A/N: Thank you so much to everyone that reviewed! This chapter also cheats a little with the ending and starts right after Quinton Travers leaves Buffy and Giles in the library (well, once we get Faith there anyway!).
"Helpless"
It was already late when Faith's ride dropped her off at Sunnydale High. Glancing up at the school, the dark slayer figured that Giles and Buffy would still be up training or saving the world or something, so she might as well put in an appearance. She hadn't been in town for a little while—she had been in L.A for a few days with a group of UC Sunnydale students she had met the previous week at the Bronze. After she drank them all under the table, they had invited her out to house that belonged to friend of theirs for a few days to party. It had been alright, but Faith quickly got bored with all their preppy bullshit and was happy when they had to go back to Sunnydale. Faith kinda felt bad about leaving without telling Buffy or anyone, but she figured they could handle whatever the old Hellmouth could throw at them for a couple of days. After all, Buffy was the chosen one and she was just the happy little accident. At least that's how everyone else treated her...
Still, Faith couldn't deny that she felt a connection with Buffy, and she knew the blonde felt it somewhat too. Thing is, she figured Buffy just chalked it up to them both being slayers, but Faith knew it went deeper, at least on her end. At first it had been simple lust—she had always had a weakness for petite blondes that liked to act all goody-goody— but lust soon developed into confusing emotions that Faith didn't really understand. Emotions that she thought she had managed to shut off years ago... Faith had been able to ignore them for awhile, even trying to convince herself that it was just the slayer bond thing, but she soon had to face the fact that she actually liked Buffy. Maybe it was even that other, way scarier L-word. So Faith had dealt with it the only way she knew how—by running away, retreating further back into herself. Hence her unannounced trips away from Sunnydale.
Yet she always managed to find herself back in town and the first thing she always did was to look up Buffy. So when she had been asked where she wanted to be dropped off, Sunnydale High was her first choice. She knew that if Buffy wasn't there, she would wind up at the Bronze or the Cemetery, making some excuse to herself about why she needed to be there, just to try and find Buffy. Just to see that shiny blonde hair and bronzed skin, the way her hazel eyes sparkled in the light, or how that reddish hue that would creep across her cheeks whenever Faith said something dirty. To take a mental snapshot so she'd have something fresh to fantasize about or just to think about as she fell asleep.
So here she was, walking up the pathway to the front doors. Before she had a chance to check if the doors were unlocked, though, she could sense someone about to come through the other side. She knew it wasn't Buffy since she wasn't getting the pleasant tingles she would always feel in the back of her neck whenever the blonde was close. Since she wasn't sure who it was, she ducked behind a tall hedge to wait them out.
And it wasn't anyone she knew; it was a fat old guy who Faith thought looked like he was a huge dick. Like a cop or a judge or something. Not wanting to deal with any authority figures that late at night, Faith waited it out and let him pass before ducking into the school.
The light to the library still on and as soon as she entered the main hallway, she felt the familiar tingles that meant Buffy was there, too. Faith forgot about the weird old guy and grinned, looking forward seeing the blonde even though she'd probably be pissed Faith had taken off for a few days without saying anything.
But her grin quickly faded when she entered the library and saw how beat up Buffy looked. Faith had never seen so much blood on the girl—their slayer healing usually kept them from looking too bad. Buffy had a huge gash on her forehead that Faith couldn't believe hadn't started to close up and several other cuts and bruises.
Faith's heart sank, realizing that it was partially her fault Buffy had gotten hurt. If she had been here, this wouldn't have happened. Faith ran up to the blonde, pushing her way past Giles who was holding a washcloth. All she saw was Buffy...
"B! God, what the fuck happened?" Faith let out, running up to where Buffy was sitting and kneeling beside her.
Buffy looked up and was about to curse at Faith for being away when they could have used her help, but stopped when she saw the look in her eyes. Buffy had never seen Faith like this: her face was scrunched up in concentration, and her chocolate-colored eyes were wide with concern, tenderness, and something else that Buffy couldn't quite believe... If she didn't know better, she would have thought she saw love in Faith's eyes as the younger girl appraised her condition. Buffy could tell Faith was becoming more distressed when she didn't answer and could almost see a pool of dampness growing in her eyes. Buffy was shocked. It was like Faith's normal tough exterior was completely gone...
When Buffy still didn't answer, Faith turned to Giles, "what the hell is the matter with her? Why aren't these cuts closing?"
