Chapter 9

“What’s wrong?”  Buffy questions Riley as she sits down across from the pale looking soldier.

“Walsh was killed.”  Riley turns haunted eyes to his girlfriend.  “In the depths of the Initiative, she was killed.”  Riley runs a shaking hand through his hair.  “Buffy…”

“What is it Riley?”  Buffy reaches across the small table, clasping his large hand in between her two smaller ones. 

“She… they created a super soldier.  Adam.  He killed her and now he’s out there, somewhere.  From what little bit I could find out, he’s made up of all kinds of different demons and computer parts.”  Riley admits quietly.

Buffy frowns deeply.  “Frankenstein.”  Buffy whispers.  She looks at Riley.  “He’s what attacked Faith.  He’s the one that almost killed her.  You’ve got to find out what he is, and what we can do to take him out.  Faith said they fought for only a little over a minute and he did that kind of damage to her.”

“I don’t know if I can, Buffy.  The Initiative is in an uproar right now.  I should be there, I had to come and tell you what was going on.  I could get in some serious trouble for telling you what I have.”  Riley slowly stands, squeezing Buffy’s hand in his.  “I’ve got to get back, hopefully they won’t have noticed I’ve been gone.”

“Try, Riley.  If that thing is that tough and it’s killed it needs to be taken down.”  Buffy narrows her gaze on her boyfriend.

“I know.  I’ve got to go, Buffy.  I’ll contact you when I can.”  Riley sighs before quickly striding out of the small coffee shop.

Buffy continues to sit at the table, running her thumb over her lip as she thinks.  Standing up, she walks over to the phone.  Dropping the coins in, she dials Giles’ number.  “Giles, you going to be home?”

“Yes, Buffy.  What’s wrong?”  Giles questions, hearing a note in his slayer’s voice that he can’t quite place.

“I’ll discuss it when I get there.  I’ll be there in ten minutes.  ‘Bye.”  Buffy gently replaces the phone before heading towards the door, smiling briefly at the employees as she leaves.

***

“Buffy, I’ll send out all the feelers I can about this Adam character.”  Giles pinches his nose.  “Do you think Riley will be able to give you any information about this Adam?”

“I don’t know, Giles.”  Buffy stands at his front window looking out on the front yard.  “He didn’t make me feel real confident about his abilities to get us anything.”  Buffy slowly turns to look at Giles.  “We’ve got to get anything we can on this… monster.  We can’t take the chance that it won’t start attacking the public.  After what he did to Faith…”  Buffy takes a deep breath, shaking her head.  “I have a feeling ifTara hadn’t healed her, Faith could very well be dead.”

“I meant to ask, could you give me Tara’s phone number?  I would like to call and ask after Faith.  Maybe see if I can see how’s she doing tomorrow, stop by.”  Giles allows a small smile to cross his face.

“Sure.”  Buffy walks over to the notepad by the phone, writing Tara’s number down quickly.  “Just be prepared.  If you say or do anything to irritate Faith, Tara will possibly take you down about it.” 

“Sorry?”  Giles looks at Buffy with a seriously confused look on his face.

“Tara seems to be very… protective of Faith.  Why that is, I haven’t a clue since as far as I am aware they’ve only met the once.  Plus Faith going to her room when she was attacked.  I don’t know, I’m just confused.”  Buffy frowns, not able to figure it out. 

“Have you asked Faith why she went to Tara’s room?”  Giles questions, leaning forward in his chair. 

“No.  But I asked mom when I called to check on Faith this afternoon.  Mom said Faith told her it was because Tara’s room was the closest.”  Buffy tilts her head.  “I mean, it makes sense.  But why go to this woman’s room that she only met the one time, instead of to our room?”

“Don’t you think you’re worrying about this a bit much?  I mean, Faith was hurt horribly, and she was probably just thinking closest place to crawl to that was a safe haven.  Somewhere where she could get help, or help could be sent for her.”  Giles leans back in his seat.  “I don’t see this being a problem, Buffy.  Or anything to worry about.  I mean, Miss Maclay has helped us numerous times in the past month since she found out about everything.”

“No, no.  I trust Tara.  Even with her… forceful attitude last night.  She’s helped Willow so much with her magic skills.  Not just showing her how to do spells but the right way of doing it.  At least that’s what Willow tells me.  I don’t understand, but she said something about not drawing on the energy around her, but to draw on the energy within herself.  I don’t know, Willow went on a babble fest and I kind of was lost during the majority of the rest of what she said.”  Buffy admits, grinning slightly.

Giles chuckles, understanding completely.  “She does have a tendency to ramble on.  What Miss Maclay is showing her, is the proper way to learn and use magic.  I must commend the young woman for taking the time to show Willow the proper usage when I see her next.  From what you explained before, Tara was trying to heal Faith to the best of her abilities and didn‘t have the time, nor the inclination to explain.  Which is probably a good thing, it may very well have saved her life.” 

“You’re probably right.  I’m just thinking it’s something more. You know Faith, she doesn’t much like anyone.”  Buffy shrugs.

“That’s not quite true, Buffy.  She just isn’t as… trusting as most people.  She’s had some hard knocks growing up that have made her naturally distrustful of people.  And before you ask, no I cannot disclose what information I am in possession of.”  Giles sighs quietly. 

“Fat lot of help you are.”  Buffy grumbles.  “I guess I better go finish patrol.”

“If you come across Adam, I would suggest you head the other direction.  Or be sure that he doesn’t see you.  I don’t want you to end up like Faith, or worse.”  Giles suggests quietly. 

“No problem.  After seeing Faith like that...”  Buffy shivers for a moment.  “Not something I’m in a hurry to happen to me.”  Buffy nods to Giles as she slowly opens the door.  “I’ll see you later.  Anything and everything, Giles.  We’re going to need it.”  Buffy slips out of the room, gently closing the door behind her.

Giles glances up at the clock, seeing it’s almost 10:00 debating for a minute, Giles picks up the phone, dialing Tara’s number.

“Miss Maclay, this is Rupert Giles.”  Giles starts, smiling at the soft tones answering him back.

“Yes, Mr. Giles.  How are you?”  Tara questions, leaning against the wall by the phone, smiling gently at Faith as she slowly wakes up from the phone ringing. 

“I’m fine, thank you for asking.  I was actually calling about Faith.  How is she doing?”  Giles chews on the earpiece of his glasses, waiting for Tara to answer.

“A lot better than she was last night.  I’ve been trying to keep her drugged so she can get some sleep and let her slayer healing finish what I started.  Of course, she’s being stubborn about it, but I’m winning so far.”  Tara smirks as Faith snarls her lip at her.

“She is a bit… stubborn.”  Giles chuckles quietly.  “Do you need anything, dear?  Does Faith need anything?  Maybe some more pills, clothes or food?”  Giles questions softly.

“No, I have pretty much everything under control.  I think there’re enough pills for me to knock her out for a few more times.  The slayer healing is great, but slayer metabolism breaks down the pills something like five times quicker than normal.”  Tara reaches down in the refrigerator and grabs a water, stretching the phone cord so she can hand Faith the drink, smiling as Faith mouths the words thank you, as she opens the bottle, quickly downing the water. 

“If you would like, I could bring some more pills by tomorrow and see Faith.  I would like to see how she’s doing.”  Giles admits.  “Don’t tell her, but I’ve been worried about her.” 

Tara chuckles softly.  “Well, she’s in good hands, if I do say so myself.  I’ll make sure she’s very well taken care of.  But you are more than welcome to stop by tomorrow.”  Tara lets Giles know which dorm she’s in and her room number before they say goodbye and hang up.

“So, Tweed Man is planning on coming by tomorrow, huh?”  Faith questions, smirking.  “Definitely in good hands.  But next time we take a shower together, we’ll be takin’ a shower together.”  Faith huskily states, her eyes roaming the witch’s body, the insinuation very clear in her voice. 

“Is that so?”  Tara raises an eyebrow at the slayer.  “How are you, sweetie?”  Tara questions seriously as she grabs another water out of the refrigerator, walking over to the bed, handing it to the dark-haired woman. 

Faith shifts over in the bed a bit, giving Tara more room to sit down.  Smiling as the witch takes her up on her obvious offer.  “Every time I come to, I feel a lot better.  The pain doesn’t seem to be as bad.” 

Tara nods her head.  “You telling me the truth, or are you sugar coating it?”  Tara questions quietly.  “I want the truth, Faith.  I don’t want to question whether you will lie to me, about anything.”  Tara searches the slayer’s eyes as she makes the statement. 

“Honestly, I feel a lot better.  I’m still getting twinges, especially if I move a certain way.  Some aches and pains, but not anything serious.”  Faith explains softly.  Faith shifts up further in the bed, pulling the pillow behind her to help prop her up some.  “Can we go without the pills for a while?  See how I do without ’em?   Because I really don’t like takin’ that shit.”  Faith scratches the back of her head, where the gash was.  “Damn thing’s itchin’.”  Faith grumbles.

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Let me look at it.  It’s probably just natural healing, but it won’t hurt to make sure there’s no infection.” 

“Not like it’d be botherin’ anythin’ if it was.”  Faith jokes, turning her head for Tara.

“Are you putting yourself down, sweetie?”  Tara gently separates the hair looking at the area.  “Just a little dry, nothing else.  I have something that might help that.”  Tara offers as she stands digging around in her bottom dresser drawer, pulling out a small baby-food sized jar with some dark red stuff in it.

“What’s that?”  Faith looks at the jar curiously. 

“I sometimes get extremely dry skin, this is a cream I created that clears it up in record time.”  Tara smiles as she sits back down on the bed, gently separating the hair and scooping up a small dab of the cream on the end of a finger, gently working it into the dry area.   “There, that should help.”  Tara closes the jar, placing it on the table. 

“Thanks.”  Faith quickly grabs the witch around the waist, as she turns back towards her, dragging her in against her body as she captures the woman’s lips in a heated kiss.  Running one hand up to cup the back of the woman’s head, Faith groans as Tara’s tongue matches hers stroke for stroke.  As she feels a warm hand slide under her shirt, stroking over her back, and another hand cupping her neck, Faith whimpers at the pleasure shooting through her body from the two points of contact. 

Tara pulls back at hearing the whimper.  When she realizes it’s a whimper of desire and not pain, she dives back in, kissing the slayer even stronger, tongue battling against tongue, before she nips at the end of the quicksilver muscle, trying to capture it in her mouth as it escapes.  Growling deeply, Tara finally captures the teasing muscle, sucking strongly before nipping gently.  Finally releasing Faith, as she has to break away to breathe, Tara groans as the slayer tilts her head, nipping her way along her jaw-line.  When Faith sucks her earlobe into her mouth, Tara whimpers in need.  As Faith releases the lobe and strokes her tongue up and over her ear, her body shakes with desire.  “Faith… Goddess!”  Tara whimpers loudly. 

Easing away from the witch, Faith’s dark eyes look into blue, desire-filled eyes of the witch.  “I want you.  I’m not going to act like I don’t.  And honestly?  I’m horny as hell.  That damn shower got my motor revvin’ and it ain’t completely went away yet.”  Faith growls when she sees the obvious look of distress cross the witch’s face.  Faith shakes her head quickly.  “I know you didn’t try to turn me on, on purpose.  It’s just…  Fuck!  It’s been a while, okay?  And you’re sexy as hell!”  Faith’s eyes drop down to the breasts straining against the witch’s tank to and the obviously aroused nipples. 

Tara moves a slightly shaking hand to Faith’s face, cupping her cheek while running her thumb over the kiss-swollen lips.  “I’m not so sure you’re healed enough for what you’re wanting.  ‘Cause I got a serious feeling you aren’t just going to lay there calmly and let me give you what you want.” 

“Nope.  First off, me and lying still?  Not much of an option. Second, this won’t be just a me thing, I’m planning on spending some time acquainting myself with your body.  Intimately acquainting myself.”  Faith slides her hands from the witch’s waist where they’d been resting, up her sides to cup her breasts, brushing her thumbs over the witch’s nipples, watching them harden even more through the tank top.  Faith shifts her hands down to the bottom of the tank top, grasping it gently before looking up into Tara’s eyes, silently asking the witch if she can remove the piece of clothing.

“It hurts, we stop.”  Tara whispers, smiling gently as Faith nods her head, grinning.  Raising her arms, Tara whimpers, as Faith doesn’t even wait to get the tank top off completely before she captures a nipple in her mouth, sucking strongly. 

Faith tosses the tank top away as she releases the nipple in her mouth, kissing her way over to the other one, nibbling gently on the hard nub, her hands urging the witch to shift over her.

“Faith, your top.”  Tara whimpers, as she shifts her body, straddling the slayer, easing her body down on the woman, being careful not to put her full weight on the woman.  As Faith leans back and looks at her questioningly, Tara smirks as she reaches down, pulling the slayer’s top off quickly tossing it behind her.  “Shift down.”  Tara orders lifting her hips up, groaning as eager fingers slide under the edge of her shorts.  As Faith slides down farther than she wanted her to, Tara starts to complain, then cries out the slayer’s name as an eager mouth and tongue start kissing and licking up her inner thighs.  Grasping the headboard as a pair of thumbs stroke over her lips one sliding in to stroke firmly through her wetness to circle her clit teasingly.  Unable to stop, Tara starts rocking her hips, urging the slayer to stop the teasing. 

“Be easier without the shorts.”  Faith pants, her mouth watering at the witch’s smell.  Wanting to bury her tongue as deeply inside the witch as she can, Faith growls quietly.  Shifting around from between the witch’s legs, she unceremoniously pushes her shorts down, grinning as Tara quickly slides her legs together.  Working the witch’s shorts the rest of the way off her, Faith urges her further up towards the head of the bed, separating her legs again before sliding back under her. 

“Faith, I want… Goddess!”  Tara cries out loudly as Faith pulls her down and without warning slides her tongue deeply within her, stroking in and out at a furious pace, her nose grinding against her clit while her hands grasp and knead her ass cheeks.  “FUCK!”  Tara screams, grinding her body down on Faith as she comes hard and quick.

Faith groans as she laps at the sweet flavor of the witch, gathering all the fluid she can find before moving one hand, sliding three fingers into the witch while capturing her clit between her lips, flicking her tongue over the quivering muscle while searching deep within the witch.  Releasing the clit, Faith hoarsely calls to Tara.  “I want you to explode, to soak me completely.  Don’t hold back, I want everything you got.” 

Tara pants heavily, her body arching and pushing against the fingers inside her, stroking over her g-spot.  “Keep… that… up…. mmmmm, yes!”  Tara groans, rotating her hips.  “You’ll… get… it….  SHIT!”  Tara arches her body, her whole body tensing as Faith rubs more firmly and quickly over the spot.

Faith gently scrapes her teeth over the witch’s clit, finally tipping the woman over the edge.  Moaning at the flood of liquid saturating her, Faith tries to capture the warm flood.  Sucking and licking the witch, keeping up her rubbing as Tara whimpers and groans, her body shaking uncontrollably, extending her orgasm, Faith whimpers as she laps up the last of the liquid readily available.  As Tara’s shaking finally starts to slow, and her clenching muscles ease, Faith gently slides her fingers out, lapping up the additional liquid ambrosia escaping from the witch.

Dropping her chest on the headboard, Tara whimpers loudly as Faith continues stroking her tongue over her, causing miniature orgasms as she flicks strongly over her clit.  “Faith…”  Tara softly calls the woman’s name, unable to stop her hips’ rocking motion. 

“God, I could spend days just like this.”  Faith admits as she finally eases back from the witch, dropping her head back onto the pillow, nipping the leg beside her head lightly. 

“Not… possible.”  Tara finally pants out the words, trying to get control of her breathing, and the small tremors still working their way through her body.

“Why not?”  Faith growls, starting to alternate nipping the skin by her mouth with licking over it. 

“I would collapse.”  Tara finally is able to say, without panting too terribly much.  Shifting her body down the bed, Tara stops, looking into Faith’s twinkling eyes.  “How are you feeling?”  Tara questions softly as she leans down, kissing down the slayer’s neck stopping to suck on the woman’s pulse point.

“The… oh, yeah.  Suck hard.”  Faith arches up into the witch’s mouth.  “Feeling wonderful.  Honestly I don’t feel any pain at all right now, except the pounding going on between my legs.”  Faith’s sex roughened voice admits.

“You said you want a pounding to go on between your legs?”  Tara questions, trying not to laugh as her hands reach down, cupping the woman through her shorts.

“God, yes!”  Faith cries, arching into the hand pressing firmly against her sex.

“Hmmm.  I might be able to do something about that.”  Tara admits as she shifts and strips the slayer of the shorts quickly, before gently easing the woman’s legs apart, allowing herself to see the woman’s aura, smiling as she only sees the briefest flash of pain occasionally flaring, knowing that the endorphins from the sex were probably keeping the slayer from noticing the occasional sparks of pain from being noticed.

Sliding up between the slayer’s thighs, Tara groans at the musky/sweet smell of the slayer’s arousal, her eyes traveling over the bald mound and the juices glistening on the outer lips.

“Don’t tease.”  Faith growls deeply, the desire thick in her voice.  “I’m about ready… FUCK YEAH!”  Faith cries out as Tara simultaneously slams three fingers inside her while sucking down hard on her swollen clit.  Arching into the witch, Faith’s body rocks hard against the welcome intrusion.  As Tara starts a fast paced, firm stroking inside her body while alternating sucking and flicking her quivering clit, Faith grunts in approval.  As she’s rocking her body faster against the witch, Faith moans loudly as Tara curls her fingers, stroking repeatedly over her inner sweet spot.  Feeling the orgasm starting to coil through her body, Faith whimpers.  “Gonna be a flood.”  Faith warns, as she feels the telltale signs of an expert lover quickly bringing her to the point of female ejaculation.  When she hears a quickly grunted ‘good’ before Tara sucks even more strongly, Faith whimpers continuously as it feels like even the tip of her nose is about to climax.  As her body explodes, Faith screams out Tara’s name as a rainbow of colors burst behind her eyelids, her body arching hard.

Tara moans into Faith, keeping her fingers buried in the woman’s heated core, not able to move them because of the muscles clenching down firmly.  Lapping up all the fluid she can, Tara isn’t aware of the whimpers coming from her as she eagerly gathers the slayer’s essence.  “So good.”  Tara murmurs softly, in between slowing strokes of her tongue over the collapsing slayer.  As she feels the slayer’s flexing muscles finally relaxing, Tara gently eases her fingers out from inside her lover.  After she finishes cleaning the slayer, she smirks as she laps the fluid from her fingers as she climbs up the slayer’s body, stopping at Faith’s breasts, sucking firmly on the brown areolas alternately, before working her way up to the panting mouth of the slayer, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before easing down beside the woman.

After a few minutes, Tara whispers quietly.  “Was it good for you?”

Faith groans loudly.  “I’ll let you know when I stop seein’ pretty sparklin’ colors.”  Faith turns her head, allowing a smirk to cross her face at the knowing gleam in the woman’s blue eyes.  “Like you don’t know.”

“Just making sure.”  Tara places a kiss on the slayer’s cheek, as she runs a hand softly up and down the woman’s body.  “I don’t want to possibly scare you off, Faith.  But I think I can fall deeply in love with you.”  Tara admits, circling a finger around the slayer’s belly button.  “And you don’t have to say anything back.  I just want you to know that.  I thought about you quite frequently the past month also.  I always carefully listened whenever Willow or Buffy mentioned you.  I wanted to know how you were doing.”

“Why didn’t you call, or tell them to let me know you wanted to see me?”   Faith questions, capturing the witch’s fingers with hers, lacing them together. 

“I didn’t know if you were interested.  Plus the whole demon thing.”  Tara admits quietly.  “I’m serious about that, Faith.  If I become evil, I want you to take me down.”

