Chapter 9

 

Tara smiles as she walks out of her last class until Spring Break’s over.  Taking a deep breath, she looks up at the beautiful blue sky.  Strolling across the campus towards home, she thinks about the last month.  How Faith worked her way into her heart, though the woman had only snuck a quick peck in occasionally as thanks whenever possible, but noticing how more recently the slayer had become more touchy-feely as they had worked on the slayer’s cooking skills, surprising everyone when last Sunday Faith had prepared the whole dinner. 

 

The grilled steaks, twice-baked potatoes, salad and homemade macaroni and cheese were well received by everyone.  Remembering how Faith wanted her to be there as back-up but insisting on doing everything herself.  Whenever the woman had to walk by her, she’d made sure to brush gently against her.  By the time the dinner was prepared, Tara was an aroused basket case, the subtle and not so subtle flirting between the two women almost keeping her in a constant state of arousal.  Even thinking about it as she walks towards her apartment, she can feel the desire gathering at the juncture of her legs even as her nipples harden and become more sensitive. 

 

Buffy had made a curious comment about how the slayer always seemed to head straight home, not going out after patrol like she used to do when she was a teenager.  Then Buffy had looked at her with a twinkle in her eyes mentioning how she thinks Faith has her eyes on someone in particular and was being careful not to screw up her chances for something serious.

 

Tara had stared after the quickly departing slayer when Buffy had headed out of the house to meet Faith for patrol.  When Dawn had snickered quietly behind her, Tara had blushed and disappeared into the kitchen, silently praying that Buffy was right.

 

Trotting up the stairs to her apartment, Tara’s lighthearted attitude dims somewhat heading into the small, austere apartment, her mind thinking about Faith’s open, airy apartment.  Just the huge open space seeming so much bigger and cheerier, especially now that Faith had spent some money to decorate the place, remembering how the slayer had quietly begged her to go shopping with her for pictures and knick-knacks.  Mentioning something about she’d decorate it with swords, knives and stakes if she didn’t have someone to help her. 

 

***

 

Faith stares at her empty apartment, frowning at how empty it feels without the Wiccan being there, the woman having been coming over there quite frequently to teach her how to cook, but having finally mentioned that Faith was able to do things on her own.  Now, she’s trying to think how to get Tara to come back to the apartment, Faith plops down on the couch staring up at the ceiling. 

 

Chuckling at Buffy’s comment about grabbing the Wiccan and kissing her senseless might do the trick, Faith shakes her head realizing that the two of them had actually slowly become friends.  When she’d finally told the other slayer about her life in Boston, the mental and physical abuse, along with the rapes, she’d been scared Buffy would look down on her.  Instead, being surprised as strong arms had wrapped around her, hugging her tightly as she’d unconsciously been crying when she’d told Buffy the details. 

 

Grabbing the cell phone as it rings, Faith looks at the caller ID, smiling at the word ‘Wiccan’ on the display.  “Yo!”  Faith answers the phone, the smile obvious in her voice.

 

“Hi.  I’m officially done until Spring Break is finished.  I know Buffy has to work today, but I was wondering if you might want to go out to eat in celebration?”  Tara questions hopefully, not really wanting to spend the time in her dismal apartment. 

 

“Where ya’ wanna go?”  Faith throws her legs over the end of the couch, reaching for her boots as she tucks the phone between her shoulder and ear as she yanks the boots on and ties them.

 

“Do you want to try that new steak and seafood buffet they opened up earlier this week?”  Tara bites her lip to keep from yelling in happiness that Faith was agreeing.

 

“Sure.  I’ll come by your apartment it’s more or less on the way.”  Faith picks up her wallet, double-checking to make sure she has plenty of cash in it before shoving it into her back pocket. 

 

“I’ll be ready.”  Tara smiles.

 

“Be there in a few.”  Faith disconnects the phone, a huge grin on her face as she clips the phone on her belt as she strides to the bathroom, brushing her hair and teeth quickly.  Shaking her head at her own grinning countenance and twinkling eyes, Faith growls quietly, not listening to the little voice in her head telling her she’s fallen in love with the Wiccan, just admitting that she cares for the blonde.  “Damn, I’ve got it bad.”  Faith grumbles even as she continues to smile.  Jogging out of the apartment, Faith runs down the stairs and strides quickly towards the Wiccan’s apartment.

 

***

 

“I invited you, I should pay.”  Tara grumbles quietly as Faith pays for the buffet.

 

“You wouldn’t let me pay ya’ for teachin’ me to cook, so consider this the installment plan.  I pay when we go out.”  Faith accepts the change from the cashier. 

 

Tara sighs heavily at the slayer.  “How was patrol last night?”  Tara questions softly as they find a booth off to the side to sit in away from everyone as they set their drinks and silverware on the table before grabbing their plates to head towards the huge buffet. 

 

“Quiet.”  Faith admits.  “I know things slow down with the daylight being longer, but this is just weird.  It’s kinda like a lot of the… guys are heading out of town.”  Faith states diplomatically, since there are still quite a few people in the restaurant, though it was an odd time of the day. 

 

“Any more rumblings on the big bad front?”  Tara looks at Faith before she looks back down and makes herself a Caesar salad to start with grinning as Faith just stands there talking with her, knowing the slayer was more eager to get to the meat and potatoes of the buffet. 

 

“There’ve been rumblings, but nothin’ concrete.  Just got a call from Tweed yesterday that there’re a couple Watchers and potentials that they ain’t heard from for a week.”  Faith admits quietly.  Slowly working her way over to the main buffet, eyeing the fried shrimp, sautéed shrimp, fried scallops, steak, potatoes, fried chicken…  “Damn, what the hell am I gonna start with?”  Faith stares at the food, her mouth watering.

 

“Start at one side and work your way around.”  Tara shrugs, chuckling.  “Lord knows, you can probably eat your weight in food.”

 

Faith growls playfully at the Wiccan.  “And you better be eatin’ something besides that salad.”  Faith points to the salad.

 

“I’ll have something else.  I’ll just stay away from the shrimp, though.”  Tara shakes her head at the shrimp on the buffet.

 

“Why?  Don’t you like ‘em?”  Faith questions curiously as she places a spoonful of the fried scallops on her plate, looking curiously at the baked fish fillets, shrugging her shoulders, she slides a piece onto her plate as she works her way down. 

 

“No, I’m allergic.”  Tara explains, watching as Faith jerks her head to look at her.  Watching as Faith walks by the shrimp after her comment.  “Don’t you like them?”

 

“Not if you’re allergic.”  Faith shakes her head as she continues around, putting a couple hush puppies on her plate pursing her lips as she looks at the pile of fried chicken.  Finally choosing a couple legs, she places them on top of the pile of food, hesitating for a few minutes before grabbing a piece of pepperoni pizza laying it on top of everything. 

 

Tara sighs softly, shaking her head at the slayer, deciding not to argue with the woman over the fact that she was planning on not eating something that she probably enjoyed, just because of her.  Leading the way back to the booth, Tara slides in, watching as Faith sits across from her and grabs the pizza, eating the slice in record time.  “Did you eat today?”  Shifting the additional plates the waitress had left on the table out of the way.

 

Faith continues to chew for a few minutes as she thinks about it.  “I don’t think I did.”

 

Tara growls quietly.  “Eat.”  Grabbing her fork, Tara eats her salad while she watches Faith demolish her first plate of food as she finishes her salad. 

 

“That fish was pretty good.  It tasted like it had garlic and lemon on it.”  Faith licks her lips as she finishes the last bite of fish. 

 

“We never did fix fish, did we?”  Tara questions, as she thinks about the items she’d taught the slayer how to cook. 

 

“Nope.  Gotta teach me how.”  Faith nods her head, even as she grins happily at the thought there was something else she’d need to have the Wiccan teach her how to cook.

 

“I’m thinking you’re just trying to find reasons for me to come over to your apartment.”  Tara comments softly as they grab clean plates, heading back towards the buffet.

 

Faith glances at Tara for a few minutes.  “What if I just want ya’ to come over for dinner one night?  Just the two of us?”  Faith questions, partially afraid of what the answer will be.

 

Tara looks into the slayer’s brown eyes, surprised at the scared glimmer.  “Are you asking?”

 

“Are you goin’ to say yes?”  Faith questions back quickly.

 

As the slayer’s eyes look hopefully at her, Tara sees a glimmer of something more in the woman’s brown eyes.  Inhaling deeply as she realizes she sees love burning deeply in the eyes looking into hers, Tara slowly nods her head.  “Yes.  My answer would be yes.” 

 

Faith smiles hugely, feeling her heart thumping in her chest heavily.  Leaning in, Faith doesn’t even think before placing a firm kiss on Tara’s lips.  “I think I’m gonna see how much steak they got already cooked.”

 

Tara runs her tongue over her lips, her eyes half lidded at the firm, but quick kiss.  Having just received soft pecks in the past, the firm kiss practically jump-started her libido.  The pounding and heat coming from the juncture of her legs almost enough to make her drag the slayer out of the restaurant back to her apartment to see what else the slayer had been holding back. 

 

Faith smirks as she sees the obvious desire on the woman’s face as she steals a quick look at the Wiccan as she waits her turn for the steak.  The slow dance the two women have done around each other for the past month making Faith realize she actually enjoys being around the woman.  Talking with her as they had slowly gotten to know each other, the stolen caresses and brushing against her had almost been more than Faith could handle, especially when the Wiccan would smell so tantalizingly decadent at the briefest touches and looks. 

 

Tara growls quietly before tearing her gaze away from the twinkling brown eyes watching her.  Looking over the buffet, she slides a fillet of fish on her plate along with some scallops and a couple hush puppies, stopping to grab a wedge of lemon before heading back to the table as Faith heads around the other side of the main buffet.  Running a shaky hand through her hair, Tara realizes when Faith finally kisses her seriously, that she may not be able to control her response.  Never having lost control before, Tara wonders what it would be like to be wild and free knowing that the slayer would want everything.  There would be no holding back with Faith, no half measures and no hiding how they feel about each other from other people.  If Faith took the urge to kiss her in the middle of a… restaurant, she would.  Tara laughs softly in realization of what the slayer had done. 

 

Shaking her head of thoughts of how she and Willow had been.  Almost too afraid to hold hands in public, let alone show any more serious displays of affection in front of people.  They had just become relaxed enough around the other Scooby’s to where they would peck each other’s lips in their sight, though the two of them had never been much for hot and heavy kisses.  Usually softer kisses were the norm for the two of them.

 

Turning her gaze towards the slayer as she strides towards her, Tara whimpers at the sight of the strong woman.  Knowing there might be soft, gentle kisses occasionally, but instinctually knowing that hot, heavy, carnal and plundering kisses would probably be more of the norm, along with wherever the mood struck.  Dragging her eyes off Faith, to look down at her plate of food, Tara squirms as she can feel the desire easing from her body at the thought of the slayer’s kisses. 

 

Faith inhales deeply as she comes closer to the table, Tara’s arousal permeating the area strongly.  Eyes darkening at the realization that the Wiccan had never been so turned on before, Faith bites her lip hard to keep from growling loudly and pouncing on the woman, her own desire flowing in response to Tara’s.  Faith silently wonders what Tara would do if she realized that she could smell her so easily.  Trying to get her mind out of thoughts of smelling, licking and devouring the woman float through her mind, making her own desire coalesce, Faith stares at her steak as she quickly cuts it into bite-size pieces.

 

Tara slowly eats her food as she watches Faith demolish the steak, baked potato and macaroni and cheese she’d piled onto her plate. 

 

“I’m gonna get some more steak.  You want anything?”  Faith looks at the few bites of fish left along with a couple scallops on the Wiccan’s plate.

 

“I’ll probably get dessert after I finish this.”  Tara smiles up at the slayer as Faith moves to stand beside the table, another plate in her hand. 

 

“Would you maybe wanna go catch a movie tomorrow afternoon before dinner?”  Faith eases down onto her haunches so she’s eye to eye with the Wiccan instead of standing over her. 

 

“I’d like that.”  Tara nods her head gently, smiling at the beautiful woman. 

 

“Good.”  Faith smiles back.  Her eyes getting lost in blue depths, until the waitress comes by to fill their glasses.  Smiling shyly at Tara, Faith stands and heads towards the buffet, feeling the heat of the Wiccan’s gaze on her.

 

Tara drops her fork on the plate and buries her face in her hands, the contradictions of the dark-haired slayer endearing the woman even more to her.  The way she switches from soft and kind to protective and argumentative at a moment’s notice driving her crazy one moment and making her want to shove her against a wall and kiss her until neither one of them can stand.  Whimpering as she realizes she’s fallen completely and irrevocably in love with the dark-haired slayer, Tara silently wonders why it’s taken ‘til now to admit it to herself.  Knowing she’s practically loved the woman from the time they’d met after Faith had been released from jail. 

 

“Goddess, I hope you’re not playing with me.  I don’t think I could handle another heartbreak… with her I think it would completely decimate me.”  Tara murmurs softly, realizing that there would be no pulling back from the whirlwind that is Faith. 

 

“Are you okay?”  Faith questions worriedly as she practically drops her plate on the table, kneeling beside Tara, placing a hand on the woman’s thigh.  Surprised when Tara turns to look at her the love shining from the depths, recognizing it for what it is.  Gently squeezing the thigh under her hand, Faith tilts her head as she continues to look into blue eyes. 

 

“Please don’t break my heart.”  Tara whispers softly, her eyes becoming glassy with unshed tears.  “I don’t think I’d survive.”

 

Faith swallows hard, quickly standing to ease in beside the Wiccan, wrapping her arm around her shoulders, hugging the woman tightly, surprised when Tara shifts and buries her face in her neck, her arms wrapping around her waist feeling like they want to squeeze the stuffing out of her.  Wrapping her other arm around Tara’s back, Faith places a gentle kiss on the side of Tara’s head.  “I’m not plannin’ on breakin’ your heart.  I kinda like it the way it is.  I can’t guarantee everythin’ll be all sweet and great between us all the time, that just ain’t me, but I won’t knowingly hurt ya’.”  Faith offers softly.  “I’ll do everything in my powers to protect ya’.”  Faith adds brushing her cheek over Tara’s head. 

 

“That’s all I can ask.  I don’t expect us to never argue, or butt heads.  I think we’re both a little too stubborn for us not to argue.”  Tara admits quietly, easing up on her death grip, pulling a hand up to brush at the couple tears that escaped her eyes. 

 

Faith leans back to look at Tara.  “You know I ain’t no innocent.  You sure you can handle being hooked up with an ex-con, murdering slayer that had a pretty fucked up life?” 

 

“You aren’t that person any longer, Faith.  I mean, yes you are, but inside here…”  Tara places her hand above Faith’s heart.  “You’ve changed.  That wouldn’t happen again.  As for not being innocent, you couldn’t help what happened to you, love.  I’d go kick your mom’s ass personally if I thought it would do any good.”  Tara frowns heavily at the thought of the woman.  Taking a deep breath, Tara reaches up unable to not touch the woman as she strokes her fingertips gently down Faith’s cheek, letting her fingers trail over the slight indent that become gorgeous dimples in the woman’s cheek when she smiles.  “Eat your steak before it gets cold.”  Tara sighs softly as she reaches for Faith’s plate, easing it in front of her, silently telling her to stay beside her with her actions. 

 

Faith hugs Tara gently with her arm once more before easing it from around her, accepting her knife and fork from Tara as the Wiccan moves her drink and napkin also.  “Would you like to get up to go ahead and grab dessert?”

 

“No, I’ll wait until you’re ready for dessert.”  Tara shifts her plate across the table as she grabs her drink, sipping her soda as she watches Faith work her way through the steak.  “Would you like me to go get you more steak?”

 

Faith’s eyes light up, before she slowly shakes her head.  “You ain’t gotta do that.”

 

“What else do you want?”  Tara smiles at the slayer. 

 

“Just the steak.”  Faith eases out from the booth, grasping Tara’s hand as the Wiccan stands.  “Thank you.”  Faith gently squeezes Tara’s hand before releasing it, watching as Tara blushes lightly before she heads towards the buffet.  “God help us both.”  Faith smiles softly, shaking her head before easing into the booth, switching their silverware and drinks out before she gets to work finishing her steak.

 

Tara chuckles quietly as she walks back to the table.  Looking at the huge piece of steak she’d talked out of the man, knowing they don’t like to give that much meat out at once at these type places.  Glancing at her other hand that she’d grabbed one of the soup bowls and filled with the fresh berries they’d just put out in the salad area Tara’s mouth salivates at the sight of the big juicy berries. 

 

Faith blinks in surprise at the huge slice of steak Tara slides in front of her.  “How the hell did ya’ get ‘em to give you one this big?”  Faith licks her lips as she’s already cutting into the meat. 

 

“I just flashed my baby blues at him and smiled.”  Tara shrugs, looking at Faith as she does the same look to her, fluttering her eyelashes and grinning seductively at the slayer.

 

“Oh, God.”  Faith mumbles, tearing her gaze away from the Wiccan.  “No wonder.  Ya’ probably could of asked him to give you his paycheck for the next year and he woulda’ done it.”  Faith swallows hard at the serious bolt of desire shooting through her with the Wiccan’s look.

 

“Didn’t think it was that effective.”  Tara shrugs, not realizing how much of an effect it had on the slayer as she reaches towards the bowl of fruit, picking out a juicy strawberry to eat first, moaning at the sweet flavor. 

 

Faith’s fork and knife clatter to her plate at the Wiccan’s moan, watching as Tara closes her eyes as she chews the fruit, a pink tongue coming out to gather the juice off her lips.  Taking a couple deep breaths to get control, Faith taps Tara gently on the end of the nose, looking into blue eyes.  “If ya’ don’t want me to shove everythin’ off this table, rip your clothes off and make you dessert, you will keep your moans to yourself.”  Faith warns huskily, her voice deep and rough with desire. 

 

Tara’s eyes widen in surprise at the desire burning brightly in Faith’s eyes, feeling the coiled body beside her, Tara searches the brown eyes, realizing that Faith is deadly serious.  Looking at the table in stunned shock before her eyes turn back to Faith’s silently questioning the slayer.

 

“Don’t tempt me.”  Faith growls.  “I can have your clothes ripped off you and you spread out on this table in a few seconds.  And I would do it with very little provocation.”  Faith taps Tara on the nose again.  “Think you understand that?”

 

Tara nods her head quickly, her own body reacting to the slayer’s words and look.  Reaching for another strawberry, Tara offers it to the slayer.  “They are good, though.”

 

Faith leans in, taking the strawberry from Tara’s fingers, sneaking her tongue out to caress over a thumb before curling it around the strawberry to pull it into her mouth, having to admit the fruit was delicious.  “It is.”  Faith agrees softly.  “Maybe we’ll have to buy some strawberries for future usage.”  Faith grins wickedly, her eyes twinkling at the thought.

 

“Only if we get whipped cream and chocolate, also.”  Tara turns her gaze to her bowl of fruit, picking out a raspberry this time, missing the flare of desire crossing Faith’s face.

 

Faith shakes her head before turning back to her food, swearing that she’ll finish this steak, have dessert and walk out of the restaurant without ripping off Tara’s clothes and having her way with the woman for the next few hours right here on the table.  Snorting quietly at the thought of the headline in the newspaper ‘New Dessert at the Steak and Seafood Buffet’.  Bet they’d have people lined up around the block if she did it.  Faith snickers at the thought. 

 

Tara raises an eyebrow at Faith’s snorts and snickers, looking curiously at the woman, but when Faith just seems engrossed with her steak, Tara blinks and turns back to her fruit. 

 

“What’cha gonna do over Spring Break?”  Faith finishes her steak, patting her stomach. 

 

“Nothing.  Dawn’s heading out with one of her friends from school, so I don’t have to keep an eye on her for Buffy.”  Tara shrugs as she looks curiously at the slayer.  “What do you have planned?”

 

Faith purses her lips as she looks intently at the Wiccan.  Smiling hopefully at Tara, Faith leans in to whisper softly.  “Hopefully talkin’ a certain blonde Wiccan into moving out of her tiny little apartment and into mine.”

 

Tara stares in surprise at the slayer.  It takes a few minutes to realize that Faith is very, very serious about the matter.  “But…”  Tara shakes her head as she turns her gaze to the table.  “Faith, we don’t even know if we’ll get along without driving each other completely up a wall, let alone compatible in a more physical way.”  Tara points out softly.

 

Faith plucks nervously at her napkin as she looks at Tara.  “I don’t think we’ll drive each other completely crazy.”  Faith starts quietly, watching as Tara turns her head to give her, her full attention.  “I don’t wanna push ya’ into anythin’.  You can move in, I won’t push for a more physical relationship until you’re ready.” 

 

“Faith, you only have the one bed.”  Tara points out unnecessarily.

 

“Yeah.  You can have it I’ll sleep on the couch.”  Faith watches the emotions crossing the Wiccan’s face.  “Please?  I really don’t like you livin’ on that side of town.  That’s the worst and the most violent part of town.  Even the demons don’t like goin’ there.”  Faith explains, frowning heavily.  “I’ll even behave and try not to run around the house naked.”

 

Tara inhales deeply at the thought of the slayer naked, jerking her eyes away from where they’d unconsciously dropped to the slayer’s firm, round breasts. 

 

Faith fights back the smile at Tara’s inhale and smell of arousal.  “You can think about it, if ya’ want.” 

