Chapter Sixteen

Faith had a firm and smug smile on her face when she walked through the doors of Henry's bar shortly before noon. After everything Angel had told them and after Julie's drop-in at the house, she knew what she had to do and couldn't let it faze her. They needed as much information as she could get freely from Henry, his wife, the bar's regular patrons, and Julie.

"Faith," Henry nodded as she approached him. "Right on time."

She just nodded and walked behind the bar. He rambled on about what she was expected to do and she just nodded her head, barely listening to a word he was saying as her eyes scanned the dimly lit bar. While it wasn't unusual for a bar to have blacked-out windows, she now noticed that the few free-standing tables were located well away from the door and any sunlight it might let in. Three vampires sat in a booth in the far corner and she had felt them watching her every move since she opened the door.

"Who're they?" Faith asked, interrupting Henry mid-sentence. "They come around a lot?"

"Oh, yes," Henry nodded, not even bothering to look over at the vampires in the corner. "Just serve them. This place is friendly for all as long as no blood is spilt and I would very much like to keep it that way."

"I won't have a problem with them if they don't have a problem with me," she said through clenched teeth, the smile fading as she stared the vampires down.

"They just want a drink," Henry mumbled under his breath as he walked away from her.

"Right."

Faith looked over at Henry as he spoke with his brother Sam. He hadn't looked over at her and yet she could just feel his eyes on her. He and Henry spoke quietly for a moment in a language she didn't recognize, causing her to roll her eyes as she turned to look around the bar once again, eyeing the three vampires that continued to stare at her.

Two of the three were men with dark hair and even darker eyes. The third was a woman with striking features, jet-black hair, and steel blue eyes. Faith felt like she'd seen her before, there was some sort of familiarity there, but she quickly tore her eyes away from them as she heard Henry walking back over to her. He looked over at the three vampires before letting out a soft sigh.

"They are Julie's...friends, if you can call them that," he said quietly. "You do not charge them for whatever you serve them."

"Fine," she replied as she shrugged. "What else do I need to know?"

"Of course you already know that most of my customers are those you'd slay outside of here. Inside, however," he said, speaking in a voice barely above a whisper, "they are to be treated as nothing more than another customer."

"Gotcha."

"I'll need you here on the days we discussed the other night from noon to a little after four. Just to start and then we'll see," he said with a warm smile as he patted her on the shoulder. "One more thing: No drinking on the job and no breaks unless I am here to tend to the customers. Any problems, you can find me in the back in my office."

He gave her a quick nod before he turned and headed for the door marked private. As soon as he disappeared inside and the door was shut behind him, the woman vampire rose and slowly approached the bar, her eyes boring into Faith's with every step that she took. She sat on the stool and grinned at Faith as she beckoned her to come closer.

"I'm Vera," she said softly, her voice husky as she leaned forward. "You are Faith, I assume?"

"What can I get you?"

"A moment of your time," she responded as she reached out for Faith's hand before she could step back. "Just a moment, Slayer. That's all I'm asking."

"What do you want, Vera?"

"Short for Veronica."

"If you say so," Faith replied, laughing dryly as she pulled her arm from her tight grasp. "Your moment is passing."

"It doesn't even make any sense, does it?" Vera laughed, ignoring Faith as she scraped her long fingernails across the top of the bar. "The boys and Juliet started calling me that once I was sired. Some things just stick, you know what I mean?"

"Tick, tock...patience is running low here. You wanna talk, or you gonna keep spoutin' useless shit I ain't interested in hearing?"

"I can't get to know the new girl? I'm hurt."

Faith just laughed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Can see why you're `friends' with Julie. You're just like her."

"You see them?" Vera asked as she motioned back to the two vampires still sitting at the table. "The one on the left is Nick. You've already become," she paused as she looked Faith up and down for a second, "acquainted with James. Shame you turned Nick and I down. We could have shown you a better time."

"If that's what you're here for, I'm not interested."

"That's right. The other Slayer," Vera tittered as she shook her head and let out a very exaggerated sigh. "She's quite...famous, isn't she?"

"Whatever."

"Are you—wait, no," Vera laughed as she stood up from the stool and leaned over the counter. "I know what you are to her. Second best. Nothing more than her...sidekick…who has already turned bad once. Oh yes, I know all about you too, Faithy. Funny how word spreads fast among my kind."

"If you don't want anything then..."

"Look at you," she smirked as she reached out and grabbed onto Faith's jaw roughly. "All reformed former bad girl. Tsk, such a shame. What a waste."

Faith clenched her jaw, biting back the blinding anger she felt boiling deep inside of her. The Slayer in her was begging to reach for the stake in her jacket she had yet to take off, but she didn't move. She barely blinked until Vera let go. She had to keep reminding herself why she was here. Her reasons now were more than just needing a job and she needed to stay in the game, keep her head and her sanity, and keep her anger firmly under control.

She thought back to the last thing Giles had said to her before she left the house. He wanted her to keep her eyes and ears open, play the `game' Julie had set up and hope to hell that Henry wasn't aware of Julie's drop in at the house the night before. If she was to be going to have a chance at stopping Julie, she had to get as much information as she could about her and the...things that associated with her along with her family especially. She could play this game, even with someone like Vera now in the mix.

"Good Slayer," Vera whispered as she stepped away from the bar. "We'll have another pitcher of...the red tap."

"What's in the red tap?"

"What do you think?" Vera asked, laughing as she walked back to the booth and sat down.

Faith grimaced as she grabbed a clean pitcher and pulled the red handle, watching as the thick, dark blood filled it slowly. She tried not to cringe at the smell and the look of it as she walked over to the table and placed it down in front of the three vampires. She flashed a cool smile at the three of them as she picked up the empty pitcher and headed back behind the bar. She wasn't sure how much she'd be able to take and she really wasn't sure how long she'd be able to keep up the façade.

Faith placed the empty pitcher in the small sink and filled it with hot water, her eyes never leaving Vera or the other two sitting at the booth. She was startled by Sam as he slammed his hand down on top of the counter. Forcing a smile, she walked over to him where he then ordered a tall glass of ice water with a shot of vodka on the side. She watched him eyeing her up and down as she filled his glass with ice and water and placed it in front of him. She scanned the bottles lined up on the shelves behind her and picked up the only bottle of vodka she spotted.

"I keep telling that dear old brother of mine that he needs to stock this place better," Sam said, laughing dryly as Faith placed a shot glass in front of him and poured him his shot of vodka. "What's the Slayer doing working in a dive like this?"

"Need the money."

"I could have offered you something a little more...substantial than this," Sam said as took a sip of his ice water. He reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. "Call me if you want to make some serious cash, Slayer."

"Not sure I even wanna ask what I'd hafta do for it."

Sam motioned for her to come a little closer and he lowered his voice as he spoke, "I'm not sure you are aware of this, but the law around here are quite aware of the supernatural beings that roam the city. You ever wonder how they keep things under moderate control?"

"How?"

"A couple of more experienced officers have been, let's say...'highly trained' when it comes to controlling the creatures that roam during the night."

"So, you want to pay me for doing what I'm already doing every night? What's the catch?"

"There really is no catch," Sam chuckled. "The only thing is, my niece and her friends," he said as he motioned to the three vampires that still sat at the booth, "are to be left alone. You think you could handle that?"

"What about Buffy and Kennedy?"

"The others?" Sam asked, shrugging. "Have them come in to the station with you tonight. I'm sure we can work out a fair salary for the three of you."

Faith didn't like this. Something seemed a little too fishy about the whole thing, but in her mind she was thinking one thing. She was being offered a salary to be a Slayer. The problem, of course, was that she didn't trust Sam. There was just something about him she still couldn't quite figure out. Sam tapped on the counter to get her attention again and he smiled a wickedly sweet smile that made her cringe.

"But really, it'd be best if it was just you alone that shows up at the station tonight. The less that know about this arrangement, the better it is in the long run. You do understand, don't you?"

"Sure."

"I'm sure a young woman such as yourself would like to be independent. Such a thing is hard to do when you live with the others, is it not?"

"Yeah, what about it? It ain't like I can afford a place of my own here," she replied.

"I could help you with that, if you like. You come and work for me and the boys and I can set you up with a nice apartment not too far from here."

"Sounds too good to be true."

"It's been a good long while since we've had a decent Slayer here. It wouldn't be too much to offer you whatever it is you need in exchange for your...services."

Faith reached out, grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, and pulled him partly over the counter. "I'm gonna ask you one more time. What's the fuckin' catch, Sam?"

"I told you, Julie and her friends are to be left alone. Everything else is free for all. Now," Sam said as he pried her hands from his shirt, "are you interested in working for me and the boys or would you rather work in this dive for god knows how long?"

"I'll give it a shot," she replied after she thought for a moment. "What time do you want me to show up tonight?"

"Before the sun sets. We'll go over a quick briefing with you before we send you out."

"One problem, Sam," she sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I do things my way, not anyone else's way. And the others, Buffy and Kennedy, are in on this. I'm not doing this alone."

Sam just nodded his head wearily at her and she smiled sweetly at him. She watched him as he downed his shot of vodka and drank the rest of his ice water. He placed a twenty dollar bill on the counter and left without another word. She knew what Sam was offering her came with a catch he wasn't going to easily tell her. For him to say that she had to leave Julie and her friends alone made her wonder just how involved he was with his own niece and with whatever plans she had to open the Hellmouth. She'd find out whether she found someone willing to talk about it or not.

She glanced at the clock and groaned when she saw only half an hour had passed. It was going to be one very long, slow, and boring afternoon.

Faith looked down at the small business card Sam had given her as she stood outside the large building. From the looks of it, the place was Cleveland's police headquarters and just being around so many cops made her nervous. She shrugged as she walked up the steps and opened the door. With a deep breath, she walked inside and immediately spotted Sam and a few officers standing near the elevators. Unknown to Sam, she'd gone back to the house and spoken to Giles before she headed for the station. Giles told her to go at this alone after all and to keep the others in the dark about what she was getting herself into.

"Play the game, Faith. Keep your head clear, your ears and eyes open, and play their game."

Everything was just a game. Life was a game and she knew she was just one of many pawns the fates, the Powers that Be—whatever was out there—used to play the game of life. She took yet another deep breath and forced a smile as she approached Sam and the two officers standing next to him. Sam just nodded at her and motioned for her to follow him into the elevator.

