At the Summer's house…

Buffy sat on her bed thinking. She sent Kennedy and Willow to go check on and get Faith. Buffy was concerned that the younger slayer hadn't returned. Everything was going through Buffy's head.

There were fights, memories, conversations, and so much just clouding her brain. She needed to talk to the younger slayer. Buffy never really gave the girl a chance. It was just so easy to hate Faith. With Faith…things were…different somehow.

Buffy didn't want to know half of what she thought she felt for her sister slayer. All Buffy knew was that Faith had hurt her and had hurt her bad.

Now that Buffy thought about it, she had never been hurt as much as when she found out about Faith. She felt betrayed and a little hurt. Hurt and Sad that she had failed to lead the girl.

It was easy to ignore Faith and what she felt. Buffy did care but all the blonde ended up doing was hurting Faith and herself.

Buffy knew that the way she treated Faith was out of line. She knew that now. Some things were becoming clearer in her mind. And what Faith was saying earlier was making sense as well. She was right, Buffy didn't know her. But...Buffy wanted to. She wanted to know the other slayer and talk to her and somehow fix the hole they had both some how made in their hearts.

 Outside…

 Willow, Kennedy, and Faith stopped outside the house. Faith's head hung a little low and Willow turned to her.

"I'm going to go ahead and go talk to Buffy. She was concerned where you were," Willow stated as Faith sat on the porch step. Faith looked up at her and lifted an eyebrow.

"She was?" she asked.

"Yes, very much so. In fact, when you left, she went upstairs and never came back down till we left the house. She sent us to check on you and to bring you back," Willow explained. Faith smiled a little and Willow noticed it. Kennedy folded her arms and huffed.

"Yeah, well, I was going out to find you myself till Miss Thang busted in on me leaving," Kennedy explained. Kennedy didn't care for Buffy all that much. She really didn't know why but the girl bugged her. That and she didn't like how Buffy treated Faith.

It was her idea to go find Faith in the first place anyway. Kennedy cared and thought that Buffy shouldn't get a butt's worth of credit. Willow noticed this coming from Kennedy and smirked laughing.

"What?" asked Kennedy. Willow smiled.

"Jealous much?" Willow said before quickly escaping into the house. Kennedy's eyes grew big.

"What? Willow?! Ugh." Kennedy huffed as she took a seat next to Faith. Faith smirked and nudged Kennedy who looked at her.

"Getting all hot and bothered over me, girlfriend?" Faith asked smiling. Kennedy blushed a little and swatted at Faith who winced.

"Oh God Faith, I'm sorry," Kennedy apologized as her hand went back to Faith's shoulder that she had hit and started to rub it lightly, as if she was trying to rub the pain away.

Kennedy liked Faith's body. She had the best curves and was tight in all the right places. At this thought she blushed.

Inside…

Buffy heard the door close and started to walk down stairs. She practically ran into Willow.

"Hey. Did you find her?" Buffy asked. Willow nodded

"Yeah, but she was pretty beat up…" Willow said hesitating. Buffy's eyes narrowed in concern.

"Is she alright? What happened?" Buffy asked. Willow sighed and walked over to the couch.

"She'll heal…but…but I think she did it…I think she did it to herself." Willow said sitting down then looking up at the blonde. Buffy's face fell. She felt like someone stabbed her through the heart.

Willow noticed the sadness in Buffy's eyes as she walked and sat in the armchair. Buffy was lost in her thoughts.

"It made her happy that you thought of her." Willow stated, hoping to get something out of Buffy. Buffy's eyes raised and she smiled weakly.

"I did this," Buffy sighed shifting her weight. "I…Oh Willow…" Buffy was saying as she felt hurt that Faith was hurting so much inside.

Willow studied the blonde slayer. Buffy grabbed something out of her pocket and handed it to Willow. It was the photo that Buffy found earlier.

Outside…

Kennedy pressed the side of her leg up against Faith's. To feel Faith's warmth was comforting to her.

Faith leaned back on her elbows with her eyes closed thinking. Faith knew Spike was right. She had to talk with B. She had to focus on herself and not pleasing Buffy or everyone else around her. Faith had to get well first.

Faith was aware of Kennedy's leg but didn't mind it. It felt kind of nice. It had been a while since anyone had touched her like that out of care. Faith was also very aware of Kennedy's possible crush on her. But to be honest, Faith liked it.

It was nice that someone cared or at lest admired her. And Faith did like Kennedy. She loved Buffy more then anything in her life, but that was an impossible thing to even think about. Hopeless. Faith sighed and tried to clear her mind.

Kennedy studied her for a moment.

"What happened?" Kennedy asked slipping her hand into Faith's and entwining their fingers together. Kennedy really did care about Faith and wanted to help her. She didn't know why she felt so drawn to her but she did. And she didn’t like seeing the other girl like this.

