CHAPTER NINETEEN

Faith came downstairs a couple of hours later, all cleaned up and prepared to deal with Cordelia. Her talk with Angel had gone well, up to a point. When it came time to discuss the actual specifics of the situation with Buffy, she hadn't wanted to hear what he'd had to say. The discussion ended with him telling her  that she was being bullheaded and unfair, and Faith had gone to her own room to clean up.

A long, hot shower had made her feel a little more human, but she was wishing she could just collapse into her bed and sleep forever. Her ribs although better, still hurt, and her headache had made a major comeback sometime over the last hour or so.

Nobody was in the lobby when Faith came down, so she headed for the kitchen. Cordy would definitely have some food warming for her and she figured she might as well eat before she spilled her guts like a girl. The sight that greeted her eyes as she entered the kitchen made her pause in disbelief.

Cordelia and Buffy were sitting at the table surrounded by dirty dishes and glasses, a coffee pot in the middle of it all. They were laughing like old friends, in and of itself the craziest thing Faith had ever seen since neither girl even liked the other.

Buffy saw her first and sat up straight:

"Hi."

Faith made herself stay calm, walking over to the oven to remove the laden down plate of food. She grabbed a pitcher of orange juice from the counter and snagged a glass as she sat down at the head of the table.

"Didn't expect to see ya here."

"Yep, that's me, always doing the unexpected."

Faith forced herself to focus on her breakfast, although she couldn't taste a thing.

"Thanks for the food, Cor."

"Of course. There are doughnuts in the pantry if you need them."

"Yeah, alright."

Cordelia stood, smiling at Buffy as she did.

"Okay then, guess you two need to talk. I'll be in Angel's office."

"Why do we gotta talk? Looks like you two already did the big heart to heart."

Cordelia wasn't the least bit apologetic:

"Oh please, don't act like a baby on top of everything else. Yes, Buffy and I talked about you. Deal."

Then she was gone, leaving a tense silence behind her. Buffy let the room settle, then spoke up:

"We obviously need to talk."

Faith polished off her juice and poured another glass:

"Not obvious to me."

"It's not?"

Faith picked up a piece of bacon and took a bite:

"Alright, shouldn't have just motored like I did, but I'm comin' back. Gonna help you handle the Faber thing, so no worries, Slayer."

"Is that the only reason you're coming back?"

Faith shrugged her answer while she buttered some toast, and Buffy leaned forward:

"Then I've got plenty of worries. Will you talk to me?"

"Nothin' to say. We said it all last night."

"We didn't say it 'all' last night, not even close."

"Look, B, I don't wanna rehash shit, so…"

"Please, Faith?"

She glanced up and when her eyes met Buffy's, she gave in. She slid her plate toward the center of the table and folded her arms across her chest, wincing as the gesture pulled at her still damaged ribs.

"Still hurting, huh?"

"I'll live."

Buffy tried in vain to catch Faith's eye again and finally went ahead without success:

"So did Angel say anything helpful?"

"Maybe."

"Such as?"

"Could always go talk to him yourself."

"I don't want to talk to him, I want to talk to you."

Faith sighed, her demeanor softening slightly:

"B, I'm sorry about all of this. I knew better, ya know?"

"Uh-huh."

"Okay, so let's just cut our losses and…"

Buffy interrupted:

"I see you, Faith. Even when I'm not looking at you, I can see you."

"Movin' into riddles now? 'Cause I'm not so great with those."

"I see how you think you don't deserve anything good, how even though everything's changed, you keep believing in that more than anything else."

Faith stood up, her body tense as she prepared to run, but Buffy was on her feet too, standing firmly in front of the exit with no intention of moving.

"Not the time for this, B."

"It's way past time and if I wait any longer, you'll be hopping the next freighter to God knows where."

"Don't hop freighters anymore. Got plenty of money to haul it however I wanna."

"That's not exactly reassuring."

"Wasn't s'posed to be."

Buffy moved closer, but she still stayed between Faith and the only way out.

"I know your past hurts you, Faith, I know it always will. But what happened to you, what those monsters did…none of that is you. It never was and it never will be."

"Can ya get to your point, 'cause I'm not exactly lovin' this."

"Do you really want me to let you go?"

"…Yeah."

"You're lying."

She reached out to caress Faith's cheek, but Faith pulled away at the first contact.

"Look at me, Faith. Look me right in the eye and tell me you want to end this."

Faith stood unmoving, her gaze never making it to Buffy's face:

"Enough of this shit! I don't even know what the fuck you're talkin' about. Just head back home. I'll play the good bitch, come taggin' along and help out with the big scary sitch. But then I'm motorin'. I don't belong there, I never did."

"I know you're scared."

"Fuck you, Buffy."

"And I know why you're scared."

Faith tried to leave, but Buffy moved with her, staying between her and the door.

"I'm done here, so either get outta my way or I'm gonna move your ass!"

Buffy laughed:

"You won't lay a finger on me, F."

Faith looked like she wanted to kill something, but after several moments she stepped back, running her hand through her hair in frustration:

"Great, so you came here to tell me I'm scared. Can I go now?"

"You're scared because you love me and you think I don't love you back."

Faith felt panicked, like the world was ending by collapsing on top of her, but she steeled herself to seem nothing but casually disinterested.

"Shoulda known you'd turn a good time into somethin' else. We had sex, Buffy. It's no big deal, people do it all the time."

"So is that a yes or a no?"

"What the hell do you want?"

Buffy advanced and Faith stood defiantly as she came closer. Then Buffy was right there, her hand locked onto Faith's wrist as she leaned in. Faith tried to pull away, but Buffy hung on, her lips brushing lightly against Faith's ear as she whispered into it:

"I want to tell you that I love you more than I've ever loved anyone. I want you to stop running from me. But most of all, Faith…I just want you."

The soft kiss on Faith's jaw made her eyes flutter closed:

"B…"

"I'm waiting for you, I'll always wait for you."

"Don't do this…"

Buffy pulled back slightly to see the dark eyes she loved:

"I need you."

"I'll never be able to make you happy."

"You already do."

"No, there'll just be more of this shit and…"

Buffy cut her off:

"I'm right here, Faith, right where I'm always going to be."

"B, please, I'll just fuck it all up and..."

"Listen to me: I've been waiting for you for years, wondering what it was going to take, who it was going to be. It's you, Faith, you're the one I need, and now that I've got you, I can't let you go. I know there are issues, things we're going to have to work out…Great, bring'em on. We'll deal with them together and they won't stand a chance."

Faith stood uncertain, her heart pounding as Buffy just kept standing there smiling.

"I'm so in love with you. You make me feel…God, I had no idea I could be this happy. It's like somebody found out everything I love, everything I need, and just handed it all to me on a 'Faith' platter. You can't make me give you back, I won't let you."

Buffy reached for her:

"I know you're scared, I get that. But I promise you, Faith, I won't hurt you. You're safe with me, you'll always be safe with me."

She raised their now linked hands and kissed Faith's.

"I love you. Trust that, trust me…Say you love me too."

"…"

 "Please Faith…for me."

 "……I love you, Buffy."

Faith's face revealed her surprise: at the admission and the easiness with which she'd said it. She didn't feel scared and she didn't want to run. All she wanted was to stay right where she was – lost and found in the warm hazel gaze that she had never seen look so beautiful. This magical woman wanted her, loved her, and Faith wouldn't have run if her life had depended on it.

They kissed then, both smiling when they pulled back.
 
"Okay, now this is going perfectly."

"Yeah, it is."

Buffy's grin was huge:

"We're in love, F."

"Yeah,  we are, B."

"Wanna go have make-up sex now?"

Faith kissed her again, then teasingly nibbled along her neck:

"Maybe could be persuaded."

"Mmm…I like that."

"That's why I'm doin' it."

Buffy moaned and her hands began slowly making their way down Faith's body.

"I love you, Faith."

"I love you too, B. Always have, always gonna."

"Good…Uh…if you keep doing that, we're going to need to get a room."

"Already got one."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm wicked tight with the owner."

"Mmm…that's…that's…God, that's good."

Faith's hand was exploring beneath Buffy shirt.

"Plus, I know a back way up."

"Really?"

Faith pulled Buffy's leg up to wrap around her waist, then encouraged her to do the same with the other one.

"But your ribs…"

"B, I'm not feelin' any pain. 'Sides, secret passage is right outside the door."

"Ooh, a secret passage sounds so sexy."

"Yeah, so does fuckin' you in my bed 'til you're screamin' my name."

Buffy nuzzled into Faith's neck:

"Mmm...that sounds much sexier."

Faith was moving fast as she cleared the kitchen and kicked the spot on the wall. A hidden door sprung open and she began running up the stairs with Buffy clinging to her.

"Better hold on tight, B."

"Count on it, F."

They returned home early the next morning. Faith was nervous about telling everyone, but Buffy insisted.

"I want everyone to know how happy we are. Besides, everything went fine in L.A.."

"Yeah, but everybody there likes you."

"Cordelia likes me? Please, who are you trying to kid?"

"Well…"

Buffy glanced at her and laughed:

"Except for a few hours when we first met, Cordelia's always hated my guts. Still, she gave me a hug and congratulated me. Of course she also threatened to 'snap my scrawny neck like a twig' if I hurt you."

"Okay, but this seems way different somehow."

"Faith, there's nothing to worry about, everybody loves you now. They might freak a little because we weren't gay before, but Willow's like the Rosa Parks of that."

"Huh?"

"Everybody's going to be happy for us, I'm not expecting any problems at all."

"Yeah, well that's exactly when the shit hits…"

Buffy smiled:

"La, la, la, la. Not listening. Mean Faith is trying to ruin Buffy's happy time."

"B, I'm just sayin'…"

"La, la, la, la…I can't hear you."

Faith looked over at her, and tried to think if she'd ever seen anybody any cuter anywhere ever.

"You win. No more 'Mean Faith' talk."

"Thank you. Hey, do you think that'll always work when I wanna get my way?"

"Doubt it, but you can give it a shot."

"Well, if that doesn't work, I'm pretty sure I know what will."

"Yeah. What's that…B!"

Buffy looked at her innocently, one hand still firmly on the wheel.

"What? I never even swerved. You on the other hand, went all over the road."

"Wasn't expectin' you to just reach over and…"

Buffy didn't take her eyes off the highway as she steered Faith with one hand.

"Not playin'…fair, B."

"I know. You'd better get used to that because when it comes to you, I never will."

"Least ya know…you're a cheater."

Buffy's hands went to back to the 'ten and two' position.

"I also know I'm a winner."

"Guess it ain't braggin' when ya can back it up."

They drove on in a happy silence, the music playing softly, the muffled roar of the road falling away behind them.

"Hey, Faith?"

"Yeah?"

"This is love."

"Yeah."

"Well, it's fucking awesome!"