"I'm glad you decided to show up," he said softly as the two officers stepped into the elevator with them. "This if Officer Perry and Officer Marshall. They are in charge of the force that controls the demon population. We'll brief you on the basics and..."

"Just point me to where ya want me," Faith said as the elevator doors closed. She looked at the two officers, both of them in their mid-thirties, both wearing wedding rings, and both looked like they were in the best shape of their lives. "Which one of you is Perry?"

"I am," the taller one said as he reached out and shook her hand. "Faith, is it?"

"Yeah."

"You got a last name, Faith?" Marshall asked as he eyed her up and down slowly.

"Lehane."

"So, you're a Slayer?" Perry asked as the elevator came to a stop and the four of them stepped out. "You know how long it's been since we've had a Slayer here?"

"Too long," Marshall said before Faith could respond. "Come on, Lehane. Let's get you set up with some gear and send you out. Soon as we get through the briefing, of course."

She forced another smile, hating that she was willingly playing along with their games and not having a damn clue how things would end up. She followed them through a series of corridors to a large room behind a heavy steel door. There were racks of uniforms, all black, and the weapons—god, the weapons made her nearly cream in her jeans when she saw just how many were there and organized in a way that she knew if Giles saw it he'd be both pleased and jealous. Perry led her over to the rack of uniforms and looked her over once more before pulling one off the hanger.

"Oh hell no," she laughed as she shook her head. "I'll work with ya, but I won't wear that."

"It's—"

"I don't give a shit," she said to Perry as she grabbed the hanger from him and placed it back on the rack. "Look, I'm a Slayer. I don't need nothin' to protect me other than a couple stakes, maybe a nice sharp knife. Crossbow is optional, depending on the sitch."

"Faith?" Sam called out from where he stood by a large table with Marshall. "If you would join us, we can get started."

"So, what's the deal here, Sam?" Faith asked as she joined him and Marshall and looked down at the map of the city spread out on the table. "We just kill `em, right?"

"Yes," he laughed. "What else would we do with them? Bag `em, tag `em, experiment on `em?"

"Wouldn't surprise me if you did," she muttered under her breath. "Long story, one which I really don't know the details of."

"We've highlighted the red areas with the most activity," Sam explained as he pointed to the very same areas Giles and Xander had highlighted that first night before they'd gone out on patrol. "Perry and Marshall will take you around, but after tonight you'll be on your own. We do shifts of five hours a night, give or take, depends on the amount of activity that's going on. At the end of each shift, you are to come back here and fill out a detailed report."

"Paperwork?" Faith scoffed as she shook her head. "I don't do paperwork."

"It is just to keep track of things," Sam said calmly. "Now, the weapons," he said as he motioned to the rows of hardware behind them, "you may take what you need for the night and at the end of each shift you must return them here. Lost or damaged weapons are to be reported in your nightly detailed report. You will be paid every night as soon as your report has been filed. Any questions?"

She had a lot of questions, but knew that asking them would cause the others to look at her suspiciously. She just shook her head no and smiled brightly over at Perry and Marshall as they stared long and hard at her.

"I do have one question," she said as soon as Perry and Marshall had gone off to gather a few weapons for themselves. "You said something about an apartment?"

"Ah yes," Sam smiled as he reached into the front pocket of his blazer. "It's not much. Fully furnished and most of the rent is covered by ah...the city, if you must know. There are other officers on this force and each one has been provided with housing that suits their lifestyle. Seeing how I'm not familiar with yours, I hope it'll suit your needs."

"Great. Whatever. Where is the place?"

"Perry will take you there before you head out on patrol. I'm glad you've decided to come on board, Faith. We could really use a Slayer around here to help us out."

"Hey, long as I'm gettin' paid you'll have as much help as you can stand."

"You mentioned the others earlier," Sam said as he followed her to the first row of weapons, knives of every shape and size. "Were they not interested?"

"Nah," she said as she shook her head and reached for the first knife that caught her eye. "Thought I'd give it a go on my own first after all."

"Ah, I see."

"Lehane?" Perry called out from the other end of the room. "You ready?"

"Perry is in charge. You answer to him. Any problems that you run into, you let him know. If you have a problem with him or Marshall, you come to me. Understood?"

"Crystal fuckin' clear."

Faith ran her finger down the blade of the knife she'd picked up and smiled to herself. Weapons always made her blood run a little hotter and the anticipation of using it in a fight was almost too much. Sam left them there in the room after he'd given Faith the key to the apartment. She slipped it into the front pocket of her jeans and waited for Perry and Marshall to finish packing up a bag of weapons. They exited through the double doors that led right into the underground parking garage. Within minutes she was sitting in the back of a black Escalade with Perry behind the wheel and Marshall in the passenger seat next to him.

Everything felt strange to her. She wasn't comfortable working so willingly with people she knew nothing of. They could be evil; there was a very, very high possibility of that, as Giles had warned her. Neither Perry nor Marshall said a word as they came to a stop in front of a small apartment building just a few blocks from the station. Marshall stayed behind as Perry and Faith got out of the Escalade.

"Fifth floor, apartment 5D. Check it out. I'll give you ten minutes, Lehane. Got to get this show on the road."

"Sure," she nodded, forcing a smile as she walked for the main doors. There were two keys on the key ring and she used the bigger one to let herself into the building. There were no elevators, just a set of stairs at the very end of the long hallway.

"Ten minutes, Lehane!" Perry called out as the door shut behind her.

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered under her breath as she walked to the stairs and began the climb up to the fifth floor.

The building, at least the hallways and the stairs, were clean and it was quiet, almost a little too quiet. Faith walked straight to the door with 5D engraved into the dark wood and slipped the key into the lock. She didn't even ask herself if this was what she wanted. She needed this despite whatever would come of her working for Sam, Perry, and Marshall. She ignored the whispered voices in her head that reminded her of her days when she worked for the Mayor. This wasn't the same. Over and over again she tried to convince those whispered voices—the ghosts of the past—that it wasn't. She held her breath as she opened the door and reached inside, feeling for a light switch and smiling to herself when she flicked it on.

"Fuckin' ace," she said under her breath as she stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

The apartment was no bigger than the one the Mayor Wilkins had set her up in. It was mostly open concept with high ceilings, minimal furniture and a small kitchen that looked a little worse for the wear. Before she checked one of three doors along the furthest wall, she walked into the small kitchen and opened the fridge. It was empty aside from a jar of what looked like relish and she let out a soft groan as she slammed the door shut. She walked over to the big floor-to-ceiling window, the only window in the place she could see out of, and looked outside.

"Five minutes!" Perry shouted from the street as she opened the door next to the window and stepped out onto the balcony. "Clock is ticking, Lehane."

She rolled her eyes as she stepped back inside and checked out the bedroom, the bathroom, and the smaller and very empty room that she guessed was a second bedroom. In the bedroom there was a large bed that took up more than half the space and the window behind it was covered with black velvet drapes. Sam might not know her, but this place was almost too perfect for her. Minimalist with just enough space not to feel too snug and cozy in there. She spotted a phone sitting on the end table next to the small couch in the center of the room, but she knew she didn't have time to call Giles to tell him what was going on.

Her only worry now was running into Buffy and Kennedy while she was with Perry and Marshall. She wasn't ready to explain things to them just yet, not when she barely knew herself just what was going on. She didn't feel right about keeping them in the dark, but she really had no other choice. At least that's what Giles had convinced her of and what she was still trying to convince herself of.

She was back down and in the Escalade within her allotted time. Perry looked a little pissed off as she smiled sweetly at him once she was sitting in the back seat. She saw him glare at her as he looked in the rear-view mirror before he drove off. She had to keep her head straight and clear and she was finding it harder to with the flood of thoughts that battled with the whispers in her head.

It was nearly three a.m. by the time Faith got back to the house. Patrol with Perry and Marshall had been uneventful aside from the nest of vampires they came across in the warehouse district. They didn't patrol the many cemeteries that littered the city. As Perry had told her, ever since she and her friends had come into town, they'd all avoided the cemeteries in order to avoid the Slayers. They weren't bad guys, but they made it feel more like a chore than her destiny, her calling. And she absolutely hated it.

She found Buffy sitting in the kitchen with the lights off. She saw Buffy look up from the yoghurt she was eating as she walked in and even in the darkness of the kitchen, Faith could see the smile on her face that quickly turned into a scowl.

"Hey, B."

"Where were you?"

"On patrol," Faith replied easily as she opened the fridge and pulled out a cold beer. "What, ya miss me or somethin', B?"

"You forgot, didn't you?"

"Forgot? What the hell did I forget now?"

"Midnight," Buffy said harshly as Faith joined her at the table, choosing to sit across from her rather than next to her. "Glenview cemetery. Ring any bells?"

"Sorry. Got caught up."

"You are such a shitty liar, Faith. I really thought things would be different now."

"Fuck, B," Faith groaned as she twisted off the cap of her beer, took a few swigs, and let out a sharp breath. "It's a long story."

"Oh, it's a story now?"

"Would ya cut it out, B? I didn't come in here to get reamed by you. Been a long fuckin' day and all I wanna do right now is chill out."

"Right, like it hasn't been a long day for all of us," Buffy replied, the sarcasm just dripping from her hushed voice as she visibly struggled to control her anger.

Faith clenched her teeth, too tired to get into it with Buffy now. She really did want to tell Buffy the truth. She wanted to tell her everything, but she knew she couldn't. Not yet. If that meant she had to be branded a `shitty liar' by Buffy, then so be it. Their relationship had gone through a lot and she figured what was one more thing to add to that long list of everything that went wrong between them.

This was the first time she'd seen Buffy all day and she really hated the fact that Buffy was downright annoyed with her. She thought things were changing between them and that Buffy had seriously pulled that stick out of her ass and lost the bitchy attitude somewhere along the way. It was just one more thing she was wrong about and it didn't make her feel good about anything going on. She wanted to tell Buffy about her day, about the vampires she'd met in Henry's bar, about Sam, Perry, and Marshall. She wanted to tell her about the apartment and the fact that she was getting paid to do what she did best, slay the baddies that roamed the streets at night.

"Sorry about tonight, B," she said softly as Buffy stood up from the table, leaving her barely touched yogurt on the table. "Just got caught up, alright? Won't happen again."

