”  Dawn shakes her head, looking worriedly at the Wiccan.

“She would have depended on me to make everything right, instead of trying to fix it herself.  I’m just praying that she’s listening to what the Coven has to say and is learning to respect the magic, along with learning control.”  Tara runs a finger over her forehead as she thinks about her ex-lover. 

“I think she finally understood that you two were through when she left, Tara.”  Dawn offers softly, silently trying to give her consent to whatever the Wiccan wants to do.

Tara glances up at the teen, seeing the acceptance in Dawn’s eyes.  “You wouldn’t mind…”

Dawn shakes her head.  “I just want you to be happy.  But I will be having a discussion with Faith.  I don’t care if she’s a slayer or not, but if she hurts you, I’ll SOOOO kick her ass.”  Dawn growls quietly, her brows furrowing and an angry glint in her eye, making her look more like Buffy. 

Tara raises an eyebrow in surprise at Dawn’s words, knowing the young woman cares about her, but the willingness and obvious seriousness of the young woman to defend her against a woman that could literally break her in two is extremely surprising.  “I don’t think it’ll come to that, Dawn.  And there’s a chance in any relationship to be hurt.  If you aren’t willing to risk your heart, whether it be in friendship, or in a more… or different relationship, why bother living?”

“I guess you have a point.”  Dawn thinks on the Wiccan’s words for a few minutes.  “Still doesn’t mean I won’t be talking to her.”  Dawn warns, though there is more of a twinkle of merriment in her eyes this time.

Tara shakes her head, laughing quietly.  “I believe between you and Buffy, you both will be scaring off any potential girlfriends.”

Dawn shrugs and smirks.  “Then only the serious ones will stick around and be willing to risk the wrath of the Summers’ women.  I can live with that.”

“Great.  I can kiss any kind of love life goodbye.”  Tara moans jokingly as she falls back on the couch, grinning as Dawn busts out laughing.

“You’re not allowed to have a love life.  Gross, disgusting… uggghhh.”  Dawn shivers while laughing at the Wiccan.  “It’s like thinking about your parents that way… soooo wrong.”  Dawn winks at Tara.  “I’m going to fix some popcorn.  Are you actually going to watch this movie, or space out like you did on the other two?”

“The other two?”  Tara blinks in surprise as she looks up at the clock and moans quietly.  “I was comatose for over four hours?  Goddess, shoot me now.”  Tara throws her arm over her eyes as Dawn laughs hysterically as she leaves the room with a parting shot.

“More like Faith obsessed.  Get used to hearing the words ‘wicked’ and ‘five by five’ a lot!”  Dawn giggles uncontrollably as she heads into the kitchen.

“Brat.”  Tara moans quietly in realization that she had been thinking about the slayer non-stop for the last four hours.  “What am I getting myself into?  And like I have a choice in the matter.”  Tara murmurs quietly to herself as she feels her heartbeat pick up at the thought of the brown-eyed, dark-haired slayer, and the feel of her body pressing against her back starting some very deep, emotional and physical feelings to stir.

***

Tara stands up quickly after hearing the two slayers come into the house arguing.

“Damn it, B!  I said I’m alright.  It’s just a little scratch.”  Faith growls angrily at the blonde haired slayer.

“That’s why the side of your shirt is soaked with blood and you’re protecting your side.  Get your ass up to the bathroom and strip!”  Buffy growls right back at the other slayer. 

“What happened?”  Tara looks from one slayer to the other, staying on Faith as she looks at the tank top sticking to Faith’s side, seeing the sliced shirt, along with the cut just below her ribs before Faith shifts her arm to hide it.  “Get your ass upstairs.”

Buffy snickers.  “Uh, oh.  Gone and done it now.  Wiccan’s gonna be on your ass and she’s worse than a pit bull.” 

Tara turns a narrowed gaze on Buffy.  “Are you hurt?”

“No, ma’am.”  Buffy raises her hands stepping back from Tara.  “Just a few bumps and bruises, nothing that won’t be healed by morning.  We ran into quite a few vampires and a couple nasty demons that seemed to like Faith.”  Buffy points at the slayer who’s bitching, but on her way up the stairs. 

“Fine.  There’re sandwiches in the refrigerator, save some for Faith.”  Tara warns Buffy.  “Dawn went to bed right before midnight.  She mentioned that you were letting her stay up later during school nights, since she’s doing better?”  Tara makes it more of a question than a statement, double-checking the teen.  Though the teen hadn’t ever really lied to her, with her past problems, it seemed prudent to double-check.

“Yeah.  I gave her permission to stay up ‘til midnight, as long as she isn’t grumpy in the morning, gets up on her own and keeps her grades up.”  Buffy explains quickly. 

“Good.  Is one of the first aid kits still up in the hall closet?”  Tara questions as she starts up the stairs.

“Top shelf.”  Buffy calls out after Tara, chuckling quietly as she heads into the kitchen to grab a late night snack and something to drink.

***

Tara steps into the open bathroom door, frowning at the sight of Faith with her shirt still on and shifting from foot to foot.  “What’s wrong?”

Faith looks down at the floor.  “It’s gonna need stitches.”  Faith whispers, knowing that the wound was deeper than she’d led Buffy to believe.

“Then you need to take your top off and let me clean it, unless you would rather we get you to the hospital?  I can call a cab.”  Tara offers taking a step back towards the bathroom door.

“No!  No hospital.”  Faith jerks her eyes up and shakes her head.  “I didn’t know if you could do it or if you wanted to get B.”  Faith waves towards the doorway.

“I’ve had to stitch Buffy up a few times, and I’m handy with a needle and thread.”  Tara smiles softly at the dark-haired slayer.  “Sit down on the stool, Faith.”  Tara orders gently, pointing to the little stool sitting in front of the vanity.  Running hot water in the sink, Tara pulls up the stopper and pours some rubbing alcohol in it before stopping the water and grabbing a clean washcloth.  “Is your shirt stuck to the wound?”

“I don’t think so.”  Faith starts to reach down to yank the tank top off when her hands are stopped by Tara grasping them tightly.

“Don’t you dare!”  Tara shakes her head, knowing what the slayer was going to do.  “Let me see if it’s sticking.”  Tara kneels down beside the wounded slayer, gently pushing up on the tank top until it reached close to the wound, seeing it trying to stick, Tara releases it.  “Leave it alone.”  Tara warns quietly before standing and grabbing the washcloth.  Kneeling back down beside the slayer, she presses the wet cloth to the wound and shirt.  “How did this happen?”

Faith shrugs, looking down into worried blue eyes.  Seeing the blue eyes turn almost to the color of steel when she shrugs, Faith sighs.  “The two demons we fought, one of ‘em had a knife.  It ain’t bad enough these bastards are big, strong and fast, but they gotta bring in weapons.  I shifted right when I shoulda’ shifted back, and he got me.”

Tara nods as she sees the truth in the brown eyes.  “Is it just a cut, or did he actually stab you, Faith?”

“Just a cut.”  Faith answers after a few moments, looking into calm blue eyes. 

“Are you hurt anywhere else?”  Tara drops her gaze to look over the slayer more intently, having been more worried about her side and looking into her eyes, that she didn’t notice the slight bruising on her jaw, or the split lip.

“A few bangs and bruises, nothin’ major.”  Faith quirks her lips as she watches the Wiccan take an inventory of her wounds. 

“You shouldn’t get the stitches wet, but if you’re anything like Buffy, you’ll want to take a shower after I fix you up.  Just try to keep this side away from the spray and if you wash over it, be gentle, okay?”  Tara pulls the washcloth away and gently pulls up the tank top, sighing in relief as it’s now loosened from the slayer’s wound.

“Yes, mom.”  Faith smirks at the woman.

Tara raises her eyes to look intently into the slayer’s brown orbs.  “I’m not your mother.”  Tara mutters quietly, standing to gently ease the tank top over the slayer’s head, wincing as Faith inhales deeply at the pull on her side.  Turning, Tara tosses the top into the trash, trying not to stare at the firm, round breasts she’d uncovered.  Rinsing the washrag out in the water again, Tara continues softly.  “Definitely feeling things a family member should never feel.” 