 

Tara slowly nods her head her mind going in about twenty different directions as she thinks about the slayer’s offer, knowing that if she moved in with the woman there wouldn’t be any of the slayer sleeping on the couch, at least not for long.  Her own arousal with a simple comment or look would blow holes in the thoughts of them not consummating this relationship quickly. 

 

“Want some dessert?”  Faith finally asks after a few minutes, giving Tara a little while to start thinking about moving in, not wanting to push anymore, having learned over the last month the more the woman is pushed the more stubborn she becomes.

 

“Umm.  Maybe some more fruit.”  Tara glances at the empty bowl. 

 

“Let me slide out and I’ll get ya’ some.”  Faith offers softly.

 

Tara moves out of the booth, standing there as Faith strides towards the salad bar before hitting the dessert bar.  Blinking in surprise as she realizes she wants to move in with the woman.  They were surprisingly comfortable with each other, having talked about both their pasts, getting to know each other, the almost constant flirting and occasional touches that had escalated so much recently.  Even Buffy’s surprised comments about how much the slayer’s changed and become more relaxed around the group as she opened up to them.

 

Tara chuckles softly, remembering some choice comments from Buffy and Dawn both about when the hell the two of them would stop dancing around each other.  Buffy being a little more blunt, griping after making the comment that Faith was a bear while on patrol, taking her frustrations out on the demons even more than normal.

 

Faith chuckles quietly as she looks at Tara still standing beside their table.  Easing up behind the obviously deep in thought woman, Faith slides the bowls on the table before pressing her body lightly against Tara’s.  “What’cha thinkin’ so hard ‘bout?” 

 

Tara moans softly as Faith’s hot breath breathes the words directly into her ear even as strong hands gently clasp her hips, and a pair of firm breasts presses into her back.  Tara unconsciously places her hands over Faith’s clenching them tightly.  “Goddess, Faith.  You’re going to drive me crazy.” 

 

“Don’t mean to.”  Faith brushes her cheek against the side of Tara’s head, enjoying the contact more than she ever thought possible, never having been a touchy type person, but being around the Wiccan made her realize she enjoyed the simple touches and caresses more than any of the previous bouts of sex she’d had. 

 

“I’m not so sure about that.”  Tara inhales deeply before gently easing from the slayer’s grasp.  “Let’s finish eating, then maybe we can go somewhere a little more private and talk.”  Tara offers softly.

 

Faith searches Tara’s eyes for a few minutes, seeing the warmth, caring and love.  Slowly nodding her head, Faith smiles self-consciously.  “’Kay.” 

 

Tara smiles gently at the slayer as she slides in beside her to eat her fruit while Faith works on the fruit and vanilla ice cream concoction she’d made.

 

***

 

Chapter 10

 

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”  Tara admits as she walks into the slayer’s apartment, her eyes automatically drawn to the dais with the slayer’s king-size bed. 

 

“I promise not to pounce on ya’.”  Faith crosses her heart, smiling softly at the Wiccan.

 

“I’m more worried about me pouncing on you.”  Tara mumbles softly as she heads towards the couch, unaware the slayer had heard her words.

 

Faith grins at the woman’s words.  “Would ya’ like somethin’ to drink?”  Faith heads over to the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of water out as she turns to look at Tara.

 

“Water would be wonderful, thank you.”  Tara blushes lightly as her mind thinks about water in the form of a cold, cold, ice cold shower.

 

“Make yourself comfortable.”  Faith indicates Tara’s shoes, knowing the woman’s penchant for wanting to get out of her footwear as quickly as possible.  Setting the waters on the coffee table, Faith leans down and unties her boots, pulling her shoes off before grabbing the water and sitting at the opposite end of the couch, turning towards Tara.  “What’cha wanna talk about?”

 

Tara sighs softly as she turns so she’s facing Faith.  “How serious are you about your offer?”

 

“Completely.”  Faith answers quickly.

 

“Why do you want me to move in?”  Tara watches Faith closely.

 

“Because I like ya’.”  Faith shrugs as she returns the woman’s gaze.  Seeing the questioning quirk of Tara’s eyebrow, Faith sighs.  “Okay, I more’n like ya’.  But I ain’t wantin’ to push ya’.”

 

Tara sees the honesty in the slayer’s eyes, also seeing the love shining from the brown eyes.  “We would have to iron out some rules.”

 

“Whatever you want.”  Faith shakes her head, willing to make any concession to have the woman here with her.

 

“No.”  Tara shakes her head.  “We, Faith.  Relationships are give and take.  One person can’t always do what the other person wants, that would unbalance us and would end this relationship fast because of underlying tension.”

 

Faith taps her fingers on her leg, slowly nodding her head in understanding.  “Okay, what are you wantin’ to put down as rules?”

“First off, I want to pay my fair share of the bills.”  Tara looks around the apartment, wincing slightly as she realizes she’s going to have to definitely probably get a part-time job, the grants for housing probably not going to be enough to pay her half of the rent and utilities.

 

“’Kay.  Electricity and sewage usually runs about $200 a month.  Groceries I’ll pay for, considering I will be eating 95 percent of it, what little bit you eat ain’t nothin’.”  Faith shrugs.  “So plan on paying $100 a month.”

 

Tara stares at the woman.  “You’re forgetting something, what about the rent?”

 

Faith blinks at Tara, before a small smile crosses her face as she realizes Tara thinks it’s just an apartment.  “Tare, the place is paid for.  It’s a condominium.  Wilky bought it for me, so there is no rent.”

 

Tara’s mouth drops open as she considers the slayer’s apartment again, remembering how of all the times she’d been over here, she’d never heard anything from the other apartments.  Realizing there must be some serious sound dampeners in the building, which would be necessary for condominiums to give the owners the privacy they would want without the yard work a house would need.  “I didn’t realize.”  Tara shakes her head in surprise.

 

“I kinda figured with your comment.  All I pay out is utilities for this place, Tare.  Your being here ain’t gonna make them go up that much, maybe just the water.  You could stay here rent free, it don’t bother me none.”  Faith offers, breathing out sadly as she sees the stubborn look coming over the woman’s face.

 

“I’ll pay my fair share, Faith.  Which is a lot cheaper than I would have believed.”  Tara shakes her head, slowly relaxing as she realizes working part-time at the Magic Box would more than cover her share of the rent.  Though wanting to save up some money, she really should look into a steadier job instead of the occasional filling in for Anya. 

 

“What’cha thinkin’ about?”  Faith questions curiously watching the emotions crossing Tara’s face.

 

“Just the fact that I really need to look for a part-time job, that way I can start saving up some money.”  Tara’s eyes are distant as she thinks about where she would like to put in her application.

 

Faith starts to open her mouth, snapping it shut as she realizes that Tara wouldn’t allow her to support her, though having the woman here as much as possible with her is very, very tempting to the slayer.  Looking down at her hands as she runs her finger over the water bottle, Faith considers the options.  “Finding a job in SunnyD won’t be hard.  But what’cha wanna do?”

 

Tara blinks and looks at the slayer.  “I’m hoping next year I’ll be able to get a TA’s job working part-time with an English teacher at the high school.  For the summer, I guess a job waitressing or working at the grocery store as a cashier would work.”

 

Faith scratches her head as she looks at Tara.  “You’re gonna be an English teacher?” 

 

Tara smiles and nods her head.  “Yes.  I’ve taken a lot of business courses also, along with my classes to become a teacher, so I could work in business management if I need to.  But I’d prefer to work with kids to help them learn.”

 

“I can see ya’ bein’ a teacher.”  Faith purses her lips as an idea comes to her mind.  “Now, don’t turn this down automatically, okay?”

 

Tara narrows her gaze as she looks at Faith, before slowly nodding her head.

 

“I was just starting to take classes on-line while I was in jail to earn my GED.  Could we maybe work out somethin’ where I’ll pay ya’ and take care of your portion of the rent and you can help me?”  Faith questions hesitantly. 

 

“I…”  Tara blinks in surprise at the slayer.  “You want me to tutor you?”

 

Faith nods her head in answer as she watches Tara’s eyes flicker as she thinks.

 

“I’ll tutor you, Faith.”  Tara smiles at the slayer, chuckling as a huge grin crosses the slayer’s face.  “But I don’t want anything for helping you.  I’d consider it a pleasure to help you earn your GED.”

 

Faith’s grin turns quickly into a frown.  “I don’t want you to do it for nothin’, Tare.”

 

“I won’t be doing it for nothing, Faith.  I’ll be doing it for you and for me.  It’ll make me extremely happy to help you.”  Tara smiles at the slayer.  “I’ll apply somewhere to where I’ll work a couple days a week then the rest of the time I’ll be here for you.” 

 

Faith sighs quietly, knowing she isn’t going to win this argument the woman had already made up her mind.  “What other rules are ya’ wantin’?”

 

“Neither one of us is the other’s maid.”  Tara raises an eyebrow at the slayer, chuckling as Faith blushes lightly. 

 

“It was only that one time.”  Faith points out, pouting slightly. 

 

“Yes, but dirty clothes strewn throughout the apartment is going to be a bone of contention.”  Tara smirks at the slayer, raising an eyebrow as the slayer gets a devious look in her eyes.

 

“What if it’s both our dirty clothes?  As in a trail from the front door towards the bed?”  Faith smirks as the Wiccan blushes lightly. 

 

“That’s different.”  Tara mumbles at the slayer’s insinuation.  “And stop putting pictures in my head!”  Tara growls at the slayer.

 

“They’re already in mine, might as well be in yours, too.”  Faith leans back, smiling as she feels extremely pleased with herself.

 

“Thanks.”  Tara tries to get thoughts out of her head of the two of them ripping each other’s clothes off as they make their way towards the bed, probably ending up short of their mark.  “Ummm… Okay, cleaning and cooking…”

 

“Figured we could take turns, or do it together.”  Faith shrugs, not worried about it. 

 

“Okay, what about laundry?”  Tara smiles at the slayer.

 

“Probably be best to do our own.  Most of my shit has some seriously gross stuff on it that you wouldn’t want to be washed with your items.”  Faith admits, wincing slightly.  “Plus my leathers I take to the cleaners.”

 

“Do you have a washer and dryer here, or do you hit the Laundromat?”  Tara questions curiously, not remembering seeing the items.

 

“Got a set here.”  Faith stands, waving for the Wiccan to follow her.  “It ain’t anything great, but it does the job.  I do take clothes that are nastier to the Laundromat to wash, though.” 

 

Tara follows as Faith walks by the bathroom down the short hallway to open the door she hadn’t noticed before, surprised at the sight of the utility room.  The washer and dryer sitting side by side while Faith had obviously put the shelves and pegboard up along the other wall for all her weapons.  “I wondered where you kept your weapons, other than the ones you keep tucked away in the main part of the apartment.”

 

Faith chuckles quietly.  “Gotta have different weapons.  Never fails that you lose something or it gets broken.”  Faith frowns as she pulls down one of the boxes looking inside.  “Gotta remember to get more wood to make stakes with, also.”

 

“Is there anything else you can think of that we need to discuss?”  Tara watches as Faith slides the box back into position before turning towards her, a glint in her eyes.

 

“Yeah, there is somethin’ else, but it ain’t something to discuss.”  Faith admits, reaching around the Wiccan’s neck, cupping the back of her head gently.  Looking into Tara’s eyes seeing the agreement and desire in the blue depths, Faith slowly closes the distance between their lips.  Moaning quietly as their lips make contact, Faith brushes her lips over Tara’s before easing her tongue out to run teasingly over Tara’s bottom lip, eagerly delving into the welcoming warmth as Tara moans and grants her entrance. 

 

Grasping the slayer’s waist, Tara leans into Faith’s body as they deepen the kiss, gently exploring each other’s mouths for long minutes before they both end the kiss, pulling back to pant in the quiet apartment.  “Goddess.”  Tara drops her head to Faith’s shoulder, feeling the desire coursing through her, making her ache and pound for the woman’s touch.

 

Wrapping both arms around Tara’s neck, Faith makes the small step to press her body firmly against Tara’s, enjoying the feeling of the woman’s body against hers.  “Does this mean you’re gonna move in?”  Faith questions, her voice deep and rough with arousal.

 

Tara whimpers quietly as the sexy voice of the slayer vibrates through her body, settling in a decidedly southern area.  Taking a deep breath, Tara finally nods her head.  “Yes, it does.”

 

“Good.  Let’s go get your stuff.”  Faith grabs Tara’s hand as she drags her from the utility room.

 

“Faith!”  Tara laughs and squeezes Faith’s hand to get the slayer’s attention.

 

“What?”  Faith turns back to the woman, frowning heavily. 

 

“We don’t have to do it this minute.”  Tara laughs softly.

 

“Yeah, we do.  Don’t want ya’ there no more.”  Faith gently tugs on Tara’s hand.  “Come on, woman.  I want you here in our apartment where you belong.”  Faith quickly yanks on her shoes and ties them, glancing over at Tara as she ties her shoes, seeing the slightly glassy look to her eyes.

 

Tara follows the slayer as the tears come to her eyes at how easily the slayer had said it was their apartment and that she belonged here.  Blinking the tears back, Tara follows Faith out of the apartment with no more arguments. 

 

“Here, ya’ might need this.”  Faith digs in her pocket, pulling out a key on a small gold key chain that said Tara. 

 

Tara accepts the key staring in stunned surprise at the item as they continue to walk down the street. 

 

“Do we need to get boxes?”  Faith questions as they come close to one of those truck rental places that also sold moving supplies.

 

“No, I kept all my boxes broken down under the kitchen sink.  I think we’ll be able to fit the majority of the stuff back in the boxes.”  Tara softly answers her mind still partially in shock.

 

“’Kay.  After we box up everything, we’ll call a cab to take us back to our apartment.”  Faith glances at Tara, noticing the somewhat shocked look on the woman’s face.  “Somethin’ wrong?”  Faith slows down to a stop turning Tara to look at her. 

 

“How long have you been planning on me moving in with you?”  Tara questions as she looks at the key.

 

Faith shuffles her feet as she looks down at the sidewalk.  “A while.  Just now got up the nerve to ask.”

 

Tara tucks the key away in her pocket before gently lifting the slayer’s chin to look in her eyes.  “Let me guess, you’ve already made room for my clothes and things, haven’t you?”

 

Faith quirks her lips and slowly nods her head. 

 

“What am I going to do with you?”  Tara questions as she laughs softly, unable to keep from kissing the slayer. 

 

Faith grunts and cups Tara’s cheek, her fingers gently sliding into Tara’s hair, urging Tara back in against her lips for a longer, deeper kiss before finally easing back from the Wiccan.  “You can start off by doing that any time you want to.”  Faith grins, her eyes twinkling with mischief. 

 

“We aren’t going to spend all our time in bed.”  Tara warns, trying not to laugh at the slayer.

 

“’Kay.”  Faith nods, clasping Tara’s hand with hers, smiling as the Wiccan threads their fingers together.  “We can spend time on the couch, against the wall, in the shower, against a mausoleum wall, on top of a tombstone…” 

 

Tara laughs and smacks Faith gently on the arm.  “Stop it!”

 

Faith laughs, sliding the Wiccan a glance, before leaning in to whisper softly.  “That wasn’t a no.”

 

Tara blushes lightly, gently squeezing Faith’s hand.  “No, it wasn’t.”

 

Faith whoops loudly, making the people they pass turn to stare at the two women shaking their heads before continuing about their day. 

 

“You’re incorrigible.”  Tara chuckles.

 

“Yep.”  Faith agrees easily as they get closer to Tara’s apartment.  “You wanna tell the gang, me tell ‘em or both of us together?”  Faith questions seriously. 

 

“We’ll probably just get a thank God from Buffy and Dawn.”  Tara shrugs, smiling at the slayer’s look.  “They’ve both made a few comments.”

 

“Huh?”  Faith blinks in surprise, knowing she and Buffy had discussed things, but not expecting her to say anything to Tara.  Dawn saying something coming as somewhat of a shock, as the teenager had just made one threatening comment and hadn’t said another word to her about the relationship developing between her and Tara. 

 

“It seems Buffy would be happy if you started taking your frustrations out elsewhere instead of on the demon population.  I’m thinking that you’re not giving her much of a chance to fight the demons?”  Tara purses her lips as she glances at the embarrassed slayer.  Trying not to laugh at the silent look of guilt, Tara nods her head.  “And Dawn is sick and tired of us dancing around each other all the time.  She was a little less blunt on the matter of what Buffy said we should do, but her wording was something along the lines of would you two get it on already?” 

 

Faith groans loudly and rubs a hand over her eyes.  “If she said that, what the hell did B say?”

 

Tara blushes, before laughing lightly.  “She told me to drag your ass to the nearest convenient bed and not let you out of it for a couple days.”

 

“I like that idea.”  Faith grins wickedly at the Wiccan.  “You ain’t got a bed in your old apartment, but we do in our new apartment.”  Faith yelps at the unexpected sting of a hand on her ass.

 

“You’re sleeping on the couch, remember?”  Tara growls lowly trying not to laugh at the slayer’s pout.  Never remember seeing the slayer looking quite like that before, almost feeling bad for teasing the woman. 

 

Faith kicks at a stone and nods her head.  “Yeah, I remember.  And I meant it.  I ain’t gonna push you for anythin’ you ain’t ready for.” 

 

Tara notices the seriousness of the slayer’s look.  Not having it in her to allow the slayer to honestly believe that she would make her sleep on the couch.  “Honey, I’m not going to make you sleep on the couch.”  Tara brushes a long strand of hair off Faith’s cheek. 

 

“We ain’t gonna share the bed.”  Faith looks intently at the blonde.  “I can’t guarantee that I wouldn’t be tempted to do more than just sleep in the bed with ya’.”  Faith admits honestly.  “Come on, let’s get ya’ moved into our new home.” 

 

Tara sighs quietly, realizing Faith didn’t quite get her point.  Deciding to wait ‘til later, Tara allows Faith to urge her to her apartment, feeling a happiness of getting out of the hole, not having enjoyed living in the small efficiency. 

 

“Is the furniture yours or was it here?”  Faith questions curiously as they walk into Tara’s apartment, her eyes taking in the sparse furnishings.

 

“The futon was here, a friend that bought a new coffee table gave me their old one.”  Tara admits looking at the coffee table. 

 

“Do ya’ want it?”  Faith glances at Tara.

 

“No.  When I asked her if she would want it back if I got something else, she told me to trash it or find someone else to give it to.”  Tara shrugs. 

 

Faith follows the Wiccan, accepting the boxes from Tara while she opens a drawer and pulls out a roll of packing tape.  Silently the two women tape the bottom of the boxes as they fill them with everything in the small kitchen area, before going out to the small living area.  Kneeling on the floor beside Tara, Faith works on emptying the bottom drawer from the small dresser, smirking at the toys she finds.  “Like to play?”  Faith looks up curiously at the Wiccan. 

 

“You already know I visit the toy store, and you see what’s in there, so what do you think?”  Tara questions exasperatedly. 

 

“I’d say girlfriend is gonna make things interestin’.”  Faith holds up the surprisingly decent sized vibrator before placing it in the box. 

 

Tara moans quietly, slightly embarrassed. 

 

“One thing I don’t see here, though…”  Faith puts the rest of the items away, noticing that they’re geared more towards an individual’s usage than a couple’s usage. 

 

“What, Faith?”  Tara finally questions after a couple minutes and the slayer doesn’t finish her comment.

 

“There’s no harnesses or couples type toys in here.”  Faith looks up curiously at the Wiccan. 

 

“No, there’s not.”  Tara finishes filling her box with her clothes from the top drawer.  Sliding it shut, she looks down warningly at the slayer.  “If you’re finished, I need to open the next drawer and I don’t want to bang you in the head.”  Tara looks at the woman sitting on the floor in front of the dresser.

 

“Not wantin’ to knock some sense in me yet?”  Faith slides out of the way, grinning up at the blonde.  “How come?”

 

“There hasn’t been anyone for me to use those type things with.”  Tara explains quietly as she empties the next drawer.

 

“Didn’t…”  Faith trails off and waves her hand in the air, not wanting to mention Willow by name.

 

“No.  She made the comment that if she wanted that, she’d go looking for the real thing.”  Tara shrugs.

 

“What if you wanted her to use it?”  Faith blinks in surprise, never having thought Willow would be that selfish.

 

“She wasn’t interested.”  Tara finishes packing away her clothes. 

 

“Selfish bitch.”  Faith growls as she rolls over and onto her feet, hesitating for only a second, knowing that Tara would never hurt her.  “Anything you want or want to try, you damn well better speak up.  I’m game for anything and everything.”  Faith looks seriously into Tara’s eyes. 

 

Tara blinks in surprise before nodding her head in understanding smiling softly at the slayer.  “Thank you, Faith.”

 

Faith shrugs as she looks around the apartment, picking up the crystals on the coffee table.  “Wanna wrap these between your clothes?”

 

“That would be perfect.”  Tara accepts a couple items from Faith, before placing them between the layers of her clothes. 

 

“What else?”  Faith frowns looking around the sparse, empty apartment.  Not that there was a lot of items in it to begin with. 

 

“My personal items out of the bathroom.”  Tara admits quietly, heading toward what appears to be an empty corner of the room.

 

Faith watches the Wiccan curiously before she hears Tara murmur something in a foreign language, surprised when she sees a small table with an Athame, incense, other ingredients and a large book, silently kicking herself that she hadn’t noticed any ‘witchy’ type stuff in the room, knowing that there should be.  “Got any more hidden stuff like that, that you need to get?”