Giles just looked down in shame.
Faith remembered the guy walking out of the school right when she had gotten there. She stood up, her eyes blazing with hate. It had to be him, because those wounds were unbelievably fresh; there was no way Buffy's slayer healing wouldn't have already kicked in if they hadn't just happened. "Who was he? I saw 'em when I was leaving." She turned back to Buffy and fired more questions, "where can I find him? What is he, some kinda demon?"
Buffy shook her head as she finally regained her voice. "The council. He's from the watchers council. They did a test on me for my birthday... they took away my powers and I had to fight this crazy vampire..."
Faith was furious and was about to run after him, but stopped once she realized how hurt and helpless Buffy had sounded when she had said that. Faith's anger quickly faded and her only concern became comforting Buffy. Faith had never felt like Buffy needed her before, but she knew that she did now. And Faith was going to give her all that she could. "So you don't have your powers?"
Buffy shook her head. Faith gently put her hand on top of Buffy's and looked up into her eyes as a tear started to roll down her face. Faith's heart lurched and she gently wiped Buffy's tear away with her other hand. Buffy couldn't believe how gentle Faith was being; she smiled at the girl, silently thanking her. Faith smiled back, overcome with emotion.
Giles got up to get a fresh washcloth and another bowl of water for Buffy's wounds. He was slightly surprised when Faith grabbed the washcloth, dipped it into the water, and lightly dabbed the prominent wound Buffy had on her forehead. Buffy winced, causing Faith to pause and look on in concern. She wanted to make sure she didn't hurt her. Buffy just nodded, silently telling Faith she could continue. Faith sat down so that she could better reach Buffy's face and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Faith worked slowly and carefully to clean out all of Buffy's wounds. Buffy was overwhelmed at the amount of tenderness her dark counterpart was showing her, which she had to admit that it was kind of nice. Faith's presence was really comforting to her right now. Buffy wasn't sure if it was partially their slayer bond that made her feel like this, or if it was just the shock of seeing this new caring side of Faith, but she really wanted to stay close to the other slayer.
When Faith had finished, Buffy looked back into her eyes briefly, noting how powerful her gaze was. How deep her brown eyes were... "Thank you, Faith." Buffy said meaningfully, lightly squeezing Faith's hand.
Faith gave her a small smile, nodded, and gently squeezed Buffy's hand back.
"Um, can you walk me home?" Buffy asked tentatively, "I don't think I'm in the condition for anymore fights..."
"Yeah, of course B." Faith said softly, helping Buffy up from her seat. I'll always protect you, she thought.
Buffy turned to Giles as she and Faith were walking out the door, "see you Monday." She was still angry with him, but she also knew that he cared for her and knew that forgiveness would come.
Giles just nodded, not knowing what he could say to make it better.
Faith had an arm around Buffy as they walked, steadying her. Buffy was resting her head on Faith's shoulder, realizing for the first time how comforting the girl's smell was. Hints of vanilla and cinnamon along with sweat and the faint whiff of cigarette smoke all rolled together, making Buffy feel a little light-headed. But it was kind of nice, as was the feel of Faith's strong shoulder supporting her.
"I... I'm so sorry I left town, B..." Faith finally murmured as they got outside of the school.
"It's okay, Faith." Buffy whispered in response. She couldn't be mad at her anymore... especially not while she was being so sweet.
"I, uh, promise I won't leave again... least not without sayin' something," Faith added, realizing that she really meant it. She had never considered that Buffy might actually need her. The thought of Buffy in trouble and not being able to help her made her heart clench.
"Thanks, Faith." Buffy responded, nuzzling her head deeper into Faith's shoulder.
The ambled along in silence for a little while, each feeling surprisingly comfortable in the presence of the other slayer. Buffy felt safe for the first time since she had lost her powers; she knew Faith would protect her.
When they got to Buffy's doorstep, the blonde turned towards Faith, her eyes showing both her pain and her need for comfort. "Faith... would you come in with me for a little while? I... I kinda don't want to be alone yet..."
Faith felt her heart break for Buffy. She knew what it was like to feel powerless and not want to be alone... She had felt like that pretty much her whole life up until she'd had her slayer powers activated. Then she'd just felt alone...
"Of course, B. Gotta clean up those cuts more anyways."