Faith blinks in surprise at the woman, wondering if Tara even knew that she said that comment out loud, or if she forgot about slayer hearing. 

“Let me get this area cleaned and see what I need to do.”  Tara gently washes the blood away from the slayer’s side, wincing at the deep slice.  Grabbing antiseptic out of the first aid kit, Tara cleans it thoroughly before placing a pressure bandage against it.  “Can you tuck your arm against the bandage until I’m ready to sew it shut?”

“Yeah.”  Faith lowers her arm, pressing the elbow against her side, watching Tara. 

“I guess you know this is going to hurt.”  Tara looks up, a small grin on her face.

“Given.”  Faith nods, an answering grin on her face. 

“Want something to bite down on?”  Tara offers pointing to a hand towel she had grabbed. 

“Nah.  I’ll be ‘kay.”  Faith watches as Tara quirks an eyebrow but silently acquiesces. 

“Lift your arm, sweetie.”  Tara gently eases the bandage away, wiping the wound free of the blood once again, before pinching the skin together.  “Here we go.”  Tara warns softly before wincing as she pierces the slayer’s skin, quickly and neatly placing each stitch, tying it off gently.  After she finishes, Tara grabs the small scissors and cuts the thread, looking up at Faith for a moment.  “You okay?”

“I’m fine.”  Faith slowly releases the breath she’d been holding.

Tara grabs a bandage and tape out of the kit, covering the wound and taping it down gently.  “I’ll see if I can find something you can wear.”  Tara offers as she gathers together the used items, tossing them in the trash before closing up the kit and heading out of the bathroom.

“Thanks, Tare.”  Faith calls after the blonde Wiccan, smiling at the thanks she hears back.  Faith decides to wait on the shower, just washing her upper body in the sink.

***

Buffy glances up from where she’s eating a third sandwich, watching as Tara raises an eyebrow at her.  “This is the last one.  I left half for the other piggy.”

“Good.  I’m going downstairs to grab one of my shirts for Faith to wear.  Her tank top is pretty much ruined.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer as she trots down the steps to the basement. 

“Are you staying the night?”  Buffy calls out to Tara.  “It’s kind of late.”

Tara comes jogging back up the stairs, holding one of her blue button-up shirts in her hands.  “I shouldn’t.  I have an early class tomorrow, and all my stuff is at home.”

“And it’s out of the way.”  Buffy grumbles quietly. 

“Don’t go there, Buffy.”  Tara warns softly.

Buffy snarls her lip, but keeps silent, knowing it’s a losing battle to get Tara out of that hell-hole she’s been living in for the last six months.   Silently she watches Tara stride out of the kitchen, a slow smirk crossing her face.  “Faith’ll probably get on you about that apartment, too.  And I won’t even have to egg her on.”  Buffy chuckles at the thought.

***

Chapter 6

“Here.”  Tara offers the shirt to the dark-haired slayer, watching her wince as she starts to put her arm in the sleeve.  “Let me.”  Tara offers, taking the shirt back away from her and shifting behind the slayer, threading both hands into the top, pulling it up gently before moving around in front of her, trying not to look at the naturally tanned skin, and the breasts reaching out, silently begging to be caressed.  Swallowing hard, Tara quickly buttons the shirt.  “I’m sure Buffy will let you stay the night here, if you want.”

“Are you stayin’?”  Faith stares at the blonde, seeing the lightly flushed skin, smelling the barest hint of arousal.

“No.  I have to go home.  I have an 8 o’clock class in the morning, and all my books are at home.”  Tara looks up, surprised at the brown eyes watching her intently. 

“Can’t ya’ just leave early in the mornin’?”  Faith watches Tara as the Wiccan shakes her head.

“It’s out of the way for me to hit the apartment, then go to campus afterwards.  It’s better that I just go home now.”  Tara allows a quick smile to cross her face before she turns to head out the bathroom door. 

“You ain’t gonna walk home by yourself.”  Faith growls, finally figuring that’s what Tara was going to do.

“You two already had a busy night.  I should be okay by myself.”  Tara answers as she heads down the stairs, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as the anger starts to practically shoot from the slayer following her.

“Ain’t no fuckin’ way you’re walkin’ home by yourself, Blondie.  So, either your ass fuckin’ parks it here, or I’m gonna go with ya’.”  Faith shifts to stand in front of the door as Tara swerves to the side to get her purse.

Buffy smirks as she listens to the two women. 

“You’re in no shape to be out there tonight.  You need to rest.”  Tara points out as she places her purse over her shoulder. 

“I can walk her home and come back.”  Buffy offers quietly from the kitchen, so only Faith can hear her. 

“Well, B ain’t gonna let me stay here alone with Dawn.  She’s just now startin’ to trust me, she’d be outta her mind if she left a murderer watchin’ over her sister.  So, it’s either me walkin’ you home, then me backtrackin’ back to my apartment, or your ass parkin’ it right here.”  Faith growls lowly, pointing to the ground speaking about Buffy’s house. 

Buffy smirks at the knowledge Faith already knows how to play Tara to her side.  But then again, Faith was always smarter than she liked to let on.  Mentioning being hurt, and having to walk back to her own apartment after walking Tara home, would tug at Tara’s natural protectiveness and caring to protect people. 

Tara stares at the dark-haired woman, seeing the stubbornness and fight in her eyes.  Knowing she’s just stubborn enough to do it.  Make sure she gets home okay, and would walk back to her own apartment, with being hurt and possibly being attacked when she’s not at her best.  Knowing the slayer is playing on her emotions to get her way, Tara still doesn’t have a choice.  “Shit!”  Tara growls and shifts around, tossing her purse onto the chair before slamming down onto the couch, yanking her shoes off before unbuttoning her top and tossing it onto the chair, leaving her in the pale blue camisole and her jeans. 

“Oh, no.  You ain’t gonna stay down here to try and sneak out as soon as we go upstairs to sleep.”  Faith wiggles her finger at the woman.  “Ain’t happenin’.”

“I’m not staying in that room.”  Tara growls, her eyes flashing with anger.

“B probably won’t mind ya’ havin’ her room.  I’ll take the couch.”  Faith offers a solution.

“Right, with your wound, you’re going to try and sleep on the couch?  I don’t think so.”  Tara shakes her head. 

“Hey, Faith, you want a sandwich?”  Buffy decides to poke her nose in, smiling at Tara.  “Staying?”

Tara growls quietly at the slayer.

“You can stay upstairs in my room, if you want.”  Buffy offers, smiling innocently, blushing lightly as Tara narrows her gaze on her.

Tara narrows her eyes, looking from one slayer to the other, smelling a rat.  “Did you two get together on this?”

“Nope.”  Faith shakes her head, holding up both hands in an innocent gesture. 

“Faith, you can bunk down with me in the master bedroom, if you want.”  Buffy offers, a small smile playing about her face as she watches Tara’s eyes narrow even more.

“Ain’t no fuckin’ way.  I remember crashin’ here one night with ya’ before.  You’re like a fuckin’ WWE Wrestler, trying to get me in a leg lock and squeeze the shit outta me.  Either that or you were tryin’ to kick me outta the bed.”  Faith shakes her head.  “Ain’t happenin’ again.  I’ll sleep on the floor before I ever sleep in the same bed with you again.”

“I had a bad nightmare!”  Buffy throws her hands in the air.  “One time!  One time I talk you into staying here, years ago I might add!  I have a nightmare and you wake up all bruised, and you think it’s going to happen again!”

“Don’t care.  Ain’t sharing a bed with ya’ again.  EVER!”  Faith smirks at the blonde. 

“I’m not sleeping on the couch.  This is my house, I deserve a bed.”  Buffy smirks back. 

“Just let me sleep on the couch, please.”  Tara begs softly.

“Sorry, Blondie.  Looks like your SOL.”   Faith smirks.  “You could always sleep with Little D.”

“Her bed’s a twin.”  Buffy points out. 