 

Tara chuckles and shakes her head.  “No.  I don’t normally keep a lot of ingredients, just the basics.  I pretty much only use anything when Buffy needs me.”

 

“I’ll get your stuff outta the bathroom.”  Faith grins quickly at Tara before heading towards the bathroom. 

 

Tara can’t help the huge smile that crosses her face at Faith’s actions, the woman practically running towards the bathroom.  “Goddess, if she’s that happy with me just moving in, what’s she going to be like after we’ve made love?”  Tara questions the room softly, unaware that the slayer can hear her.

 

“Probably pass out from pleasure if the kisses we shared earlier are any indication.”  Faith mutters the answer quietly to herself as she quickly fills the box, making sure all the items’ lids were screwed on tightly. 

 

Tara went through everything again, double-checking to make sure she didn’t miss anything.  Opening the refrigerator, she looks at the sparsely populated item, bringing the trash can over, she quickly tosses everything in it before shutting the refrigerator.  Tying the bag she carries it over to the door, to drop off in the dumpster when they leave.  Making a mental note to call the phone company and the electric company to shut both items off, Tara glances up as Faith comes out of the bathroom. 

 

“That it?”  Faith looks over at the small pile of boxes, frowning slightly. 

 

“I think so.  Short of lifting everything to check under it…”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.  Blinking as Faith sets her box down and goes over to the stove, sliding it out partway before lifting it and kneeling to look under it, sliding it back quickly. “I wasn’t serious, Faith.”

 

“Don’t hurt to check.”  Faith answers as she does the same with the refrigerator, working her way out to the living area.  Picking up one whole end of the futon, looking under it before setting it down and doing the same with the dresser.  “How come ya’ didn’t have a television?”

 

“No sense in wasting my money on one.”  Tara shrugs smiling at the slayer.  “Half the time I was spending over at Buffy’s house, the other half studying.  I always got my fix while I was at Buffy’s.”

 

Faith has to admit the Wiccan makes sense.  “You any good at video games?”

 

“Haven’t ever played any.”  Tara looks questioningly at the slayer. 

 

“I got a Playstation at our apartment.  Maybe we can rent some different games for you that you might be interested in.  I usually play those fightin’ games, but they got other things, like role playin’ games and mystical type games.”  Faith shrugs. 

 

“We’ll see.”  Tara smiles at the slayer, finally realizing what the woman obviously did to pass her time. 

 

“Wanna call a cab?  I’ll take this trash out then come back up to help load the boxes downstairs.”  Faith watches as Tara nods, grinning as the Wiccan pulls the cell phone out of her fanny pack and presses the buttons to bring up the cab company Faith had pre-programmed into all the cell phones, remembering Buffy going ballistic over the fact that she had even gotten one for Dawn.  The two slayers having sat down with the teen to explain that it was just for emergency usage.  If there was a regular phone nearby to use it instead, unless she called one of the other cell phones for one of the group. 

 

Faith had curiously opened the phone bill, surprised to see that the teen had only called the Summers’ residence once on the cell phone where it counted against the minutes.  Looking back at Tara, she watches as the Wiccan picks up the regular phone, dialing the number for the cab company before closing the phone back and tucking it away.  “You coulda’ called using the cell.”

 

“No sense in using the minutes up.”  Tara shakes her head, smiling at the slayer.

 

“I got the maximum minutes allowed, and honestly we didn’t come nowhere near using a tenth of ‘em.”  Faith admits, winking at Tara.

 

“Maybe you should adjust the minutes down, don’t they charge you?”  Tara holds up a hand, as she talks to the dispatcher on the phone telling her she needed a cab and her address, before hanging up. 

 

“Yeah, but I’d rather have them, just in case.  Plus they got that rollover plan where we don’t lose ‘em.”  Faith shrugs.  “Let me take this down.”  Faith grabs the bag, trotting out of the apartment quickly. 

 

Tara has to laugh at Faith and her never-ending energy.  Looking at the apartment, Tara thought she might feel a little nostalgic about leaving the place she’d lived in for the last seven months, but all she feels is a sense of relief and happiness. 

 

***

 

Chapter 11

 

Tara finishes placing her clothes in the dresser drawers Faith had sometime previously moved her stuff to one side of, leaving the other half for her clothes.  The slayer had done the same thing with the closet.  Looking down into her box that has her personal toys, Tara considers where to place them.  “Mine are in the nightstand to the right of the bed, if you want to put yours in the one on the left side.”  Faith offers softly, seeing the look on Tara’s face before looking at the box Tara was finishing unpacking. 

 

Tara raises an eyebrow questioningly at the woman.

 

“Go ahead and look if ya’ want.  We’re gonna be livin’ together, and hopefully sometime in the future doing a lot more than that.”  Faith shrugs before going back to Tara’s boxes of kitchen items, sorting them and placing them in the appropriate places.  There weren’t many of them, but what the Wiccan had were of good quality.

 

Tara moves over to her nightstand, quickly pulling out the drawer and placing her items inside, closing it gently, before breaking the box down to place with the other broken down boxes.  Looking at her magical items that Faith had placed on one of the shelves of the entertainment center for the time being, Tara looks around, sighing quietly as she realizes that everything possession wise that makes up her life she and Faith had packed, moved and unpacked in less than two hours.  And that included travel time. 

 

“What’s wrong?”  Faith glances over at Tara after she hears the second deep sigh come from the woman.  Quickly shutting the cabinet, Faith punches down the box, tossing it on the pile by the trash can, planning on taking them out later.

 

“Everything that is my life we packed up and moved over here in less than two hours.  How pitiful is that?”  Tara sits down on the couch, a sad expression on her face.

 

“Shit, Tare.  If it wasn’t for Wilky and this place, everything I owned was pretty much what I had on my back.”  Faith sits down beside Tara, turning so she can look at her with one leg tucked under the other.  “I’ve come to realize one thing, possessions ain’t shit.  It’s the people you care about that are important.”

 

“You’re right.”  Tara leans her head back and rolls her head to look at Faith.  “As long as I have you, and the rest of the group I am truly a blessed woman.” 

 

Faith blushes lightly looking down.  “Ain’t so sure about me being included in the blessin’.” 

 

“You’re the biggest portion of it.”  Tara murmurs softly, lifting Faith’s head up, looking into brown eyes looking almost shyly back.  It stuns Tara for a few moments that this woman would be shy about anything.  “Is it so hard to believe that people could care about you and love you, Faith?”

 

Faith wants to turn away from the woman, but blue eyes don’t allow her to, keeping her held captive.  “Nobody much cared whether I lived or died before, Tare.”

 

“Oh, love.”  Tara brushes her fingers gently over the woman’s cheek, saddened at the thought of this woman never having been shown love, though knowing that her home life was even worse than her own abusive home.  “I can’t do anything to change your past, love.  But I promise to show you how much I care for you.  You captured my heart pretty much the night you saved me.  The following day there was no question that it belonged to you.” 

 

Faith closes her eyes as she feels tears trying to gather at what Tara was admitting to her.  Even with knowing the woman, the way she is and what Buffy had said, it still hits her hard that this wonderful woman loves her.

 

Easing closer to Faith, Tara wraps her hand gently around the slayer’s neck, urging the slayer against her, holding her tight, surprised when Faith buries her face in her neck.  Feeling the dampness of the slayer’s tears, Tara tightens her grip even more, sliding one hand up to gently stroke through the soft wavy hair.  Pressing her lips to the side of Faith’s head, Tara thinks about what she should say, or if she should say anything at all. 

 

Faith gets control of her emotions after a couple minutes.  Slowly relaxing at the Wiccan’s comforting stroking, smiling as she remembers how often she’d catch Dawn curled up on the couch with her head in Tara’s lap as the Wiccan would run her fingers through her hair.  She had often wondered what it would be like for Tara to do that to her.  Rubbing her cheek over Tara’s shoulder, Faith eases away from the woman, smiling self-consciously. 

 

Tara brushes her thumb over Faith’s cheek, looking intently at the slayer.  “I know you’re not used to being loved, Faith.  I also know it’s hard for you to allow your feelings to show.  You’ve grown so much just in the past month since you’ve been here.  I see the loving woman inside you wanting to come out… and I hope that we’re together for a long time to come so I can see you become the woman you should be.”  Tara tilts her forehead against Faith’s.  Letting her fingers trail down Faith’s strong neck, playing along the edge of the slayer’s perpetual tank top, smiling at the quick, hard inhale as her fingers trail over the beginning swells of Faith’s breasts. 

 

Faith takes the teasing touch for as long as she can before capturing Tara’s hand.  “You see somethin’ nobody else has seen.”  Faith lifts Tara’s hand, pressing a hot firm kiss into her palm.  “But I gotta warn ya’ not to tease me.  It’s been two years and it won’t take much, Tare.”  Faith warns softly.  “I won’t be able to take a lot of the touchy-feely type thing.  Not that I was ever that patient when it came to sex.”

 

Tara threads her fingers with Faith’s, lifting the slayer’s hand to her mouth, nipping gently on a finger.  “You’ll learn that things are a little different when you’re making love with someone, Faith.  Sex is one thing, but being with someone when you care about the person… love the person… it’s different.” 

 

“Yeah, but I don’t think ya’ want a horny slayer pouncin’ on you within hours of you movin’ in with her.”  Faith explains softly.  “Especially after that slayer promised she’d behave and take things slow.”

 

“You promised and you made the comments.  Did I ever ask that of you?  Other than joking with you the one time about you sleeping on the couch, did I say you had to sleep on the couch?”  Tara tilts her head looking at the slayer curiously.

 

Faith blinks as she thinks over the conversations they’d had, remembering that she was always the one to bring up sleeping on the couch or not pushing the Wiccan.  Tara didn’t really say anything one way or the other.  Then the Wiccan’s words about how she wasn’t going to make her sleep on the couch circles around in her head, making her look intently at Tara.

 

Tara chuckles softly.  “No, love.  I never said that you had to sleep on the couch or hold back.” 

 

Faith lifts a hand to stroke over Tara’s cheek, frowning as she notices it shaking.  Swallowing hard as she finally cups the Wiccan’s cheek in her hand, Faith bites her bottom lip in realization that she’s scared, scared of how to act with Tara.  Not wanting to do anything to harm her, not wanting to treat her like she’d treated her past lovers.  The cold impersonal relationships she had that were empty, literally just ripping clothes off and going at each other as quickly as possible, the need for instant gratification and then the walking out of the room or kicking the person out.  “I… I don’t know what to do.”  Faith admits hoarsely.

 

Tara’s eyes become sad at the admittance, the lack of love in this woman’s life having obviously hurt deeply, along with emotionally scarring her.  “Just be yourself.”  Tara offers softly.

 

“Myself is rough, hard and quick, then getting the hell out.”  Faith admits, closing her eyes in shame.  “I ain’t ever done anythin’ gentle, soft or slow, Tare.” 

 

“Then it’s time you learned gentle, soft and slow.”  Tara runs her fingers through the dark wavy hair.  “It’s time you’re shown what love is.”

 

Faith whimpers as soft lips caress over hers time and time again.  As Tara slowly deepens the kiss, Faith groans at the desire building inside her.  Clenching the back of the couch with one hand, while grasping Tara’s waist gently with the other, Faith fights against the urge to press Tara back against the couch and take the woman while relieving her own ache against a hip or thigh.

 

Feeling the tension and the pain radiating from Faith, along with the immense desire, Tara eases back from the kiss, looking at the woman about to become her lover.  “Relax, Faith.  Let the feelings flow through you.”

 

“Can’t.”  Faith’s voice is low and extremely rough; shaking her head she opens her eyes to look into the dark blue eyes staring back at her.  “I can’t, I’m afraid I’m gonna hurt ya’.”  Faith admits before hopping off the couch and striding out onto the balcony, inhaling deep breaths to try and get control of her desire. 

 

Tara runs a hand through her hair as she considers the woman, watching as she fights to bring her desire under control, knowing that Faith’s putting it off is going to make it even harder.  Faith needs the release now probably more than ever.  Silently wondering if it would be best to help her out, and slowly work their way to slow and gentle lovemaking instead of expecting her to be able to handle the slow build-up when she’s always been after the instant gratification.  Shaking her head at her own cluelessness in regards to how she should have handled the woman, Tara stands and walks towards the balcony.  Watching as Faith seems to tense even more with each step she comes closer to the slayer. 

 

“I’m sorry, Faith.  I never should have expected you to be able to take things slow.  That’s my fault.  Will you please come in here?”  Tara whispers softly.

 

“Not right now.”  Faith doesn’t turn around, as she continues to stare out into the late afternoon sun.  “I need a little while to calm down.  Plus you should have slow.  You should have a kind and gentle lover that’ll make things sweet for ya’.  Maybe this was a bad idea.”  Faith admits looking down at her hands clenched on the railing, realizing that if she can’t get control of her desire she may lose the one thing that she wants most in life. 

 

Tara frowns heavily at the slayer’s words.  Thinking about what the slayer’s saying and the feelings coming from the woman, Tara slowly comes to the conclusion that Faith obviously thinks all she ever wanted was soft, slow and gentle.  “Oh, Faith.  I don’t want just soft, slow and gentle.  I want wild, carefree even occasionally rough.  Different times I feel like different things.  I’ve never allowed myself to be completely wild and carefree and only with one partner on the rough side.  Most of my past partners weren’t much along those lines.  They were on the soft and gentle side.  Every lover is different and brings something different to the relationship.  I’m looking for a serious dose of wild and carefree with making love at the drop of the hat, being pressed up against a mausoleum wall after you’ve taken out five vampires because you’re horny and being ravaged by you because of it.  I don’t expect you to be gentle all the time.  I just want you to learn what it’s like to be on the receiving end of gentle and caring.  To have someone love you for you, not for what you can give them.  This is going to be different for both of us, and I’m trying to say get your ass in here so I can ravage you now.  Give you the pleasure you’ve been denying yourself for all these years, then maybe we can gradually work our way up to gentle and slow with a lot of teasing in between.”

 

Faith feels her heart beating hard in her chest as Tara speaks, listening to the woman, Faith slowly relaxes as Tara tries to explain, realizing that maybe the Wiccan does understand what’s happening and hopefully may be able to handle her wild side.  Chuckling softly as Tara tells her to get her ass inside, Faith slowly turns around, seeing the love and caring on her face.  “I can get rough, Tare.  You gotta say somethin’ to me if it’s too much.  I don’t ever wanna hurt ya’, but sometimes the desire kinda makes me lose control.” 

 

“I can protect myself, Faith.  Plus if you ever get too rough, I promise I’ll say something, or freeze you.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, pleased to see some of the tension easing out of Faith’s body.  “But you’ve got to tell me if you need it rougher, gentler or whatever, okay?  I think we should promise each other that whatever we need or desire, we’ll let the other one know.”

 

“I can go for that.”  Faith slowly prowls back into the apartment.  “I think you said something about ravaging me?”  Faith allows a cocky grin to cross her face even as she reaches down to pull off her tank top, tossing it across the room as her hands slide down her sides watching Tara intently. 

 

Tara finally allows herself to look over the slayer’s strong body.  The full round breasts, standing so proud and erect to the muscular abdomen.  Moaning quietly, Tara watches as Faith’s hands stroke across her stomach as she slowly unbuttons and unzips her jeans.  Seeing tanned skin and trimmed hair becoming visible, Tara whimpers quietly.  As Faith slowly pushes the pants over her hips, Tara’s eyes are caught by a scar on Faith’s stomach, frowning at the item as she realizes that’s where Buffy had stabbed her. 

 

Seeing where Tara’s eyes are looking and the frown on her face, Faith finishes closing the distance between them without pushing the pants the rest of the way off.  “Tare?”

 

“I hate that things were so bad for you.”  Tara whispers, her fingers reaching out to stroke over the scar.  “I would love to be able to take all the pain you’ve received and make it go away.  Let you have a perfect life, love who you want.”

 

“I don’t want none of that.”  Faith reaches out to tilt Tara’s face up from where she was looking down as her fingers stroked over her scar.  “If I had the perfect life I wouldn’t be here right now.  I woulda never met you, or been a slayer.  I think I’d rather have this now, even with all the past shit than to have the perfect life.  I want right now, with you.  I wanna learn your touch, your caress, your kisses.  I want to taste you, learn what triggers your desires and makes you scream out my name when you cum.  I plan on spendin’ all the time I can in the pursuit of those wants.”  Faith looks seriously at Tara.  “Would you rather I had the perfect life?”

 

Tara smiles and shakes her head.  “Yes, but in my world, your perfect life will include me.” 

 

Faith stares at Tara dumbfounded for a few minutes, before chuckling at her.  “I gotta watch you.  You’re sneaky.”

 

“Yes, I can be.”  Tara grins at the slayer.  “Finish taking your clothes off, please.  I want to learn your body more intimately.”  Tara runs her hand up the slayer’s warm body, almost wanting to collapse from the velvety hot skin her fingers are traversing.  Wondering what the slayer will taste like, Tara allows her hand to trail up to finally cup the slayer’s breast, the weight and feel of the flesh glorious.

 

“Tare, clothes.”  Faith slowly steps back feeling the desire burning hotly inside her, knowing it won’t take much more for her to pounce on the woman.  Finishing shedding her clothes, Faith watches spellbound as Tara slowly strips.

 

Tara blushes lightly looking down.  “I’m not beautiful like you, Faith.  I don’t have the figure…”  Tara stops as a finger presses against her lips, looking into the brown orbs of her soon to be lover.  Tara inhales softly at the depth of emotion showing there.

 

“You’re perfect.”  Faith watches as the creamy flesh slowly comes into view.  As Tara unhooks her bra and slides it off self-consciously, Faith groans loudly as the full breasts come into view with the light rose-colored nipples topping them.  “You’re a woman.  You’ve got the shape and body of a woman.  You aren’t some damn stick figure, you’ve got something for me to enjoy, touch and grasp.”  Faith’s fingers stroke softly over the Wiccan’s breasts, her eyes becoming darker as the nipples harden almost instantly at her touch.  “I don’t want society’s version of the perfect woman.  I want my version.”  Faith finally whispers.

 

Tara swallows hard at the tenderness of the slayer’s touch and the beautiful words coming from her mouth, never having thought the rough, blunt woman would be able to speak straight to her heart as she did, allaying her fears so easily.  Reaching down, Tara undoes her pants, pushing them down her legs as she leaves the peach colored underwear on. 

 

“You like those boxer shorts type underwear, don’t ya’?”  Faith questions hoarsely, having to admit they look good on the woman with the little slits up the side, showing the smooth legs to advantage. 

 

“They’re comfortable.”  Tara admits softly. 

 

“They look it.”  Faith’s hands grasp the Wiccan’s waist pulling her body in tight against hers, grunting with desire as their breasts press against each other.  “Got any in silk?”

 

“Just one pair…”  Tara moans loudly as Faith’s hands slide around her back to push down her underwear, cupping her ass firmly. 

 

“Gonna have more.”  Faith growls hungrily as she captures Tara’s lips.  Diving into the welcoming heat, Faith plunders the inside of Tara’s mouth, grunting in pleasure as she feels the Wiccan’s nails scrape up her back before digging into her shoulders as Tara presses even harder against her body.  As Tara battles strongly against her, not giving an inch in the battle of wills as they go back and forth from one mouth to the other, Faith pushes the Wiccan’s underwear down, finally having to break the kiss for air before dropping down to her knees in front of Tara to push the underwear the rest of the way down, her eyes staring at the strip of dark blonde curls.  Smiling at the desire glistening on the curls, along with the intense smell of arousal coming from the Wiccan, Faith urges Tara’s legs apart even as her mouth delves between the lips to get her first taste of the Wiccan.

 

“Sweet, Goddess!”  Tara cries out quietly, not expecting the slayer’s maneuver.  Reaching down, Tara clenches the slayer’s head to steady herself as Faith’s tongue strokes strongly over her body.  As Faith’s hands spread her lips so she can delve deeper within her, Tara whimpers loudly as a warm tongue wiggles its way inside her even as the slayer’s nose presses against her clit, causing her to jerk as the attention she’s being given makes her knees weak.  “F-Faith.”  Tara tries to warn the slayer.

 

Faith groans into Tara’s body, the taste of the Wiccan addictive, the rich, earthy taste with a hint of sweetness.  Delving deeper within her lover’s body, Faith grinds her nose firmly against Tara’s clit, while wrapping her arms around Tara’s thighs, feeling her start to shake uncontrollably even as her hands clench more firmly in her hair.  Hearing Tara say her name, Faith tightens her grip on Tara’s thighs as she feels them start to give out.  Grinning, Faith eases back from Tara’s center, licking her lips as she lifts the woman and carries her quickly towards the bed. 

 

“Faith?”  Tara questions softly as Faith lays her on the bed, hovering above her, her eyes dark and full of passion.  Easing her hands from where they’re still buried in Faith’s hair.  Running them firmly down Faith’s body, Tara strokes and kneads the slayer’s breasts, letting her thumbs brush softly over the hardened nipples while she continues to watch the emotions cross the slayer’s eyes.  Seeing them darken to almost black with the fire of passion flaring in their depths, Tara pinches Faith’s nipples firmly.  Hearing the deep groan of pleasure as she arches and her eyes close, Tara smiles and wiggles her body down so she can capture the hot flesh in her mouth, nipping firmly.