The two slayers climbed the stairs to Buffy's room quietly, not wanting to wake Joyce. Buffy knew her mom was pretty freaked about the whole crazy vampire ordeal and definitely needed her sleep. When they got into Buffy's room, Faith laid Buffy down gently and sat on the edge of the bed.
Buffy looked up and was once again struck by the compassion in Faith's eyes as the brunette examined her wounds again. Faith's fingers felt so soft and tender against her skin that Buffy involuntarily shivered. Without saying anything, Faith pulled a blanket over the blonde and went back to her examination.
"Wait here, be right back" Faith said after looking over all the cuts and bruises. She ducked her head back in a moment later. "Uh, B? Do ya have bandages somewhere? All I can find are small band-aids which ain't gonna cut it for that forehead..."
"In there." Buffy pointed to the large chest where she kept a lot of her slaying gear, including some medical supplies. Finding what she needed, Faith came back over and sat beside Buffy on the bed.
"Alright B, this is gonna sting like a bitch," Faith warned as she poured some antiseptic on a pad. Buffy nodded, her hand creeping out from under the covers to squeeze onto Faith. Faith linked their fingers together as she gently dabbed Buffy's wounds with the pad. Buffy winced and squeezed Faith's hands tighter as the antiseptic did its work.
"Worst is over," Faith reassured her as she bandaged up the bigger cuts. She then looked over her handiwork and seemed satisfied. Buffy smiled up at her as she tucked an errant strand of Buffy's hair behind her ear. Buffy was once again floored at how gentle and caring Faith had been throughout that entire process.
"Um, do you need anything else, B? I can get you some water or..." Faith trailed off, still staring at Buffy. Buffy felt her insides warm at how sweet Faith was being. She smiled tenderly up at the brunette and shook her head.
"Thanks, Faith. I think I'm okay. Although maybe a pair of pajamas?" Faith nodded, got up from the bed and walked over to Buffy's dresser and grabbed a pair. "Faith?" Buffy added quietly.
"Hmm?" Faith turned around to look at Buffy, pajamas in hand.
"Um, do you wanna maybe stay with me tonight? It's already kinda late and I don't want you to have to go all the way back to your hotel..." Buffy gave a hopeful smile, really just wanting Faith to stick around; she still wasn't ready to be alone quite yet.
Faith smiled widely at the offer. She nodded and grabbed another pair of pajamas for herself. "Yeah, I'll stay, B." She walked over to where Buffy lay and handed the girl her pajamas. "I'll go change in the bathroom, be right back," she said, kind of dazed thinking about spending the night next to Buffy.
When Faith came back into Buffy's room, the blonde slayer had already changed into her pajamas and pulled the covers up to her chest. Faith noticed she was pretty much in the center of the bed. Buffy patted the area right next to her and Faith crawled into bed, her shoulder and leg brushing against Buffy. Faith's nerves buzzed at the contact, thinking that Buffy felt amazing even through all this cloth.
Buffy sighed with satisfaction as she felt Faith's body beside her. She quickly shivered, even though the room was plenty warm. Faith turned on her side and put a hand on Buffy's forehead to see if she had a fever or something. "You okay, B?" she asked softly.
Buffy smiled at the girl's tenderness. She had been thinking something over and decided to just go ahead and ask what was on her mind. "Faith... can you just hold me for a little while?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Faith's heart pounded at the request. Still laying on her side, she gently snaked her arms around Buffy's waist, pulling the blonde toward her. She nearly gasped when Buffy rolled onto her side to face her, mushing their bodies even closer together in the process. Faith could feel Buffy's breasts resting against her own; could feel the blond's hot breath on her face. Still, Faith couldn't help tightening her grip, locking Buffy snugly against her body. Faith thought she looked so cute curled up against her like that. Buffy gazed into Faith's chocolatey eyes and smiled, feeling comfy all snuggled up to her fellow slayer. "Thanks, Faith..."
"For what, B?" Faith asked gently, thinking that she should be the one thanking Buffy. This wasn't exactly how her fantasies with Buffy usually went, but somehow just lying with her, comforting her, snuggling with her... this was even better. She was making Buffy feel safe, and that felt really good. Plus the feel and smell of Buffy's body enveloped her, touching her heart in a way that she had never felt before.
"For everything, Faith... being so sweet and gentle with me. Holding me... I... It's not a side of you I usually get to see. I like it, though." Buffy said shyly.