Faith laughed:

"Yeah, B, it really is."

As they sped past the "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign, Buffy reached over and grabbed her hand. Faith smiled and squeezed back:

"I'm okay, B. Scared shitless, but okay."

"I called everybody so they'd meet us at the house. That way we've only got to explain it once."

"Great, plus the lynchin' party's all together."

"La, la, la, la."

"Okay. Gonna let you do all the talkin'."

"That works for me. And Faith?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Faith's smile seemed to light up the car:

"Guess that means I gotta get them 'la, las' goin' in my head, ya know, just in case 'Mean Faith' starts tryin' to pull some shit."

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her."

When they entered the house, they found everyone gathered in the living room awaiting their arrival.

Xander tossed his magazine aside when he saw them:

Hey guys, what's up? Was this trip some last minute thing or am I being kept out of the loop?"

"If you are, so am I, and I live right down the bloody stairs. What's all this then?"

Buffy jumped in before they could get going:

"Nobody's looped or loopless, it was a spontaneous thing. Anyway, Faith and I have a big announcement  to announce to you guys……We're together."

Xander yawned:

"That's so exciting, Buffy. I mean, we all saw you drive in and we can see you're standing together. What's next? Want to tell us Giles and Spike are together on the couch?"

Anya leaned towards him, her arm around his shoulder:

"Honey, she means they're lovers."

"Don't be ridiculous…Wait a second…Buff, is that what you mean? Are you guys 'together' together?"

"That's exactly what I mean. Faith and I are in love and we're a couple."

The room went completely still and then erupted into total chaos. Dawn was thrilled she longer had to keep their secret, Willow ran around hugging everyone and saying she "knew it!", and Anya said it was a relief to know that Xander was safe from Faith's advances.

Xander was grinning like a fool as he twirled Buffy around and around in a bear hug, only putting her down when she threatened him with physical violence…twice. The second she was back on her feet, he was racing over to Faith.

He pulled her to him for her own swirling hug:

"I can't believe somebody finally caught you! Figures it'd take the Buffster!"

She couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. His eyes were filled with nothing but joy and excitement, and his happiness was totally contagious. Still, she did have a rep.

"Wanna put me down 'fore I puke all over you?"

He immediately complied, but he still kept her wrapped up in a warm hug. When he finally released  her, she saw movement and turned to watch Spike sauntering arrogantly over to Buffy. The smile on his face could only be described as "wicked", and Faith knew he was going to pull something.

"Well, well, well, congratulations, Slayer. Guess we're all clear now why I got shoved aside. Nothin' to do with me, you fancy the ladies. No wonder you weren't captivated by more than abundant charms. Not like any bloke could ever give you what you…"

"Spike, you had no charms, and maybe you made me gay. Did you ever think of that?"

He tried to go into full "pout" mode, but he couldn't quite keep the smile from his face:

"Yeah, but I was goin' another way with it. Think a spot of support between old chums is called for here."

She kissed him on the cheek and he turned to Faith.

"Not sure where you head's at, Dark One. Course, probably not your head that's callin' the shots."

"Spike!"

Faith laughed at Buffy's mortified response and Spike's obvious delight in hearing it. He hugged her close and whispered into her ear:

"She's a wonder, but then so are you. Glad you found your way to each other."

He straightened up to his full height, his happiness plain to see:

"Right then, let's get to it, mates! Not every day two Slayers fall in love. You lovebirds stay put while we suss out how to do this right and proper."

Everyone talked their way into the kitchen, except the Slayers and their Watcher. He still hadn't said a word, and his silence was worrying Faith even though Buffy seemed completely unconcerned.

After what felt like forever to Faith, Giles finally cleared his throat:

"Yes, well…Buffy, I 'm of course happy that you're happy. It's truly well-deserved and long overdue."

Buffy was beaming as she gave him a bone crushing hug:

"I love you too, Giles…so, so much!"

He returned her hug awkwardly:

"Quite. Perhaps you should find your way to the kitchen? I believe from the sound of it, Anya and Spike are nearing blows."

"…pig's blood. But water's not exactly the Queen's tea neither. Gotta have somethin' proper that'll put the hair of the dog…"

"I don't understand any of the stupid things you're saying."

"Yeah? Well what I'm sayin' is: you're the cheapest, most annoying bird this side of…"

"Does anyone want to make a wish for Spike? I'll be more than happy to get back into the business, somebody just say the word!"

Buffy took off running, and Faith turned to Giles:

"Got a sec?"

"What? Oh yes, certainly."

She went to look out the window:

"Just gonna say it, yeah?"

"All right."

"I know I'm not what you want for her."

"I'm…Pardon me?"

"'Sides the whole dyke thing, which who saw that comin', I know I'm nowhere near good enough. But I love her, Giles…so fucking much. I'd walk away, but she loves me too and…If you could just maybe gimme a chance to prove…"

"Faith."

His voice ended her plea as he walked over to stand next to her:

"I've truly no clue what you're on about. You're exactly what I've always hoped Buffy would find. You love and understand her, and for the first time since I've known her, she's happy without reservation. It's nothing less than a miracle that you came back and set things right. You're perfect for one another, and I'm delighted for you both."

"For real, Giles?"

"Yes, 'for real'. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that I'm English, stiff upper lip and all that rot. The truth of it is, I could begin sobbing like a sentimental fool at any moment if I'm not careful…Oh, to hell with it!"

He pulled her close and she hugged him back.
 
"She loves you totally, Faith. I saw that months ago. Don't ever doubt that, hang onto it and you shall always find your way. And please, could the two of you limit your training room activities to training? Extremely awkward, that was."

Faith pulled back and stared at him in shock:

"You saw us?!"

"Well, you were a tad hard to miss."

"Fuck, I can't believe you saw us. B would die."

"Yes, I suppose she would. It shall be our secret then, yes?"

"Uh, yeah. 'Til we're dead."

Buffy's voice interrupted:

"Hey, no 'dead' talk. You guys come in here, the party's starting!"

"Ah, and what beverage did they manage to scrounge up?"

"Yeah B, any good stuff?"

Buffy hooked each of them by the arm and led them into the kitchen.

"The very best stuff, F. We're drinking Kool-Aid."

"'Kool-Aid'?"

"Yep, Dawnie made it."

Giles chipped in:

"I believe that is the traditional drink when two Slayers join forces, or it shall be henceforth whenever the 'Watcher's Journal' is consulted."

Willow was busy passing the glasses around, and Buffy took a sip from hers, then made a strange face:

"Dawnie, how much sugar did you put in this? I can't even taste the cherry."

"Duh! That's because it's grape."

"Well, why is it this color then?"

"Because it's older than I am."

Faith took a huge swallow:

"Grape's my fave, Squirt. Any chow to go with it?"

Spike spoke up on cue:

"In luck, Dark One. Anya and I found half a bag of crisps, some stale Cocoa Puffs, and an apple a bit on the mushy side."

"Damn, quite a spread."

"Yeah, only the best for you Slayers."

Buffy was irritated:

"Okay, whose turn was it to get the groceries?"

Willow flushed red:

"Come on Buff, that's not important now. We're celebrating and…"

"So I'm guessing it was your turn, Will?"

"Sort of."

"'Sort of'?"

Willow couldn't keep it in anymore:

"Spike and I had a deal!"

"Bloody hell! What are you, a narc?"

"Well, I'm not getting in trouble all by myself."

Spike was furious:

"So you just spill the state secrets, then? What kind of witch just caves at the first…"

"What does my being a witch have to do with it?"

"…Well, I don't know, but I don't know that it doesn't either!"

"The point is that you were supposed to get the groceries, Spike."

"Uh no, sorry, Willow. If you consult the 'Chores Board' you'll find…"

Willow went ballistic:

"We don't have a 'Chores Board', you idiot!"

"Another lie, I'm afraid. Just diggin' yourself in deeper, you are."

Xander was busy pouring himself another glass of Kool-Aid:

"Good God, Spike! You could have just done the shopping instead of…"

"Excuse me, Master Carpenter. Was you who made the soddin' thing."

"Xander Harris! You big fat traitor!"

Xander turned to Willow, his face innocent and perplexed:

"Will, how was I supposed to know he was going to use it to set you up?"

"Well, gee, I don't know. Maybe because he's Spike?"

"Hey! I resent that. Haven't been evil in years!"

"It sounds like you had a relapse, Spike. Willow, why did you call Xander fat? I thought you told me that was mean."

"If anyone's evil, it's you Miss VD."

"I didn't mean he was 'fat', fat, Anya. I just meant he was a big traitor."

Dawn was examining the apple closely:

"It serves you guys right. Buffy said absolutely no more switching chores."

"Fine one you are to talk, Little Bit. Been cleanin' toilets for you for almost a month now."

Buffy's gasp made it seem as if Dawn had just been revealed as an axe murderer:

"Dawn!"

"Shut up, Spike! Buffy, you know he's a liar."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Am not!"

Dawn turned to Faith:

"Can't you stake him just this once?"

Faith just shrugged as she crammed more chips into her mouth.

"Et tu, Nibblet? That's fine then, take the evil witch's side."

Willow was practically screaming at him:

"You're the one who's evil! You set me up!"

"Think you'd better do a locator spell for your brain. Was your oldest friend who made the board."

"Will, I only did it because I didn't know about the 'no switching' rule."

Buffy turned her glare from her villainous sister:

"Xander, did it ever occur to you that you don't know the rules because you don't live here?"

"Well, no it didn't, Miss Smarty Pants, since I'm over here all the time fixing stuff!"

"Yeah? Well, in a second you can fix the board when I break it over your head!"

Anya wrapped her arm protectively around his waist:

"Stand up to her, honey. She always threatens violence when she doesn't get her way."

Buffy laughed:

"Oh, you should talk, Anya. You try to wreak vengeance when you get junk mail."

"Your lady's right, Harris. Slayer's just tryin' to throw her weight around. Gonna let her intimidate you or gonna be a man for a change?"

Buffy stepped around Xander to stand nose to nose with Spike:

"Just give me a reason, William."

"Whoa, settle down, luv. Can't you take a joke?"

"I'll let you know as soon as I hear one."

Willow started giggling:

"Ha, ha! Good one, Buff…Wait, why am I getting the glare now?"

"Because this is all your fault, Willow."

"Me? I didn't do anything…except switch some stupid chores around."

Buffy walked over to her:

"After we all agreed on no more switching."

"Yeah Will, if you'd have just picked up the groceries, none of this…"

"Shut up, Xander! You don't even live here, and I did the dishes all week for Spike."

"And was right nice of you too, Will.  Shame you didn't do your own chores, but there's a lesson learned. Next go 'round, you'll plan out your time better and…"

"There's not gonna be a next time! And you're going to…"

Giles sat back with a huge smile on his face. The sound of the "children" bickering was like Mozart to him.  He drank his Kool-Aid and ate a handful of Cocoa Puffs. If life could be any better, he didn't know how.