“We coulda’ already been in bed asleep.”  Faith looks at the two women as she locks the front door and turns off the light to the living room.  “Bed, ladies.  It’s almost two in the mornin’, and I know Blondie’s gonna be getting up early.”

“Faith, you know what this means, if you aren’t willing to let me sleep on the couch, don’t you?”  Tara looks pointedly down at the item she’s sitting on.

“As long as ya’ don’t beat me up in the night, I don’t care.”  Faith flicks her thumb to the stairs, silently telling her to get her ass up there. 

“Damn slayers.”  Tara growls clenching her teeth, wondering what hell she’s going to have to put up with by being inches away from the dark-haired slayer.

Buffy chuckles and smacks Faith lightly on the shoulder.  “Not bad.  Kept her from leaving and got her sharing a bed with you already.”

“Ain’t goin’ there, B.”  Faith warns, shaking her head.  “I’m behavin’.  But I wasn’t about to let her go home by herself, and she’s fuckin’ stubborn enough to leave after we go to bed.” 

“True on both counts.”  Buffy admits quietly.  “Grab at least a sandwich before bed, Faith.”  Buffy smiles as the slayer nods and heads towards the kitchen. 

***

Tara strips off her jeans, wearing just her shorts and the camisole as she stands by the window, looking out at the night as she waits for Faith to come upstairs.

“Why ain’t ya’ already in bed?”  Faith questions as she sets down the water and sandwich on the nightstand, having already eaten one sandwich. 

“Thought I’d see what side you preferred to sleep on.”  Tara smiles quickly at the slayer. 

“Don’t much matter.”  Faith admits, flicking the small lamp on before turning off the overhead light.  Wincing slightly as she starts to lift her hands to unbutton the shirt.

“You can sleep in that, if you want to.”  Tara offers quietly, heading towards the slayer. 

“You don’t mind?”  Faith looks down at the shirt, having picked up the slight scent of the Wiccan on the fabric after she had placed it on her. 

“No.  But if you sit down on the bed, I’ll take off your shoes for you, so you don’t have to bend over.”  Tara smiles gently at the slayer, watching as Faith nods and silently sits on the edge of the bed.  Kneeling down in front of the slayer, Tara quickly unties her steel-toed boots and pulls them off, along with her socks.  “Want help with your jeans?”

“Uh…”  Faith bites her bottom lip.  “Maybe I oughta sleep in my jeans.”  Faith watches as Tara stands, trying not to stare at the long, silky looking legs and the pale blue shorts that were a match to her camisole. 

“Let me guess, you don’t believe in underwear.”  Tara sighs quietly as Faith grins up at her.  “Should have figured since you weren’t wearing a bra.”  Tara shakes her head.  Turning around, Tara digs in the bottom drawer of Buffy’s dresser, knowing the slayer usually throws her clothes in the drawer that she leaves there for when she needs something.  Finally coming across a pair of boxer shorts, Tara holds them up.  “Want to wear these?”

“They’d be more comfortable.”  Faith admits, watching Tara curiously.  Faith wonders silently how far she can push the whole ‘hurt’ angle with the Wiccan.  Slowly standing, she groans softly, just loud enough for the woman to hear her as she tries to unbutton her jeans.

“Like having to dress a kid.”  Tara grumbles loudly.  “Would you like help, or would you prefer me to turn my back or leave?”

“I can get it.”  Faith mutters as she fumbles at unbuttoning her jeans before starting to push them down over her hips, grunting quietly as she bends over.

“Goddess!”  Tara grasps Faith’s shoulder.  “Sit down.  I’ll finish pulling them off.”  Tara kneels and turns her head so she isn’t staring at the slayer, a light blush on her face as she pulls the slayer’s jeans off, tossing them in the corner, before reaching for the boxers she’d set down on the bed, pulling them as far up the slayer’s body as she can with her sitting.  When Faith lifts her hips, Tara’s eyes lift up to see the mischief-filled brown eyes looking back at her.  Tara narrows her gaze on the slayer, and as the huge grin crosses Faith’s face, Tara realizes she’s been had.  Yanking the boxer’s the rest of the way up Tara smacks her firmly on a thigh.  “You’re going to pay for this at some future time.”  Tara warns softly. 

“I might like it.”  Faith laughs quietly before reaching for her sandwich and water, watching as Tara walks around to the other side of the bed.  Feeling the Wiccan pull back the covers and slide between the sheets, Faith quickly demolishes the sandwich and drinks half the bottle of water, before setting it back on the nightstand.  “Got the alarm set?”

“Yes.”  Tara stares up at the ceiling, trying to decide whether to be angry at the woman for her maneuvering, or just laugh at having been had.  As Faith stands and pulls the covers back with one hand as she’s turning out the light with the other, Tara quirks her lip, deciding to see the humor in the situation. 

“I’m sorry, that wasn’t very nice of me.”  Faith whispers softly.  “I was kinda curious how far you’d take the whole caretaker routine.”

“So now you know.”  Tara speaks just as softly. 

“Yeah.  You’ll go as far as you think you’re needed.”  Faith turns on her side to look at the Wiccan in the dark room.  “Thank you.”  Faith whispers as she leans in to brush her lips softly over Tara’s cheek before turning back on her other side, her back to the Wiccan as she wiggles into the bed, getting ready to go to sleep.

Tara unconsciously lifts her hand to her cheek, the spot Faith had kissed her tingling lightly.  More than slightly surprised at the tender kiss of thanks, Tara turns her head to look at the slayer’s back.  “You’re welcome, Faith.  Good night.”  Tara whispers before shifting over onto her side, putting her slightly closer to Faith as she tucks her arm under the pillow as she lets herself relax, sleep quickly overtaking her after the long day.

Faith smiles at the soft words as she listens to the Wiccan’s breathing slowly deepen as she falls asleep.  “Good night, Tare.”  Faith whispers quietly before slowly falling asleep herself.

***

Tara rubs her face contentedly against a warm, strong shoulder, stroking her fingers over a warm stomach as she slowly wakes up to a quiet laugh.  Becoming still as stone as it takes her a moment to figure out what’s going on.  As another deep chuckle comes from the person she’s practically holding captive, Tara slowly opens her eyes as she shifts back away from the warm body, blushing lightly.  “Sorry.”

Faith smirks at the witch and shakes her head.  “I ain’t.  Alarm’s gettin’ ready to go off, if ya’ wanna hit the bathroom first.  I’ll hit it later and walk ya’ home then to the college before hitting my apartment.”  Faith offers as she shifts up in the bed, reaching over for the leftover water from the night before.

“You don’t have…”  Tara stops as narrowed brown eyes look at her, Tara sighs quietly, nodding in silent acceptance as she rolls over and out of the bed.  Grabbing the clean clothes she’d set out the night before, Tara quickly heads to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.

Faith watches the Wiccan curiously.  Never being one for snuggling, having the Wiccan curl up against her back during the night, before they both shifted slightly and the woman had practically lain half over her, Faith realized she didn’t mind Tara being against her.  Listening to the shower turn on, Faith tilts her head as she hears a soft humming that’s interspersed with a beautiful voice singing softly before going back to humming.  Unaware of the smile on her face, Faith slides out of the bed.  Stripping the sheets quickly, she grabs a fresh set out of the hallway closet to make the bed for Buffy.

Frowning at the bloody jeans, Faith looks at the top she’s wearing.  Figuring it’s long enough to cover the blood in the daylight for her to get home and changed, Faith hears the door to the bathroom open. 

“All yours.”  Tara offers quietly, watching the slayer grab her dirty jeans and head towards the doorway.  “I have a pair of sweatpants, if you’d rather wear them.”

Faith turns and looks at Tara.  “Do ya’ mind?”

“Of course not, Faith.  But you might want to think about keeping a couple sets of clothes here, just in case.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.  “Buffy let’s me do my laundry here, and I usually try to keep a couple outfits here just in case I have to stay overnight.”

“Does that happen often?”  Faith questions curiously. 

“Sometimes.”  Tara pulls the sweatpants out of the drawer, tossing them to the slayer.  “Go clean up, or I’m leaving you here and heading to my apartment by myself.”  Tara jokes softly.