Faith was baffled at the moment with Kennedy's question and bold move. But her body felt so comforting and the sensations were driving her mad. Faith hadn't really felt like that in a while. She knew she would get no where with B…and all Faith wanted, so badly, was for someone to love her so that maybe she could start loving herself.

Could she find that through Kennedy? Does Kennedy really like her like that? What about Buffy? Am I really that much in love with her? Will she ever know? What…

"Hello in there," Kennedy joked acting like she was knocking on Faith's head. Faith smiled as she was thrown out of her thoughts. Kennedy's face went serious again and her thumb drew patterns on Faith's hand.

"What happened Faith? Please let me in. I…" Kennedy was saying as she looked to the ground.

Inside…

Buffy held her head in her hands. She knew she had to change things and they were going to change now. Willow looked up at her.

"I guess we all treated her…differently," Willow stated as she gave the picture back to Buffy.

"That's going to change. I need to talk to her…I have to sort this out with her," Buffy explained. Willow noticed that the blonde seemed to be having some kind of internal conflict. Willow was glad that Buffy decided to give it a try and work with Faith. God did the brunette need it. Willow could only smile at her friend.

"Oh stop with the smiles." Buffy said rolling her eyes and getting up.

Outside…

Faith looked at Kennedy, studying her for a moment. There was concern in her eyes. Kennedy hesitantly brought her hand to Faith's face, as Faith still remained silent. The younger girl’s fingertips lightly grazed Faith's cheekbone where it was bruised.

Faith was frozen by the emotion in the younger girl’s eyes. Kennedy became suddenly nervous. The air between them seemed to freeze. The only sensation Kennedy felt was the warmth coming from the other girl’s body.

Faith was just so lost in the moment, feeling, and look in Kennedy's eyes. She was confused and at loss for words. Faith just wanted to give into her. Kennedy started to lean forward hesitating a little when Faith sensed someone.

Familiar butterflies rose in her stomach. Realizing who it was, Faith abruptly sat up as the door opened.

Faith's sudden mood change and movement baffled Kennedy. Buffy stood in the doorway as Faith looked at her very guilty. Buffy then glanced down at Kennedy who was seated on the steps.

"B," Faith merely stated. Kennedy was hurt and sat staring off across the yard acting as though nothing was going on. Buffy looked back at Faith and smiled a bit.

"Want to talk?" Buffy asked. Faith weakly smiled and nodded her head. Buffy tried not to look at Faith's bruised and cut face. The brunette followed Buffy inside and shut the door.

After they had left and the door closed, Kennedy began to softly cry, not understanding what she was feeling and from being hurt.

Back inside…

Faith followed Buffy upstairs to her room. Faith felt as though someone was squeezing her heart. She was so nervous.

Buffy reached her bedroom door and opened it. Faith could practically feel her heart beat in her ears as the blonde turned on the light.

Buffy sat on her bed and motioned the brunette over. Faith didn't know how to react. She just walked on over and sat on the bed far from Buffy. Buffy noticed this and sighed.

"Faith, I'm sorry about earlier. I mean about what I said and the way I treated you. You were right about some things and I acted out of line," Buffy said.

 "No Buffy, I deserved it. I deserve everything I get. I…" Faith started. Buffy interrupted her.

"No Faith. You didn't. In fact, it's my fault that we're even like this. I should have paid more attention to you. We all should have back then. You had to grow up fast and God knows what else. We treated you horribly…no wonder you went to the mayor," Buffy whispered hanging her head.

This pierced Faiths heart. She went over to Buffy and knelt in front of her and  took her hand.

"No Buffy. It's not your fault really. Don't totally blame yourself. I am responsible for my own actions. It's true…I felt different…out of place. I wanted to be accepted by you so bad. God, Buffy, I am so sorry for everything I have done to you. I don't want to hurt you or blame you. I have been through many things. I don't trust people very well. But I am trying," Faith was explaining.

Buffy just stared at Faith in amazement. This girl…no…woman in front of her was amazing. But Buffy just kept remembering how things were and couldn't help but let a tear drop fall down her cheek.

Faith's heart broke for the older slayer and she sat besides her, wrapping an arm around her.

"Buffy, forget about it. We both have made some bad decisions. We know that. Let's just start over. How about that?" Faith asked. She hoped that Buffy would agree. Buffy thought for a second.

"Sure, but under one condition," Buffy said. Faith raised an eyebrow in wonder and Buffy smiled.

"That you trust me and talk with me. I don't want to grow apart from you again." Buffy stated. Faith was speechless as she wrapped Buffy in a hug.

Downstairs…

Willow thought she heard someone crying as she walked past the front porch. She looked out the window and saw that Kennedy was out there. She opened the door and Kennedy quickly wiped her face and got up.

"What's wrong?" Willow asked. Kennedy tried to get past her.

"Nothing," She replied. Willow shook her head.

