1632 Revello Drive. The house has barely changed in nine years. The front door has been repainted and colorful flowers now decorate the front lawn. But otherwise all is the same. The pathway of grey stones leading to the house is still interrupted by the single stone that is somehow darker than the others. The white mailbox still stands slightly slanted and the flawed brick just beneath the left window still juts out a fraction.

Faith stands unmoving in front of the house. She blinks, but no tears fall from her eyes. The outside of the house may not have changed but she knows the interior must have. The inner walls were riddled with bullet holes last the brunette was here and her memories of them are painfully clear.

She remembers that one fateful night as clear as though it was yesterday. The day leading up to it had been tiring and painful. For hours Faith had been forced to clean the house. She had scrubbed the floor on her knees while Johnny mocked her, holding the mop handle threateningly in his filthy hands. She had gathered the many scattered beer bottles and cans, she had thrown away all the burnt scraps of aluminum foil and disformed spoons. And as she lay exhausted in her tattered old bed she had felt filthy hands crawl all over her tired little body. It wasn't the first time Johnny had touched her in such a sickening fashion and by now, Faith knew it was no use crying for her mother.

She had cursed them both that night. She had huddled up in the corner of her room after Johnny passed out on her bed and she had cursed them. She had wished them dead, and little did she know her wish would be granted just an hour later.

She awoke to the sound of struggle. She payed no notice to it for the sound of struggle was a constant in 1632 Revello Drive. But when she heard her own mother whimper, she couldn't help feel worried. Frankie was her mother, even though the woman frequently kicked and spat on the little girl. Little Faith snuck downstairs only to be frozen in her tracks. Her mother and Johnny were on their knees in the living room, beaten and trembling. Two men stood behind them, both with guns in their hands. Two gunshots and Faith's wish was granted.

An old lady watches her suspiciously as she stands watching the house. The old woman carries with her a book she has reclaimed from a friend. The woman watches Faith suspiciously, not only because she had seen the girl in the exact same postition as she left to pick up the book, but also because her appearance isn't often seen in the small town. Why, the last time she had seen a woman clothed so provocatively was nine years ago. The suspicious woman's step falters as she remembers. Frankie Spencer. The late Frankie Spencer who had lived in 1632 Revello Drive. She slows her pace as she approaches the girl. The brunette stands out from her soft surroundings. The girl's wild brown mane flows down her back. She is wearing an open black leather jacket which shows a scandalously tight red shirt underneath. Her black jeans are just as tight however. Low-hung and hugging the girl's womanly shaped hips. The old woman nearly tsks as she notices the black heavy-looking boots on the girl's feet. Surely those are not fit for a young girl?

As the woman draws nearer and nearer, her eyes widen. The curious woman now completely halts. Those eyes...Those lips... The woman gasps in realization and glances one more time at the girl before completely turning around and hurrying away, back to her friend's house. She simply had to share this shocking news.

All the while, Faith stands in front of 1632 Revello Drive. Unmoving and silent.

"The Carters live there now."

Faith only flinches slightly. She immediately recognizes the voice although it too has changed. The brunette frowns thoughtfully as she feels Buffy move nearer. She had felt a change in the air and in herself a while ago but chose to ignore it. As she had chosen to ignore it when she approached Sunnydale Highschool less than an hour ago. It was a strange tingle, it was as if she could suddenly feel the blood rushing through her veins. As Buffy stands beside her, she feels her heartbeat speed up and her skin hum.

"They're never in though. Business people." Buffy continues.

The blonde watches the brunette both in wonder and worry. There were so many questions she wished to ask but dared not to. Not now. She only hoped that this wasn't a strange dream, that the girl next to her would not suddenly disappear and she would be left alone once again.

"It's barely changed." Faith says, her eyes still firmly in front of her.

The brunette's voice reaches straight to the little blonde's heart and makes it beat faster in joy, excitement and absolute love. Buffy slowly reaches for Faith's hand and entwines her fingers with Faith's.

The taller girl looks down at their hands and then raises her eyes to the blonde looking up at her with glistening green eyes.

"What are you doing?" Faith asks, her voice naturally husky.

Buffy holds Faith's eyes with her own and smiles softly.

"What do you think I'm doing?" She briefly squeezes Faith's hand.

The brunette stands quiet for a moment but the corners of her lips then turn up slightly.

"I think you're kidnapping me."

Buffy gently pulls Faith away from 1632 Revello Drive and they stroll towards the house next door.

"Hasn't anyone held your hand before?" She asks softly.

The two girls reach Buffy's doorstep, holding hands. Slowly, Faith turns her gaze to the girl beside her.

"Only you." She almost whispers.