“Don’t you dare!  It’s still dark out.”  Faith growls quietly before striding from the room to hurry through her shower, finger brushing her teeth with some toothpaste and running a brush quickly through her wet hair, yanking on the sweat pants along with the shirt again, smirking at herself in the mirror.  “Definitely ain’t me, but they’re clean.”  Faith shrugs before striding back towards the bedroom, surprised to see her boots and a clean pair of socks sitting on the floor by the bed.  Quickly pulling the socks and shoes on, tying them quickly, Faith jogs lightly downstairs, looking at the Wiccan, surprised to see her throwing something in the refrigerator. 

“Hey.  What’cha doin’?”  Faith blinks in surprise as Tara tosses her a can of soda, catching it on automatic. 

“Threw an egg and cheese bake together quickly for Buffy, so she only has to throw it in the oven for breakfast.”  Tara explains as she grabs her own soda.  “I would have made coffee, but we don’t have time.”  Tara looks apologetically at the slayer as she grabs her purse and they head towards the front door.

“That’s ‘kay.  Caffeine of any kind is good.”  Faith pops the soda can top, chugging half of it down as the two women stride down the street quickly. 

“When will your stitches need to be removed?”  Tara glances over at the slayer.

“Probably in a couple hours.”  Faith finishes the soda, crunching it in her hand, holding it until they come across a trashcan. 

“I have a break from 10:00 to 11:00, if you want to come by the college, I’ll take them out for you then.”  Tara smiles at the surprised look Faith shoots her way.  “You’ll just need to bring a pair of small scissors for me to snip the stitches.”

“I got one at home.”  Faith nods in acceptance of the offer.  “I gotta say, I know you both have said there ain’t nothin’ goin’ on between ya’… but with the way you two act and your clothes being there in B’s room…”

Tara shakes her head at the slayer.  “No.  I love Buffy, there’s no denying that.  But she’s the sister I never had.  Her luck’s been shit for guys, and I’ve been trying to talk her into playing on my side of the fence, just with someone besides me.”  Tara admits, grinning crookedly.

“And how’s that workin’ out?”  Faith chuckles quietly. 

“It isn’t.  At least not yet.  I think she’s decided she doesn’t want any romantic interests at this moment in time.”  Tara admits as they turn down her street.  “I’m hoping she finds someone, no one deserves to be alone.  She’s a beautiful, caring, strong woman and deserves to be as happy as anyone else.  She just needs some convincing of the fact.”

“You’ve been workin’ on that, too, ain’t ya’?”  Faith thinks about how much calmer and relaxed the slayer seems than the girl she used to know. 

Tara shrugs non-commitally as they head up the stairs to her apartment.  Quickly unlocking the door, Tara strides in, grabbing her book bag off the floor, walking over to her futon that served as a couch and bed.  Pulling her books she needs from the corner of the futon, she tucks them quickly away.  “I have some juice and water in the refrigerator if you want something.”  Tara offers.

“Nah.  I’m good.”  Faith leans against the doorway watching the woman out of the corner of her eye as she glances around the small efficiency apartment.  “This is a dump.”

“It’s my dump.”  Tara throws a couple additional pens in her book bag before zipping it closed, heading towards the door. 

Hearing the cool note in the Wiccan’s voice, Faith decides to let it slide for the moment, backing out into the hallway as Tara comes out and locks the door behind her.  Following silently behind the Wiccan, Faith waits a few minutes until they’re well on their way towards the campus before questioning softly.  “Did you dust his ass?”

Tara stops dead in her tracks, not expecting that question from the dark-haired slayer, realizing Buffy must have told her a lot more over the last couple days than she thought she would have.  Slowly starting to walk again, Tara glances towards Faith.  “What makes you ask that question?”

“B told me about what happened, and how the next mornin’ when she got up, you were gone.  When I questioned her if you went and dusted his ass, she seemed surprised and shocked at the idea.”  Faith shrugs as she clasps her hands behind her back.  “When I asked if she’d seen the asshole since that happened, she said she didn’t.  I insisted we go by his… residence… for me to take care of the fuckin’ asshole, but it ain’t looked like nothin’s been there for a month give or take.”  Faith explains, not looking at the woman, curious as to what she’ll say.

Tara grunts quietly at the slayer’s words, not answering her as they work their way closer to the college campus. 

“You ain’t gonna answer me, are you?”  Faith narrows her eyes as she glances at the blonde.

“What difference would it make if I did, or didn’t do it?”  Tara raises an eyebrow in question as she tilts her head towards Faith. 

“None, I guess.”  Faith answers after a few minutes.  “But I’d like to know, that way I know whether I should hunt his ass down or not.” 

Tara’s lips quirks at Faith’s machinations, the slayer trying to get an answer from her.  “What did Buffy say?”

“At first she said you wouldn’t do somethin’ like that.  Then she said she didn’t know.”  Faith answers truthfully. 

“Does she want to know whether or not I took care of him?”  Tara walks across campus, glancing down at her watch, seeing she has fifteen minutes before her first class. 

“She wasn’t real sure on that.”  Faith follows Tara as she heads towards one of the buildings.  Watching as the Wiccan stops at the bottom of the stairs and turns towards her, Faith looks intently into the Wiccan’s blue eyes, trying to see if Tara dusted the vampire. 

“Maybe when we get to know each other a little better, you can ask me again.  I may give you an answer.”  Tara offers a soft smile on her lips as her blue eyes dance merrily. 

Faith growls quietly.  “Exactly how well are ya’ wantin’ to know me?”

Tara laughs quietly as she turns and jogs up the stairs, heading towards class without answering the slayer, feeling the confusion and desire flowing from the woman, but not wanting to be just another notch on her belt.

Faith stares after the quickly departing blonde.  “YO!  Where we meetin’ up at?”

“Here will be fine.”  Tara calls over her shoulder as she heads into the building.

Faith grunts loudly as she continues to watch the woman until she’s completely out of sight.  “Fuck, me.  She’s gonna be a hard nut to crack.”  Faith spins around, heading towards her apartment, before a slow smile crosses her face.  “But I think I might like crackin’ her.”  Faith whistles softly as she heads towards her apartment.

***

Chapter 7

Tara walks towards the building she’s supposed to meet Faith in front of, surprised to see the dark-haired slayer sitting on the steps, already waiting for her, with a large bag sitting on the step below her between her legs as she leans back, brown eyes capturing hers after slowly trailing upwards, making Tara flush at the obvious look on the slayer’s face. 

Faith smirks as the blonde blushes.  Grabbing the bag, Faith stands and strides towards Tara.  “I doubt you wanna take my stitches out in front of the building, where do you wanna go?”

Tara looks around the quad, seeing one of the benches that’s out of the main stream of traffic.  “Let’s go over there.”  Tara points as Faith turns and strides towards the bench with no further urging.  Tara unconsciously allows her eyes to travel up the slayer’s body, noticing the strength of the woman’s body and the predator’s grace as her legs quickly eat up the distance between them and the bench.  Shaking her head at her wandering mind and eyes, Tara follows the slayer quietly, realizing they’re almost the same height.  The slayer might be an inch taller than her.

Faith pulls the small scissors out of her pocket as she sets the bag on the bench, turning to appraise the Wiccan as she approaches.

Tara sees the small scissors in Faith’s hands and smiles at the woman.  Setting her backpack on the bench, she motions for Faith to sit on the end of the bench while taking the scissors from her.  Kneeling on the ground beside Faith, Tara smiles as the woman lifts her top up, noticing the edge of a bra visible.  “Decided to wear underwear today?”  Tara comments as she snips the threads quickly, thankful that the slayers heal as quickly as they do. 

“For now.”  Faith grins at the woman.

“Even with slayer genes, you should wear support.”  Tara finishes pulling the threads from the slayer’s body, before tossing them in the trashcan beside her, handing the scissors back to Faith as she sits down on the other side of the woman. 

“Thanks.  I don’t foresee myself livin’ long enough to worry about saggy tits.”  Faith shrugs as she leans back against the bench, stretching her legs out in front of her and crossing them at the ankle.  “Grab that bag, would ya’?”