"I've had a really...bad day," Buffy sighed as she grabbed the container and the spoon off the table quickly. "Call me crazy, because I probably am, but yes I did miss you."

"Oh, ya did, huh?" Faith smirked as she stood up and followed Buffy over to the sink. "I knew it."

"Don't be so smug about it," Buffy laughed softly as she tossed the spoon into the sink before she turned to look at her. "Please don't lie to me anymore, Faith. Tell me where you were tonight. You weren't skipping out on patrol again, were you?"

"No, B, I—"

"Then tell me the truth."

Faith sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair. "How much time ya got?"

"As much time as it takes for you to tell me what the hell is going on."

"The cops in this town have a few guys who go out and take out the baddies," Faith said softly, not knowing if that was a good place to start, but it was something. "Kinda workin' for `em now. Gettin' paid too. And before you give me shit, B," she paused to take a sip of her beer, then placed it on the counter, "Giles knows. I wasn't gonna walk into this alone, but he wanted me to. Gotta play the game right, B. Who the fuck knows what Julie's—"

"You are working for the Cleveland police?" Buffy asked, laughing as she shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. "You better not be lying to me, Faith."

"Why would I lie about something like that?"

"You'd lie about anything to make yourself look like you're the good Slayer now."

"Fuck you," Faith spat as she grabbed her beer and walked out the back door with Buffy hot on her heels. "You wanted to know so I fuckin' told ya. You want me to get into the dirty details about what we're all getting into?"

"No, you are in this alone, obviously. Why didn't you just tell me what was going on?"

"Didn't have a fucking chance to and besides, Giles said..."

"I don't care what Giles said!"

"Ya wanna keep your voice down, B? Unless you wanna wake up the whole goddamn neighbourhood," Faith muttered under her breath as she walked down to the picnic table and sat down. "Look, the shit I saw and heard today...we have no idea what the fuck is gonna end up happening here. There's a whole lot more to this than what we know."

"Explain one thing to me, Faith—how the hell did you end up working for the cops?"

"Sam hooked me up."

"Sam?"

"Henry's brother."

"Right," Buffy scoffed as she looked away from her. "God, why are we even arguing about this?"

"Hey, you started in on me, B. Besides," Faith smirked as she licked her lower lip and watched as Buffy watched her carefully, "it's what we do."

Buffy just sighed as she sat down next to Faith. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"About what? About the job...or what?"

"About everything you seem to be getting involved with. I feel like I'm sitting here doing nothing while you..." Buffy trailed off, letting out yet another sigh as she shook her head. "I shouldn't get so worked up over this. It's not like I have to do this on my own anymore. I just...I feel like I've been doing nothing aside from patrol, which you know how it's been so far. Slow. Really, really slow."

"I was gonna tell ya, B. Don't think for one second I wasn't gonna," she said softly as she turned to face her. "How come you had a bad day?"

"It's nothing."

Faith cocked her head to the side as she reached out for Buffy and pulled her closer. Even in the near darkness, with only the pale light from the moon, she could see every inch of Buffy's face. She watched as a string of emotions went through Buffy, each of them easy to see and yet not so easy to figure out.

"Tell me," Faith whispered as she leaned in close to her as if she was about to kiss her. "Tell me and then tell me how I can make it better, B."

"After last night I kind of hoped I'd see you this morning before you left," Buffy said so softly that Faith had to lean in closer to hear her. "It's crazy how...attached I'm getting when it comes to you."

"Nah, it ain't crazy, B. Ya don't see me complaining', do ya?"

Buffy just shook her head and smiled as Faith gently kissed her. What was meant to be just a soft, chaste kiss quickly turned into a wildly wanton kiss that left them both breathless within a matter of minutes. Faith was still feeling the adrenaline from taking out the nest of vampires and she knew that Buffy felt that same ache that she desperately needed to satisfy. Even though she knew she should be focused on Buffy at that moment, her mind began replaying everything that had happened in the last eighteen hours. She pulled back from the kiss, stopping Buffy from trying to continue it, and reached for her beer she'd set down on the table, taking a few small sips.

She flashed Buffy a small, easy smile as Buffy rose and stood there for a moment before leaning down to plant a light kiss on her lips. She whispered goodnight before she turned and walked up to the house. Faith just sat there watching her, staring at the door long after Buffy had disappeared inside. She stayed out there just long enough to finish off her beer before she headed back inside and up to her room. She stopped outside Buffy's door, listening for a moment, and all she heard was the soft, steady breathing that told her Buffy was already fast asleep.

The day just kept on replaying itself in her head as she walked into her room, stripped out of her clothes, and climbed into bed. From the moment she stepped inside Henry's bar, to the moment she met Sam at the police station, to the moment she walked into `her' apartment, and to the moment where she, Perry, and Marshall stormed in the rundown warehouse and took out the nest of vampires with ease. All those moments in between replayed themselves over, but not necessarily in the same way they had unfolded. She thought of the confrontation she'd had with Perry an hour before they discovered the nest of vampires. He called her irresponsible and she'd called him easily replaceable.

The thing with Vera bothered her. She knew the vampire had a few screws loose and was the pure definition of bat-shit crazy. Why she was letting the nutjob affect her, she really didn't know. She thought that maybe it was the fact that Vera had been sired by Julie. Maybe it was the fact that Vera had so easily gotten to her last nerve with the way she'd spoken to her. To stand there and not be able to just dust her was getting to her too.

She pulled the pillow over her head and tried so hard to quiet the thoughts running rampant through her mind. After an hour of tossing and turning, she gave up and got out of bed, pulled on the clothes she'd worn all day and headed out. She walked the streets without a destination in mind and smoked cigarette after cigarette until the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon. She stopped at the little restaurant she'd been to with Xander just a few days before, relieved that it was already open so early in the morning.

"Coffee, black," she said to the tired looking waitress behind the counter. She sat down on the stool and watched the waitress as she grabbed a mug and poured her a cup of coffee. "Thanks."

She closed her eyes as she took a sip, not caring that it burned her tongue. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and her body hum as she heard the door open. She didn't even need to guess, she knew it was Buffy. She turned and looked at her, smiling as Buffy sat down next to her. All it took was one smile from Buffy and all her worries just seemed to fade away. Not for good, but just for the moment.

hapter Seventeen

Faith could feel it the whole time she and Buffy sat there side by side, sipping their second coffee. She felt it from the second Buffy had opened the door nearly an hour before. They hadn't said a word since Buffy sat down on the stool next to her and there were there weren't but a few times their eyes would even meet for more than a few seconds at a time. Faith didn't need to hear her say anything, she could just feel it and it was intense—a little too intense for her.

A thousand different scenarios played in her mind of how the rest of the day would play out. The one she was stuck on was thinking of Buffy, of taking her to the apartment and fucking her until they both collapsed on the bed completely sated. It made every inch of her body shiver in hopeless anticipation of that actually happening. Every time she turned to look at Buffy, a fresh wave of arousal washed over her. She kept trying to get that out of her head because she knew that wasn't going to happen, at least not so soon. It caused her to think back to Julie and the first night she was with her and her boyfriend.

Vampires. How the hell didn't she know they were vampires? She knew she'd been completely wasted that first night so it wasn't entirely her fault for not picking up on that fact. Why she was thinking of this now, she really didn't know. Her train of thought was unpredictable at times just as her sudden actions and decisions were. She was disappointed in herself for not realizing that she'd been with not one, but two vampires. Angry at herself that she'd still be in the dark about it if that fact hadn't been shoved in her face from another direction.

"You wanna head back to the house?" Faith asked Buffy, breaking the heavy silence between them as she turned on the stool to face her. "B?"

Buffy blinked, snapping out of her own little daze as she turned to look at her. She looked at Faith for a moment before she just nodded her head slowly and stood up from the stool. Faith wanted to ask her what she had come there for, but decided against it as she pulled out a twenty and placed it on the counter. She only smiled at Buffy as she slid off the stool and motioned towards the door.

"Tell me what else I don't know," Buffy said quietly once they were out on the street and headed for the house. "I feel like there's so much I don't know about everything that is going on right now. I don't like being kept in the dark."

"What do ya wanna know, B?"

"Everything you know."

Faith let out a soft sigh as she pulled her pack of cigarettes from her pocket and quickly lit one. "Where do ya want me to start then, B?"

"Start with Julie. You...you slept with her and you didn't know she was a vampire?"

"I was fucking wasted and that is just too fucking freaky, B."

"Why?"

"Cos not even five minutes ago I was thinking almost the same thing," Faith replied, chuckling softly as Buffy raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at her. "Was thinking of fucking you five minutes ago too so don't read into the whole Julie thing too much."

"Who were you thinking of first?"

"You're kidding me, right? You of course," Faith smiled as she watched Buffy's face flush red.

"Faith, we weren't...talking about that," Buffy stammered as she walked close to her. "I want to know everything that you know and I want you to take me with you tonight."

"I'll see what I can do."

"No," Buffy said firmly as she grabbed onto Faith's arm and stopped her from walking any further. "You are taking me with you tonight. You are not doing this alone, Faith."

"Talk to Giles about it and—"

"Giles is not in charge! He does not make all the decisions around here. Each and every one of us is capable of making our own decisions, in case you've forgotten that."

"Come on," Faith said as she grabbed onto Buffy's hand and turned around. "We'll talk about this somewhere private."

She wasn't sure how Buffy would react to finding out she had an apartment. She was still debating whether or not to actually move in there. She did want her space, but she didn't want to cause a rift between her and Buffy, not when they'd gotten this far. She never did like living with other people and although it hadn't been horrible living with Buffy and the others and it did feel like home to her, there was something missing.

Buffy said nothing on the walk to the apartment. She just held onto Faith's hand, their fingers intertwined and Buffy idly stroking her thumb over Faith's every couple of steps that they took. Faith picked up the pace, too tired to take her time, her body just itching for things she figured probably wouldn't happen just yet. It didn't stop her from thinking back to those scenarios she'd thought about while sitting in the restaurant with Buffy at her side. It didn't stop her from thinking of all the different ways she could take her, fuck her, make her come hard and fast. She felt Buffy shiver and she turned to look at her, smiling when she saw the dazed look in her eyes.

The adrenaline she felt from the night before was still there, still as strong as ever, and she needed some form of release. She knew Buffy could sense it too with the way she kept looking over at her as they walked down the street, seemingly lost in their own little world and oblivious to those around them.