“I know you are.”  Faith sighs deeply.  “Only if you’re evil if not, we’ll work around it.  But I honestly don’t think it’ll come to that, Tara.  I think it’s a load of shit.”

“Promise me.”  Tara states softly, leaning up on an elbow to look the slayer in the eyes.  “Say it, please.”  Tara begs quietly. 

Faith clenches her jaw for a moment, searching the beautiful blue eyes, finally sighing.  “I promise if you become an evil, killing monster, I will be the one to take you down.”  Faith whispers, watching as the relief floods the witch’s eyes.  Reaching up, Faith strokes the back of her hand down the soft skin.  “Come here.”  Faith tugs her down, wrapping her arm around the woman, urging her in tightly against her side. 

“Thanks, Faith.”  Tara whispers placing a gentle kiss on the cheek before she buries her face in the strong column of the slayer’s neck.  “Do you want the pain pills, or do you want to wait?” 

“Wanna wait.”  Faith smiles as she hears the quiet chuckle coming from the witch.  “Sleep, Tare.  I know you didn’t get any last night.”  Faith frowns as she realizes the woman has to be running on fumes.

“Had a cat nap late this afternoon before Buffy showed up.  It helped.”  Tara cautiously runs her leg up the slayer’s thigh.  “Does this hurt?”

“Nah.”  Faith shakes her head, reaching down and grasping the leg.  “Go ahead and lay across me, if you want.” 

“Let me know, and I’ll move it if I have to.”  Tara murmurs, not realizing how tired she was, but as she allows her body to relax after the mind-blowing sex, she feels how heavy her eyelids are actually getting.

“Sleep.  You’re tired.”  Faith strokes over the woman’s hair with one hand, while stroking the part of the witch’s leg she can reach easily. 

“Thank you, Faith.”  Tara whispers as she slowly falls asleep.

Faith frowns, wondering what the witch is thanking her for, about ready to ask when she feels her settling more heavily into her, her breathing deep.  Sighing quietly as she allows a soft smile to cross her face, Faith whispers.   “I think I should thank you for comin’ into my life.”  Faith wonders if there’s something Giles might be able to find out about a person possibly becoming a demon when they turn 20.  Filing that thought away to ask later, Faith gets more comfortable, closing her eyes thinking about the blonde woman lying partially on her, feeling at peace with the thought of being with this woman, not having the urge to leave as she would normally. 

***

Chapter 10

“Go ‘way.”  Faith grumbles pulling Tara in tighter against her.

Tara groans, slowly opening her eyes.  As she realizes where she is, she tries to figure out how she came to be practically laying across the slayer.  Smirking as she realizes the slayer is holding her hostage against her, she realizes the woman probably dragged her on top of her sometime during the night.  As a firm knock sounds on the door, Tara frowns, looking at the clock, surprised when she sees it’s almost 9:00. 

“Go the fuck away!  Sleepin’.”  Faith yells, slowly opening her eyes, a smile working its way across her face at the laughing blue eyes looking down at her.  “’Mornin’.”  Faith rumbles as she captures the witch’s lips in a heated kiss.

As Faith finally releases her, Tara raises an eyebrow.  “You going to let me up so I can find out who’s at the door?”

“Nope.  They can come back at a decent hour.”  Faith grumbles before looking at the clock, her eyes opening wide at the time.  “Oops, guess this is a decent hour, huh?”  She smiles happily.  “Slept good.  Probably the spectacular sex that did me in.  Got to do it more, see if that’s what caused me being able to sleep so good and for so long.”  Faith leers at the witch, finally releasing her from her grasp, chuckling as Tara pinches her gently on the hip. 

“Clothes or cover up with the bedding?”  Tara questions quickly as she drags on clothes as another loud knock sounds on the door.  “COMING!”  Tara yells, rolling her eyes. 

“Throw me that t-shirt.  I won’t bother about the shorts.”  Faith grins wickedly at the witch, making her laugh.

“You’re bad.”  Tara throws the t-shirt at the woman, going to stand by the door, grinning hugely at the smirk on the slayer’s face.  As Faith sits up in the bed, tucking the sheets around her lower body, she grins innocently at Tara, making her laugh as she opens the door.  “Mr. Giles, good morning.”  Tara allows the older gentleman to come into the room, blushing lightly.

“Yo, Tweed Man.  What’s up?”  Faith bites her lip to keep from laughing as Tara blushes. 

“You seem to be doing well.”  Giles comments, setting the bag of donuts on the desk as he walks over to the chair pulling it up to the bed.

“Yeah.  I suggest Witchy healing for what ails a person.”  Faith allows a small smirk to cross her face as she hears an extremely quiet whimper come from Tara as she’s digging around in the refrigerator. 

“Ah, yes.  Miss Maclay, I want to thank you for taking care of Faith in her time of need.”  Giles looks back at the blushing witch.

“It wasn’t anything.”  Tara smiles self-consciously at the Watcher.  “Would you like a soda, or maybe some water?”  Tara questions turning her gaze quickly on the slayer, silently asking her what she wants.

“I’m fine, thank you.”  Giles smiles gently at the witch.

“Soda, thanks, Tare.”  Faith lets Tara know what she wants, smiling as the witch grabs two sodas out of the refrigerator, bringing one to her.  Faith pats the bed beside her, letting Tara know she wants her to sit down.  “So, what brings you by here early this morning?  I figured you’d be at the shop.”  Faith questions, opening the soda and taking a long swig.

“I wanted to see how you were fairing.  I must admit, I was expecting to see you doing poorly, but you seem quite well.”  Giles raises an eyebrow questioning the slayer, without saying anything.

“Witch.”  Faith pats Tara’s leg, grinning ear from ear.  “She’s got magical healing down pat.  Plus she’s been shoving damn pills down my throat and makin’ me sleep.”   Faith leaves her hand on Tara’s thigh, squeezing gently. 

“I can only take partial credit.  Faith’s not been arguing too terribly much, and her slayer healing has been working overtime on healing the rest of her.  Actually, if Faith and I could get out of town, I could finish healing her completely.  It might make her tired, for the rest of today and tonight, but she would in effect be healed completely.”  Tara smiles softly at Faith, before glancing back at a curious looking Giles.

“How long would you need?”  Giles questions, watching the interaction between the two women.  When he realizes that Faith seems to be almost caressing the woman’s thigh, and Tara is leaning her body more into the slayer, Giles blushes lightly, yanking his glasses off and pinching the bridge of his nose, missing the look Faith gives to Tara.

Faith smirks wickedly as Giles figures it out, turning her grin on Tara, she can’t help but give the witch a quick kiss.  “Two down.”  Faith whispers.

Chuckling, Tara slides her arm behind the slayer, pinching the slayer’s ass on her way to hugging her against her side. 

“Dear, Lord.”  Giles mutters as he opens his eyes as Faith kisses Tara.  “When did this…”  Giles blushes and waves his hand between the two.

“What, Giles?”  Faith questions with a lift of her eyebrow, smirking as she hears Tara whispering vixen.

“You two, when did you two happen?”  Giles coughs, blushing a little darker.

“Why?  Does it matter?”  Faith questions curiously, watching the Watcher.

“No.  No, it doesn’t.”  Giles leans back, the surprise evident on his face.  “You’re seeing each other?”

“Not yet, but planning on it as soon as the witch says she’ll go out with me, instead of just screwing me insane.”  Faith grins.

“Faith!”  Tara hisses.  “I’ll go out with you whenever you want.  When I’m not studying for finals.”  Tara qualifies.  “That is, if you behave, at least a little bit.”

“No, studying and school is important for you.  Tare…”  Faith hesitates looking in the witch’s eyes.  “Can I ask him?”  Faith questions softly, more breathing the words into Tara’s ear, as she raises her eyebrows and tilts her head towards the Watcher. 

“Not now, please.”  Tara pleads silently with the slayer, smiling in relief as Faith nods her assent.  “Thank you.”

Giles waits patiently for the two to finish their whispered conversation, watching the slayer intently.  Surprised as he noticed the obvious caring showing on her face and in her mannerisms for Tara.  When they both glance back at him, he raises an eyebrow.  “I was going to offer you a ride to wherever it is that you need to go, if you want.”  Giles offers.

“Giles, I hate to say it, but we could probably walk to wherever it is before you could get there in that excuse you call a car.”  Faith snarks at the Watcher.

“That is a fine automobile.  There is nothing wrong with it.”  Giles states stiffly.

“Giles, that thing won’t go faster than 35 mph!”  Faith grumbles at the man.  “You need to put it out of everyone’s misery, is what you need to do.” 

Tara laughs quietly at the two bickering back and forth.  “Sweetie?”  Tara questions softly, watching as Faith turns to look at her immediately.  Running a thumb over the still lightly bruised cheek, she smiles gently.  “He’s offering to take us out there so you can be healed completely.  I think we should take him up on it.”

“Okay.”  Faith sighs quietly.  “But I warned ya’.”  Faith narrows her eyes on the witch, before smiling gently.  “We’re gonna have to get dressed.”  Faith frowns deeply.  “What am I gonna wear?”

“I think I might have something you can wear.  It isn’t your normal attire, but it’ll cover you.”  Tara smiles apologetically at the slayer.

“Beggars can’t be choosers.”  Faith states shrugging her shoulders before looking back at the Watcher.  Faith waits a few minutes, raising her eyebrow when he continues to sit there.  “Giles, you got thirty seconds to get out of here, or I’m getting dressed in front of ya’.”  Faith chuckles loudly as his eyes go wide as he jumps up and makes a mad dash out of the room. 

Tara can’t help but laugh at the comical display of the Watcher almost tripping over his own two feet to get out of the room.  “You are rotten.”  Tara finally gets out between laughing fits. 

“No, if I’d been rotten, I would have just stood up and stripped off this t-shirt.”  Faith states as she does just that, smirking as Tara’s eyes caress over her body.  “Now, that would have been rotten.”

“No, that would have been downright cruel.”  Tara whispers standing, kissing Faith deeply.  “Teasing Mr. Giles with this hot, sexy, muscular body.”  Tara runs a hand down the woman’s sides, clasping her hips gently.  “Then he really would have been embarrassed when I did what I just did.”  Tara kisses her briefly. 

Faith sighs, as she realizes they aren’t going to have any morning lovings.  Accepting the shirt and jeans Tara hands her, she eyes them for a moment, before pulling them on. 

Tara chuckles at the baggy jeans.  “Here, sweetie.”  Tara hands her a belt and socks.  “Would you like a tank top to wear under the button down shirt?  I know my bras won’t fit you, so I won’t even ask.”

“You didn’t ask if I wanted a pair of panties.”  Faith lifts her eyebrow questioningly as she accepts the tank top, pulling it on and tucking it into the jeans.  Threading the belt through the loops, she pulls it tight before sitting down on the edge of the bed, inhaling deeply.  “I’m surprised he didn’t smell the sex when he came in here.”  Faith admits, grinning as she pulls on the socks then her heavy boots.

“Maybe it’s been so long he’s forgotten what it smells like.”  Tara offers as she quickly changes, glancing up smiling, as Faith chuckles.

“And you say I’m rotten!”  Faith pulls the other shirt on, leaving it unbuttoned while she flips up the cuffs, watching Tara.  “I want to take you shopping.”  Faith whispers.  “Will you let me?” 

Tara looks up with confused eyes.  “Shopping for what?”  Tara pulls on her boots, tying them quickly before standing and making the bed quickly watching as Faith grabs her shower kit and walks to the door. 

“Come on in, Tweed.”  Faith grins at the Watcher.  “We gotta go to the bathroom we’ll be back in a couple minutes.”  

Tara chuckles as she pulls an extra blanket out from her bottom drawer, placing it on the end of the bed to take with them.  “Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Giles.”  Tara smiles briefly at the Watcher as she quickly follows a chuckling Faith down to the bathroom.

***

“Are you sure you won’t need me for a couple hours?”  Giles questions as he pulls off the road, looking at the two women.

“Give us at least three hours.”  Tara smiles at the Watcher.  “I want to make sure she’s healed completely and have time to re-charge my own batteries.  Actually four would probably be better.” 

Giles glances at his watch.  “So two o’clock?”  He questions looking back at the two women. 

“Two would be great.”  Tara bites the inside of her lip before a grin crosses her face.

“Tweed?”  Faith looks at the Watcher, when he nods his head for her to go ahead, she smirks.  “Don’t tell the rest about us.  I wanna see how long it takes them to figure it out.” 

Giles shakes his head, blushing.  “Buffy already feels that something’s going on, but she just can’t figure out what.” 

“I don’t think it’ll ever occur to her, unless she sees us makin’ out or somethin’.”  Faith admits, laughing.  “But I feel like fuckin’ with ‘em some.”

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with anything, I have no problem with it.”  Giles finally chuckles quietly.  “I honestly don’t know how you two came to get together.  And I don’t think I want to know!”  Giles raises a hand as he watches Faith start opening her mouth, a wicked glint in her eyes.  “Especially whatever is going through your mind, Faith.  But as long as you two are happy, I’m not going to begrudge you being together.  I’ll be back at two.”  Giles chuckles again as he pulls away.

Faith carries the small backpack Tara insisted on bringing while Tara carries the blanket.  “So, how come I got this feeling you told tweed that it’d take longer than it actually will?”

“Maybe because your feeling is right.” Tara smirks at the slayer.  “Have you ever spent hours making love in the afternoon sun by a beautiful lake?”

Faith laughs at the purely wicked gleam in Tara’s eyes.  “No, but I have a feeling I’m about to.” 

“Well, you do realize sex magic is some of the most powerful magic there is, don’t you?”  Tara nibbles on her lip as they walk towards the lake.

“It is?”  Faith wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her in snugly against her side.  “I feel pretty good, you know that, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I also see some of the pain streaking through your body.  I know you block part of it out, I’m assuming it’s your normal reaction with your slayerness, but I want you healed completely.  No hints of pain, no bruises, no phantom pains, even.”  Tara runs her hand up, playing softly over the skin at the nape of the slayer’s neck. 

“How you gonna do that?”  Faith questions, moaning quietly as the fingers stroke firmly over her neck. 

“Do you like a firm touch?”  Tara questions softly, hearing the moan.

“Yeah.  The firmer the better.”  Faith’s moans turn into groans as Tara kneads a lot firmer.  “You didn’t answer my question.” 

“With your actual wounds, I’ll heal them.  The phantom pain is somewhat different.”  Tara admits softly as they walk around the far side of the lake.

“How different?”  Faith questions.  “It isn’t that bad.”

“That’s because you’re blocking it out.  But eventually it’ll need to work its way out of you.  I’m going to take it away from you, recycling it back into nature.”  Tara smiles as she comes to her favorite spot, stopping she spreads the blanket out on the ground.  Bending down, she quickly unties her boots, sliding them off before she pulls off her socks.  Standing, her eyes twinkling, Tara slowly unbuttons her shirt, shrugging it off to fold it neatly, laying it beside her shoes before unsnapping her bra, laying it on top of her shirt. 

Faith unconsciously licks her lips as the witch finishes stripping. 

“It helps if you take your clothes off.”  Tara grins crookedly at her lover before she sits down on the blanket, leaning back on her elbows as she watches the slayer strip in record time.  Watching as Faith bends over, she sees the brief flare of pain in her aura.  “One thing, you’re going to have to let me do this, sweetie.  At my own pace.  You can touch me and do anything to me, but you can’t make me climax or interfere in what I‘m doing.  Do you think you can do that?” 

“What’s it going to consist of?”  Faith questions hoarsely as she finishes yanking off her clothes, lying down over the witch, forcing her to lay down flat on the blanket, her body brushing lightly against the witch’s.

“Pretty much multiple orgasms for you.”  Tara grins wickedly at the slayer.

“I’m all for that.  But what does it mean for you?”  Faith questions, shifting one of her thighs between Tara’s legs, pressing it gently into the witch, smiling at the heat she encounters. 

“Being on the brink of going crazy from not being able to climax until I’ve drawn all the pain out of your body and psyche.”  Tara’s eyes darken as Faith starts a slow rocking motion, her thigh rubbing against her clit. 

“And what happens after you draw it out?”  Faith starts nipping down the witch’s neck, sucking at the woman’s pulse point, smiling as she releases the skin as she hears a low moan. 

“I take it from where I’ve gathered it within myself, dispersing it into mother nature as I orgasm.”  Tara arches her back as Faith licks her way down her chest. 

“Gather it into you?”  Faith frowns slightly.

“Yes.  Don’t worry about it, sweetie.  I’ve done this before.”  Tara runs a thumb over the slayers furrowed brows.  “Roll over, sweetie.  Touch me wherever you want, kiss whatever is in reach.” 

“I don’t like the sounds of you doing this.”  Faith shakes her head.  “You can heal me, but leave the pains.  I’ll deal.” 

“Don’t make me force you, Faith.”  Tara raises an eyebrow.  “I have a lot of energy in this area to call upon.  I can, and will, play dirty.  I want you healed completely.  So, you can have use of your body, or I’ll keep you… immobile as I take advantage of you.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows at the slayer, grinning.

“This ain’t funny.”  Faith growls, her eyes searching the witch.  “When did you do this before?”

“For my mother.”  Tara admits softly.  “Anything you have floating around isn’t going to be anything remotely close to what I did before.  She needed a couple extra weeks to finish taking care of things for me.  I can do it without the sex, like I did for her, but it actually works better with the sexual tension, and for you, the releases.”  Tara grins shyly.  “After I’ve gathered all of it within me, according to the book, it’s an extremely powerful release.  It might knock me out for a while.” 

“So, for putting up with the pain, you get a huge happy?”  Faith looks at the witch considering her for a few moments.  “You took the pain your mother had with her Leukemia within yourself?”

“Yes.”  Tara nods, biting her lip.  “It was an unimaginable amount of pain.  What you have is honestly not even a drop in the bucket compared to hers.” 

“I don’t necessarily like the idea, but if you promise it isn’t gonna be that bad?”  Faith worries her bottom lip looking down into the blue eyes of her lover.  As Faith thinks that to herself for the first time, she smiles. 

“I promise, sweetie.  I would have brought you out here that night if I thought you could have made the trip.  But you weren’t strong enough.”  Tara smiles as Faith finally relents, rolling over onto her back.

“So, you were thinking about jumping my bones that night?”  Faith smirks at Tara as the witch settles her body on top of hers, almost exactly the same way she had been lying except that both of the witch’s legs are between hers. 

“Wasn’t planning on doing it that way.  Was planning on doing it the same way I did with my mother.”  Tara explains.  “Now, shush.  Stop trying to distract me with talk.”  Tara smiles gently at the slayer as she starts off kissing the woman gently, smiling as she feels Faith’s hands already roaming over her back and butt.  Slowly placing soft, gentle kisses over Faith’s face, Tara works her way over to the slayer’s ear, sucking gently, smiling as Faith groans lightly.

Moaning into the slayer’s ear, Tara arches up into the hands stroking gently over her ass, getting her mind back on bringing the slayer to a fever pitch of desire, knowing it probably won’t take a lot with her sexually charged girlfriend, Tara slowly works her way over Faith’s body, spending a longer time over every area the woman had been hurt. Opening her senses fully, Tara feels the desire already building up strongly in the slayer.  From where her hands were stroking firmly over her lover’s thighs, she slides a hand between their bodies.  Groaning at the copious amount of fluid leaking from the slayer, Tara gently rubs her thumb over the extremely swollen nub of her lover as she captures Faith’s nipple in her mouth sucking strongly.  Groaning as she feels the orgasm working through her lover’s body, Tara slides three fingers deep within Faith, tipping her over the edge.  As Faith arches up, screaming as she climaxes, Tara groans, burying her face into the slayer’s chest as the first release of pain eases into her from her connection deep within the slayer. 