CHAPTER TWENTY

When Buffy woke up she did the first thing she always did: she reached for Faith. That side of the bed was cold and empty though, because it was Saturday morning and that could only mean one thing: stupid TV.

She could hear them now, giggling like two little kids. It always made her smile to hear them, their mingled laughter was her favorite sound in the whole world……Well, one of her favorite sounds.

Faith was so good to Dawn. She listened to her with respect and interest, she always had, even when Dawn had been just a dumb and irritating little kid. In turn, Dawn had always loved her, and if it was possible, that love had increased since Buffy had announced they'd become a couple.

Dawn was thrilled with their romance, and she let everybody know it. She'd been clearing out a lot lately to give the Slayers some "alone time", and Faith was becoming worried that maybe she was feeling neglected.

As Buffy descended the stairs, she heard Dawn complaining:

"How can they have a commercial now?"

"Yeah, doesn't seem right."

"It completely breaks up the whole narrative flow."

"Plus fucks up the momentum."

They began laughing together again, but as soon as it died down, Faith spoke up:

"Hey Dawnie, you're okay with me and B being together, right?"

"Are you kidding? The only way I could be happier is if I had my own boyfriend...and a car."

"I know we been kinda wrapped up in ourselves and…"

"And you always will be. It's cute, and I know you both love me."

They were quiet, but Buffy knew Faith wasn't finished.

"Okay, but if you got a problem with it or anything else, you can always talk to me…no matter what."

"…Does that mean you'll always be there for me?"

"Nothing ever gets in the way of that again, Dawn."

"Well, duh! Now stop worrying, I'm good. I love you guys being together, I can even almost tolerate Buffy now. The thing I don't get though is how she got someone as cool as you to fall for her. Maybe it's a spell, which when I think about it, explains a lot…Anyway, you guys are perfect for each other and I'm glad she finally realized it."

Buffy could hear the relief in Faith's voice from her spot on the stairs:

"Okay, just wanted you to know nothin's changed. Can still keep a secret if…"

"From Buffy?! You can keep a secret from Buffy? HAHAHA!!! Oh. You're being serious?"

"Yeah I 'm bein' serious! I don't tell B every…"

"Right, all she has to do is make that pouting face with the big eyes and you…"

"No way! B's not runnin' me!"

"…cave so fast, it's embarrassing. You can be furious, but then she does some gross 'Buffy' thing and you're like a big pile of gooey, lovey doveyness. Face it… you are so totally whipped."

Faith laughed:

"Yeah, okay, but I still got shit hot intentions."

"I know. I love you, Faith."

"Love you too, Squirt."

The show started back up, and apparently something was off.

"What are they…I think they started up in the wrong place. Faith, why is she riding a donkey? Is she in Tokyo?"

"Yeah, but thought it was supposed to be New York."

"Now it looks like Calcutta!"

"Who's that guy?"

"He looks like Bob Barker."

"Well, this ain't  how I 'member 'The Price Is Right'."

Dawn's was confused, and her voice began rising:

"Where'd he get a monkey? Faith, what is…Is this even the same movie?"

"I don't…Look, the donkey and monkey are fighting!"

"Are those two midgets in the background having sex?"

"What?! Where?!"

"You can't see them now……Right there, behind the…"

"Fuck me, what am I lettin' ya see?!"

"No wait, it's okay. He's just giving her a boost."

"Call it what ya wanna, Squirt. All means the same."

They started giggling, then Dawn accidentally snorted and they went crazy.

Buffy decided to make her presence known and continued all the way down the stairs and into the living room.

"Good morning."

They tried to respond, but the best they could do was a wave from Faith. Buffy stood there waiting for them to compose themselves, and it took a while.

"Hey, Buffy. This movie is so nuts!"

"So I heard. Scoot over."

Faith complied with a smile, but Dawn decided to wind Buffy up:

"It'll be too crowded. Go sit in the chair."

"Excuse me, I want to sit with my girlfriend. Now move over."

"No, I was here first."

Buffy tried to look stern:

"I will move you, Dawn."

"Oh yeah, I'm really scared."

The instant Buffy made her move, Dawn did too…right onto Faith's lap.

"There you go, Buffy. There's plenty of room for you now."

"You little brat."

Dawn snuggled in:

"Ooh…I am soooo comfy on my new 'Faith' sofa."

A pillow smashed into her head, and then Buffy picked her up and tossed her onto the other end of the couch. Dawn tried to hang on, but she overbalanced and slid to the floor.

"Ow!"

"That didn't hurt you a bit."

"Well, it could have. I could have been seriously injured."

Buffy bent down and kissed Faith before she answered:

"Whatever, Drama Queen."

"You're the Drama Queen: 'I have to sit with my girlfriend or I'm just going to die!'."

"Hmm…I don't recall ever saying that. I think I might have said that you're going to die if you don't move."

Dawn made a face like she was going to be sick:

"You're so irritating. Faith, don't you think Buffy's being a baby?"

It was like a spotlight had been turned on her:

"Uh…"

Buffy looked at her haughtily:

"Tell her she's wrong, Faith."

"Uh…"

They were so easy to rattle, and Dawn could barely keep a straight face.

"Faith, tell her she makes us sick."

"Uh…"

Buffy had had enough. Her pouting face appeared, big eyes included free of charge:

"F, don't you like me best?"

Dawn saw Faith's eyes glazing over as she looked at Buffy.

"Forget it, Faith. She's being all 'Buffy', and you don't stand a chance."

"…No…uh…What was the question?"

Dawn rolled her eyes as she stood up:

"I'm going to the mall with Janice. Enjoy the sex, you freaks!"

"Dawn!"

But she was already out the front door, slamming it loudly behind her.

Buffy straddled Faith almost immediately:

"She's such a brat."

"Mmm…"

"So what were you guys watching?"

"…Cheap 'Godzilla' rip-off."

Buffy looked back over her shoulder at the TV.

"How can they make a cheaper movie than 'Godzilla'?"

"Not sure, but there's your proof."

"Is that a zipper?"

"Yeah, all the best monsters got'em."

Buffy turned her full attention back to Faith:

"I'm going to look for that on patrol. It'll make things so much easier."

Faith's hands slid inside Buffy's pajama top.

"If ya learn to breathe fire, that'd be wicked cool."

"I'll see what I can do about that."

"Feels pretty hot right now. Got a thermostat on ya someplace?"

"I don't think so, but you can…"

Her sentence ended in a moan.

"I found'em, two little knobs."

"Those aren't…God…"

"Guess I don't know how they work. I twist and turn'em, but you just keep gettin' hotter. Maybe I oughta squeeze…"

Buffy's head fell back, her eyes closing with pleasure:

 "I think you're doing…a great job."

"Shh, I gotta concentrate, This is wicked complicated."

"Anything I can do to help?"

Faith grinned as she swung Buffy over onto the couch. One of her hands made its way into Buffy's pajama bottoms:

"Nah, I got it. Pretty sure the main button's down here…just let me play with it for a while and I'll have everything under control."

"Take your time, F."

The little outdoor café they were eating at was mostly deserted. She'd been a little late getting there, and he'd already ordered for her. The bottle of beer was still ice cold though, and she drank almost half of it in one go.

"Ahh…Fuck, does that ever hit the spot."

"So how's everything going?"

"Actually goin' good."

Xander was surprised:

"Really?"

"Shocker from here too."

"I'm not shocked, it's just…"

"But I do gotta ask…"

He smiled all smug and smugger:

"Aha, I knew it! No matter how good things are, you just keep waiting for something to go wrong. Listen, life's good. Buffy loves you, so would you just try to enjoy that and stop worrying?"

"…what ya think about Dawnie and Red crashing at yours tomorrow. With the big demon smack down comin', thought I'd do something nice for her 'fore the shit starts flyin'."

Xander had the good grace to look embarrassed:

"Oh, sure, that's no problem."

"What about for Anya?"

"She won't care. We'll play 'Monopoly', she'll take our money, and make somebody cry."

Faith's smile was huge:

"Thanks! Spike and Giles said they might swing by after the game."

"The more, the merrier. Think Spike'll make those onion things?"

"Probably just gotta ask him."

"Yeah."

Xander sat silently, fiddling with his napkin.

"So what'd ya wanna ask me, Xand?"

His face was totally serious and totally nervous.

"Well, I need your advice on something."

No matter how many times something like this happened, Faith always had to fight the urge to turn around and look at whoever was being asked. She was still convinced that person must be standing right behind her.

"Do you think I should ask Anya to marry me?"

"Wow…Xand, maybe you'd better talk to somebody smarter than me."

"Faith, I'm talking to the right person. So, do you?"

She thought it over for a minute.

"Well, she definitely wanted to marry you before. And she loves you, no question there. She bring it up?"

"No, not really. But I think she's thinking about it and I think she thinks I don't want to, that I never even think about it, at least I think she does."

"Whoa, hold it. There's way too many 'thinks' goin' on. Ya gotta talk to her, but Xander?"

"Yeah?"

"Advice now from the world's biggest fuck-up: Ya wanna marry her, tell that right off. Gotta 'member how bad you hurt her, how much you let her down. It's up to you to convince her you're for real this time."

He was nodding by the time she finished:

"That's right, that's absolutely right. Hey, could you maybe ask her for me? That way if she kills you, I'll know that was the wrong approach."

"Sorry. Like to, but got my own 'scary as fuck' girl to handle."

He took a huge sip of his beer:

"Vengeance demons and Slayers…These are not the easiest of women to love."

"Real challenge sometimes."

"Unlike us: the perfect and wonderful."

"Fuck, yeah. Hey, ya ever think me and you shoulda made a go of it?"

He began rubbing his chin as he pondered the idea:

"Hmm…No, I think we made the right choice. But we'll always have the 'Sunnydale Motel'."

"Ain't Paris, but it's got a certain somethin'."

They laughed together like the good friends they now were.

"Buffy really loves you, you know?"

"Yeah, talk about hittin' the jackpot."

"I'm going to make Anya marry me."

"She's gonna say 'yes'."

"I hope so. It won't be as romantic if I have to tie her up."

"Would be hot though."

He reached out and grabbed a couple of fries from her plate.

"I'm not going to rule it out."

"Look, I'll take a rain check on tomorrow."

"What? Faith, are you crazy? I can't ask her tomorrow, I need at least a week to prepare!"

"Ya sure? 'Cause this thing with B can wait."

He finished off her beer and she let it go because he was so shook up.

"I'm sure. Have you not heard me speak? Important speaking not flowing out in smooth ways of words, and this is the most importantest talk of ever, right?"

"Uh…right?"

"Oh God, I'm an idiot."

"Yeah ya are, but you're Anya's idiot."