"Where are we going?" Buffy asked as she looked around the neighbourhood.

"Uh, my place," Faith replied as she let go of Buffy's hand and stopped in front of the main doors of the apartment building. "Before you say anything, B..."

"You have your own place now? Since when?"

"Yesterday. Sam hooked me up."

"Does that mean you're...moving out of the house?"

"No, B. That's not what it is," she sighed as she pulled the keys out of her pocket and unlocked the main door. "You know how sometimes ya just wanna get away for a little while? Figured I'd use this place for when I needed to be alone."

"Oh."

"And to be alone with you," she whispered as she opened the door and watched as Buffy walked in first.

"Oh," Buffy said again, turning to smile at Faith as she walked in behind her.

Faith just reached for her hand and led her to the stairs. They barely reached the third floor landing before Faith found herself being pinned against the wall with Buffy's lips on her own. Buffy had caught her off guard, but once she gained her senses back she spun her around, pinned her against the wall, and kissed her deeper. She kept it short and pulled back after a few moments, smiling as she looked at a very flushed and out of breath Buffy so close in front of her.

She took Buffy's hand in hers, grinning as she pulled her away from the wall and headed up the rest of the stairs to the fifth floor. She tried not to run despite the ache she felt between her legs as she led Buffy down the long hallway and stopped in front of the door to her apartment. She slid the key into the lock, closing her eyes and inhaling sharply as Buffy ran her free hand down her back slowly. The plan to talk was completely out of the window as soon as they were inside. Buffy had her pinned up against the door once she'd shut it. Buffy's lips devoured her own and she dropped the keys to the floor as she wrapped her arms around Buffy and held her close.

She ignored all the signs she felt that something wasn't right, that they weren't alone, as Buffy's hands roamed over her body freely. She moaned into Buffy's mouth, kissing her deeper as Buffy slowly slid her hand up her stomach and cupped her breast. She felt the uncertainty in Buffy's movements, she felt the nervousness, but it disappeared as Buffy grew a little bolder and rolled her stiffening nipple through her shirt and bra with her fingers. She had her hands firmly gripping Buffy's hips, unable to will herself to move them, to touch her.

"Okay," Buffy breathed as she pulled away from Faith and dropped her hand from her breast slowly. "We should talk since...that's what we came here for...isn't it?"

Faith nodded as she ran her hands just under the hem of Buffy's shirt, revelling in the softness of her skin against her fingertips. "Got all day to talk, B."

"Yes, you've got all day to talk," Julie laughed from where she stood on the other end of the room. "Gee, here I thought I'd get a free show. Always wondered what it'd be like when two Slayers fucked each other `til they couldn't take it anymore."

"Fuck," Faith hissed under her breath as she looked around Buffy and over at Julie. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"This building," Julie said as she waved her arms around and smiled wickedly as she walked up to both of them. "This whole building belongs to my family. Sam told me he hooked you up with this place and I just had to come check it out for myself. Been a long time since I've come by. Nothing has changed."

"Get out," Faith said through clenched teeth as Buffy moved away from her slowly, her eyes never once leaving Julie as she stood on the other side of her. "Get the fuck out of here now, Julie."

"Hey now, that's not nice, Faithy. Is that any way to treat a guest?" Julie purred as she walked right up to her and pinned her against the door. She had her hands on Faith's shoulders and her long nails dug into her skin even through her clothes. "You know, I was thinking about you last night."

"I don't fuckin' care."

"So, you're working for my uncle Sam now and for my father?" Julie asked. She reached out and shoved Buffy away as she took a step closer. "Stay out of this, Slayer. This is between me and Faithy."

"Don't fucking call me that," Faith growled as she shoved Julie away hard.

"Come on now," Julie laughed as she stood where she was a few feet away from Buffy and Faith. "I thought you were supposed to play nice like an obedient little Slayer? Now," she paused as she pointed to the couch, "sit. The three of us are going to have a nice little chat and once I've said what I came here to say I'll leave you two alone so you can fuck."

Neither Faith nor Buffy moved from where they stood by the door and Julie just shook her head and clicked her tongue against her teeth. She grabbed them both hard and forced them over to the couch and shoved them down. Faith was a little taken back by the amount of strength she had. Nobody ever got the upper hand with her and controlled her this way. Julie just smirked as she sat on the coffee table in front of them and casually folded her hands in her lap.

"Isn't this nice?" Julie mused as she looked at both of them. "Cozy, isn't it?"

"What do you want?" Buffy asked calmly.

"I know the little game you're playing, Faithy," she said, ignoring Buffy as she leaned in towards Faith just a little. "Vera says hello," she teased, casting Buffy a quick look as she laughed.

Faith was pissed yet calm as she sat there thinking of a way to take Julie out. She had already proven to be much stronger than Faith and Buffy. They couldn't take her out toe to toe. She looked over at Buffy and watched her looking at Julie.

"Oh, right. The little chat," Julie said as she stood up and began pacing. She stopped and stared down at Buffy. "I know what you're looking for, but you know what? You aren't going to find it. I'm thinking Faithy knows, though, don't you?"

Faith stood up, grabbed Julie by her neck, and threw her up against the door. She was on edge and wasn't about to let Julie walk all over her. Julie blew her a kiss as she leaned against the door. This was turning into one of the situations Giles had warned her might happen. She needed to keep her cool. The rage inside of her combined with the adrenaline pumping through her veins as her heart raced wildly was close to controlling her. The second she felt Buffy reach out for her hand, she took a deep breath and felt herself grow considerably calmer.

"Now that is interesting," Julie snickered. "Who knew that spell would turn out to be in my benefit for yet another reason?"

"Get out," Faith said as she strode up to Julie and pulled her away from the door as she yanked it open. "Not gonna keep playing this little game of yours."

"Oh but you are, Faithy. You don't even know you're playing it."

Faith just waited for her to step away from the door enough before she slammed it shut. She listened as she heard Julie walk away from the door and she breathed out heavily as she clicked the lock shut and turned around.

"What the...hell, Faith?" Buffy asked softly as Faith sat down on the couch next to her. "You know what? I'm starting to think you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into with them, especially her."

"Thinkin' the same thing myself," Faith replied as she leaned her head against the back of the couch and closed her eyes. "I knew we should've just stayed away from here."

"Talk to me, Faith. Tell me everything you know and don't leave a damn thing out."

Faith waited for a few minutes, listening to make sure that Julie had really left before she told Buffy everything that had happened the day before. Buffy said nothing as she listened to Faith talk quietly and the expression on her face stayed straight the entire time. She told her what happened in Henry's bar and what Henry had told her about leaving Julie's friends alone. She told her about Vera and how much she was like Julie, completely bat-shit crazy. She didn't leave out the fact that not only had she slept with Julie, but she and her vampire boyfriend James had been the ones she'd had that threesome with.

Buffy looked uncomfortable hearing that part so she skipped over having gone to Julie a second time. She went on to tell her about Sam and what happened once she'd met up with him down at the station. She told her what she knew about Perry and Marshall. Buffy stopped her before she could continue any further from that point and shifted on the couch so she faced her with one leg tucked under her and the other casually draped over Faith's knee.

"I've heard enough," Buffy said quietly as she stared straight into Faith's eyes. "Do you think this is going to be better if you are involved with them?"

"What else are we gonna do then, B? We're going on next to nothin' here and all we know is what Angel has told us. Even then, that's not enough."

"I don't want you doing this alone."

"What, do ya think I can't handle it?"

"No," Buffy said as she shook her head. "We should be in on this together."

"Then we'll be in on this together, B."

"Next time just leave out the little details that I really don't want to hear."

Faith just smiled at her as she watched Buffy slowly lean in as if she was about to kiss her. She ran her hand up Buffy's leg that was draped over her own as Buffy's lips lightly brushed up against hers. Faith wanted to get back to where they'd left off before Julie made her presence known. She didn't care that she should be more focused on the real reason behind Julie's unexpected visit, but with the way Buffy kissed her and nibbled on her lower lip before she moved to straddle her fully, she couldn't think of anything else other than her.

"You really think that this is a good idea?" Buffy breathed out as Faith slid her hands under her shirt and raked her nails up her back. "Shouldn't we..."

"Shouldn't we what, B? Not gonna let that bitch fuck up the mood. I know you were feelin' it," Faith breathed into her ear as she moved a hand around to Buffy's stomach and trailed her fingers upwards. "I know you're still feelin' it too."

"I think we should..." Buffy trailed off, biting her lip as Faith bent her head down and bit her hardening nipple through her shirt. "Faith, you gotta stop doing that."

"This?" Faith smirked. She watched Buffy close her eyes as her fingers reached the soft swell of her other breast. She was teasing her, testing the limits of how far Buffy would let her go before she stopped her. She pulled her shirt up, exposing her soft pink bra, then leaned in and sucked her nipple through the thin silky material. "Or this? You sure ya want me to stop, B?"

"No..." Buffy sighed out as she moved her hands up Faith's arms and came to rest on her shoulders. She pushed Faith back and furrowed her brow in confusion as she pulled her own shirt back down. "After what just happened, I don't think we should be doing this now."

"Fuck this," Faith grumbled, picking Buffy up with her as she stood up from the couch. As soon as Buffy was on her feet, Faith stormed off towards the balcony.

"Faith," Buffy called out as she followed her out onto the balcony. "We didn't come here for this. We came here to talk."

"This turned out to be a bad fuckin' idea, what with finding Julie here and all."

"You didn't know."

"Shoulda figured something like this would happen," Faith said under her breath as she leaned on the railing and looked down to the street below. "I'm keepin' this place, in case you were wondering."

Buffy nodded as she stood next to her and leaned against the railing as well. "So that's it? You're just moving out of the house and doing your own thing now? What about us? What about training?"

"There's still an us, B. Ya only live five blocks away, it's not like it'd take that long to come see me if ya wanted to," Faith said, smiling a little as Buffy just shrugged and turned to look away from her. "We'll still train together. I'll come over to the house in the mornings—okay, afternoons—and we'll get a few hours in together. Get all nice `n sweaty."

"Great, nice visual, Faith."

"Unless you wanna come here and we can..." she trailed off as Buffy turned to look at her and she slowly licked over her lips to emphasize her point. "It's good just to let go sometimes despite the shit that's goin' on at the time, B."

"I know, but it's..."

"What?"

"Uncharted territory for me," Buffy replied, smiling shyly.