Taking a few minutes to center herself, Tara works her way repeatedly over Faith’s chest, spending a longer time on the woman’s ribs and internal organs, sending her healing energy within the woman, forcing the pain towards the slayer’s center, to be released with her next orgasm, like she’d done with the slayer’s bruises, scalp and shoulder injuries. 

“Damn, Tara!”  Faith whimpers as Tara continues to kiss and lick across her body, bringing her quickly to a second orgasm, her hand continuing to stroke within her body.  As Tara’s fingers curl inside her, starting to stroke over her g-spot, Faith’s rocking hips start to jerk faster and harder into her lover’s hand.  As she explodes again, Faith grinds into the pleasure giving fingers, her body shaking. 

Tara whimpers a little louder as the pain comes into her body, but as she realizes that the strong orgasm had exchanged all the pain from the slayer’s upper body, Tara smiles briefly as she continues to work her way down the slayer’s body.

“Can… you… turn… around?”  Faith pants out, her hips continuing to jump into her lover’s hand as she keeps up the stroking and rubbing.  “Tara slide your fourth finger in, please?”  Faith groans deeply as she feels Tara ease up on her stroking to work the four fingers in her.

“Tease, touch, but no making me come until I say so, okay?”  Tara whimpers quietly, her eyes making contact with Faith’s unfocused gaze.

“Promise.  Please, want to taste, touch.”  Faith begs softly, arching as Tara’s continuous stroking makes her explode in a flood, closing her eyes with the pleasure, Faith sees stars, even after she opens her eyes a few long minutes later.

Tara swallows hard as more of the pain releases into her body, realizing that she could continue doing exactly what she’s doing now and that the rest of it would find its release into her.  Gently shifting her body around, making sure to keep up the pace of her fingers, Tara gently eases her body down, giving Faith access to her own swollen sex.  Seeing the rest of the pain coalescing within the slayer, Tara double-checks the slayer, making sure she didn’t miss anything, smiling briefly, Tara cries out softly.  “Be prepared, I think one more time might do it.”

“One more time might kill me.”  Faith grunts, rocking her hips even faster into Tara’s hand.  “But what a way to go.”  Faith slides two fingers through the witch’s wetness, groaning as it literally runs down her fingers and hand.  Sliding three fingers deep within the witch’s core, Faith gather’s the escaping juices with her mouth and tongue, trying to drink up all the nectar she can find, while starting a slow easy pace within the witch, to bring her to the edge and keep her there until she’s ready. 

“Goddess!”  Tara whimpers at the pleasure and pain mingling through her body.  Amazed at how it feels, Tara concentrates on bringing Faith to an earth shattering climax.  As she feels the slayer getting close, Tara stops stroking for a long few minutes, until she hears Faith whimpering loudly behind her, trying to force her to start again.  As the pain works it’s way into an ever more pronounced ball within the slayer, Tara smiles softly before capturing the slayer’s clit within her mouth and working her fingers in and out of the slayer at a feverish pace, stroking over her sweet spot repeatedly until Faith’s jumping hips almost threaten to throw her off the woman, smiling as her lover wraps an arm around her, helping to keep her in place, while Faith continues stroking her tongue around her swollen clit to her fingers sliding repeatedly into her hot canal. 

As Faith finally climaxes again, the rest of the pain slams into Tara, making her release the slayer’s clit, crying out.  Whimpering loudly, Tara cries. “Now, Faith!!” 

Faith groans loudly into her lover’s body, trying to concentrate enough to give Tara the release she needs, as her own body jumps and jerks, the orgasm ripping through her.  Finally, Faith curls her fingers while capturing the clit in her mouth sucking the swollen muscle strongly.  Rubbing her fingers strongly against the witch, she feels Tara’s inner muscles clenching against her fingers, and her clit starting to spasm at a fast rate in her mouth.  Feeling her lover’s body shaking above her, almost as if it’s going to collapse, Faith quickly rolls them over, so she’s on top of Tara.  Flicking her tongue firmly over Tara, Faith runs her pinky on her other hand through the escaping fluid before teasing the witch’s rosebud, as Tara bucks strongly against her the climax getting ready to explode from the witch, Faith gently slides the pinky in, while burying her fingers deep within Tara, pressing against her sweet spot and sucking strongly on the quivering muscle, making Tara scream as she climaxes, flooding Faith’s mouth and hand with her essence, as her body keeps jerking and jumping into the slayer.

Faith slowly eases off the witch, feeling the tremors still working through both of their bodies.  Finally turning her body around, she climbs over the witch, supporting her own pleasantly aching, extremely charged body to look at Tara, who’s lying there with a smile on her face, and breathing rapidly, sweat glistening over both their bodies, Faith runs a shaking hand down Tara’s cheek and neck, watching the woman intently. 

“You didn’t tell me that this would charge me at the same time, Tare.”  Faith whispers as she waits for Tara to finally come back to the land of the living.  Feeling her own body buzzing with energy, and all the aches and pains gone, except for the pleasant ache between her legs, Faith smirks.  “You are so getting paid back for this.”  Faith eases her body beside the witch, to wait for Tara to wake up.

***

Chapter 11

Tara smiles softly as the first thing she notices as she comes to, is a hand stroking softly down her face and neck.  The second thing she notices is a sexy, rough voice, singing softly.  As Faith slowly tapers off, she feels soft lips pressing against hers, wrapping her arms around Faith’s neck Tara pulls the slayer more against her as she deepens the kiss.  As Faith slowly breaks off the kiss, placing soft kisses along her cheekbone, Tara groans quietly.  “How long was I out for?”

“Hmmm.  I’d say roughly ten minutes.”  Faith murmurs as she kisses down the side of the witch’s neck, nipping gently. 

“Goddess.”  Tara whimpers as Faith finally works her way down to her breasts, gently kneading one breast as she circles the other nipple with a strong tongue.  “What… are… you… doing?”  Tara finally pants out, the desire heavy in her body.

“I thought it was kinda obvious.”  Faith states around the nipple she’s now sucking on.  Easing her body between the witch’s legs, Faith grins before working her way over to the other breast, nipping gently on the nipple, before scraping her teeth repeatedly over the hard nub.  As Tara’s body arches and her lover hooks one leg around her body, Faith presses her lower stomach against the witch, tightening her stomach muscles while grinding against the woman.

Tara moans, her hips jerking as she drags her lower body against her lover. “Faith!”  Tara cries out, orgasming as Faith bites gently on her nipple.

Faith releases the witch’s breast, moaning as she feels the warmth of Tara’s release ease onto her stomach.  As Tara slowly eases her body back down onto the blanket, Faith shifts up, burying her face in the witch’s neck.  “Can we come back here, spend all day one day making love?”  Faith questions softly, feeling a deep connection with the witch, especially out here in both women’s special place.  Realizing she hasn’t told Tara about liking to come out here when she runs, Faith chuckles softly. 

Tara smiles as she hears the words, wondering if the woman was even aware she called it making love instead of having sex.  When she hears the soft chuckle, she moves her hands from the strong back she’d unconsciously been stroking to thread through the woman’s hair, she urges Faith to look up.  “What’s so entertaining, sweetie?”  Tara questions, allow her lip to quirk up. 

“This may be sort of weird, but whenever I go running by myself, I always come out here.  I like the beauty, the calmness.”  Faith states almost shyly. 

“Oh, sweetie.”  Tara smiles, while pulling Faith down against her, and hugging her tightly.  “You probably need the calmness to counteract the violence of your life.”   

Faith hums as Tara strokes over her back.  Burying her face against the witch’s neck again, Faith places gentle kisses on the skin.  “What do you do to me?  You make me feel sappy and soft.”  Faith grumbles, stroking her thumb over the witch’s collarbone. 

Tara smiles softly, knowing the slayer is falling in love with her, whether she’s aware of it or not.  As the realization actually sinks in, Tara’s smile slowly turns into a frown, realizing that it would make it that much harder on the woman if she does turn into a demon.  Kissing Faith’s head, Tara continues stroking over her back, silently wondering if she has the right to put Faith through this.  Through the possibility of falling in love with her, then maybe having to kill her. 

Faith realizes she’s practically draped across the witch, her weight fully on the witch.  “I’m sorry.”  Faith shifts, moving to lie beside Tara on the blanket.

“Why did you move?”  Tara frowns as she shifts on her side, facing the slayer.  “You were fine.”

“I weigh too much to be laying on you like that.”  Faith smiles as she mirrors her lover, reaching up to tuck the woman’s hair behind her ear, running her fingertip down the flesh of the outer ear.

Tara groans, closing her eyes as the soft caress sends a bolt of desire straight to her center, making it clench in want. 

Faith watches the witch’s reaction to her soft caress with a small smile.  Gently circling the finger around the flesh, Faith smells the witch’s obvious arousal with the caress.  Easing her body into Tara’s, Faith urges Tara onto her back again, continuing the stroking as she wraps the thigh closest to her between her legs, effectively spreading the witch’s legs.  Wrapping her arm around the witch’s head, she switches hands stroking over the ear, while running the other hand down Tara’s body, smirking as Tara makes the most delicious sounds in the back of her throat.  Faith moans quietly as Tara runs a hand up and through her hair, grasping gently.

Tara starts whimpering deep in the back of her throat, her hips starting a slow circle as Faith’s hand teases over her outer lips for long moments before fingers dip between the swollen lips, traversing up and down her slit, sliding easily through the thoroughly soaked area, gliding over her hard nub, pressing into the swollen muscle, rubbing softly, gradually building up the speed and pressure as her hips work faster against the firm touch. 

Faith quickly slides two of her fingers down and inside the witch while replacing them on the woman’s clit with her thumb, keeping up the firm, fast pressure while stroking inside the witch.  Continuing to caress over the woman’s other ear, Faith places kisses on the woman’s jaw, working towards the ear closest to her.  As the witch’s body stops working in a smooth fast stroke, and starts jerking, her muscles start clenching her fingers firmly, Faith reaches the woman’s other ear, licking over the delicate lobe, the response instantaneous as Tara’s body arches, shaking as the orgasm works through her whole body, saturating Faith’s hand with her release.  Faith watches as the pleasure crosses the witch’s face before leaning her forehead against the side of the witch while continuing the soft in and out of her fingers, prolonging the witch’s orgasm before Tara finally collapses, whimpering, her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. 

Swallowing repeatedly, Tara slowly opens her eyes.  “No… Not…”  Tara lets out a shaky breath, her body shakes and tries to recover from the intense orgasm.  “Not… that… I’m… complaining…” 

Faith chuckles at the witch’s attempt to speak.  Slowing down her strokes, she finally stops her fingers’ movements, leaving them within the witch, not wanting to leave the witch’s core just yet, enjoying the continuing clenching motion.

“Not… funny.”  Tara mutters, another aftershock working through her body.  “Why?”

“Why am I drivin’ you to distraction?”  Faith questions.  “Why have I decided I want to wear you out every chance I get?  Because I can.”  Faith smirks at the witch, her eyes twinkling. 

“Bitch.”  Tara grumbles, and then laughs as Faith nods her head in agreement.  “Goddess, you’re going to drive me insane.”  Tara smiles at the slayer, before leaning up to kiss her briefly.  “It’s probably getting close to two o’clock, if not after.  If we don’t want to shock Mr. Giles if he decides to come looking for us, we should get dressed.”

“Spoilsport.”  Faith growls, easing her fingers from within Tara before slowly unwrapping her legs from around the witch’s leg, just now realizing she’d kept it hostage, before she stands, offering her hands to the witch.  Helping her up, Faith pulls her body in flush against hers, leaning down the short distance, capturing her lips in a soft kiss.  “What are we going to do the rest of today and tonight?”  Faith questions as she finally releases the witch, watching as Tara opens the backpack, pulling out a Ziploc bag with damp washcloths in them. 

“I should have been a boy scout.”  Tara smirks as she hands a washcloth to Faith.  “Isn’t their motto ‘Always be Prepared’?”

“I like you as you are, I don’t want a boy scout.  I want a very prepared, very beautiful witch.”  Faith admits honestly as she cleans herself quickly.

Tara tilts Faith’s chin up and kisses her firmly on the lips.  “Thank you.”  Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer before wiping her body down, the two women companionably dressing silently before gathering the items, packing them away. 

Faith chuckles as Tara hands her a couple granola bars and a large water.  Watching as she tucks a couple bars in her own pocket, grasping a water out for herself as she folds up the blanket tightly, shoving it in the backpack.  “You didn’t answer me, what’re we doing the rest of today and tonight?” 

“Well, we’re both probably going to crash in about three or four hours time.  So I figure we’ll want to shower, get some actual real food in us, then let nature take its course.”  Tara smiles at Faith, as the slayer tucks the water under her arm while ripping into one of the granola bars, scarfing it down quickly, tucking the wrapper in her pocket before she tears into the other bar finishing it in record time. 

Faith smiles self-consciously.  “All we‘ve had are those donuts.”  Faith defends herself.

“I know sweetie, that‘s why I brought the bars.”  Tara smiles at the slayer as she pulls the other two out of her pocket handing them to the slayer.  “I‘m okay, so you go ahead and eat these.”  Tara smiles encouragingly as Faith hesitates looking at her.

“You sure?”  Faith finally accepts the bars as Tara places them in her hand.  “Thank you.”

“No problem.”  Tara smiles as they continue walking, Faith making short work of the last two bars before she sucks down the water.  Tara sips on her water, as they get closer to the road.

“Huh.”  Faith states looking at the Jeep in the distance.  “Looks like Mrs. S is picking us up.  Wonder if there’s a problem?”

“I doubt it, I’m sure they would have come after us, if there was.”  Tara smiles at Faith. 

“Yeah, or they would have called.”  Faith digs her cell phone out, flipping it open.  “No phone calls.”  Faith shrugs.  “I guess we’ll find out what’s up when we get to her.”

“Yo, Mrs. S.  Everything okay?”  Faith questions, tossing Tara’s backpack in the back of the Jeep as she looks at the older woman.

“Everything’s fine.  Rupert called and asked if I’d mind picking you two up out here, they got in a large shipment that he needed to unpack and inventory.”  Joyce smiles at the two women.  “So, how’s everything with you two?”

“Wonderful.”  Tara smiles shyly at the woman as she climbs in the backseat. 

“Mrs. S?”  Faith questions quietly, grasping the older woman’s arm before she can open the door to the vehicle.

“What is it, Faith?”  Joyce turns concerned eyes on the dark-haired slayer.

“Ummm… Is it okay if Tare stays at the house tonight?”  Faith looks up with pleading eyes. 

Joyce bites her lip to keep from laughing at the young woman.  “I don’t know, Faith.  I mean, you might get up to all kinds of mischief, and my poor house will probably be in shock with whatever you two get up to in your room.”

“Mrs. S.!”  Faith grumbles, a light blush actually crossing her face.   “According to Tare we’re probably going to crash in another four hours, give or take.  And I’m absolutely starvin’.  So there probably won’t be a lot of anythin’ goin’ on tonight.”  Faith admits quietly.  “I want her to eat a good meal and maybe curl up with me to sleep tonight, is all.”

“Of course she can stay, Faith.  I was just kidding with you.”  Joyce wraps an arm around the slayer, hugging her gently.

“I know you were, but I want you to know that wasn’t the reason I wanted her to stay.  Plus, I kinda sleep better when she’s with me.”  Faith grins crookedly looking in the Jeep at Tara who’s turned her head, giving them privacy. 

“So things went well with you two?”  Joyce questions with a knowing lift of her eyebrow.

“So well you wouldn’t believe it.  Damn, the woman has a body to absolutely fuckin’ die for.”  Faith growls quietly, at remembering said body.  “My first project will be taking her out on a shopping spree and buying her somethin’ other than those damn long skirts, and baggy shirts.”

Joyce chuckles at the young woman.  “Faith, don’t corrupt the poor dear.”

“Corrupt her?  Mrs. S. you might want to be more concerned with the fact that she might actually be able to corrupt me.”  Faith grins before patting the woman on the shoulder.  “Not only is she hot, but the things she does…”  Faith unconsciously licks her lips.

“TMI, dear.”  Joyce chuckles.  “Climb in the back with her, I’ll play chauffeur.”

“Thanks.”  Faith grins as she quickly walks the short distance to the Jeep climbing in beside Tara, kissing her softly on the lips as Joyce climbs in the front seat.

“What do you ladies want for dinner?”  Joyce starts the vehicle, glancing up in the rearview mirror at the two women before pulling out onto the road, heading back into Sunnydale.

“Steak, potatoes, salad and bread.”  Faith suggests looking at Tara.  “Sound okay to you?”

“That would be perfect.”  Tara smiles as Faith wraps an arm around her tugging her into her body gently.

“We’ll have to stop at the store.”  Joyce glances in the rearview mirror making eye contact with Faith.

“That’s fine.  I’m buyin’, anyhow.”  Faith grins as she runs a comforting hand down Tara’s arm.  “Don’t argue, Mrs. S.”  Faith states seeing the look crossing Buffy’s mom’s face. 

“You don’t have to buy all the groceries, Faith.”  Joyce grumbles as she pulls into Sunnydale city limits.

“Considerin’ the fact that I eat 90% of it, yeah, I do.”  Faith wraps both arms around Tara, hugging her gently.  “Come, take a shower, eat dinner with us and stay the night?”  Faith offers.

“I don’t have a change of clothes.”  Tara glances down at her clothes.

“I could loan you somethin’.”  Faith wiggles her eyebrows at the witch.

“I don’t think you’ll have anything that’ll fit, Faith.”  Tara chuckles at the slayer.  “I guess I could always put these back on to wear back to the dorms tomorrow.”

“Actually, I could throw them in the washer for you, if you want.  I washed your bedding.  I got all the blood out.”  Joyce offers as she pulls into the grocery store parking lot. 

“You don’t have to do that.  And thanks, I might need to get your recipe for getting blood stains out.”  Tara turns her gaze on Faith, narrowing her eyes at the slayer.

“I try not to get like that.”  Faith raises a hand in defense of herself.  “Honest!”

Tara chuckles softly.  “I know, sweetie.  We going in?”  Tara questions, reaching for the door handle.

“Yeah.  Pick out some snacks and stuff while we’re there.”  Faith follows Tara out of the Jeep, the three women walking towards the grocery store.  “What all do you like to eat?”

“Pretty much everything.”  Tara smiles softly at the slayer.  “I’m not a picky eater.” 

“What’s your favorite dessert?”  Faith smirks as Joyce starts looking at the ribeyes, talking with the butcher.  “Mrs. S. is gonna be a little while.  Let’s pick out some other items.”

“Peanut butter cup ice cream.”  Tara grins at the slayer as they go down the fresh vegetable aisle.  “What do you like, or don’t like?”  Tara questions softly as she checks out the Romaine lettuce, placing it in the hand carrier the slayer had grabbed. 

“Everythin’ but green peppers.”  Faith admits, grinning.  “No, make that green peppers, anchovies and smoked oysters.  Don’t much care for those three.”

“Okay, things you don’t like, check.  What do you like?”  Tara places a cucumber in the carrier before looking at the green onions.

“Hmmm.  What do I like?”  Faith half questions, easing her body in close to the witch’s.  “I like blonde-haired, blue-eyed witch’s with bodies to die for, that can make me scream to the heavens.”  Faith whispers into the witch’s ear, smirking as she watches her blush. 

Tara giggles before the green onions follow the lettuce and cucumber into the hand basket.  “I’m not very filling, though.  So, come on, what do you like to eat?”  Tara places a couple large tomatoes in the basket. 