 

Faith groans loudly, pressing her breast more firmly into Tara’s mouth as she straddles the Wiccan.  Body rocking gently with desire as Tara’s hands stroke down her stomach, Faith drops her head down, looking intently into blue eyes staring up at her.  As surprisingly strong fingers brush over her mound, delving firmly between her lips, Faith grunts loudly in pleasure, rocking against the fingers firmly stroking in and out of her body. 

 

Releasing the slayer’s nipple, Tara moves her other hand from Faith’s waist, where she’d been clenching the slayer unconsciously, around to Faith’s butt cheek, digging her short nails into the flesh firmly as she shifts her body down more to get a better angle.  Pressing her lips against Faith’s lower abdomen, Tara builds up the speed and force of the motions of her hand as she feels Faith rocking against her harder.  Pressing loving kisses over the flesh under her lips while using her free hand to stroke up and down Faith’s body.  As Faith’s muscles start to flutter and tighten against her fingers, Tara presses her thumb firmly against the slayer’s clit, having ignored it before now.

 

“FUCK!”  Faith cries out as she explodes against the Wiccan’s hand, her body rocking harder against Tara as she doesn’t stop but seems to double her efforts.  Dropping her arms down to her elbows, Faith buries her face in a pillow, groaning loudly and rotating her hips as Tara curls her fingers within her.  Feeling the soft kisses over her body, then a wet tongue stroking along her scar, Faith feels her heart clenching at the gentleness and caring coming from Tara even as she gives her body the releases it needs.  Clenching her fingers in the pillow, Faith jerks and shudders as Tara strokes over her G-spot, bringing her to a massive climax.  Collapsing half on, half off the Wiccan, Faith whimpers quietly as Tara eases her fingers from within her body. 

 

Tara shifts out from under Faith, hesitantly shifting against her side, knowing from past discussions with the woman that she definitely was never a touchy feely person, though lately she had been reaching out more for the physical aspect of an actual relationship.  “Are you okay, love?”  Tara questions softly, gently running her fingers down the lightly shaking back.  When she just hears more quiet whimpers coming from the lightly shaking woman, Tara cautiously wraps her arm gently around Faith, pressing soft kisses over the woman’s shoulder.  “Faith?  Love?”  Tara whispers, starting to get worried as she realizes Faith’s crying.  Feeling the swirling emotions coming from her lover, she’s somewhat at a loss as what to say or do.  “Sweetie?”  Tara wiggles her other arm under Faith, wrapping both arms around the slayer, pulling her firmly against her, burying her face in the slayer’s hair.  “What did I do wrong?”  Tara whispers, feeling tears coming to her own eyes thinking that she might have done something wrong. 

 

“Nothin’.”  Faith shakes her head as she hears the worry and sadness in Tara’s voice.  When she feels the tears soaking through her hair to land on her back, Faith groans softly.  Easing Tara’s arms from around her, Faith shifts around quickly and wraps Tara in her arms.  “You didn’t do anythin’, Tare.  Nothin’ bad anyway.”  Faith winces as she tries to think of how to phrase what she’s feeling.  “Tare, I ain’t never had someone care so much about my pleasure before.  I usually took my pleasure, if ya’ understand what I’m sayin’.”  Faith tries to explain. “I’d just ride a fuckin’ guy into the mattress until I got off.  The women I’d borrow whatever body part was handy.  I ain’t ever been touched with caring before.”

 

Tara sighs quietly in relief even as she brushes her face over Faith’s chest, feeling the tears flow even faster at the woman that has never actually known a lover’s touch.   All she’s ever been is fucked; Tara honestly wouldn’t even consider it having sex, just fucks. 

 

“Babe?”  Faith reaches down and lifts Tara’s face, feeling the additional tears hitting her chest.  Seeing the sadness in the blue eyes and the tear tracks, Faith frowns heavily, brushing her thumb gently over the damp cheek.  “I didn’t mean to upset you.”  Faith whispers.

 

“I know you didn’t.”  Tara presses her face into the gentle caress, having to smile at the mercurial switches of her lover’s disposition.  Relaxing into Faith’s arms, Tara shifts and buries her face into the strong neck.  “It’s just the fact that no one’s ever loved you, Faith.  One moment I feel such sadness for the fact you’ve never been shown love, the next I just feel this intense anger at all the people that had a chance to touch you.  To do something other than fuck you and they didn’t realize what they had.” 

 

“I didn’t give ‘em a choice.”  Faith sighs heavily.  “It ain’t their fault, Tare.  It’s my fault for being the way I am.  I’d fuck ‘em and kick ‘em outta the room after I was done.”  Faith backs away from Tara, shifting up in the bed to press her back against the headboard while pulling her knees up against her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs as she distances herself.  “I ain’t talked much about my actions in the past, Tare.  I hit on it but ain’t given ya’ a lot of details.  I shoulda told ya’ before askin’ ya’ to move in and havin’ sex with ya’.”  Faith admits, feeling like shit for what she’d done. 

 

“Faith, love.”  Tara shifts to sit beside Faith, hesitantly reaching out for Faith’s shoulder, pulling her hand back as Faith flinches.  “You may not have given me details, which you don’t have to if you don’t want to.  But you did explain the basics of your life and the things that happened to you.  Do you want to tell me that you’ve fucked two hundred people?  Tell me.  I don’t care if you’ve only had two partners or two thousand.  The only thing I care about is that you’re here with me now.  And, I have to tell you I don’t share.  This isn’t up for discussion.  I’ll be true to you, never cheat on you, and I expect the same back.  This isn’t an ultimatum that I’m getting ready to tell you, but a promise.  If you cheat on me, all you’ll see is my back walking away.  No matter how much I love you, I won’t be able to deal with the betrayal.”

 

Faith turns her head to look at Tara, the serious look on the woman’s face along with her tone of voice letting her know that she was serious with everything she was saying.  “I don’t wanna fuck up our relationship.  But I am a fuck up, Tare.  You know what my life was like.  I don’t plan on hurtin’ ya’ in any way.  I won’t cheat on ya’.  That I can promise with everythin’ I am.”   

 

“Do you want to discuss your previous relationships?”  Tara questions hesitantly, reaching out for the slayer again, sighing quietly in relief as Faith doesn’t shift away.  Gently rubbing the strong shoulder Tara smiles softly at her lover.

 

Faith quirks her lips at the Wiccan.  “Wanna talk about your past relationships?”

 

“Sure.”  Tara nods, shifting a little closer to Faith, stretching her legs out in front of her crossing the right leg over the left as she gets comfortable.  “Where would you like me to start?  Start with Willow and work my way back or start at the beginning and end with Willow?” 

 

Faith blinks in surprise at Tara, before chuckling.  “You’re willin’ to have this conversation naked and in bed?”

 

“Sure.  Why not?  Wearing clothes and sitting on the couch doesn’t change what happened.”  Tara explains softly.  “Plus if it gets too bad, maybe we can distract each other.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows at her lover, smiling as Faith laughs quietly. 

 

“’Kay.  Let me get us somethin’ to drink.”  Faith relaxes her arms from around her legs, turning her head and upper body to kiss Tara quickly. “Water?”

 

“That’s fine.”  Tara smiles as Faith hops out of the bed to jog over to the refrigerator.  Shaking her head at the slayer’s firm body, Tara closes her eyes at the shot of arousal coursing through her already.  “Talk, Tara.  Talk.”  Tara mumbles quietly to herself.

 

Faith smirks as she glances over at Tara at the Wiccan’s mumbled words before grabbing the waters out of the refrigerator

 

***

 

Chapter 12

 

Tara smiles softly at her lover as she explains everything from how she and Willow had met at the Wicca Group meeting, to running from the Gentlemen, through her mind being sucked by the Hell God, Glory, through their final split after the big forget spell and Willow’s eventual leaving for England to get her magic under control. 

 

“You don’t hafta answer, but what was your guys’ sex life like?”  Faith questions curiously, surprised when Tara had shifted in the bed, insisting on Faith lying down with her head in her lap while she gently ran her fingers through her hair.  Coming to the conclusion that it was as much of a soothing gesture for the Wiccan as it was for the person she was stroking.

 

Tara sighs quietly as she tilts her head.  “It was soft, gentle and satisfying.  We were more into the soft brushing of lips and gentle touching.  We were probably what most people believe lesbian couples are like.”  Tara shrugs, chuckling quietly at the thought.  “All gentleness and hardly any public displays of affection.  We were just comfortable enough in front of the Scoobies at the end of our relationship where we would lightly brush our lips against each other and hold hands.  You know, all proper and that.”

 

“Do ya’ prefer the softness and gentleness?”  Faith questions hesitantly, knowing that it would be hard for her not to touch the Wiccan firmly and pretty much invade her mouth and body with kisses and touches. 

 

Tara frowns as she slowly shakes her head.  “It isn’t so much a preference, Faith.  It’s what our particular relationship was…”  Looking down at Faith, she sees the confusion on the slayer’s face.  “That was right for mine and Willow’s relationship.  Maybe if I explain about one of my other relationships it might make more sense.” 

 

Faith nods her head for the Wiccan to go on, her mind completely locked on listening and hearing everything the Wiccan is saying, along with understanding what she’s trying to say.

 

“My first relationship was when I was a senior in high school.  It was more of an experimentation of fumbling touches and kisses.  I loved the girl, but I was never in love with her.”  Tara explains, smiling quickly.  “My second relationship was when I came to Sunnydale before my freshman year.  I was renting a little apartment above a garage from this older lady that just wanted the company, more than anything.  Anyway, I was working at the grocery store and this absolutely breathtaking older blonde walked in.  I stuttered and blushed through checking her out.  She just smiled and thanked me, a knowing gleam in her eye.”  Tara smiles softly in remembrance.  “When I finished my shift, I was surprised to see her leaning against a blue convertible.  We ended up talking and she finally admitted she was in town visiting her family before heading overseas for a new job.” 

 

Faith blinks in surprise, realizing that Tara had done something that probably was extremely odd for her, by having sex without loving the person she was with.  “Go on.”  Faith whispers softly.

 

Tara allows a small smile to cross her face at her lover.  “We went out, talking and getting to know each other for a couple days before I went back with her to her hotel room.  She explained to me that she enjoyed playing a little on the rough side, but that she wouldn’t force me into that if I wasn’t interested.  Needless to say I was kind of shocked and stunned, but we talked some more and I was comfortable enough with her to trust her to stop if things became too much.  Plus I could tell she didn’t really want to hurt me.”  Tara shrugs her eyes soft in remembrance.  “She was also my first foray into adult toys.  We experimented a lot, though my pain threshold wasn’t very high, we found a comfortableness in the time we were together of what I could handle…  It seems I was better at dishing it out than taking it.”  Tara admits, blushing deeply.  “She enjoyed receiving as well as giving and after we found out that my tendencies leaned more to being a Dom, we experimented more with it.  But kisses and sex were known to become rough on both sides.”

 

Faith watches as Tara’s hand lifts to brush over her lips in obvious remembrance.  “I didn’t think ya’ was one for sex just for sex, ya’ know?”

 

“I’m normally not.”  Tara admits, blushing as she looks down into surprised brown orbs.  “There was something about her that struck a chord inside me.  It might have been we were like souls in a way, but not meant for each other.  Kind of like two ships passing in the night.”  Tara shrugs, chuckling.  “That relationship, what there was of it, over the weeks we were together was right for us.  We weren’t meant to be together forever, but just for a short time.  She showed me something about myself that I probably would have never known.  And that relationship was right for us.”  Tara explains the point, her eyes looking seriously into Faith’s eyes.  “As is what our relationship is.  It will be right for us, whether we’re soft and gentle, rough and tumble or a combination.”

 

Faith finally nods in understanding.  “I think I understand what you’re sayin’.  We gotta take each relationship as it is.  No two are the same, right?”

 

“Right.  Why couldn’t I say it that way?”  Tara chuckles at the extremely simple and right on comment of her lover.

 

Faith smiles at her lover, feeling a lot more relaxed as she realizes that Tara isn’t quite all sweetness and innocence like her appearance makes people believe.  “I told ya’ about my younger days, and being raped by my mom’s boyfriend and the shit that transpired from there.”

 

Tara feels herself becoming angry again at the thought of Faith’s mom not believing her and beating her for lying.  As she feels Faith stroke gently over her forehead, soothing her furrowed brows, Tara blushes and looks down at Faith.  “Sorry, love.  I…”  Shaking her head, she smiles sadly at Faith. “Go ahead.”

 

Faith sees the look in Tara’s eyes, remembering that Tara had looked the same way when she’d told her about her mother’s reaction when she’d told her what happened.  Sighing quietly, Faith slowly continues on with her story.  “I would fuck someone just for some food or a place to sleep at night while I was in Boston before my Watcher found me.  I was just starting to trust her when Kakistos showed up, torturing her in front of me before literally ripping her apart.  I hitchhiked and rode railway cars across the country ‘til I finally ended up here. I didn’t have no ID, or any money, so I went back to the same ol’ thing.  Hitting up Johns for cash, even picked a few pockets, ate from the trash cans.”  Faith shrugs at the admittance.  “I did what I thought I had to do.  Half the time I’d go out slaying, then hit the Bronze for some dancing before dragging someone out of there to fuck in the alley, or if I wanted a little more time and privacy I brought them back to the motel.  I usually hooked up with guys.  I’d pretty much just shake my ass or chest at ‘em and I had ‘em hooked.”  Faith looks down, feeling ashamed.  “I don’t know how many people I fucked, Tare.  Your guess of two hundred might be pretty much right on, but I don’t know for sure.” 

 

Tara gently runs her fingers over Faith’s face, seeing the pain, shame and self-disgust there.  “That’s all you knew, Faith.  I can’t fault you for surviving and doing what you had to do.”

 

“I didn’t have to fuck all them people, Tare.  I wanted to!  I saw something I wanted and I went after it.  I didn’t care who or what it was.  Hell, I even hit on B, trying to get in her pants.  I thought it would be a rush to go against someone that was as strong, if not stronger than me.  That woulda’ been a helluva ride.”  Faith shrugs at the admittance.  “Don’t think she ever really knew I was hittin’ on her, or at least she never let on that she knew.  Somethin’ I should let ya’ know.  I was tested while I was in jail, it came back negative, and I ain’t been with anyone in two years before tonight.  You ain’t gotta worry about catchin’ anythin’.” 

 

Tara smiles sadly down at the slayer.  “That honestly didn’t even worry me.  I remember reading on one of my papers I had to do that all inmates are tested regularly for AIDS, and other STD’s.  I know you probably would have stayed as far away from me as possible if you were positive for anything.” 

 

Faith nods silently in agreement, turning on her side and burying her face in Tara’s stomach.  “I wish I could be a better person for ya’.”  Faith mumbles into Tara’s flesh, wrapping her arms tightly around the Wiccan.

 

Tara feels the tears coming to her eyes at the softly spoken words.  “But you’re the person I’ve fallen in love with, Faith.  The person that’s gone through hell and done some seriously bad things and had some even worse things done to her, that’s the Faith I know and love.  That’s the one that’s lying here with me right now.  That’s the one I want.”  Tara whispers gently, smiling as Faith looks up at her. 

 

“I don’t know how or why, but I got somebody to thank for you bein’ here.”  Faith leans up to kiss Tara softly, shifting her body around to straddle Tara and kiss her more hungrily and firmly.  “I’ll always try to do right by ya’.  My solemn promise.”  Faith whispers as she releases Tara’s lips, slowly kissing her way down Tara’s neck, smiling at the deep moans she’s pulling from Tara.

 

Tara growls quietly as Faith latches onto her pulse point sucking the flesh strongly even as her hands are cupping and kneading her breasts.  Dragging her hands down Faith’s back, Tara moans as Faith’s lower body bucks against hers, feeling the heat and dampness coming from her lover.  Wanting to roll the woman over and bury herself inside her, Tara fights against her desire, knowing that Faith needs that feeling of being in control by being on top. Tara silently plans on changing that by loving the slayer and teaching her that she isn’t giving up control by letting someone else take the lead, but knowing in her heart that it’s going to take a long time, possibly even years to reverse the damage that had been done to her. 

 

Faith moans loudly as Tara’s hand slides around to cup her heat, the Wiccan’s strong fingers stroking through her wetness and circling her aching clit. 

 

“Faith?”  Tara questions hoarsely lifting the slayer’s face from where she’d dropped her head onto her shoulder.

 

“Yeah?”  Faith groans, rocking her body against the fingers rubbing her gently.

 

“I want to taste you.”  Tara whispers, placing a hot, wet kiss on Faith’s lips before nipping gently at the full, bow-shaped bottom lip of her lover. 

 

“I was gonna… Jesus!”  Faith growls loudly as Tara squeezes her swollen clit, making her jerk and almost cum right then.  “Fuck me!  Do that again, and I’ll cum.”  Faith warns, crying out as Tara quickly swirls her fingers around the swollen muscle before squeezing her clit even harder, making her jerk and cum, her body shaking with the release. 

 

Tara nuzzles against Faith’s ear, as the woman pants heavily against her, her body shaking and rocking firmly against her fingers stroking gently over her.  “Can I taste you now?”

 

Faith blinks as she tries to remember what she was going to do to Tara.  Whimpering quietly for a few minutes Faith finally reaches down to pull the distracting hand away from her body.  Lifting the hand, she shows it to Tara.  “There ya’ go.  I’ve got some pleasing of my own I wanna do.”  Faith smirks before shifting, gently pulling Tara down on the bed and spreading Tara’s legs, pushing them up to open the Wiccan to her.  Sliding her hands under Tara’s ass, Faith clenches the flesh before going straight to suckling at the Wiccan’s clit, letting her fingers tease the crack of Tara’s ass, growling quietly as Tara cries out and jerks as she quickly tips her over the edge.  Slowing down, Faith learns the Wiccan’s body with her lips and tongue, delving into the dips, valleys and caverns. 

 

Tara whimpers and cries out quietly as Faith continues to practically use her whole face against her center, feeling the slayer’s strong, wet tongue dragging slowly up her body to teeth nibbling on her outer and inner lips, to Faith suckling on the flesh she comes into contact with.  When Faith’s tongue dips down further, stroking teasingly around her rosebud, Tara jerks and cries out the slayer’s name as she climaxes.

 

Faith groans loudly as she laps up the fluid coming from Tara, smiling at the thought of the barely there caresses against Tara’s sphincter muscle was obviously enough to make the woman cum.  Turning her head and kissing the inner thigh of her lover, Faith nips firmly, chuckling as Tara jerks calling out her name.  Slowly working her way up the Wiccan’s body, Faith wiggles her lower body so she’s snug against Tara.  Propping her upper body up with her arms, Faith looks down into the sated gaze of her lover.  “I think I got some experimentin’ to do.”

 

Tara chuckles softly, dragging her hands over Faith’s back to grasp her shoulders urging her down against her body sighing happily as their breasts press against each other.

 

“I probably weigh too much to lie on ya’ like this.”  Faith mumbles, burying her face in Tara’s neck, surprised at the comfort she feels being this close to the woman, not having the urge to roll away and put some distance between them. 

 

“You’re fine.”  Tara whispers, her voice rough.  Closing her eyes, Tara runs her fingers gently over the slayer’s back, enjoying the closeness Faith is allowing her. 

 

Pressing a firm kiss against Tara’s neck, Faith inhales deeply, smiling at the smell of sex.  “We smell good together.”  Faith whispers.

 

“I think we’re good together, period.”  Tara softly states, kneading Faith’s back a little firmer where she feels a tense muscle, smiling as it finally loosens after a few minutes.

 

“Hmmm.  Feels good.”  Faith hums appreciatively as Tara starts working her hands over her whole back. 

 

“I could do a better job, if you want me to.”  Tara offers as she tilts her head and kisses Faith’s temple. 

 

“Don’t wanna move.”  Faith admits.  “Are you gonna be able to deal with my attitude?  I’m not a very nice person, Tare.  I can’t guarantee I won’t be a bitch, and I don’t really play well with others.  You know I like being in charge.”

 

Tara hesitates a second, before continuing her kneading and scratching of the slayer’s back as she considers the woman’s words.  “How do you…”  Tara sighs, not knowing how to phrase what she wants to say.  “What do you think about the past month, Faith?  The way you acted?”

 

Faith shrugs.  “I was being myself, why?”

 

“Talking, doing things to help people out, flirting and teasing me…”  Tara trails off softly.  “That was being yourself, and I think you’ve been a pretty nice person the past month.  Not that you haven’t gotten an attitude, but no worse than the rest of us.”

 

Faith snorts at Tara’s words.  “Tare, you’ve been sweet, kind and understandin’.  You ain’t bitched at me once, how do you figure I haven’t been no worse than the rest of ya’?”

 

“I haven’t heard you bitch at any of us either, Faith.”  Tara explains as she shifts her head so she can look into Faith’s eyes.  “I think you’re putting yourself down too much, love.  You aren’t giving yourself the credit you’re due.  You’ve been extremely helpful, going out of your way to be accommodating.  Other than your taking the majority of the demons while out on patrol and pissing Buffy off, I’d say you’ve come a long way from the young woman that was in Sunnydale before.”

 

Faith searches the open, sincere blue eyes staring at her, seeing honesty there. 

 

“Was it someone else that took the patrol three nights in a row by herself while Buffy stayed home with Dawn when she had the mumps?”  Tara runs her hand over Faith’s cheek.  “And don’t try to tell me you weren’t the mysterious benefactor that helped Buffy catch up on her bills and to leave enough left over for her to get the roof fixed.  I don’t believe that damn inheritance letter from a distant relative and check that showed up in the mail.”