That seemed to calm him down and he smiled proudly:

"Yes I am, that is definitely who I am."

"So run with it, and don't over think it."

"Again you give the good advice, but I still need at bare minimum…three days to get ready."

"If ya say so."

"So you and Buff are on for tomorrow tonight."

"Works perfect, thanks."

Food, drinks, and business finished,  Xander scooped up the check.

"Think it's my turn."

"It is, but since you helped me decide about Anya, I want to pay."

"Yeah?"

"Absolutely 'yeah'."

"Thanks, Xander."

He had that look on his face, and Faith had to know:

"What?"

"I'd pay next time too if you'd just ask her for me."

"No way!"

"Come on, Faith. For 'Motel'!"

"On your own, pal. But cheer up, I got faith…Ya get it? 'I got faith'…see how fuckin' witty that is? Ya get it, Xand?"

"Shut up."

Buffy was irritable, stinky, and tired. Spike had been leading her on what had amounted to a wild goose chase for hours and they'd slayed nothing – except Buffy's patience. She was totally sick of walking around in filth.

Spike however, seemed not the tiniest bit upset. He was whistling cheerfully to himself as he had been all day, and for the last couple of hours all Buffy could think about when she looked at him was: Slayer…Vampire.

"……Spike we haven't found anything!"

"Can't always have the good luck, luv. Gotta take a spot of the bad now and again."

"What does luck have to do with it? You said this was a definite sure thing!"

"Thought it was. Know demon interest definitely spiked…Get it? Interest 'spiked'… That was bloody witty, that wa…"

"Shut up."

They trudged on in silence.

"Why so shirty, Slayer? Trouble with the Dark One?"

"No, just the opposite. I'm sorry I'm being such a bitch. I just wanted to spend some alone time with her today, and now that's all ruined."

"Sorry, pet. Didn't know you birds had plans."

"It isn't your fault and I shouldn't be taking it out on you."

He smiled at her:

"Easy now, not like you been beatin' me. Just been a bit cranky is all, but then you're  besotted. Can't help yourself, I understand."

"Yep, that's me. I am the Queen of Besottment. She's just so wonderful, you know?"

"Think I do. Quite fond of her myself. Big points for lovin' you like she does. Can hold her drink, got a wild streak and a bloody vicious temper, which you know I always fancy. She's more than a tad dangerous, can be downright scary, and I could watch her fight forever."

"She can be kinda intimidating, I guess."

"Plus she's funny as hell and reads people with no wait. Throw in all that sexiness that's just her…Well, even though it's only for you, bloke'd have to be dead not to enjoy seein' it."

"She is really sexy, isn't she?"

"And smitten with you, she is. Never seen anyone so infatuated. Nags at me though, she reminds me of someone. Can't figure it out, hazard of livin' so long, I guess. Not like I can expect to remember everyone, but seems more recent. Asked Will 'cause she always spots that sort of thing, but the irritating bint couldn't stop laughin'. Wasn't in the mood to wade through her crazies."

"Faith thinks you're the best too. I'm so glad you guys get along, it makes everything way easier."

He looked at her with affection:

"Can see how happy you are and no one deserves it more. She's a good one, luv. You hang onto her with both hands."

"You don't have to worry about that, she's never getting away from me."

"Good to hear she's not goin' far. Thinkin' when she gets tired of you, I'll be able to charm her and…"

"Shut up, Spike!"

"What? Scared of a little competition?"

"No, scared of being sick."

He shook his head sadly, although the smile on his face was downright wicked:

"Women. Can't live with'em, can't drain'em. Tough world for the modern vampire."

They linked arms as they headed back.

"Come along with you now, Slayer. Time we got you back to your honey where you belong."

"You're such a good friend, William."

"Course I am. Gotta be careful when you're an evil creature of the night and livin' with the Slayer. Step outta line, you're bound to be dust 'fore you know it."

She leaned her head onto his shoulder and smiled:

"I'm just saying I'm lucky."

He kissed the top of her head:

"Luck's all on my side, Buffy."

She was finally home, and as Buffy entered the house, the first thing she noticed was the delicious smell emanating from the kitchen. She was ravenous, having eaten absolutely nothing since breakfast. Spike had graciously offered to catch her a rat, but she'd politely declined.

Following her nose, she noticed as she passed through the dining room that the table was set with the good china. Beautiful flowers and elegant candles formed the centerpiece. Walking into the kitchen, Buffy was surprised to see Faith standing over the stove, apparently cooking whatever smelled so mouthwateringly scrumptious.

"Hey, perfect timing, B. Dinner's in thirty, so ya got time for a long hot shower."

"What's all this?"

Faith disappeared from view as she checked something in the oven, then smiled almost shyly as she answered:

"Thought I'd pamper you a little. Gang's gone for the night, so we got the place to ourselves."

"I would so be kissing you right now if I didn't smell like Sunnydale's finest sewers."

"Smelled worse."

"Let's not test that belief. I'll be back."

"I'll be here."

Faith's smile was huge as she watched Buffy practically skip out of the room. She was just so cute.

Buffy washed and shampooed until all she smelled like was herself, all clean and fresh. She dressed quickly and headed back downstairs.

"I'm back."

"I get that kiss now?"

"Absolutely, F."

The "simple" kiss melted Buffy where she stood.

"Oh. Uh…Do you need me to…uh…something."

Faith stood there grinning at the dazed look on Buffy's face:

"Always need ya, B, but I got dinner under control. All ya gotta do is park it and we'll dig in."

The meal was the best that Buffy had ever had, and she could barely believe that Faith had prepared it all by herself.

"So where did you learn to cook like this?"

"In prison. Had to work in the cafeteria sometimes, turns out I was good at. Angel used to bring me cookbooks, so I could memorize the recipes. Fillin' my head with'em helped me stop thinkin' about other things."

"...Oh."

Buffy looked upset, and Faith didn't want that:

"Hey, no sad faces tonight. Prison was good, B, it saved me. Plus look at the bitchin' meal it gave us…which you ate like a pig."

"I guess I did pack it away, even for a Slayer."

"Not your fault Spike kept ya too busy to eat."

Buffy slapped her hand down on the table:

"I knew it! You guys are just rotten to the core."

"Had to keep ya away, otherwise we'd have ended up in bed all day eatin' pizza again."

Buffy walked over and slid onto Faith's lap:

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Long as you're there, not a thing. But I wanted to do somethin' nice for ya, maybe surprise ya a little."

"Well, color me totally surprised."

"Wanted you to like it."

Buffy delivered a kiss to Faith's neck after each word:

"That…was…the…best…food…ever."

"C'mon, couch is wearin' our names."

"What about the clean-up?"

Faith stood with her in her arms and headed into the front room:

"Squirt's got a crisp hundred waitin' for her."

"Is that a good idea?"

"Fuck, yeah. Pay a hundred times more to be with you 'stead of some dirty dishes. 'Sides, she's way excited."

Buffy pulled her head down and kissed her passionately on the lips.

"Okay."

"Man, you're easy to persuade tonight."

Faith sat down, but Buffy pushed her flat on her back, then stretched out on top.

"Yep, just takes great food, no clean-up, soft lights, romantic music, privacy, and something else to put me in a good mood."

"Yeah? So what exactly is this 'somethin' else'?"

Buffy lifted Faith's top off of her and tossed it aside.

"Hmmm…I'm not sure, but I know it's pretty important."

"Think maybe it's a 'someone'."

Buffy nudged her until she lifted, then she stripped off her pants.

"Guess you'll have to fill in until they get here."

"Okay, but gotta warn ya: not givin' up my spot to anyone."

Buffy had her own clothes off in record time:

"So I'm stuck with you then?"

"Looks like."

"I'll try to deal."

Buffy returned to her previous position, and Faith groaned at the contact.

"Bettin' it works out okay."

"I'm hoping to do a lot better than just 'okay', F."

"Jesus! Keep doin' that, odds are definitely in your favor."

"I'd better warn you though…"

Faith's hands grasped Buffy's hips, trying to pull her closer:

"'Bout what?"

"I heard somebody's willing to pay ten thousand dollars just to have their dishes cleaned. I don't want you to feel pressured, but if this doesn't go really well…"

Faith stood up, and Buffy's legs wrapped tightly around her waist.

"Gonna need a bed for what I got in mind."

"But F, what about…"

"Sorry B, kitchen's closed."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Any meeting that started with a frazzled Giles was destined to be a bad meeting, and this one was no different.

"We're all here? Right to it then. Willow and I have discovered some most distressing new information and as the Faber demons will be attempting to return home in less than forty-eight hours, it is absolutely vital that we put our heads together and ascertain our course of action without succumbing to the ravages of panic."

Faith's feet left the table as she sat up straighter:

"Damn G-man, looks like you already been ravaged. What's the big scary info?"

Buffy turned to Willow:

"And why do you look like the color 'paste'?"

Giles cleared his throat and began explaining:

"We've uncovered a heretofore undetected prophecy. It's not at all clear if we missed it, although that seems highly unlikely, or if it has somehow mystically appeared as the time has drawn closer."

Buffy wasn't happy. Willow was on the verge of tears, Giles was obviously rattled, and when she added in her past experience with prophecies, well, she was beginning to feel a little ravaged herself.

"Giles, a little less with the cryptic here. What exactly are we talking about?"

"Yeah G-man, just say it."

"…The prophecy states that on the night the Faber demons open their portal, which we've determined is tomorrow night at 1:00 a.m….a Slayer will die."

The room went silent. No one moved or even seemed to breathe, not until Buffy spoke up:

"Are we absolutely sure?"

He looked upset and uncomfortable, but he was her Watcher and she was his Slayer.

"While there's of course always room for error when dealing with an unfamiliar language, I'm convinced of the accuracy of my translation."

The silence was back, and the word "oppressive" didn't begin to cover it.

"Okay, so not great news, but come on guys. We know how these things work. It might just mean that…"

Spike stood up, his chair scraping loudly on the polished floor:

"Means you and the Dark One are ridin' out of town. Leave the clean-up to us. We'll get the Big Poof and his crew to help, and we'll end this."

Buffy stood up too:

"Spike, we already told you: we're not going anywhere."

"No death prophecy then. Now you Slayers are clearin' out 'til we give you the high sign."

Buffy moved closer:

"Don't try giving me orders…I don't like it."

"Don't much care what you like. You and Faith are leaving!"

"No, we're not. And it's going to take a lot more than you to make us."

Spike was in her face then:

"Care to wager on that? You're leaving even if I have to…"

"What? You've never been able to take me, wanna give it another try?"

"Enough! Both of you sit down this instant."

Neither of them moved as they stood glaring and coiled to spring into action, and Giles had seen more than enough:

"Buffy! Spike! I said, 'Sit down'…now!"

Buffy broke first, heading back to her chair still furious. Spike stood there a moment longer, but at a look from Giles he too returned to his seat.