Tara reaches over for the bag on the other side of her, handing it to Faith.  Watching as the slayer starts pulling out multiple sub sandwiches.

“What’cha like?  I got a club sandwich with the works, a steak and cheese, a cheese and veggie, meatball, chicken salad, and an egg salad sub.”  Faith places the sandwiches on her lap, each one clearly marked before pulling out two large bottled sodas.

“Whichever you don’t like.”  Tara chuckles at the plethora of food. 

“I like everythin’.”  Faith shrugs, waving a hand towards the pile of sandwiches.  “Pick out somethin’.  Or hell, we can share.”

Tara shifts to put some more distance between them, watching as Faith places the bag on the bench between them and piles the sandwiches on it, grabbing the steak and cheese one.  As the slayer quickly unwraps the sandwich and hands her half, Tara shakes her head at the woman.  “This will probably be more than enough for me.”  Tara admits softly. 

Faith grunts quietly as she starts eating her sandwich, watching as Tara slowly nibbles at the other half.  Finishing her half, Faith grabs another one, not even paying attention to what it is as she pulls half out, eating it quickly as she stares at the woman. 

“Something interest you?”  Tara quirks her eyebrow at the slayer as she notices her staring at her. 

“Yeah.”  Faith nods, shifting to face the woman more fully.  “You seein’ anyone?”

Tara almost chokes on her sandwich.  Grabbing one of the sodas Faith had set down on the bench, she opens it quickly, taking a sip.  After calming down, Tara shakes her head.  “No, I’m not dating anyone.”

“Good.”  Faith smirks as she looks down at the pile of sandwiches.  “You want any of this cheese and veggie sub?”  Faith questions as Tara picks her sandwich back up and starts to eat it. 

“No, thank you.”  Tara watches as Faith nods her head, grabbing the other half and quickly demolishes it before reaching for another one.  Deciding not to question the woman on her question, Tara glances at her watch seeing that she still has half an hour before she needs to be in her next class. 

“You gonna be at B’s tonight?”  Faith questions curiously as she opens her drink, gulping a third of it down.

“No.  I have a paper I have to work on tonight.”  Tara explains as she finishes eating her sandwich, grabbing one of the napkins the slayer had pulled out with the sandwiches.  “I prepared two large lasagna’s yesterday.  They’re in the refrigerator, so there’s plenty for both of you.”

“Thanks.”  Faith bites her bottom lip as she considers the woman.  “I don’t wanna be eating out all the time… it kinda gets old.  Could I maybe talk ya’ into teaching me to cook?” 

Tara blinks in surprise at the slayer.  “Have you ever tried cooking before?”

“Nope.  I mean, other than nuking shit, I ain’t had nowhere to try cooking.  I always lived in motel rooms when I was here to begin with before I was given the apartment, then I was in jail.”  Faith shrugs.  “I’d like to be able to cook at least the basics to get by.”

“If you’re willing to learn, I’m willing to teach.  Hopefully you’re more teachable than Buffy.  I’ve given her up for a lost cause.”  Tara jokes, grinning crookedly as Faith laughs. 

“She burnt popcorn when she was a teenager.”  Faith admits, conspiratorially. 

“Oh, Goddess!  No wonder she can’t cook!!  But she is better.  She doesn’t burn the popcorn anymore.”  Tara points out, laughing softly.

“Yeah.  I saw that microwave.  It has a button on it that you press that says popcorn.  Probably the only reason why!”  Faith smiles as Tara laughs harder. 

“You may have a point.”  Tara concedes, smiling at the slayer.  Surprised at how much the slayer had changed.  Sighing quietly in realization that she would love to sit here talking with the woman all day, but knowing she needs to head to class.  “I need to go.”  Tara waves towards one of the buildings.  “Thank you for lunch.”  Tara mentions quietly as she takes another sip of her drink before closing it and tucking it away in her backpack to finish later.

“I figured you might end up skippin’ lunch if I didn’t.”  Faith admits as she gathers the trash, throwing it in the can before tucking away the last couple sandwiches back in the bag to take back to her apartment.

“You’re probably right.”  Tara looks curiously at the slayer for a few minutes, wondering what’s going through her mind.  Sighing softly, Tara shakes her head.  “You and Buffy be careful on patrol tonight.  Let Buffy know I’ll be over after my last class tomorrow.”

“What time does it end?”  Faith questions curiously as she watches Tara start to step away, quickly following the Wiccan.

“It ends at 2:30.”  Tara smiles as Faith walks with her towards her next class.  “I know she’s working lunch shift tomorrow at the DMP, so she won’t be home ‘til later.  I’ll have dinner ready by the time she gets there.  I’m planning on making a meatloaf, so if you want to come…” 

“Thanks.”  Faith’s eyes light up at the mention of meatloaf.  “Anything I can bring?”

“No, everything should be there… if you could, remind Buffy to pull the hamburger out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator for it to thaw out.  I left her a note…”  Tara shrugs, smiling.

“I’ll make sure it’s pulled out.”  Faith follows Tara up the steps, holding the door open as the other students head in around them.  “Be careful.”  Faith does a little half smile at the Wiccan as Tara agrees quietly before heading into the building.  Continuing to hold the door open as other students enter and leave, Faith silently watches as the blonde disappears out of sight. 

“What is wrong with me?”  Faith whispers softly as she slowly releases the door as the last student slides in.  Tucking the sandwiches under her arm, Faith shoves her hands in her pockets as she hunches her shoulders to head towards her apartment.  “I’ll stop at the store on the way over to B’s house tonight and pick up more hamburger.  That way she can use that hamburger for somethin’ else.”  Faith mumbles quietly, wondering how much hamburger to buy. 

***

“What’s in the bag?”  Buffy questions as she looks up from folding laundry as Faith comes in.

“I picked up some hamburger.  Tare said she was fixin’ meatloaf tomorrow, and for me to remind you to pull out the hamburger from the freezer.  But I decided to pick up fresh.”  Faith holds up the hamburger she’d stopped at the meat market to buy, having questioned the man how many pounds of hamburger she needed to buy for four people, then tripled it and ended up with ten pounds. 

“I would have forgotten.”  Buffy admits, smiling, before groaning quietly.  “I already forgot to pick up potatoes for the mashed potatoes!” 

“I can stop at the store and buy whatever we need.  I ain’t expectin’ you guys to feed me without my paying for my fair share.”  Faith points out quietly.  “Make a list, and I’ll pick it up tomorrow and bring it by.”

“And we don’t expect you to pay for everything either, Faith.”  Buffy points out seriously. 

“Yeah, but I plan on eating here frequently, if my foray into learning how to cook sucks.”  Faith explains. 

“Learning how to cook?  Who did you sucker into teaching…  Tara?”  Buffy chuckles as Faith shifts and nods her head.  “Hopefully the lack of cooking ability isn’t in the slayer genes.  Lord knows I can’t boil water.” 

“I gotta put this in the refrigerator.”  Faith smirks at the blonde slayer.  “I remember when you used to burn microwave popcorn.”  Faith calls over her shoulder as she heads into the kitchen.

“HEY!  I don’t burn it anymore!!”  Buffy pouts, before a small smile crosses her face, remembering that she did burn popcorn on a regular basis.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice the button on the microwave that says ‘Popcorn’.”  Faith chuckles as she heads back into the living room from the kitchen.

“Huh.  Noticed that, did you?”  Buffy deflates at the realization.  “Can’t help it.  For some reason me and cooking just don’t mesh.” 

“Yeah, well, you can’t be good at everythin’, B.”  Faith shrugs as she sits down in the chair, watching Buffy for a few minutes.  “Can I ask ya’ somethin’?”

Buffy looks up surprised at the hesitant note in the slayer’s voice.  “Go ahead, Faith.”

“What do you do on a date?”  Faith questions softly, her eyes serious.

Buffy stares at the slayer in surprise, realizing with that one simple question that Faith obviously had never been out on a date.  Silently Buffy wonders what the slayer had been through in her life previously, but knowing Faith has to be willing to open up, that she can’t force her to talk about it.  “Are you asking where to go and what to do, or how you act with the person you’re dating?”