 

Faith blushes and looks away, her guilt obvious.  “It ain’t right. She wouldn’t accept my help.  I couldn’t stand seeing her trying to catch the bills up like that while I’m sitting here with more money than I can spend in my lifetime.”  Faith whispers.  “I would have given her more, if I woulda thought I could get by with it.”

 

“So, even with all that, you still want to put yourself down.  You’re a more caring and giving person than you want to admit, Faith.  You just see it as something that you need to do, but you are doing it because you care.”  Tara wraps her arms around Faith, hugging her tightly.  “I’m going to make you realize sooner or later that you’re basically a kind, loving woman, Faith.  With an attitude that I have to admit, I kind of like.”  Tara chuckles as Faith snorts. 

 

“You like my attitude?”  Faith questions as she shifts slightly to lie more beside Tara instead of completely on her, running her hand down Tara’s body in little circular motions.

 

“Yes, I like your attitude.  It’s part of who you are.  Your rough exterior, blunt way of telling it like it is…  It’s you, Faith.  I don’t want to change you, love.  I just want to show you the love you deserve and make you realize you’re not a bad person.”  Tara admits softly tilting her head to look at Faith. 

 

“You may be bitin’ off more than you can chew.”  Faith whispers, knowing her guilt and self-hatred runs deep, though Tara’s been slowly chipping away at her since she’d been released from jail and came to Sunnydale. 

 

“I’ll be the judge of that.”  Tara strokes her finger gently over Faith’s cheek, dipping into the slight indention that becomes one of a set of gorgeous, deep dimples when the slayer smiles.  “You’re a beautiful woman, Faith.  Inside and out.  It’s just something that no one’s told you, and I’m going to remedy that fact.” 

 

Faith inhales deeply before kissing Tara gently.  “I care for ya’, you know?”  Faith whispers softly against Tara’s lips before kissing her more deeply.

 

Tara feels the tears coming to her eyes, knowing that’s the closest the slayer’s come to saying she loves her, though her eyes and actions show her that the slayer loves her.  Returning the kiss, Tara slowly swirls her tongue within the slayer’s mouth, wrapping her tongue around Faith’s and stroking softly over the muscle for long minutes, until they break apart groaning as the phone rings. 

 

Tara growls and looks over at the nightstand, reaching for the phone, she chuckles.  “It’s Buffy.”

 

“Probably wantin’ to know where I wanna meet up for patrol.”  Faith admits quietly, burying her face in Tara’s neck. 

 

Tara chuckles quietly and flips the phone open.  “Hello, Buffy.”

 

Buffy blinks and pulls the phone away from her ear to make sure she dialed the right speed dial number.  “I did dial Faith, right?”

 

“Yes, you did.  What do you need, sweetie?”  Tara chuckles softly at the confused note in Buffy’s voice. 

 

“Ummm…  I was wanting to see if Faith wanted to meet up outside the Espresso Pump, maybe pick up a Mocha before patrol.”  Buffy frowns heavily.  “Why are you answering her phone?”

 

“Because I was closest to it.”  Tara starts laughing as Faith nips playfully on her neck.  “Is it okay if I join you two on patrol?”  Tara questions looking at Faith while speaking to Buffy. 

 

Faith nods her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she slides down Tara’s body, wrapping her lips around Tara’s nipple and sucking firmly.  Snorting back a laugh as Tara whimpers loudly.

 

“Are you okay?”  Buffy tilts her head as she hears Tara whimper, and swears she hears a snort of laughter in the background.  As she hears the phone being covered by a hand and a muffled ‘Faith behave!’ coming from Tara, Buffy’s eyes open wide in realization. 

 

“Sorry, Buffy.  We can meet up outside the Espresso Pump.  How does an hour from now sound?”  Tara bites her lip to keep from moaning again as Faith’s fingers trail down her body to play teasingly over her outer lips. 

 

Scratching her head, Buffy swallows hard.  “Would you two rather not go on patrol?” 

 

“FAITH!”  Tara cries out as Faith slides three fingers within her and starts to stroke firmly.  Tara drops the phone and makes a grab for Faith’s hand.

 

“Uh, uh.  Mine.”  Faith smirks before grabbing the dropped phone.  “We’ll meet ya’, but let’s make it in two hours.”  Faith disconnects the phone before tossing it off the bed.  Straddling Tara’s thigh, Faith presses her clit hard against the Wiccan’s leg, rocking fast and hard even as she keeps up her stroking inside Tara, smirking down at the arching Wiccan’s body as Tara cries out her release.  “God, talk about beautiful.”  Faith growls hungrily as she leans down, capturing a breast in her mouth, sucking as much of the flesh into her mouth as she can.  Feeling her own body coiling getting ready for release, Faith nips roughly at Tara’s nipple as she grinds down hard, soaking Tara’s thigh with her release. 

 

“Sweet, Goddess.”  Tara whimpers, pulling Faith to her for a rough, invasive kiss, all teeth and tongues. 

 

Faith growls into the rough kiss, even as Tara finally eases back, capturing her bottom lip between her teeth and biting firmly.  Feeling the sharp pain, Faith knows that Tara’s drawn blood as she looks down into dark blue eyes.  “So you can play rough.”  Faith crashes their lips together again while shifting her hand away from Tara and sliding her body between the Wiccan’s legs, rubbing their swollen mounds against each other, grinding their clits together in a rough rocking motion.  

 

Tara grasps Faith’s ass in her hands, clenching roughly as she pushes hard against Faith, groaning at the pleasurable pain of her sensitized clit, as she feels another orgasm being ripped from her body at the slayer’s ministrations.  Moaning in pleasure as she feels Faith jerk and cum seconds after her, their juices mingling together as Faith finally breaks the kiss off and collapses on top of her.  Kneading the strong butt cheeks that are clenching and unclenching, Tara smiles at the sweat soaked slayer, realizing she isn’t much better than Faith. 

 

“Jesus, I don’t think I’ve cum this many times in one night before.”  Faith admits as she eases her body off Tara’s before collapsing on her back beside the Wiccan.  “At least not where my clit is begging for a break.”

 

Tara chuckles hoarsely, turning on her side to look at Faith.  “Yours and mine, both.”  Tara places her forehead against Faith’s arm, surprised when she feels Faith wiggle her arm under her and pull her in against her side.  Getting comfortable, Tara places her head on top of Faith’s chest while throwing a leg over the strong thighs and lets her hand play gently over Faith’s abdomen, following the defined muscles.

 

Breathing deeply to get control of her racing heart, Faith stares up at the ceiling.  “Is it always like this with someone you care about?”  Faith whispers softly. 

 

“It’s different with each person, love.  But when you care for someone, it usually gets better with time as you learn what your partner likes and enjoys.  Finding out what causes which reactions.  Becoming more comfortable with the person and being open to new experiences helps, also.”  Tara explains softly. 

 

“Gets much better, my head might explode.”  Faith admits quietly, admitting to herself and Tara that this is definitely the best sex she’s had.  Faith realizes her heart’s saying it’s more than sex, but not wanting to hear it just yet, Faith ignores that small voice. 

 

“We probably need to shower.”  Tara smiles as Faith chuckles loudly. 

 

“Ya’ think?”  Faith looks down at Tara as Tara looks up at her.  “That might be a dead give-away to B, if we don’t.” 

 

“Slayer senses are that sensitive?”  Tara questions curiously.

 

“Babe… even without slayer senses, we reek of sex.”  Faith rolls over onto Tara, kissing her firmly.  “My shower ain’t the biggest, do you wanna go first?”

 

“Why don’t you go, I’ll fix you some sandwiches to eat while you’re showering.”  Tara offers, smiling up at the happy slayer looking down at her. 

 

“You don’t hafta wait on me, babe.”  Faith looks intently down at Tara, taking in the flushed face, the sparkling eyes and the kiss swollen lips. 

 

“I know, but it isn’t that big of a deal, love.”  Tara lifts her hand and gently strokes Faith’s cheek.  “Go shower before I decide to start this whole thing again.”

 

Faith chuckles wickedly.  “And was that supposed to be a deterrent?”  Faith rocks her hips gently against Tara’s, smirking as Tara groans quietly and presses back against her.  “Shower.”  Faith growls kissing Tara briefly before hopping off the woman knowing if she doesn’t get away from her, they wouldn’t be going out on patrol tonight.

 

Tara grabs the pillow under her head, yanking it out and covering her face.  “Goddess, she’s going to turn me into a sex crazed Wiccan.”  Tara mumbles into the pillow, before tossing it to the side.  Rolling out of the bed, Tara looks at the mussed sheets, chuckling at the smell of sex.  “She’s right, we do reek of sex.”  Leaving the bed as it is Tara strides to the refrigerator and grabs out sandwich fixings for her lover.

 

***

 

Chapter 13

 

Buffy leans against the outside of the Espresso Pump, watching as Faith and Tara slowly make their way towards her, the two women talking softly as their body’s brush against each other.  It takes her a few minutes to realize that Faith has her arm slung over Tara’s shoulder and Tara’s arm is around Faith’s waist.  Not knowing whether to yell and jump for joy or be jealous of the two women finally coming together, Buffy groans quietly.  “Someone for me that loves me for who I am is that asking too much?”  Buffy whispers to herself, shaking off her melancholy. 

 

“Hey, B.”  Faith nods at Buffy, smirking as Buffy growls quietly at her. 

 

“I just have one thing to say… Do NOT do whatever it was you were doing to Tara while I’m on the phone again!  Got it?”  Buffy smacks Faith on the shoulder before turning to walk into the coffee shop.

 

Faith smirks and swaggers slightly as she follows Buffy in, biting back a yelp as a firm hand smacks her on the ass.  Turning her head she looks over her shoulder at Tara.

 

“I second that.”  Tara warns, waggling her finger in front of her lover’s nose. 

 

Faith chuckles wickedly, turning around to face Tara in the doorway, leaning in to kiss her deeply.  “’Kay.  I won’t do that again while you’re on the phone to her.”  Faith smirks as she spins around to place an order for her and Tara, her mind already working overtime on what she could do instead.

 

Tara narrows her gaze on her lover, knowing the slayer caved too easily. 

 

“Does this mean I might actually be able to do something tonight?”  Buffy questions as she pays for her drink, chuckling as she looks at Tara, seeing the huge hickey on the side of her neck.  Curiously Buffy looks over the rest of her neck, seeing lighter little red marks along the flesh.  “You should try feeding Faith occasionally she might stop trying to devour you.”  Buffy points out. 

 

Tara blushes darkly at Buffy’s comment and before she can stop her Faith opens her mouth with a comeback.

 

“She likes being devoured, B.  And I mean, really, really likes it.”  Faith grins lasciviously at Tara, her eyes roaming over the Wiccan’s body. 

 

“TMI!”  Buffy groans, covering her ears with her hands.  “Don’t want to hear about your sex lives.  That’s something I can definitely live without.  So when is Tara going to move out of the hole she’s living in and move in with you, Faith?”

 

“Already moved her this afternoon.”  Faith admits, paying for her and Tara’s drinks before smirking at the wide-eyed boy who took their orders. 

 

“Good.”  Buffy nods her head, grinning. 

 

Tara growls softly before rolling her eyes and crossing her arms over her chest.  “I’m going to end up kicking both your asses.  I just have this gut feeling.” 

 

Faith grins wickedly at the Wiccan, leaning against the counter.  “I have it under the best authority that you are good at the ass whipping… I mean, kicking.”  Faith laughs as Tara blushes and growls at her at the same time.

 

Buffy whimpers loudly as she grabs her drink and practically runs out of the coffee shop.

 

Tara taps Faith on the chest, and leans in to the dark-haired slayer.  “You’re just cruising for a bruising, aren’t you?”  When all Faith does is smirk, Tara rolls her eyes.  “I don’t know about you.”  Tara growls quietly, before turning around and walking out of the shop to wait with Buffy.

 

Faith chuckles as she watches Tara stride out of the shop, having seen the glint in Tara’s eyes, wondering if her lover was going to irritate Buffy herself, or leave it up to her to pick on the blonde slayer.

 

***

 

Tara shakes her head as she leans against the building beside Buffy, her face slightly flushed.  “Sorry, she’s like a big kid.”

 

“And you love that about her.”  Buffy murmurs softly, glancing up at the Wiccan, chuckling quietly at the quick nod she gets in response to her comment.  “When did this happen?” 

 

Tara takes a deep breath and releases it, looking up at the night sky, a soft smile on her face.  “You know we’ve been dancing around each other for a while, well the dance ended today.”

 

Buffy smiles and relaxes, seeing the light in Tara’s eyes.  “Good.  It’s about time you two did something about your mutual hornies.” Buffy chuckles as Tara whimpers quietly. 

 

Tara turns her gaze on Buffy as the slayer smirks at her.  Glancing into the window, seeing Faith pointing to something on the shelves, Tara bites back a laugh.  Turning back to Buffy, Tara narrows her gaze on the self-satisfied look on the blonde slayer’s face.  Leaning in conspiratorially against Buffy, Tara whispers in Buffy’s ear quickly.  “She’s a wild woman in the sack, Buffy.  The things she does would make your toes curl and they wouldn’t straighten out for a month!  Her tongue is so long…”  Tara snorts back a laugh as Buffy yells her name and bounds across the street.

 

Faith hears her lover’s named being yelled by Buffy and turns to look out the window, seeing Buffy across the street pacing back and forth with her ears covered by her hands, mumbling something, and not able to make out what.  Accepting the drinks and the bag of muffins, Faith tilts her head as she walks out of the coffee shop, finally able to hear the quiet snickering coming from her lover.  Turning her head she looks at Tara with a questioning lift of her eyebrow.

 

“Can’t let you have all the fun.”  Tara smirks, before laughing heartily and leaning against the building, tears starting to roll down her face, she’s laughing so hard. 

 

“What did you say?”  Faith questions, and shakes her head as Tara just continues to laugh and wave her hand at her.  Turning to look at Buffy, who’s standing across the street with her hands on her hips, Faith growls quietly.  “What did I miss?”

 

“You owe me a mocha!”  Buffy growls before pointing at the two women.  “And something to get these damn images out of my damn head!”  Buffy points to her head before growling at Tara as the Wiccan snorts and laughs even more. 

 

“Hours, Buffy!  Literally hours of afternoon fun.  Bet you don’t get that with the one-shot wonders!!”  Tara laughs and slowly slides down the building, landing on her ass, not knowing what’s possessing her to irritate the blonde slayer, but Goddess, does it feel good!

 

Faith groans quietly and slowly walks over to Tara, easing down on her haunches to set the muffins and mochas on the ground as she considers her lover.  “Are you teasing the hell outta B?”  As Tara smirks at her between laughter, Faith drops her head.  “Maybe I’m a bad influence on ya’.”

 

“Oh, no.  I don’t think so.”  Tara grins and wraps a hand around Faith’s neck, pulling her in the short distance to kiss her firmly and deeply, finally releasing her after a couple minutes, long enough to get both their temperatures up.  “I’m a bad enough influence on my own.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer. 

 

“Hmmm.”  Faith growls quietly, licking her lips.  “I’m startin’ to figure that out.”  Faith shakes her head to try and shake some of the desire off.  “I guess I better get B another mocha, since she’s bitchin’ to beat ninety over there.”

 

Tara chuckles as she watches Faith slowly stand and run her hands down her thighs before heading back into the Espresso Pump.  Looking across the street at Buffy, Tara bites her lip, flushing brightly at what she’d said to the slayer.  “If I promise to behave, are you going to come back over here?”

 

Buffy growls as she continues standing with her hands on her hips, narrowing her gaze on the Wiccan. 

 

“I promise, no more words about sex will cross my lips.”  Tara crosses her heart and grins crookedly at the slayer.  “Come on, Buffy.  Get your ass over here.”

 

Buffy throws her hands up in the air, checking for traffic, before finally trotting across the street to gently toe Tara’s feet.  “You’re going to get yours!”  Buffy warns.

 

“Already did, multiples in fact.”  Tara smirks and yelps as Buffy leans down to pinch her on the leg.  “I can’t help it!!  You left it wide open.”

 

“You promised!”  Buffy smacks half-heartedly at the Wiccan, finally turning away from the woman, because she can’t fight the smile anymore, having to admit that she likes the playful side of the Wiccan. 

 

“Here ya’ go, B.”  Faith hands the slayer another mocha, looking at the smiling slayer then down to her grinning lover.  “Did ya’ two kiss and make up?”

 

“She wouldn’t kiss me.  She said I had fish lips.”  Tara jokes, puckering her lips and sucking in her cheeks to make kissing noises. 

 

Buffy groans and rubs a hand over her forehead.  “What’s up with you two?  I think you’ve both lost what’s left of your marbles.”

 

“Tara don’t have no marbles.”  Faith glances downwards before looking at Tara.  “Do I have marbles?”

 

“Not that I could feel or see.”  Tara smirks as Buffy whimpers loudly.  Finally standing up, Tara grabs the drinks and the bag of food, handing one drink to Faith and shaking her head.  “Come on, let’s go do patrol.  I want to see you two in action.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows making Buffy blush darkly and Faith chuckle wickedly.

 

Buffy smacks Faith in the stomach.  “It’s your fault.  I don’t know how or why, but I’m blaming you.”

 

“B, if you knew what I now know about her, you might re-think that comment.”  Faith yelps as Tara smacks her on the ass again.  “Damn, you’re good at that.”  Faith rubs her butt, chuckling, getting ready to open her mouth again, when Tara growls low in her ear.

 

“Say it, and you’ll never benefit from my experience.”  Tara growls softly into Faith’s ear.

 

Faith smirks as Buffy’s eyes get wide.  “Ain’t gotta say nothin’ now.” 

 

Tara pales and looks at Buffy.  “I didn’t know your hearing was that sensitive.”

 

Faith wraps an arm around Tara’s waist, gently pulling her in against her.  “Oh, yeah.  Slayer hearing is up there, babe.  With a lot of other senses.  Maybe I’ll let ya’ in on things I heard ya’ sayin’ before, if you’re good.”

 

Tara groans deeply and buries her face in Faith’s neck, whimpering quietly.  “What did I do or say?”

 

“All kindsa neat little things.  I especially like to remember the comment you made when you fixed me up in B’s bathroom when I first came here.”  Faith chuckles and hugs Tara one armed. 

 

“Maybe you two should go back home.  I think I’ll get more done doing a patrol on my own.”  Buffy grumbles quietly, shaking her head. 

 

“Nah.  We’ll come with you to keep ya’ company, B.  I’ll even let ya’ do some of the slayin’ tonight.”  Faith pats Tara gently on the butt.  “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”

 

Tara tries to remember what she said as Faith and Buffy talk, the three women walking towards the nearest cemetery.  Remembering Faith joking with her and calling her mom, she’d retaliated something about she definitely wasn’t her mother.  Tara tilts her head as she thinks for a few more minutes, blushing as she finally remembers what she said.  “You heard me say that I was feeling…” 

 

Faith quirks an eyebrow at Tara and nods her head, smirking. 

 

“What else have I said that you heard?”  Tara questions, her eyes narrowed on Faith.

 

“Probably a lot of shit.”  Faith shrugs, and grins.  “Do we even wanna get into the slayer sense of smell?”

 

Tara whimpers loudly and runs a hand through her hair.  “Don’t tell me.”

 

“Yep.  Every time I’d brush against ya’, or make some kinda sexy comment.”  Faith wiggles her eyebrows before tossing away her empty coffee cup, having pretty much chugged it a few minutes ago.

 

“Will you two stop?”  Buffy grumbles, rolling her eyes. 

 

“Why did you never tell me?”  Tara smacks Buffy on the arm, frowning at the blonde slayer.

 

“What?  You knew slayer senses were a lot better than everyone else’s.  It isn’t my fault you didn’t think it through!”  Buffy finishes her coffee and throws it into another trashcan as they enter the cemetery.

 

“What have you overheard?”  Tara looks from one woman to the other, narrowing her gaze as they both laugh, but don’t offer any more information.  “Damn slayers.”  Tara grumbles, pouting as she settles against a statue as the two slayers shift to stand by two new graves.  Watching as Faith slowly turns around in a circle as if looking for something while Buffy’s eyes search behind the other slayer.  Preparing a couple spells that can be cast in a seconds notice, Tara straightens and moves closer to the two women while keeping her eyes open.

 

“Be careful.”  Faith whispers, her slayer senses ratcheting up, knowing there’re more than a couple vampires out there. 

 

“Move away from the two about to come up, I’ll take care of them while you take care of the ones coming this way.”  Tara nods her head to the two groups of vampires coming from opposite areas of the cemetery.

 

Faith turns to look intently at Tara.  “Don’t get fuckin’ hurt.  I’ll kick your ass if ya’ do.”  Faith warns softly.

 

Tara smiles softly at her lover.  “I won’t, consider the same said back.”  Tara watches as Buffy and Faith walk closer to each group of vampires.  Quickly gathering a small handful of herbs out of her fanny pack, she sprinkles the mixture around one of the graves, whispering an incantation to hold that vampire while turning and preparing a fireball spell to throw at the other vampire, wanting to keep the majority of her magic available in case either Buffy or Faith needs help fighting the vampires heading quickly towards them.

 

Faith growls as she looks over the group of vampires heading her way, silently counting ten of them, before whispering softly.  “How many, B?”