"Thank you. Now, although Spike's idea has merit, I'm afraid it's not quite that simple. Willow?"

She shuffled through some papers nervously as she spoke:

"We checked into that possibility, but we're pretty sure if either of you leave town, the mystical balance will shift. That would probably make the portal expand out of control and suck in the whole town, maybe even this whole dimension."

Giles picked up a book and scanned it quickly:

"The Fabers will have made their calibrations based on the energies present, that includes both Slayers. If you're not here, it will upset a most delicate balance and most likely cause a rapid expansion of the portal…something we've no wish to experience. The good news is that it works the other way as well. The demise of just two of the Fabers should significantly weaken the portal, changing it into a one time, one-way only mode of transportation. No matter what happens, nothing will ever be able to use it again and it will simply cease to exist."

 "Okay then, Faith and I will stay put and make sure to kill at least two of the Fabers. Giles, what does the prophecy say, exactly?"

"That on the night the Older Ones attempt to return to their world, one of the Chosen Two will…will die as she fights for her world."

Buffy didn't look scared, she looked calm and completely unruffled:

"I'm assuming you guys worked this?"

"From every conceivable angle."

"So we've got no leeway at all?"

His glasses came off as he began cleaning them more than vigorously:

"Apparently not. Buffy, all signs indicate that you and Faith will battle the Fabers, and one of you will die in the process."

"Okay, what if we don't wait? What if we just take them out now?"

Willow sounded apologetic:

"I can't find them, Buffy. They exist out of phase with this reality, and their energy doesn't project like the energy of things that live in this dimension. I've tried everything we could think of, I just can't track them."

Buffy nodded and stood up:

"Okay, then we'll stick to the plan. We know they have to open the portal at 1:00 a.m. tomorrow night, and we know that they need a Slayer to do it. Will, when do you think you'll be able to get a line on them?"

"I'm not positive, but probably an hour or two before the ritual starts. They'll have to coalesce their energy, and there's no way they can mask that."

"Then that means the plan is still of the good. We'll all show up, do our thing, and hope the prophecy's wrong."

Xander's voice was shaky:

"But what if it's not, Buff?"

"It has to be…I'm not accepting anything else."

Faith was quiet on the walk back to the house, in fact she had spoken a word since Giles had told them about the prophecy. Buffy reached for her hand:

"Faith, it can't be true. These things always screw up or there's some trick to them. I've already died twice, three times if you count when I got shot, so even if something happens to us it doesn't mean it's permanent."

Buffy felt her stiffen at the mention of previous deaths, and although Faith didn't try to pull away, Buffy tightened her grip anyway.

"Faith?"

"Yeah, damn thing's gotta be wrong."

They'd reached the front porch and Buffy pulled her into a tight embrace.

"We're going to get through this, all of us."

"I know that, B."

Buffy smiled and threaded her hands through Faith's hair:

"Do you know how much I love you?"

"Maybe ya oughta show me."

"I'm going to…right now."

They reconvened at The Magic Box at 6:00 a.m., although Giles had stayed throughout the night. By noon it was obvious that the prophecy was real; they'd found six apparent references to it in Giles' conventional books, not a comforting discovery.

Xander was the first to show the fear and frustration they were all feeling:

"Okay, so where's all the info on how to stop or change it?"

"I'm afraid it doesn't quite work like that. Perhaps if we attempt…"

Spike stood up, his book banging loudly as he slammed it on the tabletop:

"Yeah, then just how does it work, Rupert? Better figure out somethin' fast 'less your brilliant plan's to send'em off for a spot of Russian Roulette."

Buffy laid her hand on his arm:

"Spike…"

"And what about you, Willow? Any chance of working some mojo that might actually help for a change?"

"Spike, stop."

"I say the whole soddin' town can bloody well fend for itself. Not gonna just sit here and let them die for a bunch of…"

"Spike! Come with me."

Buffy grabbed him and hauled him into the training room. He didn't go willingly, and if she hadn't been a Slayer, he wouldn't have budged.

"Stop manhandlin' me! No time for a big powwow, we've got to…"

"Just calm down and…"

"'Calm down'?! Are you daft? You and Faith are about to be…"

She hit him then, hard enough to knock him to the floor.

"Ow! What the hell are you…"

"Spike, you know the deal. Prophecies are what they are, and there's nothing we can do about them. If they're going to come true, they're going to come true. Meanwhile we have a job to do, and I need you calm and focused. We're depending on you, and yelling at Giles and Willow isn't doing us any good."

He got to his feet slowly, his face still angry.

"We're all scared, but our main concern has to be preventing the portal from getting out of control. The prophecy will take care of itself, I need you to be okay…okay?"

It took him a minute, but he finally looked at her and nodded:

"Alright, I'm alright now. Just don't like some old wankers tellin' me what's what, is all. And I swear, either of you die…"

She smiled as she linked her arm through his:

"Come on, if I do, you can just bring me back to life."

"Don't fancy goin' through all that again, so don't make me."

She kissed him softly on the cheek as they headed back to the others:

"Understood, William."

"Best make my apologies."

Buffy took her seat, but Spike just stood there for a moment…more than a tad sheepish.

"I'm sorry, Giles, Willow. Didn't mean a word of that bollocks, just had a nasty case of the jitters. No worries now, Slayer knocked it right out of me. Sorry, everyone."

"Bah, think no more of it. No harm, no foul."

Willow smiled at him:

"Yep, I'm of the good too."

He clapped Giles on the back as he passed, then kissed Willow on the forehead. He sat down in his chair looking extremely embarrassed and remorseful,  and not saying another word. Dawn got up and went to stand behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders. He brightened considerably, then smiled when she rested her chin on top of his head.

Giles continued with the meeting as if nothing untoward had occurred:

"Right, then. It seems best that Buffy and Faith get some rest. You both look all in, and you'll need your strength for tonight. The rest of us shall make the necessary preparations, as well as continue on with our research. Perhaps we shall still manage to stumble upon some useful bit of information."

He shoved a stack of books towards the middle of the table and the Scoobies all grabbed one.

"I've already placed a call to Angel, but I'm afraid I was forced to leave a message as no one answered. While I hope he receives it in time, we must be prepared in case he doesn't. I say we meet back here at 9:00?"

Buffy stood, pulling Faith with her:

"That sounds good, but call before if you guys find out anything."

"Of course, and you girls try not to worry. We'll continue to dig until we unearth something, and perhaps Anya will return with something helpful from her journey through the demon populace."

Willow walked the Slayers to the door:

"Guys? I placed some strong wards around the house. It won't stop them forever  if they really want in, but it will slow them down and give you a big wake-up call."

"That's great, Will. We'll sleep lots better knowing we've got a 'Willow Rosenberg Special' looking out for us. See you at 9:00."

They said their goodbyes and walked home, never once speaking about what was rapidly approaching.

The moment they were inside the house, Faith grabbed Buffy and kissed her. Buffy tried to speak, but Faith wouldn't let her. She continued kissing her as she carried her up the stairs to their bedroom, and finally Buffy gave in.

They made love for a long time before falling asleep in each other's arms, and when Buffy awoke at 8:20, it was to find Faith already dressed. She was sitting in a chair she'd pulled up close to the bed, and her eyes were drinking Buffy in.

"Hey, you. Why'd you let me sleep so long?"

"We got time. You looked tired, so I was givin' you another ten."

"Thanks, I feel pretty rested and …satisfied."

Buffy stretched sexily, the blanket and sheet sliding down to her waist. Faith's eyes followed as she stood:

"Better not start somethin' you can't finish."

"Oh, I can finish it, F. I can finish it just fine."

"No argument here, but no time either. Red called. Got a line on their location."

Buffy sat up, all thoughts of seduction gone:

"This early?"

"Yeah, guess she got lucky. She explained it all, but wasn't really listenin'."

"So where are they?"

"No clue, figured we'd get the info when we hooked up."

Buffy sat on the side of the bed, then yawned and stretched as she stood. She looked closely at Faith, but she was busy strapping her knife sheath to her leg.

"Is something wrong?"

Faith swore as she adjusted the strap. She glanced up quickly, but her attention was focused on getting her knife placed just right.

"'Sides impending death? Nah, just kinda groggy and this piece of shit...."

Buffy watched as Faith finished her task, then straightened up with a grin:

"Ain't invented a knife I can't handle."

"Don't I know it. Faith…"

"C'mon B, told Red we'd be there in a few. Let ya get some extra winks, so stop movin' like an old lady."

Buffy began dressing quickly with Faith watching her every move.

"Liking the show?"

"Yeah, never seen one better."

Buffy smiled as she laced up her steel toed boots.

"You are so sweet."

"For you? Always, B."

Buffy stood and pulled Faith to her:

"I love you."

Faith smiled and kissed her softly on the nose:

"Love you too."

"We're going to be okay, we just have to stick together."

"Understand the plan, Slayer."

"So no doing anything crazy, right?"

"'Crazy'? Nope. Team player, remember?"

"Just as long as you do."

Buffy kissed her, then pulled back just enough to look her in the eye:

"We don't know what the prophecy means, so we're going to follow the plan and…"

"Got it B, I'm on board all the way. Now let's motor, gang's waitin' for us."

Buffy kissed her again, then reluctantly let her go.

"I wish we could just stay in bed and make love all night long."

"With ya there. Tell ya what: we'll do it when we get back."

"I'm going to hold you to that. Okay, let's go."

They headed for the bedroom door, Faith in the lead. She turned to Buffy to say something, and that was when she noticed:

"Hey, B, you forgot your cross."

Buffy's hand went to her neck.

"What? Okay, it's official now: I'm getting old. I don't even remember taking it off."

Faith laughed:

"Don't worry, Grandma, you're holdin' up okay."

Buffy bent to retrieve her necklace from the nightstand and as she turned her back to Faith, she felt her Slayer sense going off. It was telling her the danger was behind her, and then she heard Faith's whispered apology:

"Sorry, B."

As Buffy whirled to face her adversary, she tried to crouch and drop into a roll to avoid the blow she knew was coming. But Faith had her boxed into a cramped and tiny space, and she perfectly anticipated Buffy's evasive maneuver. Her fist hit Buffy at full Slayer force, lifting her into the air as she smashed back into the wall. She was out cold and Faith caught her before she collapsed to the floor.

Buffy came to slowly and painfully. She was confused and all she knew for sure was that her head was pounding.

"Here B, drink this."

Faith was sitting next to her holding a glass of water with a straw in it. Buffy reached out to take it, but found her arms wouldn't move. She looked up and saw they were chained, as were her legs.

"What's…Faith?"

"Drink this first, okay?"

Buffy was thirsty and she finished almost the entire glass. Her head was clearing, and unfortunately it was all coming back to her in glorious detail.

"How ya feelin'?"