“Yeah.”  Faith states simply, frowning slightly.

“Well, depending on the person, you want to do something that they will like and enjoy.  Safe bet is going out to dinner, maybe a movie or dancing.  Unfortunately Sunnydale’s nightlife leaves a lot to be desired.  There aren’t a lot of choices.  We do have the Putt-Putt but that’s about it.  The Bronze is our one and only form of entertainment for dancing.”  Buffy shrugs as she looks at Faith.  “Picnics I guess would always work, going to the park, walking around town… at least during the daylight hours.”  Buffy smiles as Faith chuckles at that.

“Tara would probably be more of the kind to like picnics and shit, wouldn’t she?”  Faith questions seriously, her eyes thoughtful.

Buffy bites her lip, having figured Faith was probably considering Tara, but surprised at the admittance.  “I believe so, yes.”  Buffy looks at Faith for a long time before continuing.  “She would be happy to just sit and talk.  She’s not a very needy person in the sense that you would have to entertain her, Faith.  She just enjoys being with people and connecting with them on a deeper level.”

Faith frowns heavily at the blonde slayer’s words.  “You’re tryin’ to tell me she’ll want to get to know me better, ain’t ya’?”

“Yes.”  Buffy nods her head in agreement.  “Think about what I told Tara, Faith.  She never judged me and helped me through what I was trying to handle.  She tried to help Willow, when she was spiraling deeper into the magic, but Willow wouldn’t accept her help.  She didn’t see or want to see that she needed help.”

“And because of that she raped Tara and tried to make her do what she wanted her to do.”  Faith growls quietly, feeling the anger build again about what the redhead had done.

“And she also lost Tara because she wasn’t willing to admit that something was wrong and she needed help.  Of course the fact that Willow lied to her by promising she wouldn’t do magic and turned around doing another spell right away pretty much closed the door on their relationship.”  Buffy points out.  “I honestly believe that if Willow had been willing to open herself and work out their differences after the first forget spell, Tara and she would still be together right now.  But Willow made some bad choices and literally tore apart the trust and love Tara had for her.  I know Tara will always love her, but she will never be IN love with her.  Willow destroyed that with what she did.”  Buffy tries to explain to the slayer, so she’ll understand.

Faith looks at the slayer in confusion.  “B, I ain’t even got the foggiest clue what love is.  Let alone being in love with someone being different from loving someone.” 

“Do you enjoy being around her, Faith?”  Buffy questions seriously, leaning forward forgetting about the laundry. 

“Yeah, I guess.  I mean, hell I don’t really know her, B.”  Faith whispers looking down to pick at her jeans.  “I feel comfortable with her.  I find myself reaching out for a comforting touch or word from her.  I can’t love her, hell I just really met her!”  Faith looks seriously at Buffy.

“Time has nothing to do with it, Faith.  You can fall in love within minutes of meeting someone.  Or it could take years.”  Buffy shrugs.  “Love doesn’t know any schedule.  And it doesn’t fit into a neat little compartment.  For each person it’s different.  Hell I loved Angel and I loved Riley, but I loved both of them differently.  Shit!  I love Tara, but I don’t want to get all hot and sweaty with her.”  Buffy jokes, smiling as Faith chuckles quietly. 

“She made a comment about tryin’ to get you to try the home team, just as long as it wasn’t her.”  Faith admits, smirking at the blonde. 

“I’m starting to think maybe I should.  But only if I find someone I enjoy being with.”  Buffy admits, shaking her head at the thought of the Wiccan.  “If I had the slightest interest in Tara that way, I’d snatch her up and never let her go.  She’s a wonderful woman and will make someone a great partner one day.  But I just can’t see us as anything else than very close friends.”  Buffy admits quietly.

“Have ya’ tried?”  Faith questions curiously.  Seeing the confused look on Buffy’s face, Faith sighs.  “Have you tried to see her as a girlfriend, instead of a friend?  Or tried to imagine kissin’ her?”  

Buffy shivers uncontrollably at the thought of kissing Tara.  “Sorry, that just squeaks me out.  I get the same feeling as if I thought about kissing a family member that way.  Just gross.”  Buffy admits.

“How about another woman?”  Faith tilts her head, her eyes twinkling.  Something settling inside her, finally, that the two women really are nothing more than friends.

“Like who?”  Buffy blinks as she looks at the dark-haired slayer.

“Cordelia.”  Faith pops out the name, laughing uproariously at the absolutely disgusted look coming over Buffy’s face at that suggestion.  “Okay, maybe a bad example.  How about… Angelina Jolie?”  Faith tries a name that she knows most any human alive would jump at the chance to know the actress in a more intimate fashion.  Seeing the light blush cross Buffy’s face, Faith smirks.  “That’s a yes.”

“That’s not a fair question!”  Buffy mumbles, blushing even darker. 

“Why not?  She’s a woman.  You find her attractive and it obviously don’t bother ya’ none thinkin’ about being with her.”  Faith shrugs, chuckling quietly. 

“What about you, Faith?  Can you picture yourself with another woman?”  Buffy questions seriously. 

“B… I’ve been with women before.”  Faith looks at the slayer.  “I prefer ‘em to tell ya’ the truth, but guys are always available and easy.”  Faith shrugs as she thinks about it.  “When I needed to scratch the itch, I wasn’t real particular.” 

Buffy sighs quietly, looking away as she thinks about what she’s going to say next.  “You’re used to doing what you want with whoever you want, Faith.  Tara’s an only and forever kind of woman.  She’ll want you heart, mind, body and soul.  She won’t share you with anyone else that way, so if you can’t be monogamous, I suggest you stay the hell away from her.”

Faith stares silently at the blonde slayer for a few minutes.  “You’d come after me, wouldn’t ya’?”

“I’d try and knock some sense into you then I’d seriously kick your ass for hurting her.”  Buffy’s eyes are serious as she keeps eye contact with the dark-haired slayer.  “So, before you think about doing anything else with Tara, I suggest you do some serious soul searching.  I don’t know about your sex life since you’ve come back here and what it was like in jail, but I’d also suggest getting tested.”

Faith slides her eyes away as she shakes her head.  “I was tested in jail when I arrived there, and every few months thereafter.  There was no one in there and no one since I got out.”  Faith admits softly.

Buffy blinks in surprise at the slayer, having figured the woman would probably have her own harem in jail, or have the guards lined up to wear out.  “I have to say, I’m surprised.”

“Yeah, well, probably no more than me.”  Faith sighs quietly.  “It was getting old, B.  Fuckin’ just to be fuckin’ was getting old and empty.”  Faith shakes her head as she stands, tucking her hands in her pockets as she slowly prowls around the living room.  “I feel like I’m missin’ somethin’, you know?” 

“You’re missing the love and caring that goes along with a relationship.”  Buffy explains quietly.  “It’s different when you’re with someone that you care about, Faith.  And if you love the person it makes a world of difference than just getting your rocks off.” 

Faith walks over to the mantle, looking at the pictures spread out over the shelf.  “My life was pretty fucked up before I came to Sunnydale, B.  It just got worse after getting here.  I’ve pretty much fucked everythin’ up from the time I was thirteen years old.”

Buffy swallows, silently listening to the slayer, hoping the woman was finally going to open up about her life, when she sighs quietly when Dawn comes bouncing in from school and Faith seems to stiffen and close down again.

“What’s for dinner?”  Dawn drops her book bag on the coffee table looking at Buffy, then Faith. 

“I think Tare said somethin’ about leaving some kind of lasagna thing in the refrigerator.”  Faith heads towards the kitchen.  “I’ll throw ‘em in the oven.”

Buffy frowns as she watches Faith head to the kitchen.  “Do your homework, Dawn.  Are you going to need any help?”

“Nah, I think I got it pretty much under control.”  Dawn looks down at her sister, seeing the frown.  “What’s wrong?”

Buffy shakes her head and smiles distractedly at the teen.  “Nothing.  I think Faith was about ready to open up.”