"It is for both of us," Faith said softly. She stepped back away from the railing and stared at Buffy as she shoved her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. "You aren't gonna be pissed at me for moving in here, are ya?"

"No."

"Cos you know you can tell me if ya are."

"Maybe just a little bit disappointed. Kind of getting used to seeing you around every day," Buffy said with a sweet smile as she walked over to Faith and wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling her in for a quick kiss. "It hasn't even been a month and yet I feel closer to you now than I ever did before."

Faith just wrapped her arms around Buffy and kissed her hard and deep as she pulled Buffy back inside the apartment. Julie had seriously destroyed the mood and her libido and Faith pulled back from the kiss for a moment with groan of frustration. Buffy just pulled her back in, kissing her harder and deeper as she began to lead Faith over to the couch. Faith groaned in frustration again, not parting from the kiss as Buffy forced her to lie down on the couch.

She thought back to the images she'd had in the restaurant, one of which was very much like what was unfolding between them only a hell of a lot slower than she'd imagined it'd be. She could feel the slight hesitation in the way Buffy kissed her and she smoothed her hands up and down her back, trying to get her to relax and just let go a little. The ache between her legs was bordering painful now as she thrust her center up into Buffy's hard, trying to garner some friction for a little bit of relief.

"I wasn't kidding before when I told you to show me what it's like to be with you," Buffy whispered between kisses as Faith slid her hands under her shirt and up along her back, coming to rest just below the clasp on her bra. "Julie being here before might have slightly derailed what we were doing, but..."

"You wanna keep going?" Faith asked, smiling up at Buffy, who leaned back as soon as Faith unclasped her bra. "Y'know, there's a nice big bed we could put to good use right about now."

"Mm-hmm."

"Or not," Faith muttered under her breath as she sat up slowly, her hands still under Buffy's shirt and idly tracing small patterns over her back.

Faith went to say something else, but just what exactly floated out of her mind as Buffy pulled her in for another kiss while tugging on Faith's shirt. Every inch of her body felt as if it were on fire as she let Buffy pull her shirt off slowly, their lips only separating for mere seconds until Faith's shirt was off and tossed haphazardly to the floor. She broke away from the kiss a moment later and pulled Buffy's shirt off,  unable to take her eyes off of the vision before her as Buffy's bra slid down and she was suddenly sitting astride Faith in only a pair of jeans and her boots.

As much as she was aching to take her hard and fast, she kept things slow, pulling the now topless Buffy down with her as she lay back slowly. She kicked off her boots, feeling Buffy shudder slightly as they hit the hardwood floor, the sound echoing through the apartment rather loudly. Buffy's own boots followed a moment later and Faith then rolled them over quickly, smiling as Buffy nibbled on her lower lip and let out a soft moan.

"I think..." Buffy said softly as Faith pulled back from the kiss to take in a deep breath. "After we...I think we should tell the others..."

"Tell them what?" Faith asked as she ran her fingers over Buffy's stomach and came to a stop at the top of her jeans. "About everything I just told you?"

"No," Buffy laughed softly as she placed a hand on top of Faith's before she could get the button undone. "I meant we should tell the others...about us."

Faith said nothing as she kissed Buffy, her fingers quickly unbuttoning her jeans. She'd had enough talking and her mind was set on one thing. Buffy's soft moans were driving her on and she slipped a thigh between Buffy's legs and pressed it hard against her center, eliciting another moan that she felt through her entire body. She could feel Buffy's heart racing as she ran her hand up her stomach and to her chest. She pulled back from her lips, smiling down at her as she ran her fingers over the soft contours of her breasts, purposely avoiding the rock hard nipples that were taunting her.

She got up from the couch, pulling Buffy with her and capturing her lips in a fierce kiss as she began to back her up towards the bedroom. She slid Buffy's jeans past her hips and stopped walking her backwards long enough for her to step out of them. She couldn't fight back the smirk as Buffy fumbled with the button on her jeans with shaky hands. She placed her hands on top of Buffy's, kissing her softly still as she helped her unbutton the jeans. She quickly stepped out of them and pulled Buffy closer, feeling almost every inch of their bodies just melting into one another.

Faith backed her up against the bedroom door a little roughly as she slid a thigh between her legs, feeling the heat and the dampness from Buffy's pussy even through the thin cotton of her panties. Faith felt like she couldn't get Buffy into the bedroom and on the bed fast enough and she had no doubt in her mind that Buffy wouldn't mind being ravished by her just as soon as she did.

"Faith, this is a little...fast..." Buffy gasped as she broke away from the kiss as soon as Faith had fumbled around for the doorknob and opened the bedroom door.

"You wanna stop? Now?"

"Did I say stop?"

Buffy just smiled lasciviously as she grabbed Faith's hands and led her into the bedroom and towards the bed. This was a side of Buffy she never thought she'd see, the taking charge in the bedroom side. She allowed Buffy to push her down on the bed where she then propped herself up on her elbows, staring intensely at Buffy as she moved to straddle her.

"You just wanted to be on top, didn't ya?" Faith laughed, running her hands over Buffy's smooth thighs as she laid back. "Not like I'm complainin', B. You're the only one I'd even think of letting top me."

"Here's where the whole uncharted territory thing comes back," Buffy whispered shyly, staring down at her hands as she slowly ran them up Faith's stomach, stopping short of the undersides of her breasts.

"Is this why you wanna take it slow?" Faith asked as she pulled Buffy down on top of her and laid a gentle kiss on her lips. "Let me drive, babe. I'll show ya how it's done."

"How charming and romantic, Faith."

"Don't do romance," she muttered under her breath as she rolled them over until she was the one on top. "And I'm through bein' the bottom, B."

"Figured."

Faith laughed as she let Buffy pull her down and kiss her. She kept it short and sweet, trailing her lips over Buffy's jaw and neck with tantalizing slowness, loving the feel of Buffy beneath her with her nails raking up and down her back and shoulders. She ran her hands along the back of Buffy's thigh, mindful of the wound that was still healing, and trailed her lips and tongue across her collarbone, nipping at the skin as Buffy arched up into her.

She looked up at Buffy for a moment, revelling in the sight of Buffy laid out beneath her with her eyes closed and biting her lower lip to stifle the constant stream of small, whimpering moans that escaped. She bent down and took a nipple between her lips, fighting off the smirk as Buffy dug her nails into her shoulders almost hard enough to break the skin. She sucked hard, groaning as Buffy arched up into her again and wrapped her leg around her hips. She pulled away slowly, looking up at Buffy as she ran her tongue over the soft curves of her breasts to her other nipple, circling the hard little nub with the tip of her tongue before she took it between her teeth.

"Faith..." Buffy breathed out in between moans.

Faith just trailed her lips over Buffy's stomach, stopping to nibble the skin around her bellybutton as her fingers traced over the top of her panties. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach—not the nervous ones, but the ones that came with the anticipation of what was about to come next. She spread Buffy's legs slowly as she nibbled the skin just above the top of her panties. She didn't take her eyes off of the blonde's face as she ran her tongue the length of her slit and sucked her hard through her panties. Slowly she pulled them down, finally tearing her eyes from Buffy's as she slid her panties off and tossed them to the floor behind her.

Faith's breath hitched in her chest as she stared at Buffy spread out in front of her. She was breathing heavily, her eyes now closed again and her hands gripping the sheets on the bed. Faith had never seen her more exposed with her guard completely gone as she did at that moment. She didn't let her thoughts consume her for very long, soon beginning to place small, wet kisses up the insides of Buffy's thighs, teasing her and loving each little moan that Buffy allowed to escape past her lips. She kept waiting for Buffy to tell her to stop, but when that didn't happen she finally settled herself comfortably in between her legs and teasingly ran her tongue over her throbbing clit.

"Fuck," Buffy moaned as her hands gripped Faith's head. Hearing her curse almost made Faith come on the spot. "Faith, please don't tease me."

"Tease you?" Faith smirked as she looked up at her. "Just gettin' started, B."

She wanted to devour her, ravish her, but the silent mantra in her head kept telling her to take it slow. She wanted to burn this moment into her memories, she wanted to remember every inch of Buffy and just how damn edible she tasted. She wanted to remember the way her moans affected her, the way they made her body burn hot with arousal. Buffy urged her on, pulling her head closer and it was all she needed to bury her tongue into her hot, wet hole. With that first taste, the first feel of Buffy's inner walls clenching her tongue, pulling it in deeper, she was addicted. Completely addicted.

The silent mantra she'd been reciting disappeared completely as she felt the first waves of Buffy's orgasm begin to build up. She was slightly surprised that Buffy was ready to come so soon, but her own ache between her legs told her that she'd be coming right with her despite the fact she hadn't even been touched yet. She had to grip Buffy's hips to keep her from bucking wildly as she slid her tongue from her clenching hole to her clit, sucking hard as Buffy let out a low, feral moan. She slipped two fingers deep inside of her as she kissed her way up Buffy's body and captured her lips in a deep, wet kiss.

Buffy's moans were muffled by Faith's own mouth as the blonde scratched her nails down her lover's back. She ran her right hand over Faith's hip, gripping her there hard as Faith's fingers plunged deeper inside of her. Faith slowed her thrusts as Buffy cupped her over her panties, feeling a flood of wetness seep out as she came hard. She struggled to hold herself up over the other girl as Buffy slipped her fingers past the barrier of her panties, tentatively seeking out her clit as Faith fucked her fingers harder and deeper inside of her.

She came again a second time, unexpectedly, as Buffy ripped her panties off without warning and thrust two fingers inside of her. Faith broke away from the kiss, panting heavily as she rest her forehead against Buffy's. She curled her fingers inside of Buffy, feeling her come hard as their lips crashed back together in a wildly wanton kiss that left them both breathless. She slowly removed her fingers, grabbed Buffy's hand, and reluctantly pulled her fingers out. She intertwined their sticky wet fingers as she positioned herself in between Buffy's legs and began a smooth, steady motion, feeling ready to come for a third time at the feel of Buffy's hot, wet pussy sliding easily against her own.

"Fuck, B..." she hissed as Buffy squeezed her hand hard, running her other hand down her back and gripping onto her ass, digging her nails roughly into her skin as she tried to slow down Faith's thrusts.

"Harder," Buffy breathed out as she arched into her.

"Gonna...again..."