Faith grabs some white radishes and throws them in the basket she’s carrying.  “I’m assuming you mean sweets, since you know I like everythin’ else.  I like banana splits.”  Faith admits, smiling shyly.  “The bananas, the vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, nuts, whipped cream and even the cherry on top.”

“Hmmm.  I like banana splits too.  I usually ask for extra cherries.”  Tara smirks as they walk over to the potatoes.  “I like these big baking potatoes.”

“Won’t hear me complain.”  Faith grins, as she turns and looks at Joyce as she pushes the cart towards them.  “Got fixin’s for the salad.  Tara’s putting in a bid for these potatoes from hell.”

“I’ve got the steaks, munchies and sour cream.”  Joyce chuckles as Faith starts putting the items for the salad in the cart.  “Tara, you might want to grab at least ten of those potatoes.”

“Ten?”  Tara looks up, surprised.

“That way we might actually have a few left over for hash browns in the morning.”  Joyce grins patting Faith on the head.  “We just need to keep the darling here to only a couple potatoes, but we do have extra steaks.”

“Yeah, yeah.”  Faith grumbles good-naturedly.  “Anything else?”

“What do you ladies want for dessert?”  Joyce questions looking at the two women.

“Banana splits.”  Tara pipes up, grinning at the slayer.

“We need bananas and whipped cream.  I think we have everything else at the house.”  Joyce states thinking.

“We should.  That all we need?”  Faith looks over the items in the cart.  “Dressings, what kind of salad dressing do you like, Tare?”

“Ranch, French, Thousand Island, Bleu Cheese, Italian…”  Tara starts naming them off, laughing as Faith rolls her eyes.  “Pretty much all of them.”

“Well, we have quite a few at the house, so we should be okay there.”  Joyce chuckles as she pushes the cart towards the checkout line.  “I’ll probably have to boil the potatoes to get them cooked in a decent amount of time.”

“That’s fine.  When we get home, I’ll drag the grill out and get it set up.”  Faith offers as she pulls the money out of her pocket, paying for the food.  “Tare, you can go ahead and shower, getting cleaned up, if you want.” 

“Thanks, I’d like that.”  Tara watches as Faith takes the cart from Joyce and pushes it quickly before hopping on it, riding it towards the Jeep.  Laughing loudly at the playful slayer, she looks towards an indulgently smiling Joyce.  “She’s just like a daughter to you, isn’t she?”

“A very rotten, intense daughter, yes.”  Joyce admits watching as Faith opens the back, quickly putting the bags in the Jeep.  “She’s rough around the edges, but she has a good heart.  Not that you will, but…  Please don’t hurt her.”  Joyce turns serious eyes on the witch.  “She’s never cared for anyone before, like she does you.”

“I’m not planning on it, Mrs. Summers.”  Tara softly admits.  “I won’t ever knowingly hurt her.” 

“That’s all I can ask for.”  Joyce smiles softly at the young woman. 

Tara climbs in the back of the Jeep, smiling as Faith climbs in beside her kissing her quickly. 

“How do you like your steak?”  Faith questions, running a hand down Tara’s thigh, clasping it gently. 

“Medium.”  Tara answers softly, watching as Joyce turns into a nice subdivision, pulling into the driveway of a beautiful two-story house. 

“Good.  I was afraid you were gonna be like B and prefer to have it killed twice.”  Faith smirks as she opens the door hopping out.  “Waste of a good steak, if you ask me.”

Tara chuckles as she follows Faith around to the back of the vehicle, helping carry the bags in.  “Does she always rag on Buffy?”  Tara questions Joyce as they walk up to the front door.

“Almost always.”  Joyce admits, smiling as she quickly unlocks the door, walking towards the kitchen.  “You want the usual seasonings on yours, Faith?” 

“Please.”  Faith grins as she sets down the bags, pulling the cold items out, placing them in the refrigerator. 

“Let me guess, something hot and spicy?”  Tara questions, laughing as Joyce rolls her eyes.  “Cayenne pepper?”

“A mixture of Cayenne, blackening seasoning, garlic, pepper, and dried red peppers crushed and sprinkled over the steaks.”  Joyce chuckles as she pulls out a big Tupperware container half filled.  “In other words, this.” 

Tara laughs quietly as she opens the container.  “Whoa!  This will cure what ails a person.”

“It’s good.”  Faith smirks as she places the snacks in the pantry.

“I have to say this, and I don’t mean it in a bad way.  But you seem a lot more domesticated than I would have expected.”  Tara watches Faith, surprised.

“Don’t even go there.”  Faith quietly mutters.  “I’m gonna pull the grill around back.  Let me know when you want me to fire it up.”

“Thanks, Faith.”  Joyce smiles as Faith heads out to the garage before turning to Tara.  “She doesn’t like anyone to know, so you have to promise not to tell.”  When Tara looks inquisitively at her and nods her head, Joyce smirks.  “She does almost all the cleaning around here, along with the laundry, even ironing my clothes.”

Tara blinks in surprise, glancing out the window of the back door watching as Faith pulls the grill out on the patio.  “She doesn’t seem the type.  She hides a lot of stuff, doesn’t she?” 

“Yes.  I think she’s afraid of being made fun of.  No one and I mean NO ONE is aware of this but me, you and Faith.  Just like the fact that she buys all the food.  She’s actually been saving up to buy a motorcycle, I’ve been trying to talk her out of it.  I’m afraid she’ll break her fool neck on the thing.”  Joyce admits as she grabs the potatoes, scrubbing them quickly before putting them in a large pot of water.

“Anything I can do to help?”  Tara offers watching as Joyce places the last of the potatoes on the stove, turning the burner on high. 

“If you want to go ahead and grab the steaks back out of the refrigerator, I’ll treat her four with her mixture from hell.  Anything you want on your steaks?”  Joyce questions as she pulls down some regular steak seasoning for her steak.

“Steak, only one!”  Tara laughs as she stacks the steaks on the island, pulling off the wrapping, lining the steaks up for Joyce.  “The regular steak seasoning is fine.  I’ll see if Faith will mind my trying a bite of one of her steaks after they’re cooked.  See if I like that concoction of hers.”

“Of course you can.”  Faith answers as she walks into the kitchen.  “Mrs. S.?  Is it okay if I go ahead and take Tara up so she can shower and get cleaned up?”

“Of course.  I’m assuming you’ll want to get cleaned up also.  Bring the laundry down and I’ll make sure they get thrown in the wash.”  Joyce looks up, smiling at the two women, before going back to putting a fine coating of Faith’s seasonings on her steaks before rubbing it in, flipping them and repeating. 

“Come on.  I’ll give ya’ the nickel tour.”  Faith places her hand on the small of Tara’s back, urging her towards the dining room.  “Of course, this is the dining room, the living room…”  Faith trails off wrapping her arms around the witch’s waist before kissing her gently on the back of the neck.  “There’s a small study over there.”  Faith points to the door.  “And then we’ve got the upstairs with the bedrooms and the bathroom.  Come on.”  Faith smirks as she tugs Tara gently up the stairs.

Tara laughs quietly following the slayer.  “You aren’t planning naughty things once we make it upstairs are you?”  Tara questions as they reach the landing.

“Who, me?”  Faith turns, leering at the witch.  “I got a pair of sweat pants, if you want.”  Faith leads the way into her bedroom, pulling open a drawer and handing the witch the pair of sweat pants.  “I think they oughta fit okay.  I got a t-shirt in here somewhere that I accidentally got a size too big.”  Faith shifts her clothes around looking for the black t-shirt.

“Faith, you don’t have to go to this trouble.  I can put these clothes back on.”  Tara places a hand on the slayer’s back, stroking it gently.  “It’s okay.”

“Nah, I know what it’s like to put on dirty clothes after taking a shower.  Takes that nice clean feeling and tosses it away.”  Faith looks over her shoulder, smiling. 

Tara can’t help but reach out, stroking a thumb over the dimple flashing at her. 

Faith leans into the caress, her eyes closing momentarily.  “Let me get your shirt, that way you can take a shower, or bath, whichever you prefer.”  Faith smiles quickly, before turning back to her drawers, opening another one, finally coming across the t-shirt.  “Here ya’ go.  Let me get you towels and a washcloth.”

“You aren’t joining me?”  Tara questions with a lift of her eyebrow, a small smile playing around her lips.

“I figured I’d take our clothes down and throw them in the laundry while you were getting cleaned up.  Plus, if I join ya’, you won’t be getting clean.”  Faith admits, chuckling as she pulls a couple towels and a washcloth out of the linen closet. 

“Hmmm.  Not seeing a problem.”  Tara grins as she follows Faith into the bathroom.

“Don’t tempt me, woman!”  Faith smiles at Tara, groaning quietly as Tara quickly starts stripping.  “So not helpin’.”  Faith growls as the woman finishes taking her clothes off.  Frowning as she notices the bright pink skin, Faith gently runs a finger over one of Tara’s breasts.  “I need to get something for this, that way you can sleep comfortably.  Should have probably made you cover up, instead of taking advantage of you for that last hour.”  Faith bitches at herself.

“It’ll be okay, Faith.”  Tara smiles gently at the woman.

“Take a cool bath, that’ll help pull some of the heat from your skin.  I’ll see if Mrs. S. has something to help.  I think she’s got one of those Aloe plants around here somewhere for burns, that might help.”  Faith states worriedly as she quickly gathers the witch’s clothes, leaving a bemused Tara alone in the bathroom.

“I guess I’ll take a bath.”  Tara states to the empty room, chuckling quietly.

***

Chapter 12

Faith strips quickly, placing Tara’s belt on the bed before yanking on a pair of shorts and tank top, gathering the clothes and running downstairs.  “Mrs. S.?”  Faith questions, skidding to a stop watching as Joyce slices the cucumber. 

“What is it, Faith?”  Joyce questions, looking up, placing the knife on the cutting board.

“You got one of those Aloe plants around here, don’t ya’?”  Faith questions quickly.

“Yes, actually I have a couple.  One outside and one up in my bedroom, why?”  Joyce frowns watching as Faith bounces worriedly.

“Tare’s a little on the red side from being out in the sun for four hours today.  She’s gonna be in some pain if we don’t do somethin’.”  Faith admits, frowning.

Joyce bites her lip to keep from laughing, after realizing it wasn’t anything serious.  “I’ll go cut a couple sections on the one outside, it’s bigger and has more medicine in the sections.  After she takes her shower, she should spread it liberally over the red areas.”

“Ummm…  Probably going to need more than a few sections, then.”  Faith blushes lightly, looking down at the floor.

“Oh.”  Joyce blinks in realization.  “Okay, then.”  Joyce walks out to the garage, grabbing her pruning shears and a large jar. 

“I’m gonna go throw these in the laundry.”  Faith mutters as Joyce heads towards the back door.

“Going to have to introduce those two to sunscreen.”  Joyce chuckles as she starts cutting the sections, tilting them so the medicine stays in them while placing them in the jar.  “Oh, to be young again.”  Joyce smirks as she hears Faith come out the door.  “Those were the days.”

“Ain’t funny.”  Faith grumbles.  “I didn’t realize she was turning red ‘til just a few minutes ago.  I should have known better with her fair skin that she’d probably burn.”  Faith bitches as she paces back and forth as Joyce keeps cutting sections.

“So, I would probably be assuming correctly if I were to say her whole body is going to need to be coated?”  Joyce questions softly. 

“Yeah.”  Faith sighs deeply.  “She goes and does this to help heal me, and she’s gonna be hurting because of it!  Just ain’t right.” 

“This’ll take the heat out of it.  If you want, I can run to the store real quick and pick up some of the Aloe Vera in a bottle, to help.  I don’t know if I’ll have enough to treat her body more than once.”  Joyce admits quietly as she clips the plant down as far as she dares.  “Come with me, I’ll cut what I can off my plant upstairs.”

“Good, I’ll take them into the bathroom and see if Tare’s finished with her bath, then I’ll help put this on her.”  Faith holds her hand out for the jar, following Joyce up the stairs.

“She taking a cool bath?”  Joyce smiles softly at the obvious worry in the slayer’s voice for the witch.

“I told her to, so I hope she listened.”  Faith grumbles.  “But she’s stubborn.”

“Hmmm.  Reminds me of someone else.”  Joyce smirks at the slayer before finishing cutting the sections of plant.  “There you go.  I’ll run to the store now, if you can put up the cucumber.”

“Please.”  Faith looks at the woman with a pleading look in her eyes. 

“You got it bad, Faith.”  Joyce pats the woman on the shoulder.

“I know.”  Faith admits, rubbing a hand over the back of her neck.  “It was bad enough before, without knowing her that well, but after her helping me, us talking and then last night and today.”  Faith blows a heavy breath of air up into her hair.  “Damn, girl’s hiding a body from hell under those damn frumpy clothes.  She makes me feel things I ain’t never felt before and I don’t mean just physically.”

“Life’s short, Faith.  Grab onto it with both hands.”  Joyce suggests quietly.  “Go take care of your woman.  I’m going to run to the store.”

“Thanks, Mrs. S.  I appreciate everythin’ you do for me.”  Faith smiles at the woman.

“Thanks for letting me.”  Joyce smiles softly at the young woman.  “I’ll be back in a little while.  Don’t forget the stuff downstairs.”

“I won’t, thanks.”  Faith follows Joyce out of her bedroom, stopping outside the bathroom door as Joyce continues to the stairs.  Knocking gently, Faith smiles as Tara calls for her to come in.

Tara smiles as Faith comes in carrying the jar with the Aloe plant in it.  “Hi, sweetie.”

“Hey.  Mrs. S. is running to the store to pick up some Aloe Vera in a bottle, since we pretty much grabbed all her plants for this.  Is the bath pulling the heat from your skin?”  Faith questions, while placing the jar on the sink, walking over to the tub, and checking the temperature. 

“Yes, I used cool water, and yes its helping.”  Tara sighs watching Faith. 

Faith looks over Tara’s body, frowning as it seems she’s becoming redder.  Pulling her cell phone out of her pocket, she dials Joyce’s cell.  “Mrs. S.?  Can you pick up a pair of sweat shorts for Tara to wear, I don’t think sweat pants are gonna get it.  And a large tank top?  That way they’ll be loose on her and less fabric to rub against her skin.  Thanks.”  Faith smiles as she disconnects, tucking the phone back away.

“Do you carry that thing with you everywhere?”  Tara questions.

“Pretty much.  I tuck it away in a pants pocket or jacket pocket on automatic.”  Faith frowns as she lightly brushes her thumb over the reddening cheek of the witch.  “You soak for a while longer, place the washrag on your face, to help pull some of the heat from it.  I’ll be back up in a few minutes to help you put the aloe on, okay?” 

“Faith…”  Tara starts to tell the slayer not to worry, but when she frowns even harder, Tara sighs and smiles.  “Okay, sweetie.”

“Good.”  Faith nods, brushing her thumb over the bottom lip of the witch.  “I need to check on the potatoes and finish slicing the cucumber that Mrs. S. was working on.  You need me, yell.” 

“I’ll be okay.  I’ll just soak until you come back up, so take your time.”  Tara places a kiss on Faith’s thumb as it strokes continuously over her bottom lip as she talks.

“’Kay.”  Faith leans in placing a soft kiss on Tara’s lips.  “I’ll be back in a few.”

Tara shakes her head as the slayer quickly leaves the bathroom.  “Goodness, you’re going to spoil me, aren’t you?”  Tara questions the empty room as she slides down further in the water, groaning quietly as the coolness counteracts with her heated skin.

***

Faith quickly slices and chops everything for the salad, placing them in containers and putting them back in the refrigerator as she listens intently for any sounds from upstairs.  Taking a fork, she stabs one of the potatoes.  “Not yet.”  Faith mutters as she sets the fork on the counter to check them again later.  Double-checking to make sure she’s done everything she can, she grabs a bottle of water as she runs up the stairs, knocking lightly on the bathroom door.

“You don’t have to knock, Faith.”  Tara calls quietly, smiling as Faith opens the door. 

“Yeah, well, Mrs. S. has been getting on me about just barging in all the time.”  Faith admits.  “Told her she needs to lock the damn door.”

Tara laughs quietly at the mischievous looking slayer.  “You two act more like best friends than anything.”

“Yeah, well, she kinda is my best friend.”  Faith sits down on the toilet seat looking at the witch.  “You wanna continue soaking for a while longer, or do you want to come out and me slick you up with the aloe?” 

“I’m about to become a prune.”  Tara admits, as she pulls the plug and stands. 

Faith grabs the towel, gently wrapping the witch as she steps out of the tub.  “Want me to pat you dry?  I’ll try to be gentle as to not irritate you.”  Faith offers.

“You’ll probably be easier on me than I would be.”  Tara grins crookedly at Faith.  “I’ll be okay, Faith.  Just a little sunburn.”

“Yeah, well I shoulda insisted that you put your clothes on.  I didn’t notice you getting red until you were getting ready to take a bath.”  Faith grumps as she gently pats the woman dry, slowly working over her body. 

“It takes a while to show up, but when it does, I look like a lobster.”  Tara admits, biting her lip at the slight burning sensation over her more sensitive areas.

“I know this is hurtin’ ya’.”  Faith looks worriedly into the witch’s eyes.  “Want me to hit the worst places first?”  Faith questions, her eyes dropping down to Tara’s breasts, frowning.

“Please.”  Tara smiles as Faith hands her the water before grabbing the first section of aloe, squeezing the medicine out. 

Faith liberally coats Tara’s breasts, frowning as the witch flinches.  “Can you heal yourself?”  Faith questions softly as she slowly works her way through the aloe plant, gently coating the witch’s body with the sticky substance.

“Unfortunately, no.  It isn’t part of what I can do.  I can heal other people to a certain degree, but not myself.”  Tara admits, sighing quietly as the medicine from the plant finally starts to ease the pain of the sunburn. 

“Your front is bad, but your back is worse.”  Faith comments as she finishes the last of the aloe, placing an extra layer over the woman’s back and butt cheeks.  “Should we put your hair up, to help keep you a little cooler?”  Faith grabs her brush, gently brushing the blonde hair. 

“No, it’ll be okay.”  Tara whispers, closing her eyes at the soft ministrations of the slayer, knowing that except for herself and Joyce, no one ever sees this side of the slayer. 

“Want to stay in here with me while I take a shower, or would you rather lie down in my room for a while?”  Faith questions placing a gentle kiss on the back of the witch’s neck, one of the few places that’s not red.  “Or I could kiss all the places that aren’t red.”

Tara chuckles quietly as she looks down at her body.  “Not many places to choose from in that case.”

“Hmmm.  No, not many places.”  Faith whispers as she washes her hands before walking around the woman.  “The spot on your neck I just kissed, your face isn’t real bad.  A little on the pink side, but still kissable.”  Faith brushes her lips over the Tara’s cheek, working her way to her ears.  “Your ears are very kissable.”  Faith smiles when Tara whimpers as she kisses the sensitive ears.  “And there’s one other area that is definitely kissable.”  Faith breathes into Tara’s ear as she brushes gently over the witch’s mound, her fingers playfully tickling the woman.

“Faith!”  Tara goes from moaning to chuckling at the slayer’s playfulness. 

“What’sa matter?”  Faith grins at the witch, playfully plucking at the short hairs.  Chuckling as Tara squirms, Faith laughs quietly as she slowly stops her hand.  Placing a gentle kiss on Tara‘s jaw, Faith pulls away from the witch, smiling. 

“Brat.”  Tara smiles softly at the slayer.  “How’s the food?”

“Potatoes are still on the stove, I guess I should check ‘em again before takin’ a shower.”  Faith admits.  “Want to lie down until dinner?”

“I’m afraid if I lie down, I won’t get back up.  And I’m kind of hungry.”  Tara admits. 