"Great, just wonderful. Being ambushed by my girlfriend, then chained up in Spike's bed, well, it's like a dream come true."

"I'm sorry."

"So why are you still here? Shouldn't you be long gone by now?"

Faith stood up, placing the glass on Spike's nightstand:

"Wasn't gonna gag ya while you were unconscious."

"Awww…gee. That's so considerate of you, Faith."

"I know you're mad B, but there's not a lot of time left."

"'Mad'? Why would I be mad?"

Buffy's eyes were scary, her stare filled with the promise of violence, but Faith was looking nowhere near her. She was fiddling with something over by the washing machine.

"So tell me, F…Does bondage still look good on me?"

Faith didn't respond, but after a minute she returned with a cloth and some tape.

"Is my outfit all wrong?"

"B…"

"Any chance I can get out of this if I buy you a dog?"

Faith was looking more upset as each second passed, and Buffy could see a slight tremor in her hands.

"I'll bet you're just thrilled to be in control, aren't you?"

"B, stop. Just let me…"

"I mean, I'm really chained up this time and…Wait, unless…"

Buffy pulled.

"Nope, no easy escapes. Bring on the toys."

"…Knock it off."

"Does it make it better because you know I'm a screamer?"

"…"

"I guess I should be offering congratulations! Your acting has really improved…Angel would be so proud."

"Stop."

"Could you look at me, Faith? I wanna see if you're getting off on this again."

"Shut up!"

Faith's breathing sounded loud in the silence of the basement and Buffy could see the tears in her eyes.

"Something wrong, F?"

"You know this isn't…this isn't like that time."

Buffy's voice, her whole demeanor, was like vicious ice. Cold, sharp, painful, and no mercy at all.

"What time are you referring  to? Oh, you mean the time when you and Angelus were going to torture me to death. You know, we never really got into the specifics of that. Want to now?"

"…"

"I'll go first. How cool is it that this time when you and my lover cut into me, it'll be the same person?"
 
The color drained from Faith's face and her eyes closed. When she finally spoke, her voice came out all shaky:

"Please Buffy…please stop talking about it."

"Why, does it bother you?"

"…You know it does."

"That's how it works with painful memories, Faith, and here you are making another one. Is that really what you want to do?"

Faith said nothing for a minute and Buffy was praying that she'd gotten through to her. But then Faith blew out a breath and straightened her shoulders:

"One of us dies tonight. Can't let it be you."

"We already cleared this up. You don't get to decide what I do."

"This time I do."

Buffy tugged on the chains as hard as she could, but they didn't give an inch.

"And you think I'm just going to sit here while you go off to die?"

"If you're chained up, yeah."

Buffy's voice finally softened, her eyes pleading:

"Listen to me: prophecies are tricky, sometimes they're completely wrong. There's no way to know what they mean until they play themselves out."

"Makes sense. I'll let ya know how this one goes down."

"Maybe what you're doing right now causes a death."

"Yeah, maybe. Odds are way better it won't be yours."

Faith checked Buffy's restraints, satisfied she wasn't going anywhere any time soon.

"Goddamn you! Unchain me!"

Faith sat down next to her on the bed again.

"B, want you to know that no matter what happens, I love you. Given me more happiness than I ever imagined there was in the world and man…what a ride. I'm sorry, but I have to do this. It's what I owe you."

"Faith, you don't owe me anything. All you have to do is love me."

"And I do, I will forever. But you're The Slayer, Buffy, and I'm just somebody lookin' to make amends. Redemption's not easy, but it's mine, and that's just the way it is."

"This isn't redemption. It's guilt and you not understanding how important you are."

Faith's hands caressed Buffy's cheeks, wiping away the tears that were slowly trickling along.

"Thank you, B. Thank you for everything."

And then she kissed her, and it was so loving and final, Buffy could feel her heart breaking. It was the kiss of a lover saying goodbye forever, and Buffy did everything she could to keep her there.

For an instant it seemed to work. Faith began softening, her body recognizing where it belonged and…She pulled back.

"Faith, no! Please, don't do this! I can't…"

Faith tried to place the gag as gently as she could, but Buffy fought her every inch of the way. After a struggle which ended with her holding Buffy's nose closed, she finally managed to secure it snugly.

"I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me forever."

She turned and gathered up her weapons, then began climbing the stairs. She looked back once, and Buffy could see the tears shining in her eyes and on her face:

"I love you, B…with everything I am."

And then she was gone.

Buffy screamed behind her gag and struggled to break loose. There was no slack in the chains at all. She was totally immobilized and could do nothing but sit where she was while Faith went off to die.

She tried to estimate the time, wondering how long it would be before somebody came looking for her. That would obviously depend on what story Faith had given them, and how long it took before they realized something was wrong. Would they even check the basement? It seemed unlikely, especially when there were no signs of a struggle upstairs.

The panic hit her full blast then. Faith was going to die, and Buffy couldn't move an inch or make a sound. She felt more helpless than she ever had in her whole life…

**God, what time is it?**

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

"Whoa, where's the fire?"

"In a hurry."

"Got that. What's wrong?"

"Said I'm in a hurry."

"…Haven't seen you like this in a long time."

"Big treat for ya then."

"Not exactly what I'd call it. What's wrong?"

"Don't think you'd under…Fuck, look who I'm talkin' to. Course you'd understand."

"So this is about Buffy then."

"Isn't everything?"

"Had a message from Giles. What's the emergency?"

"Don't know. Better check with him."

"Why all the weapons?"

"Not your business."

"Faith, what's going on?"

"Livin' my life and some vamp's stickin' his nose in."

"Not gonna let you do it."

"Don't know what I'm doin'."

"I know something's way wrong."

"Not your problem."

"Thinking it is."

"Can't stop me."

"Have to try."

"Just walk away."

"Not an option."

"Don't wanna fight you, Soulboy."

"Good, then come with me."

"Not gonna happen."

"Faith…"

"Done talkin'. Step aside."

"Can't."

"Move or it's gonna get ugly."

"Already is."

"Won't kill ya, but make you wish I had."

"Faith, just stop and…"

"Gonna make us fight?"

"…Looks like."

"So don't have time."

She threw a stake he never even saw into his right shoulder, and he staggered back from the intense pain. She followed and kicked the weapon completely through him, and he screamed from the most excruciating pain he'd ever felt. She delivered a blow that lifted him off of his feet and sent him crashing hard into the alley's brick wall.

She was on him then, pounding him into oblivion. He'd fought her before, but it had been nothing like this. She was quiet. There were no wisecracks, no profanities, nothing but a beating being delivered so efficiently, he had no chance at all.

As he felt himself drifting into an unwanted and merciful unconsciousness, he heard the sorrow and desperation in her voice:
"I'm sorry, Angel. I had to."

With that, he slid away.

She looked for a safe place to stash him. She had no idea how long he'd be out, and she couldn't risk the sun catching him. She examined a nearby dumpster and decided it would suit her needs.

She picked him up, flung him over her shoulder, and  jumped in. She laid him down carefully, then kissed him on the forehead. She hopped out and closed the lid, making sure it fit snugly with no gaps to allow the burning rays of the sun to find their way in.

Her voice was still nothing but desperate and sad:

"Doin' great here, Faith. Burnin' them bridges left and right."

It was okay though. She knew where she was going, she wasn't going to be needing any bridges.

The time was growing short and she began running, her thoughts completely on those she'd left behind.

**Fuck, all I need now's to kill a puppy.**

She picked up speed. She had to get there in time and it had to work.

They wanted a Slayer and they were going to get one.

Spike ran up the walk and leapt onto the front porch. He was ready for the fight of his life if need be, and with that thought in mind, he flung open the door with his battleaxe at the ready.

"Buffy? Faith? Hello…Slayers, where the hell are you?"

He felt the fear surging though him again. Fear hell, he was fast approaching hysteria.

Had the Fabers snatched them? He saw no signs of a struggle as he searched the house, and there was no way anyone could get both Slayers without tearing the place apart. But then where were they and what had happened?

No matter what the answer was, they clearly weren't home and there was no point in him just standing around in an empty house. Maybe one of the others had found them or they'd just shown up by now. If not, Willow was planning to perform a locator spell as a last resort. She didn't want to waste any magic before the big battle, but if the Slayers were missing, the battle had already begun and he needed to be there.

Meanwhile, one of the women he was looking for had heard him the second he'd  landed on the porch. She tried screaming, but Faith really knew how to apply a gag and Buffy couldn't utter a sound. She centered all of her thoughts on Spike, talking to him the entire time in her head:

**Come on, Spike, look down here! Come down here, Spike!**

She heard him muttering to himself as he opened the door to leave.

**No! Spike, I'm down here!**

He left, closing the door tightly behind him.

**Damn it! William, I'm in the basement!!!**

Spike stopped on the front porch. He felt…something. But what? Cursing his own stupidity, he went back inside knowing he was wasting valuable time they didn't have.

He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind of everything, save Buffy and her scent. It was hard to smell anything other than the fact that everyone was going to die soon. He forced himself to calm down and think only of Buffy. He had to concentrate, there was something…Buffy…Buffy was…Buffy was in the basement!

The door was locked, but with two good body slams, he smashed it open. He ran down the stairs and saw her chained to the wall. Blood was running freely down her arms from her struggles to break loose, and there was a nasty looking bruise on her cheek. He had to work quite a while to get the gag off of her, finally cutting it with the knife he kept stashed in his nightstand drawer.

"Buffy, you alright? What happened?!"

She coughed:

"Faith."

"Haven't seen her. They got her?!"

"No, she did this."

He was trying to pull the chains loose, but not having much luck.

"What? Why would Faith…"

"She went to fight them."

"Alone? She got a bloody death wish or…Oh, hell."

"Hurry up and get these off me!"

He rushed over to the toolbox and came back with a crowbar.

"Gonna have to pull this outta the wall, then see if we can…"

"Fine, just do it."

It took a few minutes, but eventually he had her legs free.

"Okay luv, she's got these soldered or somethin'. Gonna hurt."

He wedged and pulled hard, and then Buffy's left arm was free. He repeated the process and she was already on her feet running for the stairs. Her forward progress came to an abrupt halt when Spike grabbed onto her arm. As she spun to face him, he felt a stab of fear slice through him.

The eyes he saw looking at him were The Slayer's eyes and it had been a long time since he'd seen them staring at him. They were the eyes of death, and it took all of his courage not to release her and take a step back.

"Get your hands off me."

"Can't go off half-cocked, you'll both die."

"Let…go."

"We have to get the others, Willow at least. Plan's still our best chance to…"

"'Plan'?"

"That's right, pet. And it's a good one, but it takes all of us to make it work. But that's how we do it, innit? We make the plans, then we all do our part. Team effort for the good guys, right?"

"…Right."

She started crying then, and Spike held her close. He was wracking his brain for just the right thing to say, but she got herself under control before he could come up with it. When she lifted her head from his chest, she was all business.