"Yes," Buffy murmured as she threw her head back and closed her eyes.

Faith could feel the orgasm rip through her body like a freight train in time with Buffy's own. She'd never come with anyone at the same time before and she groaned as she buried her face into Buffy's neck and rode it out as long as she could. The exhaustion she'd been feeling for weeks now was beginning to take its toll and she rolled partway off of Buffy, holding her as they basked in the afterglow together in silence. Had she not been going on next to no sleep, she would have continued on. She would have worshipped every inch of Buffy, devoured her until she begged her to stop.

"That was..." Buffy sighed out contentedly as she took in a deep breath, "intense."

"Very."

"Never knew it'd be like that," she laughed softly as Faith leaned up and looked at her with a smile. "I guess it's no longer uncharted territory."

"Definitely not," Faith chuckled as she kissed her softly and laid her head down on the mattress next to hers. "You're fuckin' amazing, B. You know that?"

"I do now. You aren't so bad yourself," Buffy teased as she let go of Faith's hand and reached down to playfully pinch her ass.

"I ain't so bad?" Faith laughed as she shook her head. "Ya want me to have another go, prove to ya I'm better than `aren't so bad'?"

Buffy just smiled at her and closed her eyes, moaning softly as she pulled Faith a little closer to her, not an easy thing considering how close they already were. The warm sunlight streamed in through the window and over the bed, warming them as they both drifted off to sleep. Faith couldn't get over how right it felt just to lay there with Buffy and how everything she had so much trouble getting out of her mind was suddenly gone for the time being. She'd completely lost herself within Buffy and before she slipped into the land of her dreams, she knew it was a feeling she'd never felt before with anyone and one she had no desire to even try to duplicate with anyone other than Buffy from there on out.

It was late afternoon before either of them woke and the first thing Faith saw when she opened her eyes was Buffy staring longingly at her. She leaned in for a kiss only to come in contact with Buffy's hand instead and she groaned in frustration as she rolled onto her back.

"Hey," Buffy smiled as she reached out for her hand. "Did you have a nice nap?"

"The best."

"We should...head back to the house."

"Now?"

"We've been here most of the day. We still have to train and..."

"B?" Faith sighed as she turned her head to the side to look over at her. "Can't we just stay here?"

"As much as I want to, you know we can't."

"Right," she grumbled as she sat up on the bed slowly and ran her fingers through her tousled hair. She looked down at Buffy, smiling as she leaned down and kissed her quickly before she got up from the bed. "Later?"

"Sure," Buffy nodded as she watched Faith walk out of the room, picking up both their clothes on the way. "Faith?"

"Yeah, B?"

"I was serious when I said I want to tell the others about us. I promised Willow before we got here that there'd never be any secrets between us ever again."

"You do whatever ya need to do, B."

Faith tossed Buffy's clothes towards the bed and quickly got dressed in her own. She felt like she was high as Buffy stood up from the bed and walked over to her slowly, her eyes dark with lust as she pulled her in for a deep, passionate kiss. It made Faith weak in the knees and she had to force herself not to take it any further than just a simple kiss. She pulled back and winked at Buffy as she walked out of the bedroom and headed for the balcony to have a quick cigarette.

She'd nearly forgotten that Julie had been there until she was out on the balcony and let her mind wander. It made her feel conflicted about what had happened between her and Buffy afterwards. She knew it would have happened eventually, but that little aggravating voice in the back of her mind kept asking her if Buffy allowed it to happen today because she was afraid she'd lose her. She ignored it, pushing that thought away as she looked back inside, watching as Buffy walked out of the bedroom and pick up her boots from the floor by the couch.

All it took was one look at Buffy and she was worked up again. She couldn't allow her libido to take control of her completely. She needed to keep her head in the overall game with Julie and her family. She needed to keep her priorities in order. It was nearly impossible to do that, though, when every time she'd close her eyes all she could see was Buffy beneath her, moaning, writhing, and arching her body into hers.

Oh, she was definitely in trouble if she let those thoughts take over. But it wasn't all bad, especially not when she felt that pang in her heart when Buffy looked over at her and smiled ever so sweetly. If she was going to lose all sense of control and responsibility, she wouldn't want to lose it any other way.

Chapter Eighteen

If a simple look could be translated into words, every longing look Buffy sent toward Faith would have been a book full of `fuck me'. They were on their way to the station with Kennedy to meet up with Sam. She walked behind them, giving them their space, but the two elder Slayers walked in complete silence, an almost visible air of tension surrounding them. Faith was doing her best to ignore Buffy's looks, only thinking of one thing—the meeting with Sam while she had Buffy and Kennedy with her.

They weren't even inside the building for more than ten seconds before Sam stepped out of the elevator. Faith suddenly knew that he somehow was expecting her additional companions, and it was only then—when she saw the way his lips curled into a smile—that she remembered that night at the bar and the conversation she'd heard between Sam and Henry. That memory added fuel to her own natural distrust, and now she was even less sure who she could trust between the two of them.

Giles had spoken with the three of them before they'd left the house. As far as they knew, he was protecting his niece and her friends for reasons of his own and quite possibly because of Julie herself. Kennedy had questioned why they even needed to bother going through all of this just to find a way to take Julie out before she could manage to open the Hellmouth. Faith had left the short meeting at that point and she hadn't said a word to either of them since.

"Ladies, if you will," Sam said, smiling at the three of them as he motioned to the elevator he'd just come out of, "we'll talk in my office."

They stepped inside the elevator and Faith took a deep breath as the doors closed. She couldn't even just stand next to Buffy without feeling the urge to touch her. She was still casting those looks at her that made her whole body buzz, starting from her toes until it just filled her. She hadn't been able to stop thinking back to what happened between them earlier. Despite knowing this was definitely the wrong time to be thinking of it, she let herself fall into the intoxicating spell she felt like she was put under.

Sam pressed the emergency stop button and the elevator jolted to a stop. He smirked at the three of them as he stood there casually. "Welcome to my office."

"You don't actually work here, do you?" Faith asked as she stayed where she'd been standing, leaning against the far wall.

"Not here in particular. I work with Perry, Marshall, and the rest of the men that provide efficient back up when needed. I'm more of the middle man, the man who leads the crew, sniffs out the hotspots, and pays these brave young men and women for their duty each and every night," he said as he stared at Faith, barely casting a look at Buffy or Kennedy. "I heard you three were coming and I knew I had to somehow get you involved in this. And yes, Buffy," he said as he turned to look at her, "I already know your concerns about my operation being like this Initiative of yours, but I can assure you this is not anything like it."

"How do you know about that?" Buffy asked, trying to keep calm. Faith could feel the tension in Buffy. She could almost taste it.

"Let's just say I had a few contacts in Sunnydale a couple years back. You know how word gets through the underground and just how fast it does. Nothing is quite a secret anymore," Sam said as he shook his head in mock disbelief. "I find it unfortunate that Julie has found out about this arrangement so soon."

"Not my fault the bitch showed up—"

"Faith, please," Sam said harshly as he stopped her from continuing. "I've heard it all once already. She showed up at the apartment, had a few words with you, probably about useless bullshit since that's all that seems to come out of her mouth these days. Now, if we shall get started. I'd like to run through things with Buffy and Kennedy before you three head out."

Faith just nodded and rolled her eyes as Sam released the emergency button and the elevator continued its short descent down. By the time they made it to the room, Sam had gotten into explaining how things worked to Buffy and Kennedy. Faith wasn't paying a speck of attention to what he was saying. She couldn't quite tear her eyes away from Buffy nor could she stop the thoughts that continued running through her mind.

Perry and Marshall were already gearing up for the night and Faith joined them in gathering up the weapons they'd need. She kept looking over at Buffy as she and Kennedy stood by the table and listened to Sam as he spoke quietly to them.

"What're they doing here?" Perry asked as he picked up one of the smaller crossbows and placed it in the black duffel bag. "Thought those two weren't going to work with us?"

"Plans changed," Faith shrugged. "Does it matter?"

"No," Perry replied as he shook his head and picked up another crossbow. "More of us means more ground can be covered in a couple hours. The other guys that are on call aren't going to like this though."

"Then make sure they don't find out," Marshall chuckled as he winked at Faith. "Who's the blonde?"

"Buffy."

"Is she seeing anyone?"

"Seriously," Perry laughed as he smacked Marshall across the back of his head. "You are married, man. You just can't keep it in your pants, can you?"

"Nope, and you didn't answer my question, Lehane."

"Yeah, she's seein' someone. Me."

"Damn," Marshall smirked as he looked her up and down then cast a quick glance over at Buffy. "How did that happen?"

"Shut up," Perry said, smacking him across the back of the head again. "Just keep packing so we can get out of here and get started. I want to be home by midnight tonight. Got the wife after me about spending more time with her. You know how it is. Women. Always worried you're having an affair when you're only out doing your job."

Faith chuckled as she picked up one of the larger crossbows and ran her fingers over the handle. Perry and Marshall moved down the row to gather more weapons, bickering back and forth. Buffy and Kennedy walked over towards her, both of them looking around at the cache of weapons in surprise and awe. Buffy's look soon turned weary, though, as she turned to Faith and she knew that Buffy was having doubts about this whole situation. She was having them too, but she was going along with it. The money itself, especially after the night before, was tempting.

"Do they always act like that?" Kennedy asked as she motioned to Perry and Marshall still going at it. "And do we have to go with them on patrol? I don't think I could stand five minutes with those two."

"They aren't that bad," Faith laughed as she watched Buffy scan over the few crossbows left and pick one up that was similar to the one she held. "Come on, pick your poison and let's motor."

They were geared up and ready to go within minutes and they followed Perry and Marshall out to the garage where all piled into the black Escalade. Sam wanted the three of them to go off on their own while Perry and Marshall did their usual route, so Perry pulled the vehicle to a stop just a block away from the neighbourhood the Hellmouth resided in and handed Faith a cell phone.

"I'll call you in three hours for an update on activity," he said as the three of them climbed out of the back of the Escalade. "This isn't a personal phone, so no personal phone calls are to be made with it, understood, Lehane?"

"Yep," Faith said as she took the phone and placed it in the inside pocket of her jacket.

"Good. Now do a quick sweep of the neighbourhood and head over to the warehouse we were at last night to make sure no others have come around and settled in."