“Well, you can stay here until Mrs. S. comes back.  She shouldn’t be much longer.”  Faith explains softly, brushing her thumb over the woman’s full bottom lip.  “And honestly, if I stay in here with you?  I’m going to be kissin’ all of your non-burnt areas.”

Tara whimpers quietly as Faith winks and eases out of the bathroom.  “She’s trying to drive me crazy.  When we’re both healthy, I have a feeling we’re in for some serious fun.”

Faith pokes her head back in the bathroom, grinning.  “You have no earthly idea.”  Faith chuckles as Tara throws a washrag towards her.  Laughing, Faith quickly pulls her head back, heading downstairs.

Faith pokes the potatoes, smiling as it goes in easier, knowing they’re almost done.  Running outside, she starts the grill.  Walking back into the house, she smiles as she hears the Jeep pull back in the driveway.  Opening the front door, she smiles as Joyce walks up the steps, handing her the bags. 

“I got everything you asked for, along with some sleeping pills, in case she has trouble getting to sleep.”  Joyce explains as she sets down her purse.  “Did the Aloe help?”

“Yes, it did.  Thanks.”  Faith smiles gratefully at the older woman.  “Potatoes are close to being done.  I have all the fixin’s ready for the salad to be put together and the grill is heatin’ up.  I‘m gonna give the witch her clothes and then take a shower, myself.”

“I’ll throw the salad together and put the steaks on.”  Joyce smirks as Faith nods her head before practically running up the stairs.  Joyce chuckles as she heads to the kitchen.

***

“Here.”  Faith pulls the shorts and tank top out of the bag as she walks into the bathroom.  Yanking the tags off, she throws them in the trash as she kneels in front of Tara.

Tara rolls her eyes as she lifts her foot, stepping into the shorts before lifting her other foot, stepping into the other side, watching as Faith stretches the shorts out, gently pulling them up, trying to be careful not to rub the shorts over her skin. 

Gently releasing the shorts, Faith nods her head as they’re nice and loose on the witch.  “How do they feel?”  Faith questions looking up into Tara’s beautiful blue eyes. 

“They feel fine.  Faith, you really don’t have to dress me.”  Tara chuckles as Faith snarls her nose up.

“Yeah, like you didn’t need to bathe me, shave my legs, heal me, dress me and so on.”  Faith explains as she grasps the tank top, grinning at the white top.  “Oooh.  Thin white tank top, no bra.  Hmmm.  Joyce was thinking.”  Faith smirks as she licks her lips.

“Goddess!”  Tara whimpers at the realization.  “Surely she didn’t do that on purpose.”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure as hell gonna thank her.”  Faith smirks as she eases the tank top over Tara, grinning at the nipples barely showing through the shirt.  Not able to resist, Faith brushes her fingertips gently over the nipples, groaning as they quickly harden in response.  “So sensitive.”

“Take a shower.”  Tara orders as she heads out the bathroom door, going to Faith’s bedroom, looking for some kind of cover shirt to wear over the tank top. 

“Here, you can wear this.”  Joyce smiles as she hands Tara one of her oversized shirts.  “They only had white tank tops in a large enough size for you to wear comfortably.  I figured you might be uncomfortable wearing the thin white top.”

“Thank you.”  Tara smiles at the older woman, easing the shirt gently on.

“I got a big bottle of Aloe Vera for you to use, along with some sleeping pills, just in case you might need the extra help to get a good night’s sleep.”  Joyce smiles.  “Time to check the steaks.”

“Anything else you need help with?”  Tara questions as she follows Joyce downstairs. 

“If you want to throw the salad together.  Faith already cleaned, sliced and diced everything, so all one of us has to do is toss it together.”  Joyce throws over her shoulder as she walks out the back door.

Tara gathers the items out of the refrigerator, munching on a piece of radish as she throws the salad together. 

“Damn.  Why’d ya’ cover up, for?”  Faith pouts as she walks into the kitchen, running her hands through her damp hair.

“To help make a certain slayer behave.”  Joyce explains, a definite smirk on her face as she walks in carrying the steaks on two different platters.  “Faith, can you set the table?”

“Of course.”  Faith quickly pulls down plates, and silverware carrying them to the dining room.

“I’ll take the salad and potatoes in.”  Tara gathers the two large bowls, following Faith, as Joyce carries in the steaks, setting them down in the middle of the table. 

“What do you two ladies want to drink?”  Joyce questions, as she gets ready to head back into the kitchen. 

“Soda.”  Faith looks up, grinning as she places the plates on the table, ready to place the silverware beside them.

“I should probably have a big glass of water.”  Tara smiles.  “Let me help.”  Tara follows Joyce in, grabbing a two liter of soda for Faith while Joyce fills the glasses with ice.  Tara notices the butter and sour cream on the island, grabbing the three items she quickly takes them into the dining room.  “What else do we need, sweetie?”  Tara questions softly setting the items down.

“I’ll get the rest.  Go ahead and sit down, I brought a pillow and placed it in the chair, that way it might be a little more comfortable for you.”  Faith admits quietly as she walks into the kitchen.

Joyce chuckles as she comes in, setting the water down in front of Tara.  “Go ahead and grab what you want, Tara.  You’ll have to fight Faith off the food with a baseball bat, if you don’t.”

“I heard that.”  Faith growls as she carries in the bread and salad tongs.

“Thanks for inviting me.”  Tara smiles as Faith hands her the steaks.

“No thanks necessary.  Thank you.”  Joyce smiles as Tara hands her the platter, the women quickly filling their plates.

“Here, babe.”  Faith cuts off a piece of the tender steak, offering Tara a bite. 

“Is it gonna set me on fire?”  Tara questions, trying not to laugh. 

“Do you like spicy food?”  Faith questions with a raised eyebrow.

“Spicy, but not set my ass on fire food.”  Tara jokes, before finally accepting the piece of meat off the offered fork, chewing gently, and swallowing the small bite of food.  “Pretty good.”  Tara finally admits, grinning.

“Want one for yourself?”  Faith questions, reaching for one of her steaks.

“I’m not going to eat your steak, Faith.”  Tara pats the woman gently on the leg. “You eat.  Both of us are probably going to be crashing in around an hour, and not be good for much of anything but snoring.” 

“Will you both really crash like that?”  Joyce questions as she takes a bite of her salad watching the two women curiously. 

“I definitely will.  Faith might not crash quite as bad as I will, but she’ll definitely be tired.”  Tara smiles at Joyce.  “What I did healed Faith, re-charged my Witchy batteries and probably gave Faith something of a charge.”  Tara blushes lightly.  “But it’ll eventually take its toll on me physically and I’ll crash.  And probably crash hard.  Before I was out for almost a week.”

Faith frowns turning towards Tara.  “What?”  Faith growls.

“I won’t crash that bad, probably 10-12 hours max.”  Tara pats the slayer’s leg gently before she digs into her potato.

Faith watches Tara for a few minutes, frowning, before working her way through her first plate of food, reaching for another steak. 

“Dinner is wonderful, Mrs. Summers.”  Tara smiles as she finishes the last bite of her steak.

“Have some more, dear.”  Joyce smiles at the woman. 

“I think I will.”  Tara grins as she reaches for a potato, cutting a section of it off, offering the rest to Faith.  “I can’t eat another whole one, do you want the other part?”

“Sure.  If you really like my steak, you take part of it?”  Faith offers, cutting a section off, holding it over the witch’s plate.

“Please.”  Tara grins as Faith smirks placing the steak on her plate. 

“More bread or salad?”  Faith questions as she places a piece of bread on her plate, offering it to Tara.

“I’m going to crash just from having a full tummy.”  Tara groans as she accepts the bread.

Joyce chuckles as she finishes eating dinner, watching the two women.  “Did you get enough to eat, Faith?” 

“Yes, thanks.”  Faith grins as she finally finishes her dinner, patting her stomach. 

“Did you leave room for dessert?”  Joyce questions, laughing at the look of misery on Tara’s face.

“No room.”  Tara mumbles, unconsciously leaning towards Faith, whimpering as she places her hand on her shoulder. 

“Okay, let’s get you slicked up again.”  Faith eases her hand away from the woman, frowning at the heat coming from her lover’s body.  “Mrs. S.  I’ll come back down in a few and help you clean up.”

“Don’t worry about it, Faith.  Take care of Tara.  I’ll clean up from dinner.  Do you guys want banana splits or not?”  Joyce questions seriously as she starts gathering the dirty dishes.

“Nah, maybe for breakfast.”  Faith smirks at the look she gets from Joyce.  “Thanks, Mrs. S.  Come on, Blondie.  Let’s get you upstairs and pour half that bottle on you.”

“Okay.”  Tara whimpers quietly as the pain starts working through her body a little more.  Slowly she stands walking up the stairs.

***

Chapter 13

“Do you want a couple of those sleepin’ pills Mrs. S. bought?”  Faith questions after she generously coats the witch’s body with the Aloe Vera.  Flipping the covers down to the end of the bed, she frowns as Tara gingerly climbs in.

“No thank you, sweetie.  I have a feeling I won’t wake up for a while, even with the sunburn.”  Tara smiles at the slayer. 

“You don’t want a sheet over you, do you?”  Faith kneels down beside the bed, looking Tara in the eye.  “I’m gonna bring up a big glass of water, that way if you get thirsty it’ll be here.”

“You going to stay up for a little while before coming to bed?”  Tara questions as she yawns, her eyes getting heavy.

“Just a little longer.  Then I’ll come up here and make sure you’re okay before curling up to sleep.”  Faith gently pushes the hair back from Tara’s face, smiling at the witch.  “Go to sleep.  I’ll be back up in a little while.”

“Thank you, Faith.”  Tara smiles softly as Faith leans in brushing her lips gently. 

“Sleep.”  Faith orders gently, watching as Tara finally starts to breathe regularly and deeply as she falls asleep.  Watching Tara, Faith is unaware of the time passing as she realizes this woman has really come to mean a lot to her in just a few days.  “We need to figure out what’s going on with you.  I still think it’s a load of shit.”  Faith whispers leaning up to brush her lips gently over the woman’s forehead before standing looking down her back, shaking her head at the sun burnt body.  “I hope you’re right that this’ll be better in a couple days.  This isn’t exactly the time for you to have a sun burnt body!!”

***

Faith smiles at Joyce as she comes into the kitchen, helping her put the food away.

“She sleeping?”  Joyce questions quietly as she loads the dishwasher.

“Yeah.  I wish there was more I could do to help her.”  Faith admits.  “Thanks for getting her stuff, I laid the money for it by your purse.”  Faith hops up on the island watching Joyce.  “What’cha think of her?”  Faith questions seriously.

“Well, I don’t know her that well.  But what I have seen and noticed, she seems like a very caring, beautiful young woman.”  Joyce turns to face the slayer, leaning against the counter as she dries her hands. 

“Add stubborn, pig-headed and absolutely the most wonderful person I think I’ve ever met to the list.”  Faith smiles.  “How many people do you know that would have done what she did for me without hardly knowin’ me?”

“Not many.”  Joyce admits, smiling softly.  “She’s falling for you, Faith.  As I believe you are for her, also.”  Joyce comments gently.

“You think she is?”  Faith questions hoarsely, her eyes serious.  “Mrs. S…”  Faith starts frowning deeply, not knowing whether or not she should talk to the woman about the possibility of Tara becoming a demon. 

“What is it, Faith?”  Joyce questions watching the slayer intently, noticing the worry on her face.

“I ain’t got the right to talk to you about this.  But I know you won’t say anything.”  Faith sighs running a rough hand through her hair, her shoulders slumping.  “It might make her mad at me if I talk about it to someone else.”

“Faith, if it’s regarding Tara, don’t jeopardize your relationship over talking about something to me.  See if it’s okay for you to discuss whatever it is first.”  Joyce offers softly. 

Faith looks at Joyce, worry in her eyes.  “Okay.”  Faith sighs looking down at her clenched hands.  “I better get her something to drink.  Do you think it would be good to maybe put cool wet towels over her body, help bring the heat out?”

“It probably would.  But I’d wait until she’s awake, otherwise it might be a shock and wake her from her sleep.”  Joyce smiles at Faith, as the wheels keep turning in the slayer’s brain, trying to think of ways to help Tara.  “Go head upstairs.  If you need me to get anything else, let me know.”

“Thanks, Mrs. S.”  Faith smiles as she hops down, gently squeezing the woman’s arm before grabbing Tara’s glass and filling it with ice and water.

Joyce smiles gently as Faith quickly heads out of the kitchen, before walking into the living room, sitting down to finish reading the mystery novel Tara let her borrow.

***

Faith curls up in the chair in the corner of the room, silently watching Tara sleep.  She doesn’t know how long she’s been sitting there dozing off and on, but as Tara moans and shifts on the bed, she realizes the room is dark.  Quickly standing she walks to the woman, gently brushing her hair away from her face.  “I’m goin’ to put some more Aloe Vera on your back.”  Faith whispers to the sleeping woman.  Grabbing the bottle, Faith gently sits down beside her on the bed, covering every section of exposed skin with the gel.  When she hears the door shut downstairs, Faith frowns, realizing Buffy just came in as she feels the other slayer.

“What the hell are you doing?”  Buffy questions hoarsely as she walks in Faith’s room, noticing Tara lying on the bed with Faith running her hands down her naked torso.

“Treatin’ Tare’s sunburn.”  Faith explains, raising an eyebrow.  “Ever heard of knockin’?”  Faith growls quietly.

“Buffy, leave them alone.”  Joyce states calmly, grabbing onto her daughter’s arm, smiling apologetically at Faith.  “I told you both of them were here and okay, so let them get some rest.”

“Mom, you can’t honestly be okay with her having her hands all over Tara like that!  My God!  That woman helped heal her, and now Faith’s taking advantage of her.”  Buffy growls, pulling her arm away from her mother, striding towards the bed.

“Kind of hard to take advantage of someone when they’re okay with it.”  Tara sleepily mutters, dragging an eye open.  “She’s more than welcome to do whatever she wants.  She’s helping me, and my front needs to be treated, so unless you want to get a complete view, I suggest you leave.” 

Faith smirks down at the witch, noticing her lover’s eyes light up with mischief as Buffy continues to stand there, even with Joyce pulling gently on her arm.  As she watches Tara shrug and shift, Faith chuckles quietly as she turns her gaze to Buffy, noticing the shock and surprise cross Buffy’s face as she quickly shuts her eyes, her face turning a deep red.

“She warned ya’.”  Faith shrugs, shifting to kneel beside the bed, smiling as Tara shifts her legs, allowing her to come in close as Faith squirts some more gel on her hands, gently treating Tara’s face as she works down her body, ignoring the sputtering slayer behind her, and the quiet chuckles coming from Joyce. 

“Thank you.”  Tara smiles as she runs a finger down Faith’s face as she finishes treating her upper body as she slowly works her way down her legs. 

“Welcome.”  Faith smirks up at the witch.  “I’m probably going to have to treat your back again, when you lay back down.”

“After I go to the bathroom.”  Tara admits quietly, slowly standing and walking naked as the day she was born to the bathroom, leaving a chuckling Faith, a giggling Joyce and a stunned, red-faced Buffy standing in the room behind her.

“What the FUCK is going on?”  Buffy yells after Tara leaves the room, looking from her mother to Faith and back again.

“B, get a friggin’ clue.”  Faith growls as she sets the gel on the nightstand, turning on a bedroom lamp.  “She finished healing me today, and needless to say, she got sun burnt when she did it.”  Faith’s eyes catch the laughing eyes of Joyce.

“She did it in the nude?”  Buffy questions confused.

“Yep.”  Faith smirks as she leans against the wall, hearing Tara opening the bathroom door, watching her as she walks back in the room.  “Do you want me to wet down some towels, help draw the heat out?”

“No, thank you.  The aloe is starting to work better.  Of course, I know you’ve been treating my back when I’ve been asleep, haven’t you?”  Tara smiles at the slayer, stopping to stroke a thumb down her cheek. 

“Yeah.”  Faith admits, smiling.  “You do realize you’re standin’ here naked as the day you were born, in front of B and Mrs. S., right?”

“Yep.”  Tara smirks at the slayer.  “I figured Mrs. Summers is used to you running around like this, so seeing me would just be disappointing.  As for Buffy, she had the chance to leave and decided to stay.”  Tara shrugs, slowly climbing back on the bed, groaning quietly. 

“Faith, just for the record?”  Joyce smirks at the dark-haired slayer, as she turns her gaze from the witch to her.  “You’re right.  Body from hell.  Definitely not disappointing!”  Joyce chuckles as she leaves the room.

“Talking about me behind my back?”  Tara questions, smirking as Faith quickly starts coating her back again.

“Maybe a little.”  Faith admits grinning.

“What exactly is going on here?”  Buffy questions hoarsely, as she watches Faith run her hands gently over the woman’s back as she puts more Aloe Vera on the woman’s burnt body.  Not even wanting to think about her mother’s comments.  “And how come I got this very serious feeling I’m going to have to apologize?” 

“You want me to tell her?”  Tara questions looking at Faith.

“If you wanna.”  Faith shrugs, grinning.

“Well, let’s see.  I got her to eat, take her pills and start the healing pretty good yesterday.  Last night after she got more food in her, a nice shower to help her feel better, and another nap with more pills, she woke up feeling better and on the frisky side, so we fucked each other’s brains out and fell asleep.  Woke up this morning to Giles knocking on the door, took her out to the lake, finished healing her and fucked each other’s brains out for another four hours.  Hence my being burnt.”  Tara quickly explains, trying not to laugh as she hears the deep chuckles coming from Faith.

Buffy stands there, her mouth dropped open in shock and surprise.  “Huh?”  She intelligently questions, not believing what she heard. 

“Damn, B!  Surely you ain’t that damn slow.”  Faith looks in surprise at the blonde slayer.  “We had hot and heavy sex last night, the witch rocked my world!”

“It was a mutual rocking, sweetie.”  Tara offers, reaching to caress her hand over the slayer’s thigh. 

“And we won’t even say what this afternoon was like.”  Faith grins down at the witch.  “There is no question that I definitely want to do that again, without the healing and with some major sun block.”

“Definitely need the sun block.  You being hurt, I’d rather not.  Didn’t mind my portion of healing you, truth be told.”  Tara grins as the slayer’s eyes light up at her comment.  “I guess I’m really not a boy scout, huh?”  Tara smirks at Faith, as she lays her head down on the pillow, her eyes trying to close.  “Don’t sleep in the chair again.  Come to bed.”  Tara whispers as she finally stops fighting trying to stay awake, as she’s dragged back under to sleep land.

“B, we like each other.  For some stupid, crazy reason, the witch likes me.  That’s all you need to know.  Now get out of here so we can get some rest.”  Faith growls as she stands, stripping off her tank top and shorts, before climbing in beside the witch, being careful not to touch her as she punches the pillow, tucking it under her head, watching Buffy.

Buffy scratches her head, trying to figure out what’s going on.  “You’re serious?”

“Yes, B.  I’m serious.  I like the witch, pretty much have since I saw her that night when I walked Red to the witch meetin’.”  Faith sighs, hoping that Buffy will get it through her head.

“I didn’t know you liked women.”  Buffy frowns looking from a sleeping Tara to Faith.  “I didn’t know Tara did either.”

“Yeah, well, sometimes you need somethin’ to hit you upside the head for you to see it, B.  But, just to let you know, this ain’t my normal thing, here.  I like her and ain’t planning on droppin’ her, if you know what I mean.  So, if you can’t deal, you can just fuckin’ ignore us, ‘kay?”

“I… Okay.”  Buffy blinks still looking in surprise at the two women.  “I came by to tell you that Frankenstein has a name, Adam.  It seems the Initiative is to thank for his construction.  They made him out of computer and demon parts.  He killed Professor Walsh.  We’re trying to figure out something to take him out.”