“And I came home.”  Dawn winces slightly.  “I’m sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault, Dawn.  She made it that close, I’m sure she’ll get there again.”  Buffy finally smiles at her sister.  “Homework!”  Buffy points towards the stairs, chuckling at the low whine coming from her sister before she grabs her bag and trots up the stairs.  Sighing quietly, Buffy finishes folding the laundry before carrying the clean clothes up the stairs, glancing into the kitchen, seeing Faith sitting quietly at the island with a bottle of water in front of her.

***

Chapter 8

Faith lets herself into Buffy’s house, carrying the grocery bags, kicking the door shut behind her as she glances at the clock, figuring Tara should be getting there in about half an hour.  Taking the items into the kitchen, Faith quickly places the gallon of milk in the refrigerator along with other basic items she’d noticed was getting low in the refrigerator.  Looking at the ears of corn in the paper bag, Faith smiles, hoping Tara doesn’t mind that she added the items for dinner tonight.

When she’d seen the pile of corn, Faith had a craving for fresh corn on the cob.  Looking at the dozen ears she’d bought, Faith remembers how the woman had pulled the husks back explaining she was making sure they were ‘full’ ears of corn when Faith had questioned her.  Faith had proceeded to check each ear of corn before placing them in a bag to buy, seeing where some of them weren’t as developed as others, understanding more of what the woman was saying.

Placing the canned soups and other odds and ends in the cabinets, Faith tilts her head as she hears a key in the door, glancing at the time, realizing it’s probably Tara.  Faith strides towards the living room, chuckling quietly at the woman’s full hands.  Quickly taking the additional bags from Tara, Faith smiles almost shyly at the Wiccan before heading towards the kitchen. 

Tara blinks in surprise at the smile she gets from Faith as the woman takes the bags.  Shaking her head slightly, Tara places her backpack by the couch before untying and pulling off her shoes and socks, sighing quietly as she wiggles her toes.  “Hate shoes.”  Tara grumbles quietly before striding into the kitchen, blinking in surprise at the slayer unpacking the groceries. 

“Is all this for dinner tonight, or did ya’ do some shopping for B and Little D?”  Faith questions curiously. 

“Some of it’s for dinner tonight, but I know how much food Buffy can put away, so I thought I’d pick up some items that she can throw in the microwave.”  Tara explains as she grabs the cans of soup, opening the cabinets to put them away when she stares in surprise at the quantity of cans already in there.  Turning her head towards Faith, she raises a questioning eyebrow, a soft smile crossing her face as the slayer fidgets slightly with a very light blush coming across her face.  “I guess I wasn’t the only one that hit the grocery store.”

“I, uh… kinda picked up somethin’ extra.”  Faith hesitantly states. 

“What did you get?”  Tara finishes putting away the additional groceries before grabbing out the items she would need for the meatloaf. 

“Corn on the cob.”  Faith states with a hopeful lilt to her voice.

Tara tries to fight back a grin, before chuckling quietly.  “That would go good with the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad and cheesecake I’m planning.”  Tara agrees. 

Faith releases the breath she’d unconsciously been holding, a smile on her face.  “Oh, I kinda also went by the meat market and picked up ten pounds of fresh hamburger for the meatloaf.  I figured with me and B eating on it, along with you and Little D, that if we wanted any left over we would need more.”

Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing.  “Did Buffy pull out the other hamburger to unthaw?”

“Nah.  I bought the hamburger yesterday and brought it over then, so she wouldn’t have to.  By the way, the lasagna was great.”  Faith compliments Tara as she watches the blonde pull down crackers from the cabinet, along with seasonings.

“Would you mind pulling out the hamburger and eggs from the refrigerator for me?”  Tara smiles at the slayer as she places all the items on the island before grabbing out the huge mixing bowl, thankful she’d brought the complete set over here. 

“What else do ya’ want me to do?”  Faith watches Tara curiously. 

“How do you feel about getting hamburger meat under your nails?”  Tara chuckles as Faith just shrugs.  “Probably better than other stuff.  Wash your hands you’re going to be my mixer.”

“’Kay.”  Faith walks over to the sink grabbing the soap as she turns the water on, scrubbing her hands thoroughly as she listens to Tara opening things behind her. 

“We’ll mix it all together, but I think we should bake three different meatloaves, that way they might have a chance of being cooked tonight.”  Tara jokes softly.

“Sorry.”  Faith mumbles, slightly embarrassed.

“Why?  You just wanted to make sure there was plenty of food, I can’t fault you for that.”  Tara grasps the slayer’s shoulder gently, squeezing.  “Unfortunately I don’t follow any measurements when I make meatloaf.  I pretty much dump the ingredients in, along with whatever seasonings float my boat, so my meatloaf always tastes different each time.  So this probably wasn’t the smartest thing for you to be helping me with to start learning on.” 

“Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”  Faith shrugs, not worried about it. 

Tara turns away to grab the can opener out of the drawer.  “That’s tempting.”  She whispers under her breath, shaking her head at the thoughts of what she’d like to tell the slayer to do, her body heating up in response to the images floating through her mind. 

Faith smirks at the softly spoken words, before she moans quietly at the slight smell of arousal coming from the Wiccan.  ‘God, if she gets that turned on just by whatever she’s thinkin’ what’ll happen when I finally kiss her?’  Faith wonders silently to herself. 

“Hope your hands can handle the cold, mixing hamburger meat always about freezes my hands.”  Tara admits as she takes a deep breath before turning back to the slayer.  “If you want to open the hamburger packages and place the hamburger in the bowl, I’ll start opening the cans of tomato paste.”

Faith reaches for the hamburger packages, opening them and dumping them into the bowl as Tara quickly opens the cans of tomato paste.  Faith finally pays attention to the different ingredients, seeing eggs, crackers, salt, pepper, onions, fresh garlic, garlic powder, oregano and Italian seasonings.

“Hope you have strong fingers.”  Tara murmurs, before rolling her eyes as Faith snorts.  “Stupid comment.  Ignore the ditzy blonde.”  Tara grabs a spoon out of the drawer to empty the contents of the cans into the meat. 

“I somehow doubt you’re ditzy.”  Faith murmurs watching as Tara starts sprinkling the different seasonings in the mixing bowl.  “You just dump the shit in without measurin’ anythin’?”

“Yep.”  Tara grins at the slayer before quickly cleaning and chopping a couple onions finely, tossing them in with the meat.  “If you want, dig in.  It needs to be mixed pretty well together.  Then I do a sniff test before I add the last two ingredients.

Faith looks at what’s left on the island as she continues to mix the concoction, having to admit that the meat was pretty damn cold.  “Crackers and eggs?” 

“And the slayer will get a treat… later.”  Tara chuckles at the full bottom lip pouting out adorably. 

“What about the potatoes and corn?”  Faith watches Tara as she leans against the island beside her, unconsciously allowing her eyes to travel up the Wiccan’s form, enjoying the sight of her wearing snug jeans with a dark purple t-shirt tucked in.  Chuckling as she realizes the Wiccan is barefoot.

“After we get the meatloaves in the oven, we’ll peel and cube the potatoes to put on to boil.  The corn won’t take that long to cook, whereas the meatloaves will probably take a couple hours with as big as they’ll be.”  Tara explains as she looks at the meat, surprised at how quickly and well of a job the slayer had done blending the items together.  Leaning in across the slayer without thinking Tara sniffs the meat, her body pressing against Faith’s arm and side.  “More garlic.  Can never have enough garlic.”  Tara grins as she leans back, surprised at the darkened eyes of the slayer.

Faith swallows and shakes her head.  “Nope, garlic is good.”  Faith hoarsely agrees, dragging her eyes away from the blonde’s, silently waiting for Tara to toss more of the seasoning in.

Tara groans before reaching for the garlic powder, deciding to not worry about pressing more fresh garlic.  Quickly sprinkling a decent amount into the meat, Tara grabs the eggs, quickly cracking them into a smaller mixing bowl, whisking them together quickly and efficiently before pouring it into the meat mixture.  Watching as Faith continues to work the meat for a few moments, the strong fingers tireless.  Growling, Tara reaches for the crackers, opening the box and pulling one sleeve out, she opens an end before crunching a quarter of the sleeve, then dumping them into the mixture before working her way down the sleeve, crunching all the crackers and dumping them into the meat before repeating the process with the rest of the crackers.