With that, Perry drove off, leaving the three of them standing there at the side of the road. Faith just slung the duffel bag they'd packed with various weapons over her shoulder and they walked down the quiet, deserted street in silence. They rounded the first corner and came to a stop just in front of what had once been a playground and now was just an empty dirt lot. Faith walked over to the bench and tossed the bag to the ground as she sat down.

"This is a quick sweep?" Kennedy asked as she sat down next to Faith. "We're just going to sit here and do what exactly?"

"Wait."

"Wait for what?"

"Whatever decides to come out and play," Faith replied, chuckling as Buffy sat down next to her. "I look at it this way: We're gettin' paid for doin' what we always do. What's the downside to that?"

"Working for people who are potentially evil?" Buffy muttered under her breath. "You can't tell me that you aren't thinking there's something seriously off with this whole operation. Why the hell would the police be involved in taking out the vamps and demons in the city?"

"Guess they took the whole `to serve and protect' thing one step further," Faith replied as she casually draped an arm around Buffy's shoulders. "Come on, B, whether these particular guys are evil or not, we're still fightin' the good fight here. We find out Sam's evil, then we take him out just like we plan to take Julie out."

"And how are we supposed to take Julie out when she's pretty much fucking invincible?" Kennedy asked, sounding rather irritated.

"We're working on that. All we have to do is get the gem off of her and the rest should be fairly easy," Buffy replied as she leaned in a little to Faith. "Where is the gem, exactly?"

"Ya really wanna know, B?" Faith asked, laughing as Buffy looked at her and narrowed her eyes. "I would tell ya if I knew. I only have a vague idea of where it could be."

"Which is?"

"Well, she's pierced right..."

"Where?" Kennedy asked.

"Where do ya think?" Faith laughed as she shook her head and felt Buffy tense up a little next to her. "Nah, the gem ain't down there. At least I don't think it is. Wherever it is on her, she's got it pretty guarded and hidden."

"Down there?" Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow as Faith turned to look back at her. "You mean she's...wow, okay. I was wondering what she meant when she said you knew. It all makes sense now."

"B, whatever you are thinkin' right now...it ain't like that."

"So, if the gem isn't on that piercing, where the hell is it? Last time I saw her I didn't see her wearing any rings or anything," Kennedy asked as she stood up and stood in front of Faith. "Damn, I just had a really disturbing thought."

"Please don't," Buffy groaned as she pushed Faith's arm off her. "Willow is working on a spell to pinpoint just where the gem is on her, so instead of speculating about it maybe we should just get on with patrol and not mention her again tonight."

"I can deal with that," Kennedy said. The two of them turned their heads in unison to look at Faith.

"No more talking about Julie. Got it," Faith nodded as she stood up from the bench and picked up the bag. "Let's get on with it then and find us some baddies to slay. Suddenly feelin' all worked up and itchin' for a good fight."

"You're always feeling worked up," Kennedy said as she and Faith shared a laugh over it.

Faith got her head into gear as they set out for a quick sweep around the deserted neighbourhood. She couldn't let thoughts of Buffy take over no matter how tempting it was. There'd be plenty of time for fantasizing later—and if it was up to her there'd be more than just fantasizing before the night was over.

Four hours and three dusted vampires later, Faith got the phone call from Perry. They walked the three blocks to meet up with him and Marshall just outside the cemetery near the house. Kennedy and Marshall went off together, both of them making small talk and laughing as they walked away. Perry just stood by the Escalade while Faith dug through the bag and pulled out a few stakes and the crossbow.

"Take the south end," Perry said quietly as he checked his phone. "I'll take the east end and we'll wrap it up in half an hour if there's no activity."

Buffy was already walking away and Faith just turned and jogged over to her to catch up. Buffy waited until they were far away from Perry before she turned to Faith and stopped her from walking. "Is he stupid?"

"What?"

"Is he stupid, Faith? We can't just do a quick sweep in a half hour and expect to find something."

"They don't fuck around, B."

"A lot of slaying has to do with waiting. Don't they know that?"

"Apparently not. What's the big deal anyway?"

"I just don't like this, Faith. Maybe Kennedy was right before. We can take out Julie without having to be involved in this."

"Maybe she was, but shit…" Faith sighed as she started walking again. "We're gettin' paid! This sure fuckin' beats gettin' a real job, don't ya think? Maybe you'll be singin' a different tune once ya get the cash later."

"And how much did they pay you last night?"

"Almost a thousand bucks."

"Seriously?"

"Fuckin' dead serious," Faith grinned. "Come on, that's gotta be motivation enough to put up with this shit. Ain't it?"

"I guess so. It still doesn't help the fact that I'm wondering just what the hell is really going on here. Perry and Marshall seem like normal guys, but how are we supposed to know this isn't all just an act?"

"Guess we'll figure it out in time, but for now, B," Faith said as she turned to look at her and came to a stop as Buffy let out a heavy sigh. "For now, we'll just go along with it. We're still gonna be out here every night anyway. Giles doesn't think it's such a bad idea either."

"Of course he doesn't! We're practically blind here aside from the information Angel has told us."

"Practically blind, not completely blind. Big fucking difference."

"Maybe for you," Buffy muttered. "As much a threat as Julie is supposed to be, she hasn't proven anything other than the fact that she's crazy, not to mention invincible."

"So what, then, B? We just step back and let her do whatever she has planned and not do a damn thing to try and stop her?"

"God, I don't know, Faith!" Buffy groaned as she brought her hands up to rub her temples slowly. "I can't stop...thinking about this morning," she whispered as she stared over at Faith. "I can't even stop thinking about it—about you even for a minute. Am I going crazy here?"

"Nah," Faith smirked as she took a few steps closer to Buffy. "I can't stop thinking about it either, B. So maybe we're both going crazy," she chuckled as Buffy smiled shyly. "Point is, B? I can't even be near you now without wanting to touch you.  You're like a fuckin' drug and I'm addicted."

Faith wanted to tell her it was one of the reasons she'd been so scared before of even just being friends with her, but she didn't get the chance to. They both spotted the lone vampire walking almost ten feet in front of them. Faith dropped the crossbow to the ground, wanting to get hands on with the vampire. She needed a good slay almost as bad as she needed a good fuck. The vampire was tall, a little on the bulky side, and when he turned to look at her she knew it'd be far from an easy fight.

Buffy stood back, bending down to pick up the crossbow as Faith blocked the first blow the vampire threw her way. She couldn't get a punch or a kick in and all she could do was block every move the vampire made as she looked for an opportunity to take him out. The adrenaline that pumped through her veins made her feel intoxicated as she felt a surge of uninhibited energy build inside of her and she sent the vampire flying backwards with a strong roundhouse kick.

"You want a hand?" Buffy asked as she stood back and watched.

"Nah, I'm good, B."

She flashed a confident smile as she strode over to where the vampire had landed and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Kennedy and Marshall in the middle of a fight of their own with another vampire about the same size as the one she was facing. Rather than prolong the fight, she reached inside her jacket for her stake and shoved the vampire to the ground. He was too quick for her, though, and kicked the stake from her hand before she had a chance to plunge it into his chest.

"Fucker," she growled as she then suddenly found her legs being swept out from under her. The vampire was instantly on top of her, his thick, cold hands wrapped tightly around her throat. "B? Little help here would be nice."

"On it," Buffy said as she aimed the crossbow at the vampire. Faith kicked him off and before he could land on his feet, Buffy shot the arrow straight at his heart, turning him to dust. "You know, you could have ended the fight before it even started if you had just used this in the first place."

"I just wanted..."

"A good slay, I know," Buffy said as she rolled her eyes and handed Faith the crossbow. "Is that all you ever care about? A good slay?"

"Why not? Gets the blood pumpin'," Faith winked as they headed over to where Kennedy and Marshall were still struggling with their own vampire. "Hey Ken! You need a hand there?"

"Working on it," she grunted as she pulled the vampire away from Marshall. "Damn, this fucker is strong."

Faith said not a word as she loaded the crossbow and aimed it straight at the vampire, waiting for the right second to take the shot. Marshall was now down and bleeding from a wound on his shoulder and Buffy moved quickly to get him out of the way as Kennedy continued to struggle with the vampire. Faith couldn't find a shot and she groaned in frustration as she tossed the crossbow to the ground and leapt at the vampire before it could grab on to Kennedy.

She was instantly lost in the flurry of punches she threw at the vampire's face. Even when the movement stopped, she kept pummelling her fists into its face. Buffy grabbed onto her, pulled her off, and staked him quickly before Faith could even blink. She rubbed her sore and bleeding knuckles, breathing heavily as Buffy glared at her.

"Some things never change with you, do they?" Buffy asked as she tucked the stake back inside her jacket pocket. "Kennedy, any others?"

"Not that we saw," she replied as she shook her head slowly. "This one came out of nowhere. Didn't even sense it until it grabbed me."

"It's..." Marshall gasped as he clutched onto his wounded shoulder. "Julie. She does this. She's got this whole army of vampires working for her."

"An army?" Buffy asked as she looked over at Faith. "How big of an army are we talking about?"

"She's got every vamp in this town wrapped around her little finger. Should've known she'd start to send them out in pairs. There could be more," he said, gasping softly as he moved to sit down on the ground before leaning against a headstone. "There's always more. We shouldn't stand around waiting for them."

"You okay?" Faith asked him as she held out her hand to pull him up to his feet.

"Got knifed. It's not as bad as it looks," he chuckled and winced as he held onto his shoulder tighter. "Just another war wound for the wife to bitch at me for later."

"What do you know about Julie?" Buffy asked as they began the short walk back to where Perry waited by the Escalade.

"Not much. Sam said it isn't any of our concern when it comes to her."

"And you don't think he's saying that because there's something more going on?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "I just do what I've been recruited to do, fight the evil that wanders at night. Got a roof to keep over my wife's head. Got a baby on the way and I need the cash."

"It's always about the money, isn't it?"

"Not just about the money," Marshall said with a coy smile. "Being a cop was rewarding on its own, but this…" he paused as he looked around them. "This is a whole new kind of rewarding. Fighting the forces of evil night after night and keeping the innocent safe and in the dark about what really goes on is a different kind of rewarding. Kind of makes you feel like a hero."

"You're wrong," Buffy said coldly. "You aren't a hero. You are fighting a fight that isn't up to you to deal with. It's up to us. We're the Slayers, not you or Perry or any of the other guys that work for Sam."

"B..."