“Fuckin’ idiots.”  Faith growls, leaning up in the bed.  “What’s soldier boy got to say?”

“He says he didn’t know they were making him.  Hopefully he’s trying to get me some information I can use, but…”  Buffy trails off, running a hand through her hair as she sits down in the chair thinking.  Not paying attention that she’s in the room with two naked women.

“Don’t trust him?”  Faith questions, raising an eyebrow.

“No, I don’t.”  Buffy finally admits.  “I got a weird vibe from him last night, and I don’t know what to think about it.” 

“I’m kind of draggin’ right now, but I’ll be good as new tomorrow, accordin’ to the witch.  Let me know what you need, and I’ll be there.”  Faith offers quietly, as she shifts up in the bed, her back against the headboard as she unconsciously plays with Tara’s hair while talking with Buffy.

Buffy nods her head in thanks.  “You know, that makes things make a little more sense now.”  Buffy tilts her head watching Faith.

“What makes sense?”  Faith questions, dragging her eyes away from Tara to look at Buffy.

“The way Tara was acting when she was working on you.  She was ordering us around and she pretty much told me to shut the hell up and help.”  Buffy admits, smirking.  “But she surprises me.  I never would have taken her for being so…”  Buffy waves her hands towards the witch.

“So blatantly sexy?  Gorgeous?  Take charge?”  Faith suggests, chuckling.  “I wasn’t jokin’ earlier, she literally rocks my world.  I was seein’ stars and everythin’.”  Faith admits softly her gaze back on the witch.  “I feel things for her I ain’t ever felt before, B.  I like it, and want to feel more.”  Faith looks up, her eyes serious. 

Buffy silently watches the slayer, listening to her.  Surprised at the depth of emotion in Faith’s tones.  “Can I ask you something, Faith?”  Buffy questions softly, watching as Faith hesitantly nods her head.  “I’m not asking this to piss you off, but are you falling in love with her?”

Faith takes a deep breath, looking down at the witch.  “I honestly don’t know what love is, B.  I’ve been talkin’ with Mrs. S. about Tara for the last month, even questioned her about what love felt like.  She thinks I’m fallin’ for her.  Hell, I think she’s right.”  Faith whispers softly stroking the blonde hair, listening to the deep even breathing of the witch. 

“Well, I sure as hell can’t throw stones.”  Buffy smiles gently at the slayer as she stands.  “It may take you hitting me upside the head with a baseball bat to see something, but I know I can’t say one word about who you fall in love with.”  Buffy winks at the slayer, smirking.  “I never would have thought Tara had that damn fine of a body under those clothes she wears, or be that comfortable showing it!”

“You’re telling me.”  Faith groans, her eyes caressing over the firm, but shapely body.  “Can’t wait ‘til she gets over the sunburn and finals are finished.  Plan on taking this baby for a serious spin.”  Faith licks her lips in anticipation, smirking as Buffy squeaks.

“I SO did not need that picture in my head, Faith.”  Buffy mutters, walking towards the door.  “What’s it like?”  Buffy questions, not able to help herself.

“What’s what like?”  Faith looks up confused.

“Being with a woman.”  Buffy hesitantly questions, looking seriously at the slayer.

“B, it’s a lot different from a guy.  First off, most women, not all, but most take their time and make sure their lover is thoroughly pleased.  Plus it’s always of the good being with someone that’s already familiar with the parts.”  Faith smirks as Buffy blushes.  “Of course, there ain’t no stick, but it isn’t like that attachment can’t be bought.  So, personally I prefer a woman over a guy any day of the week.  But guys are easier to find.”  Faith shrugs as she slides down beside Tara, turning on her side so she’s looking at Buffy. 

“I can’t believe I’m discussing this with you, but I always thought you liked the roughness.”  Buffy tilts her head, frowning. 

Faith chuckles loudly.  “B, just because we’re both women, don’t mean everythin’s all soft and sweet.  Find you someone, B.  Try it out, you might like it.”  Faith continues chuckling as she settles in beside Tara, stroking her hand gently over the woman’s head, before leaning in to place a soft kiss on her ear, smiling as she hears the soft moan.  “Go spend time with your mom, B.  I’ll talk at ya’ tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”  Buffy mutters, looking at the women but not really seeing them as she considers what Faith said. 

***

Joyce watches Buffy as she plops down on the couch, a thoughtful, somewhat confused look on her face.  Placing a marker in the book, she closes it and sets it down on the coffee table, turning her gaze fully on her daughter.

Buffy rubs her chin for a moment, finally turning her gaze on her mother.  “You knew about them?”

“They just happened, Buffy.”  Joyce offers quietly. 

“No.  About Faith liking Tara before this.  Faith liking a woman.”  Buffy frowns looking at her mother.

“Yes.”  Joyce answers simply, wondering where Buffy’s trying to go with this.

“It doesn’t bother you, does it?”  Buffy actually makes it more of a statement as she stares intently at her mother, seeing no sign of her mother being upset, or bothered by the two women

“No, it doesn’t.  Did you expect it to?”  Joyce leans forward tilting her head at her daughter, smiling gently as Buffy hesitantly nods her head.  “Buffy, I know you think of me as your mother, and you don’t want to think of me as a sexual being, but…”  Joyce hesitates taking a deep breath looking at her daughter as she seems to sharpen her gaze in even more.  “There is more to me and life in general, than you realize.  Faith actually accepts me as I am, talks to me as a friend and equal, not as a mother.  Nothing against you, honey.  I am your mother after all, and I know that it’s hard to talk to me about certain things, but Faith doesn’t have any problems discussing anything with me.  We’re kind of there for each other.”  Joyce admits quietly, watching as Buffy frowns hard at her words.

“I haven’t been a very good daughter to you, have I?”  Buffy finally questions, realizing between the slaying, school and Riley she hasn’t been around much.

“Buffy, honey, don’t think that.  You have your life to live.  I understand that you want to spend time with your friends and Riley.  You have your slayer duties to do.  I’ll never begrudge you of anything that you do.”  Joyce states softly as she comes to sit by Buffy, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.  “I love you, honey.  I know you love me, that’s what’s most important.”

“Thanks, mom.”  Buffy whispers, turning and hugging Joyce tightly.  “So, you would be okay with me if I brought home a girlfriend?”  Buffy jokes, waiting for her mother to yell.

“Of course.”  Joyce admits, pulling back, smiling. 

Buffy blinks in surprise seeing the serious look in her mother’s eyes.  “You’re serious.  I just thought you were more accepting of Faith, because she wasn’t your daughter.”  Buffy whispers, the shock evident in her tones.

“Oh, no, I’m fine with that, dear.”  Joyce smirks at her daughter.  “It isn’t like same sex relations is a new thing, you know!”

Buffy narrows her gaze on her mother’s smirking countenance.  “Is there something here that you’re trying to tell me without telling me, mother?”

Joyce chuckles at her daughter.  “I don’t know if you could handle the things I could tell you, Buffy.” 

“Please tell me Faith hasn’t corrupted you!”  Buffy whines, falling back against the couch, and rubbing a hand over her face.

“Nope.  I was corrupted before Faith.”  Joyce pats her daughter on the leg.  “We have fixings for banana splits, if you would like one.  Those two wanted one, but they filled up on dinner and then Tara was to the point of passing out.”

“I would love a banana split.  What’d you have for dinner?”  Buffy questions, following her mother into the kitchen.

“Hungry?”  Joyce turns, grinning at her daughter.

“Actually, yes.”  Buffy admits, smiling.

“Well, there are a couple of steaks left from dinner and potatoes, plus a little bit of salad, if you’d like me to reheat the steaks and potatoes?”  Joyce questions as she opens the refrigerator door, pulling the items out.

“Faith’s steaks or your kind of steaks?”  Buffy questions curiously, pulling down a plate, bowl and silverware. 

“Actually one of each.”  Joyce admits, grinning.  “You want my steak?”  Joyce pulls out a skillet throwing the steak in the pan as Buffy nods.  “So… are you going to tell the rest of the group or let Faith tell them in her own way?”

“If I don’t tell Willow, she’ll be mad at me for keeping it from her.  Anya and Xander isn’t that much of a big deal, we don’t see them a lot with school and everything.”  Buffy shrugs as she puts some salad in the bowl, pouring the dressing over it, before sitting down to quickly work her way through the salad. 

“What about Riley?”  Joyce leans against the counter watching as her daughter makes short work of the salad.

“I don’t know about him, mom.”  Buffy finally admits after a few minutes.  “Things just aren’t clicking between us, then this thing with Adam.”  Buffy groans, realizing she hasn’t explained to her mom about Adam, which she quickly remedies.

“Sounds like this might take everyone working together to take him out, if he’s that strong.”  Joyce murmurs as she turns the steak.

“Everyone and then some.”  Buffy sighs as she grabs a piece of bread, buttering it to munch on.  “I’m hoping I’m wrong about Riley, but there’s something just bothering me about him and this whole deal with the Initiative.  I’m wondering if he knew they were building that thing, and just kept it from us.”

“Honey, if you’re questioning him, you don’t trust him.”  Joyce offers silently.  “If you don’t trust him, it isn’t going to work.”

Buffy nods her head silently in agreement, knowing that her mother’s right.  “Thanks, mom.”  Buffy smiles as her mother slides the steak on her plate and pulls the potato out of the microwave oven.  “Oooh.  You got the huge baking potatoes.”  Buffy quickly slices it open dumping butter and sour cream on it.

“You staying here tonight, or going back to the dorm?”  Joyce sits down sipping the tea she’d made while cooking Buffy’s steak. 

“Was planning on going back to the dorm while doing another patrol on my way back.”  Buffy scoops a big forkful of potato in her mouth.

“So, is your plan the same, or changed?”  Joyce grins at her daughter, glancing at the clock on the stove.

“Same.  I need to do another sweep around town, see if I can get a bead on Adam while I’m out, find out where he’s hiding.”  Buffy admits as she quickly finishes the steak.

“Want a sundae before you leave?”  Joyce laughs at the quick smile she gets in response to the question as Buffy works on finishing her potato.  Joyce stands grabbing down the items, quickly putting two sundaes together, placing one in front of Buffy before sitting down with a spoon in front of hers.

“Thanks, mom.”  Buffy grins as she quickly works her way through the sundae. 

“You’re welcome, honey.  How are things going at school?”  Joyce scoops up another bite of the sundae, eating it at a more sedate pace than her daughter.

“Actually pretty good.  Figure I’ll be home in two week’s time for the summer.”  Buffy smirks at her mother.  “And I actually plan on spending some time with you.”  Buffy states seriously.  “And before you go off, don’t say it.  Anyway, if Faith and Tara get serious, you may not have Faith around as much.”

“I don’t think there’s much of an if to them.”  Joyce smiles as she thinks about the two women.  “I think Faith might have finally met her match.”  Joyce chuckles as she thinks about Tara.

“Tara confuses the hell out of me.”  Buffy admits as she sets her spoon down after finishing the sundae.

“How does she confuse you, honey?”  Joyce questions, her eyes focusing in on her daughter.  “Please don’t tell me you like her, too!  Faith’ll kick your ass.”

Buffy blushes, before chuckling quietly.  “No, mom.  I mean, yeah, I like her.  But not in the way Faith likes her.”  Buffy shakes her head at her mother’s smirking countenance.  “You did that on purpose!”

“Maybe.”  Joyce chuckles.  “Seriously, how does she confuse you?”

“She’s always been shy, quiet, pretty much kept to herself.  She helps Willow with her magic, us when we need her for spells.  But I didn’t know she was in her third year of college, studying to be a Veterinarian or that she liked women.”  Buffy frowns, running a hand through her hair.  “Then when Faith showed up at her door, she was ready to rip into me when I made a stupid comment.  It’s like I thought she was one thing, but she’s just the opposite.”

“So, because Tara has pretty much kept to herself, you thought she was a pushover.  When Faith was hurt, she showed her claws and what she’s capable of and that confuses you?”  Joyce questions softly.

“Not just that.  And I don’t mean so much her being a pushover, as easy going.  But it’s kind of like upstairs earlier.  I never would have taken her for just… flashing us like that!”  Buffy blushes again in remembrance. 

“She did warn you, Buffy.”  Joyce chuckles quietly at her daughter. 

“I didn’t think she’d do it!”  Buffy whines, brushing a hand over her eyes.  “And how is it that you and Faith were discussing her body?”

Joyce laughs at her daughter.  “Faith was just talking about how she likes being with her, and that she had a body from hell under her… frumpy clothes, is what I believe she called them.”  Joyce shrugs, grinning.  “She likes her, actually I’d say they like each other, especially after this weekend.”

“And I really do not know why I’m discussing this with you.”  Buffy chuckles as she stands, still blushing lightly.  “Well, let me dump Riley and see if I can’t find me a hot woman to hook up with.”  Buffy smirks as her mom laughs at her. 

“Be sure to bring her home for dinner one night.”  Joyce quirks her lips up at her daughter. 

“Aaarrrggghhhh!”  Buffy grumbles, brushing a hand down her face again.  “I can’t get a rise out of you at all, can I?”

“So, you’re trying to?”  Joyce shakes her head at her daughter.  “I’ll see you tomorrow, honey.  Be careful.”  Joyce smiles and hugs Buffy back as her daughter wraps her up in her arms.

“I love you, mom.”  Buffy finally releases her mother, stepping back, smiling.

“I love you, too, honey.”  Joyce smiles gently at her daughter, as Buffy heads out of the kitchen, quickly leaving the house. 

***

Chapter 14

Faith slowly starts to stretch as she wakes up and stops, staying still as she realizes Tara is lying half across her.  Frowning, Faith tries to figure out if she pulled the witch on top of her or if Tara just migrated to this position.  Gently lowering her hands over the witch’s back, she smiles in relief as she feels the witch’s normal body heat, instead of the hot blasting heat from the sunburn coming from her body. 

Placing a gentle kiss on the blonde’s head, Faith gently wraps her arms around the woman, smiling as Tara shifts, snuggling in tighter against her. 

“Time to get up?”  Tara questions hoarsely, slowly dragging her heavy eyelids open, looking around for a clock.

“Only if you want to.”  Faith smiles as hazy blue eyes make contact with her.  “You’re not so much of a furnace now.”

“It doesn’t feel as bad now, either.”  Tara admits, smiling, tucking her head back into the slayer’s neck.  “How did I end up here?”  Tara questions, frowning as she realizes where she’s lying.

“I honestly haven’t a clue.”  Faith chuckles.  “I don’t know if I dragged you over here, or if you decided to come visit on your own.”

“Buffy is gone, right?”  Tara questions softly as she slowly works a hand up the slayer’s side.

“Yeah, B’s gone.”  Faith snickers at the thought of Buffy.  “I think you shocked her.”

“Hmmm.  She should have left.”  Tara whispers, her hand coming up to cup the slayer’s breast, her thumb stroking over the velvety skin. 

“Well, if nothing else, seeing you made her start thinkin’ about the possibility of bein’ with a woman.”  Faith chuckles as Tara squeals in surprise.

“What?”  Tara shifts to look down at the slayer, a surprised look on her face.

“She kinda questioned me about what it was like bein’ with a woman.”  Faith shrugged.  “I figured it was your hot body that got her to thinkin’ about it.  As long as she doesn’t hit on you, I don’t care.”

Tara frowns and scratches her head in confusion.  “You two talked about what sex was like with another woman, or with me?”

“Not with you!  In general.  Ain’t none of her damn business the things you do.  If she knew that, she’d definitely be after ya’.”  Faith leers at the witch.  “I just told her that it helps when you’re with someone that’s already familiar with the equipment.  And that most women take their time, makin’ sure their lover is satisfied.  Not all, but most.”  Faith shrugs, tugging the witch back against her.  “I think I kinda confused her, makin’ her think about somethin’ she ain’t ever thought of before.”

Tara chuckles quietly as she gets comfortable.  “So she was just curious about what sex could be like with a woman, huh?”

“Yeah, well, she made the comment that she thought I liked it kinda rough, and she has it in her head that just because we’re two women it’s all soft and sweet.”  Faith shrugs, her hands gently brushing down the witch’s back, being careful not to put too much pressure on the tender flesh.

“Did you tell her it could be anything and everything you want it to be?”  Tara smiles as she feels Faith nod, the chuckles coming deep from the slayer.

“Told her the only thing that would be different is the stick, and that was an add-on you could buy.”  Faith smirks as Tara pinches her waist. 

“And you don’t have to worry about it deflating before you’re ready.”  Tara smirks as Faith laughs.

“I probably need to treat your body again.  I know you’re feeling better, but it’ll help keepin’ you coated.”  Faith runs a gentle hand through the blonde hair.

“I want to take a shower first, get rid of a couple layers of the dried stuff.”  Tara admits, placing a soft kiss on the slayer’s neck, before nipping gently. 

“Do you want to put on the loose tank and shorts again, after the shower?  Just to keep the clothin’ to a minimum?”  Faith questions seriously, as Tara gently eases away to stand by the bed.

“Probably would be for the best.”  Tara admits, smiling down at the slayer.  “I need to get back to the dorm.  I have a paper I need to finish typing at the library today.” 

Faith nods as she turns on her side, propping her head up on her hand while watching Tara pull on the clothes.  “Is it okay if I walk you back to the dorm, or maybe see if Mrs. S. will let me borrow the Jeep, and drive you back?” 

Tara looks up at the almost hesitant tones of the slayer, tilting her head to the side.  “Of course you can.”

Faith allows a quiet sigh of relief to ease out, a small smile playing across her face.  “I don’t want to crowd you, is all.” 

Tara sits down on the edge of the bed, running a hand through the slayer’s dark hair.  “You’re more than welcome to come by any time.  I just need to get that paper done today and study for finals.  There’s just two weeks left in the year and it’s going to be busy.” 

Faith nods her understanding.  “I won’t push you.  But maybe you can call me if you have time and we can go out for coffee, or somethin‘?”

“Of course we can.”  Tara smiles down at the slayer.  “I’ll have a little more free time once school lets out.  I’ll be working, and I still have to find an apartment to move into for the summer, but most of my evenings will be free.”

Faith frowns at the witch’s words.  “Workin’?”

“Yes, I have to pay for somewhere to live, Faith.”  Tara smiles at the slayer.  “I normally work part-time at the veterinarian’s office, getting some on-site training.  Because of the end of the year and all the extra work, they let me slide the last few weeks of the school year, then I work pretty much full-time during the summer.  That way I can pay for an apartment, and my food.” 

“Makes sense.  Didn’t even consider the fact that you would need somewhere to live after school ends.”  Faith frowns, thinking.  “If you want to go apartment huntin’, let me know.  I’ll go with you.”

“I’m just going to try and find a little one room efficiency, like I’ve done the last two summers.”  Tara leans down, pressing a kiss to the slayer’s cheek.  “I need to take a shower.  Then I’d appreciate your help coating my back.”

“You got it.”  Faith watches as Tara walks out of the door of the bedroom, her brows furrowed in thought.  After a few minutes, she hears a knock on the door.  “Come in, Mrs. S.”  Faith calls out to the woman, smiling as she pokes her head in the door.

“Tara feeling better?”  Joyce questions quietly.

“Yeah.  She’s taking a shower right now, then I’m gonna treat her back again.”  Faith smiles at the older woman. 

“Then you guys are probably about ready for some food then, I would assume.”  Joyce chuckles as Faith nods her head quickly.  “I’ll go start the hash browns.  How do you want your eggs this morning?”

“Just scramble ‘em.  That’s easier to deal with.”  Faith stands looking around for her shorts and top, quickly pulling them on.  “I’m assuming B went back to the dorms last night.”

“You’re assuming right.  I think you two really did a number on her.”  Joyce chuckles as she walks down the stairs, quickly followed by Faith.