Faith gave a faint but genuine smile. "Well, B, this is kinda new territory for me too." She paused. "...and I think you're the only one that can bring it out," Faith admitted quietly. She immediately thought that she had revealed too much, but Buffy just smiled.
"I'm glad I did..." Buffy replied, meaning every word. Having Faith here with her, holding her; well, it felt amazing. Faith's body was really strong, but it was also soft and warm, especially when it was curled up into her own. She realized she liked the warmth and softness a lot.
The two slayers lay there for a few moments more, brown and hazel eyes locked together. Faith's hand lazily traced patterns on Buffy's back while Buffy wrapped her arms tighter around Faith. Without thinking, Faith leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Buffy's lips. Buffy nearly melted at the feeling; Faith's lips were so soft, and the warmth where they touched hers radiated through her whole body. It was a short, chaste kiss, but it was also the most wonderful kiss Buffy had ever had...
"Goodnight, Buffy," Faith whispered softly once she had pulled her lips back. She wasn't sure what had made her do it, but she just had to feel Buffy's lips, even for just a second. And it was worth it... Buffy's lips were everything that Faith had dreamed of and more.
Buffy smiled, shocked that Faith had kissed her. Even more than that, she was in shock about how good it felt... "Goodnight, Faith," she responded quietly. Then, overcome with emotion, she softly kissed Faith's lips in the same gentle manner. It was just as amazing, maybe even more so. She lost herself in the feel of Faith's velvety smooth lips, hardly believing that any one could feel so good. She let her lips linger longer than Faith had, wanting to experience as much of Faith's softness that she could. Finally, she pulled back and bent her head, gently nuzzling into Faith's neck.
Faith couldn't help but grin. Buffy had returned her kiss! She was wrapped up tightly with Buffy, sharing goodnight kisses! It felt unreal. Faith thought back to how the day began and how it had ended and couldn't believe how different it was. Faith could feel Buffy's hot breath on her neck now, and it felt so right. Eventually Buffy's breathing began to slow as she drifted off to sleep.
When Faith thought Buffy was asleep, she placed a soft kiss on the top of the girl's head and whispered "I love you," as quietly as she could. It was only in saying the words that Faith finally realized that they were true. All the feelings that she had been trying to run away from suddenly flooded her, making her feel panicked and overwhelmed, but also exhilarated. Buffy was able to tap into emotions that she hadn't used much, which felt kinda nice. She brushed one more tender kiss against Buffy's silky blonde hair before closing her eyes.
Buffy was stunned. She had almost been asleep when she had heard Faith's whispered declaration of love, but now her heart pounded at the implications.
Faith loves me? How is that possible? She never showed any signs before... Then Buffy thought back on the last few months, remembering all the flirtations, the times they had gotten a little too close training, the post-slayage tension... Okay, maybe she is... but that's so weird, I mean, I could never be in love with another girl... She realized she was an idiot as soon as she thought it. Faith was funny, strong, and absolutely gorgeous. Plus, she had shown tonight that there's more than just the tough-girl persona, too. Beneath that hard shell was an unbelievably sweet girl who would do anything for her. Who wouldn't love someone like that? And the feel of her lips, her arms... Turning these thoughts over in her head, Buffy replied aloud to Faith in the same quiet voice, "I love you, too"
Faith's heart started beating a hundred miles an hour. She looked down at the blonde in her arms and replied dumbfounded, "Huh? Um... really?" She thought she was lucky that her mouth had moved at all.
Buffy removed her head from Faith's neck and brought it up to her face. "Yep," she nodded, "I love you, Faith. I...I just realized I'm in love with you..."
Wasting no time, Faith brought their lips together again, only this time it was even more passionate. Buffy groaned as Faith's tongue darted into her mouth, giving her more pleasure than she thought possible. Faith's tongue gently circled Buffy's mouth, wanting to explore everywhere. Buffy quickly responded, meeting it with her own. Faith was pretty sure that the sparks flying between them could probably power Sunnydale for a week.
When they were forced to break apart for air, Faith grinned, "I love you so much!"
Buffy gave Faith another deep kiss and then snuggled deeper into Faith's body, letting the girl's warmth fill her heart.
The slayers continued to draw each other into bouts of kissing late into the night. When Buffy finally drifted off to sleep, Faith wrapped her arms around the currently powerless slayer and pressed a tender kiss into a mass of blonde hair. I'll always protect you.
The End