 

Buffy counts hers and sighs softly.  “Even dozen.  Looks like there’s plenty enough for both of us.  Going to have to figure out what the hell is going on here soon.”  Buffy admits as she pulls out her short sword in her right hand and a stake in her left, preparing on fighting them as quickly as she can.

 

Faith pulls out two stakes as she quickly closes the distance between her and the vampires, wanting to keep them from getting too close to Tara.  Growling deeply she runs the last little bit and launches herself into the lead vampires, quickly staking two of them while kicking another one down to the ground, quickly immersing herself in the fight.  The only thought in her head is to kill the vampires before they can hurt Tara.

 

Tara nibbles nervously on her bottom lip as she throws the fireball at the one vampire as he partially comes up from the grave, dusting him quickly before turning to the other grave and the pissed vampire in the invisible cage, wincing as she pulls a stake and dusts him quickly. 

 

Looking around quickly, Tara does another sweep to see who needs her help more, frowning at the sight of Faith literally ripping into her vampires with no regards to being hurt, wincing as the slayer takes a fist to the ribs.  Watching as Faith snarls and grabs the vampire that hit her, literally tossing him at two other vampires, Tara shakes her head.  Realizing that her lover is okay, she turns back to Buffy, preparing a set of fireballs and sending them to two of the vampires on the outer edge, furthest away from Buffy. 

 

“Thanks!”  Buffy yells as she jumps up over the top of one vampire, landing behind him, staking him in the back before doing a quick spin kick, knocking another vampire out. 

 

Tara turns back to Faith after realizing Buffy seems to have her vampires under control for the time being.  Growling quietly under her breath as she sees a large vampire, along with a couple others trying to come up behind her lover, without even thinking she whispers the incantation and throws the fireball towards the vampire, her anger fueling the spell.  Blinking in surprise as the fireball grows and takes out all the vampires trying to sneak up on her lover, she turns stunned eyes to Faith who looks quickly over her shoulder at her.

 

Faith feels the heat of the fireball spell, turning to look behind her as she sees four vampires go up in flames, her eyes flickering quickly to look at her stunned lover.  Grinning at Tara, Faith turns back to finish with the last three vampires she’s fighting. 

 

Tara looks back towards Buffy, sighing in relief as the slayer is down to two and seems to be just enjoying trading blows with them for now.  Settling on top of a tombstone after double-checking the graveyard, Tara thinks about what she’d done.  Knowing that she wasn’t in danger of anything happening, but never having used anger to fuel her spells, though the thought of something happening to Faith obviously put her protective instincts to the forefront and tapped into a before unused power within her. 

 

Faith finishes off the last vampire, wiping the blood from her cheek where one of the vampires had been wearing a ring and cut her.  Turning around and quickly surveying the cemetery, she strides towards her quiet lover.  Stopping in front of Tara, Faith lifts her chin and looks intently into her eyes.  “You okay, babe?” 

 

Tara smiles at the hoarsely asked question, her lover bruised and cut making sure she’s okay.  “I’m fine.  You’re the one that’s looking a little worse for the wear.”  Tara gently traces her finger over the cut, sighing quietly. 

 

“Nothin’ that won’t heal by tomorrow.”  Faith shrugs, grinning.  “Thanks for the fireworks, by the way.”

 

“Surprised myself on that one.”  Tara allows a quick smile to cross her face, before whimpering as Faith pounces, pulling her in for a heated, demanding kiss.

 

“Jeez, why don’t you two get a room?”  Buffy growls loudly, her eyes opening wide as Faith picks Tara up, grasping her ass cheeks even as Tara wraps her legs around the slayer’s waist.  “REALLY, get a room!”  Buffy turns her back quickly on the two women as Faith’s hands shift to where they’re not just in contact with Tara’s butt anymore. 

 

Faith finally ends the kiss, but leaves her fingers pressing into Tara’s flesh, one of the digits stroking firmly back and forth along the seam of the jeans at her lover’s center, grinning wickedly at the flushed, desire filled look she’s getting from Tara.

 

Tara blinks, her body rocking slightly at her lover’s firm touch, it taking a few minutes for her to realize where they are and exactly what they’re doing.  When she focuses in on Buffy’s back, Tara squeaks and smacks Faith on the shoulder.  “Stop that!” 

 

“What?  You never said we couldn’t play elsewhere.”  Faith chuckles as Tara blushes darkly. 

 

“No, I didn’t.  But I wasn’t planning on doing something in front of Buffy!”  Tara hisses quietly, gently smacking Faith on the shoulder again.  “Put me down!”

 

“Ain’t no fun.”  Faith laughs as she slowly lowers Tara back to her feet, getting one good feel in before releasing her lover completely. 

 

“Goddess!  You’re enough to either drive me insane, which I would prefer not to go that route again, or make me turn into a horny Wiccan.”  Tara grumbles, straightening her clothes while gently trying to tug her jeans away from her body, so they don’t rub up against her sensitized clit.

 

“Good.  That way I ain’t the only horny one.”  Faith smirks and skips away from Tara’s hand that half-heartedly takes a swing at her shoulder again.  “Come on, let’s see if there’re any other demons to be had around here.”

 

Buffy cautiously looks behind her, sighing as Tara and Faith make their way towards her, a couple feet between the two women.  Deciding not to make any comments on their actions, she turns and heads towards the front of the cemetery.  “I have a feeling we’re going to need to do a thorough sweep of the town, including the warehouses and sewer systems.  There has to be someone gathering the vampires, they don’t normally attack in these bigger groups, and it’s happened twice now.”

 

“Yeah, and if either of us had been by ourselves…”  Faith trails off, frowning as she realizes that either of them could have been killed.  “Do ya’ think they’re tryin’ to take us out, B?”

 

“Would be my best guess.”  Buffy admits quietly, sighing at the thought.  “We need to find out who’s behind it and get to either him or her.”

 

“I could do a locator spell to find out where all the more powerful demons are.”  Tara offers quietly, looking at the two women.  “The only thing is, the spell I found will only target the powerful ones, if they have a hundred minions, you won’t know by it.”

 

“Do we need to stop at the Magic Box tomorrow to pick up some stuff to do it?”  Faith questions curiously, glancing at Tara before continuing her intense perusal of the area around them.  Not feeling anything, but some demons have been known to be able to cloak themselves from her senses.

 

“Yes.  If you want, I’ll go and pick up the items and do the spell in the morning.  Give you two a chance to discuss your strategy plan.”  Tara smiles at Buffy as the blonde nods her head quickly.

 

“Actually, it might be best to try and hit them tomorrow afternoon during the daylight.  That would be on our side if they’re vampires.”  Buffy thinks out loud, tilting her head as she considers the thought.  “Make sure we bring plenty of weapons while we’re at it.”

 

“Sounds good.”  Faith grunts out quietly, not really caring what they do or how they do it as long as they take out whoever or whatever is trying to cause them problems.

 

Tara frowns as they continue patrolling around Sunnydale, only having come across two more vampires, and newbies at that.  “I really don’t like this, guys.  Someone has to be organizing the vampires.  The first time that group came after you, was when Faith first arrived.  I doubt they knew she was here and if she hadn’t been, you could have very well ended up dead.”  Tara frowns even harder at that thought. 

 

“Again.”  Buffy rolls her eyes.  “It’s really getting old, you know?  Let’s see, there were what?  About a dozen or so vampires that time?”

 

Tara mentally counts what she can remember before nodding her head.  “I think that’s about how many there were.  If they had attacked one of you there might have been a good chance they could have taken you out, right?”  Tara looks from one slayer to the other.

 

“Yeah.  It would have been possible.”  Faith nods her head, frowning.  “I mean we’ve taken out that many before, hell, we just did.  But if you hadn’t been there to help out, one or the other of us could have been hurt or possibly worse.”

 

“Someone’s targeting us.  And now they know that we’re both here, so they’re doubling their efforts.  I don’t want to wait till next time and they send fifty of them after us.”  Buffy growls softly at the thought.  “It seemed to take them roughly four weeks between sending out the vampires after us.  So figure we have that long before it happens again.”

 

“Ain’t gonna wait that long.  Plan on going after their asses this weekend and over spring break.”  Faith growls, cracking her knuckles at the thought of someone trying to wrest control of Sunnydale from the slayers. 

 

“Maybe a little visit to Willy’s tonight wouldn’t be a bad idea?”  Buffy grins hugely as she looks over at Faith.

 

“Works for me.  While we’re there we can see if we can’t irritate whatever demons are there and knock their asses out of the game, too!”  Faith grins wickedly as Tara groans.

 

“Great.  I think you two are just going to egg each other on.”  Tara chuckles as Faith pats her firmly on the ass.

 

“Yeah, but just think about this…  You’re gonna have to deal with an extremely horny slayer when you get home.  You may not get any sleep tonight while I’m pouncing on ya’!”  Faith growls softly into Tara’s ear before licking teasingly over the earlobe, chuckling as Tara groans and tries to pinch her.

 

Buffy groans and rubs a hand over her face as she tries to ignore the two women.  “And I thought it was bad when you two weren’t together!” 

 

“Sorry, B.”  Faith snickers and practically struts beside her lover.

 

“Didn’t sound too sincere there, F.”  Buffy points out before shaking her head.  “Come on let’s go check out Willy’s.”

 

“Right there with ya’.”  Faith gently grasps Tara’s hand, smiling as the Wiccan threads their fingers together, the three women heading towards the other side of town.

 

***

 

Chapter 14

 

“Great another fucking master vampire in town.”  Faith growls angrily after they drop Buffy off at her house, Faith and Tara walking back to their apartment. 

 

“But they didn’t give us any other information than the fact that there is a Master in town, which you two had already figured out.”  Tara points out quietly, watching Faith stride quickly ahead of her before spinning around to stride past her, unable to keep up with the slayer’s ground eating pace, thankful Faith only goes so far before circling around.

 

“Babe, I gotta ask ya’.  Did you kill the bleached bastard?”  Faith finally questions, silently wondering if the asshole is the one that is trying to take them out.

 

Tara turns surprised eyes on Faith as her lover comes to a stop in front of her, looking at her intently.  Sighing quietly, Tara slowly nods her head.  “I gave him the choice to leave Sunnydale and not come back, or for me to magically remove his chip and see if he could take me.”

 

“WHAT?”  Faith screams, her eyes widening with disbelief and anger.  “You took that bastard’s chip out and gave him a shot at ya’?  Are ya’ fuckin’ nuts?”

 

“He helped out a lot, even though it was usually for his own purposes.  But I figured he deserved that much.”  Tara shrugs her shoulders and tries to smile at her angry lover.  “I’m here, he isn’t.  Enough said.”

 

“And what if he’d killed ya’?  What then?”  Faith snarls, her eyes flashing angrily even as she feels a bolt of fear shoot through her at the thought of Tara dying.

 

“He wouldn’t have made it out of the crypt alive… or undead, as the case may be.  Actually, if he turned me, I would have died also when I tried to leave the crypt.”  Tara admits softly looking at the confused look on her lover’s face.  “I placed a spell around the crypt that would have lasted a week.  If either of us had tried leaving it would have made a nice little burst of sunlight appear, dusting whichever one of us or both of us that came out.”

 

Faith stares dumbfounded at Tara, not believing the woman would go to that extent.  “But if you can do magic…”

 

“Only if I was in my normal state would I have been able to disengage the spell and reabsorb it back into myself.  If I had come out a vampire, there’s no way I would have been able to undo it.  Though I did have another plan set in motion, if I should have died.”  Tara admits quietly, remembering the phone call she’d made to LA, not telling Angel exactly what she was up to, but just the fact that if she didn’t call him back the following day, to come to Sunnydale and look for her at the crypt and to kill her.  Knowing it usually takes three days to rise from being turned.  Thankful the vampire hadn’t questioned her and just quietly promised to do as asked. 

 

Faith continues to look at her lover, silently wondering what her backup plan was, though knowing it was a moot point now.  “So help me, if you do somethin’ like that now I’ll be the one to kick your ass.”  Faith warns seriously, her eyes flashing at the thought of Tara putting herself in harms way like that. 

 

Tara holds up her hands in a show of acknowledgement and nods her head in understanding.  “Do you think I should give Buffy Spike’s chip?”

 

Faith can’t help but snort as she looks into twinkling blue eyes.  “You kept it, didn’t ya’?”

 

“Yes, I did.”  Tara grins crookedly and relaxes as she sees Faith finally let go of her anger, sighing in relief before squeaking out Faith’s name as she scoops her up in her arms and starts jogging down the street.  “What are you doing?”

 

“Takin’ you back to our apartment.  Done enough talkin’, time to get to the action part of the program.”  Faith growls, nipping playfully at Tara’s neck.  “I can’t believe you dusted his ass.”

 

“I didn’t just dust him.”  Tara admits quietly, pursing her lips at the admittance.  “He was in serious pain before I put him out of his misery.  I kind of figured a little bit of payback for what he tried to do to Buffy was in order.”

 

“Damn.  Remind me not to piss ya’ off.”  Faith murmurs, holding Tara tightly to her.  “I thought bein’ a Wiccan was one of those ‘harm none’ type things.” 

 

Tara snorts softly and lets her fingers play in Faith’s long dark hair.  “There’re clauses to everything.  If something’s already dead, how can you harm it?”  Tara comments, her eyes twinkling at the thought.  “He’s lucky I didn’t find one of those Korvakin Demon’s to use him before dusting him.”

 

Faith frowns, not knowing what that particular demon is.  Looking questioningly at Tara, she raises an eyebrow at the absolutely wicked look crossing her lover’s face.

 

“They would put a Clydesdale stallion to shame.”  Tara comments softly. 

 

Faith’s eyes widen as she stops to stare down at Tara.  “You wouldn’t have?”

 

“There wasn’t one here in Sunnydale at the time.”  Tara shrugs, knowing she had been so angry when she’d left Buffy’s house, that if the locator spell had found one for her, she would have done everything she could to have that demon wreak vengeance for Buffy on the blonde vampire. 

 

Faith swallows, realizing when angered her lover didn’t just get mad, she got downright vicious.  It takes her a few minutes to realize Tara would never react that way to another human being, but obviously demons were fair game.  Hugging Tara tightly to her, Faith strides quickly towards their apartment again. 

 

Tara buries her face in Faith’s neck, inhaling deeply of the slayer’s scent, the smell of the woman becoming like an aphrodisiac to her.  Nibbling gently on Faith’s neck, Tara grins as she receives a low groan from her lover. 

 

“Stop that shit, or I might accidentally drop ya’.”  Faith warns, her knees almost buckling as Tara’s teeth nip firmly at her pulse point. 

 

“Then you better get your ass in gear, Slayer.”  Tara warns before trailing her tongue around Faith’s pulse point, smirking as Faith takes off like a shot.

 

***

 

“This thing is too fuckin’ small.”  Faith growls as she finally sets Tara down on the floor, staring at her small shower stall.  “I wonder how much it’ll cost to have the bathroom re-done, got plenty of extra room out in the living room.  We could expand that way a few feet.”

 

Tara laughs softly at the slayer’s comments even as she starts to strip Faith of her dirty clothes so the slayer can shower.  “I wouldn’t mind a bathtub, but it isn’t a necessity.”  Tara murmurs unbuttoning and unzipping the slayer’s pants, sliding her hands inside along her hips and pushing them down as she slowly lowers herself in front of Faith.

 

“Tara…”  Faith moans softly as she feels Tara’s tongue starting to trail over the beginnings of her mound even as Tara urges her to lift her leg after she unties her boots, sliding her boots and socks off.  One hand against the wall to help support herself, Faith looks down with desire-filled eyes groaning loudly as she makes contact with dark blue eyes watching her intently even as soft hands finish pulling off her other boot and the rest of her clothes. 

 

Slowly running her hands up the strong, muscular legs, Tara nips gently on Faith’s mound before letting her lips graze the edge of the small triangle of trimmed dark curls. 

 

Breathing heavily as Tara’s tongue darts out and strokes along her outer lips, Faith whimpers.  Gently threading her free hand in Tara’s hair, Faith holds her away from going any further as she closes her eyes and tries to get control of her desire so she can talk to Tara. 

 

“Why did you stop me?”  Tara questions softly, carefully watching the play of emotions across Faith’s face, desire and lust at the forefront, with a brief glimpse of fear… No, not fear but close, almost like Faith’s scared.

 

“I… I ain’t never… had anyone…”  Faith starts and stops a couple times, furrowing her brows as she opens her eyes to look down at Tara.  Finally shifting slightly away from Tara, releasing the hold she has on her, Faith leans against the wall and looks up at the ceiling, trying to ignore the painful throbbing of her body and the desire literally coating her inner thighs.

 

Tara sits back on the heels of her feet and cocks her head to the side as she tries to understand the different emotions coming from the slayer along with her words, trying to make sense of what Faith’s trying to tell her. 

 

Faith finally drops her eyes to look down into confused blue eyes, sighing quietly, Faith slides down the wall to sit on the floor.  Gently reaching out to cup Tara’s cheek, she shakes her head.  “Remember?  I’ve used people, Tare.  I’ve never had that level of intimacy with someone, not on my end.  I’ve done it for the women in my past but I’ve never allowed ‘em to return the favor.”  Faith whispers softly, seeing the dawning realization in Tara’s eyes she finally drops her gaze and looks down at the floor.  “Can we not talk about this right now?  Sometime in the future, but not now?”  Faith finally begs, having noticed the look in Tara’s eyes, knowing her lover was wanting to question her about this, but honestly not wanting to talk about it, knowing it’ll bring up past memories and really kill the mood, not that it hasn’t been cooled somewhat by her actions.

 

Tara sighs softly as she slowly stands carefully reaching out for Faith she strokes a hand down her cheek.  Closing her eyes in relief as Faith accepts the caress and presses against her hand as she stands.  “Tabled but not forgotten, love.  I know we have things to work through, and it will take time.  We can’t fix everything in a few days, weeks or even months.  But eventually, I’m hoping, we can work through the majority of things.”

 

Faith nods, thankful Tara’s as understanding as she is.  “Thanks, Tare.”

 

“You’re welcome.”  Tara whispers, leaning in to brush her lips gently against Faith’s.  “Now shower, Slayer.  I’m going to strip and be waiting for you, so hopefully that’ll be incentive for you to hurry your ass up.”  Tara tries to lighten the somber mood that had settled between them.  “Someone promised me a horny slayer…”

 

Faith quirks her lips, knowing what Tara’s doing and allowing her to do it.  “Horny?  Shit, horny ain’t the word for it, but I don’t know one that’s better.”  Faith growls playfully, leaning in to nip gently on Tara’s bottom lip.  “Thanks.”  Faith whispers as she kisses Tara firmly. 

 

“Shower.”  Tara orders again, stroking her thumb over Faith’s cheek for a moment before finally easing from the small bathroom. 

 

Faith smiles softly as she watches Tara leave the bathroom.  Unconsciously rubbing her hand over her chest where her heart is thumping harder than normal, ignoring the signs her mind and body keeps throwing at her in regards to the Wiccan. 

 

Shaking her head, Faith turns back to the shower stall and turns the water on, waiting a couple minutes for it to warm up before stepping in and pulling the shower curtain closed behind her, moaning quietly at the hot sting of water hitting her body. 

 

***

 

Tara smiles as she sets the towels on the sink for Faith to use, having realized her lover hadn’t grabbed any out of the small closet before she’d stepped into the shower.  Biting her lip at the thought of joining Faith in the shower flits through her brain, Tara shakes her head, knowing the shower stall is too small for the two women to be in together.  Sighing softly, she finally gathers the dirty clothes and Faith’s boots and takes them to the small utility room, cleaning the weapons, grabbing the cash and keys out of Faith’s pockets before putting the clothes in the hamper, and setting the boots on the floor for now.

 

Stripping her own clothes off, she folds them and sets them on top of the washer, making a mental note to get another hamper so they can keep their clothes separate, having to admit from doing Buffy’s laundry occasionally, she knows what kind of grossness can be found on the clothes. 

 

Striding back through the apartment, not bothering to get a robe, knowing it would basically be for her own comfort since Faith definitely wouldn’t mind her walking around naked, she stops at the refrigerator and grabs a couple bottles of water, taking and setting them on one of the nightstands for later.  Straightening the bed while folding the covers down, Tara chuckles as she can still catch a light whiff of sex from the sheets.  “I wonder how many sets of sheets she keeps on hand?”  Tara comments softly, knowing if they keep this up, they’ll need to change the sheets daily… if not more frequently.  A small laugh escapes her lips as she works on looking through the dresser drawers, not seeing any sheets, she moves to the closet, knowing there are only so many places Faith can keep the items in the open apartment. 

 

“What’cha lookin’ for?”  Faith questions roughly as she dries her hair, grinning at the sight of the full moon pointed her way, unconsciously licking her lips at the sight.

 

Tara looks over her shoulder, having jumped slightly, not realizing Faith had already finished with her shower.  “I was trying to find where you kept the extra sheets for the bed.”  Tara admits, letting her eyes trail over the still slightly damp skin, groaning quietly as Faith continues to rub the towel over her hair, making her breasts rise, fall and jiggle tantalizingly with each movement. 

 

“There’s a drawer on rollers under the bed that I keep the extra sheets and blankets in.”  Faith nods her head towards the bed.  “It’s pushed in pretty far, so you probably didn’t see it.  I been thinking about getting another one, since there’s room under the bed for it.  It’s kinda handy to keep stuff in.”  Faith admits, grinning at the sight of the glazed blue eyes seemingly glued to her chest.