“Well, if nothing else, we got her thinkin’ about broadenin’ her horizons.”  Faith smirks at Joyce.  “I’m gonna head down and gather Tara’s clothes and items from the basement.  Need anythin’ while I’m down there?”

“Want to throw up a couple packages of sausage links?”  Joyce questions as she grabs the potatoes out of the refrigerator.

“Gotcha.”  Faith grins before jogging down the stairs, opening the freezer and pulling out three packages of links before stopping and gathering up the stack of items off the dryer, trotting back up the stairs.  “Is it okay if I borrow the Jeep to take Tara and her stuff back to school?”

“That’s fine, dear.”  Joyce smiles as she accepts the links. 

“You got contacts around town, you know of any small decent apartments for rent, that just do it by the month?”  Faith questions before going back upstairs.

“You looking to move out?”  Joyce frowns as she turns to look at the slayer.

“Nah.  Tare needs somewhere to stay durin’ the summer while school’s out.  She hasn’t had a chance to look for a place yet, and I was wonderin’ if you knew of anywhere.”  Faith grins at the woman.  “She said she usually rents a little one room efficiency.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with.”  Joyce tilts her head considering the slayer.  “I know this is sudden between you two, but how serious do you think you’re going to be?”

“Huh?  What do ya’ mean?”  Faith turns looking back at Joyce.

“Are you planning on spending a lot of time together?”  Joyce questions as she opens the packages of links, throwing them in the skillet.

“Yeah, if she wants to.”  Faith blinks at the woman.  “I mean, she’s gonna be working, but I plan on spendin’ as much time with her as I can.  See if this is a for real thing, or just my hormones goin’ off their rocker.”

Joyce chuckles quietly.  “I don’t think it’s just your hormones dear.  And you know that as well as I do.  We’ll see what we can do.”  Joyce murmurs softly as she starts grating the potatoes into the butter-laden skillet.

“Thanks, Mrs. S.”  Faith grins before jogging out of the room and up the stairs.

***

“If you’re only gonna write a paper, why are you taking all those different books with ya’?”  Faith questions as she leans against the door watching Tara gathering a stack of different books.

“Finals.  A lot of kids are typing up their term papers at the library.  I’ll probably have to wait to get on a computer, so I’m bringing my other books with me to study while I’m waiting.”  Tara explains as she tucks the books into her over-sized backpack, zipping it closed before she reaches over for her computer disks and jump drive, placing them in the front pocket.

“Can I borrow the phone?”  Faith questions an idea popping into her head. 

“Sure.”  Tara watch’s Faith curiously.

“Yo!  Mrs. S.  You planning on using the computer today?”  Faith questions after Joyce picks up the phone. 

“Actually, no.  I did what I needed to do yesterday, why?”  Joyce questions as she slides the cake pan in the oven, setting the timer.

“Is it okay if Tara uses it to write her paper on?”  Faith questions, smirking as Tara’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Faith, that computer is yours.  Of course it’s okay for her to use it.”  Joyce rolls her eyes at the slayer.

“I know, but I like to ask.”  Faith grumbles.  “But I bought it for both of us to use.”

“I know, Faith.  Yes, it’s okay if she uses the computer, if she wants to.  Hell, she can stay for dinner tonight while she’s here before you drive her back to the dorm later.”  Joyce offers as she sits down at the island, picking up her glass of iced cola.

“I’ll see what she says.  Thanks, Mrs. S.”  Faith chuckles as she hangs up, looking at a surprised Tara.  “Wanna use our computer at the house?  No line, no waitin’.  You can go straight to typin’ your report.” 

Tara’s mouth opens and shuts a couple times.  “I don’t want to be an imposition.”  Tara finally states softly.

“No imposition.  That all your stuff that you need?”  Faith questions as she lifts Tara’s bag, slinging it over her shoulder.  “By the way, you can stay for dinner.  Then I’ll drive ya’ back here afterwards.”

Tara sighs quietly, while smiling gently at the dark-haired slayer.  “I would love to.  Thank you, Faith.”  Tara closes the small distance between them to brush her thumb gently over the slayer’s cheek, caressing the dimple as it appears. 

“Anything to help you out.”  Faith smiles at the blonde, her eyes searching the deep blue eyes of the witch.

“You’re a wonderful woman, Faith.”  Tara whispers as she closes the short distance between them, capturing Faith’s full bottom lip between her two lips, stroking her tongue gently over the flesh for a few minutes before releasing it, smiling as she steps back.  “We should go, before I decide to hell with studying and the term paper and just decide to spend the rest of the day and night taking advantage of you.”

“I think I rather like that idea.”  Faith hoarsely admits, her eyes twinkling with devilment. 

Tara moans quietly at the thought, pressing her body more firmly against the slayer.  Capturing her lips quickly, Tara flicks her tongue against the slayer’s eager tongue, dueling fast and hard.  Wrapping her hands in the slayer’s brown tresses, Tara presses herself harder against the woman, whimpering into the kiss as Faith grasps her butt, sliding her thigh firmly between her legs.  Pressing herself hard against the rock hard thigh, Tara whimpers louder as Faith’s fingers dig gently into her ass.

Breaking off the kiss, Faith slowly works her way down Tara’s neck, nipping firmly, while caressing the witch’s ass, smiling as Tara grinds her body against her thigh.  Finally burying her face in Tara’s neck, she licks across the tantalizing skin for a few minutes, before easing her grip.  “I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but I think we should go.  I don’t want to screw up your grades or your papers.”  Faith quietly admits, moving her hands around the witch’s waist to hug her tightly. 

“Goddess!”  Tara grumbles, dropping her forehead onto Faith’s shoulder as Faith eases her leg away from her needy center.  “Are you basically telling me we aren’t going to be together until after finals?”  Tara questions hoarsely, pinching the slayer hard on a butt cheek when she laughs and nods.

“Hey!  That wasn’t nice.”  Faith growls, rubbing the sore spot.  “You got some wicked strong fingers.” 

“You weren’t complaining yesterday or the night before.”  Tara smirks at the slayer.

“Hmm.”  Faith pretends to think, before chuckling.  “No, I wasn’t.  Come on, let‘s get you over to the house so you can write your paper and do some studyin’ before eating a good nutritious dinner and comin’ back here to sleep.”  Faith states seriously, running a hand down the witch’s cheek, leaning in to kiss swollen lips gently. 

Sighing deeply, Tara nods.  “Thank you for thinking about me.”

“Yeah, well, don’t let everyone know it.”  Faith smirks.  “I have a reputation to uphold.”

Tara shakes her head, chuckling as she follows Faith out of the dorm room.  “You don’t want people to know what a kind, caring, loving woman you are?”

“Nope.  Anyway, I ain’t like that with everybody else.”  Faith admits, her eyes unconsciously watching the people hurrying around the campus as they walk to Joyce’s Jeep. 

“Why not?”  Tara questions gently, watching as Faith looks for trouble.

“Just ain’t.”  Faith shrugs, turning her gaze on Tara as they reach the vehicle.  Placing the book bag in the back seat, Faith climbs in behind the wheel watching as Tara buckles her seatbelt.  

“Lucky me.”  Tara whispers, reaching out to play with the long dark hair, as Faith drives them back to the Summers’ residence.  

***

Faith grumbles quietly as she waits for Buffy to show up at the house to go on patrol.

“What’s wrong, Faith?”  Joyce sighs as she turns from the computer she’s putting her figures in.

“I wanna patrol.  But B said to wait for her.  She’s wantin’ to do a patrol together tonight.”  Faith growls as she starts pacing back and forth.

Joyce raises an eyebrow at the slayer.  “Have you seen Tara this week?”

“No.”  Faith snarls.  “She’s got some major studyin’ to do for her finals, so I told her I’d let her be.”

“Uh huh.”  Joyce nods her head, finally understanding the slayer’s turmoil.  “Has she found somewhere to live yet?”

“She ain’t had time to look.”  Faith admits, rubbing a hand roughly over the back of her neck.  “I offered to look for her, but she just smiled at me and said she’d take care of it.  Somethin’ about she would have a week after school was finished before she had to be out of the dorms.”

Joyce looks up at the ceiling, considering for a few minutes.  “I know you two haven’t really been able to see each other for the last week and obviously so far this week.”

“Yeah, stupid idea of mine.”  Faith admits, snarling quietly into the room.

“Your idea?”  Joyce questions, frowning.

“Yeah.  I told her I’d leave her be while she was doing her studyin’ for finals.  She’s called me a couple times to tell me I could come over and visit for a while, if I wanted.  But when I asked her if she had studyin’ that she should be doing, she admitted she did, so I didn’t go over.”  Faith plops down in a chair by Joyce. 

“Why didn’t you go and see her, Faith?”  Joyce looks at the slayer in surprise.

“’Cause it wouldn’t have just been seein’ her.  I would probably jump her and she wouldn’t be able to study at all.”  Faith admits groaning quietly.  “I just think about her blue eyes and I’m a fuckin’ goner.  If I see ‘em and her sexy body, she won’t be able to get rid of me for a week.”

“So, your feelings obviously haven’t lessened with this time apart.”  Joyce comments wryly.

“Fuck no.  I catch myself headin’ to the damn college and patrollin’ outside her fuckin’ dorm.  I feel like a damn kid crushin’ on my neighbor, or somethin’.”  Faith admits as she rubs a hand over her forehead.  “Probably a good thing I ain’t seen her or I’d be jumpin’ her bones.”

“I’m probably going to regret making this offer, but if you would like, she can stay here with you this summer.”  Joyce offers quietly looking at Faith.

“Huh?”  Faith blinks in surprise at the offer.  “I can’t do that, Mrs. S.  Buffy’s gonna be here, you and me.  That’s three women sharing the one bathroom.  Remember last summer?  That was bad enough.”

Joyce chuckles thinking about the two slayers coming in from a patrol, fighting over who got first dibs on the shower.  “Is that the only reason?”  Joyce questions softly, turning her gaze back on Faith.

“Yeah, what else would there be?”  Faith frowns looking at Joyce.

“Maybe you’re afraid of being that close to her.”  Joyce shrugs her shoulders as she considers the young woman.

“Nah.  At least I don’t think so.  Ain’t like I been around her enough to know whether or not we’ll get on each other’s nerves.”  Faith grumbles, running her finger around in a circle on the dining room table. 

“But you want to.”  Joyce makes the statement smiling softly as Faith nods her head briefly in agreement.  “I could see about putting a second bathroom in.”

“It’ll take too long.  It’ll probably take a month or longer to put one in, Mrs. S.”  Faith admits tilting back in the chair as she considers the woman.  “Maybe I’ll go out lookin’ for a place anyway.  See what I can scrounge up.  I could offer to go in halves with her, since I’ll probably be spending a lot of time over there if she wants me.” 

“Faith, there isn’t any ‘if’ about it.  You know she does.”  Joyce admonishes the slayer softly. 

“Yeah, but I don’t know what to do.  I ain’t never had a relationship before, Mrs. S.”  Faith frowns heavily.  “I don’t know the do’s and don’ts.  I mean, we know each other, but we don’t, you know?  I want to spend time with her whenever I can, and this has been drivin’ me up a fuckin’ wall.  But I ain’t sure of what she wants.  Does she want me around all the time?  I ain’t the fuckin’ easiest person to live with.”  Faith sighs quietly.

“Faith, you’re a wonderful person to live with.  I can attest to that fact.  You go out of your way to be helpful around here.”  Joyce comments quietly.

“Yeah, but I walk around the house naked, leave my weapons lying around quite frequently and play my music too loud.”  Faith throws her hands up in the air.  “I don’t see how you put up with that.”

“Well, I must say the naked part kind of threw me for a loop to begin with, but I honestly don’t even pay any attention to it now.  Tara would probably love for you to run around naked all the time.”  Joyce smirks at the slayer, making Faith finally laugh quietly.  “The weapons aren’t a big deal.  And usually it’s only a stake or knife that’s left on a coffee table or end table when you set it down, forgetting to grab it when you head upstairs.  As for the music, we just have different tastes.  I play my music loud, also!  I just like my music a little softer and on the instrumental side.”

Faith chuckles quietly at Buffy’s mom.  “Okay, okay.  I get it.  I need to talk to her and see what she wants to do.”  Faith finally admits quietly. 

“That’s the best thing, honey.”  Joyce smiles at the slayer.  “Call her.”

Faith sighs softly. 

“Now, Faith.”  Joyce softly orders the slayer when she doesn’t get up and call the woman.

“Yes, mom.”  Faith rolls her eyes before heading into the kitchen, leaving Joyce chuckling quietly behind her.

***

“Yeah, Tara…  It’s me.  Well, obviously you ain’t there.  Give me a call.”  Faith sighs quietly before disconnecting the phone and hanging up after leaving the witch the message.  Walking back to the dining room she sits down dejectedly.

“What’s wrong?”  Joyce questions seeing the slump of Faith’s shoulders.

“She’s not pickin’ up her phone.  Or she ain’t there, one.”  Faith admits, sighing.  “About fuckin’ time.”  Faith growls as she hears the front door open, standing quickly Faith strides into the living room, stopping at the sight before her. 

“Muhammad won’t come to the mountain…”  Tara raises an eyebrow at the slayer before smiling in thanks at Buffy.  “Thank you for the bodyguard service.”

“No problem.”  Buffy smirks at Faith, seeing the stunned look on the slayer’s face.  “Don’t worry about patrol tonight, Faith.  I’ll take care of it on my way back to the dorm.”  Buffy chuckles as she leaves the house, yelling to her mother.  “Love you, mom.  See you this weekend!”

Joyce comes out of the dining room, looking at the now closed door to Tara standing there watching Faith.  “I think I’ll go upstairs, make an early night of it.”  Joyce can’t help the small grin crossing her face as she quickly heads up the stairs.

“Do you want me to go?”  Tara questions hesitantly, realizing this might not be a good idea. 

“No.”  Faith answers quietly, still staring in surprise at the witch, before closing the short distance between them, pulling the witch in for a gentle but deep kiss, reacquainting herself with the taste of Tara.  Slowly ending the kiss, Faith looks into the dark blue eyes, a slow smile crossing her face.  “I just tried to call you.”

“Well, I’ve done all the studying I can stand.  I have two, sort of, more finals and was wondering if you would like to possibly spend some time together.”  Tara brushes a thumb over the cleft of Faith’s chin.  “I don’t want to push you for anything, but I’ve missed you the last week.”  Tara whispers softly, her eyes searching the brown depths of the slayer.

Faith hesitates momentarily almost afraid of allowing this woman to know how much she’s come to care for her in such a short period of time.  Finally deciding she doesn’t really have much of a choice, she sighs softly.  “I’ve missed you, too.”  Faith finally admits.  “Wanna sit down?  Or should I walk you back to the dorm to spend time there?”

“Whichever you prefer.  I will need to go back to the dorm in a little while.”  Tara admits quietly running one hand gently through the dark waves while moving the other hand up to cup the slayer’s cheek.  Leaning in Tara captures the full bow shaped bottom lip, sucking gently. 

Faith moans quietly, pressing her body more firmly against Tara’s.  “Let’s go to your dorm room.  We can talk on the way there, and maybe I can keep from attackin’ you.”

“Do you want to let Joyce know you’re leaving?”  Tara whispers quietly, looking deeply into the brown eyes that show so much of the slayer’s feelings, whether the woman is aware of it or not.  Seeing the caring and love coming from those orbs and also the hint of fear. 

“Yeah.  I’ll be back down in a minute.”  Faith hesitates, looking down at the ground before looking back at Tara.  “Should I…”  Faith rubs a hand over the back of her neck roughly before finally blurting out.  “Should I bring a change of clothes?”

“Yes.”  Tara answers softly with no hesitation, watching the small smile cross the slayer’s face as she turns to run up the stairs.

***

Faith knocks on Joyce’s closed door softly, smiling as the woman eases it open with a questioning look.  “I’m gonna be gone tonight.  Will you be okay by yourself?”

“Yes, Faith.  I’ll be fine.”  Joyce smiles knowingly at the slayer.  “Have fun and my offer still stands if you think she might want to stay here.”

“I’ll mention it.  Maybe we can see if they can put a partial bath down in the basement or something where it might not be as bad.  A shower stall and toilet type thing.”  Faith offers as she thinks for a few minutes.

“That might be a good idea, probably wouldn’t take as much to do, either.  I might want to do it anyway.”  Joyce smiles as Faith bounces uncontrollably on the balls of her feet.  “See you later, Faith.”  Joyce laughs as she shuts the door after Faith nods and runs into her bedroom.  “Whether you realize it or not, you’re in love with her, Faith.”

***

Chapter 15

Faith nibbles her lip as the two women walk slowly back to the college campus.  Glancing over towards the blonde a couple times, wondering how to broach the subject, Faith sighs quietly. 

Tara allows her lips to quirk up knowing Faith wants to say something, but for some reason is afraid to say it.  “What is it, sweetie?”  Tara finally questions softly.

“How do you know I wanna say somethin’?”  Faith grumbles, her brows furrowed.

“You keep sliding me glances and acting very un-Faith-like.”  Tara smiles gently at the slayer, stroking her finger over the slayer’s cheek as they slow down, Faith looking at her seriously. 

“What’s Faith-like?”  Faith rolls her eyes at her wording, smiling as Tara chuckles.

“She likes to act like she’s all tough, and doesn’t care about anything.  But underneath she’s a kind, caring, loving person.  She’s also afraid of saying whatever it is she wants to say to me for some reason.  And she normally just says whatever she wants.”  Tara’s eyes twinkle at the last.

“Nice way of saying I’m blunt?”  Faith’s lip starts to twitch as she watches Tara try to keep from laughing. 

“Not blunt, honest and to the point.”  Tara explains, the smile she’d been trying to hold back finally breaking across her face.  “What did you want to say, sweetie?”

“You’re gonna drive me crazy.”  Faith mumbles before closing the short distance between them, kissing Tara firmly.  “Okay, have you found a place to live yet?”

“No, I haven’t had time to look.”  Tara admits softly, watching Faith curiously. 

“Well, I got a couple ideas for ya’.”  Faith nods her head for them to continue walking towards the college.  “Actually one was from Joyce.  She’d be more than happy for you to come and stay at the house with me, if you want.  Not that you have to stay with me, we can figure somethin’ out.”  Faith quickly offers, continuing before Tara can say anything.  “I’ll go look tomorrow while you’re in class to see what’s available apartment wise for you.”

Tara stays quiet, surprised at the offer from Joyce before the rest of what Faith said sinks in.  “Faith, thank Joyce for me, but I can’t accept her offer.  That wouldn’t be right.”

“Then let me help ya’ find a place to stay in.  I gotta ask you a question.”  Faith stops as Tara grasps her arm gently, tugging on it.

“Just ask, sweetie.”  Tara whispers, running her thumb softly over the slayer’s arm.

“You wanna possibly share a place?”  Faith looks down at the ground.  “I kinda figure between my patrollin’ and your workin’ that we might not see each other much otherwise.  And I kinda would like to spend as much time with you as possible.  See where this might lead.”

Tara blinks a couple times staring over the slayer’s shoulder.  “You want to move in together?”  Tara tilts her head considering the thought.  “Faith?”

“Yeah.”  Faith hesitantly answers, not sure what the look on Tara’s face means. 

“The closer you come to me, the more you care, the harder it will be.”  Tara whispers, hating to bring up the possibility of her becoming a demon.  Seeing the narrowing eyes of the slayer, Tara sighs quietly.  “Faith, it’s a possibility.  You can’t ignore it, it’s a possibility that it is going to happen.  If something wasn’t going to happen, my mother would have told me, I know it.” 