"Sorry about that. Let's go get Will and get going."

"Right behind you."

"You'd better take the lead since I don't know where she is. And Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"New addition to the plan."

He glanced back at her as they ran up the stairs:

"What's that, luv?"

"Once they're all dead, I'm going to kill Faith myself."

"Understood, Slayer."

On the way to Willow, Spike caught Angel's scent. They found him safely tucked away in a dumpster, but he was badly beaten, and they couldn't rouse him. Spike slung him up onto his shoulder:

"Keep movin'. I'll carry him 'til he comes 'round."

They found Willow at Faith's old motel, preparing to perform a locator spell.

"Buffy! Thank Goddess you're okay! What happened to Angel?"

"We're assuming he ran into Faith."

"I don't get it. Why would Faith…"

Buffy started walking:

"Come on, Will, we don't have a lot of time. I'll explain on the way."

They headed to the cave Willow had pinpointed as "Faber Central", and she started apologizing the second Buffy finished filling her in.

"I shouldn't have told her their location."

"It's not your fault, Willow. You didn't know she was going to…."

"Hold it ladies, Peaches is comin' to."

Angel groaned loudly and winced, his eyes still closed:

"Fai…Faith?"

"Gone, mate."

"Is Buffy okay?"

She took his hand in hers and squeezed reassuringly:

"I'm fine. What happened?"

He forced his eyes open, although one was so swollen, he couldn't see out of it.

"Ran into Faith. Knew something was wrong, asked her to come with me. She said 'no'."

Spike stood him up on his feet carefully, holding on as Angel wobbled slightly.

"Angel, we have to go. Are you…"

"Let's go. If I fall behind, I'll catch up."

Buffy turned to Willow:

"Meet us there as fast as you can. Do what you can, but be careful."

"I'll be there. Buffy…you be careful too."

Buffy hugged her and kissed her cheek:

"I love you, Willow."

Before she could respond they were gone, running faster than any mortal computer nerd could. Willow began trailing after them at a fast clip, wishing she could somehow go faster. But it wasn't like she was an athlete and she hated running anyway.

She let her mind drift, trying to distract herself from what she was making her body do:

**What was Faith thinking? When this was all over, assuming everyone came out of it alive, Buffy was going to be furious. Not just regular furious either. She was going to be 'out of control, scary, intimidating Slayer on the warpath and looking for blood' furious.**

She was already getting short of breath, but she forced herself to keep going. She could just teleport, but that would involve some serious magic, some of it black. With Faith going all "John Wayne" on them, Angel looking way too much like raw hamburger meat, and Buffy more than ready to kill anything that moved…perhaps risking a guest appearance by Dark Willow wasn't exactly the best idea.

She kept running.

Faith followed through cleanly, decapitating both demons with one smooth stroke. Four down, sixteen or so to go. She proceeded carefully into the cave, but she wasn't worried about being quiet anymore. The death scream of the second guy she'd eviscerated had kind of blown her cover.

"Slayer, how nice you have come."

"Yeah, I'm all thoughtful like that."

The voice was deep, almost soothing, but coming from an unseen demon who wanted her dead, well that made it nothing but menacing.

"We are most pleased it is you. In our assessment fight months ago, we judged you best for our needs."

"Big relief. Always like to be welcome."

She kept the wall to her back and moved deeper into the cave.

"The other has no real darkness in her, but you are different."

"Noticed that myself."

"The darkness thrives in you…You have been evil."

"Yeah, plannin' my big return in just a few."

Her eyes had now adjusted to the cave's dim lighting. A large fire provided most of the light along with a few torches that burned sporadically around the perimeter. She counted fourteen demons, all big and all eerily content to just stand around listening while Faith and their hidden leader chatted like old friends.

She stood still but her eyes roamed constantly, taking in everything that could be used as a weapon, the location of every demon, the distance between her and the walls, anything that could give her some advantage in the upcoming fight. She knew she was going to lose, but she had to make sure to thin the herd in case Buffy somehow arrived before they were gone.

"You fight this evil inside you. Do you not enjoy it? Does it not give you pleasure?"

"Used to. Kinda outgrew it."

"But did you…really?"

"Look, thought we'd fight. Didn't prepare for a shrink session."

The voice laughed; at least it was supposed to sound like a laugh. To Faith it sounded like nails raking along a chalkboard.

"We see the darkness in you. It pushes all the time to come out, yet you struggle to hold it back. Why do you do this?"

"Sorry, not lookin' to share and grow, so…"

"Ahh…it is her. You fight it for the other Slayer. She is your soul's guide."

"Yeah, that's fascinating, but I got a job to do. You guys wanna line up now? We do this right, think I can cut all your heads off with one special Slayer swing."

No one moved, the cave was totally quiet except for the sound of Faith's breathing.

"You deny what you truly are for her. But this causes you intense pain…Would it not feel good to just let yourself go?"

"Felt pretty good before."

"Yet you do not. You battle yourself for her at great cost. She is your strength and your weakness. She is your light and your dark. She swirls all around inside of you, streams through your blood. Even now, she is all you think of, all you…"

"Yeah, yeah. I dig Buffy. Talkin' time's over."

She threw her battleaxe low into the Faber standing directly in front of her, then executed a perfect somersault over two fast charging demons. She grabbed onto her axe and pulled up, neatly slicing him in two. Using her momentum, she continued without stopping, and decapitated two more Fabers as they tried to close in.

She was hit hard from behind and she went down, but instead of trying to get back on her feet, she slid her axe along the floor towards the wall and followed after it. Still prone, she spun quickly as she hit the cold stone, throwing her knife deep into the eye of the closest demon. He sunk to the ground, bellowing in pain, then fell silent and still.

She sprang to her feet, her boot stomping down on the axe handle. It flipped up into her waiting hands, and she calmly held it at the ready. A smirk appeared on her face:

"Now boys, no need to rush this. Plenty of pain and death to go around. Promise I'm gonna satisfy each and every one of ya."

They charged en masse then, and she knew this was it. She also knew she was going to take several of them right with her.

She surprised them by turning and running up the wall. She twisted in mid-air to land facing their backs, and she wasted no time. Heads began rolling, literally, as well as arms and legs.

After a while, the axe blade broke away from the handle as it hit hard against the cave wall one too many times. She hurled the sharp wooden shaft into the nearest demon and grabbed onto it. She knocked him backwards as she drove the spear all the way through him, and his cry of pain reverberated throughout the cave.

She lifted him with the spear still firmly lodged in his shoulder, then threw him to his death headfirst into the wall:

"That's for B. Assess that, motherfucker."

She was quickly overpowered and dragged to some chains suspended from the ceiling. Her legs were restrained as well with identical shackles, and when she struggled to pull them loose, it felt like they were imbedded in a thousand feet of solid rock.

He came striding out into the open, bigger than the others and dressed in a ceremonial gown instead of the fighting uniforms the grunts seemed to prefer. The flickering firelight reflected dimly off his bald head, but his eyes seemed to absorb the glow and blaze with the flames, effectively ruining his already vague resemblance to anything human. He clapped and nodded as he approached:

"Most impressive, Slayer. You have killed and maimed many of us."

"Let me go and I'll do my best to finish up. Don't want anybody feelin' left out, ya know?"

"You joke, yes? But we can smell your fear."

"Yeah? All I smell's the blood of your dead pals."

He roared and struck her. Her head flung back and it felt like he'd nearly broken her jaw. She smiled as she spit out blood:

"Hey, sorry if I said somethin' outta line."

"Before this sacrifice is over, you will understand pain."

"Like learnin', always tryin' to better myself."

He walked toward the fire, but returned to stand in front of her all too quickly.

"Do you know what this is?"

"Looks like a red-hot poker."

"That is correct."

"Bonus points for me."

He smiled, a sight that didn't set Faith at ease.

"Where would you like us to place it?"

"Guessing somewhere in you is out?"

She screamed as her left leg was impaled.

"Where are your fun jokes now, Slayer?"

She couldn't believe the pain. She was trying to ride it out, waiting for it to crest, but that seemed like it was never going to happen. The smell of her own flesh cooking was making her gag as the odor filled the cave.

Just as the pain finally found its peak and began to level off, her right thigh was skewered with its own poker. She screamed again, but this time it became an agonized wail. The pain merged together into one eternal torment, and she felt like she was going insane.

It seemed like days before she could even open her eyes again. She thought she was going to vomit, but she managed to hold on. The remaining demons were in the midst of their preparations, she counted six left.

Fuck'em…she could take'em all if she could just get loose and stand upright and become bionic. The leader noticed she was back and he sauntered over to her.

She did her best to show no fear, but since he was some kind of mind reader, she doubted she was fooling either of them. He just stood in front of her for several long moments and then he smiled. She tried to brace herself, but really, what could she do?

He casually grabbed onto the pokers and began twisting them slowly. First left, then right, then back again, over and over until Faith began screaming nonstop. After a few minutes he let go, patting her gently on the head as she hung limply in her chains.

"You no longer enjoy yourself. Who is this 'Jesus God' you call to? Will he help you? We wonder how we can make you happy again…can you suggest something to us?"

She lifted her head and looked him right in the eye:

"Sure. Why d…don't you…g…g…go fuck yourself?"

"We believe you are not sincere, but do not worry, Slayer. We have a good idea."

He walked over and pulled another poker from the fire, smiling all the way as he headed back over to her.

"We enjoy, no, we savor your fear and pain. It is intoxicating. Now…where does this belong?"

This time the poker was shoved completely through her right shoulder, and minutes later a matching poker found its way into her left one. Faith finally passed out for a few wonderful moments, but was awakened by the water that hit her in the face.

"Slayer, please. We would prefer you to be awake."

"…Sorry…don't…wa…wanna be…r…rude."

"We are ready to return home now. We thank you for your sacrifice and are most pleased to end your life. We do wish we had more time to spend with you, you amuse us."

He twisted the pokers in her shoulders, causing her to scream again and again. Her voice was nearly gone by the time he stopped.

"Goodbye, Slayer."

"B…Been gr…great…asshole."

The Fabers all laughed as they gathered into a tight circle. They began chanting, lighting things, and doing whatever. She didn't much care because it was almost over. They'd be gone soon and Buffy would be safe.

"B…"

She was so beautiful and Faith had actually won her love. She still couldn't believe it, who could? It was a miracle, and Faith smiled as she thought about it.

Buffy was so wonderful. She was all golden and warm, like sunshine. She was tough, tender, smart, kind, funny…and so scary looking as she killed every demon in the cave.

Spike and Angel…okay, Angel could barely stand…looked like they wanted to kill something too, but Buffy clearly wasn't in the mood to share. Then the portal began closing, and Faith knew even though she was nowhere in sight, that had to be Willow's doing.