"Shut up, Faith. You are the one who got into this. What the hell were you thinking?"

"Thought it..."

"No, you didn't think. There's something wrong with this whole thing. Don't you see that? Sam isn't on the good side. He's a part of Julie's family and without a doubt in on whatever kind of game it is she's playing with us."

"What if you're wrong?" Kennedy asked, getting right in Buffy's face. "What if he isn't? What if he's trying to take her out too?"

"Then I'm wrong. I'm just saying that we shouldn't just easily trust Sam, or Henry, or anyone else," Buffy retaliated as she backed away from Kennedy. She turned to look at Faith and scoffed as she stepped around Kennedy and continued walking down the gravel path.

"Shit," Faith sighed as Marshall slumped back down to the ground and groaned loudly. "I really can't even try to do the right thing, can I?"

"What if she is right?" Marshall asked weakly as he looked up at her. "I never trusted Sam myself and I know Perry doesn't either."

"Then why do you work for him willingly?"

"Besides the money?" Marshall laughed and coughed as he leaned his head back against the headstone. "It's complicated, Lehane. Sam has been around a long time and he's actually pretty respected around here. He says jump, people say how high. Just the way it's always been and probably always will be. He has this power over people and he can talk just about anyone into doing anything. I should know. It's how my father ended up rotting away in prison."

"What happened?" Faith asked him as she knelt down on the ground next to him. She could see the blood seeping out of the wound, staining his dark jacket and trickling over his fingers.

"My father worked for Sam when he started up this unit about forty years back. Yeah, right around the time when Julie was turned. This was before I was even born, but my father told me a lot of stories before Sam had him locked up for a murder he didn't commit," he said and paused to take a few deep, shaky breaths. "Sam isn't...fully human."

"We're aware of that."

"The spell, it wasn't just cast on their family. There was another and from the stories I heard, they were rivals. Julie was out of control with the strength she possessed as a Slayer and the power she had as a witch. When she was turned, she killed them, but that's when things started with the barrier. The reversal spell she used on them backfired and the barrier was set up around the Hellmouth. She lost most of her powers, as did her mother."

"And now she's trying to break the barrier?"

"It's breaking apart on its own. It started when you three arrived here. No other Slayer had come here in the last forty years. Julie had made sure of it. This is her town and she didn't want anyone standing in her way and trying to take her out. Besides, even if anyone dared try, she's...untouchable. You probably know all of this already, don't you?"

"Yeah, we do," Faith nodded in reply. "So what, we shouldn't trust Sam, is that what you're trying to say, Marshall?"

"Buffy is right. You shouldn't trust him or his brother. I never asked questions because up until now there's been nobody to help me even if I found the answers. I wanted to get paid and go home to my wife every night without having to worry about anything or anyone coming after us. But if you've got a plan to take them out, Lehane, I'm in."

"How do we know we can trust you?"

"You don't," Marshall smirked as he tried to get up from the ground. "But you are going to need as many on your side as they have if you want to finish this mess and set things right. Been a long time coming if you ask me. Spent my whole life trying to figure that family out, trying to figure out just what the hell Julie has up her sleeve. She's absolutely fucking crazy, but of course you probably already know that too, don't you?"

"You just had to fuck a crazy chick, didn't you?" Kennedy muttered under her breath as she stared at Faith.

"Hey, I didn't fuckin' know, Ken!"

"You slept with her?" Marshall asked as he finally stood up from the ground on his own.

"Why does it matter if I did or not?"

"She didn't...cast any spells on you, did she?"

"Fuck no," Faith laughed as she looked down the path, barely able to make out Buffy in the darkness. "It was just a fuck and a stupid mistake."

"And you are absolutely sure that's all it was?"

"What do ya want me to say?" Faith snapped at him, feeling the anger bubbling from deep inside of her. "I'm the only one that's gonna be able to stop her. Not you, not fuckin' Perry, or anyone else."

She gave in to the sudden overwhelming urge to take off on her own. She headed for the closest wall that surrounded the entire cemetery and scaled over it easily. As soon as her feet hit the ground she was nearly running to get away from there as fast as she could. She just couldn't deal with it any longer. She made it about a block away before Buffy caught up with her.

"Faith, where are you going?"

"Just...away," she replied as she kept walking, shrugging off Buffy's hand as she reached out for her. "I'm startin' to think maybe you are fuckin' right about this, B. Who the hell knows who we can trust and who we can't right now?"

"So your solution is to run away instead of facing it and finding out just who we can trust before it's too late?"

"What else am I supposed to do, then?"

"I don't know," Buffy shrugged as she stepped in front of her and stopped her from walking away from her yet again. "This is one giant mess and we're practically in the dark with this. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"Since when do you care what happens to me, B?"

"Since...you came back," Buffy whispered as she stepped closer to her, sliding her hands over Faith's shoulders and around to the back of her neck. "Faith, I'm falling for you, hard, and it kills me inside to think of anything bad happening to you."

"Not gonna go get myself killed or anything on purpose."

"I know that," Buffy sighed. She smiled a little as Faith wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her closer. "I hate this, Faith. I am so tired of all of this."

"Of what?"

"Saving the world," she replied. "It never ends, does it? Once we save the world we barely get a break before we're right back at it again."

"It's just how it is, B. Figured you knew that by now."

"I do. I just want...a normal life. I want what we had this morning. It was the first time in a long time I ever just got lost in the moment and forgot about everything else. Like now," she said softly as she stared into Faith's eyes. "I just look at you and god...I don't know why I never realized it before."

"Realized what?"

"How easy it is just to get lost within you. I see the way you look at me sometimes and it makes me feel...safe. It makes me feel like absolutely nothing can go wrong in the world. This is crazy talk, isn't it? This is the spell that's—"

Faith stopped her from talking as she pressed her lips against Buffy's gently. She kept the kiss short and sweet, pulling back with a smile on her face. "I like that crazy talk. Nobody's ever...y'know, said these things to me or felt these things about me before."

Buffy bit her lower lip for a moment before she pulled Faith in for another kiss. They both ignored the sounds of whistling and catcalls from a group of college boys across the road. They just allowed themselves to become lost within each other for a few long minutes. Buffy finally pulled away slowly, leaving Faith tingling all over and standing dazed, mouth hanging slightly open, until Buffy reached up to the taller girl's chin and gently closed her mouth for her. Buffy flashed a coy little smile as she reached for Faith's hand and began walking back the way they'd come.

Perry pulled the Escalade up near the sidewalk beside them a few minutes later and they got in and settled in the seat next to Kennedy. Nobody said a word as Perry drove to the hospital and made sure Marshall got inside safely before he drove back to the station. Sam was waiting for them by the door when they got out of the vehicle. Sam took one look at Faith, then motioned for the four of them to follow him inside. Faith just clenched her fists at her sides as they walked into the room behind Sam. He pointed to the chairs around the table and they all took a seat.

After a quick debriefing about their night and Marshall's injury, Faith stood up and stared straight over at Sam. She placed both her hands on the table as she leaned towards him and she took in a few deep breaths, trying to figure out his reaction before she even spoke.

"Was there something that you wanted to say, Faith?"

"We're not doing this anymore," she said through clenched teeth. "And by this I mean we're not coming back here and reporting to you. It ain't gonna work that way from here on out."

"I do not believe you are in any position to make rash demands. May I remind you that you work for me and that I pay you for helping out, not the other way around?"

"I'm startin' to think there's more to it than us just helping you out here," she said as she laughed incredulously. "So," she said as she strolled around to the other side of the table and grabbed him by the front of his expensive looking silk shirt, "why don't you tell us the fucking truth, Sam?"

He pushed her aside and smoothed out his shirt. The expression on his face, calm and collected, never faltered as he pointed back to the chair she'd been sitting in. "If you want to hear the truth then sit down. I'll tell you whatever it is you want to know."

Faith sat back down in the seat next to Buffy and leaned back, placing her feet up on the table as she folded her hands in her lap. She didn't take her eyes off Sam as he began pacing slowly and filling in some details of the story they already knew the broad strokes of concerning Julie. He told them the story of how everything began when he and Henry, Julie and her mother came to Cleveland more than a hundred years before. They'd come from England to start over in America, just like so many other people were at that time. Sam told them how Henry was from a long line of Watchers and how they knew from the day Julie was born that she was destined to be a Slayer.

He skipped past most of the years, giving them tidbits of information about the rivalry they had with a few other families they'd come to Cleveland with. Each of the women in both families had powers most normal people could only dream about. They got mixed in with dark magic soon after arriving in Cleveland and to protect them from the rival family—a name Faith didn't catch as Sam spoke too quickly—the immortality spell was cast by Laura and Julie to protect their own family.

Faith wasn't sure what to believe anymore. The stories kept changing, the little bits of information seeming like a small string of truths in a much bigger web of lies. She was sure of one thing—not everything Sam was telling them was the full truth. There were just too many gaps in between what he was actually telling them. She looked over at Buffy several times while Sam continued to talk and she knew from the look in Buffy's eyes that she didn't quite believe every word he said either.

"I've heard enough," Faith said to Sam before he could keep going. "So here's the deal—you'll pay us for helping you out, but we're gonna do it our way. We'll stay away from Julie and her friends…"

"Faith..."

"Shut up, Ken," she snapped as she dropped her feet to the floor. "If Julie starts shit, though, we're takin' her out. No questions asked. And one more thing, Sam."

"What's that?"

"If I find out you've been lying to us, using us as pawns in this little game Julie is playing with us, you are a dead man."

Sam nodded his head and stood up from the chair he'd sat down in. "I understand why you feel that way. We'll do it your way, Faith. For the record, I haven't spoken with my family formally in years. When you first saw me in Henry's bar the other night that was the first time I'd seen my own brother in over twenty years."

He pulled out a thick envelope from the briefcase sitting near him on the table and slid it across towards them. He gritted his teeth as Faith grabbed it, stuffed it inside the front pocket of her jacket, and without another word got up and motioned for Buffy and Kennedy to follow her towards the door. Faith grabbed the duffel bag full of the weapons she'd packed and slung the strap over her shoulder as they walked out the door together.

She knew one thing for sure now. They really didn't know what they were getting themselves into when it came to Julie and her family. She had to finish this—end it, whatever—and she had to do it soon before Julie actually became the big threat her reputation and history indicated she could be. Just how she wasn't quite sure yet.

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