“So, you become a demon.  Grow a tail one night a month, become a sex maniac, whatever!!  You ain’t gonna become evil, Tara, I know it, so don’t even worry about it.”  Faith growls angrily. 

“Okay, say I don’t become evil.  But what if I do grow a tail, turn purple and cross-eyed?  What then?”  Tara throws her hands up in the air.  “What if I turn into a small little furry rabbit?  Or, or maybe a cat.”

Faith chuckles at the last.  “I’ll always have a pussy… cat around.”  Faith wiggles her eyebrows at Tara. 

Tara groans and smacks the slayer on the arm.  “You know what I mean!  You want to carry on with a demon twice your size?  Or a quarter of your size?  One that’s got three heads, or is rainbow colored?”

Faith drops her bag on the ground and places her hands on either side of Tara’s face, looking deeply into the worried blue eyes.  “It’ll be you.  And we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.  If your mom didn’t change into anything, I very seriously doubt you will.  Will you let me talk to Giles about it?  See if there’s any information on somethin’ becomin’ a demon at a certain age?  I won’t have to tell him it’s you, I can just mention that I overheard some demons before I killed ‘em and was wonderin’ if there was such a thing.”

Tara looks into the serious brown eyes before slowly nodding her head.  “If you can do it without bringing my name up, I’d appreciate it.”  Tara closes her eyes as Faith caresses her hands gently over her cheek and neck. 

“I promise, babe.”  Faith whispers, a small smile crossing her face at the quiet groans working their way through the witch.  Capturing the witch’s lips in a heated kiss, Faith starts groaning herself as Tara’s tongue battles strongly with hers. 

“Hmmm.  Good kisses.”  Tara murmurs as they slowly ease back from each other.

“Great kisses.”  Faith takes a moment to get her breath under control, her body already starting to ache with desire.  “You gonna let me help out with an apartment?”  Faith finally questions, since Tara never really said anything about it. 

“If I’m going to want you to stay there as much as possible, you’re going to want to help pay, aren’t you?”  Tara finally questions. 

“You do want me there?”  Faith starts to smile as Tara nods her head quickly in answer.  “Wicked cool.”  Faith grins hugely.  “I’ll look tomorrow, is there an amount that you were usually willin’ to pay a month?”

“Last year it cost me $400 a month for a little one room efficiency.  It allowed me to put away money for the college year for books and other odds and ends I need to buy that my grants and tuition doesn’t cover.”  Tara admits as Faith grabs her bag, throwing it over her shoulder as they continue on their way towards the dorm.

“So, you want to try and keep it to that amount or less that you pay out for the apartment, right?”  Faith considers the thought quietly.  “Joyce won’t mind us comin’ and doin’ the laundry at her house, or even eatin’ dinner there if you don’t cook.” 

“I can cook.”  Tara smiles at the slayer.  “We don’t have to take advantage of her for that.  Laundry might not be a bad idea, especially since she has her magic solution to get blood out.”

“Blood, demon guts and god only knows what else.”  Faith chuckles at the thought of Buffy’s mom.  “Do you have to pay for the dorm, or do you get an allowance type thing?”  Faith questions wondering as she thinks about it.

“One of the grants I have is for living allowance.  It isn’t quite enough for the dorm, but with my working at the animal clinic, it makes up the difference and allows me to eat and pay for my odds and ends.  I’m able to put a little away to save up for when I need to take time off work.  I only usually work 20 hours a week during school, that’s about all I can do with my full class load.”  Tara admits as they walk up the steps to her dorm.  “Can I ask you a question?”  Tara smiles as Faith strokes her hand down her back. 

“Ask what ya’ want.”  Faith watches as Tara unlocks the door to her room, following her in to set her bag beside the door, shutting and locking it back behind her. 

“Where does the money you spend come from?”  Tara slides off her shoes before climbing on the bed, tucking her legs under her as she watches Faith.

Faith chuckles as she pulls the chair out from Tara’s desk, turning it around backwards as she straddles it, resting her arms on the back of the chair.  “The Council pays us a monthly stipend.  It’s actually a pretty decent chunk of change especially after B and I talked to ‘em about the fact how much food we eat, along with the clothes needin’ to be replaced, weapons and so on.  I’ve got plenty enough money saved up for a bike.”  Faith’s eyes light up as she mentions the bike.

“You really want to buy a motorcycle don’t you?”  Tara questions as she shifts to lie on the bed watching the huge smile cross the slayer’s mouth. 

“I always wanted a bike.  I want a big hog.”  Faith grins, her eyes looking in the distance.  “That way if I get a chance to go off for a week, I can just hop on and take off wherever I feel like going.” 

“Would this be something you’d be doing a lot?”  Tara questions quietly, propping her head on her hand.

“Not a lot, maybe a couple times a year.”  Faith still imagines what it’d be like to hop on the bike and maybe go down to Mexico for a week, enjoying the sun and sand.  “Wouldn’t want to leave the Hellmouth to Buffy for long.  It’s better with both of us workin’ it.”  Faith admits, her gaze finally coming to rest on the blonde.  “Do you think you might want to go to Mexico for a week?  A little sun and sand, margaritas on the beach?  Four hour siestas in our room?”

Tara laughs quietly.  “So you’re wanting me to go with you on your little getaway?” 

“If you ain’t sick and tired of me by the time we can do it.  And if you don’t mind riding a motorcycle that far.”  Faith smiles as she rocks the chair forward on two legs, watching Tara. 

“Hours wrapped around you?  I think I can deal with that.”  Tara smirks at the dark-haired woman. 

“Yeah, you can.  It’ll probably drive me nuts.”  Faith chuckles as she leans her chin down on top of her arms, realizing how much she‘s enjoying just being with the witch and talking with her about inconsequential things.  “What do your dreams consist of?  I pretty much just told you one of mine.”  Faith questions softly, watching Tara as she obviously thinks about the question. 

“Setting up my own clinic and finding someone to spend the rest of my life with, someone that will understand my being called away for emergency surgeries at odd hours, my propensity for bringing home strays and my other idiosyncrasies.”  Tara admits smiling, but the seriousness of her words showing in her eyes.

Faith nods her understanding.  “Kinda like with me.  Findin’ someone that won’t freak over the whole slayer thing and how demons are real.  The fact that the person is takin’ a chance on someone that one night won’t be comin’ back.”  Faith looks down at the ground as she whispers the last.

“There’s a chance that any of us could die at a moment’s notice, Faith.  We could get run over by a vehicle, trip down the stairs and break our neck, or any number of illnesses.”  Tara sighs softly as she thinks of her mother.  “Anything can happen, sweetie.  None of us have a guarantee, it would be wonderful if we did but life doesn’t work that way.”

“So, are you sayin’ we should grab onto what we got with both hands and enjoy it while we can?”  Faith questions seriously. 

“Pretty much.  Or just curl up and hide away from life.”  Tara lays her head down on the bed watching Faith as she considers her words.  “Personally my heart tells me to grab onto you and hold you as tight as I can while my mind is honestly telling me to put as much distance as I can between us.”  Tara admits the last softly as she runs a finger around on her comforter, tracing the patterns.

Faith sets the chair down on all four legs before standing, closing the short distance between them to kneel beside the bed and look at the witch intently.  “What are you goin’ to listen to?” 

Tara reaches for the slayer’s cheek, stroking her fingers gently down the soft skin, finally cupping the cheek in her hand while brushing her thumb repeatedly over the full bottom lip.  “My mom always told me to listen to my heart.”  Tara whispers seriously.  “Come up here and lay with me?”  Tara questions softly.

Faith doesn’t say anything she just unties her boots, pulling them off before climbing on the bed, gently easing beside Tara allowing the witch to pull her in against her.

Tara wraps her arms tightly around Faith, gently urging her to get comfortable against her, smiling softly as the slayer shifts down, burying her face in her neck.  Tara inhales deeply of Faith’s scent, a grin crossing her face at the hint of leather that the woman seems to always smell like.   

Faith wiggles her fingers under Tara’s top, stroking over the soft warm skin, surprised at her own lack of wanting to take the woman at the earliest opportunity, enjoying the closeness of just being held against the witch’s body. 

“What do you want to do, sweetie?”  Tara softly whispers as she places a kiss on the top of Faith’s head.

“I kinda like this.”  Faith admits, her lips quirking at the thought of the original want, take, have woman wanting and content just to be held, being close to the witch. 

“Would you like to get ready for bed?  Make ourselves more comfortable while lying here?”  Tara offers as she strokes her hands down Faith’s back. 

“Do I get skin to caress?”  Faith questions hopefully, easing up so she can look down into Tara’s twinkling blue eyes.

“Are you asking me if I’ll sleep in the buff?”  Tara jokes, a smirk crossing her face at the obvious look of approval on Faith’s face. 

“Please?”  Faith almost begs quietly, her eyes hopeful.

“Ease back, that way I can strip.”  Tara chuckles as Faith literally jumps up and off the bed.  Watching as Faith starts yanking her own clothes off, Tara laughs at the slayer’s eagerness.  Rolling off the bed, Tara slowly disrobes, watching as Faith pulls down the bed covers before turning on the lamp sitting on the nightstand while turning the overhead lights off.  When she notices Faith hesitating as to what side of the bed to climb in on Tara smiles at the woman’s consideration.  “Whichever side you prefer to lie on, is fine.”

Faith turns, grinning at the witch before climbing in, moving to the side furthest from Tara watching with eyes half-lidded as Tara slides her panties down before easing into the bed beside her.  Flipping the covers up over both of them Faith stops and looks at Tara.  “Want me to snuggle up against you or do you feel like usin’ me for a pillow?” 

“You seemed pretty comfortable a few minutes ago.”  Tara offers as she shifts onto her back, smiling as Faith takes her up on the offer.  Wrapping her arms around the slayer, Tara gently strokes over Faith’s back chuckling as Faith throws a strong thigh over her legs while her hand strokes soothingly over her stomach.

Faith allows her eyes to close as she places a kiss on the witch’s neck, her hand stroking up Tara’s stomach and rib cage to come to a halt cupping the full breast.  Stroking her thumb over the swell, Faith grins as Tara hums quietly in pleasure. 

“Are you planning on just stroking softly over my body until I fall asleep?”  Tara questions in a deeper voice than normal. 

“You probably haven’t been sleepin’ much lately.”  Faith admits quietly.  “And, to be honest, I ain’t slept that good either.  Wanna see if you help me sleep.”

Tara kisses the top of Faith’s head before reaching over to turn off the small lamp, placing her hand back on Faith, stroking gently over her lover’s back.  “Not much sleep is a definite.”  Tara admits quietly. 

“Then I’ll behave and let you get some sleep.”  Faith whispers, smiling as Tara hugs her tightly.  Leaning up, Faith places soft wet kisses along Tara’s jaw line.

“Hmmm.  Keep that up and we won’t be sleeping.”  Tara murmurs, smiling. 

“Do wanna kiss you goodnight, though.”  Faith admits as she brushes her lips firmly over Tara’s, groaning quietly as Tara strokes her tongue gently over her bottom lip before capturing it between her two lips, sucking softly.  Faith eases back after Tara releases her lip to look into the loving blue gaze.  Her heart stops for a moment at the look, finally realizing it for what it is.  Shifting her body, Faith hovers above the witch, stroking a finger across her eyebrow, just gazing into those blue depths, trying to figure out when this woman captured her heart. 

“What’s wrong, sweetie?”  Tara questions softly, her hands easing to a stop where they’d been stroking over Faith’s back, seeing the contemplation in Faith’s eyes. 

“Honestly?”  Faith questions smiling softly at Tara’s nod.  “Nothin’.  I’m just tryin’ to figure out when you snuck into my heart.”  Faith more breathes the words than says them as she brushes her lips lightly over Tara’s as she hears the surprised inhale from the witch. 

Tara threads a hand gently through Faith’s hair, looking into the caring brown eyes of her lover, seeing the love glimmering deeply.  With her other hand, Tara urges Faith to where she’s lying more fully over her, legs tangled together and their breasts pressing softly into each other.  “I think you snuck into my heart the day we met.”  Tara finally admits quietly.  Bringing her hand up, Tara traces the bow shaped lips, smiling softly.  “A knowing smirk shot its way straight to my heart, confusing the hell out of me because it was attached to a woman that seemed to be the complete opposite of me.  One very gorgeous woman that I believed would be way out of my league.”

“You could say that about us seemin’ to be opposite, not the out of league stuff.”  Faith gently presses her hips more firmly against Tara’s as she leans down kissing her gently.  “You wantin’ to hide behind your hair and being shy and stutterin’.  By the way, what happened to that?”  Faith questions curiously, actually realizing she sort of missed the endearing affliction.

“It goes away around people that I become comfortable around.”  Tara admits, smiling at the slayer.  “Or when I’m in serious have to get something done, mode.” 

“Like orderin’ people around when someone’s hurt, huh?”  Faith grins as the smile grows bigger on Tara’s face.  “I think she’s still in shock over that.  Kind of wonderin’ what else you might do.  Then there was the fact that you didn’t seem to have a bit of problem walkin’ around naked.”

“Naked is a natural state of being.” Tara shrugs, smiling.  “And you know us witches are all about being sky clad.”  Tara jokes, chuckling as Faith’s eyes grow wide and she wiggles her eyebrows.

“Can I put in that I definitely like that idea?  And when we get our place I’d prefer it?”  Faith eagerly questions.

“So, no clothing is a requirement when we find an apartment?”  Tara’s lip quirks as her eyes twinkle.  “And, I’m assuming that you aren’t going to be wearing any either, right?”

“So right.”  Faith grins her agreement as she shifts slightly, stroking one hand around the witch’s ear, loving the automatic response she receives from the barely there caress.

“Goddess.”  Tara moans quietly, her body pressing up against Faith’s body as the soft caress sends a liquid heat through her body. 

“Like that response.”  Faith murmurs, pressing her body down into the witch.  Slowly placing kisses along Tara’s jaw, Faith gently works her way down her neck, running her tongue repeatedly around the pulse point pumping blood more quickly through the witch’s body as she continues to stroke Tara’s ear.

“Faith!”  Tara calls out the slayer’s name as she starts to lick earnestly along her neck while bringing her other hand to stroke both ears gently at the same time, caressing over the outer shell.  Arching her body up into the slayer’s Tara moans as Faith slides a rock hard thigh firmly against her center.

Faith eases her upper body up slightly, still keeping firm contact with Tara’s as she smiles down into dark blue, passion-filled eyes.  Easing into a slow, steady rock against Tara, Faith kisses her gently, groaning as Tara quickly deepens the kiss.  Moaning when Tara shifts her leg slightly, pressing more firmly into her, Faith growls quietly as Tara nips her way across her jaw line.  The two women slowly building up to a faster, harder rocking motion as their desire grows.

Feeling the orgasm working through her body, Tara groans at the wetness escaping from Faith as she slides and grinds almost effortlessly against her.  “So, close.”  Tara whimpers as Faith finally kisses her way to her ear, running a hot, wet tongue over it.

“What you do to me…”  Faith groans into the ear, her hot breath making Tara arch and shudder under her as she tips over the edge, softly calling Faith‘s name.  Rocking a little more firmly, Faith moans as she feels her own desire building to a fever pitch, finally crying out Tara’s name as she grinds her body against Tara, her release easing onto the already slick leg.

Tara whimpers quietly as they slow their rocking motion, easing her death grip on the slayer’s ass, briefly wondering when her hands ended up there.  Sliding them up and over the strong back flinching and quivering under her hands, enjoying the slightly sweat dampened skin as she wraps her arms tightly around Faith, sighing softly as Faith buries her face in her neck, kissing the skin softly. 

Lying on Tara for a few minutes as she lets her heart calm down, smiling at the still pounding heartbeat of her lover, Faith places another kiss on Tara’s neck, before stroking her tongue softly over the damp skin.  “I need to move, I weigh too much to lay on you like this.”  Faith finally admits.

“Don’t go.”  Tara holds on tighter to the slayer, wanting to keep her close. 

“I’m not goin’ anywhere.”  Faith chuckles quietly.  “I just don’t wanna crush you.” 

“You’re not crushing me.”  Tara explains.  “I like being close.”

“Me, too.”  Faith admits.  “But why don’t we shift ‘round so I ain’t worried about hurtin’ you?”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”  Tara grumbles quietly. 

“Nope.”  Faith shakes her head, easing up to look into sated blue eyes.  “How about I pull up the covers from wherever they slid to and wrap myself around you from behind, see how that goes.”

Tara considers the thought for a moment, before finally nodding her head.  “Fine, this time.  But we’re going to talk about this, because you’re not too heavy.”

Faith chuckles quietly as she reaches down with one hand while shifting her body to lie beside the witch.  Pulling the covers back over them, she wiggles one arm under Tara’s neck while wrapping the other arm around her middle, pulling her in tightly against her front.  “Sleep, I want you to do well on your tests tomorrow.”  Faith murmurs softly as she hears the slowly deepening breath of her lover. 

Tara’s eyes are getting heavy as she tries to fight falling asleep.  As sleep slowly overtakes her, she whispers softly, not realizing she’s saying it out loud instead of just in her head.  “I love you, Faith.”

Faith buries her face in Tara’s hair after hearing those four beautiful words, unconsciously hugging the witch even tighter.  “Me, too.”  Faith finally admits out loud, stroking her fingers gently over the witch’s stomach.  “Love you.”  Faith whispers as she slowly falls asleep, her body as close to Tara’s as physically possible.

***

Chapter 16

Faith chuckles quietly as she sets down the donuts and juice she bought, smiling at the sleeping witch.  Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Faith strokes a finger gently over the witch’s eyebrow. 

“Hmmm.  What time is it?”  Tara murmurs as she slowly wakens at the soft touch. 

“A little after 8:00.”  Faith smiles as Tara mumbles and buries her face a little deeper in the pillow.  “Not a mornin’ person?”  Faith questions, laughing as one blue eye blinks open, looking at her in disbelief.

“Yes, but my class isn’t until 11:00.”  Tara grumbles, rolling over onto her back stretching as she yawns deeply. 

“Sorry.”  Faith grins as the sheet starts to slide down Tara’s body, with a little help.  Leaning over Tara, Faith nips playfully at a full breast, chuckling as she hears Tara squeal in surprise.

“You’re going to pay for that.”  Tara growls wrapping her arms around the slayer, pulling her down on the bed and rolling over on top of the slayer kissing her deeply.  “Too many clothes.”  Tara bitches as her hands reach under the slayer’s clothes.

“Randy in the mornings, are you?”  Faith chuckles as Tara quickly strips her top and bra off.  Growling, Faith rolls them back over, so she’s hovering above the witch. 

“I am right now.”  Tara smirks as she runs her hands over the already hard nipples of the dark-haired slayer.  Pinching them firmly, Tara’s eyes gleam with mischief as her hands work down Faith’s body quickly unbuttoning the slayer’s jeans.

“What’cha doin’?”  Faith questions, smirking at the witch. 

“What do you think?”  Tara raises an eyebrow in question as she slides her hands around the back of the slayer, sliding them under the jeans, grasping the strong butt cheeks, digging her fingers in gently. 

Faith groans, pressing her lower body down into the witch, whimpering as the strong fingers start to stroke her butt firmly. 

“This would work better without the jeans in the way.”  Tara grins at the slayer.

“I don’t know how, but it’s almost as if you can turn me on with a simple touch.”  Faith growls leaning down capturing Tara’s mouth in a battle of dominance.  Arching her body to help Tara’s hands shift her jeans to her knees, Faith slides her lower body back down, toeing off her boots roughly frowning as she hears the laces break.  Groaning loudly as a strong hand slides around her hip caressing her outer lips teasingly.  Biting back a squeak, Faith finds herself on her back with blue eyes looking down into her eyes.