So all the demons were dead, the portal was sealed for good, both Slayers were alive, and the prophecy was wrong…just like Buffy said it had to be. Suddenly Faith wasn't sure about that last part because as Buffy approached her, it looked like she was going to kill her. Maybe that was what the prophecy had been talking about.

But Buffy looked scared too, and then she was crying.

"God…you are…so…beau…tiful…Like…sun…shine."

Faith woke up, mainly because of some loudmouth who couldn't stop moaning and groaning. It took her a long time to realize that she herself was the loudmouth, but as the pain roared back it cleared everything right up. Her arms and legs hurt like a fucking bitch.

They were wrapped and propped up on pillows, and Faith could see her situation had improved greatly since the last time she was awake. There were no chains, no pokers, no cave, and no demons anywhere in sight. What was in sight though, wasn't exactly comforting.

Buffy was sitting in a chair by the bed and she was way past mad. She was sitting motionless, but the evidence was all in her eyes. It seemed like there were sparks shooting out of them, and Faith could feel each one bouncing painfully off of her. She knew the shit was going to hit and kill the fan, and she had just one thought screaming in her head:

**Fuck me, I'm dead.**

She knew she couldn't just keep staring in silence, so she spoke up:

"Hi, B."

Her voice came out hoarsely from all of the screaming she'd done, and the instant Buffy heard it, her fury increased.  Still her question came out calmly:

"How are you?"

Faith had no idea which way to play it. Should she continue moaning and groaning like she wanted to? She was in some serious pain, the worst she'd ever felt, and maybe she could work the sympathy angle.

She glanced quickly at Buffy's eyes, and realized she'd never seen anything scarier. The sight of them decided her on the spot: she was going to try and tough it out, minimize the whole thing.

"I'm okay, just a little sore."

"Yes, I imagine having burning pokers shoved completely through your thighs and shoulders must hurt quite a bit."

Buffy's tone of voice, and the fact that it was deeper and more formal than Faith had ever heard it before, had her wishing she was someplace else.

"…Yeah."

"Can I get you anything?"

Faith's voice was getting softer and softer. Buffy was freaking her out, intimidating her completely without moving a muscle.

"…No."

"Are you sure?"

"…Yes."

"Good. Because you and I? We're going to talk."

"…"

"Do you have any idea how scared I was? What gave you the right to do any of that? How could you chain me up and force me to just sit there? Do you know how it felt to hear you screaming in pain as we got near the cave? Do you know what it did to me when I saw you hanging there impaled? How could you beat Angel like that?"

"…"

"Well? Answer my question!"

"…Which one?"

Buffy leaned up in her chair:

"You pick any fucking one, Faith."

"…B…"

"Answer me."

Buffy could see that Faith was in a lot of pain from her injuries, but at the moment she just didn't care. As far as she was concerned, Faith deserved every bit of the pain she felt, and lots more too.

She was dangerously close to losing control and all she could think about was yanking Faith out of bed and beating her until she begged for mercy. She made herself stay in her chair, but the anger was just surging inside of her and demanding that she let it out.

"B…I was just trying to protect you and…"

That was all it took. Buffy was out of her seat and moving towards the bed. She swerved off at the last second and ended up punching a hole in the wall.

"Shut up! Just shut your mouth or I'm going to!"

Faith went silent, her gaze going nowhere near Buffy.

After a couple of tense minutes, Buffy forced herself to sit back down.

"You were 'protecting me', were you? What did you think, Faith; that I was just going to carry on? Did it ever enter your head how I was going to have to live with the knowledge that you died because of me, because of our love? How the hell do you think I could have ever made it through that? It would have killed me!"

Faith said nothing, her eyes glued to a spot on the wall.

"You hit me, chained and gagged me, made me watch while you went off to die in my place. What told you that was okay on any level? After everything we've been…Why do you insist on behaving like your life isn't worth anything? Can't you see it's worth everything to me?!"

Buffy's last question seemed to echo off the walls forever, and she continued staring at Faith long after it had faded to quiet. She knew she was making Faith even more uncomfortable as the minutes ticked by, but Buffy didn't care.

Faith had no idea what to say, but Buffy wasn't going to relent. She just kept staring and waiting, and Faith finally began stuttering and stammering a response:

"B…Buffy…I was…was…I…I know…I mean…I lo…love you and…"

Buffy stood again:

"Oh, so because you love me that makes this okay, does it?"

Faith's eyes were still riveted to the wall, and Buffy was done with that:

"You look at me…Look at me, you fucking coward!"

It was a struggle, but Faith managed to meet and hold Buffy's gaze.

"You can't do this anymore. You've got ties to people, connections you can't break or just throw aside because you feel like it! Whether you get it or not, we care about you, you can't just keep ignoring what that means."

Seeing all of the pain and fear she'd caused Buffy hurt way too much, and Faith let her eyes slide away.

"Look at me, Faith! I swear to God, if you don't look at me…"

Faith's eyes returned.

"We're in this together now, you and I, all the goddamn way. How can you still not get it?!"

"…Buffy, I'm sorry."

Buffy knew she was, but there was too much at stake to let her fix it with just an apology. She had to understand, she had to get it.

"Faith, if something like this happens again, I'd advise you to talk to somebody before you take action. Try Angel, Cordelia, Willow, Xander, Giles, Spike, Anya, Dawn, Fred, Wesley, Gunn, or hey, maybe you could even try talking to me for a change. Because I'm telling you right now: if you ever do anything like this again, I'll leave you."

Tears flooded Faith's eyes.

"I'll walk away from you, and I'll never look back. You may not act as if your life is worth less than mine. You may not act as if you're expendable. You're going to value yourself just as much as you value me, or I swear I'll leave you. I mean it, Faith. If you do it again, there's no coming back. I won't forgive you and I won't ever let it go. We'll be finished forever."

"…"

"Are we perfectly clear?"

"Yes."

"You have to get this, you have to understand what I'm saying. We can't risk it Faith, you have to hear me this time."

Buffy began sobbing, all of the pain and terror finally surfacing.

"B…B, come here."

Buffy just kept standing there crying, and Faith couldn't get up to go to her.

"B, please come here…Please, Buffy."

She went to her then, and Faith wrapped her arms around her as tightly as she could. Despite the intense pain in her shoulders, Faith pulled her closer as her crying increased.

"Shhh…it's okay. I understand, really I do. Shhh…I'm sorry."

Faith repeated herself over and over as Buffy cried, and it was a long time before she stopped and trailed off into little sniffles.

"…Faith…I was so scared."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"I know you are…Promise me you won't ever do it again. Swear to me right now."

"I promise. Even if I wanna, I swear I'll never do it again."

Buffy lifted her head just enough so that she could search Faith's eyes:

"Do you mean it?"

"You got my word B, I'll never do it again."

Buffy lowered her head:

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay."

"B?"

"Yes?"

"I'm really sorry."

"I know. Am I hurting you?"

"It's okay, I wanna keep holding you."

They snuggled for a while in the quiet, trying to calm down and just be with each other.

"You know when you feel better, you have a lot of making up to do."

"Ain't that the truth."

"I love you anyway."

"I know that B, got no doubt at all."

"But you still have to make it up to me."

"I will."

They were quiet again, but then Faith had to ask:

"Uh, B? Um…"

"He's pretty banged up and he's really pissed off for the same reasons that I  am."

"Yeah, figured. Another person on the big make-up list. Rate I'm goin', gonna be startin' from scratch."

"You do seem to be going backwards."

"So, uh…is he hurt bad?"

Buffy raised her head again, her eyes filled with fire:

"Well let's see: you shoved a stake all the way through him, hurled him into a brick wall, then beat him unconscious. What would be your guess?"

"…"

"He still loves you though, and he understands why you did it."

"…Maybe I can get him to feel sorry for me."

Buffy laughed:

"Yeah, with Angel that'll probably work."

"Not with you though?"

"No, not with me, but I wasn't referring to me."

"Oh, who'd ya mean then?"

"Cordelia arrived about an hour before you woke up."

Faith couldn't help it, her entire body tensed painfully:

"Ow…Shit."

"That about sums it up. She didn't look very happy when she got the update."

"Shit…Okay, it's okay. Who gave her the update, 'cause as long as they didn't tell her about…"

"I updated her, fully and completely."

Faith painfully tensed again:

"Oh fuck…"

"Yeah, that's probably much more accurate."

"Fuck."

"Yes, you mentioned that already."

"B…"

"She's waiting to come up."

Faith panicked:

"Oh God, please, B! Say I'm in too much pain right now!"

"Are you scared of Cordy, baby?"

"Like ya wouldn't believe."

Buffy kissed her neck gently:

"Aww…okay."

Faith's relief was palpable.

"Thanks, B! Man, ya just don't know how she can be."

"Is she really that tough?"

"She can be a goddamn nightmare."

"I kind of remember from high school."

"No, she's way past that now."

Buffy sat up slowly so she didn't jar Faith, and helped her get her arms placed "comfortably" on the pillows.

"Yeah, she did look really mad when I told her everything you'd done."

"'Mad' doesn't come close to coverin' it."

"Is she still mean?"

"Brutal's way more accurate. It's hard to describe, just somethin' you gotta live through."

"And you have?"

Faith couldn't control the shudder that ran through her:

"Way more times than anybody'd wanna."

"I guess Cordelia's someone you don't want mad at you."

"Plus I can't even fuckin' move. Pokers are nothin' compared to what she'd do to me if she got in here."

"You poor baby."

Buffy kissed her on the cheek and walked over to the door. She opened it and smiled sweetly at Faith before hollering downstairs:

"Cordy, Faith's ready to see you now!"

"B!"

"You reap what you sow, F."

"B, please!"

"You made your bed, you have to lie in it."

Faith tried, but she couldn't move. Buffy stood leaning against the doorjamb as they listened to Cordelia climbing the stairs.

"Oh God! Buffy, please don't go!"

"When life gives you lemons, just make lemonade."

"Oh fuck…"

Buffy straightened up as Cordelia came into view:

She's all yours."

"Why thank you, Buffy. Say, why don't you get some rest? I'm sure Faith and I will be quite a while."

"You know, I am kind of worn out. Thanks, Cordelia."

"My pleasure, Buffy."

And with that, Buffy strolled out of the bedroom.
 
Payback really was a bitch, and that bitch's name was…

"Faith, how good to see you again! No, don't get up, I'll come to you."

Faith could feel herself starting to sweat, and she knew she was dead, this time for real.

Cordelia pulled the chair up as close to the bed as possible, then sat casually.

"My, my…haven't you been the busy one? Angel would have been here too, but he's not feeling very well at the moment. That's a shame, but I'm kind of glad it's just us girls."

She smiled and Faith tried to get up again.

"No, you just relax, I insist. We've got so much to catch up on, I guess we should get started. Tell you what, I'll go first."

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