 

“Under bed, okay…”  Tara nods in understanding, though her mind is only half on what she’d asked the slayer.  “Goddess, you’re beautiful.”  Tara whispers, her eyes practically devouring the sight of the slayer.  The perpetually tanned skin, the muscles rippling and shifting with each movement the slayer makes, the coiled strength so obvious in her body. 

 

Faith blinks at the obviously heartfelt comment, knowing by the tone of Tara’s voice, that she really, truly means it, that to her, she is beautiful.  “I, uh…  I gotta brush my hair.”  Faith finally whispers, not knowing what to say back to the witch.

 

Tara sighs softly at the obvious look of discomfort on Faith’s face at her mentioning she’s beautiful.  ‘Going to take some work.’  Tara mentally whispers to herself, knowing it’s going to take time, but she’s going to keep commenting on Faith’s beauty, kindness and what a good heart she has until Faith finally believes it knowing that’s half the battle.

 

Strolling towards the bathroom, Tara grins crookedly at the sight of Faith staring at herself in the mirror, the brush in her hand forgotten.  Leaning against the doorframe, Tara crosses her arms over her chest and makes eye contact with Faith’s beautiful eyes in the mirror.  “You are beautiful, Faith.  Inside and out.  You’re a kind, giving and loving woman when you drop the shield you usually keep up around yourself.  I’m hoping one day that the shield will be down more than up, since I know you keep it in place 95 percent of the time.”

 

Faith drops her eyes and starts to brush her hair as she thinks about what Tara’s saying.  “How can you be so sure?  How do ya’ know that I’m kind, giving and loving inside?  What if I’m showing you a different mask?  What if all that’s in me is a hateful, uncaring bitch?”

 

“Is that what you think?”  Tara drops her arms and steps up behind the slayer in the small area, gently resting her hands on her waist, looking over her shoulder into the mirror.  “Look up, love.”

 

Faith slowly raises her head and makes eye contact with Tara in the mirror.

 

“See what I see.  Look into your eyes, Faith.  The eyes are the windows to your soul.  You have a good soul, love.  It’s there to be seen if you know how to look.”  Tara softly urges.

 

“I can’t.”  Faith finally whispers, shaking her head.  “When I look all I see is the death, destruction and hatred I’ve caused, Tare.”

 

Tara sighs softly, gently sliding her hands slowly around Faith’s waist as she gently presses into her back, not making any quick or sudden moves, giving Faith a chance to become familiar with being held like this.  “I see love, caring and someone that wants to make amends for the problems caused in the past.  Eventually you’ll see that, too.”  Tara presses her lips softly to Faith’s shoulder.  “Now my turn to take care of personal needs, so get.”  Tara nips gently on the flesh under her lips and pats Faith gently on the hip, silently urging her out of the bathroom.

 

Faith sets the brush down and allows Tara to gently shift her out of the bathroom.  Silently wondering how Tara sees something inside her that she can’t see.  Knowing she wants to be the person Tara sees, but not knowing how to become her.  Having a hard time believing that she’s already well on her way to becoming that person.

 

Tara quickly takes care of her nightly rituals, smiling as she replaces her toothbrush beside Faith’s in the small holder.  Running her brush quickly through her hair until it’s soft and shiny she puts it up and puts up Faith’s while she’s at it, having not given the woman a chance to put it up herself.  Finally turning off the light, she walks out into the main part of the apartment, smiling gently at the sight of Faith sitting on the edge of the bed, nervously picking at the label on the bottle of water she’d drank nearly two-thirds of. 

 

Faith looks up as Tara comes to a stop in front of her, her eyes searching blue eyes.  “Why do ya’ care for me?”  Faith hoarsely questions.

 

Tara sighs as she kneels down in front of Faith, resting her hands gently on her knees.  Tilting her head she considers the woman for a few moments.  “I honestly can’t answer that, Faith.  That would be like asking me why I breathe.  I do because I have to.  I love you, because I have to.”  Tara whispers softly, gently squeezing Faith’s knees.  “You’re in my heart, Faith and I like you being there.”  Letting her hands slide down to wrap around her calf muscles, Tara leans in and presses her lips gently against first one knee then the other one.  “I won’t knowingly hurt you, Faith.  I’m not saying that there won’t ever be hurt feelings, misunderstandings, arguments and Goddess only knows what else, but I’ll do my damnedest to never really hurt you here.”  Tara whispers, shifting up to gently place her hand over Faith’s heart. 

 

Faith sets the water bottle down on the nightstand and gently clasps Tara’s hand to her chest, stroking her fingers over the back of Tara’s soft skin.  “One thing I’ve learned being around ya’ for the last month, you are pretty much honest to a fault.”  Faith starts softly, a small smile playing about her lips.  “Though you will evade answering direct questions.”

 

Tara quirks an eyebrow at the slayer, before chuckling softly.  “Spike.”

 

Faith nods.  “Spike.”  Reaching out with her free hand, Faith traces Tara’s eyebrows gently with a fingertip.  “Which, in and of itself was an answer.  I just wanted to hear it from your own lips.”  Faith admits, trailing her finger down Tara’s cheek to tap Tara’s bottom lip gently.  “I know you see good in me, Tare.  If ya’ didn’t, you wouldn’t be here.  But ya’ need to keep in mind that I’ll probably fuck up more than get things right.  I have an attitude and can get bitchy at the drop of a hat.”

 

Tara presses her lips against Faith’s finger, smiling at the slayer before she captures it between her teeth, nibbling gently on the flesh for a few moments.  Finally releasing it, Tara presses her lips to it again.  “I think it’s safe to say we can both become a bit on the ‘bitchy’ side, Faith.  But I like to talk things out when it happens, so I know where I stand at any given moment.  I realize this might be hard for you, and will take time before you can open up easily, but you need to know I do expect us to talk out our problems and not just ignore them, sweep them under the carpet, run away or whatever, okay?”

 

Faith takes a deep breath and slowly exhales it before nodding her head.  “If I’m real angry, can I at least disappear for a while to work through it before comin’ back to discuss things?”

 

Tara slowly nods her head.  “But tell me before you leave, don’t just get up and leave okay?  I don’t want to wonder if you’re running away to Canada or somewhere to get away from me to never be heard from again.”

 

Faith rolls her eyes, but chuckles quietly.  “’Kay.  Ya’ got a deal.  No runnin’ away without tellin’ ya’ I’m goin’ out to kick some demon ass to get rid of the majority of my anger.”

 

“And you’ll tell me if I’m pushing for too much too quickly.”  Tara orders softly, her eyes serious.  “I want to love you, Faith.  Completely.  With my mind, heart, body and soul.  That includes making love to you with every part of me.  But if you’re not ready for certain things, that’s fine.  Just tell me if I do something that makes you uncomfortable.  I’ll give you all the time you need by going at an extremely slow pace, but eventually I’ll want to be able to literally toss you onto the bed and bury my face in your apex with you not having a twinge of discomfort, fear or worry that something’s going to happen that you don’t want to happen.  I want to earn your trust.”

 

Faith whimpers softly, seeing the understanding and love looking at her from Tara’s eyes.  “I already trust ya’, Tare.”

 

“You do.  To a certain degree.”  Tara nods her head and gently presses her hand to Faith’s lips after shifting it quickly from where it had been pressed against her chest.  “It’s hard for you to trust completely, Faith.  I know that, and there’s a good reason for you not trusting people.  I also know that you trust me probably more than you’ve trusted anyone else.  But we have to make this…”  Tara gently strokes her fingers over Faith’s temple, smiling gently as Faith presses into the caress.  “Make this know what this hopefully already does.”  Tara moves her hand back down to Faith’s heart, pressing gently against her chest.  “That’s something that’s going to take time.”

 

Faith sighs softly and nods her head in understanding, knowing there’s a lot of truth to Tara’s words.  “I… do you…”  Faith exhales loudly as she looks upwards for help, before turning her eyes back down to Tara, looking into the patient countenance of her lover, as she waits for her to say what she’s trying to.  “Do you still want to…”  Faith unconsciously drops her eyes down to her lap before raising them to make contact with Tara again. 

 

It takes Tara a few moments to understand what Faith is asking.  Gently leaning down and pressing a soft kiss to one of Faith’s knees, she brushes her cheek over it afterwards.  “I only want to do what you’re comfortable with, Faith.”

 

“I’d like for ya’ to try.”  Faith finally whispers after a few minutes of contemplation. 

 

Tara purses her lips as she silently thinks about the best way to proceed to where she might have the best chance of Faith allowing her to actually please her lover orally.  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to try something?”

 

Faith slowly nods her head, though the confusion is obvious on her face.

 

Tara chuckles softly.  “It isn’t anything bad, love.  Just going to take some time.”  Tara slowly shifts and leans in to kiss Faith tenderly for a few minutes without actually deepening the kiss before easing away from her lover.  Working her way to the other side of the bed, she climbs in settling herself on her side basically in the middle of the bed and pats the space beside her.  “Please come and lay beside me, Faith.” 

 

Faith takes a deep breath and shifts around on the bed to lie so she’s facing Tara.  “This wasn’t exactly how I was expecting to do this.”  Faith admits, stroking a finger gently over Tara’s neck, smiling as Tara shifts closer to her, so their breasts are barely touching. 

 

Tara laughs and leans in to kiss Faith quickly.  “You, my dear slayer, are going to get the loving you need for your hornies and while that’s happening, I’ll be working slowly towards what we both want.”

 

“’Kay.”  Faith agrees, not knowing what Tara has planned, but trusting the woman implicitly.

 

***

 

Chapter 15

 

Faith groans deeply as Tara starts to kiss firmly across her jaw and down her neck even as one of her hands strokes gently down her side and over her hip.  Propping her leg up to give Tara better access to her body, Faith jumps slightly as strong fingers glide deeply within her, pressing firmly.  Hissing quietly, Faith works her hips automatically against the fingers inside her, the desire she’d tried to put on hold flaring hotly, not wanting to be ignored any longer.  Burying one hand in Tara’s hair as the witch tenderly kisses and licks her way down to her chest while her hand starts to work in and out of her at a quicker rate, counter thrusting against her hips.  Growling deeply and arching into Tara’s hand as she slides a third finger into her, Faith rocks harder against the hand, silently urging Tara to put more force behind her thrusts.

 

Slowly circling Faith’s nipple with her tongue, she looks up as she feels Faith rocking harder against her hand.  Nipping gently on the hard flesh, Tara questions softly to make sure she isn’t misunderstanding.  “Do you want me to put more strength behind my thrusts?” 

 

“Please.”  Faith pants, tugging gently on Tara’s hair in response to the look her lover’s giving her. 

 

“Throw your leg over me.”  Tara orders softly.  As soon as Faith’s leg lands over hers, she props her leg up, opening the slayer further to her hand.  Wrapping her lips around the nipple she’d been paying attention to before, Tara starts to pick up the pace and strength of her thrusts, gliding her thumb through the wetness coming from Faith’s body and slowly circling her swollen nub, groaning quietly at the slayer’s muscles clenching strongly on her fingers even as she feels the internal flutterings picking up speed, knowing Faith’s close to climaxing.  Thrusting harder as Faith’s hips start to jerk uncontrollably, Tara bites gently on the nipple in her mouth at the same time she presses firmly against Faith’s clit, groaning deeply as she feels the hot flood of Faith’s climax easing over her hand.  Soothing the nipple with kisses and soft licks, Tara waits a few minutes for Faith’s body to relax the grip she has on her fingers, while softly circling the slayer’s clit with her thumb.

 

“Fuck…”  Faith closes her eyes, her body jerking slightly with the aftershocks of her climax.  Working her hand through Tara’s hair, she slowly strokes down the back of the Wiccan, smiling slightly at the feel of a wet tongue trailing over her breasts and upper chest.  Finally her body relaxes the death grip it has on Tara’s fingers, surprised when she feels Tara start a slow gradual stroking inside her again, her body responding automatically to the long, slow strokes.

 

“You feel so good.”  Tara whispers, kissing slowly up Faith’s neck as she shifts her body closer to her lover, smiling as she feels Faith’s hand clenching on her ass cheek.  Nibbling on the cleft of Faith’s chin, Tara finally captures her lips in a slow dance of tongues, the two women alternating which mouth to learn intimately and play in.

 

Breaking off the kiss and moaning deeply as Tara curls her fingers inside her, pressing gently against her g-spot, slowly building her orgasm.

 

“So tight, so strong, the way you grip me…”  Tara murmurs quietly, kissing over the flesh of Faith’s cheek and jaw before slowly working her way back down the slayer’s strong neck, suckling at her pulse point as she feels the fast and hard clenching of Faith’s body even as the slayer gyrates against her uncontrollably.  Releasing the flesh she’s suckling on, Tara shifts to watch the play of emotions cross Faith’s face, the pleasure that’s almost painful as the orgasm finally starts to flow through her.  Keeping up the pressure and strokes against the slayer’s pleasure spot, Tara prolongs the climax, growling softly as she feels the hot flood of liquid practically shoot from the slayer’s body.  “Goddess, yes…”  Tara moans deeply in response to the slayer crying out her name with the climax.

 

Faith takes in shallow, shuddering breaths as her whole body aches and tingles from the most intense orgasm she’s ever had, even as Tara’s hand gently continues to stroke within her body, unaware of having called out Tara’s name in the throes of her climax.  Opening her eyes, she grunts at the spots she sees intermingled with the sight of dark blonde hair spread out on the sheets as Tara slowly kisses and licks the sweat from her neck.  Reaching down to press against Tara’s hand inside her, Faith whimpers as the fingers press firmly against the spot inside her, feeling the build-up coming on quickly as another orgasm comes crashing through her, saturating both their hands and bodies.  “Ease out, I can’t take no more.”  Faith whimpers, pressing her chin on top of Tara’s head, her body continuing to rock against Tara’s hand, in direct contrast to what she was saying. 

 

Tara moans softly as she gently eases her fingers from within her lover, but cups the slayer’s sex gently, no one ever having back-to-back g-spot orgasms on her before.  A couple hours later with continued ministrations, yes, but not literally minutes later.  Gently easing her thigh between Faith’s legs, she replaces her hand with her leg as she lifts her wet digits to her mouth, moaning as she licks up the leftovers of Faith’s climax, wanting the hot liquid shooting in her mouth for her to swallow direct from the source next time.  Gathering every bit of liquid she can from her hand, Tara finally runs the hand over Faith’s back in a soothing, gentle manner as she waits for the slight jerking and rocking motion of her lover to calm down more before she works her way down Faith’s body.

 

Slowly getting control of her panting breaths and her rapidly beating heart, Faith trails her hand slowly up Tara’s back, before trailing back down, letting her fingers trail teasingly between her lover’s butt cheeks.  About ready to push Tara over onto her back, Faith moans as Tara shifts and she feels a wet tongue slowly making it’s way down her chest and abs, stopping to circle and dip into her belly button.  Closing her eyes, she lets the pleasure suffuse her mind and body.  Letting Tara ease her leg over her shoulder as her lips and tongue start to stroke tenderly over her swollen outer lips, Faith buries both her hands in Tara’s hair, not pushing her away but holding her gently against her body, moaning deeply as a strong, wet tongue delves between her lips and flicks over her aching, swollen clit.

 

Tara smiles as she feels the muscle spasm against her tongue.  Taking her time, she traverses the slayer’s slit, slowly licking through the soaked lips, gathering the slayer’s previous desire and cum, lapping up every bit of liquid eagerly while dipping playfully inside her lover, chuckling softly at the grunt of displeasure coming from Faith as she quickly pulls her tongue back from her entrance to swirl around the tip of her clit, smiling at the low whimper coming from the slayer when she realized she was just relocating.  As Faith rocks against her and her fingers scratch gently against her scalp, silently urging her on, Tara glides her hand from where she’d been grasping the back of the slayer’s thigh after she’d urged it over her body upwards to trail in the wetness coming from Faith. 

 

“Please…”  Faith begs, her voice low and rough as she feels Tara’s fingers teasing around her opening, jerking into the Wiccan’s mouth as she starts to suckle at her clit, the feeling exquisite and making her body thrum with pleasure as the desire flows through her, knowing it won’t take much more before she climaxes again, her clit twitching continuously.  “TARAAAAAAAA!”  Faith cries out, cupping the back of Tara’s head, holding her against her at the same time her hips buck uncontrollably against Tara’s face as the Wiccan bites gently on her clit tipping her over the edge.

 

Panting heavily as she drags in some much needed oxygen, Tara laps at the small flood of liquid that she hadn’t been able to capture, carefully staying away from Faith’s swollen, distended nub to give her a chance to recuperate and calm down somewhat.  Feeling Faith’s hands shift to her shoulders gently grasping as she urges her upwards, Tara’s surprised when she finds herself lying on top of the slayer with strong arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly against the rapidly rising and falling chest of her lover.  Pressing her lips against Faith’s breast, Tara closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling of lying in Faith’s arms, ignoring her own body’s yearnings happily for what had just happened.  Knowing this by no way means that there won’t be more problems, but hopefully this will help break the ice with the slayer and make further breakthroughs a little easier. 

 

Faith can’t open her eyes, or say anything, her mind and body remembering the pleasure and love that was just lavished on it, knowing Tara would have probably continued playing over her body, but not able not to return the favor to the Wiccan once she’s gotten some semblance of control back, Faith had decided to stop her before she started again.  A small smile crossing her face as she feels Tara’s lips pressing tiny kisses to her breast as fingers gently stroke up and down her sides. 

 

Closing her eyes and moaning quietly as Faith’s strong hands knead her back and one of her feet stroke over the back of her legs, Tara pushes her body down into the bed, the ache becoming more pronounced with the continued touching and stroking of her lover. 

 

Smiling fully at the quiet moans she hears coming from Tara, Faith finally whispers a little while later.  “What do you want?  Right now, if I could give ya’ anythin’, what would it be?”

 

Tara slowly raises her head to look into serious brown eyes.  With her body almost painfully throbbing for release, Tara doesn’t even have to think, knowing that more than anything she’d love to hear Faith tell her she loves her.  Knowing in her heart that the woman loves her, she can feel it coming from the slayer.  But to hear the words…  That’s something that she can’t tell Faith.  Not yet, it has to come from the slayer without any prompting or wishing.  Smiling softly, she reaches up to stroke a hand gently down Faith’s face, a fingertip dipping playfully between the slayer’s lips to run across strong, white teeth.   “Right now, if you could give me anything, I’d want us to grow old together, chasing our great-grandchildren around during the day and still have the energy to make love at night.”

 

Faith snorts at the thought.  “You’re one weird lady, ya’ know that?”

 

“I think I’ve heard it a time or two.”  Tara grins crookedly at her lover.

 

“How about somethin’ I can do right now?”  Faith changes the question hoping Tara will pick something that she has some control over. 

 

“To make love to you until one of us passes out, or it’s time to go to the Magic Box for the supplies I need.  Whichever comes first.”  Tara finally decides.

 

Faith groans and gently rolls them over, shifting her body down so she’s even with Tara, gently grasping the witch’s hands and raising them above Tara’s head, gently lacing their fingers together.  Looking down at her lover, Faith presses her lips softly against Tara’s, whimpering as she finally tastes herself for the first time.  Somewhat spicy, a hint of sweetness with the underlying flavor of Tara beneath. 

“But I want to give you pleasure, too.”  Faith whispers, capturing Tara’s bottom lip between her teeth to nip gently.

 

“Making love to you gives me pleasure, Faith.”  Tara speaks just as softly as Faith after the slayer releases her lip, groaning and arching as Faith shifts and slides a muscular thigh between her legs, pressing firmly against her center.

 

“You’re soaked, swollen and probably hurtin’ bad right now.”  Faith comments softly, gently nipping down Tara’s pale neck, rocking her body against Tara’s apex, a small smile crossing her face as the long, deep groan comes from Tara, her wetness painting her thigh thoroughly she’s so wet.  “I want to taste you.  I want to bury my tongue as deeply as I can in you and lick up every bit of desire and cum from your body.  I want to do things to you I ain’t never done with nobody else, Tare.  Hell, I want you to do things to me I ain’t never allowed anyone to do.  I want it, but I know I’ll probably freak out occasionally, or pull away.  But wanting it is half the battle, right?” 

 

Tara eases her right hand from Faith’s clasp and strokes her fingers lovingly through Faith’s tangled locks, seeing the silent pleading in fearful brown eyes.  “Yes, love.  Wanting it, and also realizing it isn’t going to be easy, is half the battle.  Don’t push it, though.  We’ll work on anything you want, nice and slow.  If you feel yourself slipping into the past, or something I do triggers a memory, stop me and let me know.  It’ll take time, and I will give you the time you need, love.”

 

Faith buries her face in Tara’s neck, brushing her nose against the pale flesh.  “I don’t know what I did to luck inta you carin’ for me, but whatever the reason, I sure as hell hope I don’t fuck it up.” 

 

“Honesty and truthfulness go a long way with me, Faith.  A long, long way.”  Tara eases her other hand from Faith’s and wraps her arms around her lover, hugging her tightly.

 

“And monogamy and not fuckin’ ya’ over.”  Faith murmurs pressing her lips to Tara’s neck. 

 

“That, too.”  Tara moans as Faith’s lips open and she flicks her tongue teasingly over her neck, her body bucking as the slayer finds an extremely sensitive spot.