"Why were you crying?" She asked. Kennedy sighed.

"Does it matter? Just leave me alone. She's got her Buffy now anyway." Kennedy said in a rush as she ran past the red head. Willow was blown away. She had no idea that Kennedy was talking about for a second. Then it hit her…Faith…Kennedy had fallen for Faith.

PART 8

Backyard…

Kennedy finally found a place were she was alone. She sat down on the ground and placed her head in her hands. Why was she doing this? This was stupid. Kennedy then got up and walked over to a dummy they had set up in the yard.

She grabbed some tape and wrapped it around her fists. She then began to take jabs at it and hitting it around. She had to do something. She just couldn't sit there. Kennedy tried to convince herself that she didn't care about Faith. But who kept popping up in her head? Faith.

"God damn it. I (punch) don't (punch) care!" Kennedy said through gritted teeth as she threw punches. Kennedy always noticed how different Faith was around Buffy. But who cares? It wasn't like she was jealous. Was she jealous?

That thought made her stop a second. Kennedy sighed. No matter what she thought, did, or tried to convince herself of, she did care about Faith. She then picked back up on hitting the dummy.

Kennedy couldn't help but feel hurt when Faith just left her there. Now she was just being selfish. Kennedy was mad at herself now. What the hell was she thinking let alone doing? Kennedy stopped again and thought. She almost kissed Faith. If Buffy wouldn't have come to the door, would they have?

Inside, upstairs…

Buffy was glad that they talked. It was nothing major but they decided to start over and that was a major good thing. Buffy was just telling Faith some of what has happened since she had been gone.

They sat in silence after a while and Buffy just wanted to talk to her…hear her voice, have her eyes on her or something.

Then Willow came in.

"Hey guys. I hope I'm not interrupting….Can I borrow Faith, Buffy?" Willow asked. Buffy smiled and looked over at Faith who returned her smile.

"What's up Red?" She asked.

"Well, you better come with me. There was something I wanted to talk to you about. Sorry Buffy," the redhead apologized.

"No problem Willow. We weren't really in a real serious conversation," Buffy said and then turned to Faith, "Come talk to me later?"

Faith smiled. "Yeah B. No problem." Faith got up and walked over to Willow. The redhead motioned for her to follow her downstairs.

Faith was just glad that she and Buffy got to talk. Now she could start to work her way back up again. They reached the bottom of the stairs and Willow turned to Faith with a worried look.

Backyard…

Kennedy was getting better. She could feel it. The punches that Faith had taught her were getting better. Kennedy cracked her knuckles and neck. She was loosening up. She tried to force herself not to think of Faith.

The potential then turned her head to the sides, trying to stretch her neck and shoulders when a pair of hands touched her shoulders and began to kneed them.

Kennedy knew immediately who it was. She couldn't help but give into Faith's touch for a few seconds. Then the potential uncomfortably pulled away. Kennedy didn't turn around to face Faith. She couldn't, afraid her emotions would betray her. Did Faith really mean that much to her? Does Faith even like her? Kennedy shook her head as Faith touched her shoulder.

"Kennedy?" Faith whispered. She felt bad. Faith left Kennedy out there alone. Just got up and left. Willow told Faith that she had seen Kennedy crying on the front porch. The brunette slayer was so caught up with Buffy that she neglected Kennedy. There was a good amount of chemistry going on between Kennedy and Faith. Faith knew that the potential was hurt. It was wrong of her to have just gotten up like that and leave her. Faith just didn't want Buffy to see…see what exactly?

Faith had to start over. Kennedy had been supportive of Faith since day one. And the brunette slayer did like her and was attracted to her.

Faith slipped her arms around the potential’s waist. Kennedy was wearing a midriff top and so the flesh on her stomach was exposed. Faith drew patterns with her fingertips along Kennedy's midriff and felt the ripples of muscles that were there.

Kennedy leaned back into Faith and closed her eyes. She felt incredible. Faith's touches were sending shivers all through her.

Faith grazed Kennedy's ear with her lips as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Faith like the way that Kennedy and her fit together. She'd rather be with Buffy…but…that was…complicated. Was Faith ready for this? Could she care for someone? Let alone anyone but Buffy? Could Faith learn to love herself? Maybe Kennedy could help her see that.

Kennedy felt Faith hesitating behind her. So she wrapped her arms over Faith's that were wrapped around her waist. She held Faith to her.

"Please don't run away from me," Kennedy whispered closing her eyes again.

Buffy's room…

Buffy was glad that she got to talk to Faith a little bit. There was more that Buffy wanted to talk about but knew she shouldn't push it. They had just leveled their grounds and Buffy intended to keep it that way. Buffy hummed to herself as she passed her window.

Buffy then stopped and retraced her steps looking back out the window again. Buffy dropped the frame she was holding to the floor. Outside in the backyard, Buffy saw Faith kissing Kennedy.

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