“Why eggs?”  Faith questions as she continues to work the meat, a huge smile on her face in remembrance of the sexy growl, along with the strong scent of arousal coming from the Wiccan.

“Eggs help hold the meatloaf together.”  Tara explains as she finishes dumping the rest of the crackers in the bowl, before walking over to the stove, turning it on to preheat before grabbing the pans she’d pulled out previously to put the meat in.  “Kind of like when you bread items to fry.  If you just put the breading mixture on the item, it won’t usually stick.  It needs something extra to help, and egg is the perfect item for that.”

“Kinda makes sense.”  Faith nods as she wrinkles her nose at the tackiness of the meat mixture.  “Is it supposed to be like this?”  Faith raises her hands, showing how the meat’s wanting to stick to them.

“Yepper.”  Tara smirks at the woman.  “You’re almost done, then you can wash up.”

“What do I need to do now?”  Faith questions curiously as Tara sprays the pans down with a vegetable spray before setting them beside her on the island even as she gathers some of the ingredients, putting them away. 

“Now you need to try and relatively evenly split the meat up into three sections.  Just generally, it doesn’t have to be perfect.  Then pat it into a firm lump of meat that will fit in the pan.  I usually have it sort of rounded and try to keep it uniform without one side or end being thicker than the other.”  Tara explains.

Faith eyes the huge lump of meat before sectioning it into the three sections, lifting each one before taking a little from one section and adding it to one that felt a little lighter.  Shrugging her shoulders she picks up the meat and pats it into a tighter, neater form before laying it into the pan.  “Like that?”  Faith questions as she watches Tara grab the bag of potatoes. 

Tara smiles at the meatloaf.  “Perfect.  Go ahead and do the other two just like that.”  Tara sets the bag of potatoes beside her before pulling the trash can over to her, grabbing a knife to start peeling the potatoes. 

Faith finishes with the other two lumps of meat, placing them in the pans while watching Tara quickly peeling the potatoes while tossing the potatoes in a pan she’d set there when she placed the pans for the meatloaves on the island.  “Want me to throw these in the oven?”

“Please.”  Tara nods her head, smiling at the slayer as Faith quickly places two on the middle rack while hesitating with the third.  “Go ahead and put it on the bottom rack for now, I’ll switch it to the top rack later so the bottom won’t burn.” 

Faith slides the pan onto the bottom rack, before closing the oven.  Turning around, she squirts some soap on her hands, scrubbing them thoroughly under the hot water, before squirting more and cleaning them again as they still feel a little greasy.  Taking the dishcloth she wipes off the soap bottle under the hot water and wipes down the island before tossing the cloth back in the sink.  Digging in the drawer, Faith finds a small knife, chuckling at the sharpness, wondering if Buffy sharpens the kitchen knives when she does the knives she uses for patrol.

“What are you laughing at?”  Tara questions curiously as she watches Faith test the sharpness of the blade.

“Just curious if B sharpens these also.”  Faith shrugs as she sits down from Tara, holding her hand out for a potato.

“Any good at peeling potatoes?”  Tara questions curiously as she hands her a potato.

“Yeah.  One thing I did in jail was prep work in the kitchen.  Potatoes were kinda an every meal type thing and when I rotated into the kitchen, that’s what I usually did.”  Faith explains quietly as she quickly starts peeling the potato.

Tara leans down to pull the bag up onto the island to make it easier to reach the potatoes before shifting around with the trashcan, placing it between both of them.  “You can tell me it’s none of my business if you want, but what was it like in jail?”

Faith sighs softly.  “It was shit.  When I first got there, they do this posturing shit where they try to get new bitches under the women that run the jail pretty much.  It took me beatin’ the shit out of ten different people before they finally learned to leave me alone.”  Faith admits quietly.

“I know you could have broken out whenever you wanted to, why did you stay in?”  Tara questions curiously. 

Faith stops peeling, staring at the potato for a few minutes. “’Cause I deserved to be in there.  Hell, they shoulda gassed me.”  Faith whispers softly, her eyes distant. 

“Faith…”  Tara starts, then stops, not knowing what to say.

“I’m guilty of killing two people.”  Faith turns to gaze at Tara, watching the sadness enter the woman’s blue eyes.  “The first one was an accident, but the second one I did in cold blood for Mayor Wilkins.  So, why the hell should I be runnin’ around loose and pardoned, when there’re other people still in there that ain’t even done anythin’ that bad?”

“Maybe a higher being has a purpose for you, Faith.”  Tara offers quietly, seeing the look of disbelief crossing the slayer’s face.  “Do you think that it’s right for a person that has the strength and power, and more than that, wants to help in the fight against evil be kept under lock and key, because of an accident, and one bad decision?  Answer me this, if you had it all to do over again, knowing what you know now.  Would you do it again?”

“No.”  Faith stares into the blue eyes of the Wiccan, seeing compassion and sadness but no judgment. 

“Look at it this way… you’re being given a chance to make amends for what happened.  Help be the world’s protector.  How many people’s lives have you saved since becoming a slayer, Faith?”  Tara questions seriously.

“I don’t know.”  Faith shrugs.

“I know you saved my life a few nights ago.  That’s directly saving my life, one right there.  How many more?  Five, ten, twenty, a hundred?”  Tara questions, trying to get at least a basis.

Faith thinks, trying to remember how many people she actually saved from the fangs of a vampire.  “I guess roughly fifty or so.”  Faith whispers, surprised at the realization.

“Okay.  That’s fifty people right there that are alive now, because of you.  How many more people did you save with the vampires you killed?  Say each vampire killed just one person a week, though we know they do more than that.  So, say you killed an average of say fifty vampires a week, which I believe is probably a very low number, also.  That’s fifty more people that are alive PER WEEK because of what you do.”  Tara leans in staring at the slayer.  “How many thousands and thousands of people owe their lives to you for what you do?  Maybe, just this once, you can be forgiven for an accident and a bad choice.”

Faith stares in stunned silence at the blonde, searching the blue depths for the truth, silently wondering if that’s what the Wiccan believes, slowly realizing that yes, Tara believes everything she just said.  “I never much looked at it that way.”  Faith’s voice comes out rougher than normal as she finally breaks eye contact with Tara.  “I still fucked up, and it ain’t that easily forgiven or forgotten.”

“No, and it shouldn’t be, Faith.  Because if you ever forget what you did and how you felt you could very easily repeat the mistake.  Personally I’d rather you didn’t.  I value life.”  Tara reaches out, clasping Faith’s hand gently.  “All life.  I wouldn’t want to see you kill another human, but not just for the fact of that person dying, but for what it would do to you.  It would kill something inside you that almost died before.  Your pain, anger and hurt are so obvious, that I know it would probably do irreparable damage to you if it happened again.”

Faith sighs, looking down at the pale hand clasping hers.  “How can you so easily forgive me?”

“Because I see the good in you fighting to get out.”  Tara admits quietly, brushing her thumb over the strong hand.  “I want to get to know you, and the person you can be.”  Tara whispers even quieter.

Faith looks back up, into open blue eyes, seeing the caring in the depths.  Slowly her eyes drop to the full, pouty lips such a short distance from hers.  Unable to help herself, Faith leans in to place a gentle kiss on the lips, lingering for just a few seconds, feeling a tingling sensation working through her at the touch before easing back.  “Thank you.”  Faith whispers.

Tara blinks in surprise at the kiss, the woman having surprised her twice now with the gentleness of the kisses she’s given her.  Feeling the slayer turn her hand within hers, gently squeezing before releasing it to continue working on the potatoes, Tara continues to look at Faith for a few minutes before her brain kicks back into gear.  Finding her fingers halfway to her mouth, Tara changes the direction of her hand to grab another potato and the knife she’d dropped onto the counter earlier. 

The two women finish peeling and putting the potatoes on to boil in a companionable silence.

***

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