 

Growling at the response she got, Faith flicks her tongue over the flesh of Tara’s neck, finding the exact spot.  Smirking she suckles at the flesh as Tara cries out softly, the wet warmth suddenly easing onto her thigh as Tara rubs against her an answer as to exactly how sensitive the spot is.  “Mental note made.”  Faith rumbles into Tara’s ear, smirking as she gets a whimper from her lover. 

 

“Kiss me.”  Tara pleads softly, loving the way the slayer kisses, groaning quietly as Faith dives in, kissing her hungrily, almost as if she wants to devour her.

 

Battling for long minutes with Tara’s tongue, Faith finally captures the muscle between her lips and sucks and nips on it firmly while trailing one hand down Tara’s side to cup her hip, squeezing gently.  Finally releasing Tara’s tongue, Faith strokes hers against the velvety muscle, toning down the heated kiss as she finally eases away with soft pecks panting heavily.  Working her way down Tara’s throat, Faith nips gently on the flesh before finally reaching the beginnings of a breast, becoming more intense, she starts to suck firmly on the flesh, leaving a trail of red marks in her wake before finally capturing an achingly hard nipple in her mouth, sucking and licking the flesh for long minutes before releasing it to work her way over to the other breast, this time trying to capture as much of the flesh in her mouth, while rolling her tongue around the nipple.

 

“Goddess, feels so gooood…”  Tara groans deeply as she arches up into the hot cavern of Faith’s mouth as she starts to suck on her breast.  Digging her fingers into Faith’s shoulders as she finally lets the flesh slowly slip from her mouth, capturing her nipple between her teeth and nipping gently at the hard, swollen flesh, making her body ache with want and desire.

 

“You feel good.”  Faith growls softly, slowly sliding her body down the silky skin of Tara’s, kissing and nipping along the way, stopping briefly to swirl her tongue around the witch’s belly button.  Nipping gently as she feels the muscles of Tara’s stomach flinch and shift under her tongue, nipping her way over her lower abdomen as she makes her way down to the strip of dark blonde curls glistening wetly, Faith laps at the dew on the curls and flesh, gathering the liquid carefully and eagerly, being sure not to miss a single drop.

 

As Faith’s hot tongue and mouth work their way over her body, carefully not missing a single centimeter, Tara moves her hands to the bed beside her, digging her fingers firmly into the mattress.  Shifting and bucking, her lower body is lifted briefly as Faith slides her hands under her buttocks and settles between her legs, a warm tongue starting to stroke between her swollen lips, causing another wave of liquid to come from her center as the desire practically flows from her body.  “Please, Faith.”  Tara begs, her body literally pounding with the blood flowing through it, making her hurt.

 

“Anythin’, anythin’ you want.”  Faith murmurs softly, knowing if it’s within her powers to grant it to the beautiful, caring, loving woman, she’d do it.  Wrapping her lips gently around the swollen, throbbing muscle, she tenderly suckles at the flesh, not surprised when Tara climaxes almost instantly, flooding her mouth with her juices.  Shifting her hands to hold firmly to Tara’s hips as the Wiccan starts to buck uncontrollably, Faith continues to suckle at the swollen nub of flesh, occasionally trailing the tip of her tongue around the pulsing clit, groaning as a few minutes later another strangled cry heralds another climax.  Releasing the hot, swollen flesh, Faith presses gentle kisses on the sensitive nub before trailing her tongue downwards, tilting her head, she presses her lips against Tara’s body while delving as deep as she can within the clenching opening of her lover.

 

“Ohhhhhh…”  Tara moans loudly, Faith’s strong hands on her body keeping her from bucking uncontrollably as Faith’s tongue swirls within her. 

 

“Taste soooo gooood.”  Faith moans as she pants heavily before diving back into Tara’s body, her mouth and tongue vibrating against Tara as she growls when the Wiccan wraps her legs around her, her heels digging gently into her back even as surprisingly strong thigh muscles squeeze tightly around her head. 

 

Tara can’t think, the desire coming through her body taking complete control of her faculties, just knowing she’s trying to pull Faith as close to her as possible, jerking uncontrollably as Faith’s tongue shifts and curls inside her finding and pressing firmly against her pleasure spot.  Clenching firmly around the pleasure giving muscle, it doesn’t take long before she’s crying out Faith’s name with her climax.

 

Lapping up her sweet reward, Faith pants softly, letting her tongue trail down to circle teasingly around Tara’s rosebud, smirking as the Wiccan jerks and moans loudly, flicking her tongue once more over the muscle, Faith chuckles softly before kissing her way slowly up Tara’s body.  For the first time in her life, feeling loved and content, Faith grabs the covers on her way up, pulling them over her as she settles half on her dazed lover, pressing her lips firmly against the pounding pulse point.  “Sleep, babe.”  Faith whispers softly, reaching out to tap the lamp turning it off as she wiggles more firmly against Tara’s body.  Cupping Tara’s breast gently while burying her face in the witch’s neck, Faith sighs happily.  Her body achy and sated, not even thinking about the oddity of curling up on Tara, just knowing for the first time in longer than she can remember, she’s happy and at peace with her life.

 

Pressing a kiss against Faith’s forehead, Tara wiggles her arm around the slayer, gently running her fingers through Faith’s beautiful, wavy locks.  Smiling as she feels the slayer’s body become heavier as she falls asleep, her hand grasping her breast possessively even in her sleep.  “I love you, my lovely, dark warrior.”  Tara whispers softly, pressing her lips against Faith’s head, keeping them there for a few minutes, enjoying the closeness for as long as she can, not wanting to miss a moment of it until she falls asleep.

 

***

 

Chapter 16

 

Tara moans softly as she prepares the spell, the two slayers had been gathering weapons while she’d bought the ingredients.  Now, sitting on the floor in the back with a map of Sunnydale spread out in front of her and working the ingredients into a fine powder, she feels hot lips pressing against her neck with a weapon roughened hand gently brushing her hair out of the way while the lips slowly traverse the skin being revealed to them.

 

“You smell like me.”  Faith whispers, inhaling deeply.  Smirking at the heavy scent of sex that is coming from Tara. 

 

“I wonder why?”  Tara groans as Faith starts to nibble on her ear lobe.  Whimpering at the husky chuckle that seems to vibrate completely through her body, the damn slayer knowing exactly how she’s affecting her.   

 

“Need any help, babe?”  Faith finally questions, easing back a short distance from Tara when she hears a quiet grumble coming from Buffy. 

 

“I’m almost ready.”  Tara takes a deep breath to calm down and become centered.  “Damn slayer.”  Tara grumbles shifting uncomfortably as her body rubs against the seam of her cargo pants. 

 

Faith snorts and slides her hands around Tara’s waist, playing with the zipper.  “Want me ta’ take care of that for ya’?”

 

“Faith!”  Tara growls loudly, grasping the slayer’s hand that already had the zipper down and a finger sliding into the opening.  “Buffy, drag her ass away from me for a few minutes, will you?”

 

“HEY!”  Faith yells as Buffy snatches her under the arms and pulls her away from Tara.  “Damn it, I was just…”

 

“Don’t want to know, don’t want to know, don’t say it, don’t say it.”  Buffy grumbles quietly, the two women driving her nuts this morning.  “You two smell like you’ve done nothing but have sex for a week straight, and the fresh smell of arousal coming from both of you is even getting to me.  So just behave!!!” 

 

Faith snorts and wiggles her eyebrows at Tara as her lover looks over her shoulder at her, her skin a beautiful shade of burgundy.  “She might be willing to play for the home team, yet.”

 

Tara groans, shaking her head as she turns back to finishing with the ingredients to do the spell.

 

“Faith!”  Buffy backhands the slayer on the shoulder.  “I’m sure you’ll find the perfect woman for me, too, right?”

 

“Give me time.”  Faith nods her head enthusiastically.  “Between me and Tare… I’m sure one of us would find someone for ya’.  Give us a month or two.”

 

Buffy growls deeply at Faith and snatches the slayer back around the waist as Faith steps towards Tara again.

 

“Wasn’t gonna do nothin’.”  Faith grumbles, smacking Buffy’s hands before crossing her arms over her chest pouting. 

 

“Riiiiight.”  Buffy nods her head and quirks her eyebrow as she releases the slayer and shifts to stand beside her as Tara gathers the ingredients in her hands, whispering some spell in an ancient language as she tosses the ingredients on the map. 

 

Tara frowns as the ingredients gather into three different groupings and different colors, sighing heavily. 

 

“What is it?” Buffy steps forward, Faith beside her as they bracket Tara on each side. 

 

“We have one master vampire…”  Tara points to the color.  “Which is most likely the one that is gathering and sending the vampires against you.  But from the looks of it, we also have a Boretz Demon, if I am remembering correctly.”  Tara points to the almost fluorescent green color in one spot.

 

“What the fuck is a Boretz Demon?”  Faith furrows her brows as she looks at the map.

 

“It usually feeds on the homeless or easy prey.”  Tara explains.  “I’m kind of surprised that there’s one here in Sunnydale, since the majority of homeless are usually eaten by vampires or turned.  That’s why I want to double-check the book and see if I have the right demon.”

 

“Okay, what about the red haze in that area?”  Buffy points to the last color that’s in the corner of the map just outside of town where the caves are.  “That one looks like it’s taken up in the same cave area that Adam did.”  Buffy unconsciously growls at the remembrance of the demon hybrid.

 

“That one we really don’t need to worry about.”  Tara smiles sheepishly at the slayer.  “That’s a Ghora Demon.”

 

Buffy scratches her head and looks at Tara.  “Why does that name sound familiar?”

 

“Umm.  That’s the demon that Dawnie stole the egg from when she did the resurrection spell.  The Ghora Demon isn’t necessarily a bad demon, and their eggs actually have a lot of life-giving properties and are good for certain spells.  It also has three heads, so if you see it…”  Tara shrugs her shoulders and smiles softly at Buffy. 

 

Buffy groans and rubs her eyes.  “Okay, that’s why it sounds familiar.  No hurting the nice demon.” 

 

Tara reaches over for the book that should have the Boretz Demon in it, flipping through the pages, she finally comes across the Demon and mentally figures out that it should come up some kind of bright green color.  “Well, I would say it’s a good bet that is a Boretz Demon.”

 

“Let’s get it first, then go after the master vamp.  Where do the Boretz Demon’s like to hide out?”  Buffy questions curiously.

 

Tara shrugs.  “They don’t seem to have a particular place they like to be.  Where some demons prefer the sewers, other ones the caves and so on, this one pretty much makes a home wherever dinner’s usually closest.”

 

“What do we need to do, to kill it?”  Faith helps Tara stand, smirking as Tara blushes and zips her pants closed. 

 

Tara growls at her lover before shaking her head.  “Usual ways, break their neck, behead it, that type of thing.  Nothing special needed for them.  They can disguise themselves somewhat as human.  Their body shape is pretty similar, so watch out.  He does have bigger ears, very little hair and his face is kind of demony.” 

 

Faith snorts at her lover’s description of the demon.  “So other than body shape in general, he don’t look nothin’ like a human, right?”

 

“Don’t push your luck.”  Tara grumbles quietly, smacking her lover on the ass.  “Let’s get moving.  I’d rather find the Master vampire and take him out.  I don’t like the fact that he’s trying to hurt you two.”  Tara admits as she follows behind Faith with Buffy trailing behind her.

 

“Yeah, well, it isn’t exactly giving me warm fuzzies, either.”  Buffy admits as she nods towards Anya.  “We’ll try and let you know when we have any information, or take the vamp out.”

 

“Good luck.”  Anya calls after the quickly departing women. 

 

***

 

Tara stands back as Buffy and Faith tag team the Boretz Demon.  They had found the demon relatively quickly, as he was down by the docks and had been skulking through the alleyways, staying in the general area that the spell had said he was in.  Wincing as Buffy takes the demon low and Faith takes him high, the obvious bones breaking making a very distinctive sound. 

 

Faith kneels down and breaks the demon’s neck to be on the safe side, though she doesn’t see his chest moving.  Looking up at Buffy she dusts her hands off on her pants and shrugs as it had only taken a couple minutes to kill the demon.  “Next.”

 

“The master vampire was somewhere over by the warehouses.”  Tara glances at the map where she’d marked with a pen the general area the three demons that had shown up with the spell. 

 

Buffy starts striding towards the warehouse district, smirking as she listens to Faith and Tara.

 

“You gonna let me do all kinds of naughty, wicked things to ya’ when we get back home after taking out the bastard that wants us outta the way?”  Faith’s eyes glint with amusement and a serious dose of desire.

 

“Maybe I want to do naughty and wicked things to you.”  Tara grins crookedly at her obviously aroused girlfriend.  “Did you not get enough last night or this morning?”

 

“Got years to make up for.”  Faith runs her hand firmly down Tara’s back to end up clasping one butt cheek firmly.  Leaning in, Faith breathes, more than says the words into Tara’s ear.  “It’s different with ya’.  It ain’t just about gettin’ off, I care that you enjoy and get what you need, too.”

 

Tara turns her head and presses her lips softly over Faith’s.  “You’re what I need, Faith.”  Tara leans into the slayer as they continue to follow Buffy, wrapping her arm around Faith’s waist, relaxing more into the slayer as Faith’s arm rests over her shoulder, her fingers stroking over her arm. 

 

“Good thing you got me, then, huh?”  Faith chuckles as Tara growls playfully at her. 

 

Buffy groans at the sickening comments.  “I need an insulin injection.”  Buffy growls loud enough for both women to hear her.

 

“I think someone’s horny.  Going this long without a good cork-poppin’ is bad for ya’, B.  Don’t ya’ know?”  Faith smirks at the disgusted look she gets pointed at her from the blonde slayer.  “By the way…  I know somethin’ you don’t know!!”  Faith singsongs as she digs in her pants pocket and showing Tara what she has as they get closer to the warehouses.

 

Tara groans and blushes lightly, rubbing a hand over her eyes at the sight of Spike’s chip.  “Thought we had decided on Christmas for that… if ever.” 

 

“Can’t wait that long.”  Faith smirks and pats Tara on the ass as they come to a stop with Buffy facing them with her arms crossed over her chest. 

 

“What?”  Buffy glares from one woman to the other. 

 

“You should be the one to tell her, though.”  Faith pulls Tara’s hand up and drops the chip in her palm, smirking and stepping back away from her lover who’s now growling softly at her. 

 

“I wasn’t planning on telling her at all.”  Tara grumbles, having automatically closed her hand around the item, before wincing slightly as she looks at Buffy.  “Ummm.  If I had my way, you probably wouldn’t know what I did, but Faith isn’t going to let me get by without telling you… obviously.”  Tara darts a glare over her shoulder at her lover. 

 

Faith grins and shrugs her shoulders.  “Her turn to bitch ya’ out.”

 

Tara groans quietly and slowly eases her hand out towards Buffy, watching as the slayer uncrosses her arms and steps towards her.  Opening her hand, she watches as confusion crosses Buffy’s face as the slayer picks up the small chip, investigating it before looking at her questioningly. 

 

“Okay, I see it, but I don’t know what it is?”  Buffy’s eyebrows rise in question as she looks at a lightly blushing Tara to a smirking Faith. 

 

“Why are you making me tell her now?”  Tara grumbles softly as she looks over at her lover.

 

“So she’ll have somewhere else to take her anger out, instead of you gettin’ the brunt of it.”  Faith admits her eyes serious.  “I still ain’t happy with what ya’ did, but it was before my bein’ on the scene, so I ain’t gonna beat a dead horse.”

 

Tara’s shoulders slump as she realizes if Buffy gets specifics on what happened, she will be beyond pissed at her.  Slowly lifting her eyes to look into wary, narrowed hazel eyes, Tara fidgets slightly.  “That’s all that’s left of Spike.”  Tara finally spits out, wincing as she waits for Buffy to blow up. 

 

Buffy frowns heavily as she stares down at the chip in her hand, it taking a few moments to compute what Tara said, before she jerks her eyes up at the witch.  “You dusted his ass?”

 

Tara nods her head sharply, still not looking at Buffy, tucking her hands into her pants as she waits for the slayer to say or do something else.

 

Buffy blinks a couple times her eyes drawn again to the chip.  Surprised to feel… nothing.  Not feeling sad or happy that the vampire’s dead.  “Not that I’m going to bitch about it, but I never thought you would be one to kill something that was technically unarmed.”  Buffy comments, her eyes jerking up as she hears a snort coming from Faith, before her eyes switch to Tara who’s turned a dark red color.  “Tara?”  Buffy growls softly, questioning the witch with the single word.

 

Tara purses her lips stubbornly refusing to say anything, her eyes darting angrily towards Faith as the slayer starts to talk.

 

“She removed that bit of junk before dustin’ him.”  Faith growls softly, her eyes letting Buffy know just what she thought of Tara’s actions.

 

Buffy frowns in confusion as her hand closes over the small chip.  “Removed it before…”  Jerking her head towards Tara, Buffy growls loudly.  “You fucking magically removed this from his head so he had a chance, and could have hurt you?  Killed you or worse turned you?”

 

Tara unconsciously steps back from the angry slayer leaning towards her, wincing hard at the major flash of anger shooting towards her from the woman.  Feeling irritation occasionally coming from Buffy, but never the white-hot flare of anger that’s directed at her at this moment. 

 

Faith notices the quick flash of pain crossing Tara’s face before the witch schools her features.  It takes a second for her to realize what caused it when she looks at Buffy, eyes widening in shock as she can swear that Buffy’s even more pissed at Tara right at this moment, than she’s ever been at anyone else in her life.  “Yo, B!  She’s here and alive, he ain’t.  Tone it down, you know she can feel the shit you’re throwing at her.”

 

Buffy growls loudly and starts to step towards Tara, the anger strong inside her at the thought of Tara taking the unnecessary risk with her life. The dark-haired slayer’s words not really registering until Faith steps between her and Tara, slamming her forearm against her chest.  Not thinking, Buffy starts to pull her fist back to hit the slayer.

 

“Freeze!”  Tara cries out as she sees what’s about to happen, stopping Buffy’s motion.  Wrapping her arms around Faith’s tense body, she gently pulls back, moving her away from Buffy.  Seeing the slayer’s eyes glaring at her, Tara whimpers softly.  “Buffy, he didn’t have a chance, even without the chip.  I was prepared for him, and if there had been some way for him to have won, he never would have made it out of the crypt alive.  Neither would I, if he had turned me.”  Tara explains softly, seeing the anger still in Buffy’s flashing hazel eyes but noticing that the white-hot anger shooting towards her has lessened, she searches Buffy’s eyes for a few more minutes.  “No hitting Faith.  Ever.  If you’re training and accidentally hit each other, that’s one thing.  But if you ever raise your hand to her in anger you will lose my friendship, and the only time you’ll see me is when you need me for magical reasons or to watch Dawnie.  This isn’t a threat, Buffy.  This is a promise.”

 

“Babe…”  Faith stops at that word as Tara turns to her, the most stubborn look she’s ever seen on the woman’s face at the fore, and an ungiving light in her eyes. 

 

“This is NOT up for discussion.”  Tara warns softly.  “I will not allow someone to raise their hand to you in anger, Faith.  You’ve been through enough in your life without a supposed friend hitting you.” 

 

Faith nods her head and looks down at the ground, a streak of guilt flitting through her at the thought of her starting this whole scenario with the chip, though her heart expands and she feels a warmth coming from it at the thought of how Tara’s protectiveness of her makes her extremely happy.

 

“Unfreeze.”  Tara finally murmurs towards Buffy.  “Let’s take care of this master vampire that’s trying to kill you two, then you can bitch at me to your heart’s content, Buffy.”  Tara sighs heavily, running a lightly shaking hand over her forehead. 

 

Buffy growls softly at Tara before turning around to stride toward the warehouses sending her senses out to feel where the vampire is hiding.  Thinking with a part of her mind about what Tara said, knowing Faith’s background to a certain degree, Buffy sighs, knowing she never should have even thought about hitting Faith.  Especially when it wasn’t even the slayer she was really angry at.  “Sorry, Faith.”  Buffy finally mumbles under her breath, knowing the slayer will hear her from where the two women are following behind her. 

 

“It’s cool, B.”  Faith turns towards Tara and smiles softly at the witch.  “I didn’t mean to start this shit.”

 

“I know.”  Tara leans into the slayer as Faith cautiously wraps her arm around her waist, pulling her against her side.  “At least this way she does know he isn’t around any longer.”

 

“That’s the one thing good about this.  But we will discuss EXACTLY what you did and how you went about it.  You aren’t getting by with a little smack on the hand, Tara.  You taking unnecessary risks with your life is not negotiable.”  Buffy grumbles at the witch as she slowly comes to a stop outside the warehouse that is spiking her senses.  “I think this is it.  If not there is some thing or some things that are setting off my senses.”

 

Faith pulls her sharp knife from the back of her pants and a stake with her other hand, checking with Tara to make sure she is prepared before nodding towards Buffy.  “Whenever you’re ready, B.”

 

“Direct approach, or try to sneak in?”  Buffy questions Faith, her eyes on the warehouse as she looks over the dirt covered windows.

 

Faith hesitates as she glances at Tara for a minute.  “Sneak in.”  Faith finally decides, wanting to be as careful as possible with the blonde witch.

 

“Then let’s search out a way inside.”  Buffy starts to work her way around the warehouse with Faith and Tara following close behind.

 

